Jetsettersblog

Westmark Fairbanks Hotel and Conference Center is offering the Northern Lights Package for $95 between Sept. 15, 2009, and April 15, 2010.

This package includes one night for two people in a deluxe room, continental breakfast buffet for two,  Northern Lights wake-up call, a map of Northern Lights viewing areas and two signature coffee tumblers complete with hot chocolate, cookies and hand warmers to keep travelers toasty while viewing.

For more information, visit www.westmarkhotels.com/packages-specials.php

The Best Suites at Sea

The Top 10 Ultra-Luxury Cruise Accommodation

Choosing a cruise cabin has become an increasingly complex process, as cruise lines compete to offer an ever-bewildering selection of accommodation with more bells and whistles. In the heyday of cruising, cruise ships offered regular staterooms and a handful of superior cabins for the very well-off. Now there are suites, mini-suites and junior suites aboard almost every ship built in the last decade.

Suites are more popular than ever, and it’s not just because of size – even suites that are just slightly larger than standard balcony cabins have their merits. For example, families can enjoy roomier accommodation at a lower price point by booking a suite rather than two cabins. Also, suites often come with extra perks.

Said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of cruise news and reviews Web site CruiseCritic.co.uk: “Suites will be more luxuriously appointed than standard cabins, but it is often the accompanying extra services and privileges that persuade people to pay more. Most cruise suites come with concierge services, priority embarkation (and disembarkation) and preference when making reservations for alternative dining, spa treatments and sold-out shore excursions. However the more lines can also provide butler services, catered cocktail parties and course-by-course dining room meals, served in-suite.”

There may be a larger variety of suites than ever before, but there are still those that absolutely stand out from the rest. Here are the very best guest-pampering and elegant accommodations at sea, as selected by CruiseCritic.co.uk.

1. Yacht Club Royal Suite — MSC Cruises’ Fantasia

This exclusive accommodation features a separate living room with a balcony.

It also offers a bedroom — with floor-to-ceiling windows, instead of a balcony — that curves around the front of the ship. Yacht Club guests also have exclusive use of a private club with free food and an open bar throughout the day, plus access to a private pool area, a grill and a second bar.

Expect to pay US$3,600 per person for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise.

2. Garden Villa Suites — Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn, Star, Jewel, Pearl, Gem and Jade

These are among the roomiest of all luxury suites with a whopping 5,750 square feet of space.

Features include three bedrooms, a private sunning deck, two private steam rooms and a six-person hot tub. Expect to pay US$1,785 per person per night.

3. Penthouse Suites — Holland America’s Eurodam,
Zuiderdam, Oosterdam, Westerdam and Noordam

Expansive with more than 1,300 square feet of space, each suite has a teak-lined balcony, equipped with its own hot tub and an inset banquette for alfresco lounging or dining.

The suite also has a butler’s pantry with a fridge and microwave and a dining table for eight. The enormous, marble-clad bathroom features a full-sized whirlpool tub and separate shower stall.

Expect to pay US$680 per person per night.

4. Penthouse Suites — P&O’s Aurora

These two elegant, front-facing duplex suites span two decks, and can be accessed from either the lower or upper deck. Both have an open, curved staircase and sleeping “loft” with full bath.

In each, you’ll find dining facilities for six, downstairs guest powder rooms, and two balconies – one off the bedroom and one off the downstairs living room. The main difference between the two suites is that one features a grand piano and, the other, a library.

Expect to pay £453 per person per night in the summer.

5. Lady Marjorie’s and Sir Edward’s — Sea Cloud

On this vintage sailing vessel, the suites may be a cosy 410 square feet and 366 square feet, respectively, but they more than make up for that in class.

Originally owned by Marjorie Meriwether Post and husband E.F. Hutton, they have been faithfully restored to the 1931 design with the addition of some modern conveniences.

Marjorie’s suite is more feminine and plush, with white walls and gold gilt wainscoting, a canopy bed and a large, elegant bath.

Sir Edward’s is clubby, with knotty pine panelled walls, dark furniture and an equally large bath.

Expect to pay US$1,220 per person per night in either of these suites.

6. Grand Suites — Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager

Regent Seven Seas’ newest vessel boasts four of these spectacular suites, styled in luxurious, dark-teak cabinetry, cream-colored walls and furnishings. Featured are walk-in closets and guest baths, plus solariums off of the bedroom areas, with floor-to-ceiling windows and soaking tubs that look out over the sea. Prices start at US$1,120 per person per night.

7. The Owner’s Suite — Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow

The two owner’s suites on each ship feature sumptuous furnishings, including warm-wood furniture, plasma-screen televisions, marble and granite baths with full-length whirlpool tubs and separate areas for toilets and bidets.

There are full living rooms and dining areas and extra half-baths off of each foyer. Catered cocktail or dinner parties are included in prices, which average US$1,700 per person per night.

8. The Balmoral and Sandringham Suites — Cunard’s Queen Mary 2

These grandiose, two-storey suites feature curved, sweeping staircases that lead to the bedrooms, two marble baths with whirlpool tubs and separate showers, full guest baths, private exercise equipment and 2,249 square feet of living space.

All Queens Grill amenities are offered and include the dining room, a special lounge and a dedicated sunning deck.

However, this accommodation is for those who don’t mind being seen, as the terraces are visible from the public decks below.

Expect to pay US$4,170 per person per night.

9. Penthouse Suites — Celebrity’s Millennium-Class Ships (Millennium, Infinity, Summit and Constellation)

These toy-laden suites are tucked into the stern with huge private balconies and hot tubs that look out over the wake. Inside, there’s about 1,100 square feet of elegant accommodation, including an enormous bathroom with a great whirlpool tub set into a bay window.

The techie extras include a private fax, motorized drapes, an Internet station and VCR’s and DVD players to complement the 32-inch televisions. Expect to pay US$900 per person per night.

10. Grand Suites — Princess Cruises’ Sapphire, Diamond and Caribbean Princess

These three ships each have one exclusive hideout at the aft, with a gigantic verandah and elegant furnishings.

The one-bedroom suites combine modern technology with old-world luxury: lush brocades, sumptuous bedding, a corner whirlpool tub and separate multi-jet shower, dining tables (inside for six and outside for four), a wet bar, two televisions and a personal computer.

Expect to pay an average cost per person per night of US$572.

8 NIGHTS FROM £2,060 PER PERSON ON A FULLY INCLUSIVE BASIS
SAVING £1,470 PER PERSON

Leading luxury safari company, African & Indian Explorations is offering a wonderful 8 night magical safari combining two exquisite camps, one of which will open its doors for the first time in June, perfect for those looking to take a dream safari in 2009.

Guests will spend 4 nights at The Zambezi Vintage Camp, opening June 1st 2009, which offers the authentic adventure of a specialist walking safari in 1920’s style.

Walks are led by a professional guide who will lead the group into the remote foothills of the Zambezi escarpment, to places few have ventured before.

The following 4 nights will be spent at Sausage Tree Camp, the epitome of bush chic.

This camp offers all of the game and luxury without any crowds – the 6 Bedouin-style tents, excellent food, superb guiding and laid back atmosphere make for a truly unique experience.

Offer does not include flights but British Airways, Air France and KLM run frequent services to Lusaka with average fares at around £800 per person.

For Bookings and Information Contact African & Indian Explorations 01993 822 443

or visit www.africanexplorations.com

Which? Great Inn Of Britain Has Served Up Another Serving Of Good Food To Win Restaurant Of The Year For The North-East?

The Yorke Arms in Ramsgill in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire wins the Which? Good Food Restaurant of the Year Award for the North East.

The Yorke Arms in Ramsgill in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire, has been named as the North-East’s Restaurant of the Year, as voted by the descerning diners and readers of The Good Food Guide.

More than 23,000 people voted in The Good Food Guide’s annual readers’ Restaurant of the Year Award, which recognises excellence and good service at independently-owned restaurants, pubs and cafés across the UK to declare their favourite regional restaurant.

Having beaten off stiff competition from across the region, the award also sees The Yorke Arms declared as one of the Top 10 best restaurants in the UK and it will now go head-to-head to compete for the overall Restaurant of the Year title, to be awarded on 9 June in a ceremony at the British Museum.

Frances Atkins, Chef Patron of the Yorke Arms says:

“We are thrilled; this is a testament for not only for us but for Yorkshire hospitality and produce. Over the past year we’ve been fortunate to attract a discerning clientele, who appreciate consistency, originality and high standards, which we try to provide at The Yorke Arms.”

Founder member and Chairman of the Great Inns of Britain, Sir Thomas Ingilby, says:

“I have long admired Frances Atkins ‘no-nonsense’ approach to cooking and the stylish, comfortable interiors that she and husband Bill have created at The Yorke Arms. I am delighted that their hard work has been rewarded by this coveted title.”

Elizabeth Carter, Editor, The Good Food Guide, says:

“All of the restaurants that made it on to this year’s shortlist should be really proud of the show of support they’ve received from their customers…..this year sees another string of extremely strong entries. It’ll now be a really tough decision for the judges to crown the overall winner.”

The Yorke Arms joined the exclusive collection of The Great Inns of Britain in 2007, where membership is by invitation only. The 21 Inns are located across England, Scotland and Wales; other Yorkshire members include the Feversham Arms & Verbena Spa, The Boar’s Head at Ripley and The Blue Lion at East Witton.

www.greatinns.co.uk
www.yorke-arms.co.uk

The public were invited to nominate for their favourite independently owned and run restaurant, pub or café in their region, preferably one that offers regional dishes and/or seeks out local producers.

They could vote online or by submitting a postcard that was available from restaurants. More details are at www.which.co.uk/awards

The 10 Regional Winners are:

1. Midlands: Entropy, Leicester
2. London: L’Etranger, South Kensington
3. East England: Maison Bleue, Bury St Edmunds
4. Northern Ireland: Mourne Seafood, Belfast
5. Wales: Tyddyn Llan, Llandrillo
6. North East: Yorke Arms, Ramsgill
7. North West: Nutters, Norden
8. Scotland: Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow
9. South East: Mulberry Tree, Boughton Monchelsea
10. South West: Ronnies, Thornbury

The Yorke Arms:

The Yorke Arms stands serenely overlooking Ramsgill village green, nestled in the Yorkshire Dale’s picturesque Nidderdale Valley. The creeper-clad Yorke Arms was built as a hunting lodge in 1830; owned and run by Frances and Bill Atkins since 1997, it is now a renowned ‘Restaurant with Rooms’, acclaimed by leading guides and critics.

Raised in Ilkley, trained at Bradford College and with over 43 years experience, Frances Atkins is recognised as one of the UK’s top female chefs. She has previously won the Which? Good Food Guide Readers’ ‘Restaurant of the Year 2007’, Square Meal ‘Most Romantic Restaurant’ 2007 and was recently shortlisted for the London Restaurant Awards 2008 (Top 10 Restaurants outside London category).

The Great Inns of Britain:

The Great British Innkeepers are proud guardians of centuries-old traditions and are renowned for their warm welcome, attentive service, fine food and wonderful wines.

Each inn is totally individual and unique, but all offer a masterful mix of fabrics and decor, contemporary restaurants, cosy bars, and gorgeous individually-designed bedrooms where modern creature comforts come as standard.

For details on the Great Inns of Britain visit www.greatinns.co.uk.

The Great Inns of Britain are:

Royal Hotel, Comrie, Perthshire
The Pheasant, Bassenthwaite Lake, Cumbria
Blue Lion, East Witton, North Yorkshire
Boar’s Head, Ripley, North Yorkshire
Feversham Arms Hotel, Helmsley, North Yorkshire
The Yorke Arms, Ramsgill-in-Nidderdale, North Yorkshire
Inn at Whitewell, Forest of Bowland, Lancashire
The Millstone at Mellor, Lancashire
The White Hart at Lydgate, Lancashire
Ye Olde Bull’s Head, Beaumaris, Anglesey
The Peacock at Rowsley, Derbyshire
Hundred House Hotel, Shropshire
Hoste Arms, Burnham Market, Norfolk
The Old Bridge Hotel, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire
The King’s Head Inn, Bledington, Oxfordshire
The Pier Hotel, Harwich, Essex
milsoms, Dedham, Essex
The Bell Inn, Horndon-on-the-Hill, Essex
Arundell Arms, Lifton, Devon
Castle House Hotel, Hereford, Herefordshire
Barnsdale Lodge Hotel, Rutland

Dubai, UAE: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in partnership with Eclipse Hotels Group, officially opened Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre.

The 124 room, Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre is located at the heart of the financial district in downtown Dar Es Salaam. A 20-minute drive from Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere International Airport and the port of Dar Es Salaam, the property is ideally located, as it offers guests easy access via ferry to Zanzibar; a popular high traffic tourist destination.
“Tanzania has rapidly progressed into one of the major contributors of Africa’s tourism and is determined to reach its target of a million tourists by 2010.

” We are focused on continuing our expansion plans within the continent and the Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre is the first of 13 hotels in the pipeline,” commented John Bamsey, chief operating officer, IHG Middle East and Africa.
“This year our primary focus is on our mid-scale portfolio, which we believe has unrivalled potential at a time when travellers are looking for more affordable options without compromising on quality.

” In October 2007, we invested $1 billion into the global relaunch of the Holiday Inn brand family.

“Following extensive research, it was clear our guests were looking for a more contemporary brand image, increased quality and consistency.

The relaunch will be completed by the end of 2010 across 3,200 hotels around the world. Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre marks our first property in East Africa under the new standards.” added Bamsey.

Holiday Inn Dar Es Salaam City Centre offers quality and contemporary design that appeals to the modern traveller.

Dining options include Gaucho, renowned for its abundant buffet breakfast and Al Dar Shisha bar and restaurant, ideally located on the rooftop of the hotel, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the city.

The hotels bar, Bar@1 and the Zanzibar coffee shop, serve food and a variety of drinks throughout the day.

For business facilities, the hotel includes an Academy Meeting venue with four meeting rooms.

Commenting on the opening, Sameer Damji, director, Eclipse Hotels Group, said, “Partnering with IHG, one of the most reputable international hotel groups, is a tactical investment for Eclipse.

The strong positioning of the Holiday Inn brand combined with its geographical presence of 3,200 properties worldwide makes it the ideal choice. Our presence will contribute to the development of Tanzania’s economy; in turn increasing its global appeal as a holiday destination.”

In the first quarter of 2009, IHG relaunched one new hotel every day and by May 12th 2009, there were 729 hotels operating under the new standards.

Relaunched hotels have seen uplift in RevPAR by 5% and more importantly improved guest satisfaction.

“Shopper’s Delight” Package at Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome

Dubai/Berlin—Fashion insiders have a knack for being one heel ahead of any given trend. Whether it’s effortlessly influencing which ‘it-bag’ to sling over their shoulders or where to retreat for a little well-deserved R & R, the fashion-forward set and pride themselves on being style influencers.

The “Shopper’s Delight” Package at Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome was created with exactly this is mind, catering to a combination of cutting-edge shopping and the opportunity to unwind in understated luxury accommodation.

Often dubbed the most creative European city, Berlin has experienced an increase in culturally- and fashion-conscious travelers looking to discover its one-of-a-kind local design talents.

Hotel de Rome has catered to this growing niche by custom-creating a selection of exclusive shopping services for its guests with its renowned concierge team. Services range from arranging for private shopping days at specific shops, opening and/or closing boutiques early to accommodate to various shopping styles, to arranging for private shoppers to maximize a Berlin visit.

BREAD & BUTTER, the international specialist trade fair for Street and Urban Wear, which originated in Germany but has taken place in Barcelona for the last several seasons, will be returning to its hometown this summer from 1-3 July.

This tradeshow will coincide with Mercedes-Benz Spring 2010 Fashion Week Berlin from 1-4 July, making Berlin the true destination for European fashion.

“Berlin is fast emerging as a fashion hub for those looking to uncover exceptional pieces from our local designers. What better way to navigate a relatively untapped city than by having a 24-hour concierge service at your beck and call, guiding you to those relatively unknown treasures? That bespoke service is what we aim to offer our guests at Hotel de Rome, a fashion-forward to make our guests’ experience absolutely memorable and seamless,” said Thies Sponholz, General Manager, Hotel de Rome, The Rocco Forte Collection.

Nestled in the heart of Berlin’s Mitte fashion district in Bebelplatz, the hotel was the former head office of a local bank built in 1889. Hotel de Rome personifies the city’s understated charm and exceptional style with its 146- large bedrooms including three Executive Suites and one expansive Bebel Suite.

The four historic suites were once the old offices of the directors of the bank.

The nearby shopping mile “Friedrichstrasse” features international fashion labels such as Hugo Boss, Escada, Hermes as well as the exclusive brand store The Corner and The Departmentstore at Quartier 210. Weary shoppers can unwind with a dip in the hotel’s pool, located in a former bank vault, or enjoy a range of the latest treatments at Hotel de Rome’s spa.

The Hotel de Rome shopping package includes:

• One night accommodation in a luxurious room or a Junior Suite

• Breakfast

• Parfumed candle by Jacques Garcia as welcome gift

• Glass of champagne and personal shopping assistance at The Corner plus a 5% discount on all purchases

• KaDeWe’s seasonal catalogue together with a 10% discount Guest Card

• VAT and service charge

• Free local phone calls and mineral water in the room

RATES & Provisions:

- From €280 per night in a Classic room, single occupancy

- From €520 per night in a Junior Suite, single occupancy

- Valid until December 29, 2009 based on availability

Book your personal shopping tour with a guide:

Trendy & Stylish

Discover Berlin’s hip fashion scene around Hackesche Markt and Mulack Street in the Mitte district. A fashion journalist/designer will escort you to visit showrooms, fashion studios and the cool boutiques of newcomer labels such as Adddress, von Wedel & Tiedeken, Bless or Starstyling and many more. Also on the way is thu ha duong offering a view behind the scenes of her studio.

The tour ends at café Barcomi’s.

Two hour guided tour for 2 people at €130*

Luxury Brands

A fashion journalist/designer is accompanying you to a luxury shopping spree around Gendarmenmarkt and/or Kurfuerstendamm. Exclusive fashion brands at Departmentstore 206, The Corner, Wunderkind, Gucci, Cartier, Chanel and many more let fashion dreams come true. The tour ends with a glass of champagne at Louis Vuitton, which Berlin flagship store holds the entire collection.

Two hour guided tour for 2 people at €130*

* Prices do not include possible entrance fees or beverages. A limousine can be booked in addition on request.

The UAE freephone reservations number is : 8000 650592.

To book or further information, please call 00800 7666 6667 or visit www.roccofortecollection.com

Qatar Air flies from Dubai to Berlin five times a week – for more details, visit www.qatarairways.com

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, has expanded its portfolio in Morocco with the announcement of the 204 room Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden – which will welcome its first guests in 2011.

“We are delighted to arrive in one of the world’s most beautiful cities,” said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. “This property is our third hotel under development in Morocco and a perfect addition to our Radisson Resorts which will open in Tangier and Saïdia.”

The Radisson Blu Hotel Marrakech will be located within Carré Eden, an exclusive development including 80 luxury apartments, a shopping mall and entertainment.

Carré Eden is located in the Guéliz district, a well-established commercial and residential area known for trendy shops, fashionable bars and clubs.

Besides 204 modern guest rooms, the property will offer two restaurants, a bar, nearly 1,000 m2 of conference and meeting space, a swimming pool and a destination spa with a Moroccan hammam.

“This hotel will be a unique 5 star city resort in Marrakech, and, along with the Radisson Blu brand, reaffirms our commitment to making the city an exceptional destination for both business and leisure travellers,” said Mohamed Yacoubi, Director of Asset Management at Actif Invest – the first Moroccan management company of investment funds dedicated to tourism and real estate.

“This hotel and its shopping mall will be a distinguished attraction in the Gueliz district, and will be a major component of our tourism asset portfolio.”

Marrakech – also know as the “Red City” – is one of Morocco’s four former imperial cities and one of the world’s most loved holiday destinations.

A short walk from the new hotel allows visitors to explore the “Medina”, the traditional heart of Marrakech, with its ancient mazes of souks and alleys and the captivating Djemaa el Fna square – which bustles 24 hours per day with acrobats, story-tellers, snake charmers, dancers, musicians and food stalls.

Also on any tourist’s agenda is the Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century by the Almohad dynasty (which in later years conquered Spain) with minarets towering over the historical part of town.

Leading international hotel chain NOVOTEL is set to make a debut in Mumbai with the launch of the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Located in the heart of Mumbai’s social and commercial hub, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach will enjoy a soft launch in July 2009. This is Novotel’s third hotel in India after Novotel Hyderabad Airport and Novotel Hyderabad.

Mr. Heinz Egli has been appointed General Manager to spearhead operations of the hotel. Mr. Egli has close to three decades of experience in the hospitality industry and was most recently Resident Manager at the cutting-edge Novotel Citigate Hong Kong.

Spread over 2.5 acres of a scenic beach-front site, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach will feature 203 guest rooms and suites. The hotel hopes to redefine the hospitality space in the city by mirroring the brand’s essence – ‘Novotel, designed for natural living’. It boasts a Premier Floor and Lounge for guests seeking an upgraded experience.

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach joins the Accor Hospitality network, which also operates hotel brands such as Sofitel, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and Formule 1. Speaking about the hotel’s opening, Mr. Jean-Michel Casse, Vice President – Accor India, said, “With the launch of the Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, we hope to present our guests with Novotel’s world-renowned service standards, while maintaining a distinct local flavour. The Indian market holds great promise for Accor Hospitality and its brands and we remain committed to opening 15 Novotel hotels in India by 2012.”

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach will specifically cater to the discerning needs of ‘city breakers’ and the ‘urban nomads’. 25-to-45 years old and holding management-level positions, these travellers are breaking down the walls between business and leisure travel.

Tastefully conceptualized rooms, elegant workspaces including ergonomic features, meeting spaces augmented by the latest technology and a host of dining and recreation options, will see the hotel offer a contemporary, ‘home away from home’ experience for business travellers and families alike.

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has released a promotional rate of Rs 7,500++ for a standard room and Rs 8,500 for a Premier Room with ocean views, breakfast and transfers.

NOVOTEL MUMBAI JUHU BEACH,

Balraj Sahani Marg, Juhu Beach, Mumbai 400 049, Maharashtra.

Tel No: (+91) 22 6693 4444

For Novotel Hotels and Resorts bookings worldwide, including India, click the banner ad below.  Novotel is an Accor Hotels brand that also includes the plush and swank Sofitel chain. You can book all Accor brands at the ad below.

Ever wish you could return to those carefree, formative days of your youth, a time of enthusiasm, ideas and hope? Wouldn’t it be great to revisit your university environment, but armed with the confidence and wisdom of later life?

Now everyone has that opportunity. Hyatt recently launched The Campus at Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok—an innovative new events concept and venue, and the world’s first truly dedicated MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facility within a hotel.

The idea for The Campus sprung from a thought Andreas Stalder—Senior Vice President of Product and Brand Development for Hyatt Asia Pacific—had during an internal meeting. He noted the similarity between the formats of conferences and school: you meet at the beginning; break off for individual ‘classes’; an expert leads the session, presenting and teaching; and participants meet during breaks to discuss what they’ve been taught (or not as the case may be). Just as we go to university to learn, we attend meetings to acquire knowledge.

From that germ of an idea, The Campus was born. Located on the lower lobby floor of Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, the 891-square-metre (9,591 sq ft) venue has been conceived to evoke the nostalgia and romance of university life, while inspiring creative thinking and enhancing the exchange of ideas.

With room names like Lecture Hall, Library and Cafeteria and spaces decorated with university flags; institutional-style clocks; portrait busts of Einstein and Shakespeare; and even a university rowing boat,

The Campus’ creators have created the look, feel and facilities of a ‘learning’ environment. A young, dynamic operating team, sporting preppy-style blazers, striped ties and boat shoes, is dedicated to creating a unique service experience and even have a Campus Motto: ‘Forever connected. Forever learning. Forever inspired’.

Though inspired by the nostalgia of university life, The Campus is a thoroughly modern setting. Wireless internet is available throughout the venue and all rooms are fitted with the latest technology and user-friendly equipment: hi-tech audio systems; lighting which can be adjusted by mood; extra-wide LCD screens available for wireless PC or DVD hook-up; electronic whiteboards with printing facility and USB flash drive saving; iPod docking stations; storage cabinets fitted with power supply for laptop and mobile phone charging; self-serve coffee machines; and LCD screens outside the rooms for eye-catching digital signage.

Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok, situated in the heart of Bangkok’s city centre, is easily accessible by public transport and features 400 car park spaces. On arrival at The Campus, guests enter at the North Gate, which like all university entrance grounds, is a hive of activity at the start of the day—a place for pre-function congregation, orientation, registration and networking.

This leads directly into the Lecture Hall, the main meeting room at The Campus and its largest, with a capacity for 140 theatre-style and 180 for cocktails. Reminiscent of the college amphitheatre, the Lecture Hall features a high-definition 140-inch screen, available for live video streaming. An adjacent IT room provides technical support and the lighting system is linked to an automatic door opening system, to create a dramatic, theatrical entrance for guests.

At the other end of the complex, Union Hall is the second largest meeting room, catering to up to 60 theatre-style, and features an adjacent terrace. Between the two main halls, three Classrooms provide smaller meeting spaces for breakout sessions or more intimate events. These versatile, modular spaces, bathed in natural light, can be used as individual rooms or combined, creating capacity for anything from eight to 70, depending on the set-up.

Next door, the Library is lined with shelves stocking books on all subject matters and accommodates 16 theatre-style or 20 for cocktails. When not being used for a function, it is an ideal spot for solitude and quiet thought. Directly opposite, the Reading Room is another book-lined getaway from the hustle and bustle, with a capacity for eight people boardroom-style and video-conferencing capability. When not hosting meetings, the Reading Room can be opened up as an adjacent extension to Union Hall or the Library.

Supporting the main meeting rooms is a host of school-inspired facilities. The Internet Café is a fully-functioning business centre, equipped with nine computer stations featuring the latest PCs and Macs; telephones with conferencing capabilities; copiers, fax machines and colour printers—supported by a secretariat and team of IT experts, primed to assist with anything guests might need during their time at The Campus.

The Campus Store, meanwhile, stocks a variety of daily essentials and sundries, including newspapers, magazines, books and candy alongside kiosks offering fresh popcorn, roasted nuts and soft-serve ice cream. The Campus Store will also sell a collection of high-quality Campus-branded merchandise such as group pictures, t-shirts, mugs and USB flash drives, perfect for delegate gifts or event mementoes.

After a morning or afternoon of productive ‘lessons’, appetites will loom large and the buzzing Cafeteria is where everyone will gather to satiate them. Designed to reflect the lively, collegiate-style quad, and inspired by convenience food icons such as Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s, the Cafeteria will house a series of dedicated food and beverage stalls offering live cooking action and fast, efficient service.

A Deli—inspired by those found in Europe and the US—will feature charchuterie on display and offer sandwiches and sausage rolls by the metre; Cornish pasties; toasties; submarines; made-to-order salads; fresh fruit; and yoghurt. The Bakery will overflow with fun, freshly baked fare, generously sized for ‘young’ appetites: large cookies, chocolate doughnuts, muffins, waffles, jumbo pretzels, granola bars, brownies, caramel éclairs and pizza by the sheet. Those hankering after noodle soups and congee will head for the authentic Asian-style Noodle Bar, while burgers and hotdogs will be available from the Grill, specialising in food, fast (as opposed to ‘fast food’).

Where would a college campus be without a bar? And here, in the campus of our dreams, there are two. By day, the Campus Bars will offer tea and coffee in big Campus mugs, as well as freshly squeezed juices, Mars Bar smoothies, Orangina, Gatorade and Red Bull. Come sundown, offerings are of the alcoholic variety, with beer on tap, wine and freshly-prepared cocktails.

Once refuelled, students may wish to let off steam at The Game—an entertainment hangout kitted with foosball tables, a Nintendo Wii game station and two 42-inch LCD screens for maximum gaming effect.

Those less energetic may simply choose to kick back at Campus Commons, furnished with camaraderie-inducing cluster seating, and check out the nearby Message Boards where missives, bulletins and programmes for the day will be posted.
The other outlets, bars and shops on the lower lobby floor—Spasso, Erawan Bakery, Bar @ 494, You & Mee, Club 21 and Burberry—will now be considered the Campus College Town catering to the ‘university community’ when they wish to step off campus.

With The Campus, Hyatt is excited to offer a truly new and unique setting for memorable events ranging from corporate and association gatherings to private celebrations to innovative product launches. Not to mention the ultimate school reunion, alumni ball or wedding for couples that met at college…

“By creating The Campus, we hope to provide a better product and service to the ever-discerning MICE market,” says Stalder. “We’ve tried to conceive everything an event organiser might wish for when arranging a gathering, to create a true one-stop-shop that meets the total needs of the MICE guest. Not only do we hope The Campus will be the premier venue for company events and social gatherings, we hope it will bring back fond memories for guests and put a sentimental smile on their faces.”

Pullman hotels and resorts, hotels designed specifically for today’s business and leisure travelers, announced today that the Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana will open in September 2009. Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana will be Accor’s first Pullman in Indonesia.

PULLMAN AND INDONESIA

Commenting on the debut of the Pullman brand in Indonesia, Gerard Guillouet, Vice President Accor Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore said, “Bali is a very well known and loved tourist and event destination in Indonesia. The addition of the hotel is complimentary to the existing network of Accor hotels in Bali, where Accor currently operates 6 hotels under Novotel, Mercure and All Seasons hotel brands.

The opening of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana enhances the global portfolio of the brand, as the first Pullman in a resort location in South East Asia.”

PULLMAN – ON THE ISLAND OF THE GODS

The five-storey Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana has 351 guest rooms, all with a private balcony or terrace.

The hotel has a combination of hotel rooms and studios, enabling deluxe accommodation for couples or for families in a combined apartment style space.
Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana offers two swimming pools, one of which is ideally located overlooking the beach, providing a perfect spot to catch the sun setting across the ocean.

Additionally the hotel will house an expansive day spa, with a selection of relaxing treatments incorporating traditional Balinese ingredients and therapies.

As a hallmark of the Pullman brand, enabling our guests to stay connected with family or business is essential.

Each guest room is therefore equipped with high-speed internet access, LCD interactive TV entertainment system, plug and play adaptors and satellite television selection .

The hotels Kid’s Club is fully equipped with activities and games that will keep even most active and creative children engrossed, providing time for the parents to enjoy the leisure facilities of the hotel.

The hotel enjoys a prime location, just opposite one of Bali’s most renowned beaches – Legian Beach. Stretching north from Kuta, Legian benefits from its proximity and easy access to shops and bars, whilst being slightly removed from the hustle of central Kuta.

Easily explored on foot, various activities including antique hunting, souvenir shopping, or beach activities such as surfing, sun-tanning or simply relax on the beach adjacent the hotel.
Phillipe Battle, General Manager of Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana said,

“The hotel will be an ideal venue for guests to relax, in an environment specifically designed around flowing spaces, deluxe facilities, ease of access to the latest technology and warm, professional service that regular visitors to Bali have come to expect.”

THE PULLMAN NETWORK TODAY

The Pullman Hotels and Resorts brand was officially launched in Asia Pacific in January 2008, and today operates 12 hotels throughout the region.

Globally the network is 38 hotels today and will increase to 50 hotels in 23 countries by the end of 2009.

In addition to Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana, throughout the region Pullman hotels are committed to open in

Seoul,
Gurgaon (New Delhi),
Dongguan,
Lijiang,
Sanya Bay,
Guilin,
Chengdu,
Guangzhou,
Vung Tao,
Sapa and Lao Cai.