Hotels & Resorts
Capital accommodations ring in Victoria’s new year
New Year's celebrations are bringing some big changes to many of Victoria's favourite hotels. At the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel, the Willow Stream Spa will be expanding to include a new nail bar, and the newly renovated Ivy Ballroom, with a capacity for up to 250 guests, debuted. At the Magnolia Hotel & Spa, a full renovation of all rooms has taken in changes to the décor, all furniture, bedding, carpeting, walls and art. The job will be completed this spring. And the Chateau Victoria is undergoing a three-year renovation of its 176 rooms, which started with standard rooms this past...
Club Med launches new branding campaign
Club Med has launched a new global branding campaign based on its successful repositioning for the upscale market. According to officials, the strength of the new campaign -- using the tagline "And What's Your Idea of Happiness?"-- is gained through highlighting the modern and surprising ways that Club Med is different; its informal spirit (chic and friendly) and its capacity allow the client to take charge of his own happiness. The campaign will be launched in 47 countries, including Canada (this month) and in 22 languages. The brand music (Paraiso, composed by Jean-François Mory) has...
Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall to become boutique hotel
Caesars Entertainment Corporation has announced plans to convert Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon to a boutique lifestyle hotel and casino. The conversion includes the complete remodeling of the guest rooms, casino floor and common areas, the addition of a new second floor restaurant and the construction of a rooftop pool and dayclub/nightclub. Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon will temporarily close on Feb. 4 to accommodate the remodeling. The renovated hotel and casino is expected to open in early 2014, under a new name, while the rooftop club will open later that year....
Easy access to Waimea Canyon from Aston cottages
As the only hotel in the Waimea area of Kauai, the Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages offers convenient access to Kauai's famous Waimea Canyon, Koke`e State Park, the Napali Coast and other attractions on Kauai's south coast. Set amidst a coconut grove, Aston Waimea Plantation Cottages is a tranquil property, blending both nostalgic and modern cultures of Hawaii. The unique oceanfront resort was created from restored historic sugar plantation homes that have been updated with modern conveniences and hand-selected furnishings. The hotel features an on-site restaurant, oceanfront wedding and...
Starwood continues to shine in North America
From the 2013 American Lodging Investment Summit in Los Angeles, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide reports that it opened 23 hotels in North America in 2012 and signed more new deals than in the previous two years, including 21 conversions. Looking ahead to 2013, Starwood anticipates its strongest year of openings in North America since before the global economic crisis with 28 scheduled openings. Conversions will continue to fuel growth with in-the-year conversions expected to result in additional new hotel openings this year. "North America remains our largest market with 576 hotels and...
Valentine’s special in St. Croix
With Valentine's Day looming, Hotel Caravelle on St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, offers a romance package that includes three nights in ocean-view accommodations, a bottle of champagne, waterfront dinner and a sailing day trip for $799. Located on the waterfront town of Christiansted, Hotel Caravelle is within walking distance to historic forts, museums, shops, bars and restaurants. Sailing and diving charters depart right in front of the hotel....
Comprehensive renovations finished at Fairmont Orchid
At the end of 2012, The Fairmont Orchid on the Big Island completed its most comprehensive room renovation project since the resort opened in 1990. The new room décor illustrates a modern, luxurious feel that incorporates uniquely Hawaiian elements throughout, and is highlighted by artwork by esteemed island artists. The guestrooms were updated to international standards while maintaining the ambience of a tropical, island location....
Acapulco hotel occupancy levels best in 10 years
Acapulco reported its best hotel occupancy level in 10 years, 97% occupancy, following the 2012 holiday season. The Office of the Secretary of Tourism reported the information, along with results from the other Sun Triangle destinations, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco, which also experienced high occupancy levels. Hotel occupancy level for the destination as a whole was 97% in Acapulco; the glamorous Diamante Zone reported a 98% hotel occupancy level for the holiday week, while the iconic Golden and Traditional Zones reported occupancy levels of 98% and 90% respectively. Ixtapa reported a hotel...