Destination News - Hotel, Resort & Spa.

Apr 7, 2008

Gluten Free Travel launched a website focused on helping people with Celiac - and others following gluten-free diets - locate hotels, resorts, and restaurants around the world that accommodate their special diets. As more people get diagnosed with Celiac Disease every day and awareness grows, an increasing number of hotels, resorts, and restaurants are realizing this is a niche market they can't ignore. As a result, they are developing special programs and menus to cater to this growing market. For more information, visit www.glutenfreetravelsite.com Apr 4, 2008

Economy chain Red Roof Inns has unveiled NextGen redesign, its new design prototype focused on guestrooms and open-space areas, which will offer sleek and modern innovation that will strike a chord with travelers on a budget. It will include new bathrooms featuring granite countertops, vessel sinks and oversized showers with rain-flow showerheads. Red Roof will also add wireless Internet and flat-screen TV's to the guestrooms, along with new bedding and redesigned workspaces. Lobbies will have more natural light and touches such as stone walling."We've seen that the economy has forced consumers and businesses to rethink their lodging needs and look for a brand that provides the most value for the money," said Red Roof CEO, Joseph Wheeling. "Our detail oriented Redesign gives travelers everything they need and then some. It's the basics kicked up a notch." Apr 3, 2008

Coconut Bay Beach Resort

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa in St. Lucia is bringing a first to the island. The resort has officially launched the region's first paintball facility called The Zone, which is being described as "a retro-industrial inspired paintball war zone." Guests can battle each other on the playing field that is able to accommodate up to 10 players. Players seeking a bit more training can head to the target practice section of the facility to perfect their aim before taking the battlefield. A fully-staffed playing field awaits guests, complete with certified referees and instructors. All equipment needed is provided courtesy of the resort, including paintball guns, paintballs, goggles and additional safety gear. Mar 31, 2008

Excellence Resorts

Excellence Resorts announced the completion of $8 million in renovations to its Excellence Punta Cana property. Excellence Punta Cana received a range of enhancements including new decoration of all guest rooms and partial renovations throughout the resort areas, as well as a new restaurant, state-of-the-art fitness center and many additional lavish touches. The Excellence Club features private swim-up suites for Club members with views of the Caribbean Sea. The renovations to these accommodations include new interior decoration, Bulgari toiletries and new lounging hammocks in the private cabanas. Excellence Club suites have also been equipped with new 37 inch LCD flat screen televisions and radio alarm clocks with Ipod connections. The Club suites' mini-bars, featuring premium liquors, have been expanded to include wine and a variety of snacks, all freshly stocked every day. In addition to the Club suites, redecoration of all of the resort's guest rooms has been completed. And, all guest rooms now include free wireless Internet access, as well as throughout the resort. Excellence Punta Cana created Oregano, its eighth restaurant option to enhance the current seven enticing international choices. Oregano features items like pizza and offers flexible dining hours, including early and late evening availability. Additionally, the resort's existing seven gourmet restaurants have been completely redecorated reflecting their international themes which are: French, Mexican, Mediterranean, fine Italian, Asian, lobster specialties and grill specialties. All of the restaurant's kitchens have been renovated. Moreover, a healthy choice spa cuisine dining option is now available in all of the restaurants. In addition to its spa, guests of Excellence Punta Cana will certainly enjoy the newly developed fitness center equipped with a large separate space with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and a special room for yoga and fitness classes. Expert trainers are available. The tennis courts have also been renovated. Additional resort areas that have been updated include the Excellence Punta Cana reception and lobby area, meeting facilities and theater. Enhancements include new furniture in the lobby and meeting spaces. The theater also features new arm chairs. Additional renovations were also completed in the pool and beach areas. For additional information, visit www.excellence-resorts.com. Apr 4, 2008

Fairmont Hotels

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced the Fairmont Vail, a new resort in Colorado developed by HCT Development. The resort is slated to open in 2011 in time for the winter season. The 128-room resort will also feature 73 Fairmont Residences as well as Fairmont Heritage Place, the company's private residence club homes. Amenities for guests to enjoy include a selection of dining outlets and a signature 10,000 square foot Willow Stream spa. In addition, the resort will offer 9,500 square feet of function space, including a 3,000 square foot ballroom. Call 800-257-7544 or visit www.fairmont.com Apr 4, 2008

Fairmont Hotels

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts are once again offering their Only One Way Summer rates. Fairmont is offering guests a $50 food and beverage credit per room, per night for stays of two consecutive nights on any reservations made with an American Express Card before June 30, 2008. Furthermore, several Fairmont locations are also offering Triple Miles on Only One Way Summer bookings through its collection of airline partner programs that includes Aeroplan, American Airlines AAdvantage, and United Mileage Plus. For full terms and conditions, to make reservations or to find a list of Fairmont's Only One Way Summer rates, travelers can visit www.fairmont.com/summer or call 800-830-1411. Available from April 15 through Sept. 2, 2008, rates are subject to availability and priced per room, per night, exclude taxes and are based on double occupancy in a Fairmont Room. Call 800-441-1414 or visit www.fairmont.com Apr 4, 2008

Gansevoort Hotel Group

Following the success of the Hotel Gansevoort in Manhattan, Gansevoort Hotel Group announces the opening of Gansevoort South Hotel, Spa and Residences on Miami's South Beach. Located on the north end of Collins Avenue, Gansevoort South hotel anchors the Mid Beach area. The landmark site, once home to the historic Roney Plaza, has been transformed into a 334-room hotel and 259 condominiums. The property will feature the flagship DavidBartonGym + Spa, a full city block of luxury boutiques (including the first Miami outposts of INCA and Big Drop stores and Cutler salon), an intimate lounge by The Opium Group, restaurants by The ONE Group and Philippe Chow, and the East Coast's longest seamless shark tank that spans 50 feet of the dramatic hotel lobby. Like the New York hotel, the signature feature of Gansevoort South is its 26,000-square-foot rooftop retreat that features a 110-foot swimming pool and Plunge bar and lounge. Soaring eighteen floors high, it offers uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami. For information, call 305-604-1000 or visit www.gansevoortsouth.com Mar 31, 2008

Hilton Hotels

The Hilton Waikoloa Village unveiled Dolphin Quest Village in a sustainable, "green" building. The new seaside villa is designed to enhance and personalize guests' encounters with the hotel's 11 resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Quest Learning Lagoon. Additionally, the structure better facilitates Dolphin Quest group functions, evening programs and special events. The structure features three buildings with cedar and lava rock veneer facade, thatched roofs and accordion-style shuttered windows, all connected by breezeways and weathered wooden decks. Within the buildings are the Encounter Club guest lounge area with a multi-species, interactive touch pool and a 200-gallon aquarium featuring native Hawaiian species; the Learning Center, which facilitates classroom programs for visiting schools and special groups; a guest check-in center and changing area with showers; photo viewing stations; and a retail shop featuring gifts designed by Hawaii artists, as well as recycled products and Dolphin Quest logo items. Dolphin Quest Village is the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified building to be constructed by the Hilton Waikoloa Village and Dolphin Quest. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council's nationally accepted green building rating system for evaluating sustainable design and construction. Energy demand is reduced through natural ventilation, the use of daylight to reduce electrical dependency, water conserving fixtures in restrooms and showers and other means. Dolphin Quest Village is estimated to consume 30 percent less water and use 20 percent less electricity than a comparable, conventionally designed building. This year is Dolphin Quest's 20th anniversary, and the attraction is celebrating with special dolphin shows presented on the 20th of each month. In addition, this year's Dolphin Days event, slated for June 19-22, will highlight the 20th anniversary celebration. Call 800-445-8667 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com Apr 4, 2008

Hotel Hana

Hotel Hana-Maui and Honua Spa, located on the eastern coast of Maui-an area, announces new packages for Hawaiian destination weddings. The "Ohana" wedding package includes the wedding site and amenities such as flowers, music and photography, as well as a private reception for up to 40 guests at the Plantation House, the Garden Pool Pavilion or the Hamoa Pavilion for beach weddings. The reception is complete with banquet set-up and three choices of canapes. The bridal couple has two nights' luxury accommodations in a deluxe ocean view Sea Ranch Cottage with a private hot tub. They also receive a deluxe welcome basket of fruits and cheeses, a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, a personalized wedding gift, daily breakfast, two Honua Spa robes, and one 90-minute spa treatment each at Honua Spa. The "Ohana" package starts at $10,000. Other new wedding packages include the "Hana Bay" package for $1,750, the "Koki" package for $3,250 and the comprehensive "Hamoa" package for $5,500. These packages include choice of on-site location and arrangements for the marriage license and officiant, flowers, music, and photography. Couples can have a fully customized ceremony and reception, which they can design through the hotel's easy to use online Wedding Builder www.hotelhanamaui.com/wedding_builder.php. For more information, call 808-270-3286, email [e-mail] or visit www.hotelhanamaui.com/weddings.shtml Apr 4, 2008

InterContinental Hotels

InterContinental Hotels Group announced the signing of its first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Taiwan. The hotel will be located in Taichung, Taiwan's third largest city, and will be the city's first global hotel brand. The 169-room Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park, which will be part of the Sunshine Plaza shopping complex, will open in August 2008. It is close to the city's central business district and will offer easy access to major transportation links, including a major train station, bus terminals and a road network that connects Taichung to all other parts of Taiwan. The hotel will be developed by Esse Commerce Development Co and managed by IHG. Visit www.hiexpress.com Apr 4, 2008

Marriott Hotels

Participating Marriott hotels in Detroit are offering special rates for baseball season starting at $159 per room, per night. The rates are being offered as part of the Grand Slam Baseball Fan package, which features: accommodations; breakfast for two; a $20 gift certificate for the Elwood Bar & Grill; hotel parking (valet only at Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and Courtyard Detroit Downtown). Hotels to participate include Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown, and The Dearborn Inn, A Marriott Hotel. The offer is valid during home games through Sept. 28, 2008. Baseball tickets are not included in the package. Be sure to ask for promotion code P42 at the time of booking. Call 800-MARRIOTT or visit www.detroitbaseballpackages.com Apr 4, 2008

Marriott Hotels

Marriott Resorts Hawaii is extending a helping hand to Aloha Airlines ticket holders who may have to stay beyond their check out date and to in-bound customers who may have to postpone their stay due to their inability to find a flight. Any guest currently staying at any Marriott Resorts Hawaii property will be offered 50 percent off the rate they are paying for up to three additional nights beyond their original check out date. Aloha ticket holders who are already in the Hawaiian Islands and in need of emergency accommodations will be offered the kamaaina rate. Customers that are unable to fulfill their Marriott reservation due to unavailability of flights will not be charged a penalty as long as they rebook within one year. For all of the above, Marriott will need to see proof of Aloha Airlines ticketing. Apr 1, 2008

Marriott Resorts

In light of the announced shut-down of ATA Airlines, Marriott Resorts Hawaii is extending special rates to ATA ticket holders in Hawaii who may have to stay beyond their check out dates and to in-bound customers who may have to postpone their stay due to their inability to find a flight. Effective immediately, Marriott Resorts Hawaii is offering any ATA ticket holder currently staying at any of its properties a 50 percent discount off the rate they are paying for up to three additional nights beyond their original check-out dates. ATA ticket holders who are on the islands and in need of emergency accommodations can take advantage of "kamaaina" (Hawaii resident) rates. Customers with Marriott Hawaii reservations who are unable to fulfill them due to unavailability of flights will not be charged a penalty as long as they rebook within one year. To take advantage of any of these offers, guests must present proof of ATA ticketing. Apr 4, 2008

Nevis

Nevis' Nisbet Plantation Beach Club is offering its Sultry Summer Savings and the opportunity save up to 20 percent off the lowest rates of the year depending on your length of stay. Guests who stay three to five nights will save 10 percent; guests who stay six to 10 nights will save 15 percent; and guests who stay 11 or more nights will save 20 percent. Nisbet's Sultry Summer Savings is available on all room categories. Nisbet has also negotiated a 20 percent discount on car rentals from June 1 to Aug. 10. Also, guests who stay six nights or more receive 2 tickets to either the Museum of Nevis History or the Lord Nelson Museum. Call 800-742-6008 or visit www.NisbetPlantation.com Apr 4, 2008

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts & Spas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, announced its new 2008 Bonus Commission Program specifically for travel agents. The program applies to bookings made through wholesalers, GDS's or directly with Pueblo Bonito Reservations. The agent's commission is paid on a per booking basis with a four-night minimum required. It includes an additional $125 bonus payable for every 10 rooms booked within a calendar year. For more information on the terms of this special promotion or to obtain a Pueblo Bonito Bonus Commission form, travel agents should contact [e-mail]. Visit www.pueblobonito.com. (JP) Mar 31, 2008

Radisson Hotels

Radisson Hotels & Resorts has opened the 204-room Radisson Suites Hotel Tucson Airport, in Arizona. It was converted as part of a plan to bring it under the Radisson brand, and includes a renovation to all guestrooms - which all feature a bedroom and separate living room with well-lit work tables - and public areas which began in October 2007. Situated at the entrance to Tucson International Airport, it has numerous amenities for business travellers. It features nearly 12,000 sq ft (1,115 m) of function space and can accommodate meetings or parties from ten up to 300. The 4,788 sq ft ballroom provides seating for up to 250 guests and can be divided into the three equal sections. In addition, it features five smaller conference suites which are designed for smaller meetings, and complimentary high-speed wireless internet is available throughout the building. Apr 2, 2008

Red Carnation Hotels

The Old Government House Hotel, located in St. Peter Port, Guernsey, Channel Islands, was acquired by Red Carnation Hotels for an undisclosed amount. The 63-bedroom Hotel is the most historically famous in the Channel Islands - dating back to 1858 and formerly the official residence of the Queen's representative to the Bailiwick of Guernsey - The Lt. Governor. The hotel will remain open with a phased program of sympathetic restoration that will align the OGH, as it is affectionately known, with the other properties within the Red Carnation Collection and provide guests with outstanding levels of comfort whilst retaining the historical charm and intimate ambience for which the OGH has become renowned. For more information on the Old Government House Hotel, see www.theoghhotel.com. For more information on Red Carnation Hotels, see www.redcarnation.com Apr 4, 2008

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has opened the Four Points by Sheraton Houston, Memorial City in Houston, Texas. The new 171-room property will be in the heart of west Houston - at the intersection of I10 and Beltway 8 - 17 miles from downtown Houston and about 30 minutes (25 miles) from each of the city[sup.1]s major airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Hobby Airport. Located in Houston[sup.1]s Memorial City area, the hotel offers a free shuttle service within a five-mile radius, to areas including the Energy Corridor[sup.1] - home to major energy companies and Westchase District. The hotel offers four meeting rooms totalling 2,790 sq ft (260 sq m), restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre and complimentary wireless internet throughout. In addition, the hotel includes 80 two-room parlour suites which include a 32[sup.2] flat screen television, plus high-speed internet access. Four Points by Sheraton is the first of three Starwood hotels to open as part of the new Memorial City Project. Starwood has plans to open the Sheraton Houston, Memorial City in late 2008 and the Westin Houston, Memorial City in spring 2009. Apr 2, 2008

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open its first W property in Boston, the W Boston Hotel and Residences, in 2009 in the city's theatre district. The property will feature 235 guest rooms, a restaurant, bar and luxury spa. Starwood's W brand is in the midst of unprecedented growth both domestically and internationally, with hotels announced in such exotic cities as Bangkok and Istanbul as well more familiar U.S. cities such as Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale. (DE) Mar 31, 2008

Starwood Hotels

Starwood Hotels and Resorts' new lifestyle brand, aloft, is now accepting reservations at the first five of its properties opening this summer for stays between August 14 and October 8. The five aloft hotels included are: Charleston Airport and Convention Center in South Carolina; Lexington, MA; Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Philadelphia Airport, PA; and Rogers-Bentonville, AK. The hotel brand is mostly building its footprint in secondary and tertiary markets and is typified by urban-influenced design and sleek modern amenities. Think W muscled down. Average aloft rates are a palatable $139 to $219 per night. Visit www.alofthotels.com. (DE) Mar 31, 2008

SuperClubs

SuperClubs' Grand Lido and Breezes Resorts are hosting nuptials this summer with themed Lucky Love' destination weddings. Particularly in Chinese culture, the number eight is considered the luckiest of all numbers, with the triple 8' combination of Aug. 8, 2008, a rare once-in-a-century occurrence. SuperClubs' Lucky Love packages are available for one week only, Aug. 5 to 12, 2008, with the wedding day on Aug. 8, 2008 At Grand Lido Resorts & Spas, this package combines eight features: eight nights in a beachfront suite; a complimentary wedding ceremony at an on-property location of the couple's choosing; $388 spa credits at the onsite full-service Blue Mahoe Spa; breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding; an eight-course private dinner at the fine dining Piacere restaurant; romantic turndown services daily, e.g. rose petals, specialty chocolates, etc.; government fees for nuptials are included, a savings of $275; and an anniversary present of 18 percent off a return trip to your wedding resort. At the newly renovated Breezes Runaway Bay in Jamaica, and Breezes Bahamas in Nassau, also offering the "Lucky Love" package. Breezes' Lucky Love' destination weddings are $2,888 per couple, and includes: eight-night's accommodations in an oceanfront room; complimentary wedding ceremony and the services of an onsite wedding planner; $288 spa credits; romantic breakfast in bed the day after the wedding; a romantic picnic in a secluded spot with a picnic basket for two; government fees of up to $275 is included in this package; and couples are invited back to celebrate their anniversary with an 18 percent discount. Be sure to mention the promotional code 888' at the time of booking. Call 800-GO-SUPER or visit www.superclubs.com Apr 4, 2008

Temecula Creek Inn

The Temecula Creek Inn is offering a Sip in Southern California Girlfriends Getaway. The one-night package, available through December, is priced at $298 per night, double, Sunday through Thursday and $359 Friday or Saturday. The package includes wine touring/tasting tickets for two to three Temecula Valley wineries; a three-course Temecula Olive Oil Company-infused dinner for two in the Temet Grill; a Temecula Olive Oil-themed welcome gift for two with handcrafted olive oil soaps, lip balms and biscotti; and Olive Oil Tasting tickets for two, including freshly baked Ciabatta rolls. Call 877-517-1823. Apr 4, 2008

Trump Entertainment

Trump Entertainment Resorts celebrated as the final construction beam was put in place during a topping off ceremony held at on the outdoor promenade of the new tower at Trump Taj Mahal, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The final beam was hoisted 420 feet high above the promenade and put into place, finalizing the exterior construction phase of the project. The new tower at Trump Taj Mahal is expected to open with approximately 400 rooms on the first twenty floors in early September 2008. An estimated 100 rooms will be added each month until all rooms are completed by the end of December 2008. The tower is planned to feature 782 guest rooms, including 74 suites. Four of the suites will be luxury suites with the same style of amenities and service available in The Penthouse Suites at the Taj Mahal. The estimated total cost of construction is $255 million. For more information, visit www.trumpcasinos.com Mar 31, 2008

W Hotels

Who says you need a wallet full of cab fare to get around town? W Hotels and Acura are partnering on a new service that offers W guests the option of being chauffeured around town in an Acura 2008 MDX, the brand's new luxury SUV with seating for up to seven. Partnering with like-minded brands has been a signature of W and the "Acura Experience" is yet another. "W Hotels share Acura's passion for providing experiences that advance modern life," said John Mendel, executive vice president of Acura's Auto Operations. Many W properties will also feature Acura Experience Desks in W's Living Room spaces where guests can book the service, which W says is an extension of the brand's Whatever/Whenever concierge service and is complimentary for W guests. The actual service will begin at all 18 W properties in North America April 1 and last through January 31, 2009. Visit www.whotels.com. Mar 31, 2008

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