In January, Berlin is holding something big in store!

A trip to Berlin is always worthwhile! If you haven’t managed a visit for Christmas or New Year’s, you can still come in January to experience the highlights of early 2012. The team at the ARCOTEL Velvet is happy to provide tips for your Berlin visit.

Berlin stands for fresh and young fashion and has become the latest centre of attraction for Europe’s trendy crowd. The city offers fashion businesses excellent potential for development. The 18 January 2012 sees the start of Berlin’s legendary fashion week where a wide variety of international fashion labels are going to present their 2012 autumn/winter collections

The BREAD & BUTTER trade fair is set to open its doors around the same time. With about 600 exhibitors from the fields of denim, sportswear, street fashion, functional wear and casual dressed-up fashion the BREAD & BUTTER represents the contemporary segment of streetwear and urban wear. After ten years, during which this major trade fair has won wide recognition through its exclusive brand portfolio, BREAD & BUTTER acts as a unique meeting point for purchasers, traders and press representatives from the textiles industry.
In summer 2011, the “BREAD & BUTTER – trade show for selected brands” celebrated its 10th anniversary under the motto of “THE BREAD & BUTTER SUPERSHOW”.

Yet another highlight event offers plenty of reasons to visit the German capital in January: The Green Week is again held from 20 to 29 January 2012 at the Messegelände trade fair venue in Berlin.

The Green Week has been a regular feature in the schedule of Berlin trade fairs since 1926. Around 1,500 national and international exhibitors present their typical national products and services from the food and agricultural industries and from the horticultural sector in a total of 26 halls. The food and beverages on show turn this fair into a veritable culinary adventure tour.

Impressive horse shows, exhibitions on the subject of holidays and an adventure farm turn this fair into a very popular event with families.

Copy right by: breadandbutter.com (ANNA KO) - GStar

What’s new at the ARCOTEL John F !

Our TOWN BAR is renowned for its exceptional ambiance in which you can enjoy perfectly mixed cocktails and end the day on a relaxed note. Our bar staff keep themselves up to date through training courses and seminars so as to surprise our guests by treating them to the latest trends.

The Food & Beverage Manager at the ARCOTEL John F has chosen four new and special spirits, which make the TOWN BAR an outstanding hotspot in Berlin. The drinks all originate from the city itself, making them all the more interesting.

The “rebirth” of the Preußische Spirituosen Manufaktur allows you the pleasure of enjoying “Adler Berlin Dry Gin”. This gin is made solely by hand using only the choicest of ingredients and is then stored in earthenware barrels for three months. The result is a very special and carefully balanced drink.

“Das Korn” is a grain spirit whose tradition goes back to the late Middle Ages. This excellent, pure and clear spirit is exclusively produced at the Brennerei Sellendorf private distillery in Brandenburg.

In 1921, the Meisner family from Berlin developed the recipe for its “Held Vodka”. In the war years of 1944/45 they, like many others, had to flee the country. The business was later re-established and the Robert Meisner spirit and liqueur factory has been successfully producing regional spirits since 1952. The “Held Vodka” can be enjoyed unchilled and pure.

And since we are in Berlin, a drinks list is not complete without a good herbal liqueur. Mr Kreft has chosen the “Pjökel 55”. The recipe for this unique drink was developed by an apothecary. It is based on traditional, pure medicinal tinctures combined with spice and herb infusions.

It will be our pleasure to welcome you!

ARCOTEL Allegra – Promo Code

Visit us again at ARCOTEL Allegra. The lifestyle hotel offers flexible prices and best quality. With the current promo code "ALLEGRA15" you will receive 15 percent discount on the current daily prices.The barrier-free hotel in downtown Zagreb is ideal for both, business guests as well as for shopping fans. Three conference rooms and four business suites provide the best conditions for conferences and meetings in various settings. Features such as movable tables, free wireless internet access in all rooms and public areas make it easy to work in the whole the hotel. For relaxation after the work day ensures the Orlando Fitness & Spa area on the sixth floor. At the end of the day check the exeptional cousine of our restaurant Radicchio and the best cocktails at our Joe´s Bar. Do not hesitate and check the availability on our website.

Hamburg: European Green Capital 2011

In 2009, the European Commission launched the European Green Capital Award, in order to strengthen environmental awareness in Europe’s cities and promote sound economic growth compatible with the protection of natural resources. Stockholm was the first city to hold the annual title of European Green Capital and was succeeded by Hamburg on 15 December 2010. When stating the reasons for its decision, the European Commission particularly lauded Hamburg’s efforts to reduce air pollution, its management of urban traffic congestions and greenhouse gas emissions and its ambitious plans for future environmentally-friendly measures. The priority issues for this special year included the categories of climate & energy, sustainable consumption, mobility, nature & urban green space, protection of resources & economic activity, and urban development & housing.

As Hamburg’s year as Europe’s Green Capital 2011 draws to its end, we look back on a time filled with exciting activities. One of them was the “Train of Ideas”, which toured Europe on a mission to draw attention to its “visions for future cities”. In addition, the “My Tree – My City” campaign provided everyone interested with the opportunity to donate money for the planting of a particular tree in a particular location. As soon as sufficient money was donated for a particular tree, the city of Hamburg doubled the donated amount, so that the tree could be immediately planted in the designated place. These are only two of the many interesting activities that were carried out as part of the European Green Capital Initiative in the past few months. However, the year has not ended yet, and a visit to the website umwelthauptstadt.hamburg.de will provide Hamburg’s citizens and visitors with detailed information on the upcoming events in the next two months. For 2012, Hamburg will hand over the title of European Green Capital to the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz in the north of Spain.

Restaurant UNO awarded Gault Millau Toque!

Owing to a significant expanion of offer and service, the 4-star-superior-hotel ARCOTEL Kaiserwasser could once again live up to its motto "As I like it" by securing one of the most prestigious awards available in the restaurant sector after having already been granted a "4-star-superior-hotel" rating by the Vienna Economic Chamber in May 2011.

The 4-star-superior-hotel's Restaurant UNO was awarded a Fault Millau Toque in October 2011 when Executive chef Johann Schwarz and his team managed to achieve a 13-point rating thus proving the extraordinary quality of their work. In its exclusive atmosphere, the Restaurant UNO provides a wiede selection of exquisite gourmet dishes and seasonal highlights as well as a comprehensive list of top-quality wines of predominantly Austrian origin.

Whether guests would like to start their day with a lavish buffet breakfast, combine business with pleasure by doing meetings over a relaxed business lunch or treat themselves to an unforgettable evening over a romantic candlelit dinner, the ARCOTEL Kaiserwasser's Restaurant UNO offers the ideal setting for all occasions thanks to the warm and hospitable atmosphere typical of ARCOTEL Hotels. What is more, Executive Chef Johann Schwarz and his team will ensure that your visit to the restaurant turns into a remarkable gourmet experience.

Book your table now at:

Restaurant UNO
Wagramer Strasse 8
1220 Wien

T +43 1 224 24-866
E restaurantuno@arcotelhotels.com
www.restaurantuno.at

Loccie - the personal assistant for urban navigation

In November, the guests of the ARCOTEL Allegra Zagreb had the opportunuty to test a very interesting device -called Loccie – new and inovative gadget. This small and handy device with simple and robust construction ensures a simple navigation in the city. Users of the device do not need a map, because Loccie leads its users to the main attractions. Loccie uses different colors to indicate the distance to the target. Simple to use and moreover with a high fun factor! If Locci flashes red, it means you reached the desired goal. For our guests we have made a list of the 15 most interesting attractions in the city. Besides the usual tourist attractions we listed a really cool hot spots such as very interesting places, galleries, shops etc. Those who have an iPhone, download the app also Loccie. For more information : www.loccie.com

The 2012 ARCOTEL Moser Verdino postcard motif

For already the seventh time in a row, the ARCOTEL Moser Verdino chose the postcard motif of the year for its famou postcard collection on 29. September 2011. This year, the motif was selected from among the works of Carinthian artist Richard Klammer.

Opening the formal part of this splendid evening, Resident Manager, Christoph Hafner welcomed the guests to the conferencing facilities of the ARCOTEL Moser Verdino by delivering a higly entertaining introductory speech. The guests then proceeded to take a closer look at the presented artworks and subsequently cast their votes for their favourite. The vote was followed by culinary pleasures at the buffet before the winning motif was announced. Entiteles "Fremder Verkehrsort Favela 5", Klammers's remarkable painting will be printed on postcards and as such become part of the ARCOTEL Moser Verdino postcard collection.

This collection is first and foremost intended to support Carinthian artists. In addition, the ARCOTEL Moser Verdino wants to uphold the postcard as a charming orm of holiday mail and keep it from falling into oblivion in times of the internet since it was originally created by a nephew of the former Moser inn's landlady.

Born in Obervellach, Carinthia on 22 February 1964, Richard Klammer studied painting under the tuition of M. Prachensky at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna from which he graduated in 1991. Workin as a painter and musician, Klammer currently lives in Klagenfurt.

www.richardklammer.net

Saddle of Waldviertler venison with Lotao rice

The UNO Restaurant at the 4-star-superior-hotel ARCOTEL Kaiserwasser ist just as international and open-minded as its guests. Exquisite Asian Lotao speciality rices add to the restaurant's wide range of dishes. Executive chef Johann Schwarz recommends the following Lotao rice recipe to try out at home:

Saddle of Waldviertler venison with Lotao rice and red cabbage roll, sautéed mushrooms and flambéed Aperol-marinated stone fruits.

Serves 8

1 whole saddle of venison
250 g "Rising Sun" Lotao rice
200 g mushrooms
shallots
8 red cabbage leaves
zest of orange
Aperol-marinated stone fruit
rum, gin
salt, pepper, juniper, resemary and thyme

For the Aperol-marinated stone fruits marinate damsons, plums, greengages, nectarines and peaches in half Aperol, half rum and some sugar and allow to stand in a cool place for at least five weeks.

De-bone the saddle of venison and remove any sinewas. Season with salt, pepper, juniper and gin and ser on both sides together with the rosemary and thyme. Then place in the oven for five to seven minutes until pink.

Boil the "Rising Sun" Lotao rice (1 part rice to 1.5 parts water). Add the shallots and orange zest while boiling and season with salt and ginger. Leave the rice to cool down a little, then roll in a blanched red cabbage leaf. Stand the rice roll on a plate.

Sauté the forest mushrooms and arrange on the plate with the venison, the rice roll and the Aperol-marinated stone fruits. Warm some rum (50%), pour over the fruit and set alight.

Bon appetit!

Ai Waiwei in New York – Photographs

The ARCOTEL Velvet is located in the vital heart of Berlin in Oranienburger Street. It is just a few minutes away on foot from a vibrant art and culture scene. Today we recommend a special photography exhibition in Martin Gropius Bau.

Martin Gropius Bau is exhibiting - for the first time in Germany - over 220 photographs from between 1983 and 1993 that were taken In New York City by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. During this time Ai took over 10,000 photos which he carefully sorted in order to create an exhibition. Ai was born in 1957. His long stay in the USA has had a decisive influence on his artistic career. His father, Ai Qing, was a famous author in China. Children throughout China memorized his poems at school. Only when his father was on his death bed, did Ai decide to leave New York and return to China.

Ai lived in New York City in a small apartment in the East Village district. As an active member of the Chinese artistic community and the intellectual community of the avant-garde scene of the district during the 80s he saw New York as a place of liberation. Even after the death of Mao Tse-tung in 1976, rigid conceptions held sway in China regarding the nature and purpose of art.
Ai Wai used his camera to capture life in New York during the 1980s. He took unique photos with the perspective of a true artist that portray this artistically and politically exciting period.

Today Ai Weiwei is the most renowned Chinese artist of the present. In New York he was a friend of Allen Ginsberg. Many of the most recognized artists in China today visited him at that time in New York. Ai photographed them.

Hours of operation:
Wednesday to Monday 10 am. to 8 pm., closed on Tuesdays
Open on the Tuesday after Christmas (27.12). Closed on 24.12. and 31.12.

© Ai Weiwei; Courtesy of Three Shadows Photography Art Center

Experience very close to the ARCOTEL John F “WUNDERKAMMER“!

An almost intoxicating collage of acrobatics, burlesque, erotic and comedy makes the people in Berlin curious. For the first time in Europe, the CHAMÄLEON Theater presents the latest creation of the successful Australian company C!RCA. "Wunderkammer" debuted in Brisbane, Australia in September 2010 and received rave reviews from the press: "Fantastic entertainment: shocking at times, thrilling, sexy, beautiful, moving and captivating throughout".

With blazing speed, seven exceptional acrobats create powerful and sensual pictures, virtually pushing the audience to tears of laughter with whimsical sketches.

The performers form human pyramids as well as twirl each other through the air, crafting scenes of pure excitement. You will have time to visit this incredible wild show till end of December.

Age recommendation: from 14

Innovative Hamburg

Most people associate Hamburg with the Reeperbahn, the hamburger, the Beatles or the port. But would you have thought that Hamburg is Germany’s most dynamic economic region? Let us take, for example, the aviation industry. In Germany, almost every third job in this sector is located in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, the city’s official name. This accounts for approx. 36,000 positions. These people don’t only work for the large and well-known companies such as Airbus Deutschland Gmbh or Lufthansa Technik AG. Many of them are employed by one of the more than 300 SMEs in the aerospace industry.

But Hamburg is not only home to the boffins and highly-specialised engineers. It is also the location of over 37,000 businesses in the creative industries. Hamburg is one of the world’s film capitals, an important centre of the advertising industry and the location of numerous traditional publishing houses. With around 6,000 companies, the logistics industry is another well-represented sector in Hamburg. The expertise of the Hamburg goods industry is sought after worldwide and is “exported” to many different countries. However, this important city in the north of Germany is not only the location of long- established and traditional economic sectors. It also provides the perfect setting for “young” industries such as that of renewable energies.

Many companies have established themselves on specialised markets with their innovative products, thus adding to the wide range of industrial sectors represented in Hamburg. One such example is 3B Scientific, world market leader in anatomical teaching aids, who deliver their artificial skeletons and organ models to more than 100 countries. The automatic guitar tuning system developed by the Hamburg team of brainiacs at Tronical is applied in the “Robot Guitar” modells by Gibson, the legendary US manufacturer of electric guitars. They were the first worldwide to launch self-tuning guitars. This mix of large international corporate groups and innovative SMEs and micro-enterprises makes Hamburg one of the most attractive business locations in Germany. And let us not forget the hotel and tourism industry, a powerful partner of Hamburg businesses. With its many innovative ideas it contributes to the positive overall development of this business region in northern Germany. Both the ARCOTEL Rubin and the new ARCOTEL Onyx, due to open in June 2012, are centrally located, easy to reach and hence ideal for business guests. Free internet access, in-house parking facilities, professional banqueting and meeting services, designated business suites and, of course, charming hospitality py passion round off our package for business visitors.

Welcome to the business capital Hamburg and to the ARCOTEL Rubin. Or, as the locals say, “Moin, Moin”.

Experience Berlin with a specific view at night !

The Festival of Lights is one of the largest illumination festivals in the world. Every year for twelve days in October, Berlin’s world-famous landmarks and monuments are dressed in spectacular light. German and international artists and lighting designers present extraordinary illuminations, light art and creative designs. The festival is accompanied by numerous cultural events, all exploring the theme “Light”. The festival is an admission-free, top artistic event for an audience of millions. It generates massive media interest worldwide, and as a result, promises real sustainability.

The ARCOTEL Velvet is perfectly located to start this unique tour through Berlin per night.
Many of the beautiful sights in Berlin are reachable with the bike or within easy walking distance.

The opening, the “LightsOn”, of the 7th Festival of Lights, will start at the Festival Center “Quartier Potsdamer Platz” on the 12th of October 2011, at 19:30.

PERGAMON – A panorama of an antique Metropolis

The fame of the Great Altar of Pergamon, with its depiction of the Gods’ battle against the Giants, is known far and wide around the globe. From next Friday on, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in this unique exhibition dedicated to the history, art, and culture of Pergamon at the Museum Island Berlin, located within walking distance from the
ARCOTEL John F.

The Collection of Classical Antiquities is organising in cooperation with Asisi Visual Culture GmbH this comprehensive display completemented by Yadegar Asisi’s new monumental panorama of ancient Pergamon in the forecourt to the Pergamon Museum over the course of the entire year. This monumental panorama will offer a unique view from the 300 metre high acropolis of Pergamon over the city below.

Around 450 exhibits from the National Museums’ Collection of Classical Antiquities will be on display, the bulk of which has never been presented before. In addition, the exhibition will be enriched by an array of loans from other collections, both from within Germany and from around Europe. The exhibits will be presented in their original architectural and functional contexts. Paintings, historical photographs and written documents from various archives will provide insights into the exciting history of the discovery and research of the site.

To enhance your experience, the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon will be reconstructed from archaeological digs over the last 130 years and re-enacted in spring 129 AD. A wide variety of sculptures, mosaics, coins, ceramics and metal devices, together with recreated sound effects composed by film scorer Eric Babak and day-and-night simulations, will form a vivid picture of life in the ancient city.

© SMB; Johannes Laurentius

Spielzeit´Europa 2011/2012

The Spielzeit Europa will present 12 artistic productions with performers from over 45 countries from October 2011 until January 2012. The event will take place in the new renovated Haus der Berliner Festspiele in Berlin Wilmersdorf. The coreographer Lemi Ponifaso from Samoa will open this season with an act exclusively created for Berlin: “ Le Savali Berlin”, a very unique piece of work made by artists both from the south pacific and Berlin. Another of his productions “birds with skymirrors” will be presented, a one time composition of dance, ceremony, poetry and vocals about the climate change and the future of our planet.

For the brilliant finale, the coreographer and musician Hofesh Shechter from Israel will transform the stage into a coreographic rock concert. Through a clever dance theatre and an exciting concert, the hall becomes a completely stunning artwork. Impressive light and sound effects ,24 musicans, 16 dancers and a standing public make this renewed act from 2010 an unforgettable evening, whose style is unique among the European stages.This season, the programme will be completed with movies, discussions and of course première parties.

Foto: Copyright © Sebastian Bolesch

The Restaurant Week 2011

ARCOTEL Allegra Zagreb and therefore the restaurant Radicchio take part againt in the action called „Restaurant Week 2011“. To increase the awareness of the gastronomic offer in the city, the creative team of the whole project has put together their gastronomic ideas. This time, about 50 restaurants in Zagreb take part in this action. Gourmets have two weeks time to enjoy the wide range of numerous restaurants, including the restaurant Radicchio, for lunch or dinner. Guests can choose between three 3-course menues. Each menu costs HRK 100,00 and includes a glass of wine.
The chef Marko Blazek and his team are looking forward to the Restaurant Week, because through this action they have the opportunity to present their specialties to a wider audience.

Italian lifestyle at the VELVET LOUNGE

The VELVET LOUNGE offers delicious aperitifs and small tapas in cooperation with APERITIVO by CAMPARI, daily from 6.00 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The aperitif is an integral part of the meal in Italian culinary traditions, as it both stimulates the appetite and prepares the organism for full enjoyment of the main meal. Apéritifs were already widespread in the 19th century in Italy, where they were being served in fashionable cafes in Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Turin, and Naples. At the end of this century, Apéritifs were exported to all over Europe and produced by Cinzano and Martini & Rossi.

When talking about the „aperitivo“, Italians refer not only to the drink itself, but to the popular tradition of meeting in bars with friends during the evening. More recently, the fashion of the “aperitivo cena” became popular, a term that refers to a small meal or appetizer serverd next to the aperitif. Faithful to this tradition, the VELVET LOUNGE also offers classic appetizers such as olives, sardines, serrano ham, chorizo and tomatoes.

A classic Italian appetizer is the Campari, created in 1860 by Gaspare Campari and consisting of more than 60 secret ingredients. Characteristic of the Campari is its striking red color. Other classics are the Aperol with its fruity-bitter taste and the Crodino, Italy's most famous non-alcoholic aperitif.

Aperitif classics are given a new twist in the VELVET LOUNGE. The Fashion Victim consists for instance of an interesting blend of passion fruit, lime and vodka, whereas the Old Smokey Fashion combines the classic smoky flavour of the Islay whiskey with touches of orange and lemon. Other interesting creations like the Aperol Spritz, the Wild Turkey Sour and Ginger 43 are part of the menu.

Experience with us the aperitivo in its original Italian style. Ideal for relaxing after work or enjoying a nice moment with friends.

Cannstatter Wasen - beer and great rides

Discover one of the largest festivals in the world! Welcome to Cannstatter Wasen. Still today the 24 meter high and highly decorated fruit column in the middle of the festival grounds is a reminder that the young, beloved Wuerttemberg Queen Katharina with her husband King Wilhelm I gave this to the people of the country in 1818 at the end of a period of starvation. Today Stuttgarters together with millions of guests celebrate one of the most beautiful and largest beer festivals and fairs in the world. Things are really exciting in the large festival tents. Up to 5000 visitors can frolicsomely celebrate in each festival tent. Bands wearing traditional clothing ensure the cheerful entertainment and the delicious Käsespätzle (Swabian noodles with cheese), roast, potato noodles with sour kraut, Göckele or crispy knuckles are a good base for many liters of beer.

The greatest rides
Super looping, haunted houses, racy water rides and the largest transportable Ferris wheel in the world make strolling along the Wasen to an enormous jamboree. For the daring, the spectacular rides are pure pleasure, the romantics look forward to the chain carousel and the ship swing. The large huckster's market invites you daily to shop at the Wasen. Whether pots, pans, ceramics or clothing, useful or the curious things - here the visitor to the Wasen finds everything which the heart desires.

Family days
Every Wednesday, the Fair belongs to the family.

Opening celebration and tapping the barrel
With the traditional tapping of the barrel by the lord mayor of the state capital of Baden-Wuerttemberg in the Schwaben Bräu tent of the festival innkeeper Laub, the Cannstatter Fair is officially opened. Colorful groups of people wearing traditional clothing with folkloric displays, proper music and humoristic contributions add to the cheerful fair mood of the guests.

You can reach the Cannstatter Wasen from the ARCOTEL Camino easily by public transport.

Opening hours:

Start: Monday until Friday from noon (tents from 11 am)
Saturday, Sunday and on holidays from 11 am

End: Sunday until Thursday until 11 pm
Friday, Saturday and the day before holidays until midnight

On opening day: carnival rides open at 3 p.m.

Source: Stuttgart Tourist

ARCOTEL Allegra Catering Service

ARCOTEL Allegra Zagreb - the ideal location for organizing banquets and receptions for a maximum capacity of 350 people. But if you want to organize your party in the comfort of your home or some other location, our catering service is the ideal choice.
By applying an individual approach to every client, our team of Banquet Coordinators with a wealth of experience will do everything to exceed your expectations!
Whether it’s a corporate party, birthday party, wedding or family gathering, by combining your vision with our experience we believe that nothing stands in the way of a successful event!

The culinary summer at ARCOTEL Nike Linz

Oasis of relaxation
During the summer months the Danube terrace of the four star hotel in Linz offers pure relaxation directly on the green river banks, with a splendid view over the Danube, of the ships gently passing by and also the "Pöstlingberg", the landmark of Linz. Whether it be breakfast, business lunch or coffee with homemade pastries, the ambitious kitchen and service team provides best service around the clock.

Wine and dine
In the evening there is not only the marvelous sunset to enjoy, but also the culinary indulgence. Responsible for the treats of some fine food is Executive Chef Markus Kainberger, who arranges the corresponding summery light dishes. At choice are a variety of classic, newly interpreted Austrian and international specialties in all their seasonal variations.

Open-air seminars
For everybody, who is looking for a quiet and relaxed surrounding for a seminar or workshop, the terraces of the conference hotel in Linz at the Danube are the perfect choice too. In the five seminar rooms and on the 400 sqm. terrace space on the mezzanine the participants enjoy the unique ambience during group works or breaks in the open air, directly in the centre of Linz and yet in a green and quiet environment.

Information and contact
T +43 732 7626-0
E nike@arcotelhotels.com
www.arcotelhotels.com/nike


Picture credit: ARCOTEL Hotels | Publication free of charge

Sporting opportunities on and around the Alster

The Binnenalster (Inner Alster) and the Aussenalster (Outer Alster) are situated at the heart of the city of Hamburg. Covering an area of 164 sqm, the Aussenalster is surrounded by the recreational grounds of the Alster Park. Thanks to its ideal conditions, the Alster always attracts lots of people engaging in their favourite sports both on land as well as on the water. The recreational grounds, for example, feature numerous appealing cycling and walking trails as well as a running track with a total length of 7.4 km that has been specially equipped with half-kilometre markers for the joggers.

What is more, the area constitutes a paradise for all water sports fans with the abundance of opportunities involving all kinds of different water vessels, such as the all-time popular pedal boats, rowing boats, sailing boats, canoes or kayaks. Thanks to the almost unlimited possibilities, visitors to the area will certainly find something to their liking. The Alster, furthermore, holds some special challenges for sailors due to its constantly changing wind conditions that are caused by construction and development schemes along the waters.

Being announced by dull drumbeats, impressive Chinese dragon boats add a heavily exotic flair to the area. Using rhythmic beats, the drummer leads the paddlers whose strokes gracefully move the beautifully painted boats with their dragon heads across the water. What is more, the area is a great tip for romantics who are recommended to carry along a picnic hamper and get on one of the rowing boats to navigate kilometres of picturesque canals, the park's lake or the Alster thus indulging in the green and romantic side of the city.

WIMBERGERs event culture

Wondrous nights
It is said that democracy was invented at the hotel Wimberger in Vienna, at least with regard to entertainment: "The democracy of entertainment started precisely at nine o’clock by an opening polonaise and at midnight had already reached the point that each count had found his washer girl or flower girl. The coachmen danced with the ballet stars of the imperial opera house, who had shown up incognito. And under a flashy domino could be hidden a landlord Casanova as well as a guard officer of high nobility, who had a pass for this night. Not even real "imperial and royal" actors of the Court Theatre could resist the carnival magic of those nights at Wimberger. Hamlet danced with the little milliner from the suburbs, who had been transformed by a costume rental shop, into a columbine of freshly ironed pink muslin. Here, generations of butcher’s daughters fell in love and got engaged. And for gratitude they came back again at a time, when they had already gained 55 kilos of weight and instead of the flummery dress of their first night at Wimberger, they used to wear now the whalebone armoured silk waist, the balloon sleeves and the Cul de Paris of the owners of four-storied houses.

On the road to success
That might have been the same situation in the other entertainment places but on the contrary to them; the social mixture at the event hotel Wimberger was not a more or less tolerated offence but a program that resulted inevitably from the structure of hotel business. The magnificent ballroom had to be used in fact, night and day and day and night, at carnival time as well as before and afterwards. This resulted in the fact that during the day political assemblies "aiming at the saving of the man in the street under considerable consumption of beer" just parted in order to reunite themselves immediately at night to participate in masked balls. The entertainment program of the hotel Wimberger was expanded step by step. The masked balls at carnival time (each Monday and Friday) were replaced by regular "military concerts" (each Sunday and Holiday), until in 1901 Karl Wimberger enlarged his enterprise once again by inventing the show "Munich in Vienna", which became the first permanent event of the city. The remedy for success was: "Bavarian beer, waitresses from Munich, daily concert."

Colourful as life
No chronicle ever described the juxtaposition of political and other assemblies, masked balls, military concerts and the permanent Munich beer festival under the roof of one single hotel, but it is certain that the openness for the new as well as the compatibility of differences is a tradition in hotel Wimberger. Or do you know another house in Vienna in which it might happen that hungry attendants of an Anna Netrebko concert meet the participants of the Tattoo Convention Vienna in the restaurant WIMBERGERs wia z'Haus - and after dinner are dancing together to rock music into the early hours of the next day.

www.arcotelhotels.com/en/wimberger


Picture credit: ARCOTEL Hotels – publication free of charge

Tanz im August 2011 - International Dance Festival Berlin

It is time once again: from next weekend Berlin transforms into an immense dance floor.For the 23rd time, TANZ IM AUGUST – INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL BERLIN will be presenting over 220 productions from 132 countries between August 12th and 28th.

As in past years, the program includes – in addition to newcomers and frequent guests – big names such as Lucinda Childs and Édouard Lock. This time, a focus is placed on contemporary dance from African countries, as well as formal crossovers between classical ballet, urban and contemporary dance.

The famous “New Work by Édouard Lock” is one of these crossovers. With breathtaking pas-de-deux and turns so fast that you won’t believe your eyes, Lock celebrates, exaggerates and deconstructs the art of classical ballet. Hiroaki Umeda also connects contemporary elements with ballet and hip hop: abstract and technologically influenced solos with impressive soundscapes and video animation generate great tension between real physicality and media-based disembodiment.

The Brazilian choreographer Guilherme Botelho creates an entire universe of formal variations: 14 dancers weave a web over the stage, move among it with an increasingly hermetic feeling for their body and time and in the end are naked – literally and metaphorically. Botelho sees this hypnotic action as a fascinating– allegory for the human condition as such: the flow of life.

In addition to the supporting program with talks, workshops, lectures and discussions, a special highlight for this year is the “1. Berliner LangeTanzFilmNacht”, which will show a wide range of contemporary dance films. Finally, the sommer.bar will once again offer free performances by festival artists, films and concerts.

Photo credit 1: Margarida Dias
Photo credit 2: Christian Rausch
Photo credit 3: Philippe Gramard

German-American fair in Berlin

What started off as a small festivity for family and friends of the stationed American allies has developed into a major summerly attraction. In its 51st year, the fair shows modern and historical aspects of American life – a lively symbol of the friendship between Berliners and Americans.

This year, the event takes place at the Heidestrasse of Berlin-Mitte, ideally located for hotel guests of the ARCOTEL John F. Heart and soul of the fair is the American village, which is represented through panoramic sceneries.

From July 28th until August 14th 2011, you can travel throughout the 50 US states in an amazing fairground presenting over 100 performers and attractions – elaborate architecture, a wonderful mix of cultures, live music, shops with a myriad of local specialities and much more.


The ARCOTEL John F is the ideal starting point to immerse yourself in the American world. The speech of John F. Kennedy at the Schönenberg’s townhall is one of the most representative symbols of Berlin’s living history and the beginning of the German-American transatlantic friendship.

The 35th US president is honored at the ARCOTEL John F not only through the naming of the house, but also through its style and design. Both lobby and rooms feature specially for the hotel handcrafted rocking chairs – according to legend, John F. Kennedy had back problems and thus enjoyed relaxing his back in them.

The unique hotel lamps are designed after a famous dress of the first lady Jackie Kennedy recreating her elegance and grace. Finally, guests can feel like John F. Kennedy at the “White House” in the “Kennedy Room”, which features curtains imitating the ones in the Oval Office, original American bathroom fittings and a design similar to the First Lady’s bedroom.

Linz on the Danube goes green

Blossom time
The Danube city Linz offers a tapestry of culture, industry and natural attractions. Upper Austria's provincial capital is devoting its cultural calendar entirely to nature in 2011. A wide variety of nature-inspired events, above all the Provincial Garden Show in Ansfelden, with its musical theme of "Symphony in Green", are bringing a riot of colour to the events calendar. Or just relax in the Botanical Gardens and countless beautiful parks and meadows along the Danube and Traun rivers. Installations in museums and public places add to the green theme of a cultural programme, which features a total of 34 exhibitions in 12 different venues.

Accommodation deluxe
The corresponding accommodation package is provided by the business hotel ARCOTEL Nike Linz. Suitable to the recreation in the fresh air the team of the city hotel directly at the Danube cares for the culinary indulgence of their guests. Additionally the stay in one of the comfortable executive rooms the offer includes a sensual WINE & DINE five course menu on Friday evening at dasRESTAURANT, the classic among the restaurants in Linz, including accompanying wines and coffee and cake at KÉ café & bar.

High-altitude euphoria
One may also marvel at the "nature" of Linz from its rooftops. The most successful project of the European Capital of Culture in 2009, the "Höhenrausch.2" exhibition, continues with impressive art installations and water features high above the city of Linz. Visitors can expect a heady mix of surprises, information and fascination. If you want to go even higher and really see Linz from above, the design hotel ARCOTEL Nike Linz offers yet another appropriate package : "Helicopter-Sightseeing Flight-Weekend in Linz". Treat yourself to a weekend "on high"!


Picture credit: 1. Tourism association Linz | 2. ARCOTEL Hotels | 3. www.nachrichten.at | Publication free of charge

Shows and Cocktails in Berlin

Experience Germany’s vibrant capital city and combine your stay with a musical of your choice.

The ARCOTEL Velvet Berlin is the ideal starting point for a musical trip, thanks to its central location in the middle of the artistic and cultural scenes of Berlin. With our musical special you can select one out of these thrilling musicals:

Blue Man Group: Discover the wild side of Berlin: The best choice for non-German speakers to have fun: The Blue Men communicate via gestures, looks and music. The production from New York City offers a unique form of entertainment and unites music, comedy, art and science without dialogs.

We will rock you: A fantastic story, passionate performances, and 25 of the immortal hits of the band QUEEN create a different musical dimension. The songs are in English and the show is in Berlin only until October 21st.

Hinterm Horizon: The legendary love story of “Girl from East Berlin” with popular Udo Lindenberg songs – Only in German.

Enjoy next to your selected musical a suitable cocktail, freshly prepared by our bar team at the VELVET LOUNGE.

Ideal for those who strive for the unconventional

Welcome to a traditional Viennese Restaurant!

There's no place like home
At the classic Viennese restaurant WIMBERGERs wia z'Haus in the city hotel ARCOTEL Wimberger Vienna guests just feel like at home. And why should they not, when enjoying typical Viennese dishes and wines in a cosy atmosphere? Not only will they spoilt with culinary delights, but also with the famous Viennese snide humour, charm and joie de vivre!





Modern classic
With reference to the interior of the tradition-rich restaurant, which dates back to 1871, it is already obvious that there is a big emphasis on tradition. As long as this does not mean the worship of ashes, but the preservation of fire. After all a Viennese "Schnitzel" or prime boiled beef are supposed to be a great culinary experience over and over again!





With style, please!
Correspondingly aside from fresh and regional products, genuine Viennese dishes and originality are the special ingredients that matter most for Executive Chef Peter Lerner. The traditional cuisine served at WIMBERGERs wia z'Haus according to the motto of the hotel ARCOTEL Wimberger Vienna – colourful as life – always comes with a generous pinch of style.




Insiders' tip
For example, how about a bowl of fresh berries, thereupon a thin layer of biscuit and the whole thing covered with fluffy cream. The precise composition of this homemade specialty called "Wimberger Gatsch" is only known by our Executive Chef. Nevertheless, this promising dessert has what it takes to be a true Viennese classic.





WIMBERGERs wia z'Haus
at ARCOTEL Wimberger Vienna
Neubaugürtel 34-36
1070 Vienna
T +43 1 521 65-830
E wimberger@arcotelhotels.com
www.wimbergerswiazhaus.at
www.arcotelhotels.com/wimberger





Picture credit: ARCOTEL Hotels – publication free of charge

Where to go - Hamburg's breakfast and brunch hotspots

Although certain aspects, such as composition, time, and duration, may vary across different countries, the concept of taking a meal in the morning is firmly rooted in a wide range of cultures. Scientists have even found out that a delicious breakfast does not only brighten up the day but also boosts health, concentration and mental performance. To provide you with a head start into your Hamburg experience, we have therefore compiled a short list of the city's prime locations to while away the morning.

Situated directly on Jungfernstieg and thus in the heart of the city, the Alex invites its guests to mouth-watering breakfast delights in the Alsterpavillon building– a location which forms the ideal starting point for extensive shopping sprees. If you rather prefer the classical English tearoom atmosphere, you have to add Lühmanns Teestube to your must-visit list. Situated in the picturesque suburb of Blankenese along the River Elbe, Lühmanns Teestube offers a lavish buffet breakfast including traditional English specialities, such as scones and pies. Since the owners place utmost importance on both the ecological production and the organic origin of the ingredients served, the dishes on offer do not contain any flavour enhancers or other artificial additives. Located in a side street close to the Hamburg city hall, the Café Paris offers a wide range of exquisite breakfast treats to all those who prefer the French alternative. At this location, food is served directly to your table.

Exuding South Sea atmosphere, the Südseelounge of the Hamburg Beach Center constitutes a popular haunt for parents and kids who frequent the lounge's Aloha Family Brunches on Sundays. Children may play in the sand, while adults can relax over a sumptuous buffet and mouth-watering exotic fruits. If you are more of late rise person, the Café Absurd is absolutely the right place for you since breakfast including an amazing selection of teas is served until 6.00 pm. What is more, guests may use the café's WLAN internet access free of charge.

Tradition meets modernity at another culinary hotspot called "Café unter den Linden", which opened its doors in Hamburg in 1982. The café exclusively offers homemade cakes and dishes of reliable top quality while placing utmost importance on the organic origin of the ingredients served. As a result, its organic eggs, egg dishes and wholegrain bread are a real treat.

The location of the next restaurant is both unusual and historic as it is situated in the gym of a girls' school built in the Hamburg district of St. Georg in 1889. Called Turnhalle (which is German for "gym), the restaurant invites its guests to exquisite creations including mouth-watering breakfast delights served à la carte from 9.30 am. Equally situated in the entertainment district of St. Georg, the ARCOTEL Rubin's WIENER KAFFEE features the typically cosy ambience of a traditional Austrian café. With regard to the breakfast served there, guests can choose between a sweet and a savoury option for a price of EUR 9.00 each.

Art & Culture

Indulgence in best company
General Manager Fritz Nagl and the team of ARCOTEL Nike Linz hosted on Thursday, 7th of July, the last "Art & Culture" event before the summer break at KÉ café & bar. Enthusiasts of the fine arts were delighted by the current exhibition of the Italian painter Nevio Bedeschi in the 4-star-hotel at the Danube and all gourmets enjoyed the culinary part of the evening with the vintager of the month and the homemade treats – corresponding to the wines – out of the kitchen of dasRESTAURANT, the classic amonsgt the restaurants in Linz at the Danube.

Vintager of the month
Selected wines of the vineyard Franz-Josef Gritsch from Spitz in Lower Austria, together with small delicacies from the hotel's on-site restaurant, were served in the course of a commented wine tasting. The wines were an impressive testimonial for not only the traditional craftsmanship, but also the unique philosophy of the family Gritsch. Varietal typicity complemented by vineyard character and forward fruit, these are the three key features of the noble drops from Mauritiushof.

Musical Entertainment
Under the motto "Four hands, one piano" the pianists Wolfgang Schnaitl and Helmut Feitzlmayr provided from 8.00 to 10.00 p.m. the musical entertaiment for an amusing evening. Both their repertoire of cheerful songs from Boogie Woogie to Blues and their performance were the perfect setting for the finale of the event in the hotel bar in Linz. The guests enjoyed excellent wine, delicious nibbles and vigorous live music – all in all a beautiful and unforgettable night!

The photo album of the event is available at the gallery of the KÉ café & bar website www.ke-cafe-bar.at.

The upcoming "Art & Culture" event takes place at the 1st of September.


Photo credits: cityfoto.at | Photographer: David Katouly