Hotels
Hilton Broadens New England Presence
DoubleTree by Hilton has broadened its presence in New England with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Boston-Rockland in the popular South Shore area of Massachusetts. The new, 127-room property opened following a multi-million dollar renovation, and is located in the busy suburban region between bustling Boston and historic Plymouth. Formerly a Holiday Inn, the hotel is owned and managed by Linchris Hotel Corporation. Extensive renovations to the five-storey hotel have transformed the lobby and fully updated guest rooms with a sleek, modern design complemented by all-new...
Karisma Launches ‘Cash-in Your Points’ Incentive
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new incentive exclusively for Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants – Cash-in Your Points. The program enables active Diamond and Elite Consultants to apply points from prior reservations toward clients’ vacations and pocket the cash, when booking directly through Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Beginning April 18, the Cash-in Your Points incentive will reward travel agents by allowing them to apply points for up to two nights of their clients’ booking in exchange for the cash value of the corresponding room rate. Agents will...
SLH Says Thanks For The Support
Top executives from Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) kicked off a four-city tour of North America with a stop in Toronto that was designed to both update the travel trade on the latest news from the group and also to say 'thanks' to its travel agency supporters for the business that they've sent SLH's way. When asked why Toronto was the first stop on the tour, Filip Boyen, CEO of SLH, was quick to point out that Canada ranks as the hotel group's “third biggest feeder market” and worldwide, travel agents account for 80% of SLH's bookings – and 60% of those bookings are...
Signature Adds New Riu Reggae to Jamaica lineup
Signature Vacations reports the newest addition to RIU Hotels & Resorts, the five-star Riu Reggae in Montego Bay, Jamaica will open in November. According to officials, the adults only (18+) resort combines “a cutting-edge, fashion forward décor with an idyllic setting encircled by lush, tropical gardens.” When it opens in November 2016, the resort is expected to offer both a serene setting for couples and newlyweds, as well as an attractive base for singles and groups looking to combine beach relaxation with excursions of the island. The resort will featuring three...
Shangri-La Set For Sri Lanka Debut
Opening on Sri Lanka’s southern coastline on June 1, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa will span 145 acres, with the 300-room beachfront resort boasting tropical gardens, an 18-hole golf course, an artisan village and dining, event and entertainment options. “Sri Lanka is one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Indian Ocean and a beautiful country with incredible natural attractions, wonderful people and more than 2,000 years of culture. We are delighted to be opening the first international luxury resort in Hambantota and look forward to bringing Shangri-La’s...
HAC Responds To Federal Budget
In a message to members, the Hotel Association of Canada's (HAC) president, Tony Pollard said that he was “encouraged” by the federal government's “recognition of tourism.” HAC noted that Morneau indicated that, “Canada’s tourism sector is an integral part of the economy, supporting over 627,000 jobs in rural areas, small towns and big cities in every region. Increasing awareness of Canada and promoting its spectacular destinations, attractions, events and festivals to an international audience supports growth in this sector.” The minister continued, “Canada’s...
Let’s Play Ball!
The InterContinental Toronto Centre has a package coinciding with the Toronto Blue Jays home opener weekend. It includes a room with a Lake Ontario view, Toronto Blue Jays throw blanket, jumbo pretzels and mustard, bucket of Steam Whistle beer, buffet breakfast for two at the hotel's Azure Restaurant & Bar, Blue Jays official size souvenir baseball with embroidered logo, complimentary valet parking, 3 p.m. late checkout and WiFi. The 2016 Home Opener package starts at $399 plus tax (a 25% savings) and is available April 8-10. A reservation is required three days prior to arrival...
Starwood Signs Three Cuba Deals
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has signed three new hotel deals in Cuba. The announcement comes after Starwood received authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department to operate hotels in Cuba. Long-time Havana icon, Hotel Inglaterra, will join The Luxury Collection and Hotel Quinta Avenida will become a Four Points by Sheraton. Both hotels will undergo renovations before raising their new brand flags later in 2016. As well, Starwood also announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent to convert the famed Hotel Santa Isabel into a member of The Luxury...