Hotel Industry News | Canada's Travel Industry

By TravelPress Staff

December 29, 2015

Nickelodeon Punta Cana Now Accepting Reservations

Reservations are now being accepted for Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, the first international Nickelodeon property, which will open in the Dominican Republic on May 1. Special opening rates are available for up to 45% off as a part of the Sun, Slime & Savings promotion available until Jan. 31. The new property, located on the golden sands of Uvero Alto beach, will provide both non-stop family entertainment with surprise slimings and unexpected visits from Nickelodeon characters and Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive Experience. “We are extremely excited for guests...

By TravelPress Staff

December 24, 2015

Historic Amway Grand Joins Hilton’s Curio Collection

The historic Amway Grand Plaza, an iconic hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, that has hosted numerous dignitaries, presidents and celebrities, is now part of Curio – A Collection by Hilton. Originally opened in 1913 as The Pantlind and reopening as the Amway Grand Plaza in 1981, the hotel included one of the world’s largest gold-leaf ceilings in the lobby and is now recognized as a Historical Hotel of America. Today, the hotel combines the heritage of The Pantlind with the classic and contemporary design found in the modern Glass Tower, which reopened in 2014 following a...

By TravelPress Staff

December 24, 2015

Soccer Star Ronaldo Sets Sights on Hotel Biz

Portuguese soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is making a move off the field – in Lisbon (Historic Downtown), Madrid (Gran Vía) Funchal (Cruise Harbour) and New York (near Times Square) to be exact. The soccer player has partnered with Portugal's Pestana Hotel Group to open four boutique hotels under the CR7 brand. The joint venture, which is co-owned, by both Ronaldo and Pestana owner and chairman Dionísio Pestana, will be managed by The Pestana Hotel Group. “This joint venture has enormous potential,” said Pestana. “It also echoes the constant innovation spirit that...

By TravelPress Staff

December 22, 2015

‘New’ RIU Lupita Reopens

RIU Hotels and Resorts has reopened the Riviera Maya's Riu Lupita hotel after a renovation that saw the chain invest US$5.5 million. This hotel, now a 24-hour all-inclusive, opened its doors as a RIU hotel in 2004. It is located 2 km from the centre of Playa del Carmen and its Fifth Avenue, known for charming restaurants and shops. The Riu Lupita has undergone a complete renovation. The palapa has been replaced by a completely new lobby, where guests are greeted by light and colour. In addition, its 300 rooms have seen the bathrooms enlarged and redone, with the bathtub replaced by...

By TravelPress Staff

December 18, 2015

Silverbirch Reservations Bring Cheer to Charities

There is still time to join a special mission by SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts to help less fortunate folks during the Christmas season. The company is now celebrating the 16th anniversary of its “Friends In Need” holiday campaign to support local communities. For every room reservation made at participating SilverBirch hotels during the week of Dec. 21-27, a donation of $10 will be made to a local charity. “The Friends In Need campaign reaffirms our commitment to make a difference and to give back to the communities we operate in, while providing additional value for our...

By TravelPress Staff

December 18, 2015

Expedia.ca Sponsors 2016 IIHF World Junior Championship

For the second year in a row, Expedia.ca is returning as a sponsor of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship. As part of the brand's sponsorship, it has launched the “Take the Passion with You” campaign and will be transforming the Finest Playa Mujeres by Excellence Group resort in Cancun, Mexico into the Expedia.ca Hockey Hotel – a haven for hockey fans to cheer on their team from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5, 2016. New this year, Expedia.ca has partnered with TSN to create exclusive content from the Hockey Hotel that will be broadcast during the...

By TravelPress Staff

December 17, 2015

Hard Rock Set For Berlin Expansion

Hard Rock International has revealed plans for Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie, a 372-room city hotel reflective of the area’s musical past and spirited present, set to open in 2020. The property will be centrally located adjacent to the renowned Checkpoint Charlie. Hard Rock Hotel Berlin is set to rise on a site where the Berlin Wall once stood. Offering a variety of amenities, Hard Rock Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie will feature a rooftop pool and lounge, inviting both visitors and locals to enjoy sweeping views overlooking Checkpoint Charlie and Berlin’s...

By TravelPress Staff

December 16, 2015

Breathless in Cabo

AMResorts reports Breathless Cabo San Lucas will welcome its first guests tomorrow (Dec. 17). Breathless Cabo San Lucas, situated on Medano beach and near famed Cabo San Lucas nightlife, offers luxury and lively entertainment for singles, couples or friends. The169-suite resort promises an around-the-clock schedule of parties and monthly themed special events. “From sensuality shows to mega dance parties, the experience will always be high-energy and vivacious,” AMResorts says. Highlight amenities include suites with private terraces offering ocean and marina views; seven...

By TravelPress Staff

December 16, 2015

SLH Launches Agent Recognition Program

Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the launch of a travel agent recognition program – Small Luxury Heroes. The launch includes a kick-off incentive that will enter all agents who register for the program before Jan. 31, 2016 into a prize draw to win one of 25 US$1,000 SLH gift certificates, which can be used towards a stay at any of the luxury brand’s 520 hotels in over 80 countries around the world. Small Luxury Heroes has been designed to reward loyal agents for their commitment to the brand by offering a variety of rewards ranging...

By TravelPress Staff

December 16, 2015

HAC Unveils ‘Hall of Fame’ Recipients

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has unveiled its 2015 Hall of Fame Awards of Excellence winners. The Hall of Fame Awards Program was developed by the HAC to recognize those of its members (individuals, companies or properties) that have demonstrated significant accomplishments, exemplary leadership and tireless commitment to Canada’s lodging industry. Winners are recognized in four categories. The winners of the 2015 Awards of Excellence in each category include: Humanitarian: Scott Allison, vice-president, Owner & Franchise Relations & Operations, Marriott Hotels of...