Bravo
Announces New Series "Welcome to the Parker" Premiering July 26
6/28/07
BRAVO'S
NEW DOCU-SERIES 'WELCOME TO THE PARKER' TURNS SPOTLIGHT ON FIVE-STAR
CELEBRITY HAVEN -- THE PARKER PALM SPRINGS RESORT, PREMIERING JULY 26 AT
11 PM ET/PT
"I Have No Problem Being The Bad Guy As Long As It Brings The Hotel
To The Next Level," Said Samir Chraibi, Hotel Manager.
NEW YORK June 28, 2007 What does it take to maintain a pristine
reputation and meet the impossible demands of an A-list clientele at one
of the nation's top five-star resorts? Bravo goes inside the luxurious
world of the Parker Palm Springs hotel in the new docu-series
"Welcome to the Parker," premiering Thursday, July 26, at 11 PM
ET/PT (immediately following a new episode of "Hey Paula" at 10
PM). The series moves into it's regular 10 PM timeslot the following
Thursday, August 2. Each one-hour episode follows the inherent drama,
exhausting lives and complicated relationships between the top-notch hotel
staff and their exacting and sometimes very particular guests.
There's never a dull moment at this retreat for the rich and famous --
whether Parker designer Jonathan Adler demands a full-time "pillow
fluffer" to maintain the hotel's lush dιcor, or an over-the-top food
critic puts everyone in a tizzy, or a group of Hollywood insiders trash
the hotel's most expensive suite with a tricycle and too much beer.
"Bravo continues to create the kind of docu-drama series that our
viewers crave," said Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President of
Programming and Production. "This time we're pulling the curtain back
on the culture of high class hotels and taking a look at the unique
personalities that work and play at The Parker."
www.BravoTV.com will present a micro-site built around "Welcome to
the Parker" that features blogs from hotel staff featured on the
show, as well as bios and short histories. Additionally, the site will
feature video extras that include previews of coming episodes, extended
scenes not shown on air, and synopsis clips of each episode. The popular
photo galleries will feature photos of famous hotels, films set in hotels
and episodic galleries of each episode. Bravo Digital will introduce the
interactive "No-Tell Hotel" feature, wherein viewers can submit
their best or worst hotel stories via text or online, and Bravo will post
them to the site.
The Parker's hard-working staff must keep the hotel's sterling reputation
intact and is comprised of colorful personalities. Meet The Parker staff:
Samir Chraibi & Thomas Meding, The men in charge: Thomas, the
General Manager and German hotelier who knows what he wants and gets
it and Samir, a 6'6" Moroccan former pro basketball player turned
hotel manager, run The Parker. Together they preside over the estate
with a combination of military precision and European suave, while
scrutinizing every detail.
Michael Crawford, Host of mister parker's Restaurant: Michael runs
the ultra-chic hotel restaurant mister parker's. Dashing and looking
like a young George Hamilton, he's the consummate host and ensures the
right mood and tone for the restaurant. But don't expect to get a
table there if you don't have a reservation weeks ahead, unless he
takes a shine to you.
John Federbush, Chief Concierge: John prides himself on
the fact that he can get anything for anyone in the desert, and he
does it with a smile. His unconventional familiarity with guests is
both tolerated and encouraged at the Parker. His reputation as a
"hugger" is just part of the package, even if it makes Samir
squirm.
Lynne Dibley, HR Director: Lynne, an outspoken, brash, former
stand-up comic, trains new employees and is their best ally and
sometimes worst nightmare.
Rocio Varela, Executive Chef: With just one kitchen at The Parker to
service Norma's restaurant, mister parker's, all room service,
poolside dining and every banquet, meeting and wedding The Parker
hosts --- it's no surprise that a woman like Rocio presides over the
organized chaos. At the center of this hurricane, Rocio a
no-nonsense woman with standards higher than Thomas and Samir's and a
passion for perfection holds court and commands attention.
Michael Twomey, New Catering Sales Manager: Michael new to The
Parker and the hotel business has both people skills and flair for
presentation which make him a natural at the job. Michael's wit has
quickly made his presence felt, but he has a lot to learn, and
learning on the job is never easy.
Andrea Higgins, Sales: Andrea is an unflappable veteran of the hotel
business, but that doesn't mean it's her whole life. A self-professed
"social butterfly," she works to support her social life and
takes each new crisis and complaint with a grain of salt. Her tricks
of the hospitality trade are constantly being put to use to bail out
newbie Michael Twomey, her closest friend at The Parker.
Nathan Lourn, Room Service Waiter: Nathan's just trying to make a
living in Palm Springs, but working in room service places unusual and
unexpected demands. Guest requests come at all hours, and they want
everything imaginable and then some. Not an easy job, but Nathan gets
a kick out of the unique insight he gets into the private doings of
The Parker's well-heeled guests.
The Parker Palm Springs is a happy chic estate known for laid-back
relaxation. The hotel sits on 13 acres of landscaped property and
gardens with a natural backdrop of desert and mountains.
"Welcome to the Parker" is a production of snackaholic in
association with Bravo. Belisa Balaban and Ted Skillman are Executive
Producers for snackaholic. Frances Berwick, Amy Introcaso Davis and
Shari Levine are Executive Producers for Bravo.
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