Friday, June 15, 2012

Five-Star Bunkers

The Serena Hotel Kabul in 2007. A concrete wall was built around this part of the luxury hotel following a devastating attack in January 2008. Five people were killed.

Five-Star Bunkers: Luxury Hotels Tap into Conflict-Zone Market -- Spiegel Online

In places where hardly a tourist would dare to venture, the Serena Hotel chain offers its guests soft beds, fresh fruit and high security. But surrounded by barbed wire and concrete walls, is this war-zone luxury niche viable?

The hotel guest is relieved when the receptionist accepts his credit card with a smile. "Thank God," he says. "A few years ago, I couldn't pay with a card. No credit card companies had branches in Afghanistan! I'm relieved that I don't have to drive out to get cash." A journey through Kabul is not without "potentially fatal risks," he adds. But now all that can be avoided.

Read more ....

My Comment: This says something about the human condition. If there is a need for certain services, regardless of the situation someone will always find a way to fulfill it.

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