Jetsettersblog

The Holiday Inn SoHo invites guests to experience the magical holiday season in New York. From shopping in SoHo to festive Broadway shows, and yearly holiday markets, NYC holiday events are a great way to kick off the holiday season.

The Holiday Inn SoHo invites guests to experience the magical holiday season in New York. From shopping in SoHo to festive Broadway shows, and yearly holiday markets, NYC holiday events are a great way to kick off the holiday season.

Located in SoHo near world renwoned shopping, Little Italy, and Greenwich Village, the Holiday Inn SoHo is an affordable hotel perfect for an NYC shopping weekend. Guests can shop at designer stores like Dian Von Furstenburg, Alexander McQueen, and Mark Jacobs, or explore the trendy boutiques in Greenwich Village.

NYC holiday events include:

• Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring The Rockettes
• Christmas in Little Italy festival
• Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting
• Metropolitan Museum of Art Christmas Tree Festival
• Grand Central Terminal Holiday Laser Light Show

Guests can plan the perfect holiday getaway, attend famous NYC holiday events, and enjoy comfortable accommodations at the Holiday Inn SoHo.

Holiday Inn SoHo Offers Comfortable Amenities Near New York’s Top Attractions

The Holiday Inn SoHo is the ideal location for holiday trips to NYC. Located near the Manhattan and SoHo shopping districts, guests can easily access popular attractions such as Canal Street, The Statue of Liberty, and Ground Zero.

Featuring high-speed Internet access, new bedding with crisp linens, and updated bathrooms that include curved shower rod and new showerheads, the Holiday Inn SoHo offers modern conveniences in the heart of Manhattan.

Ideal for romantic weekends, family vacation, or holiday shopping trip, guests can plan the ultimate New York getaway and attend famous NYC holiday events.

For more information on the Holiday Inn SoHo please visit: http://www.HiDowntown-nyc.com

Ideal for romantic weekends, family vacation, or holiday shopping trip, guests can plan the ultimate New York getaway and attend famous NYC holiday events. For more information on the Holiday Inn SoHo please visit: http://www.HiDowntown-nyc.com

Air Canada mobile+ stores contact information, preferences and payment details in a secure environment, allowing your clients to do even more directly from their mobile device. They can:

pay at Mobile Check-in for same-day flight changes, additional baggage, and last-minute upgrades to the Executive cabin;
access My Messages inbox from their Air Canada iPhone or BlackBerry® App;
manage credit card and other personal information securely from mobile.aircanada.com or their iPhone or BlackBerry.

A plan to develop a new $6 billion airport serving Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and southern Vietnam has been submitted by Vietnam’s Southern Airports Corporation. By 2015, the country expects to welcome 12 million international arrivals and cater for 28 million domestic travelers, a significant proportion of which will travel to HCMC and the surrounding provinces.

The urban location of the Tan Son Nhat airport doesn’t allow expanding beyond its current annual capacity of 15 million passengers.

Long Thanh International Airport would be located in Dong Nai province, approximately 25 miles east of HCMC.

The first phase, due to start in 2018, envisages a major aviation hub capable of handling 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo each year, with two runways. A second phase between 2020 and 2035, shall see a third runway and a second terminal, to reach a capacity of 52 million passengers and 1.5 million tons of cargo.

Long Thanh International Airport will be four times larger than Tan Son Nhat, which it will replace.

For more information, visit

www.vietnamtourism.com

The InterContinental brand will be making its entry into Malaysia on Feb. 1, 2011, when the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur will replace the current Nikko Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The 473-room hotel is located at Jalan Ampang, an upscale address in Kuala Lumpur’s business, shopping and entertainment district.

It is a short distance to the Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, which attracts high-profile regional and international events.

The hotel is also a 10-minute drive to the Putra World Trade Centre and about an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

The hotel is slated to embark on a 30-month ongoing refurbishment, which will take place in three phases.

“Kuala Lumpur is a key regional destination, and Malaysia was one of the few Southeast Asian countries that saw an increase in visitor arrivals in 2009, a trend that has continued to-date this year.

This is a hotel market that has potential for long-term growth, especially in view of Malaysia’s target of reaching 36 million tourist arrivals by 2020,” said Jan Smits, managing director of IHG Asia Australasia.

In Malaysia, IHG also operates Crowne Plaza Mutiara Kuala Lumpur, Holiday Inn Kuala Lumpur Glenmarie, Holiday Inn Resort Penang and Holiday Inn Malacca.

With the earlier signing of the Holiday Inn Express in Kota Kinabalu, IHG will have all its key brands operating in Malaysia when the Holiday Inn Express debuts in the market. Currently, there are 170 InterContinental Hotels operating globally, including 50 in Asia Pacific. For more information, visit the IHG banner above.

Schmidt-Curley Design — one of the world’s most active and innovative golf course design firms — announces its 54-hole Stone Forest International Country Club near Kunming, China, has opened for play.
Three courses — Leaders Peak, Masters Resort and Yufeng Ridge — feature the breathtaking Stone Forest as a backdrop.

Considered by many a “wonder of the world,” its towering, 270-million-year-old karst peaks erupt from the earth over a 135 square-mile area.

“This is one of the most unique sites ever made available for golf,” says firm co-founder Brian Curley. “Great care was taken to preserve the dramatic rock formations and gently nestle the holes among the rugged outcroppings.”
Spectacular vistas, rock-strewn fields and dense pine forests abound, punctuated by lakes and open streams that reflect the stony peaks.

“Typically, with a multi-course facility, one would focus on creating layouts with distinct styles,” notes Curley.

“This site, however, is so astonishing that we did not want to distract from the surroundings with bunkering, or any other architectural elements, that said ‘look at me.’ We kept all three courses very natural to fit the site; there are subtle differences in each but nothing that jumps out. We wanted the stone to be the show.”

Leaders Peak occupies the most heavily-treed portion of the property and can play up to 7,565 yards — a necessity at the mile-high location. Noteworthy holes include the par-3 12th and its “island green” surrounded by stone, rather than water. Although four-to-five times larger than the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, it is every bit as intimidating as much is hidden from view by rock that rises above the green surface.

Yufeng Ridge starts high above the property with views of all three golf courses and the Yunnan countryside.

One of the most scenic holes on the property is No. 8, a jaw-dropping par 4 playing into a massive wall of stone and vegetation.

On the back nine, the 18th is a beautiful par 5 highlighted by a risk-reward drive to a fairway split by outcrops.

To slightly differentiate it from its sister courses, Masters Resort has grass-faced bunkers, more colorful landscaping, and greens with greater undulation. Earmarked as the club’s “tournament course,” standout holes include the par-3 seventh and its green set into a natural low, the uphill par-5 10th playing toward a stone pinnacle backdrop, and the par-5 18th offering long views to the valley floor below.

Adds Curley: “With their otherworldly surrounds, dramatic elevation changes, and one of the best year-round climates to grow turf, the Stone Forest courses promise to soon be regarded among the world’s best.”

For more information about completed and current projects, visit www.schmidt-curley.com  or call 480.483.1994.

About Schmidt-Curley Design

Founded by partners Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley with offices in Scottsdale, Arizona; Haikou, Hainan Island, China and Kunming, China, Schmidt-Curley is a full-service, international golf course architecture and master-planning firm with more than 100 layouts in 24 countries.

The tandem is responsible for crafting 10 of the 12 courses at storied Mission Hills Shenzhen — the “World’s Largest Golf Club” — and is currently designing and building all ten golf courses at new Mission Hills Haikou Resort on Hainan Island.

Other high profile, award-winning projects from Schmidt-Curley include Bali Hai and Siena Golf Clubs (Las Vegas), Amata Spring Golf Club (Chonburi, Thailand, four-time host of the PGA European Tour’s Royal Trophy), Terra Lago Golf Club (Indio, California, site of the Skins Game from 1999 – 2002), Twin Creeks Golf Club (Cedar Park, Texas) and Crosby National Golf Club (Rancho Santa Fe, California).

Schmidt-Curley has also worked extensively with golf’s biggest names – including Pete Dye, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Fred Couples on numerous high-profile projects – and boasts four ASGCA members (Lee Schmidt, Brian Curley, Grant Haserot and Andy Raugust).

Producing demanding yet beautiful and enjoyable courses, Schmidt-Curley strives to create golf experiences that stir the senses and elevate golfers’ appreciations for the land and the game. By balancing classic golf course architecture with ever-changing contemporary technology, Schmidt-Curley places an emphasis on site-adaptive courses, memorable and satisfying for all levels of play and always designed for cost-efficient maintenance and operations.

Journeys Within
CONTACT: Andrea Ross
TEL: 877 454 3672
E-MAIL: andrea@journeys-within.com
WEB: www.journeys-within.com

Journeys Within, the premier boutique Southeast Asia tour company, recently announced a last-minute December travel deal that takes travelers to Southeast Asia to experience the culture of the enthralling Mekong River.

This holiday travel deal features accommodation at the Mekong Riverview Hotel, a partner in this special offer and the premier boutique hotel on the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos. The deal features a beautiful riverview room including a delicious breakfast, a private tour of the highlights in Luang Prabang, including the Kuang Si Waterfalls, the Mekong River and even a unique cooking class.

Journeys Within and the Mekong Riverview Hotel join together in the common goal of offering travelers excellent service while giving them the opportunity to gain an appreciation of the peace, beauty and culture of Luang Prabang, Laos.

Before the Christmas rush starts, Journeys Within and the Mekong Riverview Hotel invites travelers to visit Laos and experience a quality of service unparalleled in the region.

“We have a mutual admiration for each other and we felt it would be great to team up and both offer an amazing deal. Guests are going to get the quality of our tours and the beauty and great service of their hotel, it will be an amazing experience, and we’re offering it at an incredible rate, so it’s a win-win for everyone,” said Andrea Ross, Journeys Within CEO.

Special offer details are as follows: Tour Rate is $ 660.00 per person based on 2 people traveling.

Price includes:

• Boat tickets as specified above
• Accommodation as specified above
• Air-conditioned car/van with driver
• Licensed English speaking guides
• Tours and admission fees as mentioned above
• Meals as specified in itinerary, including water

Price excludes:
• Personal expenses
• Visa fees
• Airport tax
• Drinks (except water) and meals not mentioned in itinerary
• Tips

This special offer is good for travel from December 1st through December 15th, 2010. Spaces are limited, so book now.

For more information about Journeys Within or to book this special trip, contact Andrea Ross at andrea@journeys-within.com  or by phone at 877 454 3672 www.mekongriverview.com

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the opening of its newest property in China, Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao, with 100 of its 682 guestrooms opened for reservation.

Comprising three towers set in a prime location, the hotel offers three restaurants, two rooftop tennis courts, a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool and the largest ballroom in the Puxi area.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and 55 minutes from Pudong International Airport, Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao is close to metro lines. Golf enthusiasts can also find a nine-hole golf course across the road from the hotel.

The property offers 682 spacious and stylishly furnished luxurious guestrooms and suites. The rooms range in size from 46-square-meter Standard Twins in Tower One and 46-square-meter Deluxe Kings in Tower Two, to 59-square-meter Executive Rooms in Tower Three. The suites in each tower range from 79 square meters to 238 square meters.

Many of the rooms have extensive views of the golf course and all come with comfortable seating, work area and bathroom featuring walk-in shower and standalone bathtub.

Amenities include wireless and broadband Internet access, remote printing, a 42-inch digital flat-screen TV, in-room safe, ironing equipment, tea/coffee-making facilities and a mini bar.

The hotel’s three restaurants and bars include Pulse, the hotel’s lobby lounge; Yue Xuan (opening in January 2011), for authentic Cantonese; and all-day international dining at Essence.

Also, Delicatessen offers artisan and organic products. The hotel features 2,800 square meters of flexible meeting and banquet space, including the largest ballroom in the Puxi area.

Measuring 1,706 square meters with a 6.7-meter-high ceiling, the ballroom can accommodate more than 1,000 guests.

There are also a boardroom and six meeting rooms of varying sizes, all offering wired and wireless broadband Internet access, and audio/visual equipment.

A dedicated banquet and conference services team ensures that every event is a success. Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao also boasts a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool, two rooftop tennis courts and a fitness center as well as six spa therapy rooms, and a sauna.

The Big Names Who’ve Called Days Inn Chicago Home

If you have your heart set on a potential star sighting in the Windy City, consider staying at Days Inn Chicago.

The Lincoln Park/Lakeview hotel has been a home away from home for a number of musicians, many whom came in as unknowns and shortly thereafter went on to become stars.

Both bands and music makers choose Days Inn Chicago because it is a quiet place, close to a number of venues. Rock group favorites like the Smashing Pumpkins and Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as pop princesses like Alanis Morrissette and Nelly Furtado have all enjoyed a comfortable stay at the boutique hotel.

Sheryl Crowe actually rollerbladed through the front lobby (which was and still is frowned upon) and rumor has it Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love conceived their child there.

The Days Inn Chicago hits the high notes with luxury features like upgraded duvet bedding and a deluxe continental breakfast included with each room, allowing all clients to feel like a rock star at an affordable price!

“We take pride in our great customer service and make sure each of our guests receive attention at a personal level” says general manager Stefanie Hrejsa. “Musicians have enjoyed staying with us since we offer such a high quality stay in a low-key atmosphere.”

CATALINA AEROSPACE ADDS HAWKER TO ITS FLEET Privately Owned and Managed luxury Air Charter Company Offers Pricing 25-40% Less than Other Leading Charter Companies

Catalina Aerospace Corporation announces the addition of another Hawker 800a to its already impressive fleet of aircrafts.

Catalina’s modern Hawker 800 is the result of decades of refinement to the line, and comfortably seats eight passengers. It is a “midsize” category aircraft featuring a fully enclosed lavatory, a standup cabin (69” from floor to headboard) and a fully integrated entertainment system. The aircraft has an endurance of approximately 2,300 nautical miles and is capable of flying nonstop from Los Angeles to Miami.

With over 3,000 licensed air charter companies in the United States alone, today’s modern traveler has more access to private air travel than ever.

It’s not every day that travelers actually fly with the owner of the aircraft, but when they choose Catalina, it’s almost every day.

Catalina’s founder and owner Ben Nemser has over 35 years of aviation experience. Nemser makes a concerted effort to either fly clients or meet them personally at the airport before a voyage to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Repeat clients are strong at Catalina because of this level of service at a price level that is 25-40% lower than industry standard.

With Nemser’s hands-on involvement, clients are dealing directly with Catalina, rather than with a broker who is earning a hefty commission on the flight.

The company operates four aircraft: two Hawker 800a midsize jets, one Learjet 31a and one Cessna 340.

They are maintained to exceed all standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration, and are cleaned to the most impeccable standards within the industry.

Aircraft interiors are refitted approximately every five years, and cabins are taken apart and deep cleaned at least bi-yearly.

About Catalina Aerospace Corporation:

Catalina Aerospace Corporation is a federally certificated worldwide aircraft charter and management company based in South Florida.

Catalina proudly provides clients with unmatched private air transportation services by operating the most impeccably maintained aircraft flown by some of the best-trained pilots in the industry.

To make a booking, please call 800.977.JETS or visit www.flycatalina.com

Casa de Sierra Nevada, one of the 80 properties featured as part of the Tesoros de Mexico, Hoteles y Restaurantes brand, is offering travelers to the colonial city of San Miguel de Allende two special ways to celebrate the holidays.

The Tesoros de Mexico, Hoteles y Restaurantes brand offers US travelers for the first time, privileged access to little-known locations throughout five states that are synonymous with excellence and authenticity in Mexican hospitality.

Casa de Sierra Nevada’s Christmas Celebration package just made spending the holiday away from home something travelers will look forward to.

Enjoy a minimum three-night stay in luxury accommodations over the Christmas holiday, a welcome cocktail, full breakfast during two days of a stay and one spa treatment per room, per stay at the Laja Spa.

Celebrate on Christmas day with a specially prepared brunch and dinner for two.

Rates for the Christmas Celebration package start at $290 per night; do not include tax and gratuity. A one-night deposit will be charged at the time of booking.

Sit back, relax and ring in the New Year at Casa de Sierra Nevada with the New Year’s Eve Celebration package. With this package guests receive a welcome cocktail upon arrival, luxury accommodations for three nights, one spa treatment per room, per stay and full breakfast for two during two days of their stay.

Before viewing the spectacular fireworks display that takes place over San Miguel de Allende, enjoy a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner for two at one of the property’s on site restaurants. Rates for the New Year’s Eve Celebration package start at $310 per night; do not include tax and gratuity. A one-night deposit will be charged at the time of booking.

To book either of these packages, please visit www.casadesierranevada.com  call 011.52.415.152.7040 or email mespinosa@casasn.com

A collection of over 80 properties, Tesoros De Mexico, Hoteles y Restaurantes are located in four central states within Mexico – Guanajuato, Michoacán, Morelos and Puebla as well as the country’s southernmost state – Chiapas.

With no detail overlooked, Tesoros De Mexico, Hoteles y Restaurantes invites guests to discover these treasures of Mexico for themselves.