Category Archives: Travel
MARRIOTT TO BUILD NEW YORKS TALLEST HOTEL
Global hotel chain Marriott, which operates 3,600 hotels around the world, has announced plans to build the tallest hotel in New York City.
The brand plans to build a new 68-story skyscraper on Manhattan’s 54th Street to house two hotels under the brands Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn.
The tower will be designed by Nobutaka Ashihara, an established New York architect who designed Lexington House Hotel, Hotel Indigo on 28th Street and Courtyard by Marriott Times Square, and is set to be 752 feet (229 meters) high.
The 378-room Courtyard hotel will occupy the lower floors, while guests for the 261-room Residence Inn will stay on floors 36 through 64, although both hotels will have separate banks of elevators in the arrival lobby on 54th Street.
The second floor will be given over to a restaurant, while the fifth floor will offer a lounge and terrace with an outdoor seating area that overlooks Broadway.
A shared fitness center for both hotels will be offered on the fourth floor, Marriott said August 10.
Courtyard is a mid-scale hotel brand and Residence Inn is Marriott’s extended-stay offering, so guests in the upper hotel will have access to kitchens and other “homely” amenities — although those wanting a more upscale experience may be better off staying at the nearby Ritz-Carlton.
New York has seen a flurry of new high-rise hotels over the past year, with InterContinental, W Hotels and Yotel all opening up in skyscrapers.
THE HIGHEST SPA IN THE WORLD OPENS IN HONG KONG
Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) have designed the highest spa in the world on the 116th and 118th floors of the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong.
Featuring nine deluxe treatment rooms and two couples’ suites, every treatment room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views.
The Ritz-Carlton spa by ESPA is more that 1,000 feet above the frenetic streets of Hong Kong.
Guests simultaneously feel attached to the city with the breathtaking views, but yet totally insulated from the hustle and bustle below.
WORLDS MOST EXOTIC HOTELS
Location: Singapore
Located at the Bayfront Avenue, this hotel complex is known for being a city unto itself with this multiple facilities and also its unique shape of the buildings. With a total of 2560 rooms, the accommodation in this hotel is divided into 2 categories; suites (10 different subcategories) and rooms (7 subcategories). The amenities for guests are also divided in 2 categories depending on the kind of traveler they are; business and leisure. In the business segment, there is an express baggage facility, limousine services, MICE facilities and special club access for the executives. In leisure category, there are the options such as Banyan Tree Fitness Club, QUBE kids club, Sands Sky Park Pool, Banyan Tree Spa, Golf Course, Gift Shop and the Floral Bay. For dining, there are 32 different options, including 14 fine dining restaurants and 18 casual dining establishments. The hotel was also famous for being the location of the world’s 2nd most expensive casino, which made international headlines during its opening.
Location: Dubai
Setting a trend amongst many hotels in the gulf, the Burj Al Arab stands as an icon of modern architecture and classic design, on a man-made island of the mainland Dubai. One of the most unique facilities is the tennis court, which doubles up as a helipad during emergency situations for guests, and also happens to be the highest tennis court in the world. The 7 star establishment has a total of 27 floors, which houses its 202 duplex suites which range from 170 to 780 sq. mts in size. Other amenities to be enjoyed at the hotel include chauffer driven Rolls Royce for personal outings, access to the artificial Majles Al Bahar beach, spa facilities, hydrotherapy baths, adventure centers, infinity pools, fitness studios and multi-cuisine restaurants.
Location: Jukkasjarvi, Sweden
If one enjoyed the movie Tron which was released a while back, this ice hotel with the movie theme located in Sweden, just might be a dream vacation place. Specialties of this property include the TRON theme, and of course the fact that each portion of this hotel is made of ice including the bed one might end up sleeping on. The accommodation rooms and suites too, carry forward this similar design with low-power consuming lighting being fitted almost everywhere possible. The credit for this unique design and concept is given to the architectural duo of Ben Rousseu & Ian Douglas Jones.
Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Located in one of the most famous holiday venues, the Bahamas, this hotel mainly comprises of 6 different towers which houses the 11 different kinds of suites of the hotel. Each of these suites is based on different themes which the holidayers can choose from. Facilities include fine-dining and casual dining restaurants, along with cafes and quick-eats establishments. Leisure activities centers include the Dolphin Cay, Water Park, Marine Habitat and also water sports opportunities. For children too, there are specialized activities such as the adventure camps and the fantasy camps. There is also a casino where the guests are allowed with prior booking only.
Location: Huilo Huilo nature reserve, Chile
For someone who enjoys leisure in the lap of nature, this hotel might be the perfect choice. The uniqueness of the property includes the special ambiance and also the shape of the hotel which resembles a typical forest setting, and the building looks like a small mountain in itself. Amongst its leisure facilities include the spa carved out of a tree trunk, with specialized bath-tubs for hydrotherapy sessions. Others include the golf course, which extends into the natural reserve where this hotel is based. In case you want to tee-off, then a golf course is there at your disposal. Accommodation facilities include 13 rooms, each with its own private bathroom which have been named after plants and natural wonders of the nature reserve.
Location: Abu Dhabi (on a man-made island)
Amongst the new establishments for leisure activities in the Gulf region, this hotel stands as one of the icons in the area. The main theme of the hotel is based on the royal palaces of the Arab royal families, which the holiday makers could enjoy. With a total of 394 rooms, there are different categories to choose from such as the Grand Rooms, Khaleej & Khaleej deluxe suites, and also the 4 royal Khaleej suites, which have been given private access to the beach of the hotel, its swimming pool and fitness center. Also, these rooms have their own reception areas, where the guests will be given hand-held controlling devices for the multiple amenities of their suites. Of the 15 dining options, include restaurants such as the Le Vendome Brasserie which dishes out international cuisine, the Sayad that is known for Arabian Sea food and its unique décor resembling the lagoon of the gulf. Other leisure activities include boutique shopping plaza, children’s playground (Sarab Land), fitness suites, tennis courts, beach, spa and water sports activities. Also another unique feature is the world’s first and only gold dispensing ATM machine recognized internationally.
Location: Fiji Islands
One of the best known underwater establishments in the world, the Poseidon Resort is located 40 feet below water in the Fijian Lagoon, accessible through elevators and provides an ambience which is rarely rivaled. In 2009, the management of the hotel called in a select group of adventure travelers from around the world, who came and experienced the resort’s unique facilities. Leisure activities include deep-sea scuba diving, marine based spa-treatments and meditation centers, apart from the underwater cruise in the luxury submarine of the hotel. Other activities include an underwater library, theater, and a 9-hole golf course along with tennis court and the health club. The dining facilities include the 6 restaurants serving all kinds of world cuisines, and the 7 bars to spend the evenings in. For accommodation, there are 3 kinds of suites available; over-ground suites, over-water suites and ultimately the underwater rooms. Each of these rooms and suites have been fitted with a king size bed, with luxury bed linen. There is also the personal office space with wi-fi internet integration amongst others. One could further enjoy with the large screen Television with DVD players, or create one’s favorite beverages at the in-room bar which is equipped with gourmet snacks, ultra-premium alcohol, soft-drinks and juices. The bathrooms are fitted with jacuzzi tubs, 2 sinks, hydra showers and marine based personal care products. To reach this underwater heaven, one could take the aerial route or even the sea route from the main Fijian island.
Location: St. Lucia
This resort strikes everyone due to its unique design of architecture and landscaping done by Nick Troubetzkoy. Set in St.Lucia, which is known as the Helen of the West Indies, this hotel provides uninterrupted views of the Pitons and Gros & Petit mountains between which this hotel is based. The multi-floored structure is divided into sanctuaries, each fitted with their private infinity pool with special light reflecting mosaic tiles which have chromotherapic properties. Each of these sanctuaries is known to be without any windows or opaque walls which could obstruct one’s view of the mountains outside. To soak in the serene environment, televisions and phones are not present in the rooms, and only have a single touch communicating device connecting to the personal butler. Surprising is the fact that despite being transparent, it is almost impossible for anyone from outside to view the guests inside the hotel! Now that’s what is called architectural brilliance!
Location: Dove Mountain, Arizona, United States
This hotel establishment is primarily famous for its brand association with Carlton group of hotels, and this is a fact that its dining experience is indeed unique the world over. The restaurant in question is set inside the low lying swimming pool, where guests can dip their feet in water and relax over the turquoise lighted flooring, and soak in the ever romantic settings. Other leisure activities include the water slides, spa-pools with full service cabanas, tanning island in the middle of the swimming pool, golf course and plenty of adventure sports opportunities.
Location: Betraye, Switzerland
Placed amongst the world famous Swiss Alps, this resort is made up of 5 domed shaped structures, each with a height of 8 feet. Each of these domes is uniquely designed such that 24 rooms of the hotels are availed with luxurious amenities despite being supplied with limited electricity, and plumbing lines. The interiors have been given shades of a 19th century farmhouse along with modern luxuries. Located at a height of 5600 feet from sea level, this resort is accessible only by ski or simply by foot.
Location: Neveshir, Turkey
Another holiday spot for the ones with a taste for the wild, with the unique location that allows for detailed views of the Uchisar and Cavusin cities, this hotel has been carved out as a natural cave! The inner walls and unique arches are perfect testimony of that fact precisely. A total of 31 rooms, in 6 categories, most of the rooms are with their natural chimneys, where as some places have artificial ones. The 6 categories include standard, deluxe, jr. suite, suite, king suite and presidential suites. The bedrooms in these suites have been furnished with items which are hand carved from natural cave settings. The washrooms attached have hamam basins and bathtubs, and the for further open environments, one can always take a stroll in the private gardens attached alongside.
Location: Maldives
It is common knowledge that the country of Maldives is based on a set of islands, and one of their premier hotels follows the similarity in design, with its base on 2 islands and its surrounding virgin reef. The dining facilities include the worlds first under water glass restaurant, before being used a s concept in other hotels. For accommodation, there are 50 water villas, 79 beach villas, and 21 water spa villas, with the facility for specialized treatments. Other beautiful elements include the fountainhead courtyards situated near the transparent garden bathrooms, but special landscaping has ensured that no one can play peeping Tom, and guarantees complete seclusion.
Location: Harads, Sweden
As a special project by architects Tham + Videgard Hansson Arkitecter, this hotel is located on the trunk of a tree, giving its guests a true aerial view of the wildlife. Comprising of just a single suite, this hotel suite has been engulfed with mirror glass for a complete camouflaging effect of the structure. The windows have been sealed with a special sticker that ensures air flow, but doesn’t allow erratic birds to enter inside. The suite comes with the facilities for 2 people, with a living room, double bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and rooftop terrace. As the structure is located at an unusual place, it is accessible only by rope and ladders available from the hotel’s reception.
Location: Dubai
The Armani hotel became famous for numerous reasons, and one of them was being located in the world’s tallest man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa Tower. Spread over multiple floors of the 160 floor tower, the hotel has 160 guest rooms including its suites located on the 38th and 39th floor with restaurants, spa, lounge, chocolate and sweet store, and a floral shop. As the name suggests, the décor and styling of the hotel has been done by renowned designer Georgio Armani, who has also lent his expertise for the first time in this segment of home design. The Burj Khalifa Tower took $1.5 billion to build, with 4 years of building time. The height is known to be so much that it can be noticed from a distance of 85 kms, and if you are looking to get from the ground floor to the top, be ready to undertake the 20 minute journey along the way.
Location: Algarroba, Chile
The San Alfonso Del Mar Resort came to known for it being a location for the world’s largest swimming pool. Sprawled beside this artificial lagoon, over a distance of 1 kilometer, this resort is a known vacation spot for the multiple water sporting events. With a total capacity of around 2.5 million liters of water, this project was built with the aim of recycling oceanic water completely by a patented technology, but without compromising with the comfort of the guests. Accommodation at this resort comes in the form of the pyramid shaped apartments with all modern luxury features in them, giving a true experience of heaven on earth.
16. V8 hotel
Location: Stuggart, Germany
The V8 hotel in Stuggart, Germany is meant to strike a chord amongst all car enthusiasts around the world. With each of 30 suites dedicated to iconic vehicles, it brings car culture closer to vehicle lovers who love anything to do with automobiles, speed and powerful engines. The interiors have been done up with posters and furniture in the shape of these vehicles. The work tables, mini bar and even the beds resemble the cars that they are dedicated to. Also, other amenities include satellite television and internet in each room.
LENNY KRAVITZ TO DESIGN NEW MIAMI HOTEL
Grammy-award winning musician Lenny Kravitz is to once again turn his hand to hotel design, according to reports from the US.
The singer-songwriter is said to be working on rooms for the SLS Hotel at South Beach, set to open next year in Miami, Florida as a sister property to the luxury SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, California.
Kravitz, who runs a design studio called Kravitz Design Inc., has been given responsibility for putting together the decor of a bungalow and penthouse suite.
It follows his company’s previous work with the Delano Hotel in Miami, right across the street from where the SLS Hotel will be, where Kravitz was responsible for The Florida Room bar and lounge.
The rest of the SLS Hotel, however, will be designed by Philippe Starck, a design icon who has lent his skills to several famous boutique properties.
With a beachfront location, it will feature a Katsuya Sushi Restaurant, another restaurant by José Andrés called The Bazaar, a Hyde Lounge & Nightclub which extends onto the sand and a hairdressing salon.
THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE CITY
Angola’s capital Luandaretained the unenviable title of the world’s most expensive city for expatriates, narrowly edging out Tokyo, according to a new survey.
The Mercer group‘s study named the Pakistani port Karachi as the least expensive city, with living around three times cheaper than in Luanda.
Oil-rich Angola is a magnet for foreign workers who push up already high prices inflated by a reliance on imports.
The southern African nation’s domestic production lags behind its neighbours due to the effects of a 27-year-long civil war on its infrastructure.
Another African city, the Chadian capital N’Djamena, was placed third with Moscow fourth and Geneva fifth.
Paris dropped 10 places to 27th while London dropped one place to 18th. New York at 32nd was named as the most expensive metropolis in the United States.
Mercer senior researcher Nathalie Constantin-Metraln said: “In most Western European cities the cost of living for expatriates has remained relatively stable over the last 12 months.”
“However, many of the region’s cities have still dropped in the ranking. In large, this is because all cities are compared to New York and price increases there have been more significant than in most European cities,” she added.
Australian cities jumped sharply in the ranking, reflecting the local currency’s 14 percent gain against the US dollar.
The report, which is published annually to help companies assess compensation allowances for expatriate workers, compared the cost of over 200 items including housing, food and transport in 214 cities, using New York as a reference.
THE WORLD’S BEST HOTEL IS….
Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania has been named the best hotel in the world by influential magazine Travel + Leisure in its Annual World’s Best Awards 2011.
The destination, which is comprised of Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp and Faru Faru Lodge, was named at the top of the list of the world’s best hotels, one of many category winners announced by the magazine July 7.
Impressively, Singita Grumeti Reserves was one of six African properties to place within the world’s top ten hotels this year, suggesting that the continent is fast becoming a significant player on the global tourism scene.
Travel + Leisure‘s editor, Nancy Novogrod, said it was a return to the top for authentic destinations.
“It’s clear that remote and exotic destinations—places that convey a sense of authenticity and adventure—are ruling the day once again in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards,” she said.
“The top ten hotels overall are African camps and lodges; resorts in India; a property in Chiang Mai; and a luxury lodge in Montana.”
Among the continent’s city hotels, Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa was named the best, with Cape Town also taking the distinction of being named the continent’s best city.
The list, which was compiled on the basis of reader feedback across the publication’s magazine, iPad and website editions, also named its top hotel and resort selections by continent.
The Peninsula, Chicago took the best large city hotel in the US and Canada, while Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires in Argentina won in South America, Four Seasons Hotel México in Mexico City won in Mexico.
The Langham in Melbourne won in Oceania, the Stafford London won in Europe and the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok won in Asia.
The full results will be published in August’s issue of the magazine and will also be available as the World’s Best Awards 2011 iPad app from July 11.
he world’s best hotels
1. Singita Grumeti Reserves (Sasakwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, Faru Faru Lodge), Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
2. Singita Sabi Sand at Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve (Ebony Lodge, Boulders Lodge, Castleton Camp), Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa
3. Royal Malewane, Kruger, South Africa
4. Ol Donyo Wuas Lodge Mbirikani Group Ranch, Kenya
5. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India
6. Triple Creek Ranch, Darby, MT, USA
7. Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand
8. Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India
9. Kirawira Camp Western Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
10. Serengeti Migration Camp, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
GALAXY TAB ARRVING ON AMERICAN AIRLINES
American Airlines is seeking to improve the entertainment side of its service by making Samsung’s new Galaxy Tab 10.1 available to premium class travelers.
In a June 13 announcement Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer, announced that “through our agreement with Samsung, American is the first North American airline to offer a branded tablet onboard its aircraft.”
“We are working hard to revitalize our fleet and invest wisely in new products and services to modernize and enhance the travel experience”
“Working with Samsung to outfit our premium cabins with the Galaxy Tab will give our premium customers a modern and innovative in-flight entertainment experience.”
On Monday, Samsung Electronics signed a letter of intent to supply American Airlines with 6,000 “enhanced” Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablets.
The tablets will be equipped with “various multimedia and games” and will replace the current in-flight entertainment system on selected flights from New York to Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and from Boston to Los Angeles. International flights to Europe and South America will also get tablet upgrades in first class.
Galaxy Tabs will start taking off with American Airlines tablet “later this year,” said Samsung.
A number of airlines have been investigating the use of tablets, WiFi and streaming technology on flights.
Australian airline Jetstar started trialing a rental-based iPad in-flight entertainment system in June.
The tablets are rented to passengers for AU$10 (US$10.65) on selected domestic routes across Australia and come equipped with movies, games, e-books and digital magazines.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 will go on sale nationwide in the US on June 17. Its smaller, 7″ Galaxy Tab sibling has been available since November.
AIRBUS REVEALS “PLANE OF 2050″
A futuristic airplane concept could herald a future where business and economy class give way to work and play areas on board the aircraft of the future.
That’s the vision of Airbus, which this week unveiled its ideas of the plane of 2050, complete with a ‘bionic’ shell which turns partially transparent to provide a panoramic view for passengers.
In the front, the company has integrated a relaxation (“vitalizing”) area, while the rear of the aircraft includes a “smart tech” space for working and virtual conferencing.
In the middle, an “interactive” zone allows passengers to move around a virtual reality cocoon, with the walls transforming to offer them lifelike experiences such as rounds of golf or video conferences.
Passengers will be able to enjoy seats that mold to their body shape, and an automatic bag loading system which delivers hand luggage to the correct place above their seat.
Some of this technology simply doesn’t exist yet, but in many cases the airline is building on ideas which have already been implemented, to some degree, by today’s airlines — if you can’t wait, here’s how to enjoy tomorrow’s technologies today:
Fully stocked bar: Already a staple of Virgin Atlantic’s offering, a place where business class guests can mingle, sip cocktails and tuck into nuts.
Electronic passenger identification using handprints: not used on aircraft, but used to speed up security by some airports (often as part of a premium package).
Mood lighting: available on some carriers and is set to become even more so — it comes as standard on the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, set to go into service with All Nippon later this year.
Angled seats: A variant is offered in the new business class cabin on boardCathay Pacific‘s long-haul routes, where the long seats have been angled to point towards the windows to give a better view.
Seat canopies: Emirate’s first-class suites feature electronic sliding doors, while some KLM business class services feature “privacy canopies.”
Virtual screens: Not quite in cabins yet, but the size and shape isn’t a million miles away from the wide screens offered to passengers by Singapore Airlines, Etihadand Emirates (among others), some of which offer a view from the front of the aircraft via cameras mounted on the fuselage.
Virtual golf: Space restrictions mean this isn’t a reality yet, but Air France already offers a virtual art gallery using touch screens on board its A380 aircraft.
Like this:
THE EMBRAER PHENOM 300 : “EXECUTIVE JET”
Howard Martin, who has raked in $1 million for 100 flight-hours in a year on this aircraft, defines it as an exemplary model when it comes to adventure and luxury. Mentionable amenities aboard the aircraft include Wi-Fi internet, satellite phones, LED lighting, burl wood trim, and a state of the art radar system which has the capacity to gauge weather conditions 2000 miles away from the aircraft!
Also, airplanes of this kind are known to be extremely inefficient when it comes to carbon emissions, but the Phenom 300 has an engine which reduces those emissions, and also reduces fuel costs due to the high efficiency. The maximum speed of the plane is 525 mph, and it has a total range of 23,000 miles. What makes journeys more comfortable is the ear-popping altitude of 45,000 feet, at which this jet takes flight, eliminating all obstacles faced by general commercial flights.
Mr. Martin, who is one of the main co-owners of this jet, had purchased his share through a company called Flight Options, which deals with shares of the Phenom 300. This method, which is new in business circles, has ensured that the cost of running aircrafts doesn’t have to be borne by a single owner alone, but still gives each part-owner the right to hire and enjoy the opportunity of traveling in the plane.
Currently, the minimum share of the Embrarer Phenom 300 is worth $525,000, which gives the purchaser 50 flying hours a year of rights, and the volume goes up as more is shelled out. As most others have mentioned, the investments are worthwhile, as the aircraft comes with a price tag of $ 8.6 million.
TOP 20 LARGEST HOTEL GROUPS IN THE WORLD
InterContinental has retained its grip as the world’s largest hotel chain, according to the annual ranking of hotels by accommodation analyst MKG Hospitality.
The British company, which operates brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaze and InterContinental, offers a whopping 647,161 rooms around the world, more than any other hotel chain despite growing slowly over the past year.
In second place in the listing released this week is Wyndham Hotels, which offers 612,735 rooms but is gaining quickly (adding 2.5% more rooms in the last year).
Hilton is in third place with 605,938 rooms, an increase of 3% more rooms on 2010.
The fastest grower among the big chains is Starwood in seventh place, which saw a 5.9% growth in rooms, enabling it to overtake Best Western, which was the only major chain to show a contraction, posting a 0.4% fall in the number of rooms.
The real growth, however, came from Chinese brands — 7 Days Group Holding showed a huge 71.8 percent growth, while Homes Inn jumped by 30.1 percent, with both brands operating properties only in China.
Among global brands (not chains), Best Western remained the largest, with some 307,155 rooms, followed by Holiday Inn at 230,117 rooms and Marriott in third place with 204,019 rooms.
The fastest growth from the top 20 chains outside of China came from French budget brand Ibis, which added 5.1 percent more rooms last year, taking its total to 107,735 in 900 hotels.
The world’s biggest hotel names:
1. Best Western
2. Holiday Inn
3. Marriott Hotels & Resorts
4. Comfort Inns
5. Hilton
6. Holiday Inn Express
7. Hampton Inn
8. Days Inn of America
9. Sheraton Hotels and Resorts
10. Super 8 Motels
11. Courtyard
12. Quality Inns, Hotels and Suites
13. Ramada Worldwide
14. Ibis
15. Motel 6
16. Crowne Plaza
17. Hyatt Hotels
18. Radisson Hotels
19. Home Inns
20. Mercure
