What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 30 March 2015

Welcome to another week at Cloud 9 and as we've recently launched our own YouTube Channel, we thought we'd share a few tips we've learnt along the way! 

“2015 is the year of the video”. You hear this sentence time and time again and it can be seen all over the internet. Everyone is talking about the rise of video and how video marketing is, without doubt, the future of content marketing. While everyone within the events and meetings industry admits to knowing that video is the way forward, we're still not using video to its full potential. (we have to admit we've still got a way to go but we're giving it a go!).

Below is a sneak peek of Meeting Booker's findings and how hotels can use video to drive more bookings...

Use video to increase social engagement

Recent Twitter research revealed that Tweets featuring a vine video get 256% more engagement than
tweets with no video. 256%. That’s a phenomenal difference. Sharing video on your Twitter or Instagram can help you get a huge following and will also encourage customers to share their own videos and tag you in them. Posts that include video on both Instagram and Twitter are a lot more likely to be seen and shared than posts which contain just text or images.

Use video to attract people to your website

Site visitors who view video on the hotel website’s homepage stay, on average, two minutes longer than visitors who just view text. Making video available can also make customers happier with the likelihood of a customer making an online booking or requesting a proposal said to increase by as much as 67% if a video tour is available.

Use video to increase conversion rates in emails

Did you know that including video in the body of an email can now increase conversion rates by up to 50% for hotel bookings? Video content in email marketing used to be considered something of a trend, but in recent years it has become more of a standard marketing technique.

The reason a lot of people opt not to include videos in their emails is that video can take up a large amount of memory and space, and many mail clients will not support large video files in the body of an email. To get around this problem, you can make a thumbnail image of the video and include that in the body of the email instead.

Use video to get a page 1 ranking on Google

There are four key ways in which video can help increase your sites’ SEO. First off, video will improve your sites SERP ranking. Pages with video are in fact 53 times more likely to rank on the first page of Google search results than pages without video. Secondly, having a video encourages more people to click, thus attracting more people to your site. Thirdly, visitors to your homepage will usually stay two minutes longer on your site on than sites without video and finally video is great for link building.

Use video to showcase your venue on YouTube

According to Google’s first ever YouTube White Paper, 89% of leisure travelers and 93% of business travelers watch online travel videos before going somewhere. A great way to advertise your hotel is to

pay for your video to be shown at the beginning of popular YouTube videos.

While most YouTube watchers are interested in community-generated content, the majority of travel-related views are for professionally released videos. In fact, views of branded videos are up 394% year on year, making YouTube an excellent platform to showcase your property and attract more bookings.

We hope this has been helpful and maybe given you the motivation to use the power of video, but if not then don't let that stop you looking at our efforts! 

So, that's it for this week folks and don't forget it's just a month away until the CHS Awards, so book your tickets here. 

Have a great week folks! 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 23 March 2015

Welcome to another week and it's all things purple at Cloud 9 this week as we approach Purple Day 2015 on Thursday 26! 

Purple Day is the international day for epilepsy awareness. To celebrate this year, Epilepsy Action will quite literally be turning purple – and they want you to join them by turning your world purple! You can do anything – just make sure its PURPLE!

Holding a Purple Day fundraising event really is simple! Whether you paint yourself purple, organise a purple bake off or host a purple tea party you can hold your Purple Day event anywhere and invite anybody along to share in the fun. 

They have had Purple Day events all over the UK and further a field, in schools, homes and workplaces, so here are just a few event ideas you can do to support the cause...

Purple Day Bake Sale

Bake up some purple-coloured sweets and have a bake sale at your school or office! Raise awareness and fundraise with tasty treats everyone can enjoy.

School or Work Contest

Organize a contest to get your colleagues involved in Purple Day. Host a poster colouring contest at school or a purple costume contest at your work place. The most purple wins!

Silent Auction

Plan a silent auction to raise epilepsy awareness and help your local epilepsy organization. Don't have a local organization? Help our global Purple Day sponsors - The Anita Kaufmann Foundation in the USA and Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia in Canada.

Sponsored Sporting Event

Are you a sports fan? Why not send a request to your favourite major or minor league sports team to host a Purple Day game!

Coffee House / Concert

Organize a Purple Day benefit concert. Invite your friends and family, classmates or coworkers and the public at large to a night of music, tasty appetizers (ask your local restaurant or pub to donate the food) and plenty of PURPLE.

Gala

Plan an evening out at a local hall to raise awareness about epilepsy and raise funds for your local epilepsy organization or global Purple Day sponsor (The Anita Kaufmann Foundation in the USA and Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia in Canada).

Last year saw venues across the UK including London King’s Cross mainline station, The Blackpool Tower and Leeds’ First Direct arena, all lit-up purple on 26 March to raise awareness of epilepsy. However, they are looking forward to seeing the Niagara Falls lit up in Purple this year to support Purple Day, we're sure it will look stunning!

Although they do still want to build on their previous purple success. They want even more venues to turn purple in 2015, to get people talking about epilepsy. We know there are plenty of venues out there who can participate in this, so why don't you get involved! 

Moving on now as we've got on to the subject about venues, this week we are also supporting the Conference and Hospitality Show taking place in Leeds. 

The Conference & Hospitality Show is a FREE to attend event which connects meeting and event organisers with a fantastic range of venues and an exciting variety of suppliers.  CHS15 offers inspiration with innovative and creative event ideas along with an informative and motivational educational programme.  If you work in the events industry or ever have to organise a meeting or conference then don’t miss the opportunity to secure your complimentary ticket to attend CHS15. There are plenty of showcases and exhibitions for our industry, but we have to say this is one of our favourite, so don't miss out! 

Also, for the first time at the event this year, they are announcing the shortlist for the inaugural CHS Awards! The Awards provide hotels and venues with a unique opportunity to showcase their facilities and compete in each of the 12 carefully chosen categories; Best Afternoon Tea, Best Anticipated Launch, Best Bar, Best Boardroom/Small Meeting Room, Best Bedroom (Classical), Best Bedroom (Funky), Best DDR, Best Outside Space, Best Reception, Best Spa, Best Unusual Event Space and Best Large Conference/Exhibition Space. So good luck to all of the entrants! 

That's it for this week folks, have a good one!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 16 March 2015

Welcome to another week and this week we're all about Marrakesh, following the recent fam that Paula took with the marvellous Moulden Marketing. Hosted by Activ Travel, one of the best DMC's we've ever encountered at Cloud 9, it was truly a wonderful trip and rather surprising in terms of just what you can do with groups and incentives in the region.

With regular flights from both British Airways and Easyjet, its a very accessible location and the range of hotels is fantastic. 

We were met by Activ Travel, who have been providing high quality MICE programmes and travel to Morocco for almost 20 years. Founded in 1996 by Abdellatif ‘Ben’ Benmoussa and Hicham Tahri, Activ Travel is one of the most experienced and well renowned DMCs within Marrakech and Morocco. Working with a dedicated team of full-time staff, and cleverly utilising their fantastic relation-ship with the local people of Marrakech, Activ Travel are able to provide their guests with an incredible insight into the culture, colours, experiences and beauty of the country of Morocco.

We stayed at the La Mamounia a stunning hotel. Ravishing and regal, La Mamounia hotel is set in royal gardens, styled with Moorish opulence, and as sensuous as a seraglio. Aware that its guests (Winston Churchill was a fan) expect the best, and you won't be disappointed. 

After a quick change, it was off for an orientation tour by night of Marrakech rampart and the Famous Djemaa el fna square. Marrakech's famous Central Square. This was followed by a great evening and dinner at the M Restuarant Lounge, with belly dancers and fire eaters!

Up with the lark and after a great breakfast, we were off again exploring and the first stop was The Royal Palm Hotel, sister hotel to those in Mauritius and our friends at Beachcomber. Simply stunning is how we would describe the hotel!

After a 4x4 driving experience into the Atlas Mountains of Marrakech  with a stop off at a remote traditional Berber Village for some mint tea, it was off to Terres D’amanar.

Located on a beautiful plateau overlooking the Atlas mounts and their beautiful valleys in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains near the town of Asni, the Terres D’amanar domain is a unique site with an exceptional environment and very authentic feel. There is an adventure park in the trees and on the Arial rope slide, assisted by professionals, as well as equestrian, pedestrian, and mountain bike excursions. The more leisurely inclined can relax by the pool, or discover the Berber customs and tradition during the culinary and artesian workshops. This is what Paula opted for whilst the other mad fools were crossing rope bridges and zip wires!

We returned to La Mamounia by late afternoon for a quick dip in the pool and then it was

off for a tour and pre dinner drinks at at Palais Soleiman, which is a little difficult to describe, but truly amazing and well worth hiring exclusively if you have a small group and a reasonable budget. 

Then it was off to one of the best experiences ever, a  Party Dinner in a private camp in the heart of the PALM GROVE, with traditional Berber entertainment - The idea here was to  show us how to give our guests experience a magic moment. A single moment doesn't do it justice. It was simply full of magical moments, from the arrival, through to drinks, dinner, entertainment and departure. Even the loo's are worth a mention! This was a real introduction to Moroccan culture. It is a recreation of a “Moussem” or a traditional feast where locals celebrate the harvest. 

Despite the late night, it was an early start as we enjoyed a most entertaining hot air ballooning flight over the north of the palm grove of Marrakech between the river of Tensift and the Mountains of djebilets. The banter of the Pilot was worth the trip alone!

Then we were off to visit Marrakech gardens, and then Marrakech souks discovery, which I was glad to have had a guide as we had to navigate our way through the souks and food stalls, and learn how to haggle like a pro! 

It is a riot of colour, noise and activity, a wealthy storehouse of all the treasures of this vast and varied country, and then we had an introduction to Moroccan cooking and lunch at Al Baraka restaurant, located in the Famous Djemaa El Fna square.


We packed a lot into a short trip and it was without a doubt, a fabulous experience, so if you fancy Marrakech for your next event, please let us know. It really will be worth it!



Have a great week!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 9 March 2015

Welcome to another week at Cloud 9 and we're sure you'll all like to here that it's National Bed Month - time for a lie in before learning about the importance of a good night's sleep!

Organised by The Sleep Council, the month aims to remind us all of why a sound sleep is good for our health. Forget the old saying that if "You snooze, you loose."  It's thought that a good sleep has amazing properties that make you healthier and happier, and can even add years to your life!

At the Sleep Council website, you can find out all about the essentials you need to have the perfect sleep, and of course, the right bed should be your number one priority. We can help you with just that and thanks to Huffington Post for the inspiration, below are 17 hotel beds you need to try...

U.S. Grant, San Diego

Comfort begins with the Luxury Collection and is enhanced with Italian linens, plush down comforter, robe and slippers. Their pillow-top mattresses are mentioned on several review sites as "huge and super comfortable"!

Graham & Co. Phoenicia, NY

With paired-down but cosy beds in a stylized upstate motel The Graham & Co is located at the foot of Hunter Mountain and just two blocks off of Phoenicia's main street, approximately 2.5 hours from New York City!

Cavallo Point, Sausalito, CA

Their Contemporary Two Queens room is highly recommended featuring modern design, two queen beds in one room, and inviting gas fireplace. Some rooms enjoy views of the San Francisco Bay or Golden Gate Bridge. Accommodating up to four persons in 450 square feet, this room is ideal for families with children or friends travelling together.

Bay Lake Tower, Disney World

The only Disney beds to make the cut, these mattresses reside in the modern Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort. 

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, CA

Embracing the dramatic beauty of the California coastline, Post Ranch Inn is a serene retreat where romance and connection thrive. The 39 guest rooms and two private homes blend rustic elegance with luxury and comfort, offering stunning ocean or mountain views. Post Ranch is a destination in which to relax and reconnect with yourself, your partner and the environment. With this is mind, their guest rooms do not include televisions or alarm clocks - Great for the perfect nights sleep!

Kensington Marriott, London

During your London visit enjoy comfortable accommodation in their modern guest rooms. Pillow-top mattresses and custom duvets ensure a good night's sleep in the heart of South Kensington!

Charles Hotel, Cambridge, MA

Every guest room at The Charles is designed to provide you with all the comforts of home. The rooms offer panoramic views of Harvard Square , Cambridge or Boston. All of our Cambridge hotel suites are generously appointed with custom designed down quilts, Italian waffle bathrobes and slippers and turndown service upon request.

The Caledonian, Edinburgh

Stay at Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - home to 241 elegantly furnished guest rooms and suites, many with spectacular views of historic Edinburgh Castle. Renovated to Waldorf Astoria's peerless, internationally-renowned standards, each room and suite offers a backdrop of luxury, style and sophistication, with bespoke furniture, eclectic artwork and pristine en-suite bathrooms with marble and burnished chrome fittings. These beautifully furnished, elegant spaces are equipped with luxurious beds complete with an exclusive Waldorf Astoria Serta mattress and a unique pillow and bedding menu.

The Palazzo, Las Vegas

Immerse yourself in the beauty of the accommodation at The Palazzo, including a bed chamber with a plush king-sized pillow-top bed and 400-count wool throw blankets!

XV Beacon, Boston

Offering the best in Boston hotel accommodations, each room is seamlessly balanced with

modern and antique furniture, sharing the same warmth and handsome colour scheme of taupe, cream and espresso. 

This palette marries furniture and furnishings, including the Frette linens, which provide visually crisp, tailored lines and are pure luxury to tuck into. 

Mindfully designed, our rooms are ideally suited for hosting an intimate party or simply relaxing. Sleek modern lines enhance guest rooms' modernism and functionality, while gas fireplaces and canopy beds lightly accent our traditional New England soul. In-room thermostats and water conservation options, such as third-day linen changes, leave eco-choices in guests' hands.

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Vietnam

Their spacious and well appointed rooms offer clean designs and an elegant marble bathroom featuring walk-in shower and separate bath. The rooms offer magnificent views over the modern Ho Chi Minh City from our unique floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The Roosevelt, Los Angeles

From the historic Spanish Colonial lobby, you'll find the Hollywood Roosevelt has taken on rather a dual personality over the years. The Tower is original 1927, where Clark and Carole carried on. The Cabanas are vintage 1950's famous as Marilyn's place of residence around the time of her very first modelling shoot - at the Hollywood Roosevelt pool, no less. The Roosevelt offer ultra comfortable luxurious new beds with custom-made 400 thread count SFERRA linens. 

Aston Waikiki Beach, Waikiki 

Directly across Kalakaua Avenue from Waikiki Beach, this 645-room hotel features comfy, contemporary guest rooms and suites with naturally inspired décor. Some 85% offer full or partial ocean views, while most are decked out with a private balcony where you can soak up the scenery and the action that make Waikiki such a hot destination. 

Fountainebleau, Miami

A total of 1,504 guest rooms offer luxurious comfort and privacy. From guest rooms to three bedroom suites and penthouses, your stay will be made unique by providing a variety of room/suite configurations. Many guest rooms and suites have breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as the twinkling necklace of lights that reveals Miami Beach at night. Modern sophisticated interior designs create an atmosphere of quiet and calm for effortless relaxation.

Four Seasons, Sydney 

Spoil yourself with Sydney's best luxury accommodation decorated in contemporary grand-luxe style. Relax in luxurious room or suite that overlooks the Sydney skyline, George Street or Walsh Bay, unwind in a City Harbour-view Room with partial views over Sydney Harbour, or treat yourself to full harbour-view accommodations that offer dramatic panoramas of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Walsh Bay. The views are exquisite. 

Hotel St. Cecilia, Austin

Perhaps the Saint Cecilia's most significant offering is an exquisite night's sleep on a handmade organic bed made by Hästens, Sweden's most revered bedding company. Bathrooms are outfitted with custom kimono bathrobes and Le Labo bath products. The hotel offers a variety of other amenities and services to inspire and delight. 

Loews Hollywood 
Each and every one of our newly renovated 628 guest rooms and lavish suites is decorated

in a refined mix of slate grey plus deep violet and burnt orange accents. The colours may be dramatic but the overall feel is one of sophistication and serenity. Modern wallpaper, cerused oak furniture and iconic Eames chairs complete the look. Since their hotel is a commanding 20 floors, they have some of the best views in the city. All of their bedrooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, crisp 100% cotton sheets, embroidered robes and Comfort Zone skin and body products ensuring you'll feel pampered throughout your stay. 

That's it for this week folks, sleep well and enjoy your week!