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| Moscow,
Russia |
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Society - Extraordinary
December - 2005 |
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6 Stars
& 5 Stripes
Hotel & Service |
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The Ultimate Award:
Seven Stars and Stripes™ |
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A big bright smile greeted us as we approached the
exit gate at vibrant Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport after arriving
from Riga, Latvia on a brisk early December afternoon. Snow was in the air, at
least that's what my photographer Arno predicted. There standing in front of us
diligent and professional, our uniformed Russian chauffeur preparing to take
our luggage to the opened door of a waiting BMW 750 IL. A delightful automobile
under any circumstance, more so since it was sent to fetch us by the respected
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski for the 20 minuite ride to the very epicenter of the
Golden City, Moscow.
On the horizon danced the fascinating onion dome
silhouettes framed by a sky that had now turned into a deeper icy aquamarine
blue. There drifted a unique, but familiar smell of pine wood crackling in an
open fire throughout the air. Moscow is the capital of 'Mother Russia', and the
Kempinski Baltschuk Hotel is located just across the Moskva River near the
Kremlin that is Russia's historic and cultural center. This fortunate location
proved to be a perfect base to explore one of the world's historically most
significant cities. Moscow is envied for their precious patrimony in the likes
of Saint Basil's Cathedral. The Patriarch of Moscow, whose residence is the
nearby Danilov Monastery serves as the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in a
location built only 100+ years after the founding of the city itself.
Notwithstanding, the marvelous world famous Bolshoi Theatre just beacons to be
visited with arrangements that can be made with the hotel's
concierge. |
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| Our accommodations were of
understated business elegance with a view that can only be described as 'To die
for'! My suite was spacious, private and nicely furnished; the bathroom
immaculate and functional and designed with the discerning single business
traveler in mind but well equipped in the European style. I unpacked quickly,
slipped into a comfortable bathrobe provided by the hotel, ever in awe over the
glory of the imperial Red Square - and placed my laptop on the secretary to
establish a connection to my office in New York, which the wireless internet
connection allowed me to do. |
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| “Only the elite are on the top.” © ~ TB |
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| A glass enclosed luxurious European hotel spa is
located in the lower level of the hotel building and an ideal escape. Be
assured of a high level of security and privacy since the spa is not open to
the public. I had a delicious banana milk shake from the health bar and sat
down on a lounge chair at the pool while Arno sipped on a freshly squeezed
glass of orange juice in the amply sized Jacuzzi. This oasis of elegance and
calm was a great way to unwind. Within a short time I could feel the tension of
the last days leave my body and I fell into a light sleep over the 'Sounds of
Silence'. |
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| Award Hand Out
at the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski |
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| After very successfully managing the celebrated Hotel
Adlon Kempinski in Berlin, Germany, GM Van Daalen took over the management of
the Kempinski Baltschug, Moscow rather recently. Exquisitely dressed and
capable, Van Daalen has received numerous national and international awards for
his achievements and it will be a pleasure watching him put his personal
innovative touch on this project. Recently a personal butler service had been
added to the amenities package and is now available at the hotel. A European
camera team was on premises coordinating the filming of the latest adventures
of GM Van Daalen and his staff as they were being honored at a ceremony
commemorating the presentation of the Seven Stars and Stripes Award for
outstanding hospitality, professionalism and cuisine. |
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“Only the utmost achievements in hospitality, service and
cuisine earn the right
to be recognized through our prestigious
award.” ~ TB |
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by
Thorsten Buehrmann & Arno Goudschaal
Editor: Ingrid
Lemme
Editor-in-Chief: John Lomitola |
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| © 2005 ~ Seven Stars and Stripes, Inc. |
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