Best Holiday Lettings

Category: News

  • Waldorf Astoria Panama opens

    Hilton Worldwide announced the growth of its Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand into Latin America with the outlet of Waldorf Astoria Panama.

    With a commitment to customized service and delivering a brand new sense of luxury to the booming Panama market, Waldorf Astoria Panama blends the prestigious sophistication of the luxurious brand with the heat of the local Panamanian personality.

    “Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts are committed to a presence in landmark destinations around the globe, so Panama is an ideal venue for our brand’s entry into Latin America,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, Global Head of Luxury & Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide. “The Waldorf Astoria Panama is perfectly positioned to create the outstanding experiences and unforgettable moments which are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in any respect of our greater than 20 destinations all over the world,” added Vanderslice.

    Featuring 248 guest rooms, suites and comfort residences, Waldorf Astoria Panama boasts timeless elegance and alluring ambiance displayed during the hotel’s public areas and accommodations. Designed by the Miami-based firm ba-haus/KNF, the most recent hotel in Panama unveils a mixture of clean, luminous tones and reflective materials, in addition to high ceilings, which inspire a polished social atmosphere, using rich exotic woods, metallic pieces, multi-dimensional panels, glass and crystals.

    From arrival to departure, guests aren’t only embraced by this striking design, but additionally welcomed by True Waldorf Service – a service initiative that assigns an individual concierge to every qualified guest who acts as their primary contact, before, during and – an industry first – after a stay, to ensure every want and request is met.

    Guest rooms are tastefully appointed to mix luxurious comfort with a recent appeal, delivering the most recent technology in a spacious, relaxing environment. Featuring the best linens and amenities, all rooms offer plush bedding, high-definition flat screen television, alarm clock with MP3 player connection, wired and wireless Internet access and spacious marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers.

    “Waldorf Astoria is legendary during the world as representing the suitable in luxury and hospitality, and we’re proud to bring this unparalleled service and quality to Panama with the primary ever Waldorf Astoria hotel in Latin America,” said Danny Hughes, senior vice chairman, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “Waldorf Astoria Panama is an amazing addition to our consistently growing portfolio in Latin America, and we glance forward to welcoming travelers to the flawless service synonymous with the Waldorf Astoria name.”

    Waldorf Astoria Panama boasts a formidable array of various culinary experiences, led by award-winning executive chef Kalych Padro Alvarado. Featuring four distinct restaurants and bars, Waldorf Astoria Panama, tempts guests with the renowned Peacock Alley, an advanced and intimate lobby bar; Ginger, an authentic and exotic lounge and sushi bar that includes ginger in its Asian specialty menu; Bungalow Terrace & Pool Bar, a welcome oasis in a calming poolside atmosphere; and BRIO Brasserie, an informal all day dining restaurant perfect for a fresh meal made with local ingredients that mixes modern French and American cuisine.

    Providing luxury at every turn, Waldorf Astoria Panama indulges guests with Waldorf Astoria Spa, a 2,000-square-foot retreat where visitors can rejuvenate inside the heart of Panama City. Offering five treatment rooms, including a couples-only space, Waldorf Astoria Spa features acclaimed beauty brand Babor. Founded in 1956, Babor employs pioneering technology to remodel the secrets of nature into innovative products so Waldorf Astoria Spa can offer invigorating body and facial treatments including signature experiences and strategies. Wellness facilities at Waldorf Astoria Panama also include a 2,000-square-foot gymnasium by Life Fitness® and an out of doors swimming pool uniquely designed with mosaic gold tiles.

    In addition to the hotel’s exclusive dining and wellness facilities, Waldorf Astoria Panama features Level 5, a multi-event venue for meetings and social gatherings where Manhattan penthouse design blends with a modern Latin American ambiance. The greater than 3,500 square feet of meeting space includes three multi-purpose meeting rooms and a ballroom, complemented by a flexible business center where guests can access various services.

    The luxurious Waldorf Astoria Panama offers guests a trendy getaway in an exclusive area of town. Located steps faraway from Calle Uruguay, within the heart of the entertainment area, Waldorf Astoria Panama is approximately 25 minutes from Tocumen International Airport (PTY) and two blocks from the town center and fiscal district. The hotel’s enviable location puts guests at the doorstep of what many talk to as “Restaurant Row” where seemingly limitless dining options are only footsteps away. Within walking distance of Cinta Costera, one among Latin America’s best running and walking trails overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the posh hotel is solely 20 minutes from the Panama Canal and 10 minutes from the historic center called Casco Viejo.

    The hotel participates in Hilton HHonors®, the single guest rewards program that permits members to earn Points & Miles® for a similar stay and redeem points at no cost nights with out a Blackout Dates at greater than 3,800 hotels worldwide.

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  • News: British women warned over India travel

    Britain has advised female tourists to be careful while traveling in India within the wake of the rape of a Swiss tourist in Madhya Pradesh last week.

    “Our travel advice states that ladies should use caution if travelling alone in India.

    “Reported cases of sexual assault against women and young girls are increasing; recent sexual attacks against female visitors in tourist areas and cities show that foreign women also are in danger,” explained a Foreign & Commonwealth Office spokesperson. 

    Though the recommendation has not been modified following last week’s sexual assault on a foreign tourist, the government’s travel advisory remains under constant review in view of the location at the ground, it added.

    “British women had been the victims of sexual assault in Goa, Delhi, Bangalore and Rajasthan and ladies travelers often receive unwanted attention inside the sort of verbal and physical harassment by individuals or groups of guys.

    “If you’re a woman traveling in India you might want to respect local dress codes and customs and avoid isolated areas, including beaches, when alone at any time of day,” said the FCO current advisory.

    Six men accused of raping the 39-year-old Swiss tourist, who was camping together with her husband in a forest in Madhya Pradesh, were remanded in custody.

    The woman has since been discharged from hospital.

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  • Fairmont Istanbul to open in 2016

    Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced a brand new development in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled to open in 2016. The 210-room hotel would be joined by branded residences and is a part of the Quasar Istanbul complex, a brand new mixed-use development inside the Sisli district, a colourful neighborhood blending commercial, residential and retail yet situated near major attractions within the city. The project is being developed through a three way partnership between Viatrans – Meydanbey. Viatrans is a Geneva-based company focusing on shipping logistics and insurance in addition to commercial real estate.

    The Quasar Istanbul complex is inside the central business district whose showpiece is the previous Mecidiyeköy Liqueur and Cognac Factory. Inbuilt the 1930’s on then undeveloped land, the factory was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens, who with Le Corbusier was one of several most influential modern French architects of that era.

    Two 41-story towers will sit above a 4-story office podium with fitness facilities and comfort retail stores. The towers will house a Fairmont Hotel and Fairmont Residences in addition to Quasar Residences and offices that will be managed by Fairmont. The hotel will feature Fairmont Gold, the brand’s hotel within a hotel lifestyle offering, a lot of lounges and several other restaurants, 2,000 square meters of function space, and a Willow Stream Spa.

    The two residences are whole-ownership, private homes and may offer studios, 1 and a pair of-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom duplexes. While in residence, owners could have access to a non-public lounge and several services and amenities corresponding to 24-hour concierge, wine cellar, preferred pricing for diverse hotel offerings including dining, spa and fitness, meeting facilities, hotel guestrooms and more. Owners may also be awarded VIP status and privileges once they travel to any Fairmont hotels or resorts worldwide.

    The former distillery, located adjacent to the hotel will undergo a thoughtful restoration echoing the trendy sort of its French designer to become a culture, fashion and humanities center for special events and exhibits. A verdant urban open space can be planned for the event of a city park and recreation area.

    “Istanbul is a thrilling, dynamic city which will attract our business and leisure guests,” said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. “As well as complementing our other developments within the region, it’s very exciting to be partnering with Viatrans in this amazing project blending hotel, residential and community space.”

    Turkey’s largest city straddles the Bosphorus among the world’s busiest waterways, and is the country’s economic, cultural, and historical heart. Istanbul served because the capital of 3 distinct empires, including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and is found on the fringe of Europe and Asia, with one-third of its population living in Asia and its commercial and historical center in Europe. Today it’s a thriving tourist and business destination rich with history and natural beauty, home to 13.5 million people inside the second-largest metropolitan area in Europe.

    Fairmont Quasar, Istanbul is the newest project to be announced by the logo within the region and joins Fairmont Kyiv, Ukraine; Fairmont Baku, Azerbaijan (2013) and Fairmont Pekin, Moscow (2016).

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  • News: Sarawak takes up reins for Routes Asia 2014

    After a successful Routes Asia in Mumbai which saw over 700 hundred delegates in attendance, greater than ever before, GVK’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport have officially handed the development over to Kuching, Sarawak the host destination for Routes Asia 2014.

    Building at the success of this year’s event the most important route development forum for the whole Asia region will happen on March 9th-11th 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia hosted by the ministry of tourism Sarawak and co-hosted by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.

    Speaking on the official handover ceremony which happened earlier today in Mumbai Datuk Amar Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Bin Tun Abang Haji Openg, minister for tourism for Sarawak said: “We are indeed grateful to Routes for giving us the chance to be linked to this kind of prestigious event.

    “This is a smart honour for Sarawak to be highlighted among prominent airlines and airports fraternity at this significant event. Of course, we’re the host on your Routes Asia 2014 and i’ve come personally to Mumbai to welcome all of you to Kuching when the development unveils itself next year in March.”

    Air transport to Sarawak is served by four major airports; Kuching International Airport, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri Airports and because the region has frequent air links from major aviation hubs Kuching is among the most accessible cities in Malaysia.

    Flights to Kuching are available in from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, that’s served by greater than 50 carriers.

    Sarawak, referred to as the Land of the Hornbills, is the biggest of the Malaysian states and is situated at the island of Borneo.

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  • News: Bench confirms Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference headed for Sochi

    Bench Events and Questex Media Group today announced that the ninth annual Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference will occur October 21st-23rd 2013 on the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel in Sochi, Russia, site of the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

    Sochi is undergoing a main transformation from a regional tourist hub right into a global tourism destination because it gears as much as host the Winter Olympic Games early next year and a variety soccer matches when the FIFA World Cup Finals come to Russia in 2018.

    In preparation for these mega-events, Sochi and the local region are creating new attractions and investing in infrastructure.

    “With the 2014 Winter Olympic Games fast approaching, the world’s eyes are on Sochi,” said Jonathan Worsley, Bench Events chairman.

    “We are delighted that the town will host RHIC this year.

    “There is a good buzz and excitement about Sochi. Colleagues inside the travel and tourism industry are anticipating seeing the Olympic Park and the region’s new hotels in person with Sochi’s preparations for the Winter Olympic Games in full swing.”

    Total investment inside the region is predicted to exceed $50 billion. Morgan Stanley has reported that infrastructure spending is anticipated to account for seven per cent of Russia’s rising GDP in any case until 2018 as Moscow and regional governments improve facilities for the FIFA World Cup Finals.

    “Beyond the Olympics, the subsequent five years will see the field drawing in new investment and development opportunities,” said Kerry Gumas, Questex president.

    The selection of international brand hotels in Russia is predicted to extend from 87 to 220 by 2018, and the entire choice of international brand hotel rooms will greater than double from 21,885 to 47,5341.

    The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Host Sponsor of RHIC, is without doubt one of the fastest-growing hotel companies worldwide in addition to being a number one international hotel operator in Russia/CIS.

    The doors to the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Hotel in Sochi opened in January this year.

    “We are excited to be hosting this year’s RHIC and bringing the region’s most prestigious hotel investment conference to Sochi at such an incredible time,” said Wolfgang Neumann, Rezidor Hotel Group president.

    RHIC is the industry’s premier event in Russia, bringing together the region’s largest gathering of hotel investors, developers, brands, operators, financiers, advisors and government officials under one roof.

    Attendees will gain insights from Russian and global leaders as to where the actual opportunities lie within the region, discover successful strategies from those already operating available in the market and listen to from government officials and top economists at the latest forecasts and trends.

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