Luxor Las Vegas

One of the most unique experiences in Las Vegas is visiting the Luxor hotel Las Vegas. The building, a 30 story tall pyramid, brings you into an Egyptian paradise with a mysterious air. Over the course of your stay, you will see awe-inspiring sights that will remain with you after you leave from your vacation. The Luxor Las Vegas is one of the well known hotel and casinos that help give Vegas such a shining reputation.

When you stay in the Luxor, you can expect to be in some of the classiest Eastern decor rooms available on the Strip. The large rooms make use of the Egyptian theme, further burying you within the sights, sounds and feel of the East. In each room, you will also find a variety of amenities designed to make your stay more enjoyable.

Room Features:
Air conditioning
clock radios
remote-controlled cable TV
electronic door locks
hair dryer (available on request)
iron and ironing board (available on request)
pay-per-view movies
telephone with voice mail

Luxor Casino

When you are staying at the Luxor, you will most likely end up visiting the 120,000 square foot casino. This casino keeps with the Egyptian theme, while remaining one of the largest and most elegant casinos in Las Vegas. There are a wide variety of games available for play, which allows everyone to find something of interest to them.

Local Attractions

When you stay at the Luxor, there are a wide variety of things to see and do. When you stay at the Luxor, you will want to make certain that you make enough time to visit all of these things before you leave.

The Tomb of Tutankhamun

This replica of the tomb discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter is a great sight to see if you are interested in the history and glamor of Egypt. It is open daily from 9 A.M. to 11 P.M. Admittance is $5.

In Search of the Obelisk

This motion simulator ride is one of the attractions many individuals visit the Luxor to see. Considered one of the best motion simulator rides in Las Vegas, it is well worth the $7.50 to ride. In order to be able to ride this ride, you will need to be over 42 inches tall.

Luxor IMAX

This 68 foot by 48 foot screen lets you see some of the most interesting shows on a huge screen that pulls you into the action. Admission fees to see the show is $9.95, and you should purchase your tickets at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the show.

With so much to see and do at the Luxor Las Vegas, you can have the perfect vacation you deserve in a beautiful atmosphere that will awe you throughout your entire stay.

Source: http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/nevada/las-vegas/the-pyramid.php

Hotel Reservation Tips

By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

BASIC INFORMATION

• Is the front desk staffed 24 hours a day?
• Does the hotel offer non-smoking rooms?
• Does the hotel allow pets? What size?
• What is check in time? Check out time?
• What is the policy for late check in?
• What is the hotel's cancellation policy?
• How much is the room tax?
• What is the fee for local calls?

FINDING A DEAL

• ask if they offer discounts (corporate, AAA, senior, etc.)
• if lower advertised rate, ask for that rate
• shop for internet discounts and web-only rates
• travel agents can often get better deals
• ask for extended stay discount for long trips

HOTEL AMENITIES

• Does the hotel have a restaurant or cafe?
• Is there a pool or other recreational facilities?
• Is there a playground or other children's facilities?
• Is there a phone in the room?
• Does the room have a private bath?
• Are there business facilities (fax, internet, copier, etc.)?

MAKING RESERVATIONS

• make reservations with a credit card in case you have problems
• travel insurance will protect you if trip cancelled
• read travel insurance policies carefully for exclusions
• check your confirmation for errors as soon as you receive it
• give someone your itinerary -- arrival, departure, hotel
• double check your reservations before leaving

SAFETY TIPS

• find out what the neighborhood is like
• research photos on the internet and in travel guides
• stay away from hotels with numbers on the keys
• ask for a room not on the first floor
• make sure there is a deadbolt on all exterior doors
• doors opening into interior hallways are safer
• check the fire escape route upon arrival
• use the hotel safe for valuables
• use the hotel main entrance after dark
• hang the "do not disturb" sign and leave TV on when gone

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business. You may contact Ramona at comments@onlineorganizing.com.

Source:http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=40

Making a hotel reservation? Use these tips to get a better deal

by Tanisha A. Sykes

Whether you like to stay at the Four Seasons or the Hilton, get discounts that count! According to The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel by Joel L. Widzer (Travelers' Tales Guides; $12.95), you don't have to be wealthy to enjoy luxury hotels. Of course, you can go online to www.hotels.com or www.expedia.com for discounts, or you can bundle your car, air, and hotel fares. But did you know there are other ways to get discounts on hotels? When booking your next hotel reservation, consider these tips:

A Join a frequent guest program.

"The hotel industry is a highly competitive business that is vulnerable to certain economic cycles," says Widzer, so frequent, guest programs were invented, Most of the major chains such as Marriott. Holiday Inn, and Westin offer such programs. And although more upscale places like the Ritz-Carlton "do not actively promote a frequent guest program, they do make special accommodations and upgrades available to their most loyal guests," he says.

B Get to know the hotel manager, reservations manager, and bell captain.

All businesses love repeat customers, so find out who's in charge and make friends--fast! These are the people who know the most about the hotel, from the best views re the best rates to the best times of the year to visit. Be sure to remind these key players how much you've enjoyed your stay and that you're a longtime customer, or let them know of your intention to revisit if it's your first time.

C Don't be afraid to tip an extra buck or two!

Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_10_35/ai_n13819880

Accomodation reservation system for southern Africa

ResAfrica.com is an accommodation booking engine for South Africa hotels and other types of accommodation. Hotels, Guest Houses and B&Bs can manage their rates, rules and inventory. Travellers can search for accommodation and availability and can reserve rooms on RoomsForAfrica.com.

Why Book a Nepal Resort Holiday Today?

By Peter I. Wilson

If you are looking to go on an adventure holiday which offers beautiful scenery and which will leave you wanting more then Nepal is certainly a destination that you should look into.

Often people have no idea where to go and Nepal is never usually the first destination which people consider. However it does attract thousands of tourists each and every single year and once you have been there, you will understand why.

Experiencing the Himalayan Mountains

When you travel to the Himalayan Mountains you will notice straight away, just how friendly the local people are. There is such a warm, inviting atmosphere in Nepal and the culture is absolutely fascinating. The people seem to remain stuck in their own traditions and it is simply a fascinating experience to witness their everyday lives.

One of the best activities to partake in whilst you visit Nepal, is camping. With miles upon miles of beautiful forests and lakes, camping is definitely one of the best activities that you can experience. Nothing but wildlife and the peaceful surroundings will help you to relax and have a restful holiday. An adventure holiday does not always have to be extreme - it can be incredibly relaxing and exciting at the same time. Just exploring somewhere new can be exciting and it can prove to be one of the best ways to spend any holiday.

If you do decide to go to the Himalayan Mountains then there are a number of things that you need to take with you. Things such as hiking boots, a first aid kit and a special jacket in case you get lost or get into trouble in the wilderness are all essentials that you should have. Nepal is an exciting adventure but as with all adventure holidays, when you do not know where you are going, s can occur. So it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Trekking Through Nepal

One of the main activities that tourists love to experience in Nepal is trekking. As the country boasts some fantastic scenery and beautiful forests and lakes. It is always a good idea if you do want to experience trekking, that you go in groups. You should never attempt to go trekking alone as this can potentially be extremely dangerous; especially if you have no idea where you are going. So always make sure that you travel with either someone in your group or a fellow traveler in order to stay safe.

Overall it would definitely be a good idea to take a guide with you if you do plan on going trekking. There are many guides who can take you around the forests and lakes in Nepal and you can enquire about them at the resort where you are staying.

---

Peter Wilson's reports can be encountered on large numbers of web pages related to bus times from Alicante to Malaga and how far away is Madrid from Alicanti. Recording his experience in detailed writings, the author proofed his deep knowledge on things relating to Alicante to Madrid and bus times from Alicante to Malaga.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_I._Wilson

Skip The Hotel And Stay In A Hostel

By Lee Dobbins

Hostelling is a great way to travel if you are on a tight budget. Popular with college students who tour Europe, hostelling offers low budget and low luxury accommodations for those that don't mind bunking up and sharing with other travelers.

This method of travel can offer adventure and the chance to meet different people but is not for everyone. It's great for the solo traveler or group of young people but families with small children and couples who want a romantic vacation should spring for more private accommodation's.

Most hostels are set up as dormitory style rooms, with a number of bunk beds arranged throughout the room. The number of bunk beds in a single room varies, with the average from four to ten bunks per room. Each traveler is assigned a specific bunk upon check-in.

Almost all hostels in the United States divide their accommodations according to gender, with the female guests in one block of rooms and the male guests in another. In multi-floor hostels, each gender is often assigned a specific floor or group of floors.

In Europe and other locations throughout the world, you may find hostels with mixed gender rooms. If you don't feel comfortable bunking with members of the opposite sex, then make sure you inquire as to the arrangements before you settle in.

The bathroom accommodations at hostels vary as well, with some rooms containing a shared bathroom and shower, while other hostels will have shower and bathroom facilities located in the hallway. If this is an important consideration, you should make sure to ask about bathroom facilities when making the reservation.

Although hostelling is a very informal way to travel, you do need to make reservations especially during the summer. It used to be you could just drop in and be accommodated, but this method of travel is becoming more popular and some hostels can be booked for months during popular tourist seasons. Better to call ahead than to be left out in the cold!

The main appeal of staying at hostels, of course, is the price. The nightly rate for a hostel rarely rises above $25 or $30 per night, with most hostel accommodations costing far less. With the average hotel room hovering around $100 to $150 in many locations, it is easy to see why hostels are becoming so popular.

In addition, the staff at most hostels are extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area. Unlike many staff members of some luxury hotels, who travel in from the suburbs and rarely see the city in which the live, hostel staff tend to live in their city, and they have an intimate knowledge of the local attractions, including which attractions are can’t miss and which ones are a waste of money.

In addition, hostels often have access to discounts and coupons for local area attractions and restaurants, and they can provide valuable information on the best, lowest priced restaurants in the area.

Hostel accommodation's won't please everyone and certainly aren't for every vacation but they can be great lodging for the budget minded tourist. If your main goal is to go out and seek new adventures and places to see and you care less about luxurious accommodation's then hostels will allow you to save money on lodging so that you can spend more on your travel destinations and experiences.

-------------

Lee Dobbins writes for Travel Cents where you can read more articles about traveling on a budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

The Bahamas Are The Ideal Getaway

By Michael Russell

As everyone knows, the Bahamas are one of the most sought out vacation areas to travel to. Thousands of people each year travel there for the warm climate, sandy beaches, and the many attractions the islands have to offer.

One of the main attractions that seems to draw a lot of visitors is the abundance of superior tailored hotels. Most of the more popular hotels, are located with ocean front views. Tourists seem to love to wake up in the morning, and see the ocean as their first vision of the day. Supposedly, it has some type of enlightenment on a person's nervous system. Some of the more highly prestigious hotels are the Abaco Beach Resort, and the Small Hope Bay Lodge.

The Abaco Beach Resort is located on the outer part of the islands. They provide all sorts of accomodation, dining, entertainment shows, along with local attractions, and special setup island events.

Another main feature they take pride in is setting up things like birthday parties and weddings. The whole resort covers around 52 acres in total area. It has around 82 fully pampered rooms, tennis courts, fitness rooms full of exercise equipment, a specially setup marina designed for fishing, a dive shop, pools, and many other extravagant features. It's the perfect place to go on a vacation if you really want to just kick back and relax. The total square footage of the place is around 7,500 sq. feet.

The Small Hope Bay Lodge has been a primary spot for scuba divers, lovers and friends to escape to. The dramatic features of the coral reefs and underwater activities of fish provide all sorts of entertainment for singles and families to enjoy. Other types of activities would include bonefishing, snorkeling, lounging around under a nice shady palm tree, or just strolling around the many private beaches. A lot of people get peace of mind just sitting on the beach and reading a favorite book. Whatever you like to do, the Small Hope Bay Lodge tries to enrich your experience.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, and it lies on the New Providence Island which is near Paradise Island. These two islands get a lot of the national celebrities' attention. Notably, lots of actors, actresses, musicians and politicians either own some type of residence or rent one for periods of time throughout the year in the Bahamas. Statistically the islands are one of the most sought out vacation spots in the world. The most highly sought out of any spot in the Bahamas would have to be Atlantis. Atlantis is located on Paradise Island and is referred to as the "Ideal Getaway". Cruises, hotels and tourist attractions, are just a few of the spectacular features Atlantis has to offer. Accommodation at places like the Royal Towers, or the Imperial Club, or the famous Coral Tower usually stay booked year round.

Beach Tower and Harborside Resort are just more examples of the plush hotels that reside within Atlantis. A four day package to Atlantis usually runs around $500. A lot of people consider that a very cheap price considering everything that is provided along with everything you receive during your stay.

One other notable resort is the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort located in the capital's Cabel Beach. They actually have 2 unique islands and they carry people from one to the other by a ferry boat. The ferry boat ride is one of the highly luxurious features that they take pride in.

One of the main attractions is the European built Five Diamond Award monument. It seems to attract a host of unique visitors to it each year. Local tours are provide between both of the islands each day. Some of the luxuries at the hotels would include pampered accommodation, fine dining, Red Lane Spa, scuba diving, and an enormous golf course. Weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays are all celebrated there year round. They also host a just couples resort designed for lovers and friends to spend private time alone with each other.

-------------------------------------------------------

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to The Bahamas
-------------------------------------------------------

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Passion Explored - Holiday Accommodation in Barcelona

By Lulie Swanepoel

As small as Europe is in comparison to any other continent, the diversity of culture is something that really appeals to any traveller. As somebody who hasn’t travelled much, I was overwhelmed when choosing which European country I was going to visit on my long awaited holiday. But after looking through many brochures the answer came surprisingly easy. That very same day I booked my holiday to Barcelona.

Alluring Passion
The essence of Spain is passion. I could feel it as soon as I set my foot down at the airport. Everything the Spanish do is with passion. The way they walk, their language, their cooking style and even their flaring tempers are displayed with such passion that you can’t help but be inspired. It’s like a wild fire burning out of control.

On the way to my accommodation, my taxi driver enthusiastically gave me a rundown of things that I should do and see as a first time tourist. I felt like a kid in a candy store, not quite sure where to begin but wanting everything at once. And even after my long tiresome flight, the exhilarating feeling that I was in a city with so much to offer made me realise that the next two weeks were going to be beyond memorable.

My Apartment
Instead of booking into a hotel, I opted for my own Barcelonan flat. This wasn’t just going to be a holiday, this was going to be a life experience and I figured the best way to go about it would be to have my own place to call home. I was staying at the Vista Real. It was an apartment rented out specifically as a holiday accommodation for tourists who want to feel like they have their own safe haven. Quite a clever illusion I think. I had my very own place and I was ready to become a Spanish senõrita.

Park Guell
After my breakfast at the café across the road from Vista Real, I set off to the Guell park. Architecture in Barcelona in my opinion is quite haunting. Most of the buildings are designed in the gothic style and the major landmarks were done by Barcelona’s famous architect, Gaudi. The Guell Park is one such a landmark. With enormous stone structures, the entrance to to Guell Park is a brightly coloured tiled dragon. I was awestruck at the beauty and detail with which every inch was designed. It seemed like the magical world of a hypnotic fairytale. And it was drawing me into its spellbinding world.

Just a normal day
I spent the whole day at Geull Park before I eventually left to go back to my apartment. This was a typical day for me in Barcelona. Joining the locals for some breakfast and walking through the city of Barcelona. I left everything to the heat of the moment, and like a true Spanish senõrita passionately continued on my holiday.

Living in my own apartment, even for just two weeks, was one of the best things I could have done. And for me it has made the idea of staying at a hotel almost unbearable. Since then, I have travelled to Amsterdam and Paris, again staying only in holiday apartments. I have become a woman of the world.

-----

Author Bio:
WayToStay Apartment Rentals offers short-stay self catering accommodation in Barcelona, Amsterdam and Paris as the smarter alternative to hotels for leisure and business travellers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lulie_Swanepoel

Dubai Property for Rent - Searching for Accommodation

By Ahmed Juma

Moving to a foreign country can be intimidating and finding the best place to rent can be daunting. Dubai's expatriate population is steadily increasing and demand for rental properties is high. Unfortunately for tenants, this has resulted in skyrocketing rents. Approximately half of UAE residents spend about 30% or more of their salary on accommodation expenses. Despite the costs, most expats, mainly in the UAE for short-term work contracts, opt to lease rather than invest in the real estate market. To the relief of many of those looking to rent property in Dubai, the government has imposed legislation stipulating that any rent increase shall not exceed 5% of the annual lease price. There are also several new property developments underway that should take some pressure off the market in the near future.

Housing allowances are typically part of the expat package. Although in the past companies would cover the bill for the entire rental amount, the trend now is for expats to be allocated a certain percentage of the total yearly accommodation cost, with the rest being paid for out of their salary. Other fees to bear in mind when renting include a security deposit (refundable at the end of tenancy if the rental is deemed to be in good condition by the landlord), possible car parking fees, monthly utilities, municipality charges (typically 5% of the lease), and a 5% commission fee if the services of a real estate agent are used. Maintenance and repairs of the property are covered by the landlord. Tenants are not allowed to make changes to the structure of the property inside or out without the permission of the landlord.

The lease will often be drawn up between the landlord and the tenant's company/sponsor. If an expat signs the lease himself he must have a residence visa or at least a letter from his employer stating that a visa is in process. The normal duration of a lease is one year. Unlike in many countries where rent is paid on a monthly basis, in Dubai the entire year's rent is paid upfront, most commonly with 2 or 3 checks. For example, in the case of bi-annual payment, the first 6 months of the lease are paid for immediately with a current dated check, while the remainder of the year is paid for with a post-dated check. (Short-term furnished monthly accommodation in Dubai is available but it is often more costly.) It is important to understand that once the lease is signed, the tenant is tied to the contract. In order to terminate the lease the tenant would need permission from the landlord. That being said, the rental laws in Dubai actually favor tenants. Landlords cannot force a renter to leave without a very good reason (such as wanting the property for their own personal use). Even if the lease is only for a year, as long as the tenants do not break any aspects of the contract, the lease is presumed to be renewable. The Municipality has a special section set up, the Dubai Rental Committee, to oversee any disputes between landlords and tenants.

After cost, location is probably the biggest factor in determining where to rent. Dubai is split in two by the Creek with Deira (or "Old Dubai") on one side and "New Dubai" on the other. The decision for where to rent is based on factors including accessibility to work, schools, shops and hospitals. Some of the most popular locations to rent include:

• Garhoud: located near Dubai International Airport and offering low-rise apartments and townhouses at reasonable rents.


• Mirdiff: a newer development consisting mainly of villas located past the airport.


• Bur Dubai: located near Bur Juman Shopping Center and offering reasonably priced apartments.


• Downtown Deira: reasonably priced low-rise apartments are readily available in this neighborhood, although if work or schools are located on the opposite side of the creek the traffic can be a nightmare.


• Satwa: a nicely located area situated between Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, offering low-rise apartments and reasonably priced villas. It is believed that zoning regulations will change for Satwa in the near future allowing development of high-rise buildings.


• Jumeirah / Umm Suqueim: ideally situated near the beach, parks, and schools, this is probably the most popular area for the European and Local communities, offering upscale villas and townhouses.


• New Dubai Developments: including The Greens, Arabian Ranches, The Lakes, The Meadows, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Marina and located near Dubai Internet City. Many offer gated, family friendly communities with access to swimming pools and other recreational amenities.

Those searching for Dubai property for rent can find extensive listings in the local classifieds or direct from property developers such as Arenco Real Estate, Alpha Properties, Better Homes, Cluttons UAE, or Century 21. The search for the perfect place to lease can be time-consuming and may seem overwhelming. Understanding UAE rental laws, using only a reputable real estate agent, and investigating the best possible locations are all part of making the hunt for an apartment or villa in Dubai successful.

Ahmed Juma is a local UAE businessman who owns and manages several properties for rent in Dubai. He is also the owner of Emirates-Ads, a Dubai classifieds site with listings for Dubai apartments, villas and rooms for rent and property for sale as well as jobs, used cars, and items for sale.

-----

Ahmed Juma is a local UAE businessman who owns and manages several properties for rent in Dubai. He is also the owner of Emirates-Ads, a Dubai classifieds site with listings for Dubai apartments, villas and rooms for rent and property for sale as well as jobs, used cars, and items for sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ahmed_Juma

Deluxe Marriott In Thailand & resort in Phuket

Source : Marriott International

The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove is the 11th hotel Marriott currently has under construction in Thailand and the fifth that it is developing with Destination Properties.

Marriott International, Inc. will introduce its upscale, deluxe Marriott lodging brand in Phuket in 2008 with a 202-room resort under a management agreement with Kamala Bay Terrace Co, Ltd., a subsidiary of Destination Properties.

The chic boutique-like, 202-room Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove is a conversion of the Kamala Terrace Resort which originally opened in 1993. The hotel was closed in 2005 and is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion. Given its location south of Kamala Beach, the hotel will have easy access to the array of attractions offered by Phuket, arguably one of the world’s most appealing holiday destinations.

“We are thrilled by the rapid expansion of our lodging brands not only throughout Thailand, but specifically in Phuket,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging for Marriott. “Phuket is the largest and most-visited island in Thailand. When this resort opens, it will be our fifth property and third hotel brand on Phuket which positions us to offer travelers a lodging choice in the luxury, upscale and upper-moderate tiers. We are also delighted to be continuing our strong relationship with Destination Properties.”

“We are excited to be teaming up this property with Marriott under their full service, deluxe brand. The combination of the Resort’s chic boutique-like design, Marriott’s strong management capabilities and the fantastic location in Kamala Cove will make the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove one of Phuket’s most sought after vacation destinations,” said Gary Murray, chief executive officer of Destination Properties.

Marriott’s upscale, deluxe Marriott lodging brand is committed to providing travelers with an effortless, sophisticated and welcoming hotel stay so that they can accomplish as much as possible whether they are traveling on business or pleasure.

Located on a hill south of Kamala Beach, the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove will provide unobstructed, panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and will boast many rooms with large terraces, most of which will offer either a plunge pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi or a personal pool. Guest rooms will have Marriott’s renowned plush bed and bath linens, flat screen TVs, internet access and in-room safes.

For dining and entertainment, the resort will have two restaurants, one of which will be an all-day casual outlet offering a grand buffet and the other will offer specialty dining.

Additionally, the resort will have an open lobby lounge featuring elements of Marriott’s “Great Room” concept and a pool bar.

Recreational amenities will include the largest swimming pool in Phuket, a spa offering eight treatment rooms; a fitness center with a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi; a lap pool and a children’s pool; a recreation pavilion with a library and games room. Other amenities will include a gift shop and a business center.

For social events and conferences, the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove will have 345 square meters of space comprised of the following: a 225-square meter ballroom which will be divisible into two section and three individual meeting rooms, each measuring 40 square meters.

Currently under construction in Thailand, and scheduled to open through 2010, are the following 10 Marriott International-branded properties:

• 195-unit Sathorn Vista, Bangkok—Marriott Executive Apartments (early 2008)
• 300-unit Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok—Marriott Executive Apartments (early 2008)
• 385-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Patong (mid-2008)
• 256-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach (early-2008)
• 180-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach (mid-2008)
• 243-room Courtyard by Marriott Hua Hin at Cha Am Beach (early-2008)
• 333-room Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel (late 2008)
• 310-room Renaissance Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel (early 2010)
• 92-unit Benshasiri Place, Bangkok—Marriott Executive Apartments (2010)
• 175-room Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa (2010)

The existing Marriott International portfolio in Thailand today consists of eight properties including its luxury JW Marriott brand, its deluxe Marriott and Renaissance brands, its upper-moderate-priced Courtyard by Marriott brand and its Marriott Executive Apartments properties for extended-stay travelers.

U.S. hotels could lose revenue

Source : PKF Hospitality Research

A recently released analysis by PKF Hospitality Research found that if an economic recession were to occur in the United States during 2008 – 2009 - it would result in a 6.1 percent decline in rooms revenue for the U.S.

lodging industry through 2010. With all the rumblings of a potential decline in the nation’s economy, PKF-HR felt it important to conduct a special econometric analysis that measured the impact a hypothetical economic recession would have on U.S. hotels.

“We do not anticipate a near-term economic recession, but some industry participants are beginning to worry since times have been so good for so long,” said Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research. “Our current forecast without a recession calls for a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent in RevPAR for the typical U.S. hotel during the next three years.

However, should the unexpected happen and economic indicators such as gross domestic product, employment, and real personal income slow down or decline, then the average U.S. hotel is forecast to achieve annual RevPAR growth of just 2.0 percent through 2010.”

This special recession analysis was made in conjunction with the release of PKF-HR’s latest national Hotel Horizon forecast. Each quarter, PKF-HR produces Hotel Horizon reports for six national chain-scale segments and 50 major markets across the country. Each report contains a five-year econometric forecast of supply, demand, occupancy, ADR and RevPAR.

A Hypothetical Recession

“Since we are not forecasting a recession, we analyzed the economic indicators from the last two downturns to simulate a future economic recession,” Woodworth noted. The last two U.S. economic downturns occurred from 1990 to 1991 and 2000 to 2001. During these two periods, annual GDP change averaged 1.4 percent. Concurrently, employment declined 0.2 percent and real personal incomes increased 0.8 percent. For reference purposes, PKF-HR’s current outlook for the U.S. lodging industry is based on average annual GDP growth of 2.9 percent, employment gains of 3.0 percent, and real personal income increases of 1.1 percent from 2008 through 2010. PKF-HR uses Moody’s economy.com as its source for economic forecast data.

“Our analysis of the historical relationship between hotel performance and the nation’s economy found that lodging demand closely follows the downward movement of GDP during economic recessions,” observed Woodworth. Therefore, when we simulate an economic recession that has a trough in 2009, we foresee most of the fall off in lodging industry performance to occur that same year.”

What Will Likely Happen

Using the baseline economic forecast provided by Moody’s economy.com, which assumes no economic recession, PKF-HR is forecasting the U.S. lodging industry will achieve average annual RevPAR growth of 5.5 percent from 2007 through 2010. This is substantially greater than the long term annual average of 3.3 percent.

“Given where we are in the lodging industry cycle, it is not surprising that ADR growth will be the main driver of RevPAR growth the next few years,” said Woodworth. We continue to be impressed with the ability of hotel managers to raise the contract rates for their big corporate accounts, as well as take advantage of the negotiating leverage they possess with meeting planners.

“Many people are worrying about the record volume of new hotel projects in the development pipeline. However, given the current costs of construction, lending environment and investor expectations, we believe the growth in demand for hotel accommodations will absorb most of the new supply. Therefore, we are only forecasting slight declines in occupancy in 2007 and 2008.”

What May Happen

In the event of an economic recession that parallels the previous two national downturns, the U.S. lodging industry could lose an estimated 6.1 percent in revenue. This is the result of 2.2 percent fewer occupied rooms and the inability to raise room rates as aggressively because of more competitive market conditions. “Using our pessimistic economic assumptions, the hypothetical loss in lodging industry revenue would mostly be the result of a drop in occupancy, not a decline in ADR,” explained Woodworth.

“Prior to the industry recessions of the early 1990s and 2000s, we observed a big run up in supply,” noted John (Jack) B. Corgel, Ph.D., the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate at the Cornell University Hotel School and senior advisor to PKF Hospitality Research. “Given the relatively slow growth in supply seen since 2002, plus the current disciplined financing environment, an economic recession would result in a slowdown of the progression of proposed hotel projects through the development pipeline.” Under PKF-HR’s recession scenario, an estimated 66,000 fewer rooms will be built during the next three years.

PKF-HR believes hotel management’s recent ability to practice yield management and drive room rates above expectations will bode them well through an upcoming recession. “During our recession scenario, we believe U.S. hotel room rates will continue to grow,” said Woodworth. “However, the growth will be less than the pace of inflation and roughly 2.6 percentage points less than our expected pace of ADR growth.”

An economic recession will have varying degrees of impact on the major segments of the lodging industry. Woodworth comments, “History has proven that the hotels that are most vulnerable to a decline in utilization are those that are already lagging in performance. Given the recent sub-par results of midscale with food and beverage properties, we would be most concerned about this chain-scale segment if a recession were to occur.

“It needs to be emphasized that PKF-HR is not forecasting an economic recession. However, we are always assisting our clients to prepare for possible future economic conditions.”

Who has the best hotel rewards program?

Source : Marriott International hotels

Reward members can now earn miles for stays at international hotels but what are the details of this deal that make it a sure winner?

Marriott Rewards has been named “Best Hotel Rewards Program” by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Travel Savvy, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

Marriott Rewards members can now earn Jet Airways Jet Privilege miles when they stay at over 2,700 Marriott International hotels in 65 countries. Marriott Rewards members now have 30 airline options.

Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 68 aircraft, which includes 7 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 50 classic and next generation Boeing 737-400/700/800/900 aircraft, 4 Airbus A330-200 aircraft and 7 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. With an average fleet age of 4.82 years, the airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleet in the world. Jet Airways operates over 350 flights daily.

Flights to 54 destinations span the length and breadth of India and beyond, including New York (JFK), New York (Newark), Toronto, Brussels, London Heathrow, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Bangkok and Kathmandu. The airline plans to extend its international operations to other cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia in phases with the introduction of wide-body aircraft into its fleet. Since its inception in May 1993 to end- October 2007, Jet Airways has flown over 81.8 million passengers.

Marriott Rewards points may be redeemed for hotel stays, frequent flyer miles, car rentals, theme park passes, retail merchandise and more. With more than 2,700 participating hotels in 65 countries, Marriott Rewards provides travelers the opportunity to earn free vacations at more resorts than any other hotel loyalty program.

Effective immediately, Marriott Rewards members who designate Jet Airways Jet Privilege miles as their earning preference will receive:

Two (2) miles per U.S. dollar spent at:

• Marriott Hotels & Resorts
• JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
• Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
• Marriott Vacation Club International

Or one (1) mile per U.S. dollar spent (room rate only) at:

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Residence Inn by Marriott
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott
• Horizons by Marriott

In addition, Marriott Rewards members can convert their Marriott Rewards points into Jet Airways Jet Privilege miles at the following exchange rates:

10,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 1,500 miles
20,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 3,500 miles
30,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 7,000 miles
70,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 17,500 miles
125,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 35,000 miles

The Bench's Global Hotel Review

Source : By James Chappell, Managing Director of The Bench

The Bench recently presented a review of 2007 Global Hotel Performance at two major hospitality events, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) - and the International Society of Hospitality Consultants' Annual Conference, both in the cosmopolitan and thriving city of Hong Kong.

The review presented by James included valuable insights into how the global hotel economy has fared over the year to
date. His presentation looked specifically at RevPAR growth in the key global markets of the US, UK, Europe and Asia
Pacific and also the principal sectors within those regions.

Some key conclusions and statistics shared by James included:

United Kingdom

• RevPAR has continued to grow in 2007 after a strong performance in 2006 and is likely to continue into 2008
• UK RevPAR growth for 2007 is currently 13.2%
• The majority of the growth is confined to city centres such as London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool;
• growth in the regional markets is much lower
• This RevPAR growth is being driven predominately by Average Room Rate, 13%, whereas Occupancy is flat at .5%

Europe

• RevPAR was down slightly on 2006 at 8.4% compared to 11.61% but still very positive
• Germany has maintained the levels of Occupancy and ARR achieved during the World Cup, as a strong conference market supports demand
• Like the UK, the growth is predominately in ARR, whilst Occupancy levels have remained static
• Bedroom supply growth in Europe has remained static over the last year, growing by less than 1.5%.
  Americas
• US RevPAR was down slightly on 2006, from 7.5% to 5.5%, but business fundamentals remain strong
• New September YTD data, however, shows RevPAR at 5.7%, indicating a trend towards our Year End forecast of 6%
• US Luxury and 慤pper upscale?sectors have shown strong growth, with the Budget sector weakest
• New York has been the strongest city in the US to date, with 12% RevPAR growth, caused by a combination of
  decreased supply in the market and strong trading conditions
• Supply growth in US markets started to spike in 2006, rising to over 2%
• Strong RevPAR growth of 20% in South America, with the three cities San Paolo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires all above 12% growth year to date.

Asia

• After a weak first quarter, the region shows a 4% RevPAR growth compared to 8% in 2006; Asia has surged to 11.3% year to date
• Growth is strongest in India (29%), Singapore (34.6%) and the southeast Asia economies of Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia on 44%, 40% and 36% respectively
• Growth in South East Asia has been caused by a perfect alignment of rate growth environment
• China shows a negative growth to date of -2.8%, hampered not by decreased demand but rather by a large increase in hotel stock.

HICAP was also attended by Jonas Ogren, Sales Manager for The Bench in Asia Pacific, who was pleased to report that
the uptake of The Bench in the region continues to grow, mirroring the true business value of accurate and timely
management information upon which to base strategic revenue-critical decisions.

The Bench now has well over 750 properties participating in the region and more are being added by the day. All of the
major hotel groups are committed to The Bench and are increasingly being joined by local hotel groups and independent
hotels across the region.

The market overview presented by James Chappell at these key industry events was made possible by the performance
data held on The Bench ?global data entered daily by all Bench users, who themselves benefit from the fastest, most upto-date performance benchmarking analyses available, accessed via The Bench.

UK hotel bookings remain firm.

Source : HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte

Scottish hotels show strongest UK performance.

Despite a reported softening in economic conditions, the UK hotel market has maintained strong growth in the last quarter.

The latest results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte show that across the UK revPAR (room revenue per available room) has increased 6.8% year-to-September, with five UK cities posting double-digit increases. However, the rate of growth is down on that seen in the six months to the end of June when revPAR had increased 8.3%.

Scotland saw the best hotel performance of the three countries in the United Kingdom with revPAR growth across the country of 8.9%. Aberdeen had the highest growth of any UK city, with revPAR increasing 18.6%. High room rates from corporate demand in the oil and gas industry means the average hotel room in Aberdeen now costs £74 a night. Glasgow also achieved revPAR growth of 13.1%.

London hotels have continued to experience high occupancy levels (82.7%), which have underpinned 9.9% growth in average room rates. The average hotel room in the capital now costs £126 a night, up from £114 in 2006. RevPAR as a result is up 10.4%.

Commenting, Marvin Rust, Hospitality Managing Partner at Deloitte said: “Fears of a slow down following this summer’s global financial crisis have not yet materialised in the UK hotel market. Whilst growth has slowed slightly from the 8.3% seen during the first six months of this year, we remain positive about the outlook for hotel performance.

“For the hotel industry, demand is driven by both the business and consumer markets. Most companies continue to generate profits and corporate bookings remain strong and consumer spending has not yet declined as unemployment levels remain low.

“Although the pound remained strong in the last three months, it did lose some value against most other major currencies which encouraged international visitors from countries in the Eurozone as well as from Asia. Visitors from these regions helped make up for the decline in US visitors.”

However Rust added a note of caution: “If the UK and other key economies do slowdown, any reduction in travel as a result of reduced consumer and company spending, could be as early as quarter two next year.”

UK City Performance - nine months to end September 2007
Source: HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte

Regional performance:

Cardiff: Strong hotel performance in September as a result of demand during the Rugby World Cup. RevPAR growth of 23% in September and a 15.3% increase in room rates during the month. Year-to-date revPAR growth was 2.2%.

Bournemouth: 10.8% increase in revPAR in September after hosting the Labour Party conference on the 23-27September. Bournemouth has seen modest year-to-September revPAR growth of 1.3%.

Sheffield: revPAR decreased 4.7% during September, contributing to a decrease of 1.7% since the beginning of the year. Rising competition, severe flooding over summer and fewer events are all blamed for the decline.

Manchester: revPAR decreased 7.3% in September, the biggest fall of any UK city. However, the decline is against a background of 4.0% growth in the year-to-date. Hoteliers in the region believe falling rates are partly the result of reduced weekend travellers than in the previous year.

Leeds: Year-to-date revPAR growth has fallen to 1.0% down from 3.9% in the six months to June). RevPAR decreased 3.1% in September due to an over supply of budget hotels.

Note: all analysis in UK£

Contact:
Tina Wanstall
HotelBenchmark
+44 (0) 20 7007 0981
Email: twanstall@deloitte.co.uk

HotelBenchmark and Lincoln University join forces.

Source : HotelBenchmark

Working together under a new agreement they are able to provide more comprehensive information and analysis for the hotel industry in New Zealand next year.

Commenting on the announcement, Lorna Clarke, Executive Director of HotelBenchmark™ at Deloitte said: “We are delighted to work with Lincoln University and combine our research to provide the hotel industry with even more critical information to help them understand their performance and operating environment.

As we currently boast the largest independent operated survey in the region monitoring hotel performance - this is an exciting relationship and we are looking forward to developing reports to provide enhanced information in response to the changing needs of the industry”.

The HotelBenchmark™ Survey is the market leader in monitoring hotel performance tracking over 485 markets across 140 countries. The New Zealand edition of the survey currently reports on the monthly occupancy, average room rates and revenue per available room (revPAR) performance of 12 markets across the country.

Dr Anthony Brien, Senior Lecture in Hotel Management at Lincoln University added: “In addition to being committed to the hotel industry in terms of providing management education and qualifications – our research provides enormous benefits to all interested parties.

Our relationship with Deloitte will provide an efficient and effective tool for hotels to benchmark their performance in a variety of ways and we will now be able to extend our research and analysis by including other variables to provide a more complete picture of the New Zealand hotel industry.”

About the Lincoln University Commerce Division
The Commerce Division is the largest of the four divisions at Lincoln University, accounting for around 40 per cent of total student numbers. The Commerce Division provides teaching, research and professional services in the areas of Accounting, Business Management & Law, Economics, Finance, Marketing and Property.

It has an extremely active Postgraduate Programme with around including 50 PhDs. It also has an established Executive Development Programme (EDP) aimed at managers and professionals who are unable to study full time or on-campus of which there is a specialisation in Tourism and Hotel Management. www.lincoln.ac.nz

UK hotel industry achieves growth

Source : Deloitte HotelBenchmark

Whilst 2007 produced positive outcomes - weakening economic situation threatens growth in 2008

2007 was a good year for the UK hotel industry with double–digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) in the capital and a healthy increase across the regions. Latest results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte¹ show that during 2007 revPAR in London increased by 10.8%. Against this, the performance of the regional UK market was more muted at 4.4%, but this was still an increase in revenue and marks the fourth year of consecutive growth.

London’s 10.8% growth in revPAR came on top of growth of 16.8% in 2006. Average revPAR has increased from £99 to £110, to reach its highest level since the technology boom days of 2000.

Aberdeen retains the top spot with the fastest growing revPAR of any UK hotel market, enjoying impressive growth of 17.2% thanks to strong weekday business demand from the North Sea oil industry. However, with large oil producers saying they will be reducing North Sea oil production next year, growth in 2008 may be more restrained. Outside London, Glasgow follows with growth of 10.5%. However, the revPAR of both Glasgow and Aberdeen is still substantially lower than Edinburgh which, at £69, commands the highest rates outside London.

Marvin Rust, Hospitality Managing Partner at Deloitte said: “2007 has been another good year for the UK hotel market, with strong gains in many UK cities, despite a weakening economic environment in the last quarter. The question is how much longer double-digit growth can continue. So far, the UK hotel industry appears unscathed by troubles across the Atlantic and at home, but with an increasingly gloomy global outlook it would be a brave man to predict that 2008 will be as good as 2007.”

Roger Bootle, economic adviser to Deloitte agrees that next year is likely to be challenging. Commenting he said: “2008 is likely to be the year when the party ends. Consumer spending growth is likely to slow from around 3% last year to about 2% this year and corporations will not escape unscathed either. This will have a direct knock-on effect on the businesses that rely on the City for their trade, including hotels, bars and restaurants.”

Marvin Rust predicts the credit situation is unlikely to impact on new hotel developments: “Although the cost of financing new developments may have risen, with land scarce and hotel projects having long build times I expect these to continue largely unaffected. New supply will remain subdued and demand is strong with the increasing focus of the world on London as we head for 2012.”

Marketing Independent Hotels

By Leora Lanz

The Director of Marketing is busy handling direct responsibilitie- We would never expect that the DOS /M has time to review guest service Standard Operating Procedures to insure we are making promises that are actually being delivered.

Today’s independent hotels, both full- and limited- service, find themselves working much harder to compete with the newer, branded properties that benefit from sales and marketing opportunities offered by their franchises. Ever-diligent sales and marketing professionals continue to reach out to clients, persistently pointing out their product redo’s and amenities.

So, while the investment has been made in the facility itself, and the marketing outreach is proactive and strong, what’s going on with service levels at these hotels? Is service keeping up with the product? Is it delivering on the promises that marketing is making?

When a sales director writes a marketing plan, the focus is on the competitive analysis, the sales action plans and budgets. The plan also includes vision and position statements, identifies new business generators and new markets, and even commits to new services and amenities.

The Director of Sales & Marketing (DOS) is busy enough handling direct responsibilities, and we would never expect him or her to have the time to review the guest service Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to insure we are making promises that are actually being delivered by operational staff.

Have we structured these SOPs so that job descriptions, training and even review processes are coordinated? In order to deliver the marketing promises we make and to grow our occupancy, why not consider the development and review of SOPs an important part of the marketing mix?

This is a very different approach. Service is key, but if service is disappointing, marketing has just shot itself in the foot. For independent hotels that may not have the benefit of a “corporate” or “brand standard” for service, the time is now to execute this effort and launch 2008 with a focused service and marketing initiative.

How can this be accomplished? HVS Marketing Communications has experience working with hotel executives to serve marketing in this capacity, and guiding professionals in property-level human resources and training to support the marketing vision.

Here are some elements that comprise our Five-Step Program:

I. Meet with hotel ownership and the executive committee

HVS can effectively serve as the facilitator to encourage the conversation, keep the discussion focused, and pull out specific messages to use for the hotel’s brand standards.

Brainstorm the emotions and experiences projected by the hotel. Who is the customer? Why do they come here? What do they expect of us? Use these responses and begin composing the hotel’s Brand Standards which include service and operational expectations, and expectations for service recovery.

Brainstorm with this group to understand the hotel’s vision. What do we want people to say about us at the end of the year? In five years? In 10 years?

Have this same group read reviews about the hotel posted on websites. What do these comments say about us? Where do we excel? Where do we disappoint? Understand how easy it is for someone to share his or her experience at our hotel – and with the world! Ask the group to write their own reviews and see how inconsistent or similar they can be.

Now ask this group to begin to write the creed – the pledge they would be willing to make as an employee of the hotel and as management. What does the management of the hotel promise to deliver to its employees? To its guests? What do the employees pledge to deliver to management? And to guests?

II. Meet with hotel department heads and key management
HVS Marketing Communications knows how important all departments are to the sales and marketing effort, and can effectively serve as the mediator and program coordinator for these sessions.

With this group, review the Brand Standards started by the executive committee for input, changes and discussion. The pleasant surprise for all will be the willingness of staff to contribute and share ideas. The key is to facilitate this neutrally and encourage positive input rather than finger pointing.

This group will also review, modify and contribute to the vision and creed. It’s important that there is a buy-in at all levels, including line staff, so that everyone will be willing to sign the pledge at the concluding ceremony.

Begin the process of documenting departmental tasks. It’s important that each department’s task list be shared and read among all; Many, if not most of the hotel tasks involve at least one other department. All departments must understand how other departments regard their input into a particular activity. This vocal and interactive conversation is an opportunity for service and operational efficiencies to result.

III. Meet with the staff of each hotel department
Having extensive on-site and corporate level experience, the HVS Marketing Communications team knows how to respectfully speak with all staff – line and management – to encourage contribution, discussion, resolution and agreement.

Now, each department can begin the process of documenting the policies and procedures for each task. This step can be tedious and tiresome, but it’s important to have policies, procedures and service issues spelled out. Remember, we’re talking about the service areas that directly touch the guest, as this is what affects the sales and marketing.

It’s important that meetings and discussions to document policies are facilitated so that they, in fact, do occur, and when necessary, for policies to be translated into languages spoken by the line staff who directly impact the guests. It is also critical that all staff participate so they understand their contribution to the department and can buy-in to the goal: pledging the ultimate in guest service so marketing can deliver on its promise.

This process takes time. Realistically, it can be accomplished in about three months, as long as the facilitator remains on top of the plan. The SOPs can also be used in the future for job descriptions and even performance reviews. Now that they’ve been shared with every individual working at the hotel for their understanding and commitment, the SOPs should be regarded as the backbone of the service process. And, of course, continued training of the SOPs and the special nuances which make this independent hotel distinct from its competition are necessary to keep brand standards alive and fresh.

HVS Marketing Communications can assist you with researching, writing and organizing a realistic and successful marketing plan. We can also help with the entire process of developing and reviewing your SOPs to insure that the service you offer supports the promises made by your sales and marketing team.

Hotel Masterpieces Of A Design Spirit

By Iuri Tarabanov

The basic function of a hotel is to offer lodging for the night and food, if possible, to a traveler, but there are hotels that represent more than that- they became veritable art creations. The Forbes magazine published the list of world’s best “design” hotels.

Marques de Riscal (Rioho, Spain)
This is a 43 room hotel, situated in the wine producing region of Spain, and was created according to the project of the architect Frank Gary (the author of Guggenheim Museum in Balboa).

The roof of the hotel is decorated with pink, silver and golden plates. Its interior executed in beige and golden tones outlines due to minimalism, and the two wings of the building are connected by a glass passing.

Winvian (Lchilfield hills, Connecticut, USA)
This hotel occupies an area of 113 acres, where 18 thematic cottages, created by 15 different architects, are situated. One of the most unusual cottages is named”The helicopter”. There even is a helicopter in it (35 feet long and 17000 pounds in weight), that was used for the shooting of “Top Gun”. There is a wooden tree house at the altitude of 35 feet for the kids.

The Keating (San-Diego California, USA)
The Pininfarnia Company that is in charge of the appearance of Ferrari’s and Maserati’s cars was dealing with the design of this hotel. The singularity of this hotel begins with its hall with red lacquered walls and high ceiling. In the hotel there are 35 rooms with red brick walls, round windows, plasma TV sets and electronics form Bang & Olufsen.

Inn at price Tower (Bartlesville Oklahoma, USA)
The design of this hotel’s room 21 was created according to the project of Wendy Evan Joseph, the architect of Holocaust Museum in Washington (Columbia district). The 7floor building itself made of concrete and coppers is the creation of the famous Frank Lloyd Right- the person who influenced the most the development of western architecture during first half of XX century. There are windows as big as the walls and furniture with copper pieces in every room.

Faena Hotel and Universe (Buenos-Aires, Argentina)
A granary in past, nowadays this building turn into a hotel (the project of Fillip Stark and the fashionable Argentinean designer Allan Faen). Its entrance is framed by a curtain, behind which the El Bistro restaurant and the drawing room, decorated with antic lamps, are located. Among the elements of 110 rooms’ design are the red velvet pillows, velvet curtains and XIXth century chandeliers.

Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa (Napa Valley, California, USA)
This hotel, created by Mickey Meningom, amazes immediately – its entrance is decorated by an unusual writhed steel canopy. Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa is na eco-hotel and its name is translated from Greek as “mother land”. There are 133 rooms in the hotel with internet connection, cable television, a fridge and a microwave. The hotel is located in the Napa village, well-known fro its vineyards.

New Majestic Hotel (Singapore)
Entering the lobby of the hotel, the guests see the absolutely white walls, the spiral Compton fans and the ceiling covered with cooper. Local painters were dealing with the design of the 30 rooms. In some of them there is a bath right in the center and the beds are suspended to the ceiling. The atmosphere is completed by the old-fashion furniture made of pop-art fresco. The hotel is situated in Chinatown that is the historical region of Singapore.

The Setai (Miami, Florida)
Created by a Malaysian architect- Jan Michel Gati , this hotel that is located on the coast embodies the Shanghai style of Ar Deco. The hotel’s facade is absolutely white, but inside the guests may see all the shades of grey, black columns with bronze mosaic and the floor made of Shanghai marble. There are 125 rooms with a bathroom and teak floor. The Hotel’s inner yard is sloshed by the orange color.

Granados 83(Barcelona, Spain)
This avanguard Hotel was created for the adventure’s amateurs and the fans of good cuisine. It occupies the former building of a hospital. The original columns are covered with steel, red marble, glass and iron. White and black rock tiles were used for the floor. Such materials as leather, brick and marble were used for furnishing the 77 rooms. The furniture is covered with a fluorescent iron casing.

Small Gem In The Heart of Manhattan - Hotel Mela

By Carlos Giraldo

The Hotel Mela is a departure from your ordinary New York City hotel. This unique boutique hotel combines both the rich history of New York with the fine art of Italian living. The hotel is also the first new construction in the famed "Hotel and University Club Row" in over 20 years. While you are staying at this hotel, you will be charmed by its "At-Home Sophistication" and superb service.

When you walk in the door of Hotel Mela you will be embraced by its at-home ambiance. Red mohair sofas and white faux-leather banquettes bring sophistication and warmth, while the black-trimmed marble flooring against Venetian plaster walls effortlessly fuse style and comfort. Guests will notice the artwork depicting landmark buildings and historic districts of New York City on its plastered walls. Hotel Mela's hospitality doesn't stop at the lobby, walk into any one of its 235 rooms and you will understand why people return to this hotel.

Enjoy specialty pillows, throws, Egyptian cotton duvet covers, 400-thread count sheets, and spa amenities like Turkish Cotton towels and H20 Bath products. Besides is luxurious linens and toiletries, the rooms are elegantly designed in rich mahogany and mohair-covered sitting chairs with overstuffed pillows beckon guests to lounge and relax. Other in-room features include complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, 26" flat-screen LCD TVs, CD/Alarm clock with MP3 connection, mini-bars, and ergonomic seating and desks.

Located on 44th Street between Broadway Avenue and 6th Avenue, you will be within a few blocks of some of New York's most popular attractions. Hotel Mela is only one block away from Times Square, less than two blocks from Fifth Avenue shopping, within five blocks of Rockefeller Center and less than a 15 minute walk from Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art. At this New York hotel, you are ideally located to explore the Big Apple. Take a stroll around Times Square underneath its brilliant lights, or catch a play just a few blocks away in the Theater District. All of the hot spots are at your fingertips.

CRSHotels wants to put you in the center of all the action with this New York City property and it delivers.
CRSHotels.com offers travelers popular, well-located hotels in New York City at great rates. At the Hotel Mela you can experience the comforts of home within steps of the world famous, widely-recognized Times Square. For an ideal location, great service and charming at-home feel, visit Hotel Mela