Hotels
Jumeirah Stays Different
Stay different may be a marketing slogan for Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts, but it certainly described the Dubai-based company's event in Toronto last night. Held in elegant Casa Loma, close to 75 travel agents who sell Jumeirah's high-end resorts, such as the famed Burj Al-Arab, were invited to a cocktail reception and the opportunity to mingle with representatives from 10 of the company's worldwide properties. However, beyond the typical food plates and exchange of information, the evening – co-sponsored by Emirates Airline – soon took a unique twist as guests were treated to...
Signature Makes Booking RIU More Lucrative
Signature Vacations is making booking RIU resorts even more lucrative for agents, who can now add their STAR number and RIU Partner Club number to a RIU booking in one simple step. The STAR profile page at http://www.sunwingagents.ca has been enhanced so agents can save their RIU Partner Club membership number to their personal profile. Once entered, their RPC number will then automatically be added and reported to RIU Hotels & Resorts each time they confirm a RIU vacation package, therefore allowing them to earn both STAR points and RPC points by just entering one...
New Destination Resort Coming to Bermuda
Caroline Bay, Bermuda – the newest luxury destination resort, residential and yachting community – is coming to Bermuda and will include a Ritz-Carlton Reserve boutique hotel. The newly branded Caroline Bay, Bermuda will be situated on a secluded cove protected by a historic peninsula in the Great Sound in the west end of Bermuda. The development will feature the Ritz-Carlton property, residences, spa, restaurants, shops and a mega-yacht marina. The new resort community is the vision of Morgan’s Point Ltd. “After years of planning, it’s gratifying to announce this...
Sandals’ Over-The-Water Suites Available for Booking
Sandals Resorts reports that its highly anticipated over-the-water suites at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica are now available for booking, for arrivals beginning Nov. 15. Perched on a deck floating above turquoise waters off the private island at Sandals Royal Caribbean, the suites feature see-through glass floors for ocean viewing (with lit water at night), a Tranquility Soaking Tub for Two, an over-the-water hammock, a private infinity pool and Jacuzzi with outdoor shower. Reminiscent of a Tahiti-style bungalow, each 1,400 sq. ft. villa comes complete with the...
Marriott Still Committed to Starwood Acquisition
Marriott International has reaffirmed its commitment to acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., a move that would create the world’s largest hotel company. According to officials, the combined company will offer stockholders significant equity upside and greater long term value driven by a larger global footprint, wider choice of brands for consumers, improved economics to owners and franchisees leading to accelerated global growth and continued strong returns. Marriott is confident that the previously announced merger agreement is the best course for both...
Karisma Launches ‘Canada Cash’ Incentive Program
Karisma Hotels & Resorts, which owns and manages upscale properties in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, has launched Karisma Canada Cash, a special incentive program that rewards Canadian agents for their bookings. Agents can earn anywhere from $25 to $125 for every booking. These new rewards are exclusive to active Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant agents residing in Canada and available for bookings at all Karisma brands, including El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Hotels, Generations Resorts, Hidden Beach Resort and the new Nickelodeon Hotels &...
Hilton’s ‘Connie’ At Your Service
Hilton Worldwide and IBM have teamed up to introduce “Connie,” the first Watson-enabled robot concierge in the hospitality industry. Connie, stationed near reception at the Hilton McLean in Virginia, draws on domain knowledge from Watson and WayBlazer to inform guests on local tourist attractions, dining recommendations and hotel features and amenities. Connie, named for Hilton's founder Conrad Hilton, marks the first time IBM has developed a Watson-enabled robot for the hospitality market. Connie will work side-by-side with Hilton's team members to assist with visitor requests,...
Hilton’s Curio Expands Alabama Presence
Following a multi-million dollar renovation, Redmont Hotel Birmingham – a historic hotel with a storied past dating back more than 90 years – has joined Curio – A Collection by Hilton as the brand’s second hotel in Alabama (following the recent opening of The Admiral Hotel Mobile). The hotel features state-of-the-art technology and amenities, while retaining the style and glamour of the hotel's 1920s roots, allowing guests to enjoy old world charm in the heart of downtown Birmingham. First opened in 1925, the hotel offered distinguishing features for its time, including...