National Express Dot2Dot, London’s first large scale airport transfer provider has expanded its service further with a dedicated door-to-door transfer service between London King’s Cross and Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Working alongside the UK’s leading intercity train service, National Express East Coast, Dot2Dot is making the journey to the airport simpler.

With a single ticket to Heathrow costing only £22.00 the cost is around half that of a taxi, with further discounts available for group bookings. Operating as an on demand service, passengers who arrive in Kings Cross Station can travel directly across the city to Heathrow Airport 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  Passengers are required to book at least two hours in advance.

The new Dot2Dot Kings Cross service has been announced following Dot2Dot’s recent successful expansions. In the last six weeks alone Dot2Dot has extended its services to include Terminal 5, residential and business addresses across Canary Wharf as well as hotels, and has expanded the dedicated Gatwick service to operate around the clock.

www.dot2.com

5/20/2008 5:48:35 AM UTC     

The Terrace at Conrad, Chicago’s premier al fresco dining experience, will reopen this month and is tipped to be the city’s new hot spot. This season, the Terrace at the Conrad Chicago offers guests refreshing spirits from the exclusive ‘Bubble Bar,’ which provides effervescent blended alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including several trendy new bubble teas. Also new at The Terrace this season is Executive Chef Zafar’s StaxX menu: an innovative menu bringing dinner to new heights by stacking multiple meal selections in separate eco-chic bamboo steamers.

The Bubble Bar, a new addition to The Terrace at Conrad’s full bar, includes several varieties of bubble tea, a beverage of Taiwanese origin that is quickly rising to fame in North America, which combines a tea (usually black or green) with a variety of fruit juices, ice, pulp and occasionally milk. In addition to bubble tea, the bar offers several blended mixtures of fresh fruit juices and purees, syrup, shaved ice, spirits (optional), creating a smooth and refreshing cocktail. The distinctive garnishes of all the Bubble Bar drinks are homemade tapioca pearls, which create the necessary “bubbling” effect. The current Bubble Bar menu, which will expand throughout the summer, features selections like mango delight with mango puree, complemented with fresh squeezed citruses and rum; and the sinister framboise with sweet raspberry puree, fresh lime juice and vodka.

www.conradhotels.com.

5/19/2008 7:43:05 AM UTC     

Oman Air said it has resumed its commercial flights to the Lebanese Rafik Hariri International Airport, with the first flight that operated on Sunday 18th May 2008.
 
A spokes person stated that the national carrier of The Sultanate of Oman has been assessing the circumstances on a daily basis and is at this stage, content that resuming flights, as affirmed by the company’s security and operational specialists, is completely safe. The flights will operate on daily basis, and Oman Air office in the Lebanese capital is open for booking. Corporate Communications & Media of Oman Air notified that Oman Air has brought it operations to Beirut to a standstill on May 7 2008 due to the unstable circumstances, which the sisterly Lebanese Republic was going through, and for the safety of our valued passengers.

5/19/2008 7:42:13 AM UTC     

Aegean Airlines celebrated its inaugural flight between Stansted and Athens on the 15th May by welcoming passengers with champagne, gifts and a party atmosphere.

The introduction of the twice-daily, year round service between Stansted and Athens provides passengers with a real alternative for their travel to Greece. Aegean Airlines, Greece’s fastest growing full-service airline, is providing its customers with a premium 2 cabin service and in-flight catering.

Prices on Aegean’s route to Athens start from just £67 one way, including taxes. Aegean Airlines flies to 12 international destinations (London, Larnaca, Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, Rome, Milan, Sofia, Bucharest, Cairo and Tirana) and 17 Greek destinations (Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion, Chania, Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Mytilene, Chios, Alexandroupolis, Mykonos, Santorini, Kavala, Limnos, Corfu, Ioannina and Kefalonia)

www.aegeanair.com

5/19/2008 7:41:12 AM UTC     

The W Istanbul has celebrated its grand opening.  The hotel features 134 luxurious guest rooms, including 26 suites, the signature W Living Room experience, Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Spice Market restaurant, and a signature spa.

Located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, known for its destination restaurants, bars and cafes, the W Istanbul will be in close proximity to the Bosphorus Strait and Nisantasi, the SoHo of Istanbul. The hotel will also be a stone's throw away from the Museum of Painting and Sculpture and a short drive to the Old City, the Blue Mosque and the Istanbul Modern art museum.

www.starwoodhotels.com   

5/18/2008 6:15:08 AM UTC     

Macdonald Hotels & Resorts is re-launching its conference and meetings product, Meetings@. The initiative, first introduced to the market in 2005, has already contributed to a 10% rise year on year in the group’s meeting and event revenue, but in 2008 is being evolved to stay in tune with the changing needs of the meeting planner.

The refreshed Meetings@ will continue to follow the same principals of, attention to detail, fresh and innovative food, and a consistent complete meetings product, throughout the group’s four and five star properties. The re-launch includes additional facilities in meeting rooms, enhanced customer service, and crucially, closer liaison with meeting planners, ensuring Meetings@ remains in sync with their needs.

“Meetings@ was a tremendous success when it was launched and whilst it was proving to be very popular, we were conscious that we couldn’t let it become tired in what is a very competitive market place. This investment has shaken the cobwebs away and enabled us to not only enhance our core product but reinvigorate the passion in our teams,” comments Andrew Watson, Senior Marketing Manager at Macdonald Hotels & Resorts. “Meetings@ is a seal of quality that meeting planners can trust, wherever they book in the UK.”

www.macdonald-hotels.co.uk

5/18/2008 6:10:14 AM UTC     

Flybe, Europe’s largest regional low cost airline, today announces it has implemented a further three new Interline e-ticket partnerships, namely with Korean Air, US Airways and Singapore Airlines.

Unique in the low cost environment, today’s news brings the total of Flybe's Interline e-ticket partners to 11, now including an impressive list of names that also includes American Airlines, British Airways, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Emirates, Northwest, TAP and Virgin Atlantic.

Stephen Hobday, Flybe’s Head of Sales, says: “Our continued pursuit and implementation of interline e-ticket projects endorses Flybe’s commitment to increasing our interline partnerships.  It also enables our travel trade partners to issue more tickets to an even greater number of destination options and demonstrates our determination to expanding and strengthening our connecting route network.”
 
Flying from more UK airports that any other airline – and with a core network of 170 domestic and regional European routes - Flybe offers frequent, affordable and convenient regional connections into London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands.

This, enabled by its new Interline e-ticket partnerships, offers Flybe’s business and leisure passengers increased choice to an even wider range of worldwide destinations. This has been further enhanced by the airline’s growth into European city airports over the past 12 months, attracting new partners to the Flybe interline portfolio and offering additional connections through Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Amsterdam and Milan.

www.flybe.com

5/18/2008 6:07:27 AM UTC     

Ryanair announced the launch of Ryanairvillas.com, which will give property owners the chance to advertise holiday rentals on Europe’s largest travel site. In partnership with Web Reservations International, Ryanairvillas.com will afford property owners the chance to create and publish their own advertisements, including photos, maps and property descriptions, while providing the necessary online tools to manage booking enquiries.

Ryanair’s Sinead Finn said: “Ryanairvillas.com gives property owners an unrivalled advertising opportunity on Europe’s largest travel website. Property owners now have the chance to promote holiday rentals to Ryanair’s 60 million passengers, while Ryanairvillas’ simple design will enable owners to manage advertising content and booking enquiries at the click of a mouse.

www.ryanair.com

5/18/2008 6:06:04 AM UTC     

Spend a romantic weekend at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore and enjoy some 'Fantastic Packages' to spoil yourself with pampering treatments from the luxurious The Oriental Spa. 

The package includes:

• Two nights accommodation for two persons
• Welcome in-room drink
• Complimentary access to Fitness Studio

Day 1 (for two persons):

• Welcome foot ritual
• Aromatherapy body scrub (25 mins)
• Body massage – Rescue / Reviver / Relax / Refresh (55 mins)

Day 2 (for two persons): 

• Yoga session (60 mins)
• Express facial treatment for ladies (25 mins)
• Reviving foot refresher for gentlemen (25 mins)
• Scalp massage (25 mins)

Rates start from around £250++ and the promotion is valid until 31 December 2008.

www.mandarinoriental.com

5/18/2008 6:04:17 AM UTC     

Enjoy a taste of the Tudor lifestyle featured in “The Other Boleyn Girl” with a break at Bolebroke Castle in Sussex, the hunting lodge where Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn.

This truly memorable break features dinner in Henry VIII’s great hall, overnight accommodation and breakfast. Many ghostly sightings have been reported in the castle including the figure of a headless women thought to be Anne Boleyn. Those who are brave enough can also take part in a castle ghost hunt, dowsing, séances, table tipping and glass divination.

Bolebroke Castle features stunning tapestries depicting scenes from the Tudor period, one of the finest Elizabethan staircases in existence and an exhibition devoted to Henry VIII.

Haunting Breaks is offering a one night stay in this historic building on 1 November from just £140 per person.

www.hauntingbreaks.co.uk

5/18/2008 6:02:03 AM UTC     

Flying from Dubai has just become even simpler for Emirates passengers following the introduction of a new facility at Dubai International Airport.

Emirates passengers can now print their official boarding pass at home or office and if carrying only hand luggage can now bypass check-in and proceed directly through passport control and security to their boarding gate.

Passengers with check-in baggage may also use the facility in conjunction with the "Quick Bag drop" counters.

The eBP was developed by Emirates Airport Services, and has been launched in collaboration with Dubai Police, Immigration and Security.

www.emirates.com

5/18/2008 5:55:21 AM UTC     

Zoom Airlines are to begin new direct flights from London Gatwick to San Diego in June. Zoom will be operating the only direct non-stop air service between Europe and San Diego with twice weekly flights departing on Mondays and Fridays. The service commences on June 20th.

www.flyzoom.com

5/18/2008 5:50:49 AM UTC     

The Conrad Centennial Singapore, a luxury hotel located in the heart of Marina Bay has launched an accommodation package to complement an indulging shopping holiday experience during the Great Singapore Sale (23 May to 20 July 2008), an annual shopping extravaganza offering great discounts and fantastic bargains island wide.

Guests will be able to enjoy a luxurious Classic Room with a selection of complimentary benefits, and at the same time enjoy direct access to some of the city’s most popular shopping malls, including over 1,000 shops in the Suntec City area; Marina Square, a one-stop shopping haven and upscale lifestyle shopping centre, Millenia Walk, located just across the hotel.

The promotion starts from around £115.00++ per night and is also inclusive of buffet breakfast for two persons, daily fruits, a box of gourmet chocolates, 10% off on selected souvenirs at the Gift Shop and two tickets on the Singapore River Cruise (subject to availability).

The offer is valid on weekends, eve of and on public holidays until 20 July 2008.

www.conradhotels.com

5/18/2008 5:49:48 AM UTC     

As a member of Global Hotel Alliance, Pan Pacific is now awarding 500 miles per qualifying stay at all its participating hotels for members of Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Jet Airways JetPrivilege and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer.

The three additional airline partnerships will bring Pan Pacific’s total airline frequent flyer partnerships to 13.

“The three new partnerships will enlarge our global travel partnership portfolio so that we can reach out to more travellers, who will be able to experience and enjoy the Pan Pacific’s hospitality and luxurious accommodations and be rewarded at the same time. At the same time, our guests who are members of these frequent flyer programmes are able to earn miles with their preferred airlines, thus giving them another reason to stay at Pan Pacific’s hotels and resorts,” said Kevin Croley, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts.

www.panpacific.com

5/18/2008 5:47:34 AM UTC     

American Airlines is now offering double AAdvantage miles for passengers who purchase qualifying First Class, Business Class or Economy Class fares for travel between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and London’s Stansted and Heathrow airports.

The offer applies to trips booked and comleted before June 30, 2008.

To participate in this offer, register prior to travel using promotion code NYL08 on American Airline's website.

www.americanairlines.co.uk

5/18/2008 5:46:43 AM UTC     

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has opened its first property on the Indian subcontinent, the Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai. The hotel’s 33-storey gleaming glass tower has 202 rooms and suites comprise with excellent views of the city skyline, Mahalaxmi Racecourse or the sea through floor to ceiling windows.

The hotel has over 500m2 of indoor meeting and function space, a 24hr Business Centre, concierge services and a fleet of 20 BMW 7-Series limousines. In addition, the top floor “The Club” on the 33rd floor, offers its Members an exclusive selection of meeting and dining venues.

 “It’s a real privilege to be planting the Four Seasons flag in India,” said Armando Kraenzlin, General Manager. “Mumbai is a big opening for the group and the hotel is in an exciting part of town. It sets new standards in the city for luxury and service and is sure to challenge many Western preconceptions of what India has to offer.”

 www.fourseasons.com

5/18/2008 5:44:29 AM UTC     

El Al who is celebrating its 60th anniversary in September has announced the launch of its newly upgraded website www.elal.co.uk, including an express online check-in service for London Heathrow.

One of the most important changes has seen the introduction of a simpler and more flexible and user-friendly booking system, designed to enhance the customer online booking experience. Previously, passengers were only able to see the prices for the flights on their selected dates but in a significant change, the site will now also allow passengers to see prices for preceding and following days all on one simple screen.

The upgrade will be of particular benefit to leisure travellers with flexible dates, as it will now be much quicker and simpler to find the best fares in a single, rather than multiple, search.

In the second big change, London Heathrow airport has become the first airport outside Israel to offer El Al passengers an express online check-in service. The new service will enable passengers to check-in online between three and 24 hours prior to departure, pre-select their seats, print their boarding passes and then proceed straight to the bag drop-off or departure gate security on arrival at the airport.

The new web facility will provide a further huge benefit to passengers using the twice-daily London Heathrow-Tel Aviv service by enabling them to reduce their overall travel time. The move is expected to be particularly welcomed by frequent business travellers using the route but also popular with leisure guests looking to reduce airport waiting times.

www.elal.co.uk

5/18/2008 5:43:23 AM UTC     

Due to the high level of fuel prices, Air France is increasing its fuel surcharge by 2 euros per segment on domestic flights, by 4 euros per segment on medium haul flights and by 10 euros per segment on long-haul flights.

This increase is valid on tickets for trips from France, issued as from 16 May 2008. 

Half of this increase (i.e. 1 euro on domestic flights, 2 euros on medium haul flights and 5 euros on long haul flights) will be withdrawn as soon as the price of the barrel is stabilized over time below 110 US dollars.

The remaining of that increase (i.e. 1 euro on domestic flights, 2 euros on medium haul flights and 5 euros on long haul flights) will be withdrawn as soon as the price of the barrel is stabilized over time below 105 US dollars.

5/16/2008 8:26:05 AM UTC     

Etihad Airways will launch flights on 1 August 2008 from its Abu Dhabi home base to Kozhikode (Calicut) and Chennai (Madras). The airline will operate a daily service to both cities. Flight EY250 will depart Abu Dhabi at 11.35pm and arrive in Kozhikode at 5am the next day. Return flight EY251 will depart Kozhikode at 5.45am arriving in Abu Dhabi at 8am the same day.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ chief executive, said: “Etihad has made no secret of the fact that it wants to build up its Indian services and looks forward to expand its flying programme to the country with the launch of these two exciting new destinations. “The governments of the UAE and India, and particularly the Department of Transport of Abu Dhabi, deserve great credit for further opening up air links between these two emerging nations and allowing Etihad to grow its services to these developing cities in India.”

The addition of the two new cities brings the number of Indian destinations served by Etihad to six and follows successful bi-lateral talks between the governments of the UAE and India, aimed at further liberalising flying links between the two countries.

5/16/2008 8:25:22 AM UTC     

Virgin Atlantic, announced that it has an amazing seat sale on until the 24 June for Upper Class tickets to selected destinations until December this year.  The fares, from as little as £1099, are available for travel up to and including the 31 December to destinations such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, Miami, San Francisco & Los Angeles in the US and Worldwide destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Dubai, Lagos & Nairobi.

Paul Dickinson, Sales & Marketing Director, Virgin Atlantic, said: "Now that the Upper Class passenger journey is better than ever with our new Upper Class Wing at Heathrow, passengers are getting through to our award winning Clubhouse quicker than ever giving them time to relax before their flight, so these Upper Class sale fares on offer for travel throughout the year make the opportunity to fly Upper Class too good to turn down!”

5/16/2008 8:24:27 AM UTC     

OAG (Official Airline Guide), the world’s authority on flight information, today unveiled the shortlist for the 26th OAG Airline Industry Awards. The winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on Wednesday, 4 June in the opulent art deco setting of The Bloomsbury Ballroom in central London. Boeing is the Awards’ headline sponsor.

A total of 45 different airlines, three more than in 2007, have received nominations in 15 regional and global categories. Leading the field in terms of multiple nominations for 2008 is last year’s “Airline of the Year”, British Airways, which along with Singapore Airlines has six nominations. British Airways and Singapore Airlines, both five times winners of the coveted “Airline of the Year” title, are followed by American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Lufthansa with four nominations apiece. First time nominees in 2008 include Air Pacific, Jetstar Airways, Tarom and Virgin Nigeria.

“It is often overlooked that globally there are nearly 1,000 airlines and 3,500 airports trying to attract the attention and business of the world’s frequent and occasional travellers. The management and staff of all the 45 airlines nominated for this year’s OAG Airline Industry Awards should be immensely proud of their accomplishments over the last 12 months,” says Alan Glass, CEO of OAG. “The nominees have already been voted amongst the very best in the world in their respective categories and we at OAG congratulate them on this achievement.”

The annual “OAG Airline Industry Awards”, sponsored by Boeing, celebrates the very best in global air travel and publicly recognises the highest standards within the industry. 

• Best Airline Based in Asia
  Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways
• Best Airline Based in Australasia/Pacific
  Air New Zealand, Air Pacific, Jetstar Airways, Qantas, Virgin Blue
• Best Airline Based in North America
  Air Canada, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines
• Best Airline Based in Central/South America & Caribbean
  Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, LAN Airlines, Mexicana, TAM Brazilian Airlines
• Best Airline Based in the Middle East/Indian Sub-Continent
  Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways
• Best Airline Based in Africa
  Ethiopian Airlines, Egyptair, Kenya Airways, South African Airways, Virgin Nigeria
• Best Airline Based in Central/Eastern Europe
  Aeroflot Russian Airlines, Czech Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, MALEV Hungarian Airlines, TAROM
• Best Airline Based in Western Europe
  Air France, British Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic
• Best Transpacific Airline
  Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines
• Best Transatlantic Airline
  American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic
• Best Europe – Asia/Australasia Airline
  British Airways, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
• Best Low Cost Airline
  easyJet, jetBlue, Jetstar Airways, Ryanair, Southwest Airlines
• Best Economy/Coach Class
  American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines
• Best Business/Executive Class
  American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
• Best International First Class
  British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines
• Best Airport
  Amsterdam Schiphol, Dubai International, Hong Kong International,New York JFK, San Francisco International, Singapore Changi

5/16/2008 8:18:44 AM UTC     

EL AL, Israel’s national airline, has announced that it has signed an agreement for the purchase of four new, state-of-the-art 777-200 extended range aircraft from Boeing for approximately $540 million. Three of the new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2012 and the fourth in early 2013. The new planes reflect the airline’s continued plans of progress and growth, as well as devotion to passenger comfort and the desire to accommodate the increased demand of travel to Israel.

The four aircraft will be equipped with Rolls Royce engines and configured with 279 seats. They will also include the latest technology, the most comfortable, spacious seats and the most up-to-date in-flight personal entertainment and business applications for every passenger. EL AL has the option to purchase four new 777-300 model aircraft, instead of the four new 777-200 model.

www.elal.co.uk

5/11/2008 12:16:04 PM UTC     

From May 23 the former Renaissance London Gatwick Hotel will be known as the Mercure London Gatwick. The 254-room Mercure London Gatwick is well located just half a mile from Gatwick Airport (5 minutes by shuttle bus) and minutes from the M23.

The hotel will undergo a refurbishment programme in the second half of the year, but this will be undertaken without any disruptions to guests.

www.accor.com

5/11/2008 12:14:46 PM UTC     

LOT Polish Airlines has completed its moves to Terminal 2 at its home hub at Warsaw’s Frederic Chopin Airport.

The Polish national carrier moved its international flights to the new US$220 million facility last month and completes the move with the switch of its domestic flights.

The new terminal, with 24 gates, more than doubles the capacity of the airport to 12 million passengers a year. A key benefit to passengers is to significantly improve transfers, which should now involve only a short walk between gates.

LOT is now the only airline flying from London-Heathrow to Warsaw, a route it operates three times a day.

The airline’s regional director for UK and Ireland, Slawomir Noszczak, commented: ‘The transfer of our international flights to the new terminal went without any major hitches and we are now delighted to bring all our operations under one roof, with the move of domestic flights. This will be a major bonus for UK travellers flying on to other cities within Poland or on our international network, as well as smoothing transfer for those returning to the UK.’

LOT flies to eight cities within Poland, as well as to 60 destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Europe, with the new destination of Beijing added in March.

www.lot.com

5/11/2008 12:12:51 PM UTC     

Orient Express’s Hotel Cipriani, on the lagoon island of Guidecca in Venice, is 50 years old on 26th May 2008.

To mark the beginning of its golden year, the first five guests to book direct through the hotel’s website on 26th May for a future stay, will pay for their first night at the Euro equivalent of what it would have cost on the opening night in 1958, when a double room started at 8,000 Lire (approx £2.56).

Celebrations of the 50^th anniversary will also extend beyond Venice, when the Orient-Express British Pullman train in the UK will serve a special Cipriani dinner onboard, cooked by the hotel’s chef Renato Piccolotto, on 24^th May 2008. Cipriani Restaurants at other Orient-Express Hotels such as the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Lapa Palace in Lisbon and Reid’s Palace in Madeira, will offer an anniversary menu to their guests as well.

www.hotelcipriani.com

5/5/2008 12:45:39 PM UTC     

Following the introduction of direct flights to Okinawa earlier this month, Hong Kong Express Airways has launched its second scheduled service to Japan: a new three times weekly direct flight between Hong Kong and Kagoshima, the only direct service available between the two cities. 

The launch follows just days after the airline’s introduction of chartered services to Okayama and precedes the commencement of scheduled direct services to Hiroshima later this week. Hiroshima will be the airline’s third scheduled service between Hong Kong and Japan, and will operate twice weekly (every Thursday and Sunday) from May 1^st.

The slew of new routes is part of Hong Kong Express Airways’ drive to capture a share of the Japanese market following liberalisation of the country’s air traffic policy earlier this year. “By providing direct flights between Hong Kong and interesting destinations, we offer more choices and great convenience for travellers who want to explore new destinations. We have seen already growth on our Okinawa route and I believe that we will see the same with these new destinations,” said Mr. Ronnie Choi, President of Hong Kong Express Airways.                    

www.hongkongexpress.com

5/5/2008 12:36:20 PM UTC     

The Westin New York at Times Square is offering a “Sex and the City” weekend package in honor of the flick, which will be released May 30th.  Scenes from the film -- which finds Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda four years after the hit HBO series as they continue to juggle jobs and relationships while navigating marriage, motherhood and Manhattan real estate -- were shot near the hotel.

Fans of Carrie & Co. will enjoy: One-night accommodation in newly renovated guestrooms with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed® and Heavenly Bath® Two tickets to the movie at the 13-theater Regal E-Walk Stadium that is interconnected to the hotel Two cosmopolitans (Carrie’s favorite drink) at the hotel’s Bar 10, a second-story hotspot

Starting at $434* per room, per night, the package is valid for weekend arrivals (Thursday through Sunday) May 25 through July 30, 2008.

www.westinny.com.

5/2/2008 5:43:45 PM UTC     

A honeymoon to the Kempinksi Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea, Jordan is quite truly the perfect beginning to the enchanting union of marriage. The hotel benefits from being positioned on the stunning shores of the Dead Sea, one of the most beautiful locations in the world. Its spectacular views across to Hebron allows newly-weds to enjoy numerous romantic Arabian nights in the surroundings of Jordan’s most luxurious hotel. 

To ensure guest’s honeymoons are as hassle-free as possible, the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar has concocted two perfect packages so even the most demanding brides and grooms’ needs are met! From the moment the plane touches down in Amman they will be whisked away into a whirlwind of unadulterated luxury!

For just £1,063 per person, honeymooners can enjoy four blissful nights in a luxurious Ishtar Suite. They will be met at the airport by one of the hotel’s drivers, and during their stay they will be treated like royalty, benefiting from exclusive honeymoon amenities and turndown service, including a bottle of Champagne and Lulu bath (with aromatic oils and rose petals), a romantic private dining experience on the shores of the hotel’s own beach, breakfast in bed, and Ishtar farewell gifts so they can remember this once-in-a-lifetime experience for the rest of their lives!

Alternatively, honeymononers can opt for an extra opulent package! Intertwining a fairytale honeymoon with the reality of a wonderful holiday, guests will be given in addition to the previous package: two extra nights in that lavish suite, a delicious five course candlelit dinner in a location on their choice, a 90 minute aromatic massage at the world-famous Anantara spa and a wedding tea!

www.kempinski-deadsea.com

5/2/2008 5:41:31 PM UTC     

The Rocco Forte Collection launches The Rocco Forte Suite Experience, designed to give guests an unrivalled level of service. Already amongst the biggest and best in Europe, the luxurious suites in The Rocco Forte Collection will now offer a new range of services, including:

• A complimentary packing and unpacking service, whereby a specially-trained member of staff will hang and arrange each item upon arrival and carefully repack upon departure. Also included is complimentary pressing of the garments on arrival
• A state-of-the-art mobile phone for complimentary local use, pre-programmed with the most useful numbers in the area and providing a direct line to reception and the concierge, from wherever you are in the city
• An in-suite check-in
• Complimentary in-suite breakfast every day
• Plus complimentary movies and internet use, as well as many other extras

These unique and complimentary services are designed to allow guests to unwind, relax and simply enjoy the suite, each of which is entirely unique; depending on which hotel you visit, you may find a baby grand piano at your disposal, a private chef or butler to cater to your every whim, or even a state-of-the-art steamroom or sauna to enjoy in the privacy of your suite. So, take your pick and come and enjoy Rocco Forte’s Art of Simple Luxury. Prices for the suites range from 460 Euro (approx £363)
 
www.roccofortecollection.com

5/2/2008 5:40:37 PM UTC     

Larger aircraft are to be introduced by LOT Polish Airlines on its London-Heathrow to Warsaw service to cope with booming business class traffic. The Polish national carrier has recorded growth of more than 50 per cent* in executive travellers since the introduction of its summer schedule (March 30 2008), when it became the only carrier flying to Warsaw from Heathrow. British Airways has shifted its Warsaw flights to Gatwick.

From June, LOT will replace its current 108-seat Boeing 737-500s with the larger 400 range, offering 147 seats on its peak time services. LOT’s UK and Ireland regional director, Slawomir Noszczak, commented: ‘We always believed that business travellers would want to continue to fly to Warsaw from Heathrow and our exceptional sales figures speak for themselves. ‘Business class sales are booming and we need additional capacity to meet demand. The larger 737-400s will undoubtedly help us meet it, particularly as we have a flexible business class cabin configuration.’

LOT has also recently introduced online check-in for Warsaw-bound passengers to ease their passage through Heathrow’s Terminal 1. The summer schedule also saw LOT resuming services to Beijing after an absence of almost 10 years.

www.lot.com

5/2/2008 5:39:44 PM UTC     

Iceland  Express  will,  from  June  1st,  provide its passengers with more choice  of  meals  onboard  by  adding  healthier food to the menu. The new selection  will  consist  of pasta and salad meals, fruit salad, pizzas and sandwiches. The  meals  produced for Iceland Express will not include peanuts, kiwis or any additives.

"Passengers  have  increasingly been asking for more fresh and healthy food onboard  and  therefore  we decided to change our menu in co-operation with Avaxtabillinn.  The  company  is  known  for producing high quality product which  we  are  proud  to  be  able to offer our passengers," said Matthias Imsland, managing director of Iceland Express.

Meals  onboard  Iceland  Express'  airlines  will continue to be offered at reasonable  prices.  In this way the airline can offer tickets at low rates while  still providing high quality service for those who want such service onboard.

5/2/2008 5:35:58 PM UTC     

Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa, the five-star resort on Koh Lanta, Krabi, has launched its ‘All About Me’ series of packages, providing flexibility for travellers wishing to holiday on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta.

The Buy Me, Place Me, Indulge Me and Surprise Me packages have been created to offer guests special deals that meet their requirements during their stay. Starting at only 6,000 Baht (approx £96) for two people sharing, the special packages offer three nights accommodation, daily international breakfast, a daily fresh fruit basket, complimentary use of the movie house and music rooms, tennis court, fully-equipped gym, water sports equipment, and late check-out at 4 pm.

Located on the Island of Koh Lanta , in Krabi province, Southern Thailand, Langham Place Eco Resort + Spa is a five-star stimulating resort designed to coexist in perfect harmony with awe-inspiring natural landscapes. 

W: http://krabi.langhamplacehotels.com

4/28/2008 8:09:49 AM UTC     

Forget where you put your car keys? Blank on your brother-in-law’s name?  Train your brain with Westin® Hotels & Resorts.

A new BrainBody Fitness focus connects mental and physical exercise for optimum health and is just another way to help guests feel better when they leave Westin, than when they arrived.

An extension of the successful WestinWORKOUT® program, which already includes WestinWORKOUT gyms and WestinWORKOUT guestrooms, it will introduce the popular game of Sudoku throughout properties in Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Asia Pacific.
 
This follows the brand’s recent announcement of its partnership with Nikoli Company Limited, the leading creator and publisher of puzzle magazines in Japan, to craft unique formats of Sudoku games to help our guests unwind, de-stress and exercise their mind.  Sudoku is a logic-based number placement puzzle invented over 25 years ago.
 
Westin and Nikoli are working in partnership on a series of activities to promote and engage guests with the Sudoku experience. This includes building real life Sudoku Sanctuaries in the centre of key European cities this summer, namely London, Paris, Milan and Madrid.

BrainBody Fitness joins a host of initiatives aimed at personal renewal recently introduced by the brand including a new in-room spa program, Unwindsm evening rituals—mini lessons, tastings and art installments that help guests connect with each other and the culture of their surroundings and customized  WestinWORKOUT guestrooms featuring in-room state-of-the-art, full-body equipment for all levels of performance where guests can elevate their travel and work well-being with a challenging and exhilarating workout.

4/28/2008 8:08:58 AM UTC     

Conference delegates can now combine business with pleasure.  Hand Picked Hotels is offering delegates the chance to wind down and feel refreshed for the evening ahead with the special Twilight Fix package.

Available at four of the award winning Hand Picked Hotel Spas, Rookery Hall Hotel in Cheshire, Norton House Hotel in Edinburgh, Nutfield Priory Hotel in Surrey and Brandshatch Place Hotel in Kent, the Twilight Fix Package is designed to complement day and 24 hour packages. 

Delegates can arrive at the hotel Spa from 4.30pm and enjoy an unwinding spa experience including a 25 minute mini spa treatment with the choice of five different treatments which includes a back, neck and shoulders massage or a mini manicure and enjoy full use of the spa facilities. The Twilight Fix experience also comes complete with a glass of Champagne, the perfect way to start the evening. 

This Twilight Fix package is available from £39 per person and can be booked between Monday and Thursday 4.30pm - 9pm at Rookery Hall, Norton House, Brandshatch and Nutfield Priory.

www.handpicked.co.uk

4/28/2008 8:08:06 AM UTC     

The opening of five refurbished bedrooms on the top floor of Midhurst’s famous Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa marks the completion of a nearly £1million upgrading and improvement project at the hotel.

In addition to the top floor traditional double rooms , which all now feature new bathrooms, flat screen televisions ,exposed beams and climate control , the project has included the renovation of the Queen’s Suite, once used by Queen Elizabeth 1. The bedroom, bathroom and sitting room of the famous suite now measure 60 m2 but when the adjoining Edward VII entertaining room is added, the total area measures an impressive 102m2 making it one of the biggest single bedroom suites in the country.

The completion of the improvement project confirms the Spread Eagle’s position as one of the most charming and relaxing hotels in Sussex. To mark the completion, the hotel is making a special Spring Offer of dinner, bed and breakfast for£82.50 per person. The offer runs until the end of May and is available on Sunday to Thursday nights inclusive.

www.hshotels.co.uk.

4/28/2008 8:07:19 AM UTC     

As part of its £120m ‘Nip and Tuck” refurbishment programme, Marriott Hotels is introducing an exciting and extensive range of new dining and restaurant concepts in a major upgrade of its food and beverage offering. Each new concept is specifically designed to meet the needs and requirements of particular hotel and guest profiles.

New restaurants vary in design and food offering, though all reflect a move toward natural, healthy and locally-sourced ingredients as well as an ambience of casual relaxation.

Already in operation at the Heathrow/Windsor Marriott Hotel and London Marriott Hotel Regent’s Park, Brasserie Centrale is designed to give the look and feel of a contemporary French Mediterranean style of brasserie.  Created to provide classical and consistent food which everyone enjoys, Brasserie Centrale serves food in a rejuvenating and refreshing atmosphere.

Five UK Marriott hotels will also gain their own bespoke restaurants. The Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel will feature the Highcliff Grill, a restaurant offering grilled seafood to reflect its location overlooking the bay, whilst the Marriott Meon Valley Hotel and Country Club will offer its guests dishes made with locally sourced ingredients at its 5ive restaurant, named after the five human senses.

The Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel will feature Dahlila, a new restaurant that provides its guests with all the excitement and drama of cooking via an open show kitchen and an emphasis on natural products. Milgate’s will be at the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel and Country Club whilst cLevel, featuring a strong emphasis on seafood, opens at the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel.

Whilst some of the new restaurants are already completed and in operation, roll-out will continue across Marriott Hotels’ portfolio until the end of this year.

www.marriott.co.uk

4/28/2008 8:06:10 AM UTC