LAS VEGAS -- "This can't happen at most hotels," said David
Lusvardi, national sales manager for Hilton Grand Vacations Club
Resorts.
Lusvardi was referring to the new Romance Package, in which
guests at the Hilton Grand Vacations Club (HGVC) here are treated
to an in-room cooking demonstration by a professional chef, who
then serves the resulting gourmet dishes. It's a foodie's dream,
one that's been specially designed for couples.
It's a dream made possible by the kitchens inside the suites at
the HGVC, in combination with the talents of chefs at the nearby
Creative Cooking School.
In addition to the kitchen amenities, the suites feature a
master whirlpool bath, washer and dryer, cable TV and a VCR.
Occupancy is generally 75% hotel guests and 25% time-share
members.
The Romance Package can be enjoyed for either one breakfast or
one dinner during a three-night stay.
The current breakfast menu ranges from champagne mimosas to
creme brulee French toast and heart-shaped dried cherry and
chocolate chip scones with whipped walnut butter. Dinner includes
raspberry royale champagne refreshers, beef Wellington and
chocolate decadence with raspberry coulis.
The Romance Package is based on a one-bedroom deluxe suite,
booked for three nights and beginning on a Monday, Tuesday or
Wednesday.
Commissionable at 10%, it sells for $179 per night ($537 total),
with that pricing holding at least until Oct. 1.
There's more on the horizon. The company is set to open a second
HGVC on the Las Vegas Strip on Nov. 1; the Romance Package will be
available there from day one. Other themed packages may follow,
said Lusvardi.
Chocolate, for example, could define a menu that is served
during a screening of the movie "Chocolat." Another possible
package, tentatively set to begin next year, will pair a stay at
either Las Vegas HGVC property with a series of classes at the
Creative Cooking School. There may also be a component involving a
noteworthy local restaurant.
For more information or to book this package, agents can place a
toll-free call to Hilton GVC Reservations at (877) 651-4482 and ask
for Shireen.
Sales Pitch
• Travel agents can spread the word about this unusual offering to
their clients with especially relevant activities, such as a
Vegas-themed party night, complete with destination posters and
refreshments that represent the planned menus.
• If permitted by local regulations, Vegas-style games could be
staged with play money redeemable for discounts or bonuses. A real
capper would be an Elvis impersonator.
• Other possibilities include a glitz and glitter mailing to
Vegas-favoring travelers, or a clever "Viva Las Vegas" style
e-mail.