Hotels
Penguin Hotel Looks at The Big Picture
The Penguin Hotel, located in the Art Deco District of Miami's South Beach district, invites emerging and accomplished artists, hotel guests, South Beach fans and creative minds in all areas of the world to submit works of their own to The Big Picture, Interiors at The Penguin Hotel, a juried art contest. The contest provides artists the opportunity to utilize their art to transform each one of the hotel’s 43 rooms. Work from winning artists will be printed on canvas to completely cover a wall in each room. Multiple artists will win and rooms will feature different art. Selected...
ASTA Examines New Hotel WiFi Policies
Members of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) must evaluate what, if any, operational changes they will make to their business models as major hotel chains begin putting new policies in place to restrict free WiFi offers when customers book through travel agents. ASTA is providing a comparison to its members of these new policies that range from free WiFi provided to all guests regardless of agency booking method or loyalty program by Hyatt, to Starwood’s policy to allow agency customers who are Preferred Guests to enjoy WiFfi if the agent makes the booking at SPG.com, to...
Hilton Expands in China
Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Worldwide have announced the opening of Hilton Tianjin Eco-City as the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Tianjin city, China. The hotel features 301 contemporary guest rooms and suites with scenic garden landscape and marks the first internationally branded hotel to enter Sino-Singapore Eco-city. Hilton Tianjin Eco-City is operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Shimao Co.,...
Hampton by Hilton Opens in Panama
Hampton by Hilton continues its international expansion with the opening of its first hotel in Panama. Hampton by Hilton Panama is a 108-room, new-build hotel managed by Hilton Worldwide. Situated in downtown Panama City, the hotel is 20 minutes from Tocumen International Airport and close to financial and commercial services, as well as multiple shopping options. Nearby attractions for leisure guests also include the Panama Canal and the Miraflores Locks, Casco Viejo and the Biodiversity Museum. The 15-storey property is the city’s newest hotel and offers visitors comfortable...
Velas Vallarta Expands Family Offerings
In celebration of the New Year, Velas Vallarta, an all-suite resort in Puerto Vallarta, is debuting new family friendly offerings with a freshly designed Kids Club, new seasonal children's spa treatments, expanded activities for children and parents, gourmet dining and more. Led by the resort's mascot turtle, Franki, the Kids' Club program at Velas Vallarta now features a new dedicated children's area with spots for arts and crafts, video games and movies. The entire family can enjoy new activities offered daily for children ages four to 12 and updated every season, including tennis...
Kick Off 2015 by Selling US$50,000 Package
The arts, gastronomy, culture and natural wonders of Japan are coming together in a new US$50,000 experience offered by Palace Hotel Tokyo beginning this January. The package, Quintessentially Tokyo, combines a collection of previously introduced Palatial Pursuits in an opportunity to capture the essence of Japan over a five-night, six-day stay. Highlights of the experience include: Full-day bespoke art excursion led by a local expert from the Tokyo bureau of Blouin ARTINFO, the world’s leading art and culture curators. One-on-one foodie tour with a culinary aficionado. Tour...
Starwood’s Specialty Brands See Major Growth
Starwood’s three select service brands, Aloft, Element and Four Points by Sheraton, are experiencing an incredible growth momentum. Element, for instance, is set to double its portfolio by the end of 2017, Four Points is just shy of its 200th property and Aloft will be opening its 100th hotel by early 2015. With global openings and deals signed by the week, the following is a snapshot of some of the new highlighted properties and a few that will be opening their doors soon. Four Points: Four Points Bogota & Four Points Barranquilla – Rapidly expanding its already...
‘New’ Coconut Bay Goes to New Heights
Saint Lucia’s Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa has taken its adults-only Harmony wing facilities and amenities, and the resort’s “Two Worlds in One” design, to new heights. Fall renovations – including a new pool and activities like rum tastings – are among the surprises in store for guests. A new pool with a whirlpool feature is now the centrepiece of the Harmony wing, bringing the number of Coconut Bay pools to five, the second exclusive to Harmony. New poolside waiter service brings drinks to guests lounging under shady new cabanas and around the larger pool...