Despite the economic crisis, the hospitality industry should remain optimistic for this year as a number of hotels and restaurants have their plates filled with an array of Valentine's Day events.
14 February, Valentine's Day is a multi-dollar injection into the industry and the abundance of offers for the special occasion makes it hard to grasp the actuality of the downturn. Hamish Arthur from National Corporate Affairs of the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) says that spoiling that special someone takes priority at times like these since its a one day affair.
“Not that you shouldn’t show affection to your loved one on a daily basis, but Valentine's Day is the opportunity to take advantage of the best choices for food, wine and accommodation packages,” Arthur says.
As this Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, Arthur predicts that people may indulge just as much as the previous years, or a little more for the romantic weekend. “Although some patrons will have limited budgets this year, we are confident that they will treat this day as not just a romantic getaway, but an escape from the grind of everyday life to enjoy themselves. For the hoteliers, it will be an event that will help generate more business for less busier days such as weekdays.”
He adds that it is also a good boost for local tourism, whereby people will be attracted to visit a hotel in their area, which is something they might not usually do.
Arthur says, “Corporate budgets will be tightened and high-end hotels may decrease prices but we are confident that the industry will gradually pick up. Valentine's Day this year is timely and with the $42 billion Stimulus Package to help stimulate the economy, we have to remain positive for the sake of the industry and the nation.”
With this being said, this is today’s Valentines Day feature from three hotels:
Radisson Plaza Hotel, Sydney
Arrive at a five-star stay in style and escape to the privacy of your chic atrium room. Begin each day with a leisurely hot buffet breakfast. On Saturday, Valentine’s Day evening, there will be a five-course candle lit dinner in the chic split-level Bistro-Fax restaurant.
The affair begins with a saffron arancini, followed by toasted brioche with Kervella rondelle cheese and glazed peaches, a mini antipasto plate, truffle tagliatelle, seared barramundi with cauliflower puree and king brown mushroom or a grilled fillet steak with creamed white beans and leeks and then ending with a special Valentine’s Day chocolate plate.
This package is priced at $499 per couple for two nights. Choose to stay either Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. Call +61 (0)2 8214 0000 or 1800 333 333.
Hyatt Regency, Perth
Gershwin’s Private Dining at Hyatt Regency Perth is offering a special five-course dinner menu with French champagne on arrival and a live pianist providing entertainment throughout the evening.
Now used for private dining and intimate events, Gershwin’s will be open for Valentine’s Day and Executive Chef Mark Sainsbury has created a divine dinner menu stretching over five-courses allowing diners to savour the taste sensations. Menu items include a mezze entrée with Japanese style oysters, a main of oven roasted beef tornado and grilled lobster medallions, plus a live dessert station including a chocolate fondant. To heighten the dining experience, guests may also choose to include the Gershwin’s Wine Room selection matching wines to each course.
For a slightly more casual setting, Joe’s Oriental Diner has a three-course set dinner menu including an entrée of oysters prepared three ways and sautéed chicken in ginger chilli sauce with Chinese greens for main.
Hyatt Regency Perth’s Amour Package is made for romance with champagne, chocolates and flowers on arrival, full breakfast for two in the stylish new Cafe restaurant plus a 1pm late check-out.
Reservations details:
Amour Package: Phone 13 1234 or visit perth.regency.hyatt.com
Gershwin’s Private Dining: Phone 9225 1204. $145 per person or $175 with wine selection.
Joe’s Oriental Diner: Phone 9225 1239. $40 per person.
The Westin, Sydney
The hotel is offering an accommodation and dining experiences for Valentine’s Day on 14 February which can be enjoyed separately or together for the ultimate romantic experience.
At Mosaic Restaurant, a romantic dinner is served beneath the glass atrium stretching across to Sydney’s original General Post Office.
The Mosaic Valentine’s menu following is priced at $110.00* per person, and includes a glass of Moet & Chandon Rose on arrival as a special gift.
The overnight accommodation comes with Australian sparkling wine and strawberries, followed by breakfast in bed or in Mosaic Restaurant with a late check out of 4pm. The Indulge package starts at an overnight rate of $375.00* for a Tower Superior room.
For accommodation bookings, please phone (02) 8223 1111 or 1800 656 535 (toll free). For bookings in Mosaic Restaurant, please phone (02) 8223 1110.