WIN News

Are you a Hotel Hero?

emma — Thu, 28 May 2009 12:50:46 GMT

Advantage Corporate Hotels has launched a new initiative for you to boost your hotel revenue, diversify your business and take advantage of a sometimes-neglected corporate travel opportunity. Each Advantage business travel member is encouraged to nominate a Hotel Hero for each office of their company who will become the first point of contact for hotel-related communication, as well as receiving special opportunities for fam trips, incentives, training and rewards.

Hotel Hero Days Announced
Every Hotel Hero is invited to attend one of the forthcoming Hotel Hero Days to be held in July:

3 July in London at the Kingsley Hotel
6 July in Edinburgh at the Missoni Hotel
7 July in Manchester at the Jurys Inns Hotel

The days will begin at 9.30am (for 10am start) and will finish around 3pm.

0930 - 1000 - Arrival with tea/coffee/pastries
1000 - 1100 - Welcome and Advantage Corporate Hotels presentation
1100 - 1130 - Huddle groups collating information
(learning from each other, the challenges of booking hotels, what Advantage can do to make it easier? what hotels can do to make it easier? what are the barriers? overcoming the barriers and sharing best practice)
1130 - 1200 - Huddle group feedback
1200 - 1300 - Lunch and Hotel suppliers join to network and meet with Heroes
1300 - 1315 - Our day's host presentation
1315 - 1445 - Hotel show round and speed dating sessions/ 121 meetings
1445 - 1500 - Round up and conclusions

To book your place or to sign up to be a Hotel Hero contact Julie Janzen on juliej@win-travel.org

Why be a Hotel Hero?
* Grow your hotel business by undertaking training and increasing your knowledge
* Exclusive, first-option invites to fam trips, events, hotel showrounds, openings and launch parties
* GDS prompt sheets and training events
* Monthly update and training opportunities
* Dedicated contact within each preferred hotel partner group
* Dedicated contact within Advantage Corporate Hotels
* Exclusive competition and prize opportunities
* HH Day: your opportunity to drive and influence the direction of HH
* Exclusive staff offers and agent rates

Your commitment:
* Support preferred suppliers - 20 hotel groups representing 18,000 properties worldwide
* Complete 8 out of 12 hotel 'Training of the Month'
* Brief colleagues on Hot News and Exclusive Emails - updates on new hotel openings, incentives etc
* Provide feedback and complete annual survey when requested
* Speed date with hotel partners when attending Advantage Travel Centres events
* Attend annual HH Day (provisionally Autumn 2009)
* Attend two hotel showrounds per year (subject to location)

What next? Sign Up Now....
Email your name, company name, email address and telephone number to juliej@win-travel.org. If you think someone else in your office would benefit from being a Hotel Hero please forward this email to them. We are currently limiting Hotel Hero to two people per company address. However if you feel your company would benefit from more than this, please call us.

Don't forget: sign up now to be a Hotel Hero

Welcome to Jumeirah Group

emma — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:37:29 GMT

Jumeirah properties are regarded as among the most luxurious and innovative in the world and have won numerous international travel and tourism awards. The company was founded in 1997 with the aim to become a hospitality industry leader through establishing a world-class portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. To date, the Jumeirah portfolio includes luxury hotels and resorts in Dubai, London and New York.

Jumeirah's core essence to STAY DIFFERENT^TM promises guests experiences that are as unique and innovative as the brand itself. It recognises the distinctiveness of luxury travellers and the importance of personal experiences in their lives.

In line with this core essence, the individuality of the Jumeirah portfolio is unmistakable, encompassing the world-renowned Burj Al Arab, the world's most luxurious hotel, the multi-award winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Madinat Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa in Dubai, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower and Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in London and the Jumeirah Essex House on Central Park South in New York.

Building on this success, in 2004 Jumeirah Group became a member of Dubai Holding - a collection of leading Dubai-based businesses and projects - in line with a new phase of growth and development for the Group.

Current Portfolio:
o Burj Al Arab, the world's tallest all-suite hotel sets new standards in luxury and service. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the hotel soars to a height of 321 metres, dominating the Dubai coastline. Regarded as one of the world's true architectural icons, Burj Al Arab epitomizes outstanding personalised service and is dedicated to surpassing guest expectations by providing the ultimate Arabian hospitality experience.

o Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a spectacular five-star resort hotel, conference and banqueting destination that aspires to be the most outstanding in the world. Vibrant and luxurious, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is Dubai's premier lifestyle destination, integrating exciting and exhilarating experiences designed for couples, families and friends.

o Jumeirah Emirates Towers, a uniquely designed business hotel, shopping boulevard and office tower with the aim to be the world's finest corporate hotel. Soaring high above the central business and commercial district, Jumeirah Emirates Towers is a dramatic backdrop to Dubai's skyline and a visible statement of the region's growing corporate success.

o Madinat Jumeirah - The Arabian Resort of Dubai is a magnificent tribute to Dubai's heritage with two grand boutique hotels, Arabian summer houses, a traditional souk, Talise Spa, the region's leading conference and banqueting centre, unlimited recreational facilities and the superlative Quay Health Club.

o Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, a truly magical five-star desert resort that transports you back in time to an ancient era. The resort is an architectural wonder reflecting a truly authentic Arabic heritage that has come to life in the middle of the desert.

o Jumeirah Carlton Tower, a landmark hotel acknowledged as one of London's best, is noted for its fine dining, famous Peak Health Club and Spa and enviable location on Cadogan Place and Sloane Street - the Capital's most fashionable shopping areas.

o Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, an enchanting boutique hotel in the highly exclusive area of Knightsbridge, London. Set against the serene backdrop of a leafy London square, this chic, contemporary retreat offers sumptuous Mediterranean dining, a vibrant, welcoming bar and a collection of superbly appointed bedrooms and suites.

o Jumeirah Essex House, a well-known icon in Manhattan and recognised throughout the world as a model of graceful elegance and art deco sophistication. Ideally located in the heart of New York City, Jumeirah Essex House offers an unbeatable location that has lured dignitaries, celebrities and world leaders to this exclusive hotel for decades.

Jumeirah's ambitious expansion plans to grow its portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts worldwide to 60 by 2012 are well underway.

Future developments include:

o Jumeirah Desert Pearl Hotel Aqua Dunya, Dubailand, Dubai, UAE
o Jumeirah Khor Dubai Hotel, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE
o Jumeirah Business Bay Hotel, Dubai, UAE
o Jumeirah Beach Club Resort & Spa (redevelopment), Dubai, UAE
o Jumeirah Al Fattan Palm Resort, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
o Jumeirah Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, UAE
o Saraya Aqaba, Aqaba, Jordan
o Jumeirah Dubai Towers, Doha, Qatar
o Jumeirah Al Salam Resort, Bahrain
o Jumeirah Al Salam Yiti Resort, Oman
o Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel, Kuwait City, Kuwait
o Jumeirah Private Island Phuket, Thailand
o Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi, Shanghai, China
o Jumeirah Guangzhou Hotel, China
o Jumeirah Bali Resort, Bali, Indonesia
o Jumeirah Maldives Resort, Maldives
o Jumeirah Port Soller, Mallorca, Spain
o Jumeirah No. 1 Blackfriars, London, UK
o Jumeirah Glasgow Hotel, Scotland, UK
o Jumeirah Culu Culu Polo Lifestyle Resort, Argentina
o Jumeirah Botany Bay, US Virgin Islands

Jumeirah Living, the Group's luxury brand of serviced residences offers truly personalised services for effortless living. Whether for short, mid-term or extended stays, Jumeirah Living properties feature cutting edge technology, sumptuous finishes and contemporary design and provide guests and residents with the exceptional, world-class luxury service and hallmarks Jumeirah is renowned for, right in the comfort of a home. The very first luxury Jumeirah Living property, World Trade Centre Residence, opened in August 2008. The World Trade Centre Residence is Dubai's most prestigious and well located address with exquisitely designed one to four bedroom residences spread over 40 floors and two iconic glass towers. Additional luxury Jumeirah Living properties are scheduled to open with further projects planned worldwide.

How to book Jumeirah:
Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts can be booked on GDS Code JT or by calling the UK Toll Free Number: 0800 082 8000. You can also visit www.jumeirah.com for in-depth research and reservations at all Jumeirah properties worldwide.

Marriott Opens Hotels in India

emma — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:35:26 GMT

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL TO OPEN EIGHT HOTELS IN INDIA IN 2009

Hotels in Gurgaon, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad & Mumbai Carry JW Marriott, Marriott & Courtyard brand flags

Marriott International will officially open eight properties in India during 2009, more than doubling its existing portfolio in the country, said Raj Menon, area vice president-India, Malaysia, Maldives and Pakistan. Another 14 Marriott International-branded hotels are expected to open in India through 2012. All 22 hotels have been previously announced and all will operate under long-term management contracts.

The eight hotels opening in 2009 will add 2,000 rooms to Marriott International's existing portfolio in India, bringing the total number of rooms in the country to almost 4,000 by year-end 2009.

"These new additions are a reflection of the growth of the Indian domestic travel market," said Mr. Menon. "We have been operating in India since 2009 when we opened our first hotel in the country, the Goa Marriott Panjib. Since then, our brands have steadily gained in customer preference and loyalty."

Opening in 2009 in India are the following Marriott International-branded hotels:

• Two JW Marriott branded hotels in the luxury travel segment
- 275-room JW Marriott Hotel Gurgaon
- 320-room JW Marriott Hotel Bangalore

• 426-room Pune Marriott Hotel & Convention Center in the upscale, deluxe tier

• Five Courtyard by Marriott hotels in the upper-moderate tier
- 199-room Courtyard by Marriott Gurgaon
- 153-room Courtyard by Marriott West Pune
- 193-room Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad
- 164-room Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad
- 299-room Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport

Currently, the Marriott International hotel portfolio in India consists of six hotels including the JW Marriott Hotel Mumbai, the Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Center, the Goa Marriott Panjib, the Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, the Lakeside Chalet Marriott Executive Apartments in Mumbai and the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel.

Marriott International's growth in India is part of the company's worldwide pipeline of hotels under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development which for the end of September 2009, stood at more than 130,000 rooms.

Background Information
Marriott International is a leading lodging company with over 2,100 lodging properties in 67 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, Horizons by Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates convention centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and had approximately 151,000 employees at 2007 yearend. It is ranked as the lodging industry's most admired company and one of the best companies to work for by Fortune magazine, and has been recognised by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the 2007 Sustained Excellence Award and Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2007, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit the website at www.marriott.com

Mamaison Prague Hotels Win Accolades

emma — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:34:11 GMT

MaMaison hotels in Prague ranked amongst the world's best

In addition to its exceptional service standards, MaMaison Pachtuv Palace and MaMaison Riverside hotels are now proud to be included in the list of the best hotels of the world by Conde Nast Traveler and The Sunday Times Travel Magazine.

MaMaison Pachtuv Palace is selected as one of the world's 100 best hotels by the editorial team of The Sunday Times Travel Magazine - one of the UK's most respected travel periodicals. Raved about for its spectacular location overlooking the Charles Bridge and intriguing history as the former home of the composer Mozart, Pachtuv Palace was the only property in Prague to be listed.

Guido Friedl, the hotel's General Manager, says: "MaMaison Pachtuv Palace is to date regarded as an architectural and cultural landmark, a residence of nobility, royalty and world leaders. We're proud of the achievements our dedicated staff has managed to capture and are absolutely thrilled the Sunday Times Travel Magazine editorial team has seen the love and care we put into this jewel of a property."

JJ Doran, MaMaison Hotels & Apartments Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing, states: "For intimacy, location, great design and a sense of history, the MaMaison Pachtuv Palace is truly the finest property in Prague. The spirit of this 16th century palatial residence, its proximity to the iconic Charles Bridge, and fantastic location in the heart of a UNESCO heritage site make this Prague's only palace hotel the most beloved property in town."

MaMaison Riverside Hotel came out trumps recently in the 21st annual Readers' Choice Awards of Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The hotel made the Top 50 List in the Northern European category; a prestigious accolade given that it was measured up against more than 5,000 other hotels from around the world.

"Conde Nast Readers' Choice Awards are like the Oscars of hospitality," says JJ Doran, MaMaison Director of Sales and Marketing. He continues: "they represent the very best in class, the cream of the hospitality sector from every country around the world. To be nominated for the list is an honour in itself, and I can only say how delighted we are to have been placed high within the 'Top 50' hotels in the Northern Europe category. Having reached this prestigious milestone, we can only look forward to improving our ranking in the awards next year with MaMaison Riverside."

Morgans Hotel Group Partners with UrbanDaddy

emma — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:09:46 GMT

Morgans Hotel Group Announces Unique Online Partnership with UrbanDaddy

Morgans and UrbanDaddy announce a partnership to publish distinctive city guides on Morgans’ interactive website, launching December 2008.

'The List' (thelist.morganshotelgroup.com) - created exclusively for Morgans Hotel Group by the company's world-class concierges in collaboration with UrbanDaddy's national team of cool hunters - will feature up-to-the-minute news relating to local restaurants, nightlife, fashion and events in and around Morgans Hotel Group's current markets in Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, San Francisco and London.

"Though we have very diverse guests they definitely all have one thing in common: they share our taste for the bold and the lifestyle that Morgans affords them. 'The List' will be a great way for us to share what inspires us as a company and as travellers," explains Morgans Hotel Group's Chief Marketing Officer, Scott Williams.

"UrbanDaddy has the necessary resources to make this project successful, and, more importantly, they completely understand our vision; we are stoked to be partnering with them."

UrbanDaddy is a sophisticated e-mail magazine and website that delivers a daily missive on the latest local trends to discerning subscribers across the country. Through this new alliance, Morgans Hotel Group and UrbanDaddy will redefine the way guests think about hotel websites. 'The List' will serve as a digital destination for travellers and locals in search of the best in town.

"UrbanDaddy has obsessively compiled one of the most relevant and well-curated collections of city guide content around, with the unique ability to keep that information current, even up-to-the minute," said Lance Broumand, founder and CEO of UrbanDaddy.

"Given the style and sophistication of the Morgans brand, properties and guests, the opportunity is a great match for UrbanDaddy, which is all about delivering that lifestyle set with exclusive, in-the-know information through our daily publication," he added.

'The List' will be updated daily by expert concierges on each property, and give site visitors access to UrbanDaddy's vast, dynamic and up-to-date database of cleverly written news about the latest nightlife, food, fashion and events for each market.

Carey Relaunches Roadshow Desk

emma — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:00:06 GMT

Carey re-launches the Roadshow Desk

The Carey Roadshow desk and Account Management Team use their long-standing experience to provide a seamless planning Service for all roadshow requirements.

Carey Worldwide Chauffeured Services can cater for the most complex financial roadshows. With multi-city meetings, as a business travel agent your client relies on you to deliver a flawless service. With safety, security and reliability at the forefront of the Carey business model, Carey guarantees a consistent high-level service throughout its global network.

• 24-hour UK reservation centre
• Mercedes E, S and Viano MPV vehicles
• VIP English-speaking chauffeurs worldwide!
• E-invoicing
• Liability Insurance - Carey covers you as the travel organiser!

Representation in over 550 cities, new operations opened up in Scotland, Japan, Czech Republic, Romania, Brazil and Korea. Carey should be able to support most, if not all, ground transportation requirements.

For further information on Carey's Roadshow product please call your Account Manager on:

Michelle King
Michelle.king@carey.com
+44 (0) 20 8 326 7683

All Seasons Hotels

emma — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:31:52 GMT

all seasons, hotels that have it all figured out!

all seasons is a new hotel network offering great locations, distinctive personalities, friendly, service-minded managers and flawless attention to detail.

What is an all seasons hotel?
all seasons hotels feature bright, colourful modern décor: they are committed to key values of generosity and respect of the environment.

All the rooms have big beds and big plasma or LCD TVs.
Breakfast, WiFi internet connection, and unlimited tea, coffee and mineral water are all included in the price of the room.

The all seasons network

all seasons is a hotel chain on a human scale, with locations in downtown areas and centres of activity.

Spearheading the new venture in France, some twenty locations in France opened their doors in 2008. Lille, Paris, Nantes, Nice, Strasbourg and Bordeaux were the first major cities to boast all seasons hotels.

They aim to have at least 150 hotels worldwide by 2010.

A simple rates grid

At all seasons, there is a simplified rates structure: there are 4 public rates keyed to the different needs of guests.

daily rate = "all-in" offer
This rate includes the price of the room, an all-you-can-eat breakfast, unlimited WiFi access throughout the hotel and tea, coffee and mineral water.

daily rate with half-board

the "all for one" weekend rate valid on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (= daily rate + one euro)
If this rate is booked, all seasons also contributes one euro, making a total of two euros that are donated to an association devoted to humanitarian aid or children's well-being.

the Advance Booking rate, bookable up to 21 days in advance; this rate cannot be cancelled or modified (= daily rate minus 15%)

Don't wait! Discover these hotels soon!

At all seasons, as a travel agent, you receive a 30% discount on the daily room rate

3 types of rooms

At all seasons, it's all very simple: they have three types of rooms:
- room with 2 twin beds
- room with one double bed
- suite for up to 2 adults and 2 children

In all the rooms, guests enjoy a big bed and a big plasma or LCD TV, flexible furniture and a nice, bright bathroom.

Staybridge Suites Opens in Liverpool

emma — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 16:31:33 GMT

Have an All-Suite Experience with Staybridge Suites!

Staybridge Suites, part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group, is an innovative all-suite hotel brand designed to meet the needs of upscale extended-stay guests and is ideal for travellers seeking a residential-style hotel.

Staybridge Suites is celebrating its tenth anniversary in North America this year, and opened its first hotel in the UK in Liverpool: the European Capital of Culture 2008.

Staybridge Suites Liverpool, is situated on the famous Kings Waterfront, next to the historic Albert Docks. All the major attractions of the city are within easy reach, including The Beatles Story, the ECHO Arena, Tate Liverpool and Maritime Museum. To complement this, just a 10-minute walk away is the newly opened Liverpool One complex boasting 42 acres of shopping and leisure.

The contemporary-style suites offer more space and comfort than a traditional hotel and include a fully-equipped kitchen, flat-screen television, relaxing living-room area and modern bathroom with contemporary shower. Each suite even has its own direct telephone number and personal voicemail – just like home.

Guests benefit from many complimentary services such as a daily buffet breakfast, ‘After Work’ receptions, free wireless broadband, onsite laundry room, exercise room and even an onsite convenience store. The Guest Services team is on hand to help guests settle in to their suites and also provide 24/7 assistance during their stay.

NEW FOR 2009
Opening in Spring 2009 is Staybridge Suites Newcastle, situated in the centre of Newcastle just moments from the Quayside and the iconic Millennium Bridge.

Agent rates are available for both properties – why not come and experience the Staybridge Suites difference for yourself? Visit them on line too at www.staybridge.co.uk