Resorts
W Hits the Slopes of Aspen
W Hotels Worldwide will debut its second alpine escape – and first in North America – with the W Aspen and The Sky Residences at W Aspen slated to open in time for the 2017 winter ski season. W Aspen, formerly the Sky Hotel, will be situated at the base of Aspen Mountain and provide skiers the ability to ski right into the hotel. The mountain chalet will offer 88 guestrooms (including six suites) and 11 W-branded fractional residences. The hotel will feature an oversized split level Living Room (the brand’s alternative to the staid hotel lobby), a 1,600-square-foot outdoor...
DoubleTree by Hilton Opens New Hotel in London
DoubleTree by Hilton has opened its newest property in London – the 260-room DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCel, located in the heart of London's up-and-coming financial hub. Featuring 31 deluxe rooms and 35 suites, the hotel gives the brand more than 25 properties across the U.K. The new property offers views of London's Royal Victoria Dock and is conveniently located near Canary Wharf, London ExCel, The O2, London City Airport and the Emirates Air Line Cable Car. Facilities include the 112-seat DoubleTree Restaurant, the DoubleTree Lounge Bar, fitness centre and two contemporary...
Packaging Puppy Love
The Cypress Inn in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California has launched a two-month long salute to pooches of all shapes and sizes, with the offer featuring both value-priced accommodation and a host of perks for pups. Available from Feb. 1 to March 31, 2016, the Cypress Inn's Puppy Love package has rates starting at $225 double. An iconic landmark since 1929 and part of the elite collection of Carmel Boutique Inns, Cypress Inn is co-owned by legendary Hollywood actress and animal rights enthusiast Doris Day. The 44-guest room property is located just blocks from Carmel Beach and walking...
AMResorts Celebrates Opening
AMResorts continues to grow its Secrets Resorts & Spas brand with the recent opening of the Secrets Playa Bonita Panama Resort & Spa at the beginning of January 2016. The property is located minutes from Panama City off the Pacific coast. The adults-only resort offers oceanfront views and private balconies in each of its 310 rooms. Secrets Playa Bonita Panama features the company's “Unlimited–Luxury” vacation concept where everything is included. As well, the resort has 20,000 square feet of event space and a dedicated team of planners to help with an array of group...
Why Do We Vacation?
The Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas is offering some answers to the question “Why Do We Vacation” in a newly launched advertising and branding campaign. (Click Here To Check It Out) In conjunction with creative agency GoConvergence (GOCO), Atlantis created, developed and produced the innovative concept that taps into consumers' emotions and helps them answer an important question they may not have considered in the past. The campaign is designed to create bite-sized pieces of content that resonate in a world where consumers are overwhelmed with content and have...
Rocking In The DR
They'll be rocking twice as hard in the Dominican Republic with the announcement by Hard Rock International that its planning to open a second hotel in the destination in late 2017. In collaboration with All Inclusive Collection, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo will be a full service property with 400 rooms and a casino. In making the announcement, Nelson Parker, vice-president of casino development, Hard Rock International, said: “The Dominican Republic is the region's most visited country and continues to be the top performing destination in the Caribbean. In...
Karisma Targets Agents With New Initiatives
Karisma Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a commission increase to 21%, a new loyalty travel club and a variety of weddings and romance-related offerings and tools exclusively for its Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants (GIVC). In making the announcement, Mandy Chomat, vice-president of sales & marketing for Karisma Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are extremely proud of Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ growth and success over the past year but know that none of it would be possible without the support of our dedicated travel agents.” Chomat continued: “Despite the industry...
A Gala Celebration
In a Mayan-themed celebration dubbed "From Heaven to Earth," the Hyatt Ziva Cancun welcomed more than 1,100 travel trade guests yesterday during its official Grand Opening gala festivities. A little liquid sunshine did little to dampen the spirits of those on hand as events included numerous Cirque du Soleil-like acts, live music and official ribbon cutting ceremony, followed by an impressive fireworks display. Set in an ideal location at the end of the "hotel strip," the all-inclusive resort -- formerly Dreams -- is surrounded by ocean on three sides and features eight dining...