Hotels
Lively Lisbon
In the wise words of our local guide Bruno Jorge, the best way to experience Alfama — one of the only neighbourhoods in Lisbon to withstand the earthquake, fire and tsunami of 1755 — is to get lost strolling through its picturesque streets, reports assistant editor, Ann Ruppenstein in this week's Travel Courier cover story. After taking random lefts and rights, meandering through narrow alleyways, up steep stairways and along cobblestone streets, we came to a pause as we heard someone call out to us from a second floor window. Through some interpretation we learned the voice...
Dominica Poised To Get 120 New Luxury Rooms
Principals of the Anichi Resort and Spa recently hosted Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and members of his Cabinet in a ground breaking ceremony for a new 120-room property being built in the northern town of Portsmouth. The boutique property will be operated by Trust Hospitality under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand of Marriott and is expected to open in late 2019. According to Alick Lawrence, CEO of Anichi Development, “This ground breaking ceremony is particularly relevant post Hurricane Maria, as it shows the resiliency of our people while instilling trust in...
GHA By The Numbers
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) reports that overall room-revenue produced by its DISCOVERY loyalty program members increased 9% to US$1.51 billion, of which cross-brand revenue (i. e. revenue produced by members who enrolled at one brand and then stayed at another) grew 21% to exceed US$100 million for the first time. In the best performing hotels, the DISCOVERY program is now producing more than half of total room-nights sold and adding up to 7% in incremental occupancy from cross-brand customers. Over half a million cross-brand room-nights were generated in total. The rise in...
Hard Rock Moving Into The Big Easy
Hard Rock International is expanding its hotel portfolio into the historic French Quarter and New Orleans Theater District with plans to open Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans and the Residences at the Hard Rock Hotel New Orleans. The 18-storey building is scheduled to open in the spring of 2019. Located on a landmark corner in the heart of New Orleans, the property will sit adjacent to two-street car lines, allowing guests easy access to all parts of the city. The new development melds together New Orleans’ rich history of music and culture. Accommodating both business and leisure...
Bellstar Introduces Social Sustainability Program
Bellstar has enhanced its corporate social sustainability practices under its new “Stay | Green” program, launched Jan. 1 across its portfolio of Western Canadian resorts. The program helps support a variety of environmental initiatives within Bellstar’s local communities, including the BC communities of Parksville and Golden, as well as the Alberta communities of Calgary and Canmore. An optional nightly Stay | Green fee of $2 is now applied with more than half the proceeds funding environmental grants through an online application process. “We’re very excited,” said Ian...
Cordis, Auckland To Get Second Tower
Following the multi-million dollar refurbishment of Cordis, Auckland, Hong Kong-based Langham Hospitality Group has announced new expansion plans that will make the upscale hotel the largest in New Zealand in terms of room count. Set to be completed by late 2020 with a total of 650 rooms and suites, the recently rebranded hotel will reinforce its position as the city’s leading meetings and conference property with its new and extended event space, complemented with new food and beverage enhancements. The new tower adjacent and connected to the existing hotel will house an...
Playacar Palace Unveils Complete Transformation
Mexico's five-star Playacar Palace has reopened following an extensive, US$14 million multi-phase remodel. The all-inclusive resort for couples, families and groups is located on the white sands of Playa del Carmen, just steps away from the Quinta Avenida. Renovation details include upgrades to guest rooms, lobby, front desk, restaurants and lounge areas. Each of the 201 rooms boasts new décor, installation of modern furnishings, enhanced showers and vanity areas, top-of-the-line Lavazza coffee makers and advanced jets added to the in-room double whirlpool tubs. The...
Paradise Beach Resort Debuts Beach Houses
Nevis' Paradise Beach Resort is expanding with the addition of five new, two-bedroom Beach Houses slated for completion in March. A rarity in the Caribbean, the Beach Houses will be the first built on Nevis hovering above the pristine, white, sandy beach. Raised on stilts over the resort’s private beach, the Beach Houses will offer sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea and neighbouring St. Kitts. Situated on Nevis’ west coast, just north of Pinney’s Beach, Paradise Beach Resort’s new Beach Houses are constructed with thatched roofs by local craftsmen. Guests come upon them...