Jetsettersblog

1. Take a pre-paid Currency card

With the pound performing so badly at the moment, holidaymakers are being advised to take a prepaid card away with them. Caxton FX offers a best exchange rate guarantee and they always beat the rates offered on the high street. (www.caxtonfxcard.com)

Caxton FX cards look and act like debit and credit cards, but are preloaded with cash (a bit like a pay as you go mobile phone.) You choose which card you need (Euro, US Dollar or Sterling), decide how much you want available to spend on it and then transfer that amount to it. You can’t spend more than that, unless you top it up, something that makes prepaid cards a good budgeting aid.

The Caxton FX card charges no ATM withdrawal fees abroad, no transaction fees, no monthly fee and no application fee, which makes it unique in the prepaid card universe.

2. Choose the date carefully

Choosing your dates is important when it comes to saving money on the slopes. Christmas, Easter and February half term are by far the most popular dates to be on the slopes. For example, www.crystalski.co.uk offers a 7 day break in Andorra in January for as little as £339, with bed and breakfast included. The same break during the February half term (starts from the 14th) will cost you double – £745.

The weeks commencing 13 December, 20, 17, 24 and 31 January, and 7 February are also very good value.

3. Book a last minute deal

If you are travelling in a small group – between two and four of you, it may be worth waiting for a last minute deal as they are so much cheaper. Check out www.uk.travelzoo.com or www.alpineanswers.co.uk/deals for great last minute deals.

4. Book ski pass and hire before you go

Another trick is to book your ski pass and ski hire online before going abroad as many websites offer great deals such as 2 for 1 ski hire and online discounts. Try www.ski-republic.com and www.alpineanswers.co.uk

5. Added extras

If you can go during the low season, ski companies offer all sorts of added extras as an added incentive.

www.Crystalski.co.uk is offering packages including lift pass and ski hire starting at £479 self-catering, or £599 half board – not bad when you consider the Alpe d’Huez lift pass alone costs £190.

The Alpine Club (www.thealpineclub.co.uk) is also offering two for one deals on Three Valleys lift passes for anyone travelling in January.

6. Catered accommodation is cheaper

Staying in catered accommodation means you won’t spend a fortune in expensive restaurants and shops. The fewer Euros you have to buy, the cheaper your holiday will be. Many ski companies offer you an all-inclusive package, with flights, transfers and food included.

7. Avoid the hot spots

Steer clear of the big locations in European skiing – Val D’Isere, Courchevel, Meribel, St Anton, Verbier, Courmayer and try a different location. If you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter without spending a fortune, a ski break in Romania offers excellent value for money. In comparison to the steep excesses of Europe, the average holiday in Poiana Brasov costs around £200.

Bulgaria, Slovakia and Austria are also ideal destinations for those looking to keep costs to a minimum. At the cheapest Alpine resort, Scheffau in Austria, the bill for the same basket of food, drink and lift pass costs less than half that in Courchevel.

8. Book with the right airline

With the weak exchange rate raising the cost of ski hire, it makes more sense to take equipment with you from the UK. However, from Wednesday, BA will charge to transport sports equipment, and a pair of skis or a board will cost at least £56 return. Ryanair charges £60 return for online bookings, £80 if paid at the airport. BMI Baby provide an alternative option, and continue to carry skis without charge…although for a “limited time only.” Enjoy it while it lasts!

9. Buy a local SIM card

Using your English mobile can cost up to 10 times the price you would pay in the UK. Instead, buy a local SIM card on your holiday so local and international calls are more reasonable.

10. Dynamic Currency Conversion

If you’re given the option to pay in local currency or sterling, always choose the local currency. This is a new process called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). The retailer or ATM invites you to pay in sterling and then does the exchange rate at an unfavourable rate, which costs you money. During last year’s ski season, Caxton FX research shows that around £30,000 was wasted at just five of the most popular ski resorts in Europe through DCC.

Tucked away on the Central Philippine island of Bohol, a lush oasis of gardens, beaches and vegetation, lies the Bohol Bee Farm (www.boholbeefarm.com ) — a one-of-a-kind eco-vacation area, where everything is made on premises, from the organic food and drinks in the restaurant to the table and chairs in the guestrooms. The resort has been praised by the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) for its environmentally progressive vision and sustainable practices.

“While many are attracted to the posh, luxury hotels and resorts of cosmopolitan Manila or historic Cebu, those who are appreciative of natural living would be remiss not to spend a few nights at the quaint, tropical Bohol Bee Farm,” said Emma Ruth Yulo, director of the Philippine Department of Tourism-New York.

The “bee” is not merely a resort theme. The farm cares for a large colony of bees which are used to produce some of sweetest natural honey utilized for a number of applications and organic delights from breads and spreads to the guilty pleasures of chocolate and “bahalina,” a local honey wine.

The resort grows all of its organic fruits and produce, offering guided tours through its agricultural farms which are of educational benefit to adults as well as children.

The resort also offers tours of the Bohol countryside, most famous for its “Chocolate Hills,” uniformly shaped hills as far as the eye can see which dry to a “chocolaty” brown during summer months to resemble miles of oversized Hershey’s Kisses (summer begins in March in the Philippines).

Another treasure of Bohol is the Philippine Tarsier, the world’s tiniest primate, small enough to fit in the palm of one’s hand.

The Philippine Tarsier is a protected, indigenous species rarely spotted outside of Bohol. A tarsier sightseeing encounter is often combined with a scenic lunch cruise on the Loboc River passing nipa palms, coconut trees, banana groves and other lush, tropical vegetation.

The Bohol Bee Farm is also very affordable as virtually every material and ingredient is produced on premises without the use of expensive chemicals and pesticides. Nightly rates for two people start at $43 per air conditioned room.

Suites start at $64 per suite, per night, and can accommodate three or four persons.

In addition to accommodations at the Bohol Bee Farm, vacationers can take a Bohol Countryside Tour featuring the Chocolate Hills, Philippine tarsier encounter, Loboc River cruise, Legaspi-Sikatuna Blood Compact Marker and Baclayon Church, one of the Philippines’ oldest churches.

For more information, call 212-575-7915

or visit www.experiencephilippines.ph

Samoa is located in the heart of Polynesia and is often referred to as ‘The Treasured Islands of the South Pacific’. The Samoan islands offer lush green rugged landscapes, deserted beaches, pristine turquoise waters and a fascinating culture to explore.

A wealth of natural attractions ensure a varied and unforgettable experience for any visitor to the Samoan Islands. If the dramatic landscape of the ten islands is not tempting enough, there are plenty more reasons to visit for the active geography enthusiasts, divers, surfers, cyclists, hikers to the more passive seekers of pure rejuvenation and relaxation.

Island hopping…Samoa consists of ten dramatically different unspoiled tropical islands, only four of which are inhabited. Upolu, where most visitors start their journey flying into the thriving capital Apia, which teems with tropical island life.

Straying from Apia there are lush green valleys, natural wonders and welcoming remote villages to experience. Savaii, the largest of the Polynesian islands boasts equal beauty and is even more unspoiled. The only other two inhabited islands are Apolima, a magnificent volcanic tip jutting out of the ocean and Manono, a road-free haven of tranquility that sits between the two main islands of Upolu and Savaii. The remaining six are preserved in their natural flora and fauna and are home to an abundance of wildlife sealed with fringed coast lines of coral reef.

An underwater playground…The waters and lagoons surrounding Samoa have over 900 different species of fish. Samoa’s snorkeling and scuba diving attractions are enviable and suit both the novice as well as the advanced diver. 

The waters that surroun the islands of Samoa are pristine and calm with entrancing coral reefs keeping the force of the Pacific at bay, ideal for snorkellers.

Good spots for divers include ‘Turtle Minefield’ home to an abundance of green turtles nestling amongst the reef fish and soft coral as well as schools of bat fish, and ‘Namua Garden’ a haven of soft and hard wall coral home to starfish, eagle rays, white tip sharks and barracuda. For an adrenaline rush try shark spotting on the northern side of Nuulua Island.

Surf’s up… hotspot beaches such as Siumu, Coconuts and Salani where waves can gather heights of up to 20 feet. December to February is the best time for Savaii to catch the northern swell, and the best breaks in the South Pacific. The shallow reefs close to the shore are surf free so surf guides are employed to take surf enthusiasts out to the surf hotspots to fine the best breaks.

Cycling and Hiking…A great way to experience both Upolu and Savaii is on two wheels with off the beaten track dirt roads for the more adventurous and over 1,800 kilometres of sealed roads drifting round the circumference of both islands for a more leisurely cycle.

Explorations off the main roads will take you through National Parks, past waterfalls, secluded coves, deserted beaches and tropical rainforests. On foot, the National Parks of Samoa offer incredible hiking tracks that traverse dramatic waterfalls, cliff faces, volcanic craters, lava tubes and steep gorges. On Upolu the best hike is at O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park.

The trail begins opposite the Lava coast and heads up through the rainforest of the national park to Pe’ape’a Cave and for real walkers, on to the Ofa waterfall near the dizzy heights of Mount Fito.

Waterfall Crawl…The waterfall crawl is a half day trail that stops off at some of the best and most dramatic falls.

The first stop is Papapapai-Tai Falls that has a bird’s eye view 100metres high, accessible from Lanotoo road. Next is a refreshing dip at the pool of Togitogiga Waterfalls, which is in close proximity to Sopoaga Falls before heading north for the Fuipisia Falls and the Mu Pagoa Falls, where Samoa’s largest river flows meet the open ocean.

Lava lava lava….All the islands of Samoa boast the natural traits of past volcanic activity.

Savaii is a geography enthusiast’s dream with a 50km expanse of the Saleaula lava fields, the remains of Mt Matavanu’s eruption 100 years ago. The Lava Caves, a full day trip from the village of Paia are well worth exploring as is the Falealupo Lava Tube Trail, tubes that have formed from eruptions gone by and now form a natural shelter for nearby villages enduring passing cyclones.

Fa’a Samoa: The Samoan Way…Take away all the natural beauty and entrancing landscape of these islands and you will still be left with the most fascinating aspect of a trip to Samoa, the people. Samoans are rightfully proud of Fa’a Samoa, the Samoan life and culture, and the motto and centre piece of its existence is family.

Above all, Samoans have natural world class hospitality, journeying into a Samoan village you will find yourself the object of much attention and you will likely be lavished with fine food and a great deal of inquisition.

Learn to Siva…The Siva is the national Samoan dance, an art that you cannot leave Samoa without endeavouring to master or understand. Samoans boast that the Siva, performed by young maidens ‘is the most graceful dance you will ever see.’

The Siva Afi is a fire knife dance performed by young boys, and the equally mesmerizing Fa’ataupati performed by the men.

Artistic performances today mix tradition with contemporary influences, distinctive in its style the Samoan dance is an infectious entertaining art not to be missed.

Fall into a Fale…A fale is a wooden, often beach-side, hut that is open on two sides with posts and woven blinds that remain hidden but can be lowered at night or when it rains. Breathing natural air conditioning from the off shore breeze, a fale is a liberating experience and will leave you rejunvenated with one of the best sleeps you have ever experienced. A simple mattress and mosquito net, cocooned under a thatched roof caters to all your needs.

Relax and rejuvenate….island life is laid back and the ethos is to relax. Samoans have been practicing rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul before the word ‘spa’ was even invented. The tropical flora and fauna has been used organically for herbal remedies, oils and treatments for centuries gone by. Be sure to experience a Koko Samoa Scrub, take advantage of the serene and tranquil setting and lose yourself in island life.

…and if that’s not enough, on a visit to Samoa, be sure to witness the final sunset of the day. The most westerly land point on earth sits at Cape Mulinu’u just off the Falealupo peninsula on Savaii, a reknowned spot for spectacular sunsets.

Air New Zealand fly direct to Apia via Los Angeles and Auckland daily from London Heathrow.

Samoa is also well served by local airlines such as Air Pacific and Virgin Blue with frequent flights from Sydney and Auckland plus inter-island connection throughout the South Pacific.

Visit Samoa visit www.samoa.travel

In 2004, the Royal Thai Government organized a strategy for developing Thailand into the medical hub in Asia. Today, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Department of Export Promotion (DEP) estimated that 2 million medical tourists will arrive in Thailand for health care services in 2010, an annual growth rate of 14 percent for the sector, ahead of the country’s GDP. Research and Markets reported in 2008 that Thailand conducted more medical check-ups and treatments for international tourists than any other country in Asia. Thailand provides some of the world’s best medical treatment services and facilities and many visitors claim that Thailand care providers’ “warmth and understanding was a valuable part in the treatment and speedy recovery” (Tourism Authority of Thailand).

The average cost of health care services in Thailand is approximately one-fifth of prices in the United States or Europe. Taking this estimate into consideration, it is even more significant that in 2008, foreign patients generated an estimated $6 billion for Thailand.

One international medical travel journal stated that the Royal Thai Government has provisioned a five-year plan that aims to double this revenue by 2014.

A major international accounting and consulting firm estimated 1.5 million Americans traveled abroad for health care services in 2008 and forecasted an annual global market expansion of more than 20 percent going forward to 2012.

Thailand is prepared to meet this growing demand by excelling in the medical care it delivers on a daily basis to patients from over 190 countries at affordable prices.

People are taking a medical trip to Thailand for health checks, dental and cosmetic surgery, or other medical treatments or routine maintenance. Tourists can undergo and recover from many non-invasive procedures during a typical two-week holiday in Thailand. The newly released “Patients Beyond Borders: Thailand Edition,” by Josef Woodman, CEO of Healthy Travel Media, is a guidebook that offers an in-depth overview of Thailand’s international hospitals, selected health travel agents, nearby recovery and guest accommodations, spas, and area travel information so that medical tourists know which places to go in Thailand to get their world-class medical treatments.

For more information, visit www.seeyouinthailand.com

Pernambuco, a sleepy state on Brazil’s northeast coast, is starting to attract Americans. Relatively undiscovered until now, Pernambuco has much to interest visitors including 116 miles of pristine coastline, charming 16th century architecture, delicious seafood and terrific toe-tapping music.

So while Rio has been getting the lion’s share of attention up to now, that may change as savvy travelers head for Recife and Porto de Galinhas.

Lying on two miles of white sand beach, the capital of Recife has a laidback vibe that recalls the Miami Beach of yesteryear. The city’s restaurants are rated second highest in the country.

The Portuguese settled in Pernambuco in the 1530s and with the riches from sugar cane built beautifully ornate churches.

Set on a hill next to Recife is Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site with dozens of beautiful 16th and 17th century churches and monasteries.

Lining the town’s cobble stone streets are art galleries, restaurants, bars, boutiques and charming pousadas housed in centuries-old mansions. Just down the coast is Porto de Galinhas, its warm crystalline waters drawing surfers, divers and kite surfers.

Brazilians have voted it the country’s most beautiful beach for seven years in a row. Some 200 miles off the coast lies Fernando de Noronha, an island paradise for divers and ecotourists. And everywhere — in the beach bars and clubs — is the infectious beat of the local country music, called forró.

Members of the Brazil Tour Operators Association are offering special deals for the area this winter. From now through Dec. 19, Borello Travel & Tours is offering a seven day/six night Escape to the Beach package to Recife, Olinda and Porto de Galinhas that starts at $392 per person, double occupancy.

It includes three nights at the three-star Best Western Manibu in Recife; a full-day city tour that includes Olinda, a half-day cultural tour with a museum visit, a tour of an artist’s workshop and a catamaran sail, three nights at the three-star Armação Hotel in Porto de Galinhas, full Brazilian breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers and hotel taxes.

Borello Travel can arrange air from Miami for $661.70 and from New York for $682.70; both include $170.70 in taxes. From Jan. 4 to March 30, 2010, the cost of the package will be $598, per person, double.

Package is subject to availability, and prices are higher for the Carnival period (Feb. 12 to 17.)

For more information, call 800-405-3072 or visit www.borellotravel.com.

Just Brazil Vacations by Hotur is offering a six-day/five-night Pernambuco packages starting at $2,489 per person, double occupancy, Jan. 7 to March 30, 2010, which includes roundtrip airfare from Miami; six nights accommodations, with two nights in Recife at the five-star Atlante Plaza, two in Olinda at the Pousada Sete Colinas and one at the Nannai Beach Resort in Porto Galinhas; daily Brazilian breakfast, half-day city sightseeing in each city; a walking tour of historic Olinda; local tour guides; and hotel service charges and taxes.

Prices through Dec. 23 start at $2,799, per person, double occupancy.

Higher rates apply for Carnival.

For more information, call 877-468-8707 or visit Brazil.com”>www.JustBrazil.com

Brazil Nuts is offering a Delights of Olinda package for $995 per person double occupancy that includes roundtrip airfare from Miami to Recife, three nights at the charming Sete Colinas in Olinda, daily breakfast, roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and a private half-day sightseeing tour of Recife.

The package is available until Dec. 15 and from Jan. 3 to March 31, 2010. Prices are higher for the Carnival period. For more information, call 800-553-9959 or visit to www.brazilnuts.com

BTOA’s 24 active members are AAT American Adventure Tours; Abreu; Air Projects; American Express Vacations; Avanti Destinations; Borello Travel and Tours; Brazil Nuts Tours; Brazilian Vacation Center; BROL/Brazil Online Travel; Chanteclair; Cox & Kings USA; Discover Brazil Tours; Dumonde Travel, 4 Star South America Tours & Travel; Fredson Travel; Globus; HOTUR-Just Brazil Vacations; Marnella Tours; Pan American Travel Services; SITA World Tours; Skyline Travel Specialists; Tourlite International, VIP Tour Group; and Visit Brazil Tours.

For more information, email admin@braziltouroperators.org  or visit www.braziltouroperators.org

2009-10 Ski & Snowboard Guide not only highlights 250 resorts but also allows travelers to research resorts based on lifestyle and interest in nearly 20 popular ski categories including: Best Value, Family Friendly, Good for Beginners, Holiday Season Ski, Lack of Crowds and Powder Skiing.

To help narrow the comprehensive guide, Away.com has selected its top 10 North American ski and snowboard resorts for the current season. Jackson Hole, Wyo., is the number one ski and snowboard resort.

The resort offers some of the most challenging terrain in the Lower 48, along with a convivial small town and the iconic silhouettes of the Teton Range. Alta, number two on the list, is a powder-rich paradise that’s only a snowball’s throw from bustling Salt Lake City.

Rounding out the top three is 2010 Olympic host Whistler/Backcomb. From hardcore double-blacks to family-friendly beginner slopes and an apres party vibe, it has something for everyone.

Following Jackson Hole and Alta on the list are Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia; Mammoth Mountain, Calif.; Vail, Colo.; Arapahoe Basin, Colo.; The Canyons, Utah; Sun Valley, Idaho; Taos, N.M.; and Killington, Vt.

For more information, visit www.away.com/ski

Starting this week, Verizon Wireless customers have exclusive access to Mobile Magic, the first Disney-developed mobile application that enables them to easily navigate Disney parks on both coasts, providing helpful and timely information.

With either a swipe of their fingers or the touch of a few keys, guests can access an array of park features on their Verizon Wireless phones, including updated attraction wait times and FastPass return times for the park they are in; locations of their favorite attractions, characters and restaurants, with GPS-enabled maps; restaurants for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks; tips on what’s happening in the parks; and trivia games to play against other parks guests.

New content will continue to be added to the Mobile Magic application as the attractions and opportunities at the Disney parks and resorts continue to evolve.

Exclusive to Verizon Wireless customers, Mobile Magic is available for download and purchase for $9.99 for a 180-day subscription. Verizon Wireless customers can also text MAGIC to 2777 to purchase the application on a wide variety of feature phones. Download and message charges may apply.

Airtime or megabyte data charges may apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications.

Mobile Magic, marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, is the outgrowth of a new multi-year relationship between Disney Parks and Verizon Wireless aimed at enhancing the park experience.

Verizon Wireless continues to invest in its nationwide wireless network, and the relationship with Disney means Verizon Wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the parks.

Guests are currently using Verizon Wireless’ technology with Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction at Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests who are not Verizon Wireless customers can access select information, such as park hours, attraction information, entertainment schedules and dining information, through the new m.disneyworld.com and m.disneyland.com mobile websites with their browser-enabled phones.

For more information, visit www.disneytravelagents.com

Becoming the airline group with the largest coverage, serving more than 100 destinations in America.

A unique passenger and cargo network in Latin America through the strategic hubs in Bogotá, San Salvador, San José de Costa Rica and Lima.

The combined strengths of their complementary fleet, aligned service strategies coupled with the outstanding talent of their people will enable the airline group to build a more competitive business model.

Avianca and TACA will preserve their respective brands and continue to operate separately under a common strategic vision.

BOGOTA, Colombia, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, LIMA, Peru and SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – October 7, 2009 – Synergy Group and Grupo Taca Holdings Ltd announced today that they have reached an agreement leading to the creation of Latin America’s leading airline group.

As a result of this agreement, each shareholder will contribute its respective controlling ownership participations in the operations of Aerovías Del Continente Americano S.A., (“Avianca”), Colombia’s leading airline, and Grupo TACA (“TACA”), Central America’s leading carrier, to a newly formed holding company.

The transaction is subject to regulatory and other antitrust approvals.

The new group will capitalize on two of the best known airline brands in Latin America, two world-class product offerings, strong hubs and complementary networks, as well as two uniquely entrepreneurial and service-oriented cultures with highly motivated employees. By leveraging the new group’s four hubs-in Bogota, Lima, San Salvador and San Jose, Costa Rica -Avianca and TACA will be able to offer customers better service to more destinations than any other carrier in the region. Employees will also benefit from the new group’s greater geographical diversification and stronger combined platform for future growth and career development in the face of a still challenging economic environment, volatile fuel prices and intense competition.

Roberto Kriete, Chairman and CEO of TACA, who will serve as Chairman of the future group, said, “Grupo TACA has long been a leading force for consolidation and rationalization in the Latin American airline industry. This latest chapter is a significant milestone in our corporate evolution, giving us the breadth and scale to better compete with any player in our markets while ensuring our long-term success. It represents a unique opportunity for all of our employees and shareholders to form part of one of the leading airline groups in the Americas.”

Germán Efromovich, Chairman of the Synergy Group, said, “We are proud of what Avianca has achieved over the past few years in terms of the strong corporate culture we have developed and the quality of service we are providing. With this formidable partnership we will be able to build further on that success and provide our passengers access to what is now Latin America’s leading airline network, as well as creating opportunities for further growth and development for all our employees.”

Fabio Villegas, CEO of Avianca, who will serve as CEO of the future group once the transaction closes, said “This is a great day in the history of aviation. We are bringing together two of the world’s oldest airlines -two institutions with a unique focus on servicing their customers and on the well-being of all their stakeholders- to create an industry leader. I look forward to working with all of our employees as we execute on a vision to build not only the biggest, but the best, airline in the region.”

One Group, Two Airlines

Avianca and TACA have nearly USD 3 billion in aggregate annual revenues, serve more than 100 destinations worldwide (including 75 cities in Latin America, the largest number of any carrier), operate a fleet of 129 aircraft, employ approximately 12,000 people, and have over 3 million frequent-flyer program members.

Upon closing of the transaction, the new group’s senior management team will combine the leadership of both companies: Avianca CEO Fabio Villegas will become chief executive officer of the new group. TACA COO Estuardo Ortiz will become the chief operating officer and Avianca CFO Gerardo Grajales will become the chief financial officer.

The two airlines will continue to operate as separate companies, maintaining the same reporting lines within each organization, thereby building on the strengths of their respective brands, hubs and networks, while coordinating operations to provide seamless services to their passengers throughout the combined network.

Transaction Structure

The shares of both Avianca and TACA’s controlling entities will be contributed to a new holding company in a business combination worth in excess of US dollar 3 billion. Each operating company will remain independent while the new group will leverage best business practices across both organizations.

Following the transaction, both sets of shareholders will share in the governance of the newly created group. TACA CEO and Chairman of the Board Roberto Kriete will become chairman of the new group’s Board of Directors.

The transaction is subject to regulatory and other customary approvals.

The Apple Core Hotel Group, owner and operator of five centrally located Manhattan properties announced the debut of the 208-room The Hotel @ Times Square (TH@TS).

Fresh from an extensive transformation, the 1903 beaux-arts building has morphed into a modern, affordable property.

The Hotel @ Times Square offers guests complimentary Wi-Fi, free phone calls to anywhere in the U.S., fitness center access, continental breakfast, daily newspaper delivery, and a lively lobby with rates starting at $109. Among the 208 guest rooms are nine family suites featuring two separate rooms, full-sized closets and two large-screen televisions.

The revitalized lobby offers modern furniture, two large flat-screen televisions, a business center with two computers, an electronic workstation for guests to plug-in laptops and iPods, and a kiosk for hotel check-in, check-out and boarding passes.

Guest rooms feature flat-screen televisions, iPhone docking stations, cordless speaker phones, irons and ironing boards, and in-room safes.

Daily continental breakfast is served in a new bistro-style café that accommodates 72, and features four new flat-screen televisions. A fitness center rounds out additional amenities available to guests.

For reservations or more information, call 800-567-7720 or visit at www.applecorehotels.com

Marriott International, Inc. launched the Autograph Collection, a new brand within the company’s global portfolio comprised of upper upscale and luxury, independent hotels with distinctive personalities in major cities and desired destinations worldwide.

“The Autograph Collection will take the innovative approach of grouping these iconic hotels according to the unique experience that guests are seeking, whether it’s a resort, historic hotel, boutique arts, or urban edge hotel in a dynamic gateway city,“ said Don Semmler, executive vice president of brand management for Marriott International. “Each hotel will be highly unique and distinct with its own identity, appealing to a growing segment of our customers who are looking for an experience that an independent hotel can deliver.”

There are currently plans to add approximately 25 hotels through 2010 with locations throughout the world. According to Semmler, the hotels will generally be boutique hotels with arts or music theme, or historic hotels or have urban locations.

Member hotels will have to agree to operational standards, including renovation cycles; specific service standards such as room service hours, valet parking, flat-screen TV and bedding; and food safety audits. Each hotel will go through the same hotel and operator approval processes as other Marriott full-service hotels.

The Autograph Collection provides Marriott with another attractive platform for future global growth.

The benefit to member properties includes tapping into Marriott’s global reservations system, consumer outreach through its leading technology, and sales and marketing platforms which have helped build Marriott into one of the world’s leading hotel operators.

While there may be some cross-selling opportunities, the Autograph Collection gives Marriott the ability to capture a broad audience that would not have typically considered a branded concept — appealing to guests who want to stay in independent hotels.

Each hotel will be required not only to meet Autograph’s product standards, but will also need to demonstrate continued high guest satisfaction and quality-assurance scores to remain part of the Autograph Collection.

The Autograph Collection will be featured on Marriott.com and affiliated with Marriott Rewards, Marriott International’s guest loyalty program, where guests can earn points at more than 3,000 hotels in 68 countries.