Ref: P6575 - Apartment in Tenerife Canary Islands
Ref: P6575 - Apartment in Tenerife Canary IslandsTravelodge in UK Expansion
Dec 07, 06 1:57 am
Travelodge will be opening 17 new hotels (1270 rooms) in major cities and towns across the UK in time for Christmas. Locations include:Peterborough City Centre,Caterham Whyteleafe,Stansted Airport (Great Dunmow),Romford CentralBarnstapleLudlowHatfield centralKendalBirmingham Maypole (City centre)AyrManchester Trafford ParkHerefordCamberley,Croydon,Watford city centreBirmingham Five Ways Sheffield City CentreTo celebrate the opening of each of the above hotels a special introductory room rate of £15 will be available. Rooms can be booked now at www.travelodge.co.uk. You only pay for the room and not the number of people staying. The 17 new hotel openings has created 400 new jobs throughout the UK and is part of Travelodge’s aggressive expansion programme to have 32,000 rooms by 2010. At present the company has 292 hotels (18,500 rooms) in the UK, Ireland and Spain.
Ref: P2807 - Apartment in Costa del Sol - Malaga Spain
Ref: P2807 - Apartment in Costa del Sol - Malaga SpainHilton Opens Second Hotel in Kuwait
Dec 07, 06 1:57 am
Hilton Hotels has signed one of its newest property, the Hilton Olympia Kuwait, part of a landmark development to house the new Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) headquarters. Due to open in the second half of 2008, the hotel will become Hilton's second in Kuwait, and is a highly anticipated addition to the leading hotel brand's portfolio of 14 established properties in the Arabian Peninsula. The Hilton Olympia Kuwait will be owned by United Resources Real Estate, and managed by Hilton's International Operations. 'We are thrilled to have signed our second property in Kuwait - a key development market for us in our global pipeline,' said Rudi Jagersbacher, Hilton Hotels' Vice President, International Operations, Arabian Peninsula speaking at the opening of the OCA General Assembly in Doha, Qatar yesterday in the presence of the President of the OCA, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah. 'The addition of a second property will strengthen our market position. The Hilton Olympia Kuwait will offer guests a one-of-a-kind stay in an exceptional city, where all their needs will be met whether it's business or leisure.' The twin tower, multi-purpose project exhibits a unique and cutting-edge architectural design, positioning it high on the Kuwait skyline. One tower will house offices, while the other will stand as a Hilton hotel, linked together by an enclosed walkway. Located on the Gulf Road in the heart of Salmiya, Kuwait's largest and most prime locale, the hotel will open with 200 guest rooms, each occupying a floor space of 45 square metres, and 70 apartments. 'The Hilton Olympia Kuwait project is our first partnership with Hilton,' said Ghassan M Al Saleh, Chairman and Managing Director, United Resources Real Estate. 'We are delighted to join hands with Hilton for this development, which we foresee to be a tremendous success, and look forward to a fruitful and longstanding relationship.' The hotel's facilities include two restaurants, meeting and conference rooms, a business centre, a multi-purpose function room measuring 1,600 square metres, a swimming pool and a health club with a café and shop. Parking, storage and additional service requirements will be provided. The property will complement Kuwait's existing Hilton property, the 367-room Hilton Kuwait Resort, a Worldwide Resort with its own 2km stretch of private beach and banqueting facilities for 1,000 people.
Ref: P3684 - Apartment in North East Italy Italy
Ref: P3684 - Apartment in North East Italy ItalyHistoric Montreux hotel to "set sail" again
Dec 07, 06 1:58 am
If a luxury hotel can be compared to an ocean liner, Montreux's Hotel National would be the Titanic. The main difference: this wreck is being "raised".
The Hotel National opened in 1875 as the first grand hotel in Montreux, the resort on the Swiss Riviera that would eventually become known for its stately accommodation.
The lights went out 20 years ago when the hotel owners decided to close it down, and there is still no power.
The windows are broken; torn curtains blow in the breeze like forlorn spirits and the corridors are filled with broken glass and crockery. In places one must wade through hallways flooded with old stationery and postcards.
I am part of a small group that descends into the depths. Torches in hand, we stumble upon the laundry room where dirty linen is strewn across tables and floor, seeming to have been quickly abandoned : as if the hotel's demise was as sudden as the sinking of the Titanic.
But the Hotel National was never submerged. For the past two decades, it has been an eyesore in one of the most prominent positions on the Lake Geneva shore. It was bought and resold, and plans by speculators to turn it into apartments were rejected by the authorities.
The latter held out hope it could be reborn as a hotel. But instead, squatters took over.
Former glory
The turning point came in 2005 when it was purchased by property developers who agreed to respect the integrity of the original building. The grand ground floor will be restored to its former glory, as will the façade.
The structure is to be surrounded by three modern apartment blocks, and in total, there will be 77 flats 17 in the former hotel. Nearly half have already been sold, even though it's the priciest real estate in this part of Switzerland and the development won't be completed until 2009.
"Our customers are buying property in a wonderful location but they are also buying a piece of history," says Blaise Carroz, partner in the firm, Le National de Montreux. "This hotel is filled with the spirit of all the people who spent time here and we want to respect that."
But the story does not end there. The hotel spirit will live on through its old, broken furniture, panelling and bathroom fixtures, which are being relocated to three heritage hotels in different parts of the country.
When Montreux's archivist, Evelyne Lüthi:Graf, learned that much of the furniture and fixtures had not been auctioned off as thought 20 years ago, she quickly alerted members of the association, Swiss Historic Hotels.
Carroz agreed to give it all away providing the hotels did the repairs and put it back to its original use.
Valuable antiques?
"Is the furniture worth keeping?" asks Lüthi:Graf rhetorically. "If it is then we must be dealing with valuable antiques, but they are not since they are replicas. Hotel owners purchased cheaper imitations since they could not afford to buy the originals.
"Tourists in the 19th century stayed in hotels for months at a time," she explains. "They were substitutes for their homes, so hotels were, to an extent, illusions, and the furniture was part of that illusion. Re:using this furniture in other hotels brings it back to life and shows respect for the past."
The hotel registers from 1914:1919 and 1936:1951 were also recovered and reveal the most minute details of everyday life in the hotel, such as how often guests paid to take baths or make phone calls.
The art nouveau hotel Paxmontana in the mountains of central Switzerland is recreating an entire salon of the Hotel National using the original furnishings, and is installing a complete 19th century bathroom.
The Grand Hotel Bella Tolla in the ski resort of St Luc will label the furniture with explanations about its origins.
"Each piece of furniture has its own story to tell about the guests it's seen," says Claude Buchs, owner and manager of the Bella Tolla.
"When we took over the hotel, we bought furniture that was made to look antique, but it's not the same thing. The old furniture from the National doesn't have to be as good as new.
What comes next for the big guys....
Positive Reports from AIME 2006
Aug 02, 06 1:57 am
More than 3,070 business events have been booked, or are expected to be booked, by Hosted Buyers and trade visitors who attended AIME 2006, according to research released Wednesday by Reed Travel Exhibitions.
“90% of Hosted Buyers and 72% of trade visitors who responded to the surveys said they had placed or intended to place business as a direct result of AIME 2006. These respondents alone, indicated they would book 3,072 events from their visit to AIME. The events include meetings, conferences, incentives and exhibitions have been booked for 2006 through to 2009,” said AIME Event Director, Rosemarie Sama.
The independent research was conducted by Micromex Research, who interviewed visitors to AIME and conducted online surveys of Hosted Buyers and exhibitors following the event.
Business Results for AIME 2006
Business results for exhibitors were strong, with the total estimated value of business placed, or to be placed as a result of AIME 2006 valued at close to US$450 million.
Hosted Buyers placed or intend to place, business valued on average at US $381,280 Trade visitors placed or intend to place, business valued on average at US $130,722
Exhibitors will keep returning to this ‘must attend’ event
93% of exhibitors who responded to the survey stating that it was beneficial to exhibit at AIME 2006 and 87% said they intend to exhibit at AIME 2007.
84% of exhibitors stated that AIME is a ‘must attend’ event and 86% of exhibitors said AIME is very important to their business.
84% of exhibitors indicated that they ‘probably will’ or ‘definitely will’ recommend to associates in the industry that they should exhibit at AIME
AIME meets Hosted Buyers objectives
95% of respondents said it was ‘beneficial’ to ‘very beneficial’ to attend AIME on a yearly basis and 93% of respondents were ‘likely’ to ‘very likely’ to recommend AIME 2007 to colleagues in the industry.
92% of respondents considered AIME to be a ‘must see’ event and the same percentage also said they were ‘satisfied’ to ‘very satisfied’ with AIME in terms of meeting their objectives.
More than 85% of respondents said that AIME has a ‘significant advantage’ to ‘tremendous advantage’ over other exhibitions for making contacts and keeping up to date.
Visitors satisfied with exhibition and seminar programme
97% of visitors surveyed were ‘satisfied’ to ‘very satisfied’ with AIME having met their objectives
92% of respondents said they they were ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to recommend to colleagues in the industry they they should attend AIME 2007.
91% of respondents who attended seminars rated them as ‘good’ or ‘very good’.
88% or respondents believed it was ‘beneficial’ to ‘very beneficial’ for them to attend AIME on a yearly basis.
Plans underway for AIME 2007
“We expect AIME 2007 to attract up to 850 exhibitors and around 450 Hosted Buyers.
“We also expect to increase our overall visitor numbers by a similar amount to this year’s 5.2%. Our local attendance this year grew by 14% and we are increasing our marketing efforts to encourage attendance by more trade visitors from New South Wales and other parts of Australia,” Ms Sama said.
AIME 2007 will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on 13 and 14 February.
http://www.holidayhomeseuro.com/rentals/France-Holidays/
Hotels and Villas
The truth lies in the right casting
Jun 09, 06 2:00 am
What's your brand DNA and which brand suits you? Yeoh Siew Hoon finds out from a "casting director".The book by Rupert Holmes, “Where The Truth Lies”, is a romp of a read. It’s a Hollywood who-dunnit thriller spiced with lots of sex, laced with plenty of scandal, and packed with lots of twists and turns.Its protagonist is an opportunistic, ambitious, I-will-do-anything-for-a-good-story female journalist who goes in search of dirt on one of Hollywood’s most famous comedy double acts, Vince and Lanny. The movie by Atom Egoyan though was a bit of a let-down. Sexual content notwithstanding – a girl-on-girl scene got censors sharpening their scissors and giving it a NC17 rating in the US, I believed it was let down by bad casting.Alison Lohman (Matchstick Men), who plays the journalist Karen O’Connor, is more sweet eye-candy than opportunistic, hard-nosed journalist. (“That character should exude intelligence other than sensual vibes. Miss Lohman doesn't exude either and makes the whole premise collapse,” says one reviewer.)I also found it hard to accept Mr Nice Guy Colin Firth – Mr Darcy in Pride & Prejudice and The Nice Boyfriend in Bridget Jones’ Diary – as the sleazy, sex-starved, closet homosexual, Vince.Only Kevin Bacon was credible as the smooth-talking, charming lady’s man Lanny.It made me think of how the wrong casting can often lead to disaster, either at the box office or in business.If you take a hotel as the theatre, its cast gets to perform a new play everyday with the general manager as director. The basic plot is there but each day the characters change depending on the guest profile and each cast member, while sticking to the basic script, must know how to improvise their lines when necessary. For each play to turn out well, you’ve got to hire the right director who has to hire the right talent for the right role. The director then has to put his actors through the right paces. A conversation I had recently with an executive search professional made me think of this parallel with the theatre. Executive search professionals can be seen as the “casting directors” and he/she specializes in “casting” talent for upscale hotels. He/she’s put thousands of people into thousands of jobs in the hospitality industry and he/she says they can pretty much pick out which person would fit which brand.How, I asked? Because every brand has a DNA and in casting talent, he/she looks for someone with matching DNA.I then asked for the key words he/she looked for when casting for the right talent for the right brand.Here’s the list.Shangri-La – family, quality, caring InterContinental – bottomline, driven, ambitiousGHM – committed, unique, styleHyatt – F&B focus, bottomline, diplomaticRitz Carlton – gentlemen/ladies, service, quality, “one style”So which brand do you belong to?
The SHY Report A regular column on news, trends and issues in the hospitality industry by one of Asia’s most respected travel editors and commentators, Yeoh Siew Hoon. Siew Hoon, who has covered the tourism industry in Asia/Pacific for the past 20 years, runs SHY Ventures Pte Ltd. Her company’s mission is “Content, Communication, Connection”. She is a writer, speaker, facilitator, trainer and events producer. She is also an author, having published “Around Asia In 1 Hr: Tales of Condoms, Chillies & Curries”. Her motto is ‘free to do, and be’.
Kiwi Holiday Experience
Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels Reports Trend in Hotel Investment Window Shrinking by 50%
Mar 22, 06 1:58 am
http://www.holidayhomeskiwi.com/rentals/Waikato/According to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, private equity firms are shrinking the traditional window for hotel investments from three to seven years to, in some cases, two to four years, or by as much as half of the traditional investment window.
“Aggressive investors are seeking to exit their assets in as few as 18 months,” said Arthur Adler, managing director and CEO-Americas for Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. “This leaves hotel operators limited time to establish themselves and meet aggressive owner performance expectations. We believe hotel operators will have to be far more proactive and responsive to meet the demands of these sophisticated investors.”
The firm’s latest Hotel Investment Outlook Several years ago, the bulk of hotels were held by corporate entities. The integrated model of hotel ownership – combining the property assets and the hotel operating company – was the dominant model. Since then, most international hotel operators have undertaken a clear separation between management and ownership, monetizing the property assets while securing long term leases or management contract which protect tenure and income.
The growing dominance of large private equity firms, coupled with their aggressive asset management skills, diverse portfolios and short term investment horizons, has caused a seismic shift in hotel ownership. Real Estate Investment Trusts, with quarterly earnings pressure and investor growth expectations to maintain stock valuation multiples, further test the management skills of operators.
“While operators have chosen an opportune time to free up capital, they may find that the new ownership regime is more demanding than they have anticipated. This new dynamic will require an increasing sensitivity to owners’ objectives as well as far better management skills from the hotel operators to meet the performance requirements,” said Adler.
About Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels
Kiwi Getaways Baches
New Chief Operating Officer for InterContinental Hotels Group in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific
Mar 28, 06 1:58 am
http://www.holidayhomeskiwi.com/rentals/Auckland/InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer, Keith Barr, to oversee its portfolio of hotels in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific and to drive the expansion of its global brands in the region.
Previously Vice President of Operations for the Group’s midscale brands in the United States, Keith has relocated to Australia to take on the new role. Having specialised in revenue management and branded hotel operations during his 15 years to date in the hotel industry, Keith will be an important driver of the continued expansion of the Group’s international brands in ANZSP, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts.
As Vice President of midscale brand operations, Keith was responsible for 170 Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels in the US and Canada with annual revenues in excess of US$800 million (A$1.1 billion). In this role, Keith led the senior management team in developing and implementing growth strategies for each brand, as well as developing owner relationships, pursuing new management contract development opportunities and coordinating the Group’s resources in the acquisition and disposition of assets.
“Keith is one of InterContinental Hotels Group’s most accomplished operational leaders, with a skill set that will be more welcome than ever in the Chief Operating Officer role. He will be responsible for capitalising on the successes of the last five years in building our portfolio in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, both in terms of further expansion and in strengthening the emotional link between our customers and our brands,” said InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Pacific Chief Executive, A. Patrick Imbardelli.
“Keith has joined the Group in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific at a time when its brand distribution and owner relationships have never been stronger. We have emerged from the sale of our owned assets in the region to focus all of our energy and attention on the performance of our brands and adding to our burgeoning management portfolio.
“Globally, we have already announced our intention to significantly expand our international network of branded hotels. The Asia Pacific will produce the lion’s share of these growth opportunities and, while China will account for as much as one third of overall expansion, we believe there are many opportunities yet to be realised in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific. I am looking forward to the unique perspective and dedication Keith will bring to his new role, and the contribution he will make to further grow our brands,” Mr Imbardelli said.
Keith’s appointment follows his predecessor, Phil Lee’s decision to retire from the industry. One of the most respected and accomplished figures in this region’s hospitality industry, Phil will take his leave carrying the vast experience of a career that has spanned close to four decades.
“As a result of Phil’s leadership and dedication to the hotels, teams and guests, our hotels in ANZSP are constantly providing us with the best-practice methods and initiatives that have become the models for our continued brand expansion across the Asia Pacific region. His influence will be felt within the Group and by our owner partners for many years to come, and he deserves all our congratulations and best wishes for what has been an extraordinary career,” Mr Imbardelli said.
About InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental Hotels Group PLC of the United Kingdom [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is the world's largest hotel group by number of rooms. InterContinental Hotels Group owns, manages, leases or franchises, through various subsidiaries, almost 3,600 hotels and 539,000 guest rooms in nearly 100 countries and territories around the world. The Group owns a portfolio of well recognised and respected hotel brands including InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn® Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites® and Hotel IndigoTM, and also manages the world's largest hotel loyalty programme, Priority Club® Rewards.
Villas Villas and more Villas
Hotel News In Brief
Mar 29, 06 1:47 am
Hilton Hotels Corporation, Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Rida Development Corporation have formed a joint venture to build the Hilton Orlando Convention Center. The 1,400-room hotel will fill a void in high-end hotel rooms near the Orange County Convention Center.Located on 26.4 acres just south of the convention center, the 18-story hotel will offer direct access to the North Concourse through a pedestrian sky bridge. Apollo Real Estate Advisors and Rida Development Corporation will be the majority owners of the hotel and Hilton will manage the hotel and have a minority ownership interest. Construction of the hotel is expected to begin by the end of 2006, with completion set for 2009.The Hilton Orlando Convention Center is poised to take advantage of a booming Orlando convention market that currently offers relatively few hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center. With more than 130,000 square feet of meeting space, the Hilton Orlando Convention Center will offer an upscale product with adequate space and close proximity for business guests.
Dani Stern has been named General Manager for The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa. He will be responsible for overseeing all operations for the historic luxury resort, which is known as one of the premier destinations in Arizona. Stern has 15 years of experience in the hotel industry, where he started his career in Food and Beverage and Rooms Division roles. He has held several leadership positions for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., in Europe and North America, such as Director of Operations at The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, and General Manager at The Four Points by Sheraton Kansas City. Most recently he served as General Manager for The Westin Tabor Center in Denver. According to Mark Vinciguerra, Southwest Area Managing Director for The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels, the luxury brands for Starwood, “Dani Stern has an incredible energy and a passion for people and service. With the host of physical enhancements at The Wigwam this year, he is the ideal leader to take the resort to the next level.” Stern got an early start in the hospitality industry, beginning as a bus boy at the Johannesburg Sun Hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. He moved to Israel when he was 18, then moved to Switzerland to attend the renowned Institute Hotelier César Ritz, where he earned his first degree. After serving in several leadership roles in hotels across Europe, he transferred to the United States to attend Virginia Tech, where he earned a second degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management.
Sofitel Melbourne has relaunched its 50th floor suites after a multi-million dollar refurbishment, just in time for the royal visit of Prince Edward and his entourage for the Commonwealth Games. All ten suites have been completely renovated with ultra-luxurious furnishings and fittings and the highest quality attention to detail and met with approval from Buckingham Palace, who comprehensively inspected the suites before the Prince’s arrival. Now that the Prince has checked out, the hotel is offering you the opportunity to enjoy life like a royal with a special package. The Sofitel’s 50th floor suites regularly host celebrities and visiting dignitaries including the Duchess of York, Lord Jeffrey Archer, Prince Michael of Kent, Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Collins, Jane Fonda, Priscilla Presley, The Rolling Stones and more and were chosen by the Royal family as the suites of choice following an exhaustive selection process. With exclusive access to the 50th floor, guests will be transported to a world of luxury, sophistication and elegance, with upholstered walls, mirrored screens and deep leather chairs on expensive rugs. Suites are sumptuously appointed, with American oak, granite benches and chenille fabrics. The Royal Suite also boasts a large spa bath with gold mosaic surrounds and Aquavision TV – the first of its kind in Australia – which promises never to fog up no matter how long you soak. The Royal Suite also features an original Brett Whitely in the dining room.
For a price of $5.1 million, Equity Inns, Inc. has sold the 130-room Hampton Inn in Northlake, GA, to an undisclosed third party. The Atlanta-area asset fetched a capitalization rate of about 4% based on its trailing 12 months of net operating income. The hotel is 20 years old.
The Omni Hotel at CNN Center has named Gary B. Froeba to the position of managing director in charge of operational programs . Froeba brings more than 30 years of experience with major corporate hotel brands to his new position. Previously, he served as general manager and area director of operations for the Wyndham New Orleans at Canal Place and regional director of operations for nine Wyndham Luxury Hotels. In other experience, he was general manager of the Omni Royal Orleans in New Orleans and general manager of the Grosvenor Resort at Walt Disney World.
http://www.holidayhomeskiwi.com/rentals/Northland/SOK to build two hotels in St Petersburg - report Finnish cooperative Suomen Osuuskauppa (SOK) is reportedly negotiating to build two more hotels in the centre of St Petersburg in Russia. SOK's first St Petersburg hotel would open for business in summer 2007, reported the Finnish news agency STT.
Conrad Indianapolis opens its doors on Monday, March 27 , as the city's first true luxury hotel. It is the fourth Conrad hotel in the United States and the first to be constructed from the ground-up. The 23-story tower, which includes 241 guest rooms, two dining options in the hotel's restaurant and lounge, 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and a business center, Spa Chakra(TM)+, fitness facilities, and 15 private residences, is located at 50 W. Washington St. - in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis. Hotel resides at a pivotal and vibrant location Located at one of the city's prominent intersections, the hotel is integrated into the innovatively designed Artsgarden, a public space for the performing arts, and Circle Centre Mall. A structure of concave glass and steel provides an uninterrupted path from the hotel's ballroom and meeting rooms to the Artsgarden and Circle Centre Mall. The hotel is within walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center and a short drive to both the Indianapolis International Airport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Conrad Indianapolis' monochromatic limestone-colored facade echoes the classic high rises of Indianapolis. The cap of the building is punctuated by an arcade of double-height windows and a strong crown that is illuminated at night to announce the building on the skyline. The tower is terraced at the top to enhance its verticality while providing a gentle transition from the body of the tower to the smaller-scaled buildings on the street. The terraced design also creates private balconies for several of the private residences.
World of Accor 2006 Hotel Expo starts Tour of Asia Accor's hotel expo, the World of Accor, is expanding to 11 destinations this year, reflecting the growth of the group’s regional hotel network and the rising economic clout of Asian outbound travel.In 2006, the World of Accor Expo will be staged in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Auckland, Melbourne and Sydney. It is the first time that the World of Accor will take place in Indonesia and Melbourne. Representatives from Accor’s worldwide network of over 4,000 hotels will participate in the trade expos to showcase new hotel products, and to discuss with clients their domestic, inbound and outbound hotel needs. Travel agents, wholesalers, corporate travel bookers, meetings, conference and exhibition specialists and travel industry partners are all welcome to attend the events.
The new Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo, has opened the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo located on the top two floors of the hotel. General Manager Christian Hassings commented on the opening saying, “We are very pleased to bring our expertise in spa design and operation to Japan’s sophisticated spa market - a market defined by its highly discriminating clientele. We think consumers here will welcome and be excited by the unique wellness facilities and treatments that the Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo will offer.” Perched on the tower’s 37th and 38th floors, the 950 sq metre haven offers an extensive mix of therapies, from hydro- and heat-based treatments to ice fountains for skin toning and tightening. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo is also one of the first in the city to offer its facilities to local residents as well as in-house guests at no extra charge, thus fulfilling the true role of a day spa. In nine treatment rooms, including five Spa Suites, massage and other therapies based on Chinese, European, Mediterranean, Indian, Arabian and Thai traditions will be tailored to address each guest’s needs. Relaxation, wellness and beauty components draw upon ancient and contemporary techniques and are conceived and presented as a personal journey toward conscious wellbeing. Designed to ensure total privacy, some of the Spa Suites feature dedicated facilities for heat-based treatments, such as feature baths, steam showers and Rasul rooms.
Holidays Abroad
Today's Acapulco
Acapulco is probably Mexico's oldest established resort town but, thanks to a recent renaissance, this remarkable town has maintained its status as one of Mexico's top travel destinations and the place to be to enjoy a magnificent Mexico vacation.
It's easy to see why Acapulco attracts travelers of all ages. During its endless sunny days, this Pacific coast town offers beaches that are second-to-none. Visitors can enjoy amazing water adventures or lie in the warmth of the sun and soak up the rays in this city that boasts sunshine nearly every day of the year, with average temperatures in the 80s. Delightful!
Renovations have made the beaches even more accommodating. Old hotels and resorts have been updated and improved and the waters around Acapulco have become pollution-free, thanks to the city government's commitment to maintaining a balance of nature.
With this commitment, the city has invested over $1 billion in public and private infrastructure improvements to counteract any damage that may have occurred to the environment. Not only has the water been improved, but beaches are now cleaner and the fragile eco-system is a top priority.
http://blogs.holidayhomeskiwi.comFor visitors to Acapulco, Mexico, this is great news. The fears of contracting intestinal illnesses from poor drinking water have been greatly reduced and guests are more eager to consider Acapulco as a vacation destination for the entire family, thanks to this new facelift.
Acapulco Vacation Ideas
There are plenty of reasons to visit this beautiful port city, but many choose a trip to this top travel destination so that they may enjoy the wide variety of incredible watersports available to guests of all ages.
SCUBA divers who visit this Mexican Riviera town won't be disappointed. They'll find sunken ships, walls, caves, sea mountains, and small coral formations. Viewing the native marine life is fun and fascinating!
For those who prefer not to strap on a tank and dive into the waters of the ocean, snorkeling is an enjoyable alternative and still affords a great look at Mexico's sea creatures. Boating vacations are also popular in Acapulco, Mexico. Rent a boat or take a chartered trip and enjoy the waters of Acapulco Bay, one of the world's foremost natural harbors. Get up close and personal with the large cruise ships and other boats that dock there. Combine your trip with some deep-sea fishing for a great Acapulco adventure.
The water, of course, isn't the only incredible feature of this picturesque top travel destination. There's plenty to do and see on land, too. Golf fanatics will find lots of places to practice their stroke and tennis aficionados can work on their serve or backhand while on their Acapulco, Mexico vacation.
Don't forget the kids! Adults aren't the only ones who will love Acapulco. This kid-friendly destination loves children and resorts do everything possible to make them feel at home, from offering special kid's clubs to serving cookies and milk before bedtime.
Children will enjoy the sandy white beaches as well as Acapulco's other interesting attractions including a large number of lush green parks, old forts, an aquarium, water parks, amusement areas, and even a roller skating rink. There'll be no grumpy faces here!
History buffs will want to sign up for a guided history tour of the city, which includes stops at landmarks such as Fort San Diego, the Chapel of Peace, and the old Flamingo Hotel, frequented long ago by the biggest names in Hollywood.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Hungry vacationers will never be disappointed at this top travel destination. The restaurants in Acapulco are varied and impressive, offering a wide range of international cuisine. Many are quite affordably-priced and family-friendly while others offer the finest five-star gourmet food at upscale prices.
In the evenings, Acapulco literally sparkles! Its reputation as an exciting party destination is legendary. Dance clubs are everywhere and most club-hoppers visit several each evening. Clubs make Acapulco a popular destination with the twenty-something set as well as couples traveling sans children.
Accommodations
The waterfront at Acapulco is lined with some of the most beautiful resorts in North America, tall and shiny, with evening lights that reflect off the water and make for a breathtaking sight.
Visitors to Acapulco, Mexico can choose from small, lower priced hotels, exquisite resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, or something in between. The best resorts feature an easy walk to the beach as well as a number of fine amenities including multiple pools, spas, fitness rooms, several restaurants, and concierge services that are eager and willing to help you with whatever you need during your vacation to this top travel destination. Check out www.travelmountain.com for more information on Acapulco lodging for every budget.
Those who prefer a ?home away from home? in a less crowded setting might also consider a vacation rental condo or single home for their stay in Acapulco, Mexico.
When to Go
The weather in Acapulco is just about perfect all year round, so when you're planning your Mexico vacation, remember that you can visit this wonderful destination just about any time. The sun shines nearly every day and the monthly highs remain in the 80s, except for during the hottest summer months when they stretch a bit higher.
Regardless of the season, visitors to this top vacation destination on Mexico's Pacific Coast will find that Acapulco is a place where vacation memories can be made, thanks to its ideal climate, remarkable beaches and clear waters, fine resorts, interesting attractions, and fun activities that never end. Visit paradise! Visit Acapulco!
Holiday Villas New Zealand
Boutique hotels to target higher end of market
May 09, 06 1:57 am
Quinlin Private is preparing to build a new group of up to a dozen boutique hotels in key cities in Central and Eastern Europe.
It has already opened the first of these, Hotel Yasmin, just off Wenceslas Square in the heart of Prague.
http://www.holidayhomeskiwi.comAnd it has taken on an experienced hotel management team to operate the hotels.
Quinlan has yet to decide whether each hotel will trade under the same brand name, or whether each will have a unique name.
Each hotel will be four stars in terms of quality, but will be competitively priced and with a unique design and style.
This will allow Quinlan to meet an unmet demand in Central and Eastern Europe for quality hotels that are not uniform in their design, like the American chains coming into the market.
Instead Quinlan will pitch hotels at customers who want a distinct experience while being assured of a certain quality of room and service.
Building high-end boutique hotels will also position Quinlan's clients well if they wish to sell-on any hotel.
