Tuesday, June 29, 2010

“PHOTOS: The World's Strangest Hotels” plus 2 more

“PHOTOS: The World's Strangest Hotels” plus 2 more

PHOTOS: The World's Strangest Hotels

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 10:08 AM PDT

Ever feel as if every hotel room looks like the last one you checked into? Next time, consider spicing up your travel by staying at one of these unique hotels, where style often trumps all else.

Want to see the Northern Lights and the stars shining brightly in the arctic sky? Stay in a glass igloo at the Hotel Kakslauttanen, which is located above the Arctic Circle in Finland. For those visitors wishing to have a truly arctic experience, you can stay in one of the traditional snow igloos, eat in the snow restaurant or even get married in the snow chapel.

(Hotel Kakslauttanen)

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Doubletree Hotels Expands Ohio Presence with New Location in Akron

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 03:13 AM PDT

AKRON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Doubletree Hotels has announced the opening of the 91-room Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn. Conveniently located just a few minutes west of downtown Akron and 30 minutes from downtown Cleveland, this newest Ohio Doubletree is situated in the suburban community of Fairlawn, adjacent to the Summit Mall shopping and entertainment district.

The Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn (formerly a Four Points by Sheraton) is operated by PAC Associates, Inc., under a franchise agreement with a subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide and managed by RDA Hotel Management Company.

"We are proud of our newest Ohio location – the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn – as it only further strengthens our presence for our loyal customers across the state, with locations in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and now Akron," said Rob Palleschi, global head for Doubletree Hotels. "With operations centers and offices for such well-known companies as Charles Schwab, Deloitte, Rubbermaid and First Energy nearby, as well as easy access to major highways, the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn will be a rewarding place to stay for corporate travelers and a great gathering place for the Akron/Fairlawn community."

More than $1 million in hotel refurbishments have led to stylish upgrades in the hotel's newly renovated lobby and the hotel's 91 guest rooms. Along with complimentary, in-room wireless high-speed Internet access, other residential style guestroom features include the brand's signature Sweet Dreams by Doubletree bedding package with high-count linens and plush pillows, 32" flat screen TVs, MP3 compatible stereo clock radios, Wolfgang Puck gourmet coffee service and Neutrogena® bath and body products.

For guests who want to keep their workout program on track while traveling, a state-of-the-art fitness facility equipped with the latest in cardio and weight training equipment by Precor® Fitness is available. An indoor, heated swimming pool and attractive outdoor, brick-laid patio with comfortable seating are other refreshing ways to relax at the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn.

With more than 6,000 square feet of event space, the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn offers the spacious, 3,000 sq. ft. Aspen Ballroom, which can accommodate social receptions for more than 250 guests with ease. An array of additional small-to-medium-sized meeting rooms also is equipped with exceptional presentation and communications technology for corporate training sessions and business meetings. Combined with a professional conference services team and a 24-hour self-service Business Center, the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn can customize many events and meetings with superior service and value.

There is no shortage of great dining in the Fairlawn area, but guests can enjoy the convenience of hotel dining at the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn without giving up quality and ambiance. The Doubletree Breakfast buffet helps guests start the day right with an extensive array of hot, cold and cooked-to-order selections. The lively Café Bricco serves up freshly prepared American classics for lunch and dinner daily. Friends or associates may decide to reconnect at the end of the day at the hotel lounge which features a wide selection of beer, wine and signature cocktails.

Members of the Hilton HHonors® guest rewards program can Double Dip® and earn both airline miles and hotel points for every qualifying stay at the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn. Hilton HHonors is the only guest rewards program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® for the same stay and redeem hotels points for free nights with No Blackout Dates. With No Blackout Dates, members can redeem their Hilton HHonors points, as long as a standard room is available*.

"Whether visiting Northeast Ohio for business, a family gathering or a weekend getaway, our hotel team proudly welcomes travelers to stay with us in one of Akron's best locations. At our Doubletree hotel, guests can enjoy our true Midwest hospitality, fine conference facilities and contemporary accommodations – all of which begins every time with the Doubletree brand's legendary warm chocolate chip cookie welcome," remarked Tim Winter, hotel general manager.

Located within 30 minutes of both Akron-Canton Regional and Cleveland Hopkins International Airports, the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn is located at 3150 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44333. For more information on the Doubletree Hotel Akron/Fairlawn, visit the hotel's website at www.akronfairlawn.doubletree.com, call l-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada or contact the hotel directly at 330-869-9000.

About Doubletree Hotels

With a growing collection of contemporary, upscale accommodations in more than 230 gateway cities, metropolitan areas and vacation destinations worldwide, Doubletree Hotels are distinctively designed properties that provide true comfort to today's business and leisure travelers. From the millions of delighted hotel guests who are welcomed with the brand's legendary, warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in to the advantages of the award-winning Hilton HHonors® guest reward program, each Doubletree guest receives a satisfying stay wherever their travels take them. To make reservations at any Doubletree hotel, travelers can visit our website at www.doubletree.com, contact their preferred travel professional or call 1-800-222-TREE in the U.S. and Canada.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 592,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com

* - Hilton HHonors membership, earning of Points & Miles®, and redemption of points are subject to HHonors Terms and conditions.

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Starwood Expands in South America

Posted: 29 Jun 2010 05:54 AM PDT

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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: HOT - News) with its Luxury Collection brand plans to double its portfolio in South America. A gradual recovery of the global economy is pushing demand in the hotels and lodging industry. Thus the company in a franchise agreement with Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas plans to open three Luxury Collection hotels in Peru, of which two have already been opened.

 

The company opened its first luxury collection resort, Hotel Paracas, in Peru on January 12, 2010, and the second resort, Tambo del Inka, also in Peru on June 28, 2010. The third luxury collection hotel, Palacio del Inka, is expected to open in 2011.

 

The company is poised to benefit from the increase in demand for hotels. It has over half of its hotel properties outside the U.S., an international exposure that not many of its peers can boast. Additionally, over 80% of the company's 85,000 room pipeline will be built in international markets. The demand for hotels in the international market is greater than in the U.S., as the pace of economic recovery is particularly fast outside U.S.

 

The company's first-quarter operating earnings of 13 cents a share were well ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate earnings of 1 cent, primarily driven by better-than-expected revenue. The past few months have seen an improvement in RevPAR (Revenue per available room) throughout the industry.

 

Going forward, the company's strong pipeline, significant international exposure, solid balance sheet, shift to a fee-based business model and a less capital-intensive timeshare business augur well.

 

We maintain a Zacks Rank #2 on Starwood, which translates into a short-term Buy recommendation.

 

Starwood will release its second quarter financial results on July 22, 2010.

 

Starwood is a leading worldwide hospitality company with a primary focus on property ownership, management and franchising. The company has 1,000 properties in 100 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

 

Starwood derives the majority of its revenue from its full-service, luxury/upscale brands such as Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, AloftSM and ElementSM.

STARWOOD HOTELS&RESORTS WRLD (HOT): Read the Full Research Report

Zacks Investment Research

 

 

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