Hotels & Resorts
Make it a long weekend with Starwood
Summer time and long weekends are top-of-mind for many travellers. And it's a thought that Starwood Hotels & Resorts across Canada are encouraging in a big way. In fact, right now, guests who book two nights at participating Starwood hotels will enjoy a third night free as part of Starwood's "Canadian Long Weekends" offer that's valid on stays through Jan. 2, 2013 for arrivals Thursday, Friday or Saturday at participating hotels for a three-night minimum/maximum length of stay. The offer is available every day of the week at participating resorts and some resorts are offering a free night...
A gateway opens in Edmonton
The Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton Gateway is now open. Owned and managed by Pacific Hospitality, the new hotel is the second in Edmonton and fourth in Alberta for the fast-growing Four Points brand, which now includes more than 160 hotels around the world. The 154-room Four Points by Sheraton Edmonton Gateway showcases the brand's "best for business" proposition for travellers seeking great hotels at great rates. Among its hallmarks are stylish and functional guest room workspace, free in-room internet, free WiFi in public spaces, and local craft beer through the brand-wide Best Brews...
Yoga in Waikiki
Embassy Suites-Waikiki Beach Walk has added yoga to its list of complimentary amenities. Guests of the resort now have the opportunity to participate in free one-hour yoga classes on the property's Grand Lanai or practice yoga in the privacy of their suite with a new yoga video channel that has been added to the resort's in-suite television offerings. The basic yoga flow classes on the Grand Lanai are taught by a certified instructor and take place from 7 am to 8 a.m. every Tuesday and Friday morning. Yoga mats from Lululemon Athletic are provided free of charge. Embassy Suites Waikiki Beach...
Deals in Maui
Maui is offering a host of travel deals this summer and fall. The Maui Accommodations Guide -- http://www.MauiAccommodations.com -- has just released its quarterly Special Values E-Alert listing the latest bargains offered by Maui hotels, condos, villas, cottages, and B&B's. The guide offers a comprehensive directory of where to stay on Maui, and its quarterly Special Values E-Alert newsletter is provided free as a resource for bargain-hunting travellers. In all, there are close to 40 special offers for summer and fall, including room rates starting from US$97 per night, free rental cars,...
Rugby is the game for Novotel
Novotel Canada has become an official partner of Canada Rugby League and the official hotel of the Team Canada Wolverines National Rugby League team. Keith Mantesso, director sales & marketing for Accor Canada, said: "Rugby League is a hugely popular sport and is now played in 57 countries around the world. We are thrilled to partner with Canada Rugby League. Since its founding in 2010, it has allowed Canadians to discover this fast-paced summer sport." The Canada Wolverines is the team that represents Canada at international Rugby League competitions. The team is already making a name for...
ALT opens at YYZ
The first ALT Hotel to be built outside of Quebec is now open and welcoming guests at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The modern 13-floor, 153-room hotel occupies a prime location adjacent to the airport terminals at the end of the LINK train line that runs every five minutes, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Christiane Germain, co-president and CEO of Groupe Germain Hospitality, said of the opening: "Our brand of hospitality has been welcomed in markets across Canada and we are thrilled to now be offering an ALTernative hotel experience to the millions of travellers who transit...
Seventh night is free
The Mauian, a popular beachfront property featuring boutique studio accommodations on Maui's Napili Bay, is offering a seventh night free for selected dates in August. It marks the first time the laid-back little property, a favorite with travellers for decades, has offered a seventh night free. "With only 44 units and an idyllic location right on the beach, our hotel runs pretty full all year round," observed the Mauian's general manager, Nane Aluli. "But we have some openings this year in late August. It's a great opportunity for travellers to experience the Mauian this summer at an extra...
The ultimate club
The Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has added another family-friendly activity for its guests -- the Waikiki Ocean Club. Billed as 'Waikiki's ultimate ocean playground,' the Waikiki Ocean Club is the third ocean activity offered to guests at the resort. Moored about 300 yards offshore, the Waikiki Ocean Club offers a wide variety of ocean-related activities such as trampolines, diving platforms, jet skiing, snorkeling, and helmet diving. The cost for a full day on board is US$89 for adults (16 and older); US$69 for youth (4 to 15 years). Kama'ina rates are US$79 for adults and...