Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced that it has reached a historic milestone with 103 hotels open and in operation in Greater China. The luxury hotelier also announced it has 100 signed hotel deals in “its pipeline." "Our celebration of our more than 100 hotels in operation and 100 hotels in the pipeline marks another significant milestone for Starwood's growth and development in China, as we double our footprint in the region," said Vasant Prabhu, vice chairman and CFO of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. "Our success in China reflects our first mover advantage, the strength of our brands and the entrusted partnerships we have fostered with our developers, partners, and guests since our first... Read More
The first guests of the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort & Spa entered the new hotel last week on the evening of June 21, 2012. Located in San Diego County, across from Ponto Beach, the 215-guestroom deluxe resort features the culinary delights of acclaimed Chef Pascal Vignau at Chandler’s Restaurant & Lounge and the 5,600-square-foot Ocean Crest Spa facility. “We are truly thrilled to have opened this beautiful resort, and we are grateful to our team, to our Carlsbad neighbors and to the many guests who have already booked stays, weddings and events with us,” said Bill Canepa, managing partner, Wave Crest Oceanfront LLC and president, Wave Crest Hotels and Resorts. “I can’t think of a more beautiful resort setting in all... Read More
The Hazelton Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in Toronto, announced that its newest amenity would be available to guests and the general public. The hotel has named Ms. Sam Mogelonsky as the art concierge of hotel. She holds a BFAH from Queen's University, Kingston, ON, and an MFA from Central Saint Martin's College of Art and Design London. There are approximately 40 art galleries and dealers in the community. The “Live Chat” feature provides users access to information on the local art and culture scene. "With increased recognition of Toronto as one of North America's leading fine art centers, it was critical to provide community leadership with the creation of the art concierge," said David Mounteer,... Read More
The Nobu Hotel will begin booking reservations on October 1, 2012, with the expectations of opening in late 2012. Nobu Hospitality partners Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, along with principals from Caesar’s Palace and the new hotel’s designer, David Rockwell gathered last week at the original Nobu in New York City to give attendees an initial glance inside the world's first Nobu Hotel. "We have created a distinctly Japanese experience in the heart of Las Vegas with the first Nobu Hotel, but with a playful interpretation of Nobu's style and the Vegas bravado," said David Rockwell, founder and CEO of the Rockwell Group. "Using the grand canvas of a hotel, we were able to elaborate on the use of... Read More
The Wakaya Club & Spa announced that Craig Strong will be the private island luxury resort’s guest executive chef of Montage Laguna Beach's Studio Restaurant from Saturday, September 29 through Saturday, October 6, 2012. Chef Strong is a seasoned and renowned, award-winning gourmand of pedigree. His kitchen proclivities lean toward modern French cuisine with California influences. "I am honored to participate in The Wakaya Club & Spa's International Guest Chef Program and am looking forward to hosting a series of culinary classes and farm tours," said Chef Strong. "I am thrilled for the opportunity to embrace the Fijian culture, and learn about Wakaya's organic farming practices and their delectable cuisine from the resort's seasoned culinary team.... Read More
The Marriott International, Inc., has opened the 221-room JW Marriott Mexico City Santa Fe in the upscale Santa Fe residential neighborhood. The luxury hotel is within walking distance to numerous entertainment and shopping venues as well as the business district. Guestrooms and suites include high-speed internet, a 42-inch plasma television, an alarm clock with iPod/iPad docking station, wireless telephone with voicemail, a Nespresso coffee machine and a set of aromatherapy bathroom amenities. "Mexico remains one of the most vibrant countries for new development in all of Latin America," said Rob Steigerwald, COO for the Southern Americas at Marriott International. "We are thrilled to partner with Grupo Diestra on this... Read More
The Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center, a 450-room luxury hotel in the Mile High City, is using Roomlinx as its in-room entertainment system provider. Roomlinx, Inc. is an iTV-applications developer in the hospitality industry serving the United States, Canada and select international markets. Patrons can use Roomlinx iTV to access thousands of movies and TV programs through Netflix, Hulu, DISHOnline, Xfinity, HBO GO and other popular online sites. Guests log in to these sites using existing account information or set up new accounts as needed. "The latest research from Nielsen and others indicates a drop-off in demand for transactional VOD [video on demand] and strong growth in online viewing," said Michael Wasik, CEO of Rooml... Read More
Luxury cruise line Paul Gauguin Cruises has won a Travel + Leisure Social Media In Travel and Tourism (SMITTY) award for Best Single Social Media Promotion for its 'Meet Me in Tahiti' campaign. The award ceremony was held in Brooklyn, New York, on June 7, 2012. The campaign enabled users to take a five-minute virtual vacation by visiting MeetMeinTahiti.com. Users could select three Facebook friends to accompany them on their vacation. Participants created custom postcards and enjoyed activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing on a private beach. The virtual vacationers also placed their postcards to Facebook directly from the site for all to see. Paul Gauguin teamed with Banyan Branch, a Seattle,... Read More
The newest hotel of the Hotel Indigo brand recently announced its new travel packages for summer 2012. The upscale, boutique hotel is offering packages for families, romantic couples, and pet owners. The Kids Castle package offers poolside accommodations in a studio suite and a poolside cabana. The Date Night package provides a king studio suite. Couples receive a bottle of champagne and two tickets to the nearby cinema, the Cineopolis Luxury Cinemas, which serves fine dining and libations during performances. The Indigo Pedigree package includes a poolside, king-studio suite and special daily treats for the lucky dogs.... Read More
The Terranea Resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in California has opened bashi, a new restaurant that offers a contemporary blend of Asian cuisine and local flavors. Chef Bruce Nguyen drew upon his Vietnamese heritage and fond memories of traditional dishes made by his mother when making up the menu for bashi. Signature offerings include versions of Nguyen’s mother’s special spring rolls and a secret marinade for roasted chicken. The oceanfront luxury property has 582 rooms, including a 360-room hotel with 32 suites, 20 bungalows, 50 oceanfront, three-bedroom casitas, and 32 ocean-view, three-bedroom villas.... Read More
Downtown Los Angeles’ Luxe City Center Hotel recently completed a multimillion-dollar makeover. New upgrades include custom-designed room accommodations, updated meeting and events spaces, a new restaurant, FigOly, from celebrated Chef Alex Reznik. The luxury hotel, located directly across the street from L.A Live and Staples Center, is aligned to offer guests from around the world a singular upscale Southern California experience. “Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a relaxing retreat, centered within the heart of a bustling metropolis,” said John Kelly, general manager. “We worked with SANDdesign*, a local firm, to blend these two aesthetics to create a contemporary residential feel, so guests see a multi-tiered chandelier, warm colors in... Read More
The Turnberry Isle Resort & Golf Club recently introduced its new Executive Junior Membership for young professionals age 45 and under. The Miami resort and golf club is reaching out to rising professionals and their families to enjoy the world-class amenities offered at this 300-acre property. The private resort also has a new Beach Club membership that provides members access to a private oasis that features an outdoor pool, grill and wave runner rentals, complimentary parking, lounge chairs and umbrellas, and a discount on food and beverages. “There are many young professionals, especially those with families, who are in search of a club atmosphere in which they can meet... Read More
Loews Hotels & Resorts announced that it has agreed to purchase the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on June 16, 2012. The property, Loews Hollywood Hotel, will remain open while undergoing a $26-million renovation. The hotel has 600 guestrooms, 32 suites, and more than 48,000 square feet of meeting space. The hotel's spa, pool terrace, restaurant and event space will be upgraded with special local touches that make it one of the Loews Hotels. Wolfgang Puck Catering will remain a partner with Loews in the operation of the 25,000-square-foot ballroom located in the Hollywood & Highland Center complex. "We continually look to enhance our uniquely local guest experiences through our style of comfortable luxury and genuine service... Read More
The Sonesta International Hotels Corporation began operations at the Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore at the end of the month. The 195-room property is AAA approved Four Diamond Hotel, which looks out on to Baltimore’s scenic Inner Harbor. The Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore offers a swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, racquetball and tennis courts and a 24-hour business center. The luxury hotel also accommodates meetings and events with 10,000 square feet of meeting space. The Sonesta Collection is a distinctive international collection of upscale hotels, resorts and cruise ships. There are destinations in Baltimore, Boston, New Orleans, Miami, Hilton Head Island, Sint Maarten, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Egypt. Philadelphia,... Read More
The Walt Disney World Resort in Buena Vista, Florida recently debuted its Art of Animation Resort. Finding Nemo is the first stage of the company’s new family suites resort concept, which is opening in phases. There are four distinct wings that represent the artfulness that is behind the magic of all Disney and Disney Pixar Films. Family suite wings are showcasing Finding Nemo, which opened May 31 in 320 suites, Cars will open June 18 in 480 suites, and The Lion King will open August 10 in 320 suites. Throughout the themed areas of the luxury destination, elaborate storytelling from each film is depicted. The Little Mermaid wing, which will consist of 864 standard guestrooms,... Read More
Guests of The Ritz-Carlton can earn free flights faster through the Marriott Rewards MegaMiles promotion, as the deluxe hotelier is Marriott’s exclusive luxury hotel partner. Enrolled members can earn triple miles with their preferred airline program. The offer applies at more than 3,600 hotels in the Marriott family of brands, beginning with their second stay from July 1 through October 31, 2012. Participating airlines include: Aeroflot, Air Berlin, Air Canada, Air China, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Avianca-TACA, Avios, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern, Delta, Frontier Airlines, GOL/Varig, Hawaiian Airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL), Jet Airways, JetBlue, Kingfisher Airlines, KLM/Air France, LAN, Mile... Read More
Crystal Cruises recently announced 12 new, short-cruises sailing through the Mediterranean effective July through December 2012. The Crystal Getaway sales offer all-inclusive, five- to eight-day vacations aboard the Crystal Serenity that start at $1,310 per person. The short cruises are long on luxury, as each of these cruises present lavish accommodations, gourmet dining, fitness classes, and other spiritually enriching activities. The dozen new luxury-latent, short cruises include Tuscany, the Greek Isles, the French Riviera, Morocco, Rome, Turkey, and Israel. "Many savvy travelers appreciate the pampering luxury of Crystal Cruises and know how amazing the Mediterranean is as a destination, yet may have... Read More
AKA Hotels is bringing its fully furnished and high-design suite living for stays of 30 days or more to Los Angeles in August. AKA Beverly Hills will cater to affluent international travelers who prefer home away from home accommodations. The new location is a short distance from Rodeo Drive. The building of the AKA Beverly Hills is an existing rental building that is being transformed into 88 stylish and fully furnished one- and two-bedroom suites and townhouses that will range from 850 to 1,810 square feet. The luxury extended stay hotel will feature a fitness center and will announce a culinary partner later this year. The company plans to add six to 10 properties over the next three to five years. Rates at AKA Beverly Hills... Read More
