Jetsettersblog

Epoque Hotels Discount Program in Europe

Epoque Hotels is introducing “Go Europe,” a summer 2008 promotion tailored to Americans seeking a European holiday. Travelers need to book beginning now and through June 30 for a vacation that takes place during the July 1 through Aug. 31 timeframe.

Participants in the promotion will receive 25 percent off the best available room rates at select Epoque Hotel Pan European properties. To illustrate the value of “Go Europe,” consider that a one-night stay at the Duquesa de Cardona hotel in Barcelona may cost 265 euros ($416). With the discount, the nightly rate is reduced to $312. A two-night minimum stay is required; restrictions and cancellation policies vary per property.

Participating hotels include the Duquesa de Cardona and Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona; the EME Hotel and Inglaterra Hotel in Seville; De Las Letras in Madrid; Hotel Miro in Bilboa; UNA Bologna in Bologna; UNA Hotels Tocq in Milan; Palazzo Viviani Montegridolfo in Rimini; Una Vittoria in Florence; Sofa Hotels and Bentley Hotel in Istanbul; Ventana Hotel, Maximilen Hotel and Josef Hotel in Prague; and 27 Hotel in Copenhagen.

Call 866-376-7831 or visit www.epoquehotels.com

Mexico’s El Dorado Maroma Photo Package

El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma, located along the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and LUXE Destination Events, a boutique consulting firm and travel agency specializing in luxury destination events in the Caribbean and Mexico, invites travelers on an exclusive photo retreat from Aug. 15 to 19, 2008.

During this learning vacation, photographer and founder of The Academy of Photo Arts (APA) Studios, Richard Emmanuel, will host intimate photography courses, followed by excursions to some of the Riviera Maya’s historical sites where participants will put their newly acquired skills to use. During the five day LUXE APA Photo Retreat, 40 guests with all levels of photography experience will have the opportunity to work alongside Emmanuel and his team in a series of intimate workshops, featuring instruction on lighting, working with models, perspective, documentary and storytelling styles, and even classes on photography at night.

Following each daily session, groups will venture out on excursions to the nearby jungle; Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World; and the archeological sites at Tulum, an ancient Mayan city perched on a bluff over the Caribbean Sea, among other photo opportunities. Rates for the LUXE APA Photo Retreat at El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma begin at $1,995 per person for a four-night stay in a Swim-Up Jacuzzi Suite including the Gourmet Inclusive experience including all meals and beverages in a cash-free environment. Transportation to and from the airport and tours will also be included.

Upon completion, guests will receive an APA Photo Certification. Photo retreat reservations can be booked by calling 888-LUXE933 or photoretreat@LUXEdestinationevents.com  (Participants are required to bring a camera, digital cameras are preferred. For more details and recommended photo equipment contact LUXE Destinations Events.)

For more information on the resort, visit www.karismahotels.com

Aruba Hotels Summer Specials

Hotels and resorts across the island Aruba are offering summer vacation deals for families, couples and others. Guests at the Westin Aruba Resort Spa & Casino (877-822-2222, www.westin.com/aruba) will receive a fourth-night-free on a minimum five-night stay, plus $100 food and beverage credit. Stays of six nights or longer, receive $200 food and beverage credit.

The rates start at $289. Agents should use the promotional code SUNFREE. Other properties offering specials include: the Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino’s (800-333-3333, www.radisson.com/arubaspavacations)  the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino’s (800-421-8188, www.renaissancearuba.com)  the Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives’ (800-554-2008, www.diviaruba.com  and www.tamarijnaruba.com)  the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino’s (800-55-HYATT, www.aruba.hyatt.com)  the Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba’s (888-4-BUCUTI, www.bucuti.com)

For more information, call 800-TO-ARUBA or visit www.aruba.com .

Phoenix, Scottsdale Resorts Summer Deals

Several resorts in the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas are offering packages and other deals for the summer. Among them are the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa’s ( www.arizonabiltmore.com) nightly room rates starting at $169 and inclusive of a daily food and beverage credit of $50 through Sept. 13, 2008.

Other properties offering special deals include: the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa (www.kierlandresort.com ; the recently renovated Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North (www.fourseasons.com/scottsdale)  the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa (www.wildhorsepassresort.com ) the Royal Palms Resort and Spa (www.royalpalmshotel.com)  and the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center (www.thescottsdaleresort.com)

Jolly Hotels Europe Fixed Room Rates

JDB Fine Hotels & Resorts launched JDB’s Rate Fix, a new discounted fixed U.S. dollar (USD) rate program for American travelers. Participating European hotels have agreed to exclusively offer JDB clients USD rates with a fixed rate of exchange of €1 = $1.30, an exchange rate parallel to 2006 levels.

This program will make travel affordable for more Americans to JDB destinations in Europe. Over 45 hotels currently offer USD rates through JDB, many with starting nightly rates under $250, and management expect at least another 20 participants to join the program in the coming weeks.

Current JDB’s Rate Fix participants include Member Properties in Italy such as the 12-suite Florentine palazzo, Palazzo Magnani Feroni; Venice’s new Ca’Sagredo Hotel; Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a former noble residence converted to an hotel with spa in Rome; Il Falconiere, located outside of the Tuscan town of Cortona; and Albergo Terminus on Lake Como. Other member properties include: Perryville House, in Kinsale, Ireland and Can Bonastre Wine Resort, a 12-room spa hotel located 45 minutes outside of Barcelona, Spain.

For the most updated list of JDB Member Properties offering USD rates, as well as program details, visit www.jdbhotels.com

Harrah’s Properties Offer 2-for-1 Show Packages

Harrah’s Entertainment is introducing 2-for-1 room and show packages for the spring and summer travel seasons. The packages are available at Bally’s, Caesars Palace, the Flamingo, Harrah’s, the Imperial Palace, Paris and the Rio. Packages must be booked before May 31 and travel must take place by Aug. 31.

Book any one of the seven Harrah’s Entertainment Las Vegas properties for spring and summer travel and receive a coupon upon check in for 2-for-1 tickets to one of the following shows: “Legends in Concert” at the Imperial Palace, “Mac King” at Harrah’s, “Improv” at Harrah’s, “Second City” at the Flamingo, “Chippendales” at the Rio, “Jubilee!” at Bally’s, “Ooh La La” at Paris, or “Tony and Tina’s Wedding.” Standard box office processing fees and leisure entertainment taxes apply. Guests will receive the show ticket coupons upon check in. Guests can redeem the coupon at the designated show’s box office.

All shows subject to availability. This offer is not valid with any other offers. The coupon is valid for up to four tickets. No call in available. For general information, call 800-427-7247 or visit www.harrahs.com

Waldorf=Astoria hotel in Sarasota

Waldorf=Astoria luxury 225 room hotel to be key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota 

NEW YORK, NY, - Lion’s Gate Development, along with the Hilton Hotels Corporation’s Waldorf=Astoria Collection, have unveiled plans to build a luxury 225 room Waldorf=Astoria hotel as a key component of The Proscenium, a mixed-use project in downtown Sarasota, Fla. The project is presently in the city review process and is expected to begin construction in the fourth quarter 2008 with an anticipated year-end 2010 completion. An affiliate of Hilton Hotels Corporation will manage the hotel.

We are thrilled to be able to make this announcement,” remarked Gary Moyer, who is developing The Proscenium along with his wife Karen Cook, and partners Zeb Portanova and Allen Ostroff. “Having a world-renowned luxury brand like the Waldorf=Astoria will draw international attention, not only to The Proscenium, but to the Sarasota/Manatee area as well. Our association with a high-end luxury hotel was a critical part of our plan. The prestige and panache that a Waldorf=Astoria hotel brings surpasses our expectations.”

The Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota will be part of The Waldorf=Astoria Collection, launched by Hilton Hotels Corporation in January 2006. As one of America’s grand hotels, The Waldorf=Astoria name is synonymous with luxurious elegance and service. Creating The Waldorf Collection was a way to extend its cachet, which previously was only available at the exclusive Waldorf=Astoria New York City Park Avenue location.

“We are simply delighted to share in the announcement with Lion’s Gate Development that The Proscenium will include a Waldorf=Astoria Sarasota,” said Ted Ratcliff, senior vice president - Americas Operations, East US, Canada, Caribbean and Central America, for Hilton Hotels Corporation. “We considered many prestigious locations, but the scope and quality of The Proscenium truly complemented the characteristics of a Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and vice versa. In addition, we have been watching the Sarasota market for years and the timing was right to consider a presence there. We look forward to being a part of this sophisticated, culturally rich city.”

The elements of discovery and unique experiences that characterize The Waldorf=Astoria Collection experience will be brought to life through the hotel’s and The Proscenium’s distinct offerings. In addition to the 225 luxury hotel rooms, the hotel will include 38,000 square feet of ballroom, meeting and exhibition space, the iconic Peacock Alley Lounge, signature restaurants, a roof-top pool overlooking downtown Sarasota and the bay front, and a 12,000 square foot spa.

Within the 18-story hotel tower, there will be 67 Waldorf=Astoria Residences, complete with daily 24-hour concierge services and all hotel amenities. Direct access from the hotel’s ballroom and meeting space floor will be provided via a bridge to the VIP lounge of the 800-seat Nederlander performing arts hall. Nederlander Worldwide Entertainment is a division of the Nederlander family of businesses known for over 100 years as a leading worldwide performing arts presenter.

Lion’s Gate Development is also developing a 59-unit annex, on Sarasota’s Lido Beach. Guests at The Proscenium will have use of its luxurious beach amenities. The hotel accommodations will be marketed by Waldorf=Astoria, adding a beachfront property to their offerings.

Thomson Launches 2009 Holiday Programme

Thomson today launches its 2009 First Edition Brochures, available in store and on-line at http://www.thomson.co.uk. Highlights include the launch of Thomson’s first ever Long Haul Sensatori Resort, the introduction of new long haul holidays including Cuba, a host of new Platinum hotels and more!

THOMSON’S PREMIER COLLECTION

The Thomson Premier Collection is the umbrella name for Thomson’s best hotels, as featured in the A La Carte, Beach Club, Platinum and Sensatori programmes. For Summer 2009, Thomson is set to introduce a variety of new product and holiday destinations that meet with a 90% + approval rating with Thomson customers.

NEW: A LONG HAUL SENSATORI RESORT, RIVIERA MAYA, MEXICO

Sensatori is a new hotel concept that’s exclusive to the Thomson Premier collection. Its name is derived from ‘senses’ and ‘satori’, the Buddhist term for ‘the Wow Moment’. In 2008, Thomson will open its first Sensatori resort on Lyttos Beach in Crete, and Summer 2009 sees the launch of the first Sensatori resort in long haul.

Just 25 minutes from Cancun on the Riviera Maya, the Sensatori Resort, Mexico offers customers sheer indulgence, lavish surroundings and décor, bespoke service and special touches. This Gourmet Inclusive deluxe Spa hotel will have jumbo contemporary suites as standard complete with hot tubs, as well as a range of dining options, a mojito lounge and roof garden lounge.

Along with the Sensatori resort in Crete, the Sensatori Resort, Mexico is Thomson’s Flagship Premier property; a state of the art hotel and resort complex that’s ideal for families, couples, groups or singles looking for a deluxe experience that won’t hit the pocket.

Lead in: Departing from London Gatwick, 7 nights at the Sensatori Resort, Mexico, costs just £1049 per person based on 2 adults sharing a double room. The price covers flights including in-flight meals, in-resort transfers, Air Passenger Duty and fuel charges, as well as Gourmet Inclusive accommodation.

NEW: EXPANDED PLATINUM HOLIDAYS

Thomson is proud to launch a range of NEW holiday destinations in its Platinum offering: Aruba in the Caribbean; Boa Vista, Cape Verde; Agadir, Morocco; Ibiza; Pula, Croatia; Samana, Dominican Republic; and Sri Lanka. Thomson’s Platinum Collection features a range of Luxurious 4 and 5 Star Hotels in exclusive locations with services that are second to none. The 2009 launch also sees an additional 14 properties added to the programme, including the Clubhotel Riu Gran Canaria, the Paladium Palace in Ibiza and the Marylanza in Tenerife.

Lead in: Departing 9th May 2009 from London Gatwick, 7 nights at the Bahia de Tossa costs just £399 per person based on 2 adults sharing a double room. The price covers flights, transfers, HB accommodation, Air Passenger Duty and fuel charges. For further information on the Platinum collection visit this link.

NEW: REVISED BENEFITS

All Premier Collection Holidays feature a range of benefits for those travelling on our in-house airline. These include priority check in, an increased luggage allowance (23kg of checked in luggage and 7kg of hand luggage), Complimentary Reserved Seating, Priority Drop Off and NEW for 2009, Free Day Before Check In at Gatwick and Manchester and complimentary in flight meals. In addition, A La Carte customers benefit from free use of Exclusive VIP Airport Lounges at their UK departure airport*!

*Not available at all airports. Children under 12 are not permitted at selected VIP lounges.

NEW: FARAWAY SHORES: FIVE NEW DESTINATIONS IN LONG HAUL

Featuring a range of destinations, from the Caribbean to Africa, passing via South America or Asia, the new Faraway Shores Brochure showcases a fine selection of long haul experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. Thomson is set to introduce five NEW holiday destinations: Holguin and Varadero in Cuba; Samana in the Dominican Republic; Aruba in the Caribbean and Sri Lanka, as well as Boa Vista in Cape Verde for Summer 2009.

Every long haul destination is served by our in-house airline, which features a 33” seat pitch in economy (36” in Premium), stylish leather seats, in-flight meals* and seat back entertainment.

*Included on Longhaul product from 01Nov08 departures onwards. Included on Premier product from 01May09 onwards.

Lead in: Departing 4th May 2009 from London Gatwick, 7 nights at the Djad Sal (Cape Verde) costs just £585 per person based on 2 adults sharing a double room. The price covers flights, transfers, Bed and Breakfast accommodation, Air Passenger Duty and fuel charges.

NEW: GREECE, CYPRUS & TURKEY - FLEXIBLE FLYING & NEW RESORTS

Greece, Cyprus and Turkey are home to dreamy beaches, ancient sights and a culture that’s full of myth and legend – with a selection of properties to match! Turkey is a new addition to this brochure which was formerly only Greece & Cyprus, and this is the first time Turkey has featured in a 1st edition destination brochure for Thomson.

For Summer 2009, Thomson is set to introduce two new properties to the portfolio: The 4T+ Joy Pegasos Royal, Incekum, Antalya (an all inclusive Beach Club property) and the 4T Belcekiz Beach, Olu Deniz, Dalaman (a Platinum property). In addition, Thomson will also launch a new route flying into Izmir for 2009, as well as two new hotels in the region: the 4T Kusadasi Charisma Hotel and the 4T Pine Bay.

Furthermore, Thomson is set to introduce new durations to compliment traditional 7 or 14 night holidays. From Summer 2009, 10 and 11 night durations will be available to a selection of destinations including Skiathos, Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Antalya.

Lead in: Departing 1st May 2009 from London Gatwick, 7 nights at the Adonis and Asonitis (Corfu) costs just £199 per person based on 2 adults sharing a studio apartment. The price covers flights, transfers, Self Catering accommodation, Air Passenger Duty and fuel charges.

NEW: THOMSON GOLD: TWO NEW RESORTS

For those wanting a child free break that’s about getting away from it all as a couple, Thomson’s Gold Collection have been hand picked for their top locations. This adult-only range of hotels (no children under 16 permitted), have all passed a rigorous 200 point checklist to make the grade. Featuring fabulous entertainment, great dining options and a dedicated Thomson Gold Team in each hotel to help customers enjoy the holiday they’ve set their heart on, the product has been expanded for S09 to include NEW hotels in Costa Blanca and the Neapolitan Riviera.

Lead in: Departing 5th May 2009 from London Gatwick, 7 nights at the Levante Club costs just £465 per person based on 2 adults sharing a double room. The price covers flights, transfers, accommodation, APD and fuel charges.

Further 2009 brochure highlights include:

• NEW: Skytours – Year-Round-Title

With hundreds of hotels and apartments, Skytours features a selection of affordable breaks, with guaranteed free child places available at 37 properties**, 2nd Child for £1 offers**, a saving of up to £100 a booking on selected accommodation** and no flight supplements all season on selected flights. **Subject to availability

• NEW: For holidays departing from May 2009 onwards, all Thomson customers will have the opportunity to donate £1 per adult (50p per child) to the World Care Fund – see separate releases.

• Family Club Properties

Everything you and your kids could ever need for a family holiday to remember. A Fantastic range of 12 FamilyClub hotels, all including Kidzones, Kids pools, Miracle playgrounds, soft play areas, family entertainment, drop in dens, toddlerzones and many more features. In addition we also have 5 FamilyClubXtra hotels, including all the facilities of a FamilyClub hotel PLUS Babyzones, Football academy’s, Kid’s entertainers, Stage academy and VIP familyclub experiences.

• Florida

2009 holidays to Florida with Thomson will offer children of all ages the chance to discover the place where dreams come true from April onwards. Not only will customers get the chance to experience the thrills, spills and everything else the sunshine state has to offer, but the destination will be served by our award winning Long Haul flight services - and NEW for Summer 2009 – there’s no fuel supplement to pay!

• Cruise

With 59 itineraries and over 130 ports of call in their year-round brochure, Thomson Cruises is making cruising accessible to just about everyone. Brochure highlights include the re-launch of Thomson Cruises Caribbean Winter Programme 2008/09, an amazing new entertainment programme, and the all new ‘Get up and Dance!” experience on the Thomson Celebration. See dedicated Cruise release.

• Infants can travel from only £30 on shorthaul (£60 on long haul), and also benefit from a complimentary 10kg baggage allowance on Thomson flights.

• Groups

For Groups of ten passengers or more, free places have now been replaced with some great value group discounts offering bigger savings for larger groups the earlier they book. Agents should call 0871 971 0560 for further information

Thomson 2009 brochures will also include Early booking discounts on selected units & Free child places available, subject to availability. The programme goes on sale on 17 April 2009.

Midland Hotel on England’s North West coast

The stunning Midland Hotel, on England’s North West coast, is set to become a must-stay destination when it opens its doors in June 2008. Perfectly located on the edge of Morecambe Bay, the 44 bedroom art deco hotel overlooks uninterrupted coastline, offering beautiful views across the sea to the Lake District.

Originally built in the 1930’s, the amazing Grade II* Listed building was once a favourite haunt of icons like Coco Chanel, Wallace Simpson and Lawrence Olivier but its heyday was a distant memory when the hotel finally closed in almost ruin in 1998.

The hotel is re-opening with many of its original art deco features, complemented by striking contemporary design.

Guests at the Midland Hotel will be able to choose from eight different types of rooms, including six roof top suites, two of which have their own private terrace and hot tubs.

The Midland Hotel will also boast a tranquil spa, where visitors can relax, unwind and indulge in a personally tailored combination of treatments.

The main restaurant will feature a fully glazed sun terrace with views out to sea. The restaurant menu will be dedicated to the British seaside.

The hotel’s rotunda bar will be striking and slick with floor to ceiling glazing opening out for all to enjoy the sunshine and sea air. Its perfect location will make the bar an idyllic place to watch the sunset over Morecambe Bay. There will also be three function suites available for special events, weddings and conferences.

Influential 20th Century sculptor, Eric Gill, produced several works of art for the hotel when it first opened. His famous seahorses have been restored and one of his largest surviving works, a Portland Stone relief featuring Odysseus and Naucsica symbolising hospitality, will be returned to its original position in the hotel lobby.

“The Midland Hotel is a much loved building, it’s a joy to work with it,” said Olivier Delaunoy, operations director at the Midland Hotel. “There’s a huge amount of anticipation locally, nationally and internationally for the hotel to reopen, we’ve had tons of enquiries from people wanting to know when they can come and stay. We’re really looking forward to opening her beautiful glass front doors again.”

For reservations and to keep updated on the latest developments at the Midland Hotel, visit www.midlandmorecambe.co.uk

New Hotels in Germany for 2008

More and more tourists visit Germany and the country offers some great new hotels to meet the growing demand. The luxurious Suitess Hotel in Dresden, the new five-star Fleming’s hotel in Frankfurt, the new convention hotel Maritim in Duesseldorf, or the trendy and chic George Hotel, Lindner Hotel and Superbude in Hamburg - Germany’s new accommodations fit every taste and interest.

The Suitess Hotel in Dresden offers exquisite comfort to its guests. With 42 rooms and suites the five-star hotel promises high class service. A top spa and gourmet restaurant offer the best treatment for body and soul. Located directly in Dresden’s city center next to the famous Church of our Lady, the Suitess is a special sight of its own combining Biedermeier décor with modern arrangements. www.suitess-hotel.com

Fleming‘s Hotel Deluxe in Frankfurt‘s city center opened last month and is part of the Deluxe’s chain‘s new range of “Deluxe” establishments. Five-star is the only way to describe the facilities and furnishings of its 106 rooms and six suites. Look out for the fully functioning paternoster lift and head up to the rooftop terrace for unforgettable panoramic views over Frankfurt and the Taunus hills. www.flemings-hotels.com

Next to Duesseldorf’s airport, the new Maritim Hotel is a real draw for business travelers seeking an oasis with an exclusive workout center, spa and top restaurant. With a combined event capacity for 5,000 people and a total of 533 rooms, the new Maritim property is now also the largest conference hotel in North Rhine Westphalia. www.maritim.de

On the Alster River, also in Hamburg’s center, “The George Hotel” is opening this fall. This four-star hotel will be equipped with 118 luxuriously furnished rooms, five exquisitely equipped suites and two elegant penthouses with Alster view. “The George Hotel” is a pioneer project: The first luxury hotel in Hamburg’s lively St. George district with its upcoming boutiques, restaurants and trendy street cafes right in front of the door. www.thegeorge-hotel.de

The four-star “Lindner Hotel Am Michel” is the most recent addition to Hamburg’s hotel choices. Open since March, the hotel offers 259 elegant rooms and suites, excellent conference facilities for up to 180 participants, as well as two restaurants. The central location between Hamburg’s famous and centrally located St. Michaelis Church, the HafenCity and the canals of the Speicherstadt makes the “Lindner Hotel Am Michel” an ideal vantage point for every traveler. www.lindner.de

Visitors looking for a trendy and entertaining stay should visit the “Superbude.” The new two-star design hotel opened in April and is a great deal for travelers in search for fun and something different. Situated in Hamburg’s up and coming district of St. Georg guests stay not far from the alster River and city center: The two- and four-bedrooms are set up in individual colour schemes and a bed in a shared room is available for only 16 Euro. www.superbude.de