Elite Meetings Forum - News

DONALD J. TRUMP, JOINED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF PANAMA, OPENED TRUMP OCEAN CLUB� INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & TOWER� PANAMA ON JULY 6

Elite News Team — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:52:00 GMT

WELCOMING ITS FIRST GUESTS, TRUMP PANAMA OFFERS 25%-OFF BEST AVAILABLE RATES THROUGH SEPT. 30, 2011 AND LAUNCHES FACEBOOK SWEEPSTAKES TO "LIVE THE LIFE" AND WIN A THREE-NIGHT STAY

PUNTA PACIFICA, PANAMA - July 8, 2011 - Wednesday marked the debut of Trump Ocean Club� International Hotel & Tower� Panama, which is TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION�'s first international venture. It is now the largest and tallest building in Latin America.

Donald J. Trump and his sons, Donald Jr. and Eric, joined the Panamanian team to officially open the hotel to guests and residents. Trump Ocean Club received a warm welcome by the President of the Republic of Panama, His Excellency Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal. High-resolution photos can be downloaded at: https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1166667101/80661d5ff2387236ae16943d85d9a5bf

Now through Sept. 30, 2011, travelers are privy to a "Grand Opening Promotion" offering 25%-off Trump Panama's best available rates. It's the perfect excuse for a summer sojourn - and first bragging rights.
A quick trip to Trump Panama's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/TrumpPanama, could garner a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Panama City. Through July 31, 2011, fans that "like" Trump Panama's page are entered to win a complimentary three-night stay. During their "Live the Life" excursion the winner and guest will receive roundtrip air transportation (valued at up to $1,000), limousine airport transfer to and from the hotel, deluxe accommodations in a suite facing the beautiful Pacific Ocean, a yacht transfer to Trump Panama's private beach club including a gourmet lunch en route and $150 in credit that can be used at any of the hotel's signature restaurants, bars or spa. The trip must be redeemed by July 31, 2012, and blackout dates apply.

Portola Hotel & Spa Launches First Hotel Loyalty Program for Kids

Elite News Team — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:33:00 GMT

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Hotel loyalty programs are nothing new, but it's not often that you will find a hotel rewards program for kids. Portola Hotel and Spa is leading the way by creating the first hotel loyalty program for children.

Portola Pirates is a complimentary program providing kids a fun and educational experience. Children are greeted upon check-in with a treasure chest that is complete with pirate-inspired toys and a scavenger hunt map to a hidden treasure. Portola Pirates was created to introduce children to Monterey's historically-rich culture and the program is inspired by Gaspar de Portola, the late 1700s Spanish explorer after which the hotel's surrounding area was named.

The Portola Pirates loyalty program offers additional rewards for return child guests. After children experience the Portola Pirates scavenger hunt during their first visit, families will receive complimentary tickets for two children to visit My Museum, a hands-on museum offering a variety of exhibits and activities for young children, and tickets to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, to be used on their second stay. During a third visit, families receive a complimentary Surrey Bike for the family to explore the Monterey Bay. On a fourth visit, Portola Pirate sleeping bags are provided at check-in for children to use throughout their stay and bring home. After a fifth visit, children win a complimentary upgrade to a suite for a kids sleepover experience, to include kids snack buffet in the room, Wii game and other fun amenities.

"We are very excited to introduce Portola Pirates to our guests," said Janine Chicourrat, general manager of Portola Hotel & Spa. "Our goal with this program is not only to enlighten children visiting with parents from out of town about Monterey's rich, cultural history, but local children from the Monterey area as well. We believe this program also serves as a great option for birthday parties and educational field trips for local kids, parents, schools, and organizations."

Hotel restaurants, Jacks Restaurant and Lounge and Peter B's, offer an exciting Portola Pirates Kid's Menu with pirate-inspired items such as MacAAAARRRoni and Cheese, Captain Jack's Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Black Beard Pasta and Portola Barnacle Burger. All items are served with a choice of Scallywag Fries or a Jolly Roger Fruit Cup and a Landlubber Root Beer Float or Matey Scoop of Ice Cream. Each item on the Portola Pirates menu costs $4.99 and includes a beverage choice of lemonade, milk, juice, or soda. Kids five and under eat free.

Portola Pirates is offered year-round and open to children 12 and under. For local parents, schools and educational organizations interested in the Portola Pirates children's program for birthday parties, educational groups, or field trips, please call (831) 649-4511.

About Portola Hotel and Spa:
The Portola Hotel & Spa is located in historic downtown Monterey overlooking the Monterey Bay and the beautiful peninsula shoreline. The hotel is adjacent to Fisherman's Wharf and the Marina, and is a short walk from historic Cannery Row and the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. Carmel, Pebble Beach, Pacific Grove and Monterey Airport are each just a five-minute drive from the hotel.

Overlooking Monterey Bay, the Portola Hotel & Spa is Monterey's first and only LEED� EB certified hotel. The full-service hotel offering guests a rich, historical ambiance, with residential style and a dedicated staff to ensure an unparalleled guest experience. The hotel features 379 newly renovated guest rooms -- including 10 suites -- ranging from 400 to 1,000 square feet. Inspired by the Monterey Peninsula's surrounding landscape and nautical heritage, all guest rooms feature elegant wood furnishings, large bathrooms with separate vanity areas, white shuttered windows and high-speed Internet access. Many guest rooms offer private balconies with ocean, garden terrace or pool views. In compliance with LEED requirements all guest rooms are non smoking.

The Portola Hotel & Spa is home to Jacks restaurant and lounge and Peter B's BrewPub, the Monterey Peninsula's only micro-brewery. Both dining options feature menus based on fresh, local ingredients and offer outdoor patio dining. In addition, overnight guests have access to the hotel's spa and fitness facilities, complete with steam room, sauna, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The newly renovated 6,000-square-foot Spa on the Plaza offers 10 treatment rooms and an extensive spa menu of signature treatments

For more information, please visit www.portolahotel.com

New Mini Spa Indulgences Menu Now Offered As Part of Marquis Los Cabos' "Customized Luxury"

Elite News Team — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 15:37:00 GMT

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico (March 2, 2011) - The 237-all suite Marquis Los Cabos Resortrecently debuted a new Mini Spa Indulgences Menu composed of five 25 minute treatments. Available at Spa Marquis, Los Cabos' Only Leading Spa of the World, the mini treatment menu includes an Express Facial, Tanning Exfoliation, Papaya Exfoliation which uses the Papaina enzyme to revive dead cells and reduce wrinkles, and Back & Neck and Reflexology Massages. The Mini Indulgences Spa Menu is part of the resort's new approach to service, "Customized Luxury." From mini-indulgences menus to indulgent fantasy services and programs, Marquis Los Cabos allows guests to personalize their hotel stay - creating a bespoke, luxury vacation experience. The mini spa indulgences cost $75 each. For more information on Spa Marquis' offerings, please visit http://www.marquisloscabos.com/html/cabo-spas.asp.

Featured in National Geographic Traveler's "Hotels with a Heart," the Marquis Los Cabos donates five percent of the hotel's annual revenue for the staff's education and healthcare in its Marquis University. Since 2003, the resort has helped on average 20 employees a year obtain primary schooling and bachelor degrees.

Argonaut Hotel Receives Coveted AAA Four Diamond Award for 2011

Elite News Team — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:16:00 GMT

San Francisco, February 15, 2011 - Argonaut - a Kimpton Hotel in San Francisco has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award for 2011, joining the ranks of North America's exceptional accommodations offering incomparable service, first class amenities and impressive surroundings. Less than three percent of the over 30,000 properties approved by AAA achieve this esteemed rating. The AAA Four Diamond Award symbolizes hotels' ongoing commitment to hard work and superior quality and is only awarded to establishments that significantly exceed AAA requirements.

"The Argonaut Hotel is honored to be a recipient of the AAA Four Diamond Award," said Mark S. Tuten, Area Director of Sales and Marketing for Kimpton Hotels along the Waterfront in San Francisco. "This award is a reflection of the dedication and outstanding service of all our Employees."

The Argonaut Hotel, Maritime National Historical Park - Fisherman's Wharf, which opened August 18, 2003, is a member of San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. The hotel is housed in the historic Haslett Warehouse located at the corner of Jefferson and Hyde Streets in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park at Fisherman's Wharf. The first floor of the 252-room boutique hotel will include the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park's new Visitor Center. Conveniently located next to the Cannery and one block from Ghirardelli Square and the San Francisco Cable Car, with the Marina Green and the North Beach neighborhood within walking distance, the Argonaut Hotel is the perfect place for business and leisure travelers. For more information or to make reservations, please contact the Argonaut Hotel at (415) 563-0800 or visit the website at www.argonauthotel.com.

U.S Green Building Recognizes Radisson Fort McDowell Resort As LEED Registered

Elite News Team — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:13:00 GMT

Contact:
Radisson Fort McDowell Resort Hotel
10439 North Fort McDowell Road
Scottsdale/Fountain Hill, AZ 85264
1-480-789-5300

"Radisson Fort McDowell Resort becomes the only full destination resort in Arizona to be recognized as LEED registered."

Scottsdale, Arizona -The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort is now a registered Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) property by the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC).

The eco-friendly Scottsdale resort is currently working towards obtaining the LEED Gold Certification by utilizing sustainable resources, recyclable materials, energy-saving products, and organic waste management.

The LEED registered Radisson Fort McDowell Resort features:

* Smoke-free facility to maintain the indoor environmental quality
* Using environmentally safe green cleaning products
* Recycling kitchen waste into compost for organic farming
* Conservation of water for storm-water management and irrigation system
* Working with venders who practice green initiatives

Radisson Fort McDowell Resort became the only LEED registered full destination resort in Arizona on January 21, 2011 and will continue the 18-month process to obtain the LEED Gold Certification by incorporating green initiatives throughout the property. To learn more about being a LEED Registered property please visit, http://www.usgbc.org/.

The Radisson Fort McDowell Resort features 248 luxurious guest rooms and suites with first-class amenities, tucked away in pristine Sonoran Desert surroundings. The Four-Diamond award winning property provides guests with comfortable and convenient accommodations including championship golf courses at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, 24-hour Fort McDowell Casino, Wild West adventures and much more.

To make reservations or learn more about this eco-friendly Scottsdale resort please visit, http://www.radissonfortmcdowellresort.com/

HOTEL VALENCIA RIVERWALK NAMED TOP 500 HOTELS WORLDWIDE BY TRAVEL + LEISURE

Elite News Team — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 22:25:00 GMT

San Antonio, TX ??' Hotel Valencia Riverwalk was recently named one of the "Top 500 Hotels Worldwide" by Travel + Leisure Magazine for the third consecutive year. The small, luxury hotel was one of only eight Texas hotels and three San Antonio hotels to be included on this year's list. For the past nine years, Travel + Leisure editors have combed the globe in search of outstanding hotels that not only feature beautiful grounds, but excellence in service and amenities, to include in their prestigious selection.

"We are thrilled to once again be named one of the Top 500 hotels this year," says Valencia Group Executive Vice President of Operations Roy Kretschmer. "Our staff works extremely hard to provide each guest with impeccable and unparalleled service and appreciate the recognition from Travel + Leisure. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk is a unique property for San Antonio and we look forward to continuing to offer a distinctive, chic hotel experience."

Hotel Valencia is a 213-room, Tuscan-inspired hotel that sits along the banks of the famed San Antonio River. Hotel Valencia provides its guests with a unique, four-star experience, ranging from fashionable cocktails in one of San Antonio's hippest bars, Vbar, to innovative and locally-inspired dishes at Citrus, as well as distinctive vacation packages and luxury amenities.

###

About Hotel Valencia Group
Valencia Group, a Houston-based company, develops and operates full-service luxury hotels. Their most notable properties include Hotel Valencia Santana Row in San Jose, California, and Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Set in the cultural heart of each city, the hotels fuse globally-inspired modern design with Mediterranean influences - popular destinations for both guests and visitors. Known for exceptional service and style, Valencia Group properties have received international recognition by magazines such as Cond� Nast and Travel + Leisure, and by discerning travelers seeking a memorable and comfortable home away from home. For more information, please visit www.hotelvalencia.com or www.valenciagroup.com.

Media Contact:
Megan Augustine
MasonPR/Proterra Advertising
(210) 296-9520
maugustine@masonpr.com

The Carrousel Yacht on Paradise Island

Elite News Team — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:39:00 GMT

Welcome aboard the 135-foot Carrousel Yacht at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas. Designed for luxury entertaining, this is the ideal yacht for offering your upcoming conference, meeting or incentive trip a dinner cruise, corporate yacht rental, wedding reception or private party at the Caribbean's most luxurious resort destination. From menu design to custom wine and champagne selections, our team is both happy and available to customize your next vacation event. Take in the beautiful Bahamian waters that surround Paradise Island while enjoying amazing Bahamian vistas, beautifully prepared gourmet cuisine and spectacular guest services while you and your group cruise in style. We look forward to having the pleasure to cruise with you in the near future. For more information on how to plan your next fun, fabulous and memorable event, just call 800-ATLANTIS or visit AtlantisMeetings.com

The Carrousel Yacht on Paradise Island

Elite News Team — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:36:00 GMT

Atlantis Live Presents Jerry Seinfeld on Saturday June 11, 2011

Elite News Team — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:14:00 GMT

Atlantis Live Presents Jerry Seinfeld on Saturday June 11, 2011

Tickets starting at $125

Book Online and Save BIG!
Book 3 Nights and get the 4th Night FREE 1

Plus FREE Companion Airfare and Kids Stay And Eat FREE

For a limited time, kids 11 years and younger eat free when dining with parents that have
purchased one of our valuable dining plans.

You also receive a Taste of Atlantis Pass 4
which includes the following for two persons:

- Sushi and Sake Sampler at Nobu
- Margaritas at Mesa Grill
- Bruschetta and Chianti at Casa D'Angelo
- Martinis at Caf� Martinique
- Flutes of Champagne at Dune

-Atlantis

Manhattan Hospitality Advisors Appointed to Manage the Hotel Madeline and the Inn at Lost Creek In Telluride, Colorado

Elite News Team — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:44:00 GMT

Daniel Barr Appointed as General Manager for Both Properties

February 8, 2011 (Telluride, Colorado) - Manhattan Hospitality Advisors, Inc. (MHA) has announced the assumption of management of two 5-star luxury hotels in Telluride, Colorado. Effective February 1, 2011, the recently renamed Hotel Madeline and the Inn at Lost Creek became the newest members of MHA's international hotel portfolio, along with 66 luxurious condominiums for sale. Both properties will continue operations uninterrupted throughout the 2011 ski season and beyond.

MHA took swift yet thoughtful action to assure a seamless transition and maintain the highest service standards for current and future guests. MHA also announced the appointment of Daniel Barr as General Manager at both addresses. A 30-year veteran of hospitality in the U.S. and Italy, Barr has extensive management experience in sales and marketing and hotel operations. Most recently, he was General Manager of Parco Dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa, a 180-room deluxe hotel in Rome. Other stops on Barr's way to Telluride include Director of Operations at Gruppo Toti/Lamora; Managing Director of Forum Travel & Assi Holidays; and Director of Sales & Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, all based in Rome. Additionally, M Luxury Collection has been brought on to oversee sales strategy out of New York.

MHA will also be launching new concepts at the hotel spa and dining outlets. Blu Spas, Inc. will bring its creative touch to the renamed Spa Linnea at Hotel Madeline and services at the Inn at Lost Creek. Blu Spas has worked with more than 250 spas in 25 countries over the past quarter century and are internationally recognized for innovations, establishing standards for luxury spas, proven revenue earnings and cost-base planning. At the same time, Chef Jake Linzinmeir will re-conceive and enhance the hotel dining operations. A Midwestern-born culinary talent, Linzinmeir has enjoyed wide notoriety while being actively involved in the Telluride dining scene, where he owns and operates several restaurants and consults on restaurant concept development and design.

"We are very excited to be managing two 5-star luxury hotels in one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in North America - and to have a hotel professional of Daniel Barr's caliber to oversee all operations," said Jack Westergom, Managing Director of MHA. "The MHA team will use its extensive hospitality experience to ensure that asset value is maximized for these two upscale properties."

Both hotels offer much to delight upscale travelers seeking authentic luxury and access to the renowned slopes of Telluride. A refined property with a boutique feel, Hotel Madeline has 84 guest rooms and 11 suites dressed up with a distinctive local feel. Guests are pampered with white-glove service and high-tech creature comforts. Set at the best ski-in/ski-out location in Telluride, the Inn at Lost Creek is an intimate address, with just 32 suites arrayed with the comforts of home including in-suite fireplaces, kitchens, balconies, jet tubs, steam showers and laundry.

For more information on Hotel Madeline please visit www.hotelmadelinetelluride.com or call 866-475-4403. For more information on the Inn at Lost Creek please visit www.innatlostcreek.com or call 888-601-5678.

Manhattan Hospitality Advisors, Inc.
Manhattan Hospitality Advisors (MHA), headquartered in Los Angeles, is a hospitality advisory firm created to assist lenders, developers, owners and investors of hospitality assets in maximizing value through asset management, management/franchise contract negotiation, development project management, re-capitalization, creative marketing, repositioning and risk assessment. MHA offers a full-service platform focuses on value creation via product enhancement, recapitalization and repositioning of properties. MHA has played an integral role in the development of over $6.5 billion dollars of new hotel, resort, spa and mixed-use projects around the world, including projects throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands. www.manhattanhospitalityadvisors.com
.
Contact:

Corey Finjer
Hawkins International PR
(212) 255-6541
corey@hawkpr.com

LOEWS HOTELS INTRODUCES NEW LOEWS SERVICE GUARANTEE FOR MEETING PLANNERS

Elite News Team — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:36:00 GMT

Bold Commitment of Quality Service Provides Direct Phone Number to
Loews Hotels President and COO, Jack Adler

NEW YORK (October 20, 2010) - Loews Hotels is rolling out a new customer satisfaction program for meeting planners assuring any meetings held at a Loews hotel will receive the highest quality of service. The Loews Service Guarantee states that, upon the signing of the contract, the planner will be given a direct phone number to Jack Adler, President and Chief Operating Officer of Loews Hotels to be used if the meeting planner is in any way dissatisfied with their group's experience at any Loews property.
Loews Hotels has been recognized by meeting planners and the industry for its exemplary customer service, delivered daily by dedicated and motivated teams at each Loews property. Adler cited Loews' reputation for excellence in announcing the new program, "Every member of the Loews team is confident in our ability to deliver a superior experience...so confident, that we've created a dedicated 'hot line' should there be any issues that I can help resolve to fulfill the Loews Hotels brand promise."
Over the past four years, Loews Hotels has invested over 264,000 training hours in its employees; over the same period the company has been the only one in the industry to be consecutively ranked as a Top 75 Company in Training magazine. Loews Hotels was also selected number one in customer satisfaction among all luxury hotel companies in the second quarter 2010 Market Metrix Hospitality Index.

"This recognition gave management the faith that despite the boldness of the guarantee, no one expects Mr. Adler's phone to ring," said Felicia Fisher, Senior Vice President, Sales and Strategic Planning, Loews Hotels.

In a highly competitive environment, Loews Service Guarantee program is a major statement about the brand's confidence in its staff and their delivery of exceptional meetings experiences. "What sets Loews Hotels apart from its competition is the attitude and commitment of our employees," continued Fisher. "While other hotel companies are giving rebates and percentages off for meetings, Loews Hotels is offering great value, luxury product and a commitment of Loews' highest standards of delivery from our entire team."

For more information on Loews Service Guarantee or to book, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com/meetings.

Daniel Barr named new General Manager

Elite News Team — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:45:00 GMT

Manhattan Hospitality Advisors Appointed to Manage the Hotel Madeline and the Inn at Lost Creek In Telluride, Colorado; Daniel Barr Named General Manger for Both Properties - go to:
http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2011_1st/Feb11_MHATelluride.html

News Starwood launches all-inclusive travel deals in Mexico

Elite News Team — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:34:00 GMT

MEXICO Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. is launching a series of all-inclusive packages at its Westin, Sheraton and Le Meridien resorts in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico.

Available for stays through December 15, the all-inclusive offers include three meals a day, open bar, poolside beverage service, free minibar beverages and free Internet access. Rates for two people start at US$155 per night and must be booked at starwoodhotels.com/mexicoallinclusive.

The resorts offering all-inclusive packages include: The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos; The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas, Cancun; The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta; The Westin Resort & Spa, Cancun; Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos; Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, Puerto Vallarta; and Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa.

As hotel occupancies near pre-crisis levels and the economic recovery continues to build, hotels are filling up and rates are on the rise making travel deals harder to come by, but Mexico is a notable exception.

"Due to the recent negative headlines people are thinking twice about vacationing in Mexico, but what many travelers don't realize is that the vast majority of incidents are occurring hundreds of miles away from Mexico's most popular vacation spots. It is like avoiding Florida because of forest fires in California," says Trip Barrett, vice president of brand management for Starwood Hotels in Latin America. "As a result, Mexico is a great deal right now, and Starwood boasts some of the country's best resorts in idyllic locations that are safe, fun and easily accessible."

Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico Honored With Prestigious 2010 Platinum Partner Award and Gold Tee Award

Elite News Team — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 15:04:00 GMT

Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, December 2010- Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico was recognized by the meetings, conventions and incentives industry, receiving the highly coveted 2010 Platinum Partner Award and 2010 Gold Tee Award.

The 2010 Platinum Partner Award was presented to the property by Incentive Magazine, following a rigorous electronic voting process in which more than 50,000 corporate professional readers selected the top service providers for their employee's incentive program during the last year.

At the same time, the 2010 Gold Tee Award was presented to the property by Meetings and Conventions magazine, whose readers, all professionals in the meetings and golf industries, chose Gran Melia Golf Resort as the recipient, based on the hotel's professional and outstanding service, ranking it amongst the top hotels in the world.

Gran Melia Puerto Rico features the exclusive RedGlove Meetings, perfect facilities for corporate and group events, meeting rooms, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, open air venues for motivational sessions and corporate ceremonies, and incentives for golfers.

The resort ranked among the highest properties within the Gran Melia Hotels & Resorts, according to the 2009 Market Matrix results, a client survey measuring system, showcasing Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico's global commitment.

About Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico
Nestled on the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico 30 minutes east of San Juan, between the ocean and towering rainforest mountains, Gran Melia Golf Resort Puerto Rico is uniquely poised to provide guests with the Caribbean's most luxurious resort experience, offering modern facilities, Puerto Rican flavor and a Spanish flair. This 486 all-suite resort is spread among 20, two-story bungalows surrounded by lush, tropical gardens and offers guests world-class dining options and exclusive amenities. www.granmeliapuertorico.com

About Sol Melia
Sol Melia was founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and is the world's leading resort hotel chain, as well as Spain's leading hotel chain in both the business and leisure markets. It currently provides more than 300 hotels in 26 countries on 4 continents under its brands: Gran Melia, Melia, ME by Melia, Innside by Melia, Tryp, Sol, Paradisus and Sol Melia Vacation Club.

In 2006, the "Corporate Reputation Institute" of New York ranked the company amongst the corporations with the best reputation in the world, the leading hotel company and the second highest ranked company in the travel industry. Sol Melia is the only travel company included in the exclusive "Footse4Good Ibex" Spanish stock market index, and is the third ranked company in Spain amongst companies which generate the greatest degree of confidence and in the top three hotel chains for reputation.

In 2008 the company approved its Global Sustainability Policy and in 2009 it was named the first "Biosphere Hotel Company" by the Responsible Tourism Institute, supported by UNESCO. In the same year it was also awarded the Prince Felipe Award for Tourism Excellence for the second time.

The company currently employs more than 33,000 people worldwide with staff from over 90 different countries. The company fully respects equal rights and balance in its contracting of male and female staff and 10% of its workforce is made up of immigrants.
www.solmelia.com

DOUBLETREE REBRAND ANNOUNCEMENT

Elite News Team — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:07:00 GMT

On Wednesday morning, DoubleTree by Hilton introduced its new global brand identity to the world on www.doubletree.com . Today's debut is part of a renewed, multi-phase DoubleTree by Hilton business strategy developed to further reinforce the brand's relationship within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotels and the company's continued commitment to the future growth, and evolution of DoubleTree by Hilton. Look for more exciting news from us in the weeks and months to come.