Hotel News

October

Hostel with a History in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada

Originally built in 1979, the modernized C& N Backpackers Hostel in Port Hardy has a unique history of secret first dates, hand holding and first kisses. Until recently, the building – now a temporary home to adventure seekers from around the globe – was used as Hardy Bay's movie theatre. With private and dorm-style rooms, a kitchen, a sun deck with ocean vistas, a BBQ, a TV room and a communal lounge (the former movie theatre lobby) it remains a unique place for guests to mingle. The hostel has internet access for guests, free parking, linen and bedding and is fully handicap accessible. Port Hardy is known for its sea kayaking, salt and fresh water fishing, diving, boating, whale watching, bear watching, and hiking. For more information go to www.cnnbackpackers.com.

Phoenix Arizona

Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort & Spa, announces the completion of a $50 million renovation. The historic property now features a new entrance, a hacienda-style main lobby, a lobby bar, and an expansive courtyard with fire features, waterfalls and sculptures. A new signature restaurant, Rita's Kitchen, serves regional fare, while Arizona's first outpost of celebrity chef Laurent Tourondel's BLT Steak will offer a "modern American steakhouse".

Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort and Spa has completed a $50 million transformation. The resort offers exceptional new facilities, including contemporary guest rooms, suites and casitas; an expansive new lobby with breathtaking views of the McDowell Mountains; and two new signature restaurants: SWB, a Southwest bistro offering wood-fired specialties, and Alto ristorante e bar, which features authentic Italian cuisine. The resort's youngest guests will delight in the vibrant and interactive Camp Hyatt Kachina room, where children can explore the unique cultures of the Southwest. The newly redesigned Vaquero Ballroom and the new Executive Boardroom are part of the more than 70, 000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Uniworld offers new ship, the ultra-luxurious River Tosca, on their Nile River cruises starting April of 2009

A cruise along the Nile River is like watching 5,000 years of culture unfold before your eyes. Marvel at the contrasts of landscapes as you sail past old-world villages surrounded by beautiful palm groves. Explore the mysterious city of Cairo where the ancient and the modern coexist in harmony. Stand before the towering Sphinx. Take in the extraordinary sight of the sole survivor of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the 4,500-year-old Great Pyramid of Giza. Let yourself be whisked away to the magnificent monuments of Luxor, the spectacular Karnak Temple complex, and awe-inspiring Abu Simbel, one of the world's most magnificent temples.

Discover this fascinating country steeped in world history and antiquities as Uniworld delivers the royal treatment on three exciting cruise itineraries aboard their newest ship, the ultra-luxurious River Tosca, which will take her maiden voyage down the Nile in April of 2009. According to Guy Young, president of Uniworld, "Many of our guests say visiting Egypt is something they have always dreamed about. We aim to make their adventure in Egypt and along the Nile a truly unforgettable experience with our newly appointed luxury boutique hotel-style cruise ship and three magnificent itineraries that highlight this country's greatest wonders."

All Egypt River Cruises include deluxe hotel accommodations with breakfast in Cairo, a luxury suite with a French balcony, all meals and entertainment onboard the River Tosca, exclusive sightseeing tours hosted by local English-speaking guides, and all transfers and domestic flights while in Egypt. Visit www.uniworld.com for more information

The Green VIEW Hotel Opening inside Monument Valley, Arizona

A new hotel, The VIEW, is rising in one of the unique locations on earth - so close to the iconic formations known as The Mittens in Monument Valley that you feel like you can almost reach out and touch them. Scheduled to open in December, the hotel is being built and will be operated in a manner that respects the unique environment in which it is located.

Hotel owner Armanda Ortega of the Kiy`anníí (Towering House) Clan says "The VIEW is designed with respect for the sacred setting in which it is located. "Green" building standards and environmentally friendly operating procedures will be a hallmark of The VIEW Hotel, Restaurant and Trading Post. This is a decision that has guided every phase of design and construction and we are excited about opening our Eco-Friendly hotel in December to visitors from around the world."

Navajo Nation Tribal Council Member & Chairman of the Natural Resources Committee, George Arthur, says "The location for the hotel was selected because it is adjacent to the Park Visitors Center which has served tourists in the Tribal Park for over 50 years. Every effort has been taken to make the hotel blend into the landscape of the red rock mesa so the visitor to Monument Valley will enjoy the view from the hotel as well as the view of the hotel from the valley floor."

The hotel is an environmentally friendly design with a low contour that conforms to the mesa overlooking the valley. FCI Constructors, Inc. of Durango, Colorado, a U.S. Green Council Certified Builder, has incorporated eco-friendly building practices using low-flow water devices, extra insulation, windows with energy efficient values, and fluorescent lighting. There are operable windows in public spaces including the soaring two story lobby that allows for natural air flow for energy efficient cooling. The west side of the building has an extra inch of rigid insulation and limited fenestrations (window and door openings) to reduce afternoon heat gain. All windows are double paned with low E values. Sliding glass doors on guestroom patios are protected from solar gain by roof overhangs, plumbing fixtures in all of the guest rooms are low-flow, and the hotel roof is reflective to reduce the amount of heat absorbed.

For more information visit www.monumentvalleyview.com

August/September

First NYLO Hotel in Northeast Debuts in Rhode Island

NYLO Providence/Warwick opens this month, combining mid-priced rates with high-end comforts. The pioneering loft lifestyle hotel is Rhode Island’s first to run on 100% renewable energy. Despite skyrocketing travel costs, introductory rates are well within reach, starting at $89 (weekends) and $119 (weekdays) through December.

Overlooking the Pawtuxet River near the banks of the Narragansett Bay, the newly constructed NYLO Providence/Warwick welcomes with ultra-social gathering places, tech-friendly amenities and a bold urban loft design that channels its locale. Like all NYLOs, the Providence hotel features high ceilings, exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors. Guests enjoy an array of innovative lifestyle amenities, including: a lively restaurant/bar; allergy-friendly guestrooms; 24-hour, casual, gourmet restaurant; free WiFi; original artwork by local artists; designer uniforms by a Bravo-TV “Project Runway” star; high-tech gym; state-of-the-art business center; free local and long-distance domestic phone calls; free printouts, photocopies, faxing and scanning services.

For information on NYLO Providence/Warwick or reservations, visit www.nylohotels.com/warwick or call NYLO Hotels at 1.866.391.NYLO.

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa Invites Guests to Discover the Wonders of Agave

CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa offers its guests an insider's view of the local culture and traditions by way of the resort's "Secretos de la Familia" program. A key feature of the program is helping guests understand and appreciate the most famous product of their home state of Jalisco: Tequila.

"We're at the epicenter of tequila culture, and we're one of the very few resorts in the world that actually grows our own agave azul from which we produce our own propriety tequila," said General Manager Dennis Whitelaw of CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa.

In addition there are tastings hosted by a certified tequila expert. The resort has a Tequila Experto (expert) on staff, certified by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico (TRC). The Tequila Expert conducts tasting classes to increase guest awareness of the new found popularity of tequila. More than 117 different "by the glass" tequila options are maintained in the CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort Tequila Vault for use in all the resort's food and beverage outlets. CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa is the first Puerto Vallarta resort to receive the "Agave de Oro" (Golden Agave), the highest level of the "T Award" from the TRC for each one of the resort's food and beverage outlets.

The resort's Tequila Expert serves as an ambassador for Mexican customs, culture and traditions, as well as an authority on the highly sophisticated and remarkably wide variety of tequilas. The Tequila Expert conducts weekly tasting classes at the tequila and cigar Lobby Bar. The presentation includes the history of tequila (the mythical origin of the drink was by "Mayahuel," the Aztec goddess of tequila and "Quetzalcoatl," her eternal lover), and the newest technologies for tequila processing.

For more information visit www.puertovallartamarriott.com

New Hotels Open in Phoenix

Located a block from the new convention center, the Sheraton Downtown Phoenix scheduled to open in October, boasts 1,000 guest rooms, making it not only the largest hotel in Greater Phoenix but also in the entire Grand Canyon State. The Sheraton also houses a conference center with more than 80,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, 17 meeting rooms, two ballrooms, two boardrooms and a terrace for outdoor events. Its meeting facilities incorporate high-speed Internet access and videoconferencing capabilities, and an audiovisual staff is available on site.

When meeting attendees and their families are ready to unwind, they can do so outside at a 2,000-square foot outdoor pool and sundeck or inside at a 6,500-square foot fitness center and spa. The Sheraton Downtown Phoenix also features a contemporary restaurant with a full bar, private dining room and outdoor seating. The addition of the Sheraton gives downtown Phoenix nearly 2,500 guest rooms within walking distance of the convention center.

InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in November 2008. The property will be a world-class Andalusian-style resort and spa boasting 253 guest rooms and 40 privately owned, luxury villas. Montelucia will feature Joya, a 31,000 square foot luxury spa with 5,200 square feet of outdoor space, and Prado restaurant that will apply culinary cues from traditional Andalusian cooking with outdoor dining and views of the majestic Camelback Mountain. M Bar at Prado ("M" for Montelucia) will feature Spanish-inspired tapas and a comprehensive selection of 100% agave tequilas. Crave Café, will cater to guests and residents, serving coffee, home-made gelato, and the finest chocolates from around the world. Kasbah Pool, the main pool, is a high-energy gathering place in the heart of the resort. Nearby Kasbah Restaurant will be the resort's casual dining option. The Joya Terrace (exclusively serves Joya spa guests), is a second-level terrace retreat which incorporates an outdoor lounge-style that overlooks breathtaking Camelback Mountain. Also on property will be five swimming pools, 31,000 square feet of indoor meeting space, and a private wedding chapel with cathedral ceilings and wooden beams. For more information, visit www.monteluciaresort.com

Two New Developments in Acapulco's Diamante District

The destination of Acapulco is currently experiencing resurgence, led by new hotel openings, world-class spas, innovative cuisine and the legendary and spectacular beaches that add a special touch to this paradise. Among the current roster of upscale activities and amenities are new developments and hotels that are adding to Acapulco's already well-known hotel brands and tourist attractions:

Mundo Imperial, a 300-million dollar private investment in Acapulco's exclusive Diamante district, opens Phase 1, November 2008. This unique "destination within a destination" is made up of five distinct elements:

·    Resort at Mundo Imperial - destined to be the most luxurious new hotel in Acapulco, this 805-room resort (705 rooms and 100 suites) will feature an exclusive Beach Club, top-rated fitness center, Pets Club, five swimming pools, and Executive and Club levels with dedicated concierge staff.

·    Sol Imperial - a destination spa and wellness center, this will be the only spa in Acapulco to offer traditional Chinese medicine along with an array of signature treatments.

·    Expo at Mundo Imperial - a convention and exposition center spanning 730,000 sq feet featuring 50-ft high ceiling and 50 divisible meeting rooms.

·    Forum at Mundo Imperial - this state-of-the-art theatre will seat up to 4,000 and host 40 major theatrical events each year including concerts, performances, Broadway-style shows and key-note presentations.

·    The Promenade - located at the center of Mundo Imperial, this stunning walkway will be highlighted by six gourmet restaurants and numerous boutiques and gathering spots.

For more information, please visit www.mundoimperial.com.

La Isla, a joint effort between Latin singing sensation, Luis Miguel, and GICSA, Mexico's most successful company in the real estate development industry, this new luxury, residential and resort complex is slated to open December 2008. The La Isla Acapulco Residences will be made up of nine modern towers designed by prestigious architects and landscape artists. The 695 two, three or four bedroom apartments will have ocean views and exclusive access to the property's numerous amenities. The development will also feature the La Isla Acapulco Shopping Village, Acapulco's premiere shopping mall located in Punta Diamante. The Shopping Village will merge stunning open spaces with water channels and greenery to enhance the shopping experience.  Among the 144 upscale boutiques and prestigious shops the village will also include well-known brands such as Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada and others. Another major attraction opening in La Isla will be Aqua Planet, an education and recreation center for the whole family, helping to create social awareness about the importance of water. The center will feature 10 attractions for kids and adults, an interactive water exposition and thematic islands where guests can participate in various activities that educate them about the numerous properties of water. Additionally, La Isla will feature over a dozen gastronomic options, entertainment and many other unique activities.

La Isla's developer GISCA is well known throughout the real estate market in Mexico for excellence and quality.  GISCA is currently focused on five specialized business units such as residential developments, hotels & resorts, administrative buildings, industrial buildings and retail centers. In 1999, GISCA brought La Isla Cancún to the hotel area of the popular destination, featuring prestigious stores, spectacular restaurants, the country's largest interactive aquarium, movie theatres and a marina with water sports. La Isla Acapulco will bring together a wide-ranging and exclusive group of stores and entertainment activities similar to La Isla Cancún and unprecedented in Acapulco. For more information, please visit www.gicsa.com.mx/laislaresidences/.

These projects are in addition to the many new hotels currently under development in Acapulco, including the cliff-top Banyan Tree Punta Diamante Hotel slated to open in 2009, a W Hotel located in Acapulco's exclusive Brisas Marques area, AQUA Acapulco Hotel by Group Posadas slated to open in 2009 and plans for a Habita Hotel.

A magical combination of incredible beauty and hypnotic charm, Acapulco is Mexico's largest and most dazzling seaside resort attracting over 5 million visitors annually.  Acapulco is exotic yet easily accessible via direct or convenient connections via all major airline carriers from gateway cities across the U.S. For more information about Acapulco, visit www.visitacapulco.com.mx

© 2008

OffbeatTravel