City that never sleeps – and wants a big tip
I HAVE just returned from New York and once again experienced a huge learning curve.
Many people told me before I visited the Big Apple for the first time that it was a great place and that I would have a wonderful time. I did enjoy it and found it hugely beneficial - and I defy anyone to stand on the 107th floor of the World Trade Centre and not be impressed.
Maybe I am a little near-sighted but, for me, I could have been in London or Manchester - it's just that they talk differently and the buildings are taller.
"The city that never sleeps" is an accurate description, as I woke in the early hours of the morning to the general hum of the abundant yellow taxis.
The limousine fare from JFK Airport to the city centre I considered only reasonable value at just over $100 (£66), including tip and tax, compared with the taxi ride on my return to JFK, which came in at less than half the price ($45 [£29.73] including tip). What intrigued me most was that, when I was picked up from the hotel, clearly the doorman had just received a generous tip from the taxi driver.
The service in New York was amazing, as anticipated, but I still wonder how much of this is driven by the staff's desire for a good tip. Having said that, every member of staff I came across in the service areas was exceedingly polite and courteous.
A round-table discussion with hoteliers from various parts of the world made it clear to me that the shortage of staff in our industry at all levels is a worldwide, and not just a national, issue. Branding came up again, and once more I was reminded that 80% of hotels are unbranded. Can this go on?
We were also told that wireless e-commerce is coming our way in hotel rooms (so much for the Category 5 wiring we have been installing over the past few years) - I had heard of "Wap" before, but not "Bluetooth".
Finally, for the first time without a PC or laptop, I was able both to browse the Internet and to send and receive e-mail through the television, all for $9.95 (£6.57) per day. This, they say, will have to become free in time.
Now that's what I call progress. n
STEPHEN LECKIE is managing director of the Crieff Hydro leisure hotel in Crieff, Perthshire
Next diary from Stephen Leckie: 27 July
