Pro-X-Travel

Priceline.com Offers Ground-Breaking Big Deal Hotel Price Guarantee

First major hotel reservation service to back its price guarantee with a $25 bounty

Priceline.com announced today the launch of a ground-breaking Big Deal Hotel Price Guarantee for its Name Your Own Price® hotel service.  With the launch of its Big Deal Guarantee, priceline.com is the first major online hotel reservation service to offer a $25 bounty to hotel customers who can find a lower price than what they paid for their reservations on priceline.com.

Here's how the Big Deal Hotel Price Guarantee works:  If a customer books a Priceline Name Your Own Price® hotel room and finds a better price any time up until the day before check-in, priceline.com will match that price, pay a $25 bounty and give the customer a $50 Priceline Vacation Package coupon.

"We believe that travelers want a hotel price guarantee with teeth," said priceline.com's Chief Marketing Officer, Brett Keller.  "Priceline's Big Deal Hotel Price Guarantee doesn't just guarantee the lowest price.  It guarantees that you'll get a great deal, and we're backing that guarantee all the way up to the day before check-in."

So why is priceline.com so confident of its hotel Big Deal prowess?  In a recent internal study, priceline.com looked at Name Your Own Price® hotel bookings for April 2010 in all star levels, and then compared those booked prices with the published rates available on Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz for the same hotels and dates.  The survey found that over 50% of the priceline.com customers saved at least 50% over competitors' published nightly rates.  All rates and prices used in the comparison excluded taxes and fees.                  

In addition to its Big Deal Hotel Price Guarantee for Name Your Own Price® hotel rooms, priceline.com offers its standard best price guarantee for published-price hotel rooms.  If a customer books a published-price hotel room through priceline.com and finds a better price online within 24 hours, priceline.com will refund the difference and give the customer a $50 Priceline Vacation Package coupon.

Here are some examples of Name Your Own Price® winning hotel bids recently made by priceline.com customers for major cities around the country.  These winning bids were shown on priceline.com on May 26, 2010.  Actual prices and availability are not guaranteed and can change at any time.

1. Miami, 4 stars, Miami Beach, from $160/night (51% savings).
   
2. Chicago, 4 stars, North Michigan Ave., from $100/night (50% savings).
3. Las Vegas, 3.5 stars, Las Vegas Strip vicinity South, from $55/night (52% savings).
4. Washington, DC, 3.5 stars, Convention Center/Capitol Hill, from $90/night (67% savings).

Priceline.com is an industry leader in increasing savings for traveling consumers.  In November 2007, priceline.com became the first major online travel agency to eliminate booking fees for all domestic and international airline tickets.  Then, in July 2008, priceline.com became the first major online travel agency to slash booking fees on its published-price hotel rooms.  Priceline.com also is known for being the only major online travel agency to offer a sunshine guarantee for its vacation packages in 2008 and is the only major online travel agency to offer hotel rooms, airline tickets and rental cars with the  Name Your Own Price® service.

SOURCE: Priceline.com

Fairmont To Create Archive of Peace Hotel Memories and Memorabilia

Fairmont Peace Hotel General Manager, Kamal Naamani has launched a nationwide hunt to source memories and memorabilia of Shanghai's beloved art deco landmark.  The hotel, which officially opened on August 1, 1929, was widely known as the luxurious "Number One mansion in the Far East" for its prime location along the Bund and for its grandeur, including the distinctive copper-sheathed roof that rises 77 meters above ground, white Italian marble floors, and priceless Lalique glass artwork.

The Peace Hotel has undergone three years of meticulous restoration to reinstate it to its rightful place as Shanghai's most prestigious hotel address. The hotel will have a phased launch with facilities opening from spring onwards culminating in the grand opening later this year. 

Fairmont also plans to open a Peace Hotel Museum and will create an archive showcasing wonderful stories and personal treasures where visitors can learn more about the unique and colorful history of Shanghai's most famous building. 

Whether it is silverware, chinaware, monogrammed goods, historic photographs, postcards, art, past menus, trinkets or great stories or anecdotes, Fairmont is interested "To fully showcase the rich heritage of China's grandest hotel, we'd love past guests to share with us their memories, memorabilia and  'borrowed' items so we can record and preserve history for future generations," commented Naamani.

Contributors who take the time to share their reminiscences and recollections will receive a special invitation to view the exhibition when it opens. Those that temporarily or permanently bequeath special items that are selected to be showcased in the museum will be invited to a cocktail reception hosted by Naamani in the fall.

 "As Shanghai's most beloved hotel, we take great pride in being the custodian of this legendary icon.   We know there are a number of pieces of memorabilia out there that have become personal treasures and wonderful memories.  We are excited to see what memories and items find their way back, and we're committed to creating an archive of this great landmark's history so we can continue to share this with future generations," says Naamani.

Those with submissions should include their name and contact details and send details to peacememories@fairmont.com along with fun stories or anecdotes about the provenance of the piece.

SOURCE: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Carlson Hotels Premieres Radisson Blue in the U.S.

Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced that it has signed a landmark agreement to develop the first Radisson Blu hotel in the United States. This USD 125 million development in Chicago is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011. It marks the company’s most important investment so far as part of Carlson Hotels’ Ambition 2015 growth strategy.

“Our ambition is to establish flagship hotels in major cities in the U.S., and the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel is a major step towards realizing that goal,” said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson.

 Ambition 2015 is fueled by an investment program of up to USD 1.5 billion focused on positioning Radisson in North America as a powerful, globally consistent first-class brand. Recognized around the world for its contemporary design, Radisson Blu delivers upper-upscale hospitality.

A joint venture between Carlson Hotels and Aqua at Lakeshore East LLC owner and developer, Magellan Development Group, Chicago’s Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel will be located on 18 floors of the 81-story tower. The mixed-use residential property received the 2009 Skyscraper of the Year Award for its fascinating shape, the appearance of which changes dramatically depending on the perspective.

“This venture is part of the moves we are making to align our U.S. brand with our global standards,” said Thorsten Kirschke, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Carlson Hotels, The Americas.

SOURCE: Carlson Hotels

Armani Hotel - $2,000 per night

Making "Green" History, W San Francisco Becomes First Hotel Belonging to Major Brand to Earn Silver LEED Certification for an Existing Building

Crowning an industry-leading, employee-driven green program, the four-diamond W San Francisco made history this week by earning the first LEED certification of an existing building belonging to a major hotel brand.

With its Silver LEED certification, W San Francisco becomes only the seventh hotel in the United States to receive the recognition for an existing building. Stringent criteria for an existing building certification measure "operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts," according to the U.S. Green Building Council, which administers LEED.

"For our guests, the green experience at W San Francisco is a seamless part of their overall W experience, which is extremely gratifying for us," said Michael Pace, W San Francisco's General Manager, and a sought-after speaker on green business practices. "W San Francisco is a leader in the area of sustainability and green practices for W Hotels Worldwide. Green has become part of modern living and is expected by our guests, who can feel our team's true passion for green practices, which are infused in everything we do, everyday."

Certified by the state of California as a green business, W San Francisco began its green program in 2007 with the passion of employees helping launch it. W San Francisco also won a 2008 "Good Earthkeeping" award, recognizing environmental leadership, from the California Hotel & Lodging Association.

Among the energy efficiency steps taken at W San Francisco without negatively impacting the sensory experience and atmosphere of the hotel: More than 70 percent of guestroom lighting and 90 percent of back-of-house lighting is energy efficient, using CFLs, LEDs, motion sensors, and other technologies; the hotel's HVAC cooling towers were replaced with energy-efficient models, saving 300 kWh/year; motion sensors power off HVAC in unoccupied guestrooms; and ENERGY STAR power management features are activated on all PCs. Management continues to track energy usage and savings with a third-party vendor through the hotel's utility company, PG&E. Lastly, to further improve energy efficiency and encourage the use of renewable energy, management is considering installing wind turbines on the hotel's roof--a first for a commercial building in the city.

W San Francisco added a green component to the W signature meeting experience, "Sensory Meetings," where all food and beverage is organic, biodynamic, and local. The hotel also hosts "zero-waste," carbon-neutral events through a partnership with "Live Neutral" carbon offsets.

W San Francisco's LEED certification means another milestone for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT), the hotel's parent company, adding to their portfolio of four new construction (LEED-NC) properties to obtain the coveted designation. Worldwide, Starwood has a total of 67 hotels that are either LEED certified or registered for or pursuing LEED certification.

Element, Starwood's new "green from the ground up" brand, made its own history by becoming first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue LEED certification.

LEED is an internationally recognized, third-party certification for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The LEED rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being. LEED's rating system offers four certification levels for new construction -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- that correspond to the number of credits accrued in five green design categories.

The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. It can be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified under LEED for New Construction, Schools, or Core & Shell.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

ADD RED SOX TICKETS TO YOUR STAY AT BOSTON’S COPLEY SQUARE HOTEL

BASEBALL IN BEANTOWN PACKAGE GIVES RED SOX NATION REASON TO CHEER

The Copley Square Hotel, Back Bay’s luxury boutique hotel, is offering the Baseball in Beantown package to celebrate the start of the 2010 Red Sox season on April 4. The hotel, which is within walking distance from Fenway Park, is offering a variety of ticket options that will not only get you into one of America’s Most Beloved Ballparks, but will also get you close to the action.

The package includes 2 bottles of water, 2 Red Sox hats, a box of Crackerjacks and game tickets. Ticket prices start at $85 each for centerfield bleacher and go up to $180 each for Loge Box Seats. Packages start at $417.50 plus tax, based on double occupancy. Tickets are subject to availability and prices exclude some games. Use promo code BRSP to book online. Guests can contact the Copley Square Hotel directly at 800-225-7062 about games and pricing.

The Copley Square Hotel is located at 47 Huntington Avenue at the corner of Exeter Street, in Boston, MA 02116. For more information, or to make reservations, please visit http://www.copleysquarehotel.com/.

SOURCE: The Copley Square Hotel

The Average Price of Hotel Room Drops 14% Globally

Hotel Prices at Level Last Seen in 2003

The average price of a hotel room was 14% lower in 2009 than in 2008, according to the Hotels.com(R) Hotel Price Index. Travellers spent 13% less on hotel rooms in Europe during 2009 than in 2008, 14% less in the U.S., 16% less in Asia and 21% less in Latin America.

In fact, the average price of a hotel room across the world was cheaper in 2009 that it was in 2004, when the HPI began. However, towards the end of 2009, the rate at which the average price of hotel room fell started to slow down.

The average price of a hotel room fell by just 7% year-on-year in Q4 2009, compared to 16% in Q1, 17% in Q2 and 14% in Q3.

David Roche, President of Hotels.com, comments:

"Step inside the time machine, turn the dial back to 2003, and compare hotel prices then and now. What's changed? Not much. Our latest Hotel Price Index, covering all of 2009, shows that prices fell globally by 14% on already weak 2008 figures, bringing consumer prices back to levels not seen since 2003. Despite some possible first signs of hotel prices recovering in Europe and the US in the last quarter of 2009, the promotions and great value look set to continue for some time yet. 2010 promises to be another great year for the traveller."

Price changes by end of 2009

Price falls started to level off towards the end of 2009 particularly in Europe and North America.

While hotel prices had fallen by double digits in the first three quarters of 2009 on both continents, by Q4 the rate of price falls was in single digits in both Europe (down 6% in Q4) and North America (down 7% in Q4).

Prices continued their slump in both Asia and Latin America though.

In Latin America prices fell by 10% year-on-year in Q4 whereas in Asia, the level of price falls experienced by hotels actually accelerated in Q4 2009 compared to the previous quarters. Hotel rates dropped 19% in Q4 in Asia compared to 17% in quarters two and three and 15% in Q1.

SOURCE Hotels.com

Holiday Inn Wall Street to Open in the Heart of New York City's FInancial District

Worldwide brand relaunch of Holiday Inn continues momentum in 2010

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the Holiday Inn Wall Street will open in April as the only full-service IHG property in the center of the Financial District in New York City.  This 20-story conversion property was newly built in 2009 and is located at 51 Nassau Street. 

The property will showcase the brand’s new sign, which is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.  The Holiday Inn brand relaunch is the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, with more than 3,300 hotels around the world being updated - improving quality and driving consistency at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world. The global estate is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010, and more than 1,700 hotels have already been relaunched to date.

The Holiday Inn Wall Street is in a prime location for both business and leisure travelers alike.  Located directly across the street from the Federal Reserve Bank and just a block north of the New York Stock Exchange, business travelers will be centrally located in the business capital of the world and only minutes from all of the major financial institutions on Wall Street.  Leisure travelers will also be conveniently located near popular attractions such as South Street Seaport, Battery Park and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty.  For those wanting to explore more of the city, subway access is just one block from the hotel.

“Developing strong relationships with companies like McSam Hotel Group and Hersha Hospitality Management, gives IHG the opportunity to grow our portfolio in the right markets for our guests and their travel needs,” said Jim Anhut, chief development officer, the Americas, IHG.  “Despite the current economic market, we’ve opened four IHG properties in New York City in the past year, and this Holiday Inn Wall Street is additional proof of the strength of our brands and the commitment of our owners and franchisees.”  

The Holiday Inn Wall Street is owned by McSam Hotel Group and managed by Hersha Hospitality Management, LP, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.  This is the 18th IHG property being managed by Hersha Hospitality Management in the United States. 

"We are delighted to work with IHG around this exciting launch of the new Holiday Inn Wall Street, which will quickly become an urban jewel at the heart of Lower Manhattan,” said Naveen P. Kakarla, Executive Vice President of Hersha Hospitality Management.  “This assignment also marks a continuation of Hersha's fast growing third party management platform and is our twelfth hotel under management in New York City."

The 113 guestrooms each feature a 32 inch flat-panel TV, a Herman Miller ergonomic desk chair, granite countertops, Speakman showerheads, cordless speaker phone and free high-speed wired and wireless internet access. 

Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and a full service restaurant providing the Holiday Inn Best-4-Breakfast menu, featuring signature items such as Cinnamon Supreme French Toast™ and Skillet Inspirations™.  Room Service Right…On Time™, also a standard at all Holiday Inn hotels, ensures that guests’ room service orders are accurate and delivered on time, every time. 

Elements of the Holiday Inn brand relaunch include:

Redesigned Brand Signage

An evolution of the iconic script logo, energizing the signature color green and eliminating the current shield shape for a more refreshed and contemporary look.

Refreshed Guest Room

New bedding that redefines the look and feel of each guest room with fresh, white triple- sheeting and pillows that come in two comfort levels: “soft” and “firm.” An enhanced  bathroom that features an improved showerhead offering superior pressure, as well as a  signature shower curtain with curved rod and new amenities to deliver a consistent bath  experience that feels fresh and contemporary.

Warm Welcome

A new signature arrival – including new lighting, landscaping and design features – that creates an energized and branded sense of welcome that is universally recognizable.  Customized music and scent selections also engage guests in a complete sensory experience, and a decluttered front desk to promote a more efficient and interactive check-in process.

New Service Promise

A best-in-class service culture – “Stay Real” – to further ensure the team develops the behaviors and skills to best serve guests so they feel like individuals and not numbers. Genuine people delivering real service. Leading the charge, will be a newly created position at each hotel – the Guest Experience Champion.

SOURCE Holiday Inn

Hard Rock Hotel Singapore Opens at Resorts World Sentosa

HARD ROCK'S NEWEST LOCATION WILL OFFER GUESTS A LUXURY ENVIRONMENT COMBINED WITH A UNIQUE MUSIC VIBE

Hard Rock International proudly announces the opening of Hard Rock Hotel Singapore.  Launched with a ceremonial lion dance and ribbon-cutting, the luxurious, 360-room hotel is part of Resorts World Sentosa, a US $4.4 billion resort destination on Sentosa Island.

Opened in January 2010, the 49-hectare Resorts World Sentosa is Singapore's first integrated family resort destination, complete with Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest Marine Life Park, six unique hotels offering 1,800 rooms, more than 60 dining outlets and a casino.

Hard Rock properties offer stylish and contemporary design, unparalleled service and the thread that unites them all - music. The properties are situated in resort destinations with unique character and tourist appeal as well as in urban gateway cities. Hard Rock Hotels cater to the evolving and distinctive needs of today's experienced, modern travelers, who seek a reprieve from traditional, predictable properties, whether for business or leisure travel. 

"The highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is a welcome addition to the Hard Rock Hotel portfolio," says Hamish Dodds, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hard Rock International.  "This development and our relationship with Genting Group and Resorts World complement Hard Rock Hotel's expansion strategy in premier locations worldwide, and will serve as a perfect backdrop for the continued growth of Hard Rock's portfolio."

The Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, a nearly $223 million venture, is one of six unique destination hotels at Resorts World Sentosa, which include Festive Hotel, Crockfords Tower, Hotel Michael, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas. The hotel offers 360 keys (including nine suites and 351 rooms), modern conference facilities with 26 meeting rooms and Asia's largest column-free ballrooms with seating for 7,300 guests.  Featuring the latest in audio-visual equipment, the ballroom will be an ideal venue for concerts, seminars, performances and banquets and can be further subdivided into smaller ballrooms or separate conference halls for more intimate affairs.  The Rock Pool, a quintessential Hard Rock element, is a focal area for both music and relaxation, as well as a social gathering place.

The Hard Rock Hotel guest rooms incorporate Hard Rock's tradition of providing luxury, quality service and amenities with a distinctive music edge.   A retreat for chic jet-setters, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is also the perfect family destination.  Deluxe twin rooms can accommodate up to five guests, with an extra pull-out bed for kids.

The hotel offers destination dining venues and high-energy bar locations providing both locals and hotel guests a place to see and be seen. Starz Restaurant, a stylish modern restaurant designed in contemporary style, offers a relaxing al fresco dining area overlooking the Rock Pool.  Inspired by the healthy and energetic lifestyle of Singapore, the restaurant's buffet-style dining with live cooking stations complements an A la Carte menu with the culinary flavors of Morocco, Europe, Middle East and Australia.  The Rock Bar, located on the second level of the hotel, is a trendy lounge and bar complete with a DJ spinning rock and techno music.  The menu features a selection of premium wines, liquors and champagnes, as well as Hard Rock's famous cocktails.  Finally, the award-winning Rang Mahal Group's latest dining concept of Indian cuisine is housed at the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore.  With the dining mood and decor inspired by the colorful celebrations of India using vivid colors and ethnic Indian instruments, the stylish restaurant pays tribute to "a celebration of Indian cuisine" with its menu highlighting classical Indian favorites as well as new, trendy dishes that embody the new generation of fusion flavors.

Chief Executive Officer of Resorts World Sentosa, Mr. Tan Hee Teck said, "We are excited to welcome our guests to the renowned Hard Rock Hotel in Singapore.  As a family destination with two of Asia's largest attractions, Universal Studios Singapore and the Marine Life Park, we believe that Hard Rock Hotel adds not only sizzle to our appeal, but excitement to accommodation options in the region.''   

"The Seminole Tribe of Florida is excited about the opening of our newest Hard Rock development in Southeast Asia," noted Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International. "It's a testament to the brand that we have such incredible strategic partners and ample opportunity for global growth in emerging locations."

SOURCE Hard Rock International

TownePlace Suites by Marriott to be Baltimore BWI Airport's First LEED-Certified Hotel

Making Investment in Going Green at Two Baltimore-Area Properties

TownePlace Suites by Marriott At Baltimore BWI Airport will receive LEED Existing Building Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making the hotel the first property at BWI Airport to have that distinction.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and operated to provide enhanced energy savings, water efficiency, emissions reduction and overall environmental quality.  LEED certification is available for existing buildings that have been retrofitted to comply with USGBC standards and those newly constructed.  

The TownePlace Suites property, built in 2007, is undergoing comprehensive programs to qualify for LEED status, including composting all breakfast waste to achieve zero waste, using sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning products, replacing plumbing hardware with low-flow devices and purchasing renewable energy wind credits to offset the hotel's carbon footprint.

"We're thrilled that the TownePlace Suites property will be BWI Airport's first LEED certified hotel," said Michelle Emley, general manager of the hotel.  "Going green is not only good business, it's the right thing to do.  Because we host so many business and leisure travelers every day, we have the opportunity to set a great example and teach people the easy steps they can take to make their own homes more environmentally friendly."

The owners of the TownePlace Suites property also recently opened downtown Baltimore's first green hotel, on track for Gold LEED-certification, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Baltimore on S. President Street, blocks from the Inner Harbor.  Located on the site of the former Baltimore Brewing Company, the hotel's distinctive and environmentally friendly design includes a rain barrel made from the brewery's repurposed grain storage silo, which is now used to capture and store rain water to serve the property's landscaping irrigation needs.

Both the TownePlace Suites Baltimore BWI and the Green Fairfield Inn Baltimore have also been awarded the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Rating, the first step in LEED certification.  ENERGY STAR, which provides an energy performance rating system used for consumer products, appliances and commercial and industrial buildings, is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.  Buildings that rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency qualify for the ENERGY STAR.

SOURCE TownePlace Suites by Marriott At Baltimore BWI Airport

Starwood Announces First of Three Luxury Collection Hotels to Debut in Peru

Starwood's Renowned Luxury Collection Brand To Double Portfolio in South America As Rising Demand and Secular Trends Drive Hotel Development

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in a franchise agreement with Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas, today announced the opening of Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, marking the debut of the first of three Luxury Collection hotels opening in Peru over the next two years. Ideally located on Peru's pristine southern Pacific coast and surrounded by the Paracas National Reserve and the Ballestas Islands, Hotel Paracas features 120 guest rooms with private terraces, a 5,000 square foot spa, two outdoor pools, more than 5,000 square feet of event space and two signature restaurants and lounges. The Luxury Collection and Libertador will also soon unveil Tambo del Inka, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in the sacred valley of Urubamba followed by the 2011 opening of Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco, the capital of the ancient Incan Empire. Each spectacular property will seamlessly integrate local customs, culture and natural influences to offer global travelers unique and exceptional experiences in one of Latin America's most culturally diverse destinations.

"The Luxury Collection brand has important penetration in South America and allows us to keep the identity of places we have and cherish," says Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas CEO Jorge Melero. "Our strategic plan for the next five years extends beyond Peru's borders, and we look forward to future collaborations with Starwood."

"The new Luxury Collection hotel in Paracas will provide guests with a magical setting enhanced by exceptional service and indigenous design," said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America.

A scenic three-hour drive south of Lima, Hotel Paracas offers limitless opportunities to experience Peru's rich history and natural wonders. Guests can enjoy one of the world's largest wildlife reserves from a private 52-foot luxury yacht with excursions to the Ballestas Islandsand the Paracas Nature Reserve, a 900,000-acre marine park along the country's pristine southern Pacific coast. Guests are also invited to explore the region's mesmerizing Nazca Lines, one of ancient Peru's most impressive petroglyphs in the desert, which can be best experienced via the hotel's private airplane.

"The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations, offering guests unique, authentic and enriching experiences at spectacular destinations around the world," said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. "Celebrated for its pristine location and ecological wonders, Hotel Paracas adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection brand's glittering portfolio."

Designed by world renowned architect Bernardo Fort-Bresciawith interiors by Caparra Entelman & Associates, Hotel Paracas is inspired by the region's ecological wonders, stunning Pacific setting and diverse heritage. Combining rich imported fabrics with indigenous textiles and ceramics to reflect Peru's heritage, the interiors feature subtle yet striking bamboo and rattan accents to complement the seaside surroundings and offer a soothing yet luxurious environment. Guest rooms feature private terraces with breathtaking views of the Pacific, 400-thread Peruvian cotton sheets and locally sourced wood furniture. Abstract designs on fabrics and floor coverings reflect the geometric patterns found on ancient Paracas textiles created by the Pre-Incan ancient Paracas people who are celebrated for their advanced textile manufacturing skills. Guests can choose from three types of rooms including bungalows, villas, and chalets. All rooms offer state-of-the-art modern technology, including 37" LCD TVs, Wi-Fi enabled-high speed Internet access and iPod docking stations.

Dining at Hotel Paracas indulges the senses with diverse, sea-inspired menus ranging from modern interpretations of authentic Peruvian cuisine to exceptional Mediterranean fare. Signature dishes include the Costa Sur, grilled sole and garlic sautéed prawns served with loche pumpkin honey, orange purée and asparagus, as well as the more traditional Peruvian Cebiches and Tiraditos, thin slices of fish marinated in lemon or chili rocoto cream; desserts include Tocinillo del Cielo, coconut crème caramel served in traditional Peruvian colonial style and Grapes Evolution, a Pisco-scented Madeleine cake with flambé grapes and borgoña grape sorbet.

The hotel's bar, lounge and both swimming pools face directly onto the Pacific Ocean, inviting guests to further relax amidst breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. The main pool area also includes private day beds and serves light fare and international cocktails with a special Pisco (Peruvian brandy) menu featuring various twists on Peru's national signature, the Pisco Sour.

The perfect destination for a wedding or business affair, Hotel Paracas offers more than 5,000 square feet of event space with state of the art technology and access to its 24-hour business center. Guests are invited to unwind at the hotel's luxurious spa, featuring a variety of indigenous treatments, sauna, steam room and fitness center.

Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas is Peru's largest hotel owner and operator and in collaboration with Starwood will debut the first Westin in South America with the opening of Libertador Westin Lima by the end of 2010. The award-winning hotels and resorts that make up The Luxury Collection are some of the world's most iconic properties, including The Grande Bretagne; Hotel Marqués de Riscal; Mystique; Hotel Danieli; The U.S. Grant, The Palace Hotel and The Phoenician.

SOURCE: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Marriott Rewards' Popular MegaBonus Promotion Sends Members on Their Way to a Free Vacation With up to 25,000 Bonus Points

Earn 2,500 bonus points for every stay beginning with the second stay

Marriott Rewards, Marriott International Inc.'s award-winning guest loyalty program, is awarding up to 25,000 bonus points for stays* between February 1 and April 30, 2010. Members will earn 2,500 bonus points per stay beginning with their second stay up to a total of 25,000 bonus points.

Members must register between January 1 and March 31, 2010. For more information, terms & conditions or to register, visit MarriottRewards.com/Megabonus or call 1-888-MARRIOTT (627-7468). Once registered, members can log onto MarriottRewards.com/PromotionCentral to view their bonus progress.

Marriott Rewards MegaBonus points can be earned at more than 3,100 Marriott International hotels around the world, including Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott® Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance® Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott®, Residence Inn by Marriott®, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott®, TownePlace Suites by Marriott®, SpringHill Suites by Marriott®, and Marriott Vacation Club®( )International.

Marriott Rewards has no blackout dates and points can be redeemed for hotel stays, frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, brand-name merchandise and more. Marriott Rewards won the 2009 Freddie Award for "Best Hotel Rewards Program" and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Travel Savvy, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

To make a reservation, members can call 1-800-228-9290 or visit Marriott.com. For information about Marriott Rewards, guests can call 1-800-450-4442 or log onto MarriottRewards.com.

*A "stay" is defined as consecutive nights spent in the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

40% Off Hyatt Resorts for One Day Only!!

EDITOR’S NOTE: As you know, we rarely post travel news related to specific internet deals. However, in the case of Hyatt’s offer, 40-percent off on their product is an exceptional bargain worth mentioning.

Get It While It's Hot- An Early Holiday Gift From Hyatt Resorts

Book a Hyatt Resort on Wednesday, December 16 and receive 40% off for stays now through May 31, 2010

Give in to the urge to get away, and take advantage of this exclusive 24-HOUR SPECIAL OFFER, available for Hyatt Resort stays through May 31, 2010. With a long winter ahead, seize the opportunity to save 40% off the daily rate on all room categories at any Hyatt Resort in the U.S. and Caribbean by booking your Hyatt Resort stay on Wednesday, December 16 from 12:01 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. all local time zones.

Escape to your dream destination at a Hyatt Resort in Hawaii, California, Florida, the Caribbean and more while indulging in Hyatt's delectable dining options and well-deserved pampering at a Hyatt Pure Spa.

Hyatt Resorts 40% off sale offer is valid for booking only on 12/16/09 for travel 12/16/09 to 5/31/10 at participating resorts in the U.S. and Caribbean. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance requesting offer code 24HRPR. Full non-refundable prepayment required at time of booking. Limited rooms available and blackout dates may apply. Guests can book online at www.hyatt.com or by calling 1-800-55-HYATT. For additional information about Hyatt Resorts 40% sale and full terms and conditions of the package, visit www.hyattresorts24hoursale.com

Participating Hyatt Resorts include:

• Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort and Casino
• Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
• Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa (Opening February 2010)
• Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort and Spa (Opening March 2010)
• Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Villas and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort
• Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino
• Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa
• Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa

SOURCE Hyatt Resorts

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces Recognized yet Again by Leading Hotels of the World for 2009

 Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has been once again recognized for its excellence and service for its properties - Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives and Taj West End Bangalore - at the Leading Hotels of the World Annual Convention held in Venice, Italy in November 2009. The high standards of these hotels and their commitment to excellence has been identified post a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioral standards.

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives sets a new benchmark of excellence, winning the eighth annual Commitment to Quality Award in the Asia Pacific region and receiving the Grand Prize Winner award for displaying outstanding levels of quality in all elements of a luxury hotel experience.

The Taj West End, Bangalore has been presented the Fourth Annual Commitment to Excellence Awards, acknowledging hotels whose concept of service and makes an exceptional effort towards community development and extending beyond service, to areas of the environment, community outreach and cultural support.

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives seamlessly extends the magic of the island's blessed natural beauty in its design even as it offers the finest contemporary luxuries and services. This award winning resort scored an overall average of 95.6%, the highest rating within the Leading Quality Assurance audit. The property has exceeded expectations over and above the 450 + members within the group and was recognized as a Grand Prize Winner. Situated in the middle of one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Maldives is an intimate and romantic island resort lush with tropical plants and encircled with clear blue waters. The resort has implemented a range of initiatives to substantially reduce its carbon foot print and has the distinction of being Maldives first Green Globe Certified resort. Over the last year, the resort has introduced numerous culinary offerings and revitalized accommodation with private pools being added to all of the Deluxe Lagoon Villas. The piece de resistance is the Jiva Grande Spa - a private island sanctuary offering a range of Indian wellness signature treatments and rituals.

Taj West End, Bangalore has welcomed guests for over a century and is more a legend than a hotel. Nestled in the midst of 20 acres of magnificent gardens, it is an experience of luxury in refined style and warm relaxed comfort. Going beyond its purview of hospitality, the hotel has engaged in community development keeping in line with the existing Taj corporate policy. The policy lays emphasis on creating sustainable livelihoods and building community through social outreach programs in Health, Education, Empowerment of Women & Youth, and Employee Volunteering. The main causes include reducing malnutrition, promoting indigenous artisans and craftsmen and increasing employability by sharing of Taj's core competencies. Taj Hotels encourage disability recruitment and empowerment of candidates from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds. These can be measured in terms of their having more lasting benefits, of building a sustainable environment by reducing the impact of daily operations on the environment, by improving operational efficiencies, resource conservation & usage of renewable resources.

The Taj West End, Bangalore has also received top honors in the prestigious "Conde Nast Readers Travel Awards 2009" by being listed amongst the top 10 overseas Business hotels in World.

The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world's finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of http://www.lhw.com and http://www.lhwspas.com. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in more than 22 major markets across the globe.

SOURCE The Indian Hotels Company Limited

The Pierre Hotel NYC has Five New Diamonds

The Pierre hotel, re-opened this year after a $100 million renovation, has been awarded a 2010 AAA Five Diamond rating, an accolade that recognizes it as among the best in North America. This award puts the Pierre solidly in the elite group of just 113 five diamond hotels across America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

"We are honored to receive this award in our first year of re-opening," said Heiko Kuenstle, general manager of The Pierre. "It is a tribute to our staff and our pursuit of excellence. Our determination, from the moment we took over management of this hotel in 2005, has always been to be recognized as among the very best hotels in New York - which of course is tantamount to ranking among the world's best. We say that with a full understanding that our job now only gets harder and that is to live up to the five diamond rating, every day and in every interaction with every guest."

Raymond Bickson, CEO and managing director of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces said, "Taj has always prided itself on running some of the best hotels in Asia, a fact that has repeatedly been acknowledged in international ranking going back decades. In India, our home base, Taj has always been synonymous with the very best. We are just delighted with this AAA Five Diamond award because it is an acknowledgment that Taj style and ongoing pursuit of excellence have been successfully transferred to North America."

The $100 million renovation of the Pierre involved updating and reconfiguring just about every public space and guest room in the hotel, with an eye firmly on creating an elegance that suits both the Fifth Avenue history of this iconic hotel and the realities of the 21st century. The renovation involved bringing new thinking to meeting the needs of today's global traveler.

The AAA Five Diamond rating is considered North America's premier ratings system, with the organization's professionally trained evaluators inspecting more than 58,000 hotels annually. Less than one percent of the over 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this prestigious designation.

The Pierre, on Fifth Avenue overlooking New York's Central Park, first opened in 1930. The iconic hotel with 189 guestrooms, including 49 suites, was acquired by Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces as the luxury chain's U.S. flagship in 2005. The Pierre, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, re-opened June 1, 2009, following a $100 million renovations program to redesign all guestroom and bath interiors and add a new restaurant, Le Caprice, and a new destination lounge and bar, Two E. To book reservations: 1-800-743-7734 or www.tajhotels.com/pierre.

Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest groups of hotels, comprising 65 hotels in 48 locations across India with an additional 15 international hotels. Taj is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. For more on Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces: www.tajhotels.com.

SOURCE Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces

Marriott Refreshes the Marriott.com Experience

Now Easier for Customers to Find, Book Hotels, and Earn Marriott Rewards(R) Points

With Over $6 Billion in Annual Gross Revenue, Marriott.com is the 7th Largest Online Retail Site

Marriott International has unveiled the new look of Marriott.com, the world's 7th largest online consumer retail site.* It is the first in a series of improvements to Marriott.com that will make it easier for guests to find and book hotels and manage their Marriott Rewards® account online. Customers will also continue to earn Marriott Rewards® points, get the lowest rates backed by Marriott's Look No Further® Best Rate Guarantee, and incur no cancellation fees on most reservations.

The improvements include a modernized look and feel, more intuitive layout, and one-click guest access to their Marriott Rewards® account from anywhere in the site. These customer-driven changes are the first in a series over the next year.

To see the new site, go to Marriott.com.

"Marriott.com is the largest point of interaction with our customers. It receives more than 12 million visits each month and more than 75 percent of our guests say they use our website when planning or booking their hotel stays," noted Shafiq Khan, senior vice president, eCommerce for Marriott International. "When we surveyed guests, they gave Marriott.com the highest satisfaction rate -- 92 percent -- of all possible booking channels. Today customers make 2,000 times more bookings in an hour on Marriott.com than they did in 1999, making it our company's fastest growing booking channel."

Despite the success and exponential growth of the site, intensive customer testing revealed new visitors could find the site confusing, and often left and booked hotels elsewhere. Marriott reached out and involved its customers in evaluating multiple new design concepts for Marriott.com, ultimately landing on one that those customers described as "innovative," "simple and easy to use," "intuitive to navigate" and "more interactive."

For the redesign, Marriott kept aspects of the site that were working well for frequent guests, but have now also made it much easier for a large under-served segment of newer customers to navigate, find, and book what they need on Marriott.com. This in turn will generate more revenue and cut booking costs. The changes also take effect on Marriott's international websites in the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Latin America, Australia, Japan, Korea, Brazil and France.

To encourage customers to experience the new design, Marriott is giving consumers and Marriott Rewards® members chances to win travel and gift card prizes in online sweepstakes running now through December 8. To learn about the new site changes and to enter the sweepstakes, go to www.marriottdelivers.com/rewards for Marriott Rewards® members and www.marriottdelivers.com for all other customers. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

Luxury Line of Travel Bamboo Bed Linens a Must Have This Holiday Season.

BedVoyage Travel Blankets, Pillowcases, and Bed Sheets are perfect gifts for holiday travel during the cold and flu season

As the Holidays approach, BedVoyage, a new eco-friendly home-lifestyle brand, is proud to announce the launch of its 100% organic bamboo bed linens just in time for holiday travel. Using only the highest thread counts and the most luxurious fabric, BedVoyage offers lavish comfort and style and is now exclusively available at www.BedVoyage.com

Great for gifts, these soft as silk travel linens are perfect for holiday excursions. The BedVoyage line includes: travel blankets, travel-size zippered pillowcases, and sheets. The sheets consist of a top sheet secured to a deep fitted sheet with invisible-zippered, logo-embroidered pillowcases, making bed assembly easy. The sheet set conveniently folds into a compact matching fabric travel tote.

"With the cold and flu season upon us, people need a safe layer of protection and BedVoyage linens offers travelers the opportunity to snuggle down in an ultra-hygienic environment. Most airlines don't provide pillows and blankets to passengers anymore, so why not carry your own and be comfortable and safe," explains Sharon Stuart, founder & CEO, BedVoyage. "BedVoyage's patent-pending design, along with invisible zippered pillowcases, guarantees the most secure encasement and protection against allergens, dust mites, and germs. I am confident that our products allow our customers to have a comfortable, sound and healthy sleep."

Soft as silk, BedVoyage bamboo sheet sets are organic, sustainable, biodegradable, naturally antibacterial and odor-resistant. Bamboo is naturally thermostatic-warm in the winter and cool in summer-and it wicks away moisture better than other natural fibers. These luxury bed sheets are also hypo-allergenic, as bamboo needs neither pesticides nor herbicides in the fields.

Offered in either bamboo leaf green or white, BedVoyage travel linens can be purchased online at www.BedVoyage.com.

Products are available online at www.BedVoyage.com, and Amazon. BedVoyage customer service line: 1-866-275-8656.

Tips by Sharon Stuart, Founder of BedVoyage on how to travel this busy holiday season to minimize any possibility of contracting an illness:

1. Pack your own sheets.
2. Pack anti-bacterial wipes and if flying: wipe your tray table, arm rests and seat buckle.
3. If someone sneezes or has a bad cough near you, cover your face with your shirt or jacket for a moment or two until their bacteria settles and is not so airborne.
4. When arriving at your hotel: slip the tv remote into a plastic bag and use it through the bag, to keep germs away from your hands.
5. Do not drink out of the water glasses that the hotel supplies, unless they are plastic cups, and are covered in a wrapper.
6. Rinse the coffee pot out with hot water, and wash the coffee cups before using
7. Always wear socks or slippers in the hotel room as the carpet is notorious for harboring bacteria.

SOURCE: BedVoyage

Marriott Accelerates Green Hotel Development

LEED(R) Certified Hotel Prototype Will Reduce Costs and Enhance Speed to Market

Marriott International, Inc. announced today that it will expand its green hotel portfolio ten-fold over the next five years by introducing a green hotel prototype that will be pre-certified LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), an internationally recognized green building certification system designed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The green hotel prototype, which will be available in April 2010, will save owners approximately $100,000 and six months in design time, and reduce a hotel's energy and water consumption by up to 25 percent, based on national averages. These savings, combined with incentives offered in many jurisdictions, could provide a payback for the LEED building investment in about two years.

The green hotel prototype, referred to by the USGBC as "volume build certification," has been created for Marriott's Courtyard brand, which has a development pipeline of nearly 160 hotels worldwide. In 2010, the company expects to introduce similar green hotel prototypes for its Fairfield Inn, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and TownePlace Suites brands, which represent more than 290 hotels in the pipeline worldwide.

"Marriott's' commitment makes it among the first in the world to commit to implementing green buildings on this scale," said Doug Gatlin, Vice President, USGBC. Marriott was the first hospitality member of the USGBC, and has more than 20 LEED accredited professionals on staff.

While many of the benefits of LEED certification, such as improved energy savings, better indoor air quality and reduced CO2 emissions, are transparent to guests, others are easier to identify such as easy access to public transportation, in-room recycling, and light sensors in the guest rooms. These features are becoming even more important to travelers, who said that supporting environmentally-responsible travel service suppliers is a necessity, even in an economic downturn, according to the U.S. Travel Association and Ypartnership.

"The green hotel prototype gives Marriott a competitive edge with guests who prefer a green hotel experience, and with the growing number of owners and franchisees who want to provide it," said Arne Sorenson, Marriott's President and Chief Operating Officer at the USGBC's annual Green Build conference in Phoenix today.

The Courtyard Settler's Ridge in Pittsburgh, Penn., scheduled to open in the summer of 2010, will be the first to be built based on the new green hotel prototype concept. "We are very excited to have collaborated with Marriott on this significant initiative to help mold the Courtyard brand to be green for the future. We are committed to green building designs which are now being incorporated at different levels in every building we develop. We expect to build many more LEED-certified hotels using this prototype in the future," said Mark Laport, president and CEO, Concord Hospitality.

Marriott already has 50 hotels registered for LEED, with 15 open or set to open by the end of 2010. The Inn & Conference Center by Marriott at the University of Maryland in College Park was the first LEED hotel in North America, and Marriott's recently opened Portland Courtyard City Center in Oregon was just awarded LEED-Gold status. Other green hotels are planned in the Caribbean and Latin America, in partnership with Caribe Hospitality. As a benchmark, there are only 31 LEED-certified hotels across the entire U.S. lodging industry.

Building on more than 20 years of energy conservation experience, Marriott is committed to protecting the environment. The company's Spirit To Preserve environmental strategy calls for: Greening its $10 billion supply chain; further reducing fuel and water consumption by 25 percent per available room; creating green construction standards for hotel developers to achieve LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council; educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment; and helping protect the rainforest. Earlier this year, Marriott invited guests to add to the company's $2 million commitment to help save the rainforest in Brazil. More information is available at www.marriott.com/savetherainforest or www.marriott.com/green-brazilian-rainforest.mi.

Marriott was recently ranked one of Newsweek's "The Greenest Big Companies," and has been recognized for its environmental leadership in the hotel industry by several groups, including Ceres, an alliance of investors and environmentalists; the non-profit organization ClimateCounts.org; and Travel + Leisure magazine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored Marriott with its Sustained Excellence Award for the third straight year, and has awarded its ENERGY STAR® label to approximately 275 Marriott hotels.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

The Plaza Hotel Awarded Prestigious 2010 AAA Five Diamond Rating

New York City's legendary Plaza Hotel (www.ThePlaza.com) has been awarded a 2010 AAA Five Diamond Rating by AAA, an independent federation of not-for-profit automobile clubs that provide comprehensive travel services to its 51 million members, joining the ranks of an elite group of hotels across the United States. This is the first time in The Plaza Hotel's 102-year history that the AAA Five Diamond Rating was awarded to the hotel, recognizing The Plaza Hotel as one of most distinguished hotels in the world.

The AAA Five Diamond Rating is considered North America's premier ratings system, with the organization reviewing more than 60,000 hotels annually. Less than one percent of the over 31,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this prestigious designation. The Plaza Hotel was awarded Five Diamonds based on an extensive list of criteria that recognizes the hotel's superior guest service, spacious guest rooms, luxury furnishings, exceptional architecture, fine dining, excellent shopping and unmatched hotel services and amenities.

"We are honored to have received such a prestigious award from an organization as influential as AAA," says Shane Krige, General Manager of The Plaza Hotel. "The Plaza Hotel's Five Diamond Rating illustrates our ongoing commitment to providing an outstanding luxury experience for our clientele."

The Plaza Hotel also includes The Shops at The Plaza, occupying 160,000 square feet including a Caudalie Vinotherapie® Spa, featuring an 800 square foot wine lounge that is unique to the Plaza Hotel, Fitness Center by Radu Physical Culture and a Warren-Tricomi Salon; and culinary options including the elegant Champagne Bar offering an incomparable selection of Champagnes; The Rose Club, a stylish new cocktail lounge; and The Oak Room and Oak Bar, originally opened in 1945, providing a quintessential New York experience for hotel guests and residents alike.

Additionally, The Plaza includes the Grand Ballroom, a New York City landmark retaining the neo-classical decor of its original design. The meticulous restoration of the Grand Ballroom includes the elaborate chandeliers, balconies featuring curved ornamental railings and attached iconic columns, and six landmark murals. Offering 21,000 square feet of meeting space with seven new meeting rooms, including the Grand Ballroom and the Terrace Room, The Plaza is the premier location for events and meetings in New York City.

SOURCE The Plaza Hotel

W Hotels Worldwide Opens Its Ninth Hotel in 2009 with the Unveiling of W Boston

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils its latest insider escape with the opening of W Boston and The Residences at W Boston, the W brand’s 35^th hotel globally. Owned and developed by Sawyer Enterprises, W Boston is the newest addition to Boston’s historic and revitalized Theatre District, located in the heart of Midtown, near Downtown and the Back Bay. The landmark is set to inspire jetsetters and locals alike with spectacular design that sets the stage for W’s fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience: 123 W-branded residences; Descent, an underground bar and lounge to be overseen by master mixologist Sasha Petraske; Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s casual restaurant, Market; Bliss®, New York’s hottest spa, making its Boston debut; approximately 5,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space; SWEAT® state-of-the-art fitness center; and W Hotels The Store, the W brand’s twist on the traditional hotel gift shop.

“As our 35^th W Hotel and ninth hotel to open in 2009 alone, W Boston marks a true milestone in W’s global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Renowned designers Bentel & Bentel have designed a landmark building that takes a modern twist on Boston’s historic green spaces, creating a true urban oasis for guests and locals alike.”

“This is such an exciting day for those who have been involved,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Sawyer Enterprises, Carol Sawyer Parks. “For a long time all of Sawyer Enterprises believed in this location, believed in this product, believed in this brand, and to see it come to fruition today is certainly a dream come true. It’s the result of a great deal of hard work, dedication and commitment from so many, and I would like to thank them for their time and energy. If I had to sum up the excitement of today and this feeling in one word, it would be ‘Wow!’”

“With the help of our Boston Invests in Growth pool initiative, Boston does not have to wait a moment longer to have the world-class W Hotel open its doors, despite a difficult economy and slower credit market than we have seen in years," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "We’re extremely pleased to welcome W – and we know they will be a terrific addition to the Chinatown and Theater District neighborhoods.”

A Landmark in the Center of Boston’s Revitalized Theatre District

W Boston is the product of a stunning collaboration between Boston-based architect William Rawn, ARCHITECT magazine’s choice for “Best Architect Firm in the U.S.,” TRO Jung|Brannen, an international firm recognized by the Boston Society of Architects as gifted in sustainable design, and New York-based design team Bentel & Bentel, recipient of the American Institute for Architects Award for Interior Design (2007) and the James Beard Award for Best Restaurant Design (2006). Together they have created an urban oasis that pays homage to Boston Common, the Public Garden and Boston’s other prominent green spaces.

Envisioning a “virtual garden” concept, Bentel & Bentel’s design expresses this in myriad ways throughout the rooms and public areas of the hotel. Steel tendrils that define spaces and create visual interest are at the same time both organic and industrial. Falling water in the lobby is juxtaposed against interior and exterior glass and the dynamic interplay with what’s happening outside on Stuart Street and in the Theatre District. A modern fireplace is positioned at the most acute angle of the building providing a “beacon” of light to those passing by, enticing them to come inside to join in the fun. Throughout the day, light is subtly transitioned as it filters through the building’s impressive glass exterior into the thoughtfully created spaces within the hotel.

W Boston features 235 guestrooms, including 24 suites. Bentel & Bentel has created a distinct design for each of the different W guestroom categories – from the Wonderful Room to the Extreme WOW Suite (W’s twist on the Presidential Suite). All guestrooms and suites at W Boston provide W Hotels signature amenities, like the W bed, sink-side Bliss products, Munchie Box (W Hotels’ re-interpretation of the traditional hotel Mini Bar) and state-of-the-art entertainment system which includes two plasma televisions, CD and DVD player and docking station for MP3 players.

The restaurant, Market by Jean-Georges, offers a multicultural menu, featuring French, Asian and Italian inspirations that emphasizes fresh, locally produced ingredients from the New England region artfully blending Jean-Georges’ most exceptional dishes. Slated to open in early 2010, Descent is an exclusive, underground spot that will combine a 1920s speakeasy vibe with a sleek, twenty-first century lounge experience. Guests will enjoy a mix of sound and taste from the bar’s DJ and master mixologist Sasha Petraske of New York’s Milk & Honey and Little Branch and most recently, POV at the new W Washington D.C. Also designed by Bentel & Bentel, Petraske’s cocktails will tastefully blend classic allure with a modern W twist. Bliss Spa, when it opens early next year, will offer guests and locals signature treatments including bliss’ popular ginger rub, hangover herbie, betweeny wax, triple oxygen treatments, and the ultimate indulgence – the legendary brownie buffet.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts

The Peninsula Shanghai Opens on the Bund

The Peninsula Hotels unveils its most glamorous and technologically advanced hotel

On October 18th, The Peninsula Hotels introduced its ninth hotel, the spectacular and iconic new The Peninsula Shanghai. Gracing Shanghai's celebrated Bund and styled after a 1920s and 30s noble residence, the hotel reflects the city's heritage as "the Paris of the East." Architect David Beer, formerly of BBG/Architects, and Paris-based interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon of PYR have blended subtle Chinese influences with a modern interpretation of the Art Deco movement into the 235 superbly appointed guestrooms and suites, which are among the largest in the city.

The new landmark property marks the return of parent company, The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited, to its Shanghai roots after an absence of 60 years. The company operated four of the city's premier hotels - The Kalee, Majestic, Palace and Astor House - in the first half of the last century.

"Opening The Peninsula Shanghai is a unique opportunity to re-establish our historic links to this wonderful city. We feel very comfortable and proud to be back," says Paul Tchen, General Manager. "Shanghai's a natural part of our storyline, a romantic and historic continuation of the golden age of travel and Peninsula's rich heritage."

Grand and glamorous, yet with a welcoming feel, the hotel is the Bund's first new building in more 60 years and returns classic luxury to Shanghai. Occupying a prime site on the Huangpu River beside the former British Consulate Gardens and the Suzhou Creek, The Peninsula Shanghai offers spectacular views of the Pudong skyline, river and historic Bund.

Never before has Shanghai seen elegance, service and style on this scale, in a hotel that offers historical authenticity blended with Peninsula's pioneering in-room technology.

Hotel highlights include:

1. Guestrooms that provide in-room business center capabilities, including VoIP with complimentary long-distance calling services and a fax/printer/scanner/photocopier.
2. Yi Long Court restaurant featuring the cuisine of Michelin Star chef Tang Chi Keung.
3. The Peninsula's famous afternoon tea, served in the triple-height Lobby lounge overlooking the former British Consulate Gardens.
4. Sir Elly's, the rooftop restaurant bar and terrace, offering modern European cuisine with French influences along with spectacular skyline views of the city.
5. Salon de Ning, a late-night lounge evoking Shanghai's decadent heyday
6. A signature suite's 11,733-square foot wrap-around terrace with some of the city's most breath-taking views.
7. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, with special spa treatments unique to The Peninsula Shanghai.

SOURCE The Peninsula Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Expands in Baltimore

New hotel is fifth Holiday Inn Express in Baltimore to feature brand’s new sign

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, announced today that the Holiday Inn Express Baltimore-Downtown opened on Sept. 4. The hotel brings 68 guest rooms and 24 job opportunities to downtown Baltimore.

“This particular location in Baltimore just one block away from the City Hall is an ideal site for the Holiday Inn Express brand to expand due to the proximity to several medical facilities, government buildings and educational institutions.” said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Delivery, the Americas. “We are excited to welcome another Holiday Inn Express hotel to the Baltimore market with the brand’s new sign and everything it represents.”

The Holiday Inn brand relaunch is the largest relaunch in hospitality history, with more than 3,300 hotels around the world being updated - improving quality and driving consistency at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world. The global estate is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010, and more than 1,200 hotels have been already been relaunched to date.

The relaunch focuses on the things research shows matter most to guests - a modern, contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service and a great night's sleep.  Relaunched hotels such as the Holiday Inn Express Baltimore-Downtown feature:

• Upgraded and decluttered lobby areas
• A Holiday Inn Express signature scent and sound
• New exterior lighting
• New signage with the redesigned logo
• All Holiday Inn employees also go through an extensive "Stay Real" training program to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.

The Holiday Inn Express is located at 221 North Gay St. in a historic building dating back to the 1920’s.  Originally built in 1924 to house the Old Town National Bank, the five-story hotel combines historical charm with modern day décor and amenities, including a complimentary 24-hour fitness center, business center, 750 sq. ft. of meeting space for business functions or special events, adjacent guest parking, and a free shuttle to Johns Hopkins Main Hospital, Medical Center and the Baltimore Convention Center.

The Holiday Inn Express brand delivers a comfortable and smart environment with preferred guest upgrades to ensure a productive stay while traveling for business or leisure.  The brand’s newly enhanced complimentary Express Start® breakfast bar features a rotation of various breakfast items including eggs, breakfast sausage and bacon, biscuits, yogurt, fruit and the brand’s proprietary cinnamon roll and Smart Roast® coffee.  The SimplySmart™ shower incorporates a proprietary Stay Smart™ Kohler showerhead, signature shower curtain with curved rod, upgraded 100 percent cotton terry towels and a custom line of cinnamon-scented bath products.  Guests will also enjoy the SimplySmart bedding collection, including new crisp fresh bedding which features an attractive decorative throw, a medium-weight duvet blanket and soft 200 thread-count sheets.

Standard Holiday Inn Express hotel guest rooms feature comfortable queen or king-sized beds, a sitting area with a lounge chair and an in-room coffee machine featuring complimentary Smart Roast 100% Arabica coffee.  Business travelers will find large desks, ergonomic chairs, free high-speed wireless internet access, and free local and toll free phone calls. 

Holiday Inn Express hotels participate in IHG’s guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards. The industry’s first and largest guest loyalty program has 44 million members.  Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on www.priorityclub.com, calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG’s more than 4,300 hotels worldwide.

The Holiday Inn Express Baltimore-Downtown is owned and operated by Old Town properties LLC, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Commonwealth Hotels Opens New aloft Hotel Phoenix Airport

Commonwealth Hotels, Inc. today announced the opening of the newly constructed 143-room aloft Hotel Phoenix Airport. Located at 4450 E. Washington Street, the aloft Hotel is the newest hotel in the region.

The hotel was developed and is owned by a subsidy of Corporex Companies, Inc. Corporex is a master developer based in Covington, Kentucky and does business nationally. The hotel is operated by Commonwealth Hotels, LLC a nationally recognized operator of fine hotels. The addition of a new hotel property is always in and of itself noteworthy, but when it is brand-new construction, it's even more exciting," said Dan Fay, President of Commonwealth Hotels.

Aloft offers atmospheric public spaces where guests can mix and mingle, read the paper, work on laptops, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix lounge and w xyz bar. The re:charge fitness center and splash pool give travelers options to de-stress and reenergize, while re:fuel by aloft, a one-stop food and beverage area, offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24 hours a day. "We are excited to introduce aloft Phoenix Airport in a premier section of Phoenix," said Kathy Wetzler, hotel general manager. "Outstanding service is a top priority for our hotel staff and one reason we will be highly competitive in our local market." The aloft Hotel Phoenix Airport is located on East Washington Street, is just minutes from the Airport, Downtown, and many other attractions and destinations.

Infused with the DNA of W Hotels, aloft is a new destination sensation featuring loft-inspired design, accessible technology and a stylish urban attitude. Guest rooms feature nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows and the ultra-comfortable signature bed, as well as roomy walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss®Spa. Each aloft room is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center equipped with wireless internet access and plug & play, a one stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry all linked to a 42" flat-panel, LCD-ready television.

For the traveler awaiting new possibilities aloft is a fresh and stylish alternative. For more information on the aloft Phoenix Airport visit www.aloft.com.

SOURCE Commonwealth Hotels, Inc.

First Hotel Indigo in New York City Brings Style and Substance to New Chelsea Hotel District

Boutique hotel delivers refreshing experience where art, fashion and flowers meet

New York’s first Hotel Indigo opened today in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood at the nexus of the city’s art, fashion and flower districts.  Designed to reflect its colorful and dynamic surroundings, the newly constructed 122-room, well-priced upscale boutique hotel sets a new standard of exceptional design and intimate service in Chelsea’s eastern corridor. 

Located at 127 West 28th St., between 6th and 7th Ave, the 20-story hotel promises to boost the local nightlife and dining scene with Blu, its freshly designed restaurant serving American-bistro fare with a local perspective, and Glass Bar, the rooftop lounge boasting spectacular views of the city skyline. Blu restaurant is headed by Chef Roberto Bellissimo, formerly of Le Cirque. 

“We have created a top-notch property that provides an upscale guest experience at an accessible price-point in a location that’s fast becoming an epicenter for business and leisure travelers,” said Morris Moinian, president and founder of Fortuna Realty Group, the hotel’s developer and operator.  “With the opening of Hotel Indigo New York City Chelsea, we are elevating the hotel landscape of the area by introducing a new and beautifully designed environment that’s stylish and fun with all the necessary amenities our guests and local New Yorkers need to really enjoy the city.”

Elements of the neighborhood – from bursts of color inspired by the nearby flower shops to the rich textures and fabrics of the Garment District and proximity to the Fashion Institute of Technology – inspired the design and decor of the hotel. Images by renowned fashion photographer Marco Glaviano are used as large-scale wall murals in the guest rooms and public spaces of the hotel. Adding to the vibrancy of the neighborhood, the hotel features exterior lighting to create a blue glow around the property in the evening.

“As one of the city’s most eclectic and dynamic neighborhoods, Chelsea is the perfect location for the first Hotel Indigo in New York City," said Janis Cannon, vice president, Global Brand Management, Hotel Indigo. “The Hotel Indigo model strikes a great balance for developers because it provides guests the refreshing design and intimate service synonymous with a boutique along with the consistency, reliability, and accessibility of a branded hotel. “

The Hotel Indigo New York City Chelsea is owned and managed by Fortuna Realty, LLC, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group. Fortuna Group’s portfolio includes several hotels, residential apartment buildings, office buildings and development properties. 

The hotel and venues are overseen by General Manager George Buchelli and Sales & Marketing Director Stephen Redford.

The Hotel Indigo New York City Chelsea features 122 guest rooms including two penthouse suites, with custom-designed furniture imported from Italy, oversized beds, plush bedding, hardwood-style flooring for a fresh residential feel, and spa-inspired showers with Aveda products. Each guest room includes a 32-inch high-definition flat screen TV with 150 channels, iHome docking station and fashion-inspired wall mural.  Additionally, the hotel provides guests complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and access to the 24-hour business center, meeting space and 24-hour fitness studio. The hotel also features a pet-friendly policy.

In the past three months, Hotel Indigo has opened four new properties and is scheduled to open an additional four in the U.S. by year-end, including Baltimore, two in San Antonio, and Asheville, N.C. Forecasted to almost double its footprint in the Americas, the brand’s global roll-out is also going strong with the recent announcement of a new deal in Hong Kong. The hotel will be located along Queen’s Road East in Wanchai, an area rich with historical sites, such as the Old Wanchai post office and is scheduled to open in 2012.

W Hotels Worldwide Opens First Western European Hotel with the New W Barcelona

A Flagship for W Hotels Globally, W Barcelona is the Latest in the Brand’s Continued Expansion to Become a Global Powerhouse, Including Upcoming Openings in London, and Paris

 

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils a global brand flagship hotel, W Barcelona. An icon of stunning architecture rising high above the Mediterranean in Spain’s most dynamic and stylish city, W Barcelona is designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill. Situated at Nova Bocana, where the glamorous Barceloneta beach boardwalk commences, the hotel has a commanding presence against Barcelona’s magnificent waterfront and skyline, and has already made its mark as a landmark in an ambitious urban renewal plan for Barcelona’s coastline. The 26-story, slender, sail-shaped W Barcelona sits perpendicular to the dock, showcasing unprecedented sea and city views from virtually every guest room. Global jetsetters and local tastemakers are already referring to the curved sandy and very exclusive bay adjacent to the hotel as Barcelona’s very own “Copacabana,” a reference that alludes to W Barcelona’s passion for design and fashion, which will be the key brand differentiators for this emblematic destination.

“Taking the W brand into the dynamic city of Barcelona, a European hub known for fashion, design and architecture, will mark a true milestone in W Hotels’ global expansion into the world’s most exciting and vibrant destinations,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “W Barcelona offers stunning architecture and innovative design from Ricardo Bofill, a renowned architect. His leading-edge design will set a dramatic stage for the W brand’s unique lifestyle positioning, soon to become a true flagship hotel for the W brand, offering insider access to a world of Wow.”

Through W Hotels’ unique and distinctive programming, W Barcelona will provide a contemporary lifestyle experience with a complete service offer. The hotel will feature 473 guest rooms, including 67 suites, two WOW suites and one Extreme WOW suite. W Barcelona will also offer guests Spain’s first Bliss® Spa; a signature restaurant by famed Michelin-Star rated and acclaimed Catalan Chef, Carles Abellan, featuring unparalleled views of the Barcelona shoreline; Eclipse, a glamorous rooftop bar with stunning vistas over the Mediterranean from London-based nightlife gurus, Ignite Group (the creative minds behind famed London nightclub, Boujis); the signature W lounge welcome experience featuring W BAR for cocktails and WAVE Restaurant; WET, a glamorous infinity-edged pool and bar, all surrounded by multiple sun terraces, inspiring exterior lounge decks, fully equipped cabanas, and one ultra-exclusive Extreme WOW Cabana with Jacuzzi and lounge deck. The hotel also features SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness facility outfitted with Technogym equipment featuring panoramic views of the Mediterranean, complemented by resident DJ sets to inspire high energy work out sessions.

W Barcelona features spectacular public spaces with more than 2,500 square metres of ultra-modern meeting and event space, including a unique Great Room (W Hotels’ interpretation of a ballroom) with breathtaking, unobstructed sea views, making W Barcelona more than the ultimate insider escape but also an ideal hotel for special events, meetings and celebrations. All of these offerings will be supported by the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service promise, providing guests whatever they want – from a private chartered yacht excursion along the Mediterranean coastline to an insider shopping spree from the vintage Catalan fashions to the latest Spanish designers – whenever they want it (as long as it’s legal!).

“W Barcelona is now the third W Hotel in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, following the openings of W Istanbul and W Doha Hotel & Residences earlier this year,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, EAME. “The W brand continues its fantastic growth and is on track to open ten more W Hotels in some of the region’s most sought after destinations, including London, Paris, and Milan.”

W Barcelona is at the beginning of the world-famous boardwalk La Barceloneta, first-class restaurants of Port Vell, pristine beaches and water sports of Puerto Olimpico, and a short stroll from the romantic cafés, fashionable shops and innovative nightlife options of Barcelona’s Old Town and Las Ramblas. The only hotel in Barcelona with direct access to the beach, W Barcelona anchors Passeig de Joan de Borbó, a massive redevelopment project slated to bring luxury retail, office and entertainment venues to this dynamic area.

W Barcelona is accepting reservations, including group arrivals and event bookings, from today onwards. To celebrate this divine debut, W Barcelona has introduced an exclusive opening offer for guests, providing a taste of W Hotels’ insider contemporary lifestyle experience. Starting at €249, the opening offer includes two welcome cocktails, daily breakfast for two, complimentary appetizer or dessert with dinner at W Barcelona’s signature restaurant, Bliss® Spa gift set, VIP access to Eclipse, the hotel’s rooftop destination bar, and an upgrade from a Wonderful Room to the next available room type. This limited celebratory offer is valid for stays between October 1, 2009 and February 27, 2010.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has a commanding presence in Spain with six of its nine world-class brands represented, including Westin, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, Sheraton, and now W Hotels. The grand hotels that make up Starwood’s Spanish portfolio include The Westin Palace Madrid, Marqués de Riscal, A Luxury Collection (Rioja), Hotel Alfonso XIII, A Luxury Collection Hotel (Seville), and Arabella Golf & Spa Resort (Mallorca).

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Makes Landmark Debut in Hawaii with the Opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort

Situated Amidst Hawaii’s Lush Tropical Landscape and Sparkling Azure Waters, The St. Regis Princeville Offers an Unrivaled Dimension of Luxury, Sophistication and Unparalleled Service in Kaua‘i’s Most Quintessential Address

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces the debut of the St. Regis hotel brand in Hawaii with the opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort. Ideally located on Hawaii’s breathtaking island of Kaua‘i , The St. Regis Princeville Resort introduces an unparalleled level of sophistication and serene luxury to one of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the iconic resort has been transformed into an elegant reflection of its island home, paying homage to the land and culture. Redesigned in collaboration with hotel design firm WATG and local Hawaiian architecture firm Group 70, The St. Regis Princeville Resort features 252 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 51 premium ocean view suites, the elegant Halele’a Spa, Prince and Makai Champion golf courses by Robert Trent Jones II and Kaua’i Grill by world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

“We are proud to debut the St. Regis brand in Hawai‘i with the opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort, featuring the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “Truly one of the world’s most desirable destinations, Hawai‘i is rich in culture and heritage and offers our discerning global guests an exotic array of world-class cuisine, art and stunning natural surroundings.”

Formerly a part of Starwood’s renowned The Luxury Collection brand, The St. Regis Princeville Resort has been re-envisioned to accentuate a sense of relaxed yet refined island luxury and timeless beauty. Bringing a residential feel to the interiors and reflecting Hawaii’s natural surroundings, the resort’s redesign was inspired by the Hawaiian concept of Ahupua‘a, a philosophy of living in balance with nature. The grand lobby will be distinguished by a dramatic point of entry including a cascading chandelier comprised of over 4,000 pieces of Murano glass representing the waterfall of Na Molokama Mountain, a coffered ceiling of natural woven raffia, palm wood floors and soaring glass panels that open to the sea and the spectacular sunsets of Mt. Makana.

Dining at The St. Regis Princeville indulges the senses with diverse culinary offerings. Each of the resort’s four distinctive dining venues feature fresh seasonal ingredients locally farmed or produced on Kaua’i Island. As the resort’s signature restaurant, Kaua‘i Grill will feature spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and a menu of masterful internationally influenced cuisine utilizing the freshest fish and ingredients indigenous to the islands, exclusively developed by Chef Vongerichten and his talented team. The dramatically designed interior of the restaurant features a rich palette of coco, ruby, cognac, leather, bronze and zebra woods evoking Hawaii’s luminous colors with a contemporary interpretation of island motifs. A spectacular, spiraling, lit fabric ceiling in the shape of a nautilus shell crowns the dining room, lending a dramatic glow by night and complementing the sweeping views by day. Spilling from the center of the ceiling is a hand-crafted fiber optic and ruby glass hibiscus chandelier that echoes the surrounding mountain waterfalls and Hawaii’s indigenous flora.

The 10,000 square foot Halele‘a Spa at The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a masterpiece of style and refinement. Each guest is attended to by a qualified wellness consultant who designs individualized spa programs for body and mind inspired by Native Hawaiian healing rituals. Each spacious treatment room is enriched with custom millwork of native Hawaiian woods, palm wood floors, natural fiber drapery treatments and a custom Murano glass plumeria flower chandelier. Using only the finest finishes, the interiors provide a sense of peace and a place commensurate with the island’s transcendent beauty.

An ideal destination for weddings, meetings and social events, The St. Regis Princeville’s newly transformed meeting spaces boast 12,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor space and offers a dynamic setting with the latest in computer and audio visual technology. Among the resort’s signature features is a unique infinity pool situated on the ocean overlooking beautiful Hanalei Bay. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, naturally defined stonework and striking water features reflecting Hawai‘i’s tropical outdoor lifestyle, the pool deck will also feature Nalu Kai Restaurant. For those in pursuit of sports and recreation, guests can experience Princeville’s two premiere 18- hole golf courses; the Prince and Makai designed by Robert Trent Jones, II. The championship Makai Course is undergoing a major renovation to be completed in winter 2010. The St. Regis Princeville’s Young Guest Program will also caters to families with a private club boasting an array of Hawaiian cultural activities and adventures.

The St. Regis Princeville steeped in grand Hawaiian heritage, is built on legendary grounds beside the emerald green Hanalei Valley and overlooks the awe inspiring Napali Coast. The area was named the “City of the Prince” after a royal visit by Hawai‘i’s Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV in 1860. Princeville’s breathtaking natural setting has made the area among the premiere destinations in the world. The resort is surrounded by five majestic mountains, a patchwork of taro farms, a wildlife refuge, equestrian paths, hiking trails, ancient sea caves and lagoons.

Following in the tradition of the iconic St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Princeville Resort will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels around the world including the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guests needs and customizing each guest's stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

AAA Launches Program to Identify Green Hotels

New icon highlights eco-certified lodgings in AAA travel information

In response to growing member interest in green hotels, AAA has launched a program to highlight AAA Approved lodgings that have been eco-certified through a well-established government or private program.

A bright green "ECO" symbol makes it easy to identify eco-friendly lodgings in the new 2010 editions of the AAA TourBook(R) guides and on AAA.com . Additionally, travelers will be able to customize their hotel searches on AAA.com to show green properties first in their search results.

"The new ECO symbol serves as a notice to AAA members that a property has taken steps to become an environmental advocate," said Michael Petrone, director, AAA Tourism Information Development. "We are pleased to publish this information as a service to members who make sustainability a factor in their lodging selection."

The ECO icon is one of many used in the TourBook/AAA.com lodging listings as a tool to help members select their ideal accommodations. The symbols depict guest services, leisure activities, in-room amenities and safety features that members say impact their hotel selection and satisfaction.

AAA is not involved in the evaluation of any property's environmental practices, but provides this information from recognized organizations as a service to members. Additional information and a list of recognized certification programs are accessible at AAA.com/eco.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

SOURCE AAA

Aloft Unveils First Adaptive Re-Use Hotel Project

Aloft Dallas Downtown Opens in a Revitalized Former Railroad Depot; Hotel is the Fourth Aloft in Dallas Area

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces the debut of the Aloft^® brand’s first adaptive re-use project in the heart of downtown Dallas. Offering jet-setting style at a steal, Aloft Dallas Downtown opens in a historic railroad freight depot, now transformed into the city’s newest destination sensation complete with 193 spacious, loft-like rooms, accessible technology and a hip, social atmosphere.

Aloft Dallas Downtown occupies an eight-story antique gem built in 1924 as a Santa Fe Railroad freight terminal and commercial dry goods warehouse. Evoking an era when train tracks formed the arteries of the commercial district, the sleek, new hotel delivers the Aloft brand’s signature, urban-influenced design elements, while incorporating the building’s distinct, structural attributes including original buff brick, large windows, structural pillars and high ceilings. Blending seamlessly into its loft-like, historic setting, this singular, contemporary hotel is owned by a joint venture between Hamilton Properties Corporation and Sava Holdings, Ltd., both Dallas-based development companies.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, adaptive re-use projects like the Aloft Dallas Downtown can offer developers significant advantages and provide great benefits to communities in search of urban renewal opportunities,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Through the redevelopment of historic or older structures, developers can gain access to prime real estate to create an innovative and historically meaningful hotel, while benefiting from unique zoning opportunities and public subsidies. We see great opportunities to use this approach in many cities throughout the world.”

Aloft Hotels shook up the select service industry with the debut of its first property in Montreal in June 2008. Fueled by the popularity of its prototype hotel, Aloft has since opened 30 more hotels in three countries. While the Aloft prototype continues to generate strong enthusiasm among owners, developers and hotel guests, Starwood plans to further the brand’s footprint through adaptive, re-use projects like Aloft Dallas Downtown.

“While all of Starwood’s nine lifestyle brands are candidates for adaptive reuse projects, Aloft is particularly well-suited based on its urban design aesthetic and appeal to savvy travelers,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “In this case, an 85 year-old railroad depot was successfully transfigured into a modern, hip hotel by incorporating the loft-like design scheme, high ceilings, open floor plans and large windows that are characteristic of Aloft.”

The transformation of the original train depot into Aloft Dallas Downtown was completed over a three-year period under the direction of architecture and design team at One Group Design, LP.

“The designer did a fabulous job marrying the old building with the new. We essentially dropped a new, ultra-modern building inside the bones of a warehouse that is on the historic register,” said General Manager Al Hunter. “This concept preserves the history of Dallas and showcases all the Aloft brand’s modern amenities.”

Aloft Dallas Downtown is pursuing LEED certification – an internationally recognized, third-party certification for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings established by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The hotel features natural materials like cork and sustainable wood veneers, and in-shower product dispensers replace non-biodegradable bottles to reduce landfill waste. In addition, nearly 75 percent of the demolition debris was re-used below ground in the lower-level meeting and ballroom spaces.

Ideally located at 1033 Young Street, Aloft Dallas Downtown is just steps from City Hall and the Dallas Convention Center. Also nearby are the American Airlines Center, the Arts District and the corporate offices of AT&T, Deloitte & Touche and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Opens Its 28th Hotel in China

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, opened Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo today - its third property in the Zhejiang province after Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou and Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou - to complement its current portfolio of 27 mainland China hotels.

Long known as a major trading and shipping hub, Ningbo is situated across the Hangzhou Bay from Shanghai. It is one of China's oldest cities, steeped in history and boasts a number of cultural relics. In modern times, Ningbo has become a major exporter of consumer and electrical products, textiles, food and industrial tools, and is one of China's busiest port cities.

Ningbo is a two-hour drive from Shanghai via the Hangzhou Bay Bridge and a two-hour flight from Hong Kong. The 563-room Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is located in the heart of the central business district, at the confluence of the Fenghua, Yuyao and Yong Rivers. As the city's latest luxury hotel, it is a 20-minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of Ningbo's largest shopping area, Tianyi Square, and major tourist attractions.

"The city of Ningbo is fast becoming an integral centre of trade and commerce on China's East Coast. The launch of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is a natural step in strengthening our presence in the Zhejiang province and meeting the needs of increasingly sophisticated business travellers," said Madhu Rao, managing director and chief executive officer, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. "More importantly, the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is an affirmation of our strong commitment to maintaining Shangri-La's position as the largest luxury hotel group in China."

With luxury and technology in mind, the guestrooms at Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo feature broadband internet access, as well as integrated audio-visual equipment. Guests can interface personal electronic devices such as MP3 players, iPods and digital cameras in their rooms - the first hotel in Ningbo to offer such technology. Guestrooms measure from 45 square metres upwards, while suites range in size from 90 to 225 square metres.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo also provides comprehensive event solutions to corporate clients, meeting organisers and the local community. With 5,000 square metres of meeting and banqueting space, facilities include a 2,000-square-metre, column-free grand ballroom - the largest of its kind in the Zhejiang province - and a variety of function rooms suited for any event. In addition, a purpose-built VIP interview room, the first-of-its-kind in the city, offers an excellent facility for guests to hold high-level dialogue.

With a health club comprising the city's largest lap pool (25 metres), a gym and two tennis courts, Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is the ideal location for business travellers and local residents to unwind. A fully-equipped and spacious spa with nine private treatment rooms further complements the leisure facilities at the hotel.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo also offers guests a range of dining experiences, including 13 private dining rooms at the hotel's signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, which serves fine Cantonese cuisine and local culinary delights in a contemporary, yet elegant setting. Yi Cafe, showcasing open kitchens and views of the city's three rivers, provides all-day dining. The Lobby Lounge is the ideal venue for meetings and relaxation. Featuring seafood and the most premium cuts of meat, the Lobster Bar and the Grill also provides guests with nightly live jazz performances and chic cocktails.

To celebrate the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, a special introductory rate of RMB818 per night is available for single or double occupancy in a Deluxe room, including daily breakfast. The rate is subject to a 15 per cent surcharge.

TRAVELOCITY GLOBAL ACQUIRES INDIA'S LEADING HOTEL DISTRIBUTION NETWORK, TRAVELGURU

Positions Travelocity Global as leading provider of hotel options in India

In evidence of its commitment to growing its business around the world, Travelocity Global today announced that it has acquired India's leading online hotel distribution network, Travelguru.

The addition of Travelguru builds on Travelocity's existing businesses, teams and relationships in India , which include Travelocity India , its online travel agency site, various supplier and redistribution relationships, as well as global support teams in the country. It also complements Sabre Holdings' highly successful Airline Solutions business in India and its global technology center in Bangalore .

Travelocity Global is one of the world's largest online travel companies, with its Travelocity, lastminute.com and ZUJI businesses worldwide generating more than USD$10 billion in gross travel sales annually.

Travelguru distributes a portfolio of more than 4,000 hotels in India , most of which are independent properties, and it has a strong domestic customer-base. This focus and product breadth complements Travelocity's existing distribution of branded, chain and luxury properties in India , which are available to travellers domestically on Travelocity India , as well to international inbound travellers booking on Travelocity's global network of online travel sites.

Travelocity Global plans to keep both of its online travel businesses in India : Travelocity India and Travelguru.

Mr Roshan Mendis , regional vice president of Travelocity Asia Pacific confirmed: "Travelguru will continue to operate as a stand alone business and brand in India , focused on growing Indian hotel demand, Indian hotel supply and a wide distribution network. Travelocity India will continue its full service online travel agent (OTA) focus, which includes international and domestic air, hotel and package travel. We will look to leverage the benefits of increased access to hotel content across our sites and our distribution partners, and to leverage synergies in product, technology, partnerships and innovation across both businesses over time."

Mr Ashwin Damera, Chief Executive Officer, Travelguru said, "Travelocity is a good fit for Travelguru, and I am excited about our future as part of Travelocity Global. The mutual vision we have for Travelguru is to continue the successful hotel business we have today, and to grow and evolve by working hand in hand with Travelocity's local and global team."

Both Travelocity India and Travelguru businesses will work together to bring significant benefits to Indian hotel suppliers, with increased distribution and greater demand, redistribution partners with greater breadth and depth of Indian supplier content, and to Indian travellers with the broadest of choice of travel deals across all products in India .

Would You Take a Trip to Space?

Comfort Suites Hotels Are Offering Travelers the Chance to Win a Trip to Space*

If you could take a trip to space, would you? Comfort Suites hotels are offering travelers the opportunity to do just that. As part of the brand's "Explore the Space Sweepstakes" three lucky online participants will get the chance to win a trip to space.*

"What better way to remind our guests how spacious our Comfort Suites rooms are then to offer them a chance to win a trip to the biggest space of all -- a trip to outer space," said Chris Malone, Chief Marketing Officer for Choice Hotels International, Inc., franchisor of the Comfort Suites brand. "Comfort Suites rooms provide plenty of space to spread out and relax, along with free amenities like a hot breakfast and Wi-Fi."

Starting August 13 through September 24, 2009, consumers can go online to ExploreTheSpaceSweepstakes.com to enter for their chance to win "out-of-this-world" prizes and qualify for a chance to win a trip to space. To qualify, entrants must be current members of or sign up for the Choice Privileges rewards program. Once selected, three finalists will be given $5,000 in cash and a power packed trip to Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex where they will participate in an amazing astronaut experience program. On the last day of their visit, the finalists will play a game of chance for the ultimate grand prize -- a trip to space!

In addition to the three finalist prize winners, three second prize winners will each receive a trip for four to space camp in Huntsville, Alabama and a Comfort Suites prize pack making for the ultimate space camp family experience. And just so no one is left on the launch pad, fifty runner-ups will receive a Comfort Suites prize pack valued at $100. For more information on the Comfort Suites Explore the Space Sweepstakes, visit ExploreTheSpaceSweepstakes.com.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Welcomes Wyndham Hotel Group Onboard

Southwest Airlines Adds Wyndham Hotel Group as New Preferred Participant to the Carrier's Frequent Flyer Program

Southwest Airlines and Wyndham Hotel Group, the world's largest hotel company with 11 brands and more than 7,000 hotels, announced a new association today between the companies' respective loyalty programs, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and Wyndham Rewards . Rapid Rewards Members now have the option to earn a half (0.5) Rapid Rewards credit for each stay at any of more than 6,000 Wyndham Rewards properties worldwide.

To celebrate the new alliance, Rapid Rewards Members can receive TRIPLE credit after their second qualifying stay. Visit: www.southwest.com/wyndham for offer details, and visit: www.southwest.com or www.wyndhamrewards.com to book a hotel stay. Even if Customers are not traveling in 2009, Wyndham Hotel Group is inviting Rapid Rewards Members to enroll in Wyndham Rewards for a chance to win a FREE flight on Southwest Airlines. Twenty winners will be awarded one (1) FREE flight on Southwest Airlines, valid to more than 60 destinations Southwest serves, including three new markets, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Boston Logan and New York LaGuardia. Visit: www.wyndhamrewards.com/southwest to enroll and view complete details on the sweepstakes and official rules. No purchase is necessary to participate.

Additionally, Southwest is inviting Customers on a scavenger hunt in Boston on Aug. 16, 2009, to coincide with Southwest's launch of service to Boston Logan International Airport. Customers can visit Faneuil Hall, a historic site near the center of the city, in hopes of finding a 12-foot-high suitcase and a chance to win two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines and 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points that can be redeemed for a free night stay at most participating Wyndham Hotel Group properties.

"This association with the Wyndham Hotel Group brings tremendous value to the Rapid Rewards Program and our mutual Customers," said Ryan Green, Southwest Airlines' Director of Customer Loyalty.

Michael Mueller, Vice President of International Loyalty and Partnerships, Wyndham Hotel Group, added, "We're very pleased to be associated with Southwest's Rapid Rewards Program, as Members will now be rewarded whether they stay with our award-winning upscale Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand or in the many comfortable and familiar hotels of our midscale and economy chains including Ramada, Days Inn, and Super 8."

Wyndham Hotel Group's Wyndham Rewards loyalty program is the largest in the lodging industry based on the number of participating hotels.

St. Regis Makes the Next Stop on Its Global Expedition with the Opening of the St. Regis Mexico City

Designed by Yabu Pushelberg and World-Renowned Architect Cesar Pelli, The St. Regis Mexico City Offers an Unrivaled Dimension of Luxury, Sophistication and Unparalleled Service In Mexico City's Most Exclusive Neighborhood

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces the opening of The St. Regis Mexico City, located on the exclusive Paseo de la Reforma boulevard overlooking the iconic Plaza of Diana. Mexico’s most anticipated new landmark – and the brand’s first downtown hotel in the region – The St. Regis Mexico City features 189 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites each with spectacular views of the city, a signature Remède Spa, and three signature restaurants. Owned by Grupo 1818 and designed by critically acclaimed Yabu Pushelberg design firm and world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, The St. Regis Mexico City offers an unrivaled dimension of luxury, sophistication and bespoke service at one of the best addresses in the world.

The St. Regis Mexico City is conveniently located only 30 minutes from Benito Juarez International Airport and is only a short distance from the city’s famed Polanco area, the bustling financial district and the landmark Historic Center. Situated at the heart of Paseo de la Reforma, the hotel offers guests easy access to specialty shopping, haute cuisine, cultural centers and museums including the world-famous Anthropology Museum, the Museo Frida Kahlo, the Museum of Modern Art - Mexico City and the Rufino Tamayo Museum.

“We are proud to debut the St. Regis brand in Mexico City with the opening of The St. Regis Mexico City, featuring the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “Located on the historic Paseo del la Reforma Boulevard, the hotel offers access to a unique mix of world-class art, fashion, culture and cuisine at one of the best addresses in the world.”

“The opening of The St. Regis Mexico City not only launches our most exclusive brand in Mexico City, but also reaffirms our deep commitment to the country with which we have both a long history, as well as strong future growth plans,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Latin America.

Designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, whose firm Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects has created some of the world’s most prestigious architectural masterpieces, The St. Regis Mexico City rises 492 feet above street level with floor-to-ceiling glass panes, offering spectacular views of the city’s vibrant culture. Internationally acclaimed design firm Yabu Pushelberg completed the interiors using bold colors and Mexican inspired design elements to seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with Mexico’s rich artistic heritage. Each exquisitely appointed guestroom features a neutral color palette infused with rich accents of greens and purples including custom-made carpets and furniture inspired by Mexico City’s celebrated artisans. Many of the materials used by Yabu Pushelberg in the hotel’s design have been crafted locally by traditional Mexican artists including the lavish Onyx mosaics adorning each bathroom and laser-cut silver screens in the hotel’s lobby. In addition, each guestroom includes a 42 inch LCD television with DVD player, a state-of-the-art sound system, a MP3 docking station, and an innovative LCD television recessed behind the bathroom mirror, enabling images to be projected onto a screenless surface.

Mexico City is one of the fastest growing culinary epicenters of the world, attracting the best chefs and restaurateurs to satisfy the city’s growing international clientele. Dining at The St. Regis Mexico City indulges the senses with diverse culinary offerings ranging from Diana Restaurant, led by Executive Chef Jeff Pelaez, which features an exquisite menu of Mediterranean cuisine to specialty cocktails including St. Regis’ signature Bloody Mary and Afternoon Tea in the Decanter Room or at King Cole Bar. Guests are also invited to enjoy a private dining experience on the hotel’s Helipad with breathtaking views of the city below.

St. Regis Mexico City’s signature Remède Spa offers the spa brand’s exclusive Laboratoire Remède skincare line renowned for its anti-aging therapies. Guests can drift away while experienced therapists offer customized massage, facial and body treatments in one of seven discreet treatment rooms or in the exclusive Couples’ Suite. The spa will also feature a Vichy treatment room, manicure and pedicure stations, and men’s and women’s lounges where guests can unwind while indulging in signature refreshments, truffles, and bite-sized indulgences. The hotel’s Fitness Center offers state of the art exercise equipment, an intimate Yoga and Pilates studio and the city’s first panoramic indoor pool.

An ideal destination for weddings, meetings and social events, The St. Regis Mexico City features more than 12,211 square feet of indoor meeting and event space including the Astor Ballroom with more than 9,000 square feet of function space, the 2,600 square-foot Diamond Ballroom and four large breakout rooms. All event space is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art meeting equipment, wireless internet and access to St. Regis’ legendary butler service.

Following in the tradition of the iconic St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Mexico City will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guests needs and customizing each guest's stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

The St. Regis brand continues to strengthen its presence in Latin America with plans to open The St. Regis Kanai in the Mayan Riviera and The St. Regis Buenos Aires in Argentina. The opening of The St. Regis Mexico City marks the brand’s second hotel in Mexico following the recent opening of The St. Regis Punta Mita in Puerto Vallarta.

IHG announces opening of new Holiday Inn® hotel in Memphis with historic tribute to Kemmons Wilson

“Next-Generation” Holiday Inn opens in brand’s birthplace, owned by family of Kemmons Wilson, founder of Holiday Inn 

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced that the 133-room Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites Memphis-Wolfchase Galleria has opened, bringing the seventh Holiday Inn to the city where the brand began in 1952. A grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting took place on Saturday, Aug 1, 57 years to the day after the first Holiday Inn opened.

"We're proud to come full circle in Memphis, bringing the new Holiday Inn sign back to the place where it all began," said Kevin Kowalski, senior vice president, Global Brand Management, Holiday Inn Brands. "This hotel is a great example of the changes we are making as we relaunch the Holiday Inn brand around the world. It's very fitting that the family of Kemmons Wilson, the man who founded Holiday Inn, has reinforced their commitment to the future of our brand and the importance of the global relaunch."

The property is based on the Holiday Inn brand's "Next-Generation” prototype design, while the new sign is the seal of approval that this hotel exemplifies the standards of the $1 billion  Holiday Inn brand relaunch program.

The Holiday Inn brand relaunch is the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, with more than 3,200 hotels around the world being updated - improving quality and driving consistency at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels around the world. The global estate is expected to be relaunched by the end of 2010, and more than 1,000 hotels have been already been relaunched to date.

The relaunch focuses on the things research shows matter most to guests - a modern, contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service  and a great night's sleep. Relaunched hotels such as the Holiday Inn Memphis-Wolfchase feature:

• Upgraded and decluttered lobby areas
• A Holiday Inn signature scent and sound
• New crisp, white bedding with pillows that come in two comfort levels: "soft" and "firm"
• Upgraded showers with specially designed showerheads that offer superior pressure, signature shower curtain with curved rod and new bathroom amenities
• New exterior lighting and landscaping
• New signage with the redesigned logo

All Holiday Inn employees also go through an extensive "Stay Real" training program to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.

"The Holiday Inn brand relaunch has given us renewed excitement about the brand, which is meaningful because Holiday Inn is a major part of our family's history," said Kemmons Wilson, Jr., executive vice president, Kemmons Wilson Company.  "I remember when I was just six years old and we cut the ribbon on the very first Holiday Inn. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to continue my father's legacy today and in the future with the new look and feel of the iconic brand he created 57 years ago."

The Holiday Inn Memphis-Wolfchase gives a nod to not only the brand's future but also its history by including museum memorabilia from the first Holiday Inn. The property has an original room set on display including bed, desk, lamp and chair from the very first Holiday Inn, a collection of 80 historical photos are hung throughout the hotel, including photos of the first stock trade of Holiday Inn, the first royalty check, and Kemmons Wilson with notable figures such as Pope John Paul II and Muhammad Ali.

The property's 93,033 sq.-ft. footprint is based on the Holiday Inn brand's "Next-Generation" prototype design, developed to be more efficient to build, operate and maintain.  It features a contemporary, innovative design that sets new standards for business travelers and families alike.  The hotel design debuts a bold change in room décor for Holiday Inn and creates a residential atmosphere that is warm, trend-forward and comfortable. The hotel showcases a natural, fresh color palette punctuated by pops of energetic colors.

In addition, to standard Holiday Inn guestroom accommodations - the residential design includes business-focused necessities like an ergonomic work station, data ports, complimentary high speed Internet access in guest rooms, WiFi capabilities and AT&T VoIP phone systems, which will allow guests to conduct conference calls for up to six participants even while using their computer online.

The full-service hotel also includes a Kem's Restaurant, named after Kemmons Wilson, featuring a wide array of traditional favorites and fresh, grilled menu items.  The Holiday Inn Memphis-Wolfchase offers a variety of other amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, and gift shop.  With more than 3,000 square feet of function space, the hotel will also be available for business meetings and banquets.

The Holiday Inn Memphis Wolfchase-Galleria is owned and managed by Wilson Hotel Management Co., Inc., a division of Kemmons Wilson, Inc., under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group, and is located at 2751 New Brunswick Rd., Memphis, Tenn., 38133.

W Hotels Worldwide Debuts in the U.S. Capital with the Unveiling of W Washington D.C.

Located Steps from the White House and Showcasing Unparalleled Views of the Historic City, W Washington D.C. Marks a Milestone in W’s Continued Global Expansion

W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveils its first hotel in the U.S. Capital with the opening of W Washington D.C., the W brand’s 25th hotel in North America and 32nd globally. The closest hotel to the White House, W Washington D.C. offers a progressive point of view and reveals spectacular views from all sides of its 15th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue location. Owned by Nakheel Hotels, W Washington D.C. takes over the historic former Hotel Washington, which opened in 1917. The new W Hotel mixes the historic building’s Beaux Arts architecture with the edgy yet elegant designs of Los Angeles-based designer Dianna Wong, setting the stage for W’s fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience, including POV (Point of View), the hotel’s destination rooftop bar and lounge, boasting unparalleled views of the White House and the city’s soaring monuments; W Living Room (W’s take on the traditional hotel lobby); and two firsts for Washington D.C.: J&G Steakhouse, from three-star Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Bliss® Spa, offering manicures, pedicures, facials and massages in a fun, no-attitude atmosphere.

“W Washington D.C. is a global flagship for the W brand as we transform from an American phenomenon to a global powerhouse,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “The hotel will provide guests and locals alike with W’s unique signature programming set in a cool design environment that gives a contemporary nod to Washington’s long history and offers incomparable views of this most scenic U.S. city.”

Iconic Architecture Mixes with Modern Design to Create the Capitol of Cool

Acclaimed designer Dianna Wong has preserved the history of the iconic Beaux Arts architecture of the iconic former Hotel Washington building while super-imposing W’s design style of vibrant colors, innovative textures, and cutting-edge elements that ring in a new era of modern glamour for both Washington’s power elite and jet setters alike. Guests first experience the contrast of Wong’s design as they walk through the F Street entrance doors, where they are welcomed by a digital fireplace, crackled paint, and deconstructed fixtures and artwork symbolizing “old Washington” and the deconstruction of the former Hotel Washington. In the W Living Room many of the building’s original architectural elements have been restored to their former luster, including famed plaster moldings, playful chandeliers and majestic arches. Wong’s duality of masculine and feminine power, or as she deems it, “pinstripes and lace,” serves as a design theme throughout the new hotel.

"It's been thrilling for me to work on the first W Hotel in the nation's capital," said Dianna Wong, principal at Dianna Wong Architecture and Interiors in Los Angeles. "The new Obama administration has brought a sense of excitement, elegance and youthful energy to Washington D.C. and this hotel captures those qualities. D.C. is the seat of power in America, but the insider knows that the dynamics of power in this town revolve around politics and pleasure. For me, this dance is symbolized by pinstripes and black lace, a duality between masculine and feminine - themes we use throughout the hotel. There is interplay here between history and fashion, classic and sleek, monumental and sublime” added Wong.

Mix and Mingle with Washington’s Power Set at POV Rooftop Bar 

For decades, the former Hotel Washington’s famed rooftop terrace was the most popular destination for presidents, politicos, and Washington’s power set, providing the most renowned views of the White House lawn and the city’s soaring historic monuments of any leisure spot in the nation’s capital. With the opening of W Washington D.C., the rooftop returns, reinterpreted as a modern cocktail lounge inspired by craft cocktail expert Sasha Petraske. Petraske, founder and owner of the well known cocktail culture destinations Milk & Honey in Manhattan, Little Branch in Greenwich Village and Dutch Kills in Queens, NY, has revived classic cocktail recipes that complement the historic architecture and modern twists found throughout the hotel. At the heart of POV’s operation is Petraske’s signature ice program, customized for every beverage, whether it calls for chunks from a burly 100+ pound ice block, custom cold-sculpted spears, spheres, and pellets, or simply shaved ice. Perched atop W Washington D.C., POV features striking red, black and white décor to complement the night sky, floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the city, and an outdoor terrace reconfigured with raised awnings, offering even more spectacular views. Additionally, Petraske’s artisanal spirits and classic cocktails are available in the 150-seat W Living Room, which serves as a social hub for guests and locals to mingle and sip as they mix business with pleasure or transition between the two.

Savor Sumptuous Cuisine in Style at J&G Steakhouse 

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Michelin-starred culinary figure renowned for providing dining experiences that are local in content and global in reach, arrives in Washington for the first time with the opening of J&G Steakhouse, W Washington D.C.’s signature restaurant. Infusing timeless and sophisticated cuisine set in a contemporary design environment, J&G Steakhouse is a composition of Jean-Georges’ favorite dishes from his New York restaurants as well as an inspired steakhouse menu with composed and simply grilled items. Also designed by Wong, the dining room at J&G Steakhouse boasts 20-foot ceilings with double height, arched windows and mirrors providing sweeping views of the White House Gardens and the Washington Monument. San Francisco artist Julie Chang has created a modern mural of cherry blossoms and coins on the ceilings and walls of the restaurant, homage to the Capital City’s famous cherry trees and a nod to the neighboring Treasury Department.

"J&G Steakhouse will bring New York cuisine to Washington D.C. in a modern take of the classic steakhouse - Jean-Georges style with D.C. flavor. Working with local organic farms to source sustainable products, we plan to highlight the best of what D.C. has to offer on our menu,” said Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

Located just below the dining room is J&G’s stylish Wine Bar, a cozy tavern-style lounge with slated floors, brick walls and exposed concrete beams. A selection of old and new world wines are offered as well as hand crafted cocktails and bottled beers from around the world. Jean-Georges has created an informal and casual menu of dishes to enhance the Wine Bar experience and accompany the unique libations. Guests at W Washington D.C. are also able to enjoy Vongerichten’s award-winning cuisine whether relaxing in-room, sipping amongst D.C.’s elite at POV, or attending a star-studded event held at the hotel.

Indulge at Washington’s First Bliss® Spa

Bliss Spa arrives in Washington D.C. for the first time with more than 4,000-square-feet of tension-fighting facilities with a focus on manicures and pedicures, facials, waxing, and skincare services as well as bliss signature massages. Four treatments rooms and bliss trademark touches such as rhythm & blues tunes, a retail beauty boutique, and the legendary brownie buffet, make bliss washington d.c. the ultimate destination for stylish jet setters and spa and beauty-loving locals. W Washington D.C. guests also receive “BIP” (Bliss Important Person) status for priority reservations, exclusive in-room sampling, and sink side bliss amenities in all guestrooms and suites.

Escape and Unwind in a Modern Refuge

W Washington D.C. features 317 stylish guestrooms, including 23 Marvelous suites, seven WOW suites, and an Extreme WOW suite (W’s reinterpretation of the traditional Presidential Suite), all of which incorporate Wong’s neo-romantic designs, exemplifying the power balance of “pinstripes and lace” found throughout the property. All guestrooms and suites feature state-of-the-art entertainment options, including flat-screen LCD TV and docking station for MP3 players, and a fully stocked Munchie Box (W Hotels’ twist of the hotel Mini Bar), setting the stage for a night on the town or for winding down after a day taking in the city’s illustrious museums.

Celebrate at Washington’s Premier Meeting, Event and Wedding Space 

W Washington D.C. features more than 12,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space, including The Great Room (W’s take on a grand ballroom) and Altitude Ballroom, which overlooks the Washington cityscape. Wong’s design of The Great Room, with a capacity to hold 700 guests, is a modern interpretation of the historic hotel’s 1920s Beaux Arts glamour, featuring a dramatic staircase at the entrance, striking chandeliers (new and 1920s originals remodeled) and glimmering columns throughout. Altitude Ballroom, located adjacent to POV rooftop lounge, has a capacity for 220 guests and has quickly become Washington’s most in-demand wedding destination.

Lavish Your Every Whim Whatever/Whenever

Other amenities at W Washington D.C. include SWEAT, state-of-the-art fitness center; WIRED business center; 24-hour in-room dining; and dry cleaning, laundry and valet services. Event spaces and WOW suites are connected to the National Press Club’s satellite feed, allowing the hotel’s entertainment and news industry guests to uplink remotes and interviews without the hassle of bringing satellite trucks downtown. W Washington D.C. also offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service promise, providing guests with whatever they want – from a private guided tour of the White House to private jet service from Reagan National – whenever they want it, as long as it’s legal!

W Washington D.C. is located at 515 15th Street NW Washington, District of Columbia 20004.

First Holiday Inn to open in the Maldives

Holiday Inn Malé - the First International-Class Hotel in the Capital City

The Maldives will see the opening of the first international-class hotel for its capital city, Malé. The 117-room Holiday Inn Malé will open on 1 September 2009. At 15 storeys, Holiday Inn Malé is the city's newest and tallest hotel in the Maldives and in a 750-kilometre radius, commanding an unrivalled view of the harbour and beyond.

Just a short, five-minute speedboat ride from the international airport, the hotel will offer world-class meetings and conference facilities, food and beverage outlets, extensive recreation and leading-edge communication facilities. Located on the corner of Ameer Ahmed Magu, Holiday Inn Malé lies near the harbourfront, shops and markets and within a short walking distance to the various historical places of interest like the Old Friday Mosque, Sultan Park and The Presidential Palace. The hotel provides the perfect gateway to holidaymakers heading out to outlying resort islands.

Sporting the new livery, quality facilities and service of the global Holiday Inn brand family, Holiday Inn Malé boasts of 117 stylish rooms which include 17 Superior Rooms, 77 Deluxe Rooms, 13 Deluxe Ocean view Rooms, 9 Premiere Rooms and a Presidential Suite. All rooms feature either a king bed or two twin beds and offer amenities such as broadband Internet, LCD TVs, minibar, complimentary tea/coffee making facilities and in-room safes. As for dining and entertainment, there is a Lobby Café, an all day dining restaurant, a rooftop restaurant offering European/Japanese fusion cuisine and a 24 hour in-room dining.

The hotel also has a rooftop swimming pool, a well equipped fitness centre and the first branded Spa in Malé, Coconut Spa. Other full range of activities include scuba diving and snorkeling, big game fishing, island excursions and picnics, Malé city tour, photo flights, resort day visits, submarine trips and others.

For corporate meetings, there are four versatile meeting rooms including the Grand Ballroom offering 255 square metres of space, all equipped with the latest technology. They provide the ideal space for a range of function requirements: from seminars, board meetings and exhibitions, to wedding banquets and private celebrations catering for up to 180 persons, banquet style, or 240 for a reception.

"Holiday Inn Malé will offer leisure and corporate guests alike a perfect place to relax in comfort or conduct business with ease," said Jolyon Bulley, vice president operations, South East and South West Asia, IHG Asia Australasia. "As the first IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) hotel in the Maldives, this represents an important milestone for IHG. It presents not only a strategic opportunity for the group to contribute to the thriving tourism industry in Maldives, but also play a significant role within the Malé community."

Holiday Inn Relaunches 1000th Hotel

New Holiday Inn Express in Times Square, New York, opens as part of the biggest  relaunch in hospitality history

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel company, today announced the opening of its 1000^th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel - the Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square.

The $1 billion relaunch of Holiday Inn is the largest in the history of the hospitality industry, with over 3,200 hotels around the world being updated - improving quality and driving consistency at Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express hotels from Boston to Beijing.

In addition to the 3,200 open hotels there are a further 1,050 in the development pipeline, due to open with the relaunched branding in the next 3-4 years. The relaunch programme, combined with new openings and continued removal of lower quality hotels, will completely rejuvenate the Holiday Inn estate over the next few years.

Andy Cosslett, IHG's CEO said "The opening of our 1000^th relaunched Holiday Inn hotel is the latest milestone on our 3 year journey and demonstrates the momentum behind the programme. Despite the tough economic climate, we've relaunched, on average, 4 hotels a day for the past 6 months and we're committed to completing the global relaunch by the end of 2010.

Relaunched hotels are benefitting from improved guest satisfaction and an average RevPAR (revenue per available room) outperformance of over 5%. And the feedback we're getting from our guests and hotel owners tell us it's the right time to be doing this. The economic environment has changed since we started the programme, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to show people that the Holiday Inn they came to know and love over the last 50 years is still a hotel that's right for them today."

The relaunch focuses on the things research shows matter most to guests - a modern, contemporary hotel with efficient, friendly service and a great night's sleep. Relaunched hotels feature:

• Upgraded and decluttered lobby areas  

• A Holiday Inn scent and sound  

• New bedding  

• Upgraded showers and bathroom amenities  

• New exterior lighting and landscaping  

• New signage with the redesigned logo  

• All Holiday Inn employees also go through an extensive "Stay Real" training programme to ensure guests receive the level of service they expect.  

26 million people a year visit Times Square and the 210-room Holiday Inn Express New York City Times Square is surrounded by New York City's biggest tourist attractions including Broadway, the Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building. The hotel is located at 343 West 39th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues in Midtown Manhattan, with LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK International (JFK) both less than 30 minutes away.

Element Hotels Partners with Carbon Day Automotive to Install Networked Electric Car Charging Station at Element Lexington

Element Lexington is Among the First Hotels to Install ChargePoint Charging Station to Support Growing Number of Electric Vehicles on the Road

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) and its eco-chic Element Hotels brand today announced a partnership with Carbon Day Automotive to install a ChargePoint(TM) Networked Charging Station at Element Lexington, Starwood's first Element property which opened in July, 2008. The ChargePoint Networked Charging Station was developed by Coulomb Technologies and is distributed by Green Power Technologies.

Both guests and travelers in the area can simply swipe a keyfob, plug in and charge up their electric vehicles at the station. A first in the hotel industry, travelers will be able to locate the charging station and even determine whether it is currently unoccupied by using Google(TM) maps. The ChargePoint Networked Charging Station is the most recent in a series of green initiatives implemented at Element Hotels, Starwood's working laboratory for green design, practices and operations. The hotels also provide preferred parking for drivers of hybrid or electric cars and "bikes to borrow" for guests. With four Element hotels open to-date, Element is the only major hotel brand to mandate that its properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

"By offering a charging station for electric vehicles, we are deepening our commitment to greener travel as a key part of an environmentally responsible lifestyle," said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Specialty-Select Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "We are proud to be playing a part in the development of the infrastructure needed to support the anticipated increase in electric vehicles over the next several years."

"Starwood's Element brand shares our commitment to driving environmental awareness and helping individuals, businesses and municipalities lower their carbon footprint," said Scott Emalfarb, one of the principals at Carbon Day Automotive. "By installing the ChargePoint Networked Charging Station at Element Lexington, we are preparing for the influx of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles expected on America's roads in 2010. We hope that other hotels will follow Starwood's lead and take the initiative to encourage this important change in the automobile industry."

The push to develop more hybrid-electric cars recently received a big boost from President Barack Obama, who has made reducing oil consumption a top priority. In May, President Obama announced tough new fuel-efficiency standards for new cars and trucks and several major auto makers are currently developing new models of electric cars for 2009-2010 to join those already available.

Element and Carbon Day will share the cost for the ChargePoint Networked Charging Station, a sleek, unobtrusive device equipped with a universal plug-in for all kinds of electric vehicles including cars, buses, Segway scooters and bikes. The ChargePoint Networked Charging Station utilizes the ChargePoint^SM Network, which includes a choice of flexible subscription plans and sophisticated search technology via Google(TM) maps.

Green from the Ground Up

The Element brand's green features are cleverly designed to be as aesthetically appealing as they are eco-friendly, so guests never compromise on style and comfort. Eco-friendly materials are used whenever possible and natural light is maximized throughout the hotels. To reduce waste, guest room bathrooms are equipped with amenity dispensers, kitchens are supplied with silverware and glassware instead of plastic utensils and paper cups, and filtered drinking water is available rather than plastic water bottles. Also, the hotel's refreshing, all-saline pool provides a healthier, more eco-friendly alternative to chlorine. Guestrooms feature carpets with up to 100% recycled content, wall art is mounted on bases made from recycled tires and low VOC paints and green housecleaning products improve indoor air quality. Recycling bins are available in guest rooms and public areas. Element conserves water and energy with low-flow faucets and fixtures, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and energy-efficient appliances. Even the ubiquitous "Do Not Disturb" sign has been replaced with an environmentally-friendly magnet.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE BRANDO

Luxury Eco-Resort Slated to Open in 2011 on Marlon Brando’s Private Island, Tetiaroa

Located on the French Polynesian atoll of Tetiaroa and a product of the late Marlon Brando’s vision, construction on The Brando has officially begun with completion slated for late 2011. Construction of the luxury eco-resort has commenced with the official authorization from the Tahitian government after several years of studying the impact of construction on the environment. The Brando will feature: 47 deluxe bungalow villas (each with private plunge pools), a spa, fitness center, community pool, as well as various island activities including scuba diving and archaeological tours of royal Tahitian sites.

Construction of The Brando began with the building of a platform on the coral reef to provide logistical access to the island without causing environmental damage. Additionally, the old airstrip is being refurbished and extended to meet the government’s safety standards. 

The exclusive resort will be the only hotel on Tetiaroa, the former playground of Tahitian Kings in French Polynesia’s idyllic islands. Purchased by Brando in 1965, Tetiaroa is a 13-island chain circled by a coral reef offering a tranquil and pure paradise 35 miles from the island of Tahiti. The Brando is a product of Brando’s vision to create a project which will resonate with visitors and also foster opportunities for guests to get to know both the place and the people of French Polynesia. 

The project is being overseen by Tahiti Beachcomber SA, whose CEO, Richard Bailey, owner of several luxury resorts in French Polynesia, was a good friend of Brando’s and had been working with him for many years to fulfill their joint vision to develop an environmentally sustainable resort. Bailey has experience with other sustainable projects in French Polynesia as he owns four InterContinental resorts in the region, utilizing eco-friendly practices. 

Brando had many ideas for how to create an eco-friendly resort, and Bailey is working with the Brando estate to implement these visions. The hotel will operate with a “sea water air conditioning” system (SWAC), which draws on an inexhaustible supply of completely renewable clean energy and has zero impact on the environment. Bailey plans to use a deep-sea pipe to pump cold water from the depths of the ocean, which will then be used to chill the air in the hotel -- the same system he developed and is successfully in place at InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. 

Bailey and his company, Tahiti Beachcomber SA, own the four InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa, InterContiental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, and InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa. Bailey is also co-founder of the non-profit foundation, Te Mana o Te Moana. Working closely with the Tahitian Ministry of Environment, the organization strives to protect marine life, educating the public on safe environmental activity, and continuously promotes eco-friendly practices throughout the InterContinental properties and local communities. 

Hotel Indigo Opens First LEED Certified Property in San Diego

Eco-savvy property boasts first green roof in San Diego, meditation deck and herb garden

Hotel Indigo today announces the opening of Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, the brand's first LEED^® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified hotel and the first LEED certified hotel in San Diego - one of only 19 in the U.S.  Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is also the only new hotel scheduled to open in downtown San Diego in 2009.

A flagship property, Hotel Indigo San Diego is owned and managed by IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms.  The hotel is also the first in IHG's portfolio to achieve LEED certification.  The second Hotel Indigo property to achieve LEED certification will open in Athens, Ga., at the University of Georgia this September.

In keeping with the Hotel Indigo brand's commitment to the environment, sustainable green building and development practices were incorporated into the design, construction and operation of the new 12-story Hotel Indigo San Diego.  The hotel is located at 509 9th Ave., in downtown San Diego just one block from PETCO Park and only steps away from the Gaslamp Quarter, the city's exciting dining and entertainment district. Convenient for business travelers, the hotel is also less than a mile from the bayside San Diego Convention Center.

"From the rooftop down, Hotel Indigo is a model of sustainability and we're delighted to debut the brand's first green hotel in San Diego," said Janis Cannon, vice president, Global Brand Management, Hotel Indigo.  "As our flagship property, Hotel Indigo San Diego will showcase the brand's upscale boutique positioning through its locally-inspired fresh design and inviting service culture, which promises to deliver an engaging and intimate guest experience."

Another first for the brand and the city, Hotel Indigo San Diego is topped with a green roof on the ninth and 12th floors.  The green roof, which is covered with drought-tolerant plants, will reduce energy consumption by cutting the need for heating and air conditioning and will contribute to lowering the urban heat island effect.  Taking recycling to a new level, the hotel's Phi Terrace Bar and ninth floor meditation deck is also the world's first installation of MoistureShield composite decking, which is made from recycled polyethylene plastic and recycled wood fibers (i.e., grocery bags, milk jugs, byproduct from furniture/cabinetry making, etc.).

Additional green elements found throughout the hotel, include:

• Herb garden on ninth floor terrace with basil, spearmint, rosemary, and tarragon; herbs will be used in gourmet menu items at the hotel's Phi Bar and Bistro;
• Operable floor-to-ceiling windows in Phi Bar and ninth floor suites, which provide ample natural daylighting and ventilation;
• On-site recycling program with recycling containers in guest rooms and operations areas;
• Pantry and kitchen composting of organic matter from Phi Bar and Bistro; and
• Reserved parking spaces and parking discounts for guests who drive low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.

"Hotel Indigo San Diego has already been incredibly well-received by the local San Diego community, and we look forward to further engaging with the neighborhood now that we are officially welcoming guests and visitors," said Chris Jones, general manager, Hotel Indigo San Diego.

Working with a talented team of local artists, photographers and designers, Hotel Indigo San Diego has captured the sun-kissed character and inviting coastal culture of the San Diego region by using locally-inspired artwork throughout the hotel.  Adding architectural detail to the San Diego skyline, a 40-foot glass sculpture aptly named "Indigo Waters" is affixed to the western facade of the hotel between the ninth and 12^th floors.  Inside the hotel, large-scale photographic murals of native plants and water-driven images, such as agaves and the Pacific Ocean, are incorporated in the guest rooms and public areas

A refreshing take on boutique design and décor, Hotel Indigo San Diego "counts" math as its muse.  The hotel's stylish, inviting design is inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, a universal design constant found throughout nature, art and architecture.  Adopting this mathematical ratio as a design principle creates a perfectly-balanced urban oasis of effortless beauty in the heart of downtown San Diego.

Hotel Indigo San Diego features 210 airy and inviting guestrooms, including five suites, with oversized beds, plush bedding, hard-surface flooring for a fresh residential feel, and spa-inspired showers with Aveda products.  Each guestroom includes a 37-inch high-definition flat screen TV with complimentary movies, an iHome/MP3 alarm clock radio, and a Keurig coffee maker.  Additionally, the hotel provides guests complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel and access to the 24-hour business center, meeting space, 24-hour fitness studio and meditation deck on the ninth floor.

Dining and entertainment options include Phi Bar and Bistro, which serves gourmet dishes based on fresh, local seasonal ingredients, and a spectacular ninth floor rooftop bar.  Phi Terrace Bar features a reflection pool, fire pits, lounge seating and panoramic views of the cityscape and baseball games at PETCO Park - sure to become a hot spot for guests to mix and mingle over cocktails.

Staybridge Suites Named Best in Customer Satisfaction

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, received what is perhaps the industry’s highest form of compliment for their upscale extended-stay hotel brand– top honors in guest satisfaction. Staybridge Suites was recognized by Market Metrix, LLC for superiority in customer satisfaction during the first quarter of 2009, ranking higher than any other hotel across the upscale hotel category.

“This is the third first-place finish for the brand in the past five quarters,” said Robert Radomski, vice president, Global Brand Management, Extended-Stay Brands, IHG. “We’re extremely proud of our hotel teams for demonstrating their ‘Staybridge Spirit’ and delivering excellent service to their guests time and time again.”

Based on 35,000 customer interviews in a Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) quarterly survey, guests named Staybridge Suites the leader in customer satisfaction within the upscale hotel segment. Staybridge Suites’ score surpassed twenty-three other hotel brands in this category.

The Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) is the largest and most in-depth measure of hospitality company performance available today.  These benchmarks, delivered through their flagship product Customer Metrix™, enable Market Metrix clients to compare their results to competitors by STAR segment, AAA classification, Brand, SMSA, industry averages, performers in the top 10% and other classifications.

 

About Staybridge Suites Hotels

Staybridge Suites® is an innovative all-suite hotel brand designed to meet the needs of extended-stay guests.  It is ideal for travelers seeking a residential-style hotel that is perfect for business, relocation and vacations.  Amenities include: three suite types (deluxe studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom/2 bath) with fully equipped kitchens, highly functional work areas, speaker phone with voicemail and direct dial access and free high-speed internet access. Staybridge Suites offers free “Wireless Anywhere”, complimentary daily deluxe breakfast buffet and evening Sundowner reception three days a week, and 24-hour business services featuring complimentary PC work stations and free Internet access.

The Staybridge Suites brand continues to grow rapidly with more than 150 hotels open across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.  There are 163 Staybridge Suites in the pipeline, including 11 outside of the Americas.

About Market Metrix
Market Metrix helps hospitality companies around the world foster loyal customers and engaged employees.  Based on award-winning research and breakthrough concepts, their products deliver instant survey results, analysis and management tools for increasing revenue and reducing staff turnover.  Their benchmarking database, MMHI, is the most comprehensive, independent comparison of consumer brand satisfaction in the industry.  Their annual MMHI Awards are coveted by lodging and travel enterprises around the world.  With clients that include more than 120 brands across 70 countries, Market Metrix has been helping leading hospitality companies turn feedback into performance since 1996.  For more information, visit www.marketmetrix.com.

Priority Club Rewards Launches "Points & Cash"

New Program Empowers Consumers to Cash-In on Rewards, Faster and Easier

IHG's (InterContinental Hotels Group) Priority Club® Rewards, the world's largest hotel loyalty program, today announced the launch of "Points & Cash," a new program feature that allows members to redeem points with cash for reward night stays at any of IHG's more than 4,200 hotels worldwide.  IHG's seven brands include InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® and Candlewood Suites®.

"Points & Cash" allows for two cash options - $30 and $60 USD - to be combined with reduced point levels for reward night stays.  Priority Club Rewards members redeeming for reward night room reservations for IHG hotels through www.priorityclub.com will now have three options: Points Only; Points + $30; or Points + $60.

"Our members told us they wanted more flexibility and versatility in their redemption options, and Points & Cash meets that request," said Don Berg, vice president of IHG loyalty programs. "In this economy, everyone is trying to stretch their wallets, so it's not surprising that our members want to stretch their loyalty program currency, too.  Points & Cash is the perfect solution for either - or both.  And with summer vacation season now in full swing, Priority Club members will be able to take advantage of this new feature right away."

Priority Club Rewards members redeem their points for nearly two million reward nights each year. In 2008, more than 80 percent of points were redeemed for reward nights.  Priority Club Rewards features a "no point expiration" policy and no blackout dates on Reward Nights.

About Priority Club Rewards
With 43 million members globally, IHG's Priority Club Rewards is the first, largest and fastest-growing guest loyalty program in the hotel industry. Winner of the 19^th Annual Freddie Awards hotel loyalty Program of the Year for the second consecutive year and named Best Hotel Rewards Program in the World four years running by Global Traveler magazine, Priority Club Rewards offers more sought-after benefits and the greatest ease of use of any hotel loyalty program.  In addition to flexible features like No Points Expiration and No Blackout Dates, Priority Club Rewards members have more options for point redemption than any other hotel loyalty program, including redemption at more than 500,000 lodging establishments worldwide - even at rivals' hotels - through the industry-leading Any Hotel, Anywhere Reward.  Members can redeem points not only for hotel nights, but also for airline miles on more than 40 partner airlines, for auto rentals, for gift certificates and for hundreds of products available in the Rewards Catalog.  And Priority Club Rewards is the only hotel loyalty program to offer members a Personal Shopper program that allows members to exchange points for items not found in the Rewards Catalog.

Enrollment in Priority Club Rewards is free. Guests can enroll by logging onto priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of any of IHG's more than 4,200 hotels worldwide.

Announcing the New LUXE City Guides Hotel & Villa Collection Online Booking Site

For six years, the LUXE City Guides' editorial team have scoured the 31 cities in the LUXE range for the few special properties that readers will love, and now you can browse and book them online at www.luxecityguides.com. Unlike other sites that list everything and the kitchen sink, the LUXE City Guides Hotel & Villa Collection is a highly opinionated, ultra-selective compilation of what LUXE is loving. Value, style and bang for buck.

Many booking sites are paid to list properties, but LUXE only features the hotels reviewed in the guides; no one ever pays to be listed. The LUXE City Guides Hotel & Villa Collection contains over 100 hotel reviews, spanning 31 cities, with more added every week. LUXE always travels to each destination, so you know it's an opinion you can trust and you can, quite literally, rest assured.

Rates are often less than you would get if you went direct to the hotel, and LUXE promises if you find a lower rate for the same room type under the same conditions within 24 hours of booking, LUXE will cancel your reservation at no cost. And that's all you pay. There's no additional booking or membership fee. With best online rates, exclusive offers and deals, and a free LUXE City Guide for every booking you make, LUXE means style for dollar.

So, what else do you get? LUXE Insider drops the skinny on what rooms to book and the fabs and drabs you can expect. Member reviews is where you can swap info and opinions. The gallery contains swarms of hi-res pics so you can really see where you'll be laying your head. The LUXE Special Collections help you choose your own adventure and include everything from Secluded Escapes, to Doggy Friendly hotels, to More Dash than Cash.

As if that weren't enough, the scorching new state-of-the-art LUXE City Guides online store comes with free monthly updates, destination reports, special offers and a grand slam of other cool stuff.

Crowne Plaza moves into Portugal - first Crowne Plaza will be in Vilamoura in the Algarve

The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura, set to open in January 2010, will be the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Portugal. The historic deal is the first franchise agreement between IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) and the Grupo Marope, a Portuguese property and hotel owning company. The hotel will create more than 200 jobs when it opens.

The new hotel is right on the Vilamoura beach, near the world famous Vilamoura Casino, 300 metres from the Algarve's main marina, Marina Vilamoura, and 20 kilometres from Faro Airport. The hotel is within walking distance of five golf courses in Vilamoura, and only 20 minutes drive from other major courses in the Algarve.

Vilamoura is one of Europe's most popular destinations for tourists and golfers.

The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura will have 327 rooms and suites, and impressive conference facilities with 1,200 square metres of meeting room space. There is a 760 square metre meeting room divisible into three, a 275 square metre meeting room also divisible into three, an executive boardroom for 12 people and 22 guest rooms that have been designed for use as meeting rooms when needed. A beautiful garden with large palm trees makes the hotel ideal for hosting outdoor events.

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura will also have a variety of entertainment facilities and restaurants, including one al fresco restaurant open most of the year, a 1,000 square metre outdoor swimming pool and a driving range supervised by the hotel's golf pro.

The hotel was previously the Vilamoura Beach Hotel. The construction team stripped the building down to its original steel structure and floors and then rebuilt the hotel.

Hylko Versteeg, director of development for Spain and Portugal, IHG, said: "Since introducing Crowne Plaza to Europe more than 20 years ago it has become one of the world's fastest growing upscale hotel brands. Signing this deal with the Grupo Marope, which takes us into Portugal, is a milestone for us."

"Crowne Plaza is an internationally renowned hotel brand, popular with business travellers across the world. This unique opportunity to open the first Crowne Plaza hotel in Portugal is an exciting move for us. We are confident the hotel will draw more business and leisure travellers to Vilamoura and indeed the Algarve," explained Mario Vasco Pereira, Grupo Marope president.

Wyndham Hotel Brand Debuts in China With Xiamen Opening

Hotel Group, a member of the Wyndham Worldwide family of hospitality companies, has launched the Wyndham® Hotels and Resorts brand in China with the opening of the brand's first property here: a newly constructed, 588-room luxury hotel.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest U.S. based hotel company in China, currently franchising 175 hotels and five brands throughout the country. This also marks the first Wyndham-branded hotel managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc. in the Asia Pacific region.

The 26-floor, five-star Wyndham Xiamen hotel, owned by Xiamen He Ping Li Hotel Ltd., features five food-and-beverage outlets, 37,000 square feet of meeting space, a 2,658-square-foot business center and diverse fitness facilities.

"We are honored to debut the Wyndham brand in China," said Jeff Wagoner, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts president. "This magnificent hotel represents one of the very best the Wyndham brand has to offer and demonstrates our commitment to developing similar luxurious hotels throughout Asia."

According to Wagoner, the introduction of the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand in China fulfills a strategic objective to develop the chain and Wyndham Hotel Management capabilities in Asia.

In a country that revels in architectural excellence, the Wyndham Xiamen does not disappoint, with a 66-foot-high waterfall; 23-foot-tall lobby chandelier glistening with 882 large crystal drops and 88 light bulbs; and the hotel's front face, which includes 460 energy-efficient lights that create a kaleidoscope of changing colors and designs at night. Completing the decor is a 23-foot-high statue at the hotel's entrance named the Goddess of Heping, representing an interpretation of the indigenous goddess of the sea, Mazu, considered to be a protector of East Asian fishermen and sailors.

Guest rooms include 161 suites, 216 non-smoking rooms and 130 serviced apartments, ranging in size from 500 to 1,065 square feet, all with views of the ocean or city skyline. The top five floors comprise the Wyndham Club, with 90 executive rooms, library, business services, meeting room and split-level lounge.

Each guest room features high-speed Internet service, stunning glass-design bathrooms with separate shower and bath, feather-down bedding, 32-inch, flat-screen LCD TVs, a safety deposit box with power to recharge laptops while stored and nightly turndown service, room cleaning and refreshed linens.

The centerpiece of the meeting facilities is a 13,558-square-foot, pillarless grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. The hotel has 11 additional meeting rooms for small- to medium-sized groups. Services include state-of-the art meeting rooms, independent audio visual facilities, Internet access and translation equipment.

The business center offers four workstations with Internet access, facsimile machines, photocopiers and color laser printers. A concierge is available to arrange city tours, limousine service, same-day laundry and golf services at nearby courses.

Wyndham Xiamen's fitness center features an exercise room, indoor heated swimming pool and weight-lifting equipment. Personal instructors and trainers are available to all guests.

Five food-and-beverage outlets offer an array of international cuisine, including an all-day restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Chinese restaurant, lobby lounge and the Wyndham Club lounge, which serves breakfast and drinks with a sea view.

The hotel staff represents 20 of China's 34 provinces and speaks 19 Chinese dialects or languages and five international languages. Hotel General Manager Dominique Galperti, who has directed the hotel project, brings more than 25 years of hospitality experience in both Asia and Europe.

Located along the southeast coast of China, Xiamen is a key gateway city and a favored destination for foreign investment. The city has commercial links with Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Xiamen's primary economic activities include fishing, shipbuilding, food processing, tanning, textiles, machine tools manufacturing, chemical industries, financial and telecommunication services.

Xiamen also is a tourist city widely known for its seaport and coastline. The city's tourist attractions include Gulangyu Island also known as Piano Island, Nanputuo Temple, stores featuring local products including tea leaves and sugar canes and water tours of the many small islands that are clustered along the coast near the city.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC and its affiliates, members of the Wyndham Hotel Group family of lodging brands, offer upscale hotel and resort accommodations throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Mexico, China and the Caribbean. All Wyndham hotels are either franchised or managed by us or managed through a joint venture partner. For additional information or to make a reservation, go to www.wyndham.com.

Wyndham Hotel Group, one of three principal components of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN), encompasses approximately 7,000 hotels and 588,500 rooms in 66 countries under the hotel brands: Wyndham Hotels and Resorts®, Ramada®, Days Inn®, Super 8®, Wingate® by Wyndham, Baymont Inn & Suites®, Microtel Inn & Suites®, Hawthorn Suites®, Howard Johnson®, Travelodge® and Knights Inn®.

All hotels are independently owned and operated excluding certain Wyndham and international Ramada hotels which are managed by our affiliate or through a joint venture partner. Wyndham Hotel Group is based in Parsippany, N.J. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

Marriott Opens its 10th Hotel in Paris: The Courtyard by Marriott Paris - Saint Denis

The 150-room Courtyard by Marriott Paris - Saint Denis has opened in the dynamic Seine Saint Denis area above Saint Ouen, in close proximity to major businesses such as EDF, Siemens, Samsung, Generali, Bacardi France, Bosch, Caterpillar, Panasonic and Valeo, the Tour Pleyel and the Stade de France stadium.  The hotel is just six kilometers from central Paris, accessible by car or Metro on line 13 (Carrefour Pleyel station).  The Saint Denis hotel is Marriott’s third moderately priced Courtyard branded hotel in Paris.

“This hotel is designed for European business travelers who want all the conveniences of an upscale hotel but with a casual, open design where they can be totally at ease,” says Siegfried Poppe, general manager of the hotel. “It is in a great location to service business travelers to the area, as well as leisure guests attending events at the Stade de France.”

Guest rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Paris -- Saint Denis are fully equipped with Marriott’s new, highly-acclaimed plush bedding and bath linens; two telephone lines; wireless Internet access; a well-lighted, over-sized work desk and ergonomic chair for comfort; an in-room safe and refrigerator; a coffee and tea maker and an iron and ironing board.  Opening rates for the month of June are €89, excluding city tax, on weekend nights and  €159 midweek.

For dining and entertainment, Oleo Pazzo, a casual Mediterranean bistro, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with outdoor patio seating and a lobby lounge and bar. Additional amenities include a business center/Internet corner in the lobby and wireless Internet throughout all public areas of the hotel.  A Grab & Go market provides snacks and sundries for those in a hurry.  And the fitness center offers travelers a way to maintain their wellness regime.

For small conferences and social events, the hotel has 125 square meters of meeting space which can be divided into three separate meeting rooms.

The Courtyard by Marriott brand is currently represented in France with properties in Neuilly and Colombes, a western suburb of Paris near La Defense. New Courtyard hotels in France are also planned for Marseille in 2010 and Arceuil in 2010.  Within Europe, 11 additional Courtyards are planned in Frankfurt South Oberforsthaus, Germany; Budapest, Hungary; Rome, Italy; Kristiansund, Norway; St. Petersburg, Russia; Basel, Switzerland; Stockholm-Kungsholmen, Sweden; Istanbul, Turkey; London Gatwick and Aberdeen in the United Kingdom;  and Belfast, Ireland.

Courtyard by Marriott is a moderately-priced lodging brand offering a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced.  Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control.  With more than 800 hotels in 28 countries, Courtyard is Marriott’s largest brand; 200 additional Courtyard by Marriott hotels will open around the world over the next three years.

Discover all l0 Courtyard, Renaissance and Marriott hotels in Paris, at marriott.com/paris.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, Inc. is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories.  Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers.  The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 year-end.  It is recognized by BusinessWeek as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE® as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004.  In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion.  For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com. For an interactive online version of Marriott's 2008 Annual Report, which includes a short video message from Chairman and CEO J.W. Marriott, Jr., visit www.marriott.com/investor.

The world’s first Jumbo Hostel finally opens! (January 2009)

On January 15th Jumbo Hostel will be opening, the world's first hostel built onboard a real Boeing 747-200 Jumbo Jet.

This Jumbo (Liv) has undergone a complete overhall and major renovation work since last year. Liv was grounded at Stockholm Arlanda Airport back in November 2002.

Back then it retired from operating Charter and Pilgrim flights and now the Jumbo is ready to welcome guests onboard once again, this time with a new image and purpose.

• It's just fantastic and unbelievably exciting to finally be able to show something so unique and special for the rest of the world - says Gisela Olsson, Site Manager at the Jumbo Hostel.
• Since August when the Jumbo (Liv) was towed and relocated to its new permanent location at the entrance to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, it has become a significant landmark. Many people who travel to and from the airport have already drawn attention to the Jumbo Hostel.
• Stockholm Arlanda Airport will now boast a new alternative option for overnight accommodation, but also a fierce attraction. This should bring an increased interest in Stockholm and the region, continues Oscar Diös, CEO and mastermind of the Jumbo Hostel. 

The interest is huge, with tour operators and tourist organizations worldwide.

TV crew and Media as far away from Japan, USA, Brazil, Japan, England and Germany have already filmed it to say the least, a unique Swedish hostel now to be opened.

 

 

Amazing Beach Destinations at Hotels.com

Amazing Beach Destinations at Hotels.com

Plan a vacation to one of the top beaches! Enjoy Summer savings of up to 30% when you book by 6/30/09, Travel by 7/5/09 participating hotels.

Top Beach Destination: Maui hotels from $80
Top Beach Destination: Miami/South Beach from $61
Top Beach Destination: San Diego from $51
Top Beach Destination: Cancun hotels from $35
Top Beach Destination: Jacksonville hotels from $35
Top Beach Destination: Myrtle Beach from $60
Top Beach Destination: South Padre Island from $130
See More Top Beach Destinations

La Quinta Inns & Suites Expands International Growth

Company Enters Panama with 13 Hotel Agreement

La Quinta announced it has signed a deal to bring the La Quinta brand to Panama for the first time. La Quinta signed the agreement with Panama City-based Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate, Inc., which plans to develop 13 La Quinta Inn & Suites in locations throughout Panama. The first and anchor property will be in Panama City overlooking the Panama Canal and positioned in the center of this newly emerging market. Additional hotels will be located at the Panama Airport, in Coronado and Las Tablas. This announcement is part of La Quinta's continued growth in the United States, Mexico and Canada as well as parts of North and South America.

"We are delighted to bring La Quinta to Panama. Panama is a dynamic, growing hotel market and we are impressed with La Quinta's value proposition as a partner in development as well as guest service," said Lincoln Garcia, President of Coldwell Banker Premier Real Estate. "We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship."

"Bringing the La Quinta brand to a dynamic market such as Panama is very exciting. We are strategically looking for markets where there are growth prospects," said Rajiv Trivedi, La Quinta's Executive Vice President for Franchising and Chief Development Officer. "Building on our current growth underway in Mexico, the agreement in Panama is another step in the brand's expansion plans throughout Latin America." He concluded, "We thank Lincoln Garcia for his confidence and look forward to his breaking ground on the first La Quinta in Panama very soon."

In addition to its international expansion, La Quinta has opened 17 hotels in 10 states adding more than 1,400 rooms. La Quinta has also executed 28 new franchise agreements and expects its strong pace of growth to continue during the remainder of 2009.

"We are pleased by the continued strong pace of our franchise growth in spite of the challenging economic environment," said Wayne Goldberg, La Quinta's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We welcome Lincoln Garcia and his team to the La Quinta family!"

La Quinta's franchising program was launched in 2001 and since then has signed more than 600 franchise agreements, including multiple projects currently underway in Mexico. Its rapid pace of growth makes La Quinta a top franchise choice and the industry leader in the mid-market segment.

About La Quinta

LQ Management L.L.C. is one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States. Based in Dallas, Texas, the Company operates and provides franchise services to more than 700 hotels in 45 states, Canada and Mexico under the La Quinta Inn® and La Quinta Inn & Suites® brands. For reservations or more information about La Quinta, please visit www.LQ.com or call 1-800-SLEEPLQ.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Expands in Boston Metro Area

Fourth Boston-area Crowne Plaza hotel opens after $10 million renovation

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms, today announced that the Crowne Plaza Boston-Newton opened on May 14, after extensive renovations and a conversion from a Sheraton hotel. Just minutes from Boston College, Harvard, and other Boston Universities --the hotel's planned renovation will cover all areas from wallcoverings to carpets.

Conveniently located along the Massachusetts Turnpike, the 270-room Crowne Plaza is just four minutes outside Boston and eight minutes from Logan International Airport. The Newton location joins three Crowne Plaza properties in the Boston area including: Boston-Natick, Nashua and Worcester-Downtown.

"Boston is considered the economic and cultural center of the region, and there are many local businesses, medical facilities and educational institutions surrounding the Newton hotel, making it an ideal location for a Crowne Plaza," said Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, and the Americas.

Amenities at the Crowne Plaza Boston-Newton include indoor heated pool, fitness center and business center. The hotel's restaurant, Martha's, serves continental and American cuisine.

The hotel features the Crowne Plaza Sleep Advantage®, available at all Crowne Plaza hotels in the Americas. Sleep Advantage encompasses the entire sleep experience, from training staff on how to create and maintain a restful environment to providing innovative products and services. Program components include signature bedding, guaranteed wake-up calls, designated quiet zones, night lights, drape clips and amenities such as eye masks, ear plugs and lavender spray.

Also consistent with the Crowne Plaza brand, the hotel offers a comprehensive meetings program to ensure a seamless planning process and exceptional meeting experience consisting of three key components: a Two Hour Response Guarantee, Crowne Meetings Director and a Daily Meetings Debrief.  The hotel has five spacious meeting rooms with 7,000 square feet of flexible, upscale meeting space, including a 4,000 square foot ballroom with a scenic view of the Boston skyline.

The property, located at 320 Washington St., Newton, Ma., is owned and managed by Bowden Hospitality Newton, LLC, and  under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts participates in IHG's guest loyalty program, Priority Club® Rewards.  The industry's first and largest guest loyalty program has 43 million members.  Priority Club Rewards membership is free and guests can enroll by logging on at priorityclub.com, by calling 1-888-211-9874 or by inquiring at the front desk of this hotel or any of IHG's more than 4,200 hotels worldwide.

Crowne Plaza was recently recognized by Lodging Hospitality magazine as one of the industry's top growing brands. As part of the IHG global portfolio, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts has more than 300 hotels in nearly 60 countries, and are located in major urban centers, gateway cities and resort destinations. For reservations at Crowne Plaza properties, visit http://www.crowneplaza.com/ or call 1-800-2CROWNE.