Expedia: Last-Minute Mobile Hotel Bookings Spike on New Year’s Eve

Study of last-minute mobile booking behavior reveals that “revelry” and “romance” are most cited causes BELLEVUE, Wash., 2012-12-28 — /travelprnews.com/ — Having witnessed a spike in last-minute mobile hotel bookings during different national holidays, Expedia.com®, the world’s leading online travel agency, today released the results of a study of such behavior. Conducted online by Harris Interactive… Read the full press release

KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS ADDS THE HOTEL WILSHIRE TO LOS ANGELES PORTFOLIO

Joint Venture with OSM Investment Company Marks Kimpton’s Seventh Hotel of 2012; Brings the Boutique Hotel Company’s Count to Six in Southern California SAN FRANCISCO,  2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has announced it has purchased the 74-room Hotel Wilshire through a joint venture with OSM Investment Company.  The LEED-certified boutique hotel in the Miracle… Read the full press release

KOREAN AIR RECEIVES DOUBLE ACCOLADE AT GRAND FINAL WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2012

KOREAN AIR RECEIVES DOUBLE ACCOLADE AT GRAND FINAL WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2012

World’s Most Innovative Airline and World’s Excellence In Service Award Seoul, Korea, 2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Korean Air, last night 12 December, received the honour of being awarded two prestigious accolades at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Grand Final Ceremony 2012, held in New Delhi, India. The airline was named the World’s Most Innovative Airline and… Read the full press release

Rembrandt Hotel, in Bangkok, Thailand, introduced the new Senor Pico

2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The new Señor Pico was highlighted with an exquisite selection of Mexican treats such as Beef and chicken Tacos, fresh Guacamole, quesadillas, salsas, enchiladas, lobster burritos, churros, and much more. Señor Pico also debuts its new bar offering a selection of signature, classic and contemporary cocktails including Mojito, Piña Colada, Cosmopolitan, 50… Read the full press release

Royal Resorts Selects RCI To Welcome In A New Era

Parsippany, N.J. – 2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — RCI adds six magnificent properties from one of the biggest vacation ownership brands in Mexico to its network of affiliated resorts RCI, the global leader in vacation exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN) family of brands, announced today that it welcomed Royal Resorts® to its world’s largest… Read the full press release

Steigenberger Hotel Group, New strategic alignment of divisions

Steigenberger Hotel Group, New strategic alignment of divisions

2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Steigenberger Hotel Group has recently amended the executive management structure of its two brands by replacing the two strategic divisions of Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts and InterCityHotel with three operative areas, Steigenberger Business Hotels, Steigenberger Resort Hotels und InterCityHotels, each to be managed by its own Vice President of Operations. Puneet Chhatwal, CEO of Steigenberger… Read the full press release

IHG Announces First Hotel and Residences Development in Jakarta

IHG Announces First Hotel and Residences Development in Jakarta

SINGAPORE, 2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) [LON: IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)], the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms, has announced the signing of InterContinental Jakarta Pondok Indah Hotel & Residences, in partnership with PT Pondok Indah Hotel, a subsidiary of public listed PT Metropolitan Kentjana Tbk. Scheduled to open in 2015, the… Read the full press release

New Generation family themed resort in Mallorca to be developed by Meliá and Katmandu Park® Joint Venture

Guests at the new Sol Katmandu Park & Resort will enjoy an integrated themed hotel and park experience, with all facilities seamlessly integrated into one unique resort experience The Joint Venture will generate capital gains to Meliá of 11m€ The 2nd phase of the Calviá Beach Resort project is at full speed, driven by Meliá… Read the full press release

Agoda.com helps travelers acclimatize with deals in Asia’s cool-weather hot spots

Agoda.com helps travelers acclimatize with deals in Asia’s cool-weather hot spots

2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Agoda.com, Asia’s leading hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), has announced hotel deals in some of Asia’s most temperate regions to give locals and high-season visitors alike a break from Asia’s often warm and humid winter weather. No matter if it’s someone who lives in any number of… Read the full press release

DoubleTree by Hilton Welcomes its First Guests in Spain

Stunning Catalan Golf Resort the Location of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda  GIRONA, Spain – 2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — Spain’s first DoubleTree by Hilton hotel opened its doors this week, bringing a unique blend of contemporary upscale accommodation and traditional Catalan flavour to the Costa Brava. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Spa Emporda features… Read the full press release

Marriott Rewards comes out on top once again – takes Business Traveler’s Top Hotel Loyalty Program

2012-12-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Marriott Rewards has once again taken the top spot in Business Traveler magazine’s annual “Best In Business Travel” Awards.  The awards are determined by readers, who vote for their favorite products and services in 64 categories spanning the business travel industry. “We know our members have more choices than ever.  We are… Read the full press release

Celebrate This Christmas at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.

Celebrate This Christmas at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

Discover the magic of Bosphorus astride Europe and Asia, and enjoy Aqua Restaurant’s savoury Christmas offers Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Turkey – 2012-12-24 — /travelprnews.com/ — Christmas is the time to gather friends and family to enjoy the holidays and look forward with optimism and love. Located by the shores of the legendary Bosphorus,Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul… Read the full press release

Meliá Hotels International raises more than €750,000 amongst guests and employees for UNICEF – Spain

A three year agreement was signed at the end of 2010 to help increase awareness and raise funds for projects focused on preventing child exploitation The hotel company has already exceeded the agreement’s €600,000 fundraising goal Palma de Mallorca, 2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — “Mission accomplished”. This is how Gabriel Escarrer, Vice Chairman and CEO of Meliá… Read the full press release

Nominations Being Accepted for AH&LA’s Stars of the Industry Awards Competition

2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA), the national trade association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging industry, is seeking nominations for the 2013 Stars of the Industry Awards competition.  The competition recognizes employee and lodging property achievement in 11 categories, including Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year, Outstanding General… Read the full press release

Paradise Playgrounds for Fun-Loving Families at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives

Kuda Huraa

Marine Discovery Centres, diving and surfing, programs for kids and teens, spa and more await Maldives at Kuda Huraa, Republic of Maldives – 2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Embark on the ultimate family adventure with Four Seasons Resorts Maldives. Double the sense of discovery with two diverse paradise playgrounds, seamlessly linked by a thrilling seaplane ride* or, for those blessed… Read the full press release

Getting in the Mood – Marriott Hotels & Resorts Mood Reader Ranks as One of Spotify’s Most Popular Brand Campaigns

Getting in the Mood - Marriott Hotels & Resorts Mood Reader Ranks as One of Spotify’s Most Popular Brand Campaigns

2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Marriott Mood Reader, a new Spotify content experience from Marriott Hotels & Resorts, has become one of the most successful campaigns in the history of Spotify.  The Marriott Mood Reader matches music to the listener’s mood, allows users to create mood-based playlists and offers them the chance to win fun prizes…. Read the full press release

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Welcomes Hotel Tampa To Portfolio

Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced its second property in Tampa, Fla., with the opening of s Hotel Tampa, an affiliate of Hilton. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

Hotel in the Heart of Downtown Will Undergo Major Renovation During Transition TAMPA, Fla. and MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, today announced its second property in Tampa, Fla., with the reflagging of Hyatt Regency Tampa as Hotel Tampa, an affiliate of Hilton. Prior to being… Read the full press release

Renaissance Hotels Kicks Off Global “Year of Discovery”

Renaissance Hotels Kicks Off Global “Year of Discovery”

Brand Rings in New Year with RLife Events Worldwide 2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Renaissance Hotels (www.renhotels.com) is encouraging guests and locals to kick off a “Year of Discovery” and ring in 2013 with unique RLife LIVE events at nearly 100 Renaissance properties worldwide in celebration of the upcoming New Year. This special seasonal initiative represents an… Read the full press release

A Unique Celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Piri Reis Map at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

The Old City seen from the roof terrace at Four Seasons

Historic cartographer inspires ceramics exhibition December 22-31, 2012 Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Turkey – 2012-12-21 — /travelprnews.com/ — Set in the historical peninsula, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet continues to focus on Ottoman art and support local artists as well as craftsmen with various cultural activities. In the honour of UNESCO’s celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Piri… Read the full press release

Celebrate the New Year at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Where Europe Meets Asia

Celebrate the New Year at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Where Europe Meets Asia

Discover the city of two continents this New Year and enjoy festive offerings at Aqua restaurant Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Turkey – 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Mutlu Yıllar! It’s Happy New Year as the Turks say, and the festive season is the time to gather friends and family to enjoy the holidays and look forward with optimism. Four… Read the full press release

Golf, Spa and Surf: JW Marriott Luxury Brand Opens First Resort in Panama

Golf, Spa and Surf: JW Marriott Luxury Brand Opens First Resort in Panama

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts opened the 118-room JW Marriott Panama Golf & Beach Resort today, marking the brand’s first resort and first hotel in the country. The property is located within the master-planned Buenaventura beachfront community, near the town of Rio Hato, about two hours driving distance from Panama City, on… Read the full press release

Hard Rock International Welcomes Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, An All Inclusive Experience, To Growing Hotel Portfolio

Orlando, Fla. – 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — Hard Rock International – with hotel locations from Bali and San Diego to Singapore and Macau – announced the official grand opening of Hard Rock Hotel Cancun on Oct. 18 – 21, 2012, where guests enjoyed behind the velvet rope access to the legendary guitar smash and performances by… Read the full press release

In Haiti, Digicel and Marriott Break Ground on More than Just a Hotel

In Haiti, Digicel and Marriott Break Ground on More than Just a Hotel

Property Brings 200 Jobs and Economic Vitality to Haiti Three Years After Quake. Port-au-Prince, Haiti – 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ —  Digicel and Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) today broke ground on the $45 million 175-room Marriott Hotels & Resorts brand hotel in the Turgeau area of Port-au-Prince, with opening expected in early 2015, making it the first… Read the full press release

Un Carnevale nel segno della tradizione all’Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

L'Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, il prestigioso hotel del Gruppo Hilton, offre due pacchetti speciali per chi desidera vivere il Carnevale da vero protagonista, immergendosi nell'elettrizzante atmosfera di uno dei momenti più attesi nella laguna. Credit: Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

L’elegante Hotel sull’isola della Giudecca propone due pacchetti speciali per festeggiare il Carnevale di Venezia secondo l’antica tradizione veneziana VENEZIA – 2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — L’Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, il prestigioso hotel del Gruppo Hilton, offre due pacchetti speciali per chi desidera vivere il Carnevale da vero protagonista, immergendosi nell’elettrizzante atmosfera di uno dei momenti più… Read the full press release

Rezidor appoints Elie Younes as Senior Vice President, Head of Group Development

Rezidor appoints Elie Younes as Senior Vice President, Head of Group Development

2012-12-20 — /travelprnews.com/ — The Rezidor Hotel Group today announced the appointment of Elie Younes as Senior Vice President, Head of Group Development effective 1st January 2013. Younes joined Rezidor’s regional office in Dubai in April 2010 as Vice President, Business Development Middle East & Africa, and took over the interim leadership of Rezidor’s corporate development… Read the full press release

RED CARNATION HOTELS PARTNERS WITH TRIPADVISOR

RED CARNATION HOTELS PARTNERS WITH TRIPADVISOR

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Red Carnation Hotels, the family-run luxury boutique hotel collection, has partnered with TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site to display traveller ratings, reviews and opinions on its website. The partnership will provide an increased wealth of information on the site, increasing user engagement and enabling potential guests to make more informed booking choices…. Read the full press release

&BEYOND REBUILDS NGALA TENTED CAMP

&Beyond recently unveiled the rebuilt and freshly refurbished &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — The camp’s nine safari tents celebrate the romance of canvas in natural bush surroundings. Each luxurious tented suite features an outdoor shower, deep bath and private wooden deck overlooking the seasonal Timbavati riverbed…. Read the full press release

Kirawira Serena Camp receives Condé Nast Gold list 2013 Recognition- one of the 510 Best Places to stay on Earth

Kirawira Serena Camp receives Condé Nast Gold list 2013 Recognition- one of the 510 Best Places to stay on Earth

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — We are thrilled to announce that Kirawira Serena Camp has been named to the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler 2013 Gold List – Top 510 Best Places on Earth! Each year, the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List serves as a unique source of the top travel destinations, hotels, cruises and airlines in the… Read the full press release

LUX* Maldives Celebrates Festive Season in Island Style

LUX* Maldives Celebrates Festive Season in Island Style

2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — After the recent celebrations among the properties of LUX* Resorts for the first year anniversary of the group, LUX* Maldives showcases a thrilling Christmas and New Year program for its guests featuring pop up ice cream parlours, film screenings on the beach, special treats such as messages in bottles and honesty secret… Read the full press release

Emily Morgan Hotel Joins DoubleTree by Hilton Following $4.5 Million Renovation

DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the newly renovated, upscale, full-service, 177-room The Emily Morgan San Antonio - a DoubleTree by Hilton. Credit: DoubleTree by Hilton

Historic Hotel Marks Brand’s Third Location in San Antonio MCLEAN, Va. – 2012-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening of the newly renovated, upscale, full-service, 177-room The Emily Morgan San Antonio – a DoubleTree by Hilton. The hotel is owned by Alamo Hotels, Inc. under a franchise license agreement with a subsidiary… Read the full press release