Category: News

  • News: Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa re-opens under new ownership

    Hilton Worldwide today announced the re-opening of Hilton Garden Inn Milan Malpensa, on the subject of Milano Malpensa Airport. Visitors to at least one of Europe’s important transit hubs can over again benefit from the exceptional facilities of a hotel located near the banks of the River Ticino, catering to the desires and requirements of the busy modern traveller.

    Having operated under the Hilton Garden Inn brand between 2008 and 2011, the franchise agreement has since been reestablished with the property’s new owners, Hypo Alpe Adria Leasing, and is being managed by Bierwith & Kluth Hotel Management GmbH. The hotel returns to Hilton Garden Inn’s eight strong Italian portfolio, including locations inclusive of Rome, Florence and Venice.

    Simon Vincent, area president, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide said, “Continued investment in Milano Malpensa Airport has seen capacity increase dramatically and we’re delighted to be complementing the enhanced airport services, with the return of a hotel with a view to further enhance the traveller experience.”

    The 207 guestroom hotel is barely seven miles from the airport, within the nearby town of Somma Lombardo. Access to and from the terminal is straightforward, as a result of a free shuttle bus which makes the quick trip along the primary road, route 336, through the day. Whilst in easy reach of the airport and just 50km from the town of Milan, the hotel’s location retains a way of the Lombardian countryside’s unique rustic charm.

    The glorious nearby Lake Maggiore offers a tranquil escape from the stresses and strains of daily life, while Somma Lombardo’s landmark 15th century Castello Visconti provides visitors with a glimpse back to the age of the renaissance.  The hotel runs a free bike hire scheme, designed to assist guests take advantage of the local scenery during their stay.

    Key Hilton Garden Inn signature features are included, equivalent to; the Garden Sleep System Bedding; Herman Miller Chair; plus complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi internet access.  The hotel also boasts extensive parking facilities, a 24 hour business centre and state-of-the-art fitness complex.  Meetings and events are particularly well catered for with 800sqm of events space available, formed of 7 rooms, the biggest of that’s able to holding as much as 400 people.

    Guests trying to experience the famed Italian cuisine shouldn’t be disappointed with the hotel’s bar and restaurant concept, ‘Atmosphere’, offering the best in local and international flavours.  Ready to seat 180 diners, the venue offers guests an entire a la carte menu plus a lunchtime buffet, including fresh and healthy meals available to eat at the go.  Guests need never stray from the relief of the hotel if attempting to find a handy guide a rough bite, with its Pavilion Pantry open 24 hours an afternoon and providing a number of sweet and savory snacks.

    Mark Nogal, regional head, Hilton Garden Inn, said, “Hilton Garden Inn has tremendous pedigree inside the field of airport hotels, the twin branded Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport opened in late 2011, a posh which has received tremendous acclaim up to now.  We relate to the busy traveller of today and make it our business to cater on to their needs, whether it’s complimentary Wi-Fi access and our 24 hour business zone, or by providing a calming, comfortable, location to aid guests put a tough day’s journey behind them.”

    As portion of the re-opening, former General Manager Lorenzo Zagatti and lots of his team return to the valuables, providing a warm welcome because the hotel open the doors to its first guests.

    This opening means the emblem now operates eight hotels in Italy with Hilton Garden Inn Pistoia also set to affix its portfolio this year.  Across Europe, Hilton Garden Inn now has a complete of 60 hotels trading or in development.  The emblem recently celebrated the outlet of Hilton Garden Inn Davos, prestigiously located in amongst the Swiss Alps and directly opposite Davos Congress Centre, the venue for the yearly Meeting of the realm Economic Forum.  Hilton Garden Inn achieved first place inside the most up-to-date JD Power & Associates’ European Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study (2011).

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  • Starwood Hotels to open 50 new hotels in Europe in next five years

    Starwood Hotels & Resorts announced plans to open 50 new hotels in Europe over the subsequent five years, increasing its European hotel portfolio by 30%. This year, Starwood will open nine new hotels around the continent, primarily in fast-growing markets, a key focus of Starwood’s long-term development strategy in Europe. Together, Starwood and its partners are making significant investments to revive and enhance among the company’s most iconic European hotels.

    This year alone, the corporate will open nine new hotels in established in addition to fast-growing markets reminiscent of Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Turkey. Highlights include, three new hotels in Turkey, an Aloft and Sheraton in Bursa in addition to further new Sheraton hotel within the city of Adana. Further new openings include Sheraton Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport in July and the addition of the prestigious King George Hotel in Athens to Starwood’s Luxury Collection portfolio.

  • News: Samoa Air tackles weighty issues in aviation

    Samoa Air has become the 1st airline on the earth to begin charging passengers in accordance with their weight.

    The ‘pay what you weigh’ policy have been introduced to assist Samoa battle its obesity, the airline argues, with the rustic having one the best rates of obesity on the earth.

    The airline will now charge travellers by the kilogram for his or her weight and the burden in their luggage.

    Under the brand new system, Samoa Air passengers must type of their weight and the load in their baggage into the net booking element of the airline’s website.

    “We at Samoa Air are keeping airfares fair, by charging our passengers just for what they weigh.

    “You are the master of your Air’fair’, you opt how much – or little – your ticket will cost.

    “No more exorbitant excess baggage fees or being charged for luggage you are able to not carry.

    “Your weight plus your baggage items, is what you pay,” read a press release from the corporate.

    The rates vary counting on the space flown.

    Passengers pay no less than $1 per kilogram at the airline’s shortest domestic route.

    This rises to about $4.16 per kilogram for travel between Samoa and American Samoa.

    Passengers are then weighed again on scales on the airport, to compare that they weren’t massaging the facts online.

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  • News: JA Resorts & Hotels prepares to open first overseas resort

    JA Resorts & Hotels, the UAE-based hospitality group, is gearing up for the grand opening of its first overseas property within the third quarter of 2013.

    Enchanted Island Resort, an individual ten-villa luxury beach retreat within the Seychelles is because of open its exclusive resort facilities for guests in autumn.

    The resort features just ten private villas on an island in the course of a countrywide Marine Park and may be booked on a person or exclusive basis.

    The five-star luxury boutique island resort is home to 8 one-bedroom Private Pool Villas and two two-bedroom Enchanted Signature Villas, designed to mirror the island’s traditional Creole-Seychellois architecture.

    Each villa encompasses a private infinity pool, walkway to the beach, deck, outdoor rain shower, French bathtub, four-poster king size bed, LED screen with satellite channels, DVD player, iPod docking station and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access.

    Bounty Restaurant overlooks the resort’s main swimming pool and caters for guests with contemporary international and Creole cuisine, while Castaway Bar offers plenty of cocktails and aperitifs.

    In-villa dining and personal gourmet experiences at the beach also are on offer. Guests may enjoy complimentary use of snorkelling equipment and kayaks.

    David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer of JA Resorts & Hotels, said: “We are delighted to open this stunning resort and it makes for a magnificent portfolio addition, our first outside Dubai.”

    “While it’s been a mild and extensive process to get to this stage, we were keen to help in making a very special product and disturb as little of the unique island flora as possible,” he added.

    Serena Spa manages the spa that overlooks the Indian Ocean from its elevated position at the island. Besides an ‘Adam & Eve’ couple treatment suite, two other individual treatment pavilions each have their very own private steam room, shower and terrace.

    Serena Spa treatments, yoga, access to a gymnasium and other holistic therapies are offered.

    The island is owned by Enchanted Ventures and it’s possible to exclusively rent the total island for as much as 24 guests. On this instance additionally it is possible to house children below 12 years, that is normally not permitted.

    Eric Laurent, General Manager, says: “Enchanted Island Resort offers an exemplary experience of genuine island hospitality that our guests will remember long when they have departed.”

    Enchanted Island Resort is found on a five-acre tropical island in the course of a chosen National Marine Park, near to neighbouring islands Sainte Anne, Moyenne, Long and Cerf.

    After a 10-minute drive from the Seychelles International Airport, a fifteen-minute motorboat ride takes guests from the most island Mahé, to the resort’s private jetty. The Seychelles Islands is a favoured destination for honeymooners and nature lovers owing to its tropical beaches, transparent turquoise waters and colourful marine life.

    JA Resorts & Hotels manage an inspiring portfolio of properties across Dubai including the newly extended, all suite Palm Tree Court, the award-winning Jebel Ali Hotel and the deluxe hotel apartments of Oasis Beach Tower.

    The company also will welcome a four-star beachfront property to the portfolio as Ocean View Hotel prepares to open.

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  • Holiday Inn opens in Long island

    IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) is opening the recent Holiday Inn NYC – Lower East Side, within the thriving Lower East Side neighborhood near major businesses, universities and Manhattan attractions.

    The 132-room, eight-story hotel at 150 Delancey Street, includes a fresh, modern and open floor plan with signature design and branded elements during the space. Within the lobby area, guests will find lobby seating, a grab & go café featuring a 24×7 market, and a brand new way to the business center via an eBar.

    “We are proud to welcome the vacation Inn Lower East Side to the vacation Inn brand family,” said Heather Balsley, senior vp, Brand Management, Holiday Inn brand family, The Americas, IHG.

    “This hotel is likely one of the over 1,200 properties worldwide which represent the brand new face of a brand that’s redefining guest comfort and convenience in cities across America, and the Lower East Side in Ny city is a market where we believe this new Holiday Inn hotel will thrive.”

    The new hotel is in keeping with the vacation Inn brand family’s $1 billion global brand relaunch. The relaunch continues to drive increased quality and consistency around the global portfolio.

    The hotel includes a contemporary image with emphasis on arrival and welcome services, guestroom and guest bath comfort and a redesigned logo and signage.