Best Holiday Lettings

Category: News

  • Accorhotels.com accelerates its development

    Accorhotels.com, the web multi-brand and multi-destination reservation website for Accor hotels, continues its development as a key actor of e-tourism. The web site traffic increased by 25% from 2010 to 2012. Greater than 100 million persons visited the web site last year. 10 online booking are registered every minute.

    Its success is predicated on its adaptations to the local specificities and to customers’ expectations. The web site is supplied in 14 languages and thru 31 geo-localized versions. The gang will launch 2 new languages in 2013: a Turkish and an Arabic version.

    Remy Merckx, Accor Online Sales Director explains the website’s benefits from a customer perspective: “It is the neatest place to book one of the vital Group’s brands. We guarantee the simplest price and the last room availability. Clients book additional services (champagne, express breakfast, late check-out, …) and other activities on site as a result of the pre-stay email.”

  • News: Fred Smits appointed general manager of Westin Dublin

    Westin Hotels & Resorts announces the appointment of Fred Smits as General Manager of The Westin Dublin.  Fred joins The Westin Dublin from the Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel & Conference Center where he was Executive Assistant Manager.

    Born within the Netherlands, Fred began his career with Starwood Hotels & Resorts on the Westin Rotterdam in 2001 as Executive Chef, working his way as much as become Director of Food & Beverage in 2005, a task he held until February 2007.

    In 2007, Smits was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager of the 406-room Sheraton Amsterdam Airport Hotel where he oversaw all daily operations and held responsibility for the 30-room Conference Center and 4 food and beverage outlets.  During his time on the Sheraton Amsterdam, Fred also played a key role inside the renovation of the hotel and the introduction of Sheraton signature guest experiences inclusive of the Link@Sheraton experienced with Microsoft, Sheraton Fitness by Core Performance and the Sheraton Club Lounge.

    Before joining Starwood, Fred studied kitchen techniques and kitchen management inside the Netherlands, beginning his career in 1992 as a Chef de Partie on the former one-Michelin starred restaurant De Trechter in Amsterdam.  Following a stint with Embassy Suites in Denver within the USA, Fred returned to Europe in 1995 to tackle a food and beverage role with Hyatt Hotels on the Lowndes Hotel in London.  Between 1997 and 2001, he worked at numerous other Hyatt properties, including holding positions at hotels in Baku, Azerbaijan and the Dead Sea and Jerusalem in Israel.

    Reporting to Colin Bennett, Area Manager UK & Ireland, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Fred will now manage the 163-room Westin Dublin, including the hotel’s stunning Banking Hall, beautiful Atrium lounge, Exchange restaurant and renowned Mint Bar.

    Colin Bennett said of the announcement, “We are delighted to welcome Fred to the team within the UK & Ireland.  i’ve got surely that The Westin Dublin will benefit immensely from his extensive operational experience.”

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  • DoubleTree by Hilton launches in Australia

    Hilton Worldwide has announced that it’ll introduce its fastest growing full-service brand, DoubleTree by Hilton, to Australia when it rebrands four Northern Territory hotels on 1 May 2013. The country’s first three DoubleTree by Hilton hotels: DoubleTree by Hilton Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Esplanade Darwin, DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs will open alongside Hilton Darwin inside the Territory.

    “We are delighted if you want to introduce the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to the Australian market and to feature another Hilton Hotel & Resort inside the region’s most important areas of growth,” said Ashley Spencer, vice chairman, operations, Australasia, Hilton Worldwide. “We was trying to enter into the Northern Territory for a while and are committed to creating these properties the leading full-service hotels out there.”

    The Northern Territory hotels are each located at the doorstep of a few of the foremost incredible tourism experiences Australia has to provide, in addition to being in prime locations for business travellers within the mining and resources sectors.

    Darwin is the capital of the Northern Territory and the gateway to legendary outback destinations similar to the Kakadu National Park and the Katharine Gorge. With a multicultural population of just 129,000, Darwin is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, markets and festivals, Asian cuisine and large natural harbour, that’s bigger than Sydney’s.

    Alice Springs is found within the ‘red centre’ of the vast Australian continent and is the departure town for visiting Australia’s famous red rock Uluru, a five-hour drive from the town centre.

    “The launch of DoubleTree by Hilton in Australia – our 30th country and sixth continent – marks the start of a totally exciting expansion for our brand,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “We are thrilled to open not one, but three hotels in Australia’s extraordinary Northern Territory and look ahead to introducing Australian travellers to the very best level of caring service synonymous with DoubleTree by Hilton – epitomised by our warm chocolate chip cookie welcome for each guest at check-in.”

    DoubleTree by Hilton knows that little things can mean everything with regards to a rewarding travel experience, and strives to bring each guest the special comforts and acts of kindness which are unique to the logo – starting with the nice and cozy chocolate chip cookie welcome and spreading through every stage of the hotel stay. The amenities that guests will enjoy include the invigorating array of CITRON body care products by Crabtree & Evelyn, 24-hour business and fitness centres, outdoor pools, a variety of foods and drinks offerings to satisfy every guest’s need, complimentary high-speed internet access in public areas, and an industry-recognised service culture that’s built round the idea of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community).

    As participants within the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty programme, all four hotels will offer guests the facility to earn and redeem Hilton HHonors points. Gold and Diamond HHonors members can even receive complimentary breakfast.

    The 235-room Hilton Darwin, overlooking Darwin Harbour is simply a couple of minutes’ walk from downtown within the vibrant Darwin Harbour area, and steps from fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment. Guests can decide to relax on the outdoor swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre, sample one of the vital finest cuisines in central Darwin or sip a cocktail on the lounge. Six meeting rooms, including a Grand Ballroom with a 14-metre ceiling height are designed to deal with a number conferences and events.

    Northern Territory Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Matt Conlan, said, “We’re delighted to have Hilton Worldwide, an industry leader, establish its brand within the Territory. The Hilton Darwin and 3 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, will enhance the diversity of accommodation choices available to visitors in locations which might be ideal for holiday and business travellers alike.”

    Hilton Worlwide’s area general manager for the Northern Territory, Martin Kendall can have overall responsibility for all four hotels, supported by Carey Osborne, hotel manager for the 2 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels in Darwin, and Clinton Farley, general manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs. Selected renovations are planned to start in late 2013.

    With the hole of the Northern Territory hotels, DoubleTree by Hilton are located in additional than 340 locations in 30 countries on six continents. The primary DoubleTree by Hilton opened in Arizona in 1969 and because 2008 the logo was expanding rapidly worldwide.  Greater than 50 DoubleTree by Hilton hotels will open globally in 2013 alone.

  • News: FCCA plans for the 20 th annual FCCA Conference & Trade event

    The historic city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia will set the stage for the twentieth annual Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Cruise Conference & Trade event, occurring September 30 – October 4, 2013.

    Cruise industry partners and stakeholders will join cruise executives from the FCCA Member Lines to share ideas and discuss industry trends throughout a sequence of tailored events, functions, meetings and more.

    Workshops should be available, where executives from the FCCA Member Lines will take part in a chain of roundtable discussions within the areas of promoting, shore excursions and operations to coach participants in regards to the latest trends/developments and help them the way to maximize cruise tourism’s benefit.

    To guarantee attendees’ opportunity for individual attention from the executives, the FCCA will pre-set one-on-one meetings with select cruise executives for pre-registered delegates registered and paid before August 15.

    Increased concentration at the trade event floor will provide a gradual flow of attendees and gain the notice of the cruise executives and industry stakeholders. With an expanded variety of booths and special destination pavilion options, this would be the best thanks to showcase a destination and its product as a team—from vendors and tour operators getting their product(s) onboard to destination ministries and port operators increasing their calls. This can be the way to make the best impact and most impressive showing on the FCCA Trade event.

    Choosing to fly with Avianca or Taca, the official airlines of the twentieth annual FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade extravaganza, will assist you to enjoy premium services on land and onboard. Access discounts from 15% to twenty% for flights within Colombia and discounts from 10% to twenty% on international flights. These discounts are just available on applicable fares on flights operated by Avianca or Taca.

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  • News: Royal Caribbean reveals groundbreaking Quantum class ships

    Building on a legacy of greater than 40 years of innovation and inventive design, Royal Caribbean International today unveiled first details of a better generation of cruise holidays – Quantum cruising.

    The Quantum class of ships will take a dramatic leap forwards, introducing more game-changing “firsts at sea” akin to a skydiving experience, an exhilarating adventure that transports guests greater than 300 feet inside the air on a wide ranging journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the most important indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line’s largest and most advanced accommodation ever.

    These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and luxury including the industry’s first virtual balconies – every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas can have a view. The much anticipated details were unveiled by stage, television and picture star, Kristin Chenoweth – Godmother of Quantum of the Seas – at an exclusive event in Ny city this morning.

    “This new generation of ships gave us a possibility to make another leap in vessel design.  Innovation has always been a part of our DNA and we have now taken benefit of all that creativity to design Quantum cruising,” stated Richard D. Fain, chairman & CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.  “The unique features on Quantum of the Seas will boggle our guests’ minds, however the real strength of the design is how our people have integrated these kinds of diverse components to create a comfy and exciting experience.”

    Having led the cruise and leisure industry by introducing incredible signature offerings including the primary Mountain climbing Wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, Central Park and AquaTheater at sea, Royal Caribbean International will advance the onboard experience even further by delivering a groundbreaking lineup of “firsts at sea” on Quantum-class ships.  New features exclusive to Royal Caribbean International include:

    ·      RipCord by iFly, the primary skydiving experience at sea which permits everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to benefit from the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a secure, controlled, and simulated environment

    ·      North Star, an engineering marvel, takes guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey greater than 300 feet above the sea and over the perimeters of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views.

    “We are excited to be introducing major advancements in ship design and offerings on Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas,” said Adam Goldstein, president & CEO, Royal Caribbean International.  “The innovative spirit of our brand is alive and well, and with Quantum class, we will be able to deliver more unexpected activities inside the most extraordinary spaces. Our guests should prepare to be wowed.”

    With Quantum class, Royal Caribbean International marries new innovations with significant architectural design elements to introduce spectacular spaces.  On Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas guests will find endless possibilities with three new signature venues.

    ·      A revolutionary concept, Two70° is a multi-level great room that’s guaranteed to become one of the crucial iconic venues onboard Quantum class ships. The gap is aptly named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through vast, floor-to-ceiling glass walls spanning almost three decks on the stern of the ship.  Two70° seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology to create a transformative journey from day to nighttime.  The ideal setting to connect to the ocean in the course of the day, Two70° provides a latest and cozy lounge space for guests to chill and relax.  Because the sun sets and the lights go down, the dazzling space gradually reveals its evening persona, delighting guests with spectacular, mysterious and unexpected entertainment at night.  Unparalleled technology means every show at Two70° is multidimensional and immerses the audience through a mix of live performers, including aerialists, in addition to breathtaking video and digital scenery

    ·      The biggest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex is a particular and versatile sporting and entertainment venue with thrilling new features that may inspire guests of every age to connect to their playful sides.  Delivering more first-at-sea experiences, guests can enjoy a circus school with flying trapeze, or play basketball on an entire-size basketball court.  By night, the primary-ever bumper car and roller skating offerings deliver fun and excitement.  Or, guests can dance to music orchestrated from a floating DJ booth which hovers above the activity below

    ·      A performance hall and the most well liked live music venue on Quantum class, Music Hall is where for guests to enjoy intimate and exclusive access to live performances, DJs, theme night parties, billiards and more.  Rebellious and edgy, Music Hall’s two-story design is encouraged by the spirit of rock and roll.

    With guest comfort and convenience in mind, Royal Caribbean International debuts the foremost spacious and plush accommodations ever, introducing rooms that on average are nine percent larger than those of the cruise line’s Oasis class ships.  Sophisticated design, layouts and finishes create a house clear of home.  Boasting Royal Caribbean International’s new smart design concept, each stateroom features contemporary designs with easy-to-use customisable layouts and intuitive larger storage solutions.

    ·      Now every room on Quantum of the Seas has a view, with the exciting introduction of Virtual Balcony staterooms. This design concept brings virtual balconies to interior staterooms offering expansive real-time views of the sea and exciting destinations

    ·      For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories which connect with form a distinct layout that offers separate bedrooms and lavatories for all.  These rooms allow families and groups of friends traveling together to benefit from the better of both worlds in relation to together and alone time

    ·      With Quantum of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International introduces the biggest type of stateroom categories, including new Studio staterooms, some with balconies for single travellers, three Junior Suite categories and bigger Loft Suites

    The adults-only Solarium, at the side of an outside pool, a brand new indoor pool with operable roof and a H2O Zone kids’ aqua park, may be featured at the top deck.  Signature Royal Caribbean International venues and experiences well liked by families including the Mountaineering Wall; FlowRider surf simulator; the award-winning Adventure Ocean children’s programme; the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery; and the DreamWorks entertainment and events featuring the characters from animated movies: Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar; will all be back on Quantum class.

    Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will also make a quantum step forward in culinary offerings providing probably the most flexible dining options and more speciality restaurants than ever before. Additional information about dining, entertainment and other unexpected features and activities on Quantum of the Seas may be unveiled within the coming months.

    Quantum class will debut in autumn 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015.  Quantum ships span 18 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and have 2,090 staterooms.

    Quantum of the Seas will sail out of the hot York Harbour from the homeport of Cape Liberty on 7- to twelve-night itineraries in the course of the winter 2014/15 season.  Bookings can be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members on 27 May 2013 before opening to the public on 4 June 2013. Additional info on Quantum of the Seas is out there at www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Quantum. 

    Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never-before-seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous holidaymakers alike.

    Royal Caribbean International sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most well liked destinations within the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand and is world renowned for its friendly and fascinating Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member.

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