In a strategic move, the Marriott hotel chain is all set to highly expand its presence in Mexico. Most notably, Mexico has been regarded as one of the most popular sun destination for Americans and Canadians, in addition to an increasing number of Europeans. A report published in the Washington Business Journal notes that the international hotel giant shall necessarily attempt to triple the number of its establishments that it operates in Mexico, during the next five years period. This move forms part of a wider strategy aimed at increasing the presence of Marriott outside of the United States. Notably, outside the US, the firm is already a popular player in the hospitality industry. 

At present, Marriott owns and operates about 16 hotels in Mexico. Several of these properties are sited in resort town and highly popular leisure destinations. If the expansion proposal goes on according to the schedule, the introduction of these new ranges of Marriott hotels shall give a significant boost to the Mexican economy, creating not less than 3,000 new jobs in the hospitality industry. On the whole, 29 new hotels are being planned for various cities and towns in Mexico, with the expansion project estimated to cost the owners of these properties about $1 billion spent towards establishment and running.

Ed Fuller, hotel firm's president noted that while Mexico has an attractive tourist destination for quite long for Americans and Canadians, due to the rise of a New Mexican middle class, a commendable development has been brought about in the arenas of domestic and national tourism.

Having conducted a study of 2008 Current and Future Technology Use in the Hospitality Industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) has recently announced its findings. The study was funded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF), which is the not-for-profit affiliate of AH&LA. Analysing the top areas of information technology (IT) popularly implemented at hotels, the study also quantifies increased customer demand thereby motivating hoteliers to improve their product with new and innovative range of amenities and programs.  
 
Most responding properties clearly agreed that IT is highly important for enhancing customer satisfaction (82.4 percent). In addition, enhancing employee efficiency was rated 79.9 percent) and generating revenue was rated 71.3 percent. Over 82 percent of respondents noted that Wi-Fi services were among the IT system that guests highly care about. Notably, eighty-six percent of responding hotels already provided Wi-Fi services, while the rest had concrete plans to offer the same within the next five years. Following Wi-Fi, the other important amenities preferred by customers were in-room entertainment systems and airline check-in kiosks, with 48 percent and 38 percent of respondents respectively.

AH&LA President/CEO Joseph A. McInerney, CHA observed, "Results of this study indicate hoteliers are critically monitoring and taking action to fulfill their guests' wants and needs as the average consumer gets more and more tech-savvy. During the past decade, advancements in IT have significantly shaped the way the lodging industry plans, controls, and manages operations in all segments of the hospitality community."

In a highly strategic move, Allied International, one of the leading destination management companies has taken in Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI). As a result of the conglomeration, ALHI becomes the newest associate member of the firm. As a result of this new global alliance, ALHI is ably strengthened with the addition of yet another affiliate member to strengthen its national sales services.

Most notably, ALHI is a prestigious membership organization offering high quality comprehensive national sales services to corporations and associations in addition to incentive and group travel specialists, besides over 100 Four- Star and Five-Star quality hotels and resorts spread across the globe.
 
David Gabri, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International observed, "Our new strategic global alliance with Allied International and its companies ties in perfectly with our service mentality and our recent membership expansion internationally. We now have member hotels and resorts in 10 nations outside of the U.S., and Allied's impressive presence and offerings throughout Europe will be especially a tremendous resource for meeting professionals and incentive specialists planning programs at our member hotels and resorts in England, Scotland, France, and Italy, as well as 20 offices in America."

Interestingly, Associated Luxury Hotels has 14 National Sales Offices at key locations including Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Boston, Southern California, Northern California, Denver, Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Kansas City (MO), North Carolina, New York City, Orlando, Toronto and Philadelphia. Each of these properties is professionally staffed to meet the best standards in the industry.

A Shropshire hotel has started to offer free petrol to those who stay at the property.

Guests staying overnight in Broseley at the Old Rectory in Broseley will be able to enjoy a range of exclusive benefits: many of its rooms have antique furniture, private Jacuzzis, four-poster beds and works of art decorating the walls. And, now they are giving away 5 litres of petrol free.

David Hoyle, the owner of the hotel who was seeing a fall in business in recent past, that he attributed to inflation and the higher fuel costs, said, "It's our little bit of Dunkirk spirit. We live in a rural area and are very dependent on tourism, and we don't want to give up on our staff or those who want to come and visit but feel the effects of the crunch stopping them".

Lincolnshire's Elizabethan-style Burghley House provides the backdrop for a tented ice palace and ice dancing this summer.

"The Sleeping Beauty on Ice" tour arrives at Burghley for a five-day runfrom August 6-10. The  theatrical ice skating company will be touring some of the stately homes in England for the "Treasure Houses Tour". During the two-month tour, Burghley will be one of the venues for the theatre on ice show

One of the hotel brands in the portfolio of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Crowne Plaza, has unveiled the second year of its Think Tank model which intends to strengthen its position as the favourite option for the discerning corporate traveller.

The Crowne Plaza Think Tank, which is celebrating innovation this year, will be working with best from the corporate and creative sectors, called the Crowne Plaza innovators, to give rise to tailored innovations to directly do good for business travellers staying at its properties.

The new platform emerges from the success of its Think Tank activity a year ago, which witnessed the hotel brand associate with a group of creative leaders, the Crowne Plaza mavericks.

A world class senior team has been appointed by Leeds-based Pantin Hotels to create a collection of comfort based boutique hotels.

The first luxury based boutique property, the Ellington, opens in Leeds city centre this summer season.

The firm was founded in the year 2006 by David Pantin, who has selected 5 experienced senior leaders who specialise in worldwide luxury properties.

Travelodge, a UK budget hotel chain is conducting trials for 'a-room-atherapy' at some of its properties, with the introduction of a matchless series of ReminiScents.

The specially perfumed sheets have been designed to remind blissful and cheering memories for visitors, in an attempt to help them drop off.

The new ReminiScents have been created around the top 5 scents guests would love to be enclosed in, as they nod off,

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts reached another major partnership at the start of the month of June this year. This time the partnership is with the Aeroflot, the Russian carrier. This could turn out to be very advantageous for travellers are tourists.

Effective at once, members of the frequent flyer programme of Aeroflot, Bonus, can get international miles each time they book for a stay at one of the twenty-seven Swissôtels in fifteen nations, making Aeroflot the 17th airline associate of the international hotel chain.

Stephanie Hilgers, Director Partner Marketing Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, said, "By cooperating with Aeroflot, we are expressing our appreciation for our Russian guests.

Budding Viking warriors (young and old) can enjoy some genuine quality family time this spring with a short break at Legoland's Hotel of the Year, the Heathrow/ Windsor Marriott Hotel.

One, two and three-night packages include four, two-day entrance tickets to the nearby Legoland leisure park, which has just opened its new £7m "Land of the Vikings" visitor attraction. 

Wanabee Vikings can enjoy the park's biggest and wettest ride, the Viking River Splash, before drying out and raiding Loki's Labyrinth to search for the Viking God of Mischief.

A modern restaurant with rooms located in one of the most spectacular venues in the country is having a good time with both a 4 yellow star, AA Highly Commended rating and an AA Red Rosette accreditation for culinary distinction, as it firmly places itself on the list of must-stay locations in Britain.

The yellow stars show that the Windermere-based Hideaway's property is in the top 10 per cent of its kind, black stars being the signs of grade given by this highly appreciated inspection system.

The Hideaway, at the heart of the charming Lake District, is not completely stunned by this appreciation from outside for its product's excellence.

UK's favourite holiday firm, Butlins, has designed an exciting half-term programme, from 23rd May to 2nd June, stuffed with activities and fun offering maximum enjoyment for the entire family.

Three Resorts in Minehead, Bognor Regis and Skegness provide accommodation in spacious and lively hotel like rooms or apartments, first class live entertainment and fifty activities included in the holiday price.

Starting from only £64 per person, the price is based on a family of 4 sharing a Silver self-catering apartment.

IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), which provided accommodation to the champion Manchester United team in its Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre, is asking the authorities in Russia to ease entry visa checks following its highly successful management of the final of the Uefa Champions League.

IHG's Chief Operating Officer Continental Europe, Robin Wicks, said, "The Russian authorities have done a sterling job fast-tracking its complex visa process to ensure the 50,000 British soccer fans who went to Moscow could get there at short notice. We applaud their actions.

This goes to show it can be done. But Russia's current visa process is simply far too slow and is seriously hampering the emerging tourist trade. By adopting similar measures to those used for the Manchester United and Chelsea fans, the volume of tourism traffic could dramatically rise".

Don't miss the opportunity to save on a selection of South Africa escapes including a luxury Cape Town and Winelands holiday with key2holidays.

Enjoy 5 nights going through the wonders of Cape Town. And after that, spend 2 nights in the winelands of Stellenbosch.

You will be staying at Cape Town's Winchester Mansions-a fifty-one room retreat constructed in the 1920s representing the luxury and hospitality of the past. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and only 10 minutes away from the superb Clifton Beaches, the hotel is a calm oasis only 7 minutes from Cape Town.

John Steinbach, Embassy Suites Lake Tahoe-Hotel & Ski Resort-has been recognised by the national brand of upscale, all-suite hotels, Embassy Suites, as 'General Manager of the Year'.

More than forty-fives accolades were awarded to hotels and individuals selected from the portfolio of the brand of around two-hundred hotels all over the United States, Canada, South America and Mexico.

Owned by Roppongi, Tahoe L. P., the hotel is managed by Embassy Suites Management LLC.

After a long period, 12 years after he first arrived in Luton in 1995, the serial entrepreneur, Stelios returns to the first home of his 'easy' kingdom-the place where he has inaugurated easyHotel Luton.

Owned and run by Eclipse Hotels, the 58-room easyHotel Luton, which is located in the centre of the town, a few minutes' taxi ride from the airport and near Luton train station, uses the brand's set ideal of trouble-free relaxation and great value.

Offering clients a clean and consistent atmosphere, comfy beds and new fitted shower rooms while charging for add-ons like the TV, internet access, towel changes and storeroom, the hotel can offer special prices starting from £19.95 per room per night.

Be at ease at The Howard after enjoying a morning at the Scottish National Portrait Galler-the place where you can see 150 superb and brilliant portraits from Vanity Fair Magazine-the matchless barometer of culture al zeitgeist.

Vintage works from the early period of Vanity Fair-between 1913 and 1936-are put on show together with photographs included in the magazine since it was re-launched in 1983 to the present day.

Among those featured are some of the most famous personalities of the present times, with sitters ranging from Claude Monet, Jesse Owens and Amelia Earhart, to Arthur Miller, Madonna and David Hockney, and Hollywood faces from Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin to Julia Roberts and Jack Nicolson.

If you are looking for a real room with a spectacle, Ålesund's hottest new abode is the best option for you-Room 47 tuck away in an old lighthouse. The new addition to the boutique Hotel Brosundet, Room 47 will surely attract the attention of those who want someplace a little quirky to stay.

Room 47, which will open its doors in the month of September, will be available at about 3,000 NOKS (£288) per night. Guest will enjoy breakfast in the central hotel, near the lighthouse.

Owned by adventure company 62 Degrees North, the stylish Hotel Brosundet, was completely renovated during the months of winter and is set to reopen this month.

With the increasing popularity of Hen-dos abroad, Flight Centre has selected five interesting destinations to offer amazing party venues for brides to celebrate their last nights of freedom in all gaiety and pamper. Most breaks include a free night offer.

For an exciting party at Prague, the company offers a three-night break at the amazing 3-star Aristol Hotel with return flights. The package is priced from £199 per person and comes with a four-course dinner at quality restaurant amidst live music and unlimited drinks. Bookable until 30th June, the offer is valid for trips between 1st November and 30th November.

For an involved Spa Break in Edinburgh, Flight Centre offers a highly relaxing and refreshing two-night break at the 5-star Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa including return flights and a complete spa package and treatments costing £565 per person. Valid between 1st September and 10th October, the offer is bookable till 20th June.

Stena Line, the leading ferry company has introduced an amazing deal for families to travel across the Irish Sea for an unbelievable price. Combined with a two-night hotel break in Donegal, the package is priced from as low as £250, with the price including accommodation, travel and breakfast.

Once you book your tickets, you just have to pack your luggage and set out in your car leaving behind the worries of home and that of long check-in queues and hassles at airports. As you sail with the company's vessel from Holyhead to Dublin Port or Laoghaire, you can enjoy a quality family break either in Carlton Redcastle Hotel or Jackson's Hotel.

Perfectly nestled on the banks of the River Finn and Drumboe woods in the vibrant village of Ballybofey, the most fascinating Jackson's Hotel features an amazing range of 138 en-suite rooms in addition to 2 restaurants and well-equipped health spa combined with a pool and gym. The hotel proves to be an ideal base to explore the Donegal and the Northwest of Ireland.

Two Hampshire establishments are having a good time for their achievement in the tourism 'Oscars'. At the ceremony dubbed 'Enjoy England Awards for Excellence', 'The Chewton Glen Hotel near New Milton has been presented with the accolade of the 'large hotel of the year'. This is a real boost for these two hotels and also for the visitors of these hotels.

The Cottage Lodge, Brockenhurst, is the second Forest winner at the awards ceremony: it secured a gold award in the category of 'sustainable tourism'.

The awards ceremony was arranged by VisitBritain with the sponsorship from The Caravan Club.

Put the Savoy Grill, Gordon Ramsay or HP Sauce out of your mind: Jamie Oliver's Fifteen restaurant has been awarded with the 'Taste of England' accolade--a real boost to the restraurant for their excellent services.

The Cornish wing of the eaterie, which gives training to the needy young persons to prepare them as chefs and gives away its earnings to charity, secured the prestigious award at a function given the name 'English holiday Oscars'. This is a sort of award for their hard work and it would go long to give boost to their work, which will heighten the spirits of people who take training in their hotels.

It also received appreciation for its new menu, talented chefs and stunning sights.

In a significant announcement made recently, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the largest hotel groups in the world by number of rooms, declared the signing of its first Holiday Inn Express hotel to be established in Taiwan. The new property will be built in Taichung, the third largest city of Taiwan. Notably, this will be first global hotel brand in the city. 

Interestingly, Holiday Inn Express is a rapidly growing brand in the hospitality industry. On an average, the group opens about 2 hotels in the world per week. The recent announcement marks the significant milestone in the expansion strategy of the hotel in the Asia Pacific region.

The Holiday Inn Express Taichung Park will feature 169 rooms and will form part of the Sunshine Plaza shopping complex. The new property will open in August 2008. The property is ideally located very close to the central business district of the city and offers easy access to some of the major transportation links like the bus terminus, a major train station and a road network connecting Taichung to other parts of Taiwan. Being developed by Esse Commerce Development Co, the property will be managed by IHG.

Strongly committed to its motto 'No request is too large...no detail too small', the Milestone Hotel has been showing a remarkable performance in the hospitality industry. The facility features a long list of highly luxurious accommodations and boasts an enviable and superb location set to overlook the Kensington Palace.

The highlights of this award-winning property are its state-of-the-art facilities spread all around, matchless service of the staff, and a special package to accommodate four-legged guests in a way that they yearn to return.

An exclusively special 'Pampered Pet package includes wonderful features that shall cater to the needs of pets and their owners alike. The package includes accommodation for one night, a beautiful gift basket containing tasty treats and nice toys for your pet whether it is a cat or a dog, a customized massage for you and your partner, a well-planned grooming session at Pet's Perfection exclusively offered for your pet, dinner and martini's for two in addition to a special meal for your pet, a convenient evening Pet Turndown Service, a beautiful photo frame and picture of you and your pet taken during your stay and a free complimentary upgrade on your next stay.

DFDS Seaways offers a number of wonderful short breaks ideally suitable for those looking forward to a real escape in Holland, Denmark and Norway. The cruises with DFDS seaways feature state-of-the-art onboard facilities like shops, bas, restaurants, nightclubs, live entertainment, cinema and swimming pool. For those seeking little extra comfort during spa breaks, the commodore class cabins are a perfect choice.

The package featuring 6 Nights at Solstrand Hotel, Norway enables you to have the real taste of amazing Norway whilst enjoying the comforts of this fjord side five star hotel. Solstrand hotel boasts excellent spa facilities and amazing views of the fjord and the magnificent mountains. In addition, the hotel presents a perfect blend of the traditional charm and modern facilities like a well-equipped spa and a wellness centre offering relaxation therapy and beauty treatments. The prices are from £436 per person including 3 nights onboard ship in Commodore Class with breakfast, carriage of a standard size vehicle and 3 or 4 nights at the Solstrand Hotel with breakfast.

Ideally set in wonderful surroundings, the reputed grand Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel is located adjacent to the seashore on the Boulevard at Scheveningen, presenting spectacular views of the dunes and beaches. The hotel's Kuur Thermen Vitalize offers an interesting range of treatments. The prices start from £256 including two nights onboard and breakfast, one night at the Kurhaus Hotel with breakfast, and carriage of a standard vehicle.

In a significant announcement, the editors of the National Geographic Traveler Magazine have included Wentworth By the Sea Hotel & Spa in the first ever stay list of the magazine. With its debut in the April 2008 issue of the magazine, the list consists of about 150 properties across United States, Mexico,Canada and the Caribbean. Most notably, Wentworth By the Sea is the only property in this list from the New Hampshire region.

The process for preparing the list sought to identify the 'sense of place'. This means, discovering properties that reflect the spirit of their location by sharing their soul. Following a nation-wide search for nominations, more than 600 probing questionnaires were sent to the properties that were nominated. Only one quarter of the nominees could qualify for the final cut.   

Frank Wetenkamp, Wentworth General Manager observed, "The Wentworth team is dedicated to providing the best possible guest experience we can, day in and day out. It is extraordinary and gratifying to be recognized in the same week by our industry peers for our operating excellence and by a prestigious national travel magazine and its advisors for the impression we make on the outside, through the unique sense of place we bring to our guests."

There is a strong reason for skiers to rejoice during this season, as there is a heavy snowfall at most ski resorts across Europe. With a heavy snowfall, the popular ski resorts located in Austria, France Italy and Switzerland have covered themselves with a thick blanket of ice to bestow a wonderful skiing experience for visitors.

The ideal one among the resorts in France is the Argentiere, located in the Chamonix valley. The location had around 106cm of snowfall during the five days of Easter holidays. Also, Tigens experienced not less than 75 cm of snowfall during the weekend. However, the highest snowfall is recorded in Cauterets, located in the Pyrenees, with a snow depth increasing by 150cm during last week. At the Crans Montana in Switzerland, there was about 141cm snowfall.

Spokeswoman for Ski Club Great Britain told Times Online, Vanessa Fisher, remarked, "For people who want to ski now there are stacks of skiing to be had. The problem is that people tend to think Easter means the end of the ski season, but this year it'll go on well into the end of April."

ITC Sports, the luxury sports operator has come out with some of the most wonderful custom-made packages specially for catering to each of the Grand Prix between March and October, as listed in the race calendar. The fascinating destinations offered by the company include Singapore, Valencia and Budapest.

One of the notable highlights of the social calendar is a traditional May weekend at Monaco. The company has also come out with a land-based package for the year 2008 exclusively for those looking forward to stay ashore. The guests can be assured of an unrivalled hospitality and some of the ideal viewing options combined with a cordial hospitality, enabling the visitors to enjoy these glamorous events in all luxury.

The visitors will be transported from the airport by a luxury car to the renowned five-star property Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. The property features four acres of well-maintained gardens with a luxurious finish at the edge of the water. The property is replete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sun terraces, finest restaurants, amazing spa, stylish nightclubs and several other attractions to make the best out of an involved stay.

After enhancing the property with a €7 million renovation programme, the world class Spa at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía Estepona has been given an invigorating facelift for 2008. The spa has now introduced a new range of amazing products and treatments offered by the Éminence Organic Skin Care. Over and above, new luxury organic Med-Spa owned and ably managed by the renowned homeopathic doctor is really first of its kind in Spain. The spa was opened on the 1st February 2008 and notably this is the only spa in the whole of Spain to feature the exclusive range of products and treatments offered by Éminence. These products are highly favoured by Penelope Cruz and Winona Ryder, the famous Hollywood Royalties.

The property is established in a 1,000 square metre area featuring 18 treatment rooms, fitness centre, sauna, and an indoor heated swimming pool. In addition to the best opportunities available for body and facial treatments, the other facilities at the centre are a range of cosmetic treatments, complete health analysis, homeopathy and lifestyle counseling.

Éminence Organic Skin Care is the result of a sustained and rich herbal craftsmanship gained over several centuries. The programme offers some of the most excellent techniques for rejuvenating the skin. Notably, all the products employed in this programme are carefully handcrafted in Hungary. All the products of Eminence are 100% organic and certified, not using harsh chemicals and without harming animals, known for their highest content of organic ingredients.

Scheduled for May 2 through 4, Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort has introduced the Women's Wellness Weekend to enhance the body, mind and spirit. The various highlights of this programme include hiking, yoga, meditation, canoeing, and rappelling, kayaking and healthy dining besides several others. Notably, this is a reputed AAA Four Diamond property located in Western Maryland.

Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort is located on the wonderful shores of Lake Habeeb at the base of Evitts Mountain. The events for the wellness weekend will be kicked off with a welcome reception. This will be followed by a night hike all along the marked trail as part of sensory awareness exercise. The renowned yoga instructor Abby Burke is to lead several healing arts activities. The activities of this wonderful weekend will be capped with a discussion on how to practice the newly taught wellness skills in day-to-day life.

The General Manager Tim Grambley observes, "We're extremely excited to offer this Women's Wellness Weekend here at Rocky Gap. This program offers women the tools to enhance their lives through activity, relaxation techniques and healthy eating."

In a strategic move, Millennium and Copthorne Hotels have decided to open five brand new hotels in China during the year 2008, in Beijing, Qingdao, Chengdu, Wuxi and Xiamen. Over and above, the 352-room Millennium Harbourview Hotel Xiamen is located at a the ideal point presenting an amazing sea view combined with the modern conveniences of the city.

Notably, the exquisite guest rooms also offer excellent views of the Gulangyu Island. This is a highly famous leisure destination known for its architecture as a typical former residential district for Westerners. This property is also the home to the largest piano museum of China.

On the southeast coast of China, The Millennium Wuxi Hotel, is ideally located right at the heart of Yangtze River Delta Region, very close to the international metropolis of Shanghai. Interestingly, Wuxi is also called as "little Shanghai" on account of its well-developed industry and prosperous economy. Predominantly serving the Japanese market, the new purpose-built Millennium Wuxi Hotel is located in the Court of Eastern Peace, at the centre of Wuxi New Development District.

Featuring more than 100 attractions and restaurants, DiscountBritain.net offers amazing offers enabling the customers to save up to 20% off the total bill for up to 6 people. An attractive saving offer provides amazing discounts if you just present your code number to the waiter or the ticket office. All that you have to do is to take a print of the ticket along with the code number and carry it with you to an attraction or restaurant featured in the site.

Nick Currer, DiscountBritain.net personnel observes, "DiscountBritain.net is the easy way to save money at leading attractions throughout the UK. Over a million unique visitors have seen the website grow to include over 100 participating attractions and restaurants. All offers apply for up to six people travelling together and are valid until the end of 2008."

Some of the top attractions where the offer is available include London Zoo, Wild Animal Parks, Whipsnade Zoo, London Dungeon, Howletts and Port Lympne London Aquarium, Hever Castle, Kew Gardens, Sealife Centres, Brean Leisure Park, Flambards Theme Park and Manchester United Stadium Tours, in addition to Chelsea Stadium Tours. These are just to name a few. In addition, there are also a great number of London's top rated family restaurants participating in the scheme including Ed's Easy Diner, Planet Hollywood and Bella Italia. Notably, each of these restaurants offers 20% off over the total bill, which also includes drinks served at central London sites.

Whatever is your budget and style, Paris features a wide range of hotels for stay, perfectly fitting the bill. Apart from haughty but elegant options, there are also several other options which is affordable for visitors to meet their moods and interests. For a choice with a difference, you may opt for hotels featuring a traditional French character with old beams, crooked floors, dining rooms in stonewalled cellars - all adorned with a contemplative decoration. A few of them have been even renovated in an innovative way and are now most fitting to live. However, the visitors must be aware which ones that are well run. With regard to budget hotels, Paris presents a range of characteristic types than contemporary makes. However, the exceptions are always there.

Often most of the hotels in Paris rise only to "four-star luxe" rather than five star accommodations. Probably, this is the feature that sets the top hotels of the city under a sensational coverage. The distinguishing aspect of most of the luxury hotels is that they are set in a traditional mode in historic mansions rather than in new contemporary buildings.

Meurice is one of the finest options for an involved stay at the city highly praised for its wonderful location. The visitors enjoy entering the property from the arches of the rue de Rivoli, while the hotel is set overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries, with an added advantage over its other rivals. The charges for doubles start from £599 per night.

Recently, IHG has announced the official and grand opening of the 198-room Crowne Plaza Milwaukee-Wauwatosa, the first Crowne Plaza prototype. Notably, IHG is the largest hotel groups on the globe by number of rooms. The company is also concerned with Lane Hospitality, management and a hotel real estate.

Gina LaBarre, vice president, Brand Management, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts observed, "We are pleased to open the first of our prototype hotels in Milwaukee-Wauwatosa. Our collaboration with Lane Hospitality has resulted in a brand-defining product that will appeal to current and future Crowne Plaza franchisees looking to develop new-build Crowne Plaza hotels. While conversions will always play a role in our development strategy, this prototype provides a design plan concept for owners to leverage when building new hotels in emerging markets or established urban markets."

All through the process of the prototype's development, the main focus was to keep the owners' bottom line in mind. One of the operational advantages of the design of the prototype is its amazing physical plan that ensures a high level of efficiency from a functional layout and workflow standpoint. Interestingly, the flow of the public spaces offers separation between leisure or recreational environments and professional business settings.

The premier leisure destination in the Red Sea, El Gouna, is all set to host a kite surfing jamboree between the 18th and 27th of April during this year. Notably, this event is to become one of the biggest events in the Red Sea area for accomplished kite-boarders and their fans, with a range of events and activities scheduled all along the week when even non-fans can also seek to get in and enjoy.

Some of the highlights of the events include the massive annual jamboree for the kite community featuring purposeful discussions on new trends, rules, equipments, organisation and safety issues pertaining to the sport. There are some wonderful exhibitions to showcase and test some of the latest equipments. The week is also set to see some interesting competitions for professional and amateur kite-boarders, enabling each one with a rare chance to win. Interestingly, the spectators help the professionals in the judging process. The range of video and photographic competitions encourages the interested aspirants to catch the day and week's events on film.

The other events include introductory events for aspiring and budding kite boarders, a fashion show to demonstrate the latest trends in beach fashion and parties at nightly beach club in addition to interesting day time activities like boat trips to Tawila Island, water skiing, wakeboarding, beach volleyball, parasailing, sand buggy competitions and football tournaments.

Epitomising a design chic, the Montague on The Gardens' is a brand new two-bedroom Suite. As you enter through its amazing marble corridor, you discover the walls beautifully adorned with a faux suede fabric in addition to a series of original prints ideally placed to bestow the 'wow' factor. Also, you will find an exclusive range of crème marfil and brown maron marble tiles and under-floor heating on the floor. Ceiling spots remarkably set a perfect setting for this exquisite rendering.

The dining room of the suite features a table that can seat eight for dinner. This can also be used as your private boardroom while you are away from your office. Also, arrangements can be made to cater your dinner from your own fully fitted private kitchen.

The master bedroom features wonderful marble flooring and a lovely set of bevel-edged mirrors. The highlight of the bathroom is a stylish and modern copper bath meant for two besides a superb water trough to fill up this enormous tub. Interestingly, as you sit in the tub, you can enjoy watching your flat-screen television or listen to favourites from yours I pod docking station.

The Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award presented annually lists out properties that have been able to demonstrate a strong individual personality coupled with their strong commitment to personal service. This is precisely the ethos of Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Restaurant and Spa. This idyllic property is ideally located in the picture postcard village of Evershot, deep inside the Thomas Hardy Country in Dorset.

The Andrew Harper Grand Award title clearly distinguishes those properties that are just marginally good or even great from that of those that are really captivating. Precisely, the recipients of this title are those hotels that go the extra mile besides creating unforgettable experience for their guests. Being small in size is a necessary characteristic for this award, combined with the hotel's spirit of plenitude, and genuine and generous hospitality. Notably, this accolade is deemed highly prestigious.

Ideally located to the south of Sherborne, Summer Lodge is a renowned member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Significantly, this classic country house hotel is highly typical of the genre. The fabrics of the property are bang up to date, with luxurious furnishings, superb plumbing and a warm and cordial service, with the intelligent answer of 'yes' to every question.

Recently, the Mävenpick Hotel Hamburg secured one of the world's most prestigious real estate awards in Cannes. Opened in 2007, this magnificent property is housed in a historic water tower constructed under the direction of Patrizia Projektentwicklung GmbH, and received the MIPIM Award under the category of Hotels and Tourism Resorts.

Awarded since 1991, the highly popular MIPIM Award is deemed as the Oscar of the real estate industry. The jury takes in to account, features such as quality, infrastructure, originality, and the quality of services offered.  In addition to the selected hotels, the award winners were selected under five other categories picked up from over 16,000 entries.

Jean Gabriel Pérès, President & CEO Mävenpick Hotels & Resorts observed, "We are exceptionally proud of this prestigious international award. The MIPIM Award is the highest recognition for one of the most spectacular and successful hotels in our portfolio. It underscores our commitment to surprise our guests in a positive way with refreshing hotel concepts that have been completely styled down to the smallest detail such as in Hamburg, Berlin and Stuttgart."

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), one of the largest hotel groups in the world by number of rooms, has picked up many prestigious accolades in China-the fastest growing area in Asia Pacific for the group.

IHG gained the accolade for Best International Hotel Company at the 2007 China Hotel Starlight Awards. The group's Priority Club Rewards, with 1 million members across China and 37 million members all over the world, was declared as the Best Loyalty Programme in China.

IHG Greater China's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Edmond Ip, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. And, the China Hotel Annual Forum named IHG as the Best Employer in China's Hotel Industry.

In a significant move, HolidayCheck has rated the Mävenpick Hotel Berlin among the 99 most popular hotels across the globe and among the Top 3 hotels within Germany. On the occasion of the International Tourism Trade Fair (ITB) in Berlin, this highly prestigious public award of the travel industry was presented on 5th March 2008. Since the sound assessment process for this award is strictly based on the opinions and personal experiences of the guests, The HolidayCheck Award is indeed a highly special honour for the Mävenpick Hotel Berlin.

During the selection process, HolidayCheck AG provided an opportunity to the guests to express their opinions and share their holiday experiences on the Internet. Notably, www.holidaycheck.com is among the leading travel sites in the German-speaking area attracting over 200,000 visitors a day and featuring over 640,000 hotel reviews. 

Opened in March 2004, the upscale Mävenpick Hotel Berlin, has established renowned popularity besides developing into an insider tip in the capital of German. The unique architecture, modern design and a thorough interplay of the historic elements of the earlier Siemens factory indeed evoke a great imagination and appreciation.

Triggered by Delia Smith's return to TV with a new range of culinary programmes, West Virginia the Greenbrier resort is preparing itself to host a line of high-quality gourmet events for the food lovers ranging from wine tasting sessions, culinary demonstrations and hands-on classes and seminars. Commencing in March, these events are scheduled to run through November 2008.

The events shall engage not only the adults. Scheduled to run between May and August 2008, the resort is also offering a rare opportunity for children to become a chef for a day by way of participating in Children's Gourmet Cooking Classes. These two hour sessions handled by the highly experienced and skilled culinary staff of the Greenbrier and are designed to bestow an enjoyable learning experience to children in addition to teaching them kitchen safety and the basics of culinary techniques. The age group eligible to participate in this programme is six to twelve.

The Greenbrier Resort is ideally located on 6,500-acres of lush green landscape in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. This award winning resort has been offering an inspiring home to its guests long since 1778. This is one of the National Historic Landmarks, also called as America's Resort, which completed a $50 million refurbishment project in spring 2007. The highlights of the property include a stylish meeting and event space, quality restaurants and bars and over 50 recreational activities that include three championship golf courses.

The reputed online travel and leisure retailer www.lastminute.com has witnessed an incredible 40% increase in hotel bookings from the beginning of this year. It all goes in to say that the consumers are becoming more confident of booking hotel rooms independently by searching on their own and exploring the best deals meeting their needs and choices.

Triggered by this massive growth and frenzy, the site has added more than 4000 brand new European hotels to its portfolio during the past twelve months alone.

Interestingly, Luxury and unique hotels have been consistently facing a 50% increase in bookings every year. Under the new trends, hotels have started playing a greater role contributing to enhance the holiday experience of people all over. Under this scenario, the ambience, reputation and décor of the hotels gaining importance like the destination.

Rotana Hotel Company has announced the addition of an exciting new brand structure within its portfolio namely alcohol-free and all-suites. After rebranding, the four brands of the company will now include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan by Rotana, Centro Hotels by Rotana, and Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts by Rotana.

Most notably, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts is a highly innovative and completely alcohol-free accommodation concept first of its kind in the industry. This is a new venture by the company to cater to the needs of guests looking forward to an alcohol-free alternative.

Imad Elias, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer observed, "To our valued patrons, Rayhaan offers an uncompromising alternative that upholds the world-class standards synonymous with the Rotana name. An entirely new concept, the alcohol-free option has an inherent appeal to guests in the Middle East".

The von Essen group presents a wonderful array of amazing destinations, featuring about 25 hotels across the UK and France. The excellent range extends from 17th century Manor houses to a magnificent Tudor Castle. With all this, there is a luxury hotel to suit everyone's desire of enjoying a quality springtime getaway.

The Chateau de Bagnols, at Bagnols, France is located in the centre of the most wonderful Beaujolais Valley, just at about 27 km to the north of Lyon. This is the ideal destination to celebrate a luxury Easter stay amidst the serene setting of the silent French countryside. During a two-night break between Saturday 22nd and Tuesday 25th March, the Chateau de Bagnols, the hotel offers a rare chance to its guests to relish a tasty breakfast buffet in addition to a gastronomic lunch or dinner from the special Easter Menu at the popular "La Salle des Gardes", the One Michelin star restaurant. With a great Easter surprise awaiting the guests, the prices start from €605 per room, per night based on 2 people sharing. Visit www.bagnols.com to book.

Bishopstrow House is a perfect choice to enjoy a fun packed theme for Easter. To enjoy a 'Wizard of Oz' movie break, you can whisk your family to this wonderful property. Running between 22nd and 24th March, the 2-night Easter package offers a wide ranges of interesting Easter activities to engage the entire family. Prices are from £249 pp including activities. Visit www.bishopstrow.co.uk

Recently, the luxury west coast hotel Ardanaiseig secured the prestigious Gold Medal for Management from the Scottish Hotel of the Year Awards 2008. Over and above, the Head Chef Gary Goldie was given a very special commendation under the National Hotel Chef of the Year category.

These awards are offered to recognize the outstanding achievement under relevant categories. The award further cements the reputation of the hotel as one of the finest in the whole of Scotland.

Having received the Management award, the manager of the hotel, Peter Webster, remarked, "To win recognition in national awards is a fantastic achievement, particularly for an independent hotel. We aim to give our guests the very best service and are delighted to have been recognised at such prestigious awards."

Macdonald Pittodrie House Hotel near Aberdeen has scooped yet another star from the AA launching itself into the four-star luxury category. With the property undergoing a massive 12-month programme of refurbishment, the historic hotel with 27 bedrooms is just in the midway towards a prospective accomplishment.

The hotel could bag this prestigious accolade in recognition of its remarkably high standards of service, special focus on training, facilities, and sensitive inclination towards refurbishment. The award lifts the hotel's position as an AA Hotel Group of this Year. In addition, the new status is ably reinforcing the approach of the group towards driving standards and quality within the star hotels market, further assuring a quality service and amazing range of facilities to business and leisure guests alike.

AA National Account Executive, Gordon Cartwright, remarked, "The award of four stars in any hotel signifies a landmark in its development, and in the case of Pittodrie House, this new four star grading provides an accurate picture of a destination hotel that is seriously committed to providing a memorable experience for its guests."

The most naturally luxurious and popular resort of Egypt, Taba Heights, is enjoying its increasing popularity with the UK guests. The recently released new figures clearly indicate that Taba Heights remains a favourite among the frequently travelling Brits. Notably, it is reported that guests hailing from the UK are consistently filling approximately one in three room nights working out to around 38%.

This particular trend is highly significant because the French constitute the second highest number to book room nights. This group represents about 12% of the total. In terms of actual numbers of travellers visiting the resort, the UK also retains its top position, with over 28% of the arrivals being British. In addition, this is a stretch remaining ahead of the neighbouring Israel, which assumes the second place, accounting for 11% of arrivals.

On the whole, the resort also delightfully reports that there is a 19% increase on occupancy figures for the year 2007 when compared to the figures of the previous year. In fact, occupancy across all the five hotels was quite higher than what was noted in the year 2006. This gives the highest overall occupancy that the resort has experienced since its opening in 2000.

For an ultimate experience of adventure and tranquility, horse riding, yoga and spa breaks have been launched by a top hotel and spa complex in Austria.

The Reiter's Burgenland Resort, a comfortable retreat, is belonged to Karl Reiter, declared the best Spa hotelier of the year 2007 by the international Relaxguide for spa houses.

In the year 2007, the Burgenland's 5-star Reiter's Supreme Hotel was one of the two hotels in Austria gained 20 points-the maximum points given by Relaxguide, and Burgenland's 4-star Avance Hotel received the best family hotel title.

People have a preferred place, a calm or a little known place where they love to go to be at ease, make out or appreciate their favorite ideas, generally arising out of the comforts and cover of a embracing location.

Similarly, there is something satisfying in a refreshing cup of tea or coffee and delightful refreshment following a long travel, fascinating activity or walk. But, arriving at the ideal café is something most people run into as luck would have it, before now.

The new CafeDays website of VisitScotland www.visitscotland.com/cafedays lists more than 200 of the finest cafes and tearooms (voted for by people based on their personal experiences) in Scotland, showing people visiting Scotland the places they can enjoy their cup of coffee.

This month, two new family suites will be unveiled by the Cove-Cornwall's all-suite boutique hotel-meant for style-savvy people who are interested in combining a big break for themselves with pleasant time for family.

The fresh introductions-two-bedroom suites-come with a latest four-posters in their main bedrooms, limestone clad shower rooms with rainfall showers, big lounges with TV, DVD and WIFI, cook's rooms and another double bedroom with an option to choose cot or toddler bed, in addition to small monitors and high chairs.

Timings for meals are designed in such a way that parents and children be at ease, with services of fresh hot breakfasts making for a calm beginning of the day than the normal schedule of getting children washed and dressed in order to be ready for a common restaurant setting.