Jetsettersblog

One of the hottest tickets in Sydney this summer will be the Powerhouse Museum’s ‘Back to the 80s’ exhibition, and as sponsors of this landmark event, Accor’s Darling Harbour hotels are…

The Novotel Darling Harbour has a package that includes overnight accommodation for two, full buffet breakfast, an 80s-inspired cocktail each, free entry to the exhibition and a souvenir – all from just $291 per couple.

The Novotel’s Dish Restaurant has also got into the spirit of things, offering a Back to the 80s menu that celebrates all those dishes people used to love including chicken kiev, prawn cocktails and more, along with a range of 1980s cocktails including Screaming Orgasms, Fluffy Ducks and Brandy Alexanders.

This is a great package for couples who remember the 80s with fondness and who might like to revive their love with a walk down memory lane.

For families, a similar package is available (without the cocktails) including accommodation for two adults and two children plus family entry to the exhibition from just $271. With interactive displays and a huge range of games and with kids still enjoying the music and fashion of the 1980s, this really is a great exhibition for the whole family.

The Back to the 80s exhibition includes clothing worn by Kylie Minogue, Boy George, INXS, Split Enz and others as well as some of the iconic products of the 1980s including the Rubik’s Cube, Trivial Pursuit, the Commodore 64, Cabbage Patch dolls and more.

There are displays on world events such as the Fall of the Berlin Wall and the America’s Cup, Live Aid, the Azaria Chamberlain case and more.

Classic clips from television, film and music video will be screened, revealing the familiar sounds that dominated the era and unique interactive displays will allow visitors to play retro video games, test their knowledge of 80s trivia and create a video of their own memories.

Located just a short walk or monorail ride away from the Powerhouse Museum, the Novotel boasts stunning harbour views from many rooms, as well as guest facilities including a pool, spa and gym.

The hotel is surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars as well as the best Sydney attractions including the IMAX theatre, the Sydney Aquarium, Maritime Museum and Wildlife World.

Back to the 80s packages are also available at Accor’s adjacent Darling Harbour hotels as per below:

Ibis Darling Harbour – from $221 per room per night for couples

Grand Mercure Apartments – from $301 per night for couples or $381 per night for a family of four

The 80s are Back exhibition and these special packages are valid from 12 December 2009 until 31 October 2010.

For bookings click the accor hotel banner below.

Reward, relax and rediscover Brisbane, with Hilton this summer.

Brisbane is set to scorch this summer with an exciting array of events and activities, sure to whet your travel appetite.

Escape to the splendour of Moreton Bay, experience the world-class exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art, including the 6th Asia-Pacific Triennial or simply take in one of the many international concerts happening around town.

In January take a seat courtside at the 2nd Brisbane International with Former no.1 and current no. 5 Andy Roddick and recent US Open 2009 winner Kim Clijsters both headlining this exhilarating event. Enjoy the fashionista fabulousness with international shopping and entertainment at the Queen St Mall, located right on the hotel’s doorstep!

Enjoy all that Brisbane has to offer with Hilton’s cool summer rates, sure to take the heat off when the temperature starts to soar. Rates start from $165* per room per night, in a Hilton Deluxe Room, or simply book 21 days or more and enjoy up to 20% off our advance purchase rate – that’s only $132*!

Heighten your indulgence and upgrade to the newly refurbished Executive Plus rooms including access to the Executive Lounge including continental breakfast, refreshments throughout the day, drinks and canapés in the evening, all in the seclusion and exclusivity of the lounge – all for an additional $140 per night.

To book these simmering summer rates phone 1300 445 866 or visit www.hilton.com/brisbaneoffers

*$165 Hilton Brisbane summer rate, valid from 18 December 2009 – 31 January 2010, advance purchase rates valid all year round. All published rates are subject to availability.

Since opening its doors in 1986, the Hilton Brisbane has been regarded a true international hotel. One of the hotels to be designed by award-winning Australian architect Harry Seidler, Hilton Brisbane features an eye-catching curved design and boasts the largest atrium in Australasia, stretching 83 metres in height and topped by a spectacular glass dome. All 319 accommodation levels open out onto the atrium, giving the hotel a sense of spaciousness and light.

Oaks Hotels And Resorts

Escape to the city this summer for a stylish getaway away at Oaks Hotels and Resorts Melbourne and Sydney properties.

Oaks on Collins offer New York-style apartment accommodation in the heart of Melbourne, close to vibrant restaurant, entertainment and shopping precincts. Bourke Street, Southgate, Crown Entertainment complex and Telstra Dome are a short stroll away. Consisting of superbly-appointed, spacious self-contained studios, Oaks on Collins accommodation options feature contemporary design and spacious floor plans.

Oaks on Collins – Melbourne
Studio Apartment
From $ 139.00 per night

Lonsdale Street in the centre of Melbourne passes through one of the city’s hippest precincts, alive with entertainment, recreation, culture and commerce. Oaks on Lonsdale apartments offer generously appointed studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchen facilities and balconies. (Apartments only)

Oaks on Lonsdale – Melbourne
1 Bedroom Apartments
From $ 164 per night

Hyde Park is the green centre of Sydney, located a pleasant stroll from the CBD, attractions including the Archibald Fountain and War Memorial, plus fashionable Oxford Street with its cosmopolitan strip of boutiques, cafes, shops, nightlife and department stores.

Contemporary apartments offer sweeping views across Sydney and Hyde Park.

Oaks Hyde Park – Sydney
Studio Apartment 4*
From $144 per night
2 Bedroom Apartments 4*
$244 per night

Heathrow Express, which runs service from London to Heathrow, has made Paddington station the first U.K. railway station to offer Flight Information Display Screens and Common User Self Service Customer Check-In Services.

These facilities have been designed to make travelling to the airport more convenient and efficient for customers.

Heathrow Express Managing Director Richard Robinson said: “People do not always get the opportunity to print their boarding pass before getting to the airport.

By introducing this service at Paddington, customers have the opportunity to print their boarding pass and avoid the hassle of queuing for check in at the airport. Customers can then proceed direct to their airline’s designated bag-drop if they have hold luggage. Customers can rest assured on the train because they already know where they are sitting on the plane.”

The Customer Check-In Services consist of three machines located below the screens and next to the Heathrow Express ticket office.

The machines are easy to use with touch screen facilities. Customers can print their boarding pass and view their flight information before they arrive at the airport, helping them to feel more at ease on their way to Heathrow.

The machines are initially available for passengers travelling on four airlines: Delta Air Lines, Finnair, Iberia and United Airlines.

The Flight Information Display Screens show the day’s flights, the airlines, the terminal and departure times.

They are placed by the Paddington Station Heathrow Express ticket office and half way down platforms 6 and 7, which are also dedicated solely to Heathrow Express.

For more information, visit the ad to the left.

Connect by Hertz, the global car sharing club, is expanding its service to Berlin and Madrid, adding to its list of international locations, which include London, New York City and Paris.

Members can book and drive a Connect by Hertz club car on a pay-as-you-go basis — an economical, convenient and socially-conscious alternative to car ownership.

Members also have the option to use the service at any Connect by Hertz city.

Launches in further cities are planned for 2010 and beyond. Connect by Hertz provides members with 24/7 access to a centrally located fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles.

Members can choose from a wide range of cars depending on their needs.

The signature Mini Cooper with built-in satellite navigation and i-Pod connectivity and the unique Fiat 500 are just two of the flagship vehicles which make up the fleet.

Once enrolled with Connect by Hertz, members receive a smart chip enabled Connect Card, which gives them keyless entry to any car in the fleet that the member reserves.

For more information, visit www.connectbyhertz.com

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. officially opened The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort in Utah’s Deer Valley.

Situated in the Wasatch Mountains on the famed ski runs of Deer Valley Resort in Park City, The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort features Utah’s first Jean-Georges restaurant and Remède Spa, North America’s only hotel funicular, a European style Ski Beach, a state-of-the-art fitness center and more than 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Spanning 12 acres, The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort also features 26 exclusive St. Regis Residences and 181 guest rooms, including 67 one-bedroom suites and 114 guest rooms, which can be combined with the suites to form two-, three- and four-bedroom accommodations.

The Ski Beach at The St. Regis Deer Crest Resort offers a European-style après ski experience. With panoramic mountain views surrounding the resort’s Ski Beach, guests and residents are invited to relax in chaise lounges on the resort’s 3,000-square-foot stone Mountain Terrace.

Featuring a dramatic 40-foot long Fire Garden and a multi-tiered, year-round swimming pool bookended by two outdoor hot tubs, guests and residents can unwind while enjoying fare from the resort’s J&G Grill.

The St. Regis Deer Crest is owned by Deer Crest Janna, LLC and developed in conjunction with DDRM Companies.

For more information, visit www.starwoodhotels.com  or www.stregis.com

Reservations are now being accepted for Jan. 1, 2010 arrivals at Sonesta Collection’s new Sonesta Hotel Cusco, which will officially open as a Sonesta at that time.

The hotel (formerly known as the Cusco Savoy) has been under renovation since GHL, Sonesta’s partner in Peru, took it over late last year.

Pre-opening rates begin at $94 single and $99 double per night and can be booked on www.Sonesta.com/Cusco

The 127-room Sonesta Hotel Cusco is located on the Avenue El Sol, the main road in the center of Cusco, in front of the handicraft market and close to the train station to Puno.

It is a 10-minute walk to the main square — the Plaza de Armas — and a 10-minute drive from the local airport.

The hotel is located in near business, shopping, restaurants and historic attractions in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco.

Guest amenities include recently renovated guestrooms with cable television, individual climate control, direct-dial telephone, Internet access, hair dryer and safe; a three-meal a day signature restaurant serving classic Peruvian and international cuisine; meeting space for 100 attendees; a gift shop on-site and a local handcraft market across the street.

The hotel is near historic points of interest, including Machu Picchu, Koricancha Temple, Sacsayhuamán, Kenko, Puca Pucará, Ollantaytambo, Inca Trail, Tambomachay, and the Sun and the Moon Temple.

The new hotel joins the existing 23-room Sonesta Posadas del Inca Cusco.

For more information or reservations, call 800-SONESTA or visit www.sonesta.com

Awarded The Treble At German Hospitality Awards

The Excelsior Hotel Ernst in Cologne scooped three of the top awards at this years Busche Gala awards held at the Old City Hall in Cologne last night.

Including Hotel of the Year, Hotel Manager of the Year and Foreign Restaurant of the Year.

The ceremony attended by some of the most prominent figures in the German hospitality industry annually recognises and rewards the outstanding achievements of the top restaurants and hotels in Germany.

The winners of each of the 14 categories were judged on their business achievements throughout the year after being monitored and researched by a panel of judges.

The award winning Excelsior Hotel Ernst was proud to host the post ceremony celebrations and treated the 450 guests to a culinary journey through the hotel sampling various delicacies from all over the world.

Wilhelm Luxem, General Manager at the Excelsior Hotel Ernst since 2004 was delighted to accept the esteemed Hotel Manager of the Year award. He was even happier that it came hand in hand with the Hotel of the Year and Foreign Restaurant of the Year awards for which Excelsior won for their Asian cuisine restaurant Taku.

He said: “I am honoured to have been awarded such a prestigious award and for the city to host such a splendid event. There were a record number of entries this year and to have also been awarded Hotel of the Year and Foreign Restaurant of the Year in the same year and amongst such a high calibre of finalists. It is a huge honour.”

The Busche Gala is one of the leading events within the German hospitality industry and is organised by Busche Publishing House, the publishers of The Culinary Restaurant Guide for Germany and The Hotel Restaurant Guide for Germany.

Released From The Ski Club Of Great Britain And BASI

The Ski Club of Great Britain and the British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) have released their latest instructional DVD – ‘Skiing Skills: off piste & freeride’.

The fourth and final DVD in the in the Skiing Skills series is aimed at skiers who want to make their first venture into off piste skiing or who want to get better in the powder.

In over 1½ hours of material, the established team of presenter Peter Hart, coaching guru Sean Langmuir and former GB team racer Amanda Pirie break down the skills and techniques needed to ski off piste. They also call on the services of top mountain guide Jim Kerr, Salomon’s equipment connoisseur Eric Davies and Al Morgan and Carrie Hainge from the Ski Club of Great Britain who share some of the Ski Club’s vast knowledge on resort choice, mountain safety and kit and clothing.

“The final DVD in our Skiing Skills series is as impressive as ever and without a doubt the Skiing Skills series fill a real niche in the instructional DVD market” said Caroline Stuart Taylor, Chief Executive of the Ski Club of Great Britain.

“The whole series which also include Beginners and Beyond, Piste Performance and Mastering Moguls, offers a complete guide to ski improvement.

The BASI instruction is unrivalled and the delivery superb. After watching ‘Skiing Skills – off piste & freeride’ you will undoubtedly become better in fresh snow, chopped up powder or crud!”

Filmed in Chamonix, Europe’s off piste capital, using High Definition broadcast equipment and point of view cameras, ‘Skiing Skills: off piste and freeride’ is entertaining, informative and breathtaking.

‘Skiing Skills – off piste and freeride’ is available at www.skiclub.co.uk/shoponline , www.snowandrock.com , www.basi.org.uk  and www.acrobat-tv.co.uk  priced at £19.95 (or £17.95 for Ski Club members through the Ski Club website).

Rail travellers who’ve missed their usual train home can avoid the stress of not knowing when the next one is, or even if there is a next one, thanks to the new journey planning iPhone app from www.thetrainline.com

Launched just three days ago, the free app, which gives rail travellers instant access to train times and journey planning functions has already hit the No.1 spot for the most popular free travel downloads and is No.2 for free downloads overall.

Users looking for instant information can find their Next Train Home in just one touch, with the app using GPS for the traveller’s current location and the pre-stored home station. Those planning in advance can use the app’s Journey Planning feature for simple, start to finish train time planning and by simply turning the phone upside down the return journey is displayed too. Travellers making the same journey regularly can access the Stored Timetable in just two taps even when they’re off-line* – handy if travelling on the Tube.

Social networking addicts will enjoy the app’s unique integration with Twitter. With a pre-loaded # tag specific to the users’ trains, travellers can quickly connect to fellow passengers, tweet about their journey, share information or see if anyone wants to share a taxi on arrival.

Iain Hildreth, marketing director at www.thetrainline.com  said: “thetrainline.com app is perfect for people on the go. Its features will be invaluable to travellers wanting information about an imminent journey as well as to those planning in advance, but keeping track of time to make the train is still up to the passenger!”

Developed in conjunction with Kizoom, thetrainline app is packed with innovative and intuitive features. Other highlights of the app include:

• Buying train tickets – the app’s Journey Planning facility links through to thetrainline.com’s site enabling users to purchase tickets for the journey they’ve just searched for

• Users can find useful information, including maps and taxi firm details, about the destination station with the Journey Details page

• The Station Search facility is connected to the device’s in-built GPS showing a user the stations closest to their current location in a map – particularly useful when in unfamiliar surroundings

• Timeline View: for those who enjoy simple, at-a-glance information, a simple turn of the iPhone to its side displays a graphical representation of suggested journey times in a calendar style format

Tim Johnson, product development manager at Kizoom, said “This app brings together years of experience in delivering innovative high quality travel services by both thetrainline.com and Kizoom. It’s highly usable and compelling, yet with some quirky added features. We’re particularly excited about the introduction of social networking into travel services.”

The app is now available to download for free from the Apple Store: http://store.apple.com/uk  - simply search for thetrainline.

*Internet access is initially required to download the timetable.