Internet World Travel Guide

Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 17:59:00 +0000

The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Offering “Sunset Romantic Getaway Package”

Couples have long been drawn to scenic Naples, Florida, for romantic getaways. Boasting pristine white-sand beaches, picturesque palm tree-lined boulevards, an array of recreational offerings on land and water, renowned shopping districts, and beautiful sun-drenched days, Naples offers the perfect way to get away from it all. One great way to experience the Southwest Florida town is by taking advantage of the “Sunset Romantic Getaway” package now being offered by The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.

Featuring an ideal Gulf-front setting, just blocks from the acclaimed shopping of 5th Avenue South and 3rd Street South, The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is Southwest Florida’s only beachfront resort offering an on-site championship golf course, an award-winning tennis center, and a world-class spa.

In addition to deluxe accommodations for 3 days/2 nights, the resort’s “Sunset Romantic Getaway” package includes full breakfast buffet daily for two; dinner-for-two daily at the beachfront HB’s on the Gulf (which includes appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee and gratuity); reserved beach chairs and cabana daily for two; one hour of tennis; afternoon tea and cookies at 4 p.m. daily; bottle of champagne in the room on arrival; nightly turndown service; and complimentary access to The Spa and Fitness Center. The package is from $810 per couple October 1-December 21, 2008; from $1,110 per couple December 22, 2008-April 13, 2009; from $850 per couple April 14-May 25, 2009; or from $650 per couple May 26-October 1, 2009.

Taking advantage of the package will provide the chance to stay in one of the resort’s newly-remodeled guest rooms, which now feature new bedding and fabrics, flat-panel televisions, and accents in calming tropical shades. Standard amenities include large closets, in-room refrigerator, two telephones with voicemail, modem access, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, in-room safe, cable television, climate control, and security keycards. High-speed wireless Internet access is also available. In addition, all guest rooms and suites feature furnished balconies overlooking the Gulf, the lush grounds, or scenic golf course.

The multi-million dollar remodeling of the 318 guest rooms was completed in January 2008, and this followed a six-year $40 million enhancement and expansion that was completed in 2006.

Couples visiting the resort have the opportunity to play golf on the 18-hole championship course that is consistently voted “Best Public Golf Course in Southwest Florida.” You’ll also be able to enjoy a large beachfront swimming pool; an award-winning Tennis Center with six Har-Tru tennis courts; the world-class Spa, which offers an array of massage services, body treatments, skincare services, hydrotherapy, and salon services; the complete Fitness Center; and an Orchid House, which is home to over 3,000 tropical plants.

Dining options include HB’s on the Gulf, the city of Naples’ only beachfront restaurant, featuring fresh regional seafood and beautiful views of the sunset, and Broadwell’s, overlooking the resort’s golf course. Another “must do” at the resort is to experience the resort’s popular Sunset Beach Bar, often recognized as “Best Place To Catch A Southwest Florida Sunset,” and named “Naples’ Best Beach Bar” by the Travel Channel.

With its friendly atmosphere, the hotel is a comfortable tropical getaway for any couple seeking peaceful, pristine surroundings and impeccable service. For more information or reservations, call 1-800-237-7600 or 239-261-2222, or visit www.NaplesBeachHotel.com.

Hyatt Regency San Francisco

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:41:06 +0000

HYATT REGENCY SAN FRANCISCO
IS THE CITY’S NUMBER ONE HOTEL HOLIDAY DESTINATION
WITH THE COUNTRY’S LARGEST DEPARTMENT 56 SNOW VILLAGE
IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS’ BIGGEST ATRIUM

Ideally located at Embarcadero Center,across from the iconic Ferry Building and steps from the California Street Cable Car line, Hyatt Regency San Francisco boasts the most “window shoppers” during the holiday season due to the property’s “centerpiece” Department 56 Snow Village collection and display. Whether visitors are coming from near or far, they will revel in the spirit that wafts throughout the Hyatt Regency. In addition to the enviable Snow Village, the largest collection of its kind amassed by local resident Len Connacher, the hotel is adorned with a massive 45-foot holiday tree as well as300,000 LED (energy efficient) lights, which cascade down the hotel’s dramatic 17-story atrium lobby.

And, that’s only the beginning. Hyatt Regency San Francisco is the ideal “home for the holidays” because of its proximity to public transportation, a plethora of shopping options, seven of the ten top rated city restaurants*, entertainment that ranges from Teatro Zinzanni to comedy clubs and nightclubs, as well as such popular attractions as the Ferry Building, California Cable Car line, San Francisco Railway Museum, Embarcadero Center shopping, F-Line Historic Streetcars and Bay Trail, to name a few.

Additionally, the hotel itself is brimming with holiday activities. To begin, on Friday, November 21, in cooperation with Embarcadero Center, the Hyatt Regency is home to the city’s opening holiday event, namely the Holiday Exterior Building Lighting and Tree and Interior Lighting ceremonies, held concurrently…beginning with the exterior event at the ice rink at 6:00 p.m. and moving into the hotel for the dramatic indoor festivities at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, November 21 is the debut of Len Connacher’s amazing signature Snow Village by Department 56, which is recognized as the country’s largest displayed collection, with over 3,000 pieces.

Of course, a hotel wouldn’t be “home” without the accommodations to make guests feel like their nesting in complete comfort. As a result, the hotel is introducing the San Francisco on Sale Holiday Package, which includes a guest room for two (upgrades available), $25 food and beverage credit to use in the hotel’s new Eclipse and holiday tree seeds so that guests can bring an everlasting memory back home to plant and enjoy for years to come. The package price is 10% off the best available rate (which start at $159)and this package is valid from 11/22/08 to 1/03/09. For those interested in a safe haven for New Year’s Eve, Hyatt Regency’s Regency Club will feature a Champagne toast at Midnight and an upgraded breakfast in the club lounge on New Year’s Day. There is a $150 upgrade surcharge for this option.

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco’s complete calendar of events is as follows with full descriptions to follow:
Tree and Interior Lobby Lighting - November 21 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Country’s Largest Snow Village Display – November 21 to December 30 - anytime
Snow Village Holiday Package – November 21 to December 30 (details above)
Breakfast with Santa - Nov 22,23,29 & 30, Dec 6,7,13,14,20,21 from 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Season’s Eatings/Chocolate Menu – November 28 to December 24 (afternoons/evenings)
Thanksgiving Dinner - November 27 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Dinner – December 24 from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Christmas Day Dinner – December 25 from205:00 – 9:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve at Regency Club – December 31

Kicking things off, the hotel’s Tree and Interior Lighting ceremony will be held in the Guinness World Records’ largest hotel lobby on Friday, November 21, 2008. Starting at 7:00 p.m., the Hyatt Regency will be illuminated with over 300,000 LED lights, which cascade down the hotel’s dramatic 17-story atrium lobby, complemented by a 45-foot illuminated tree. In addition to staged activites and grand finale lighting, the hotel will be filled with carnival-style entertainment, costumed characters and carolers roaming the lobby. Complimentary holiday punch and cookies will also be served.

The Hyatt Regen cy’s renowned Snow Village will once again be the centerpiece for the season, complementing the hotel’s 40-foot high Eclipse geodesic sphere and reflecting pool. Respected collector, Len Connacher, will again showcase his private collection of the original Snow Village, the largest of its kind in the United States. The amazing display features more than 3,000 handcrafted ceramic collectible pieces, including musical carousels, ice skating rinks, ski slopes, gondolas, chalets, trains and many more limited edition pieces and motion-inspired collectibles.

Eclipse will be featuring special three-course menus for only $50 for Thanksgiving dinner,Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners. Breakfast with Santa will also be the highlighted buffet brunch for families, every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to Noon from the weekend of November 22 through the weekend of December 21, 2008. Santa Claus20will visit tables or little ones can sit on Santa’s lap and have their photo taken for a fee. Special children’s menu includes mini chocolate chip pancakes with raspberry sauce and coconut flakes, gingerbread pancakes topped with powdered sugar, Krispy Kringle bacon, Roley Poley bacon, Mrs. Claus’ cinnamon raison French toast, Christmas cookies and milk, fresh fruit and cereal. Adult buffet is $27 per person, while children under 12 are $10.50.
As an added attraction this year, Hyatt Regency’s newly renovated Eclipse will feature Season’s Eatings, a special chocolate lovers menu with such highlights as unlimited hot chocolate with a choice of flavors, including peppermint, white chocolate and dark chocolate as well as a selection of chocolate fondues with such accompaniments as fruit, pound cake and marshmallows.
Reservations are required for all holiday bookings, with the exception of breakfast with Santa. Restaurant reservations and room packages may be booked by calling
(415) 291-1234. Additional information and access to reservations are also available by visiting www.SanFranciscoHyattRegency.com.
# # #

*List of restaurants: Slanted Door, Kokkari, Waterbar, Anchor and Hope, Boulevard, One Market and Town Hall.

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS OFFER ENTICING RESORT

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:12:44 +0000

TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS OFFER ENTICING RESORT

PROMOTIONS FOR CARIBBEAN TRAVEL THIS FALL

Luxury Deals and Pristine Beaches Welcome Tourists to Providenciales

Turks & Caicos Islands, a burgeoning luxury Caribbean destination featuring world-class beaches, today announced an array of resort offers inviting travelers to Providenciales, known as “Provo.” With deals at renowned luxury retreats as well as more affordable accommodations, vacationers are encouraged to embrace Turks & Caicos’ warm tropical weather with the start of autumn in the U.S.

“Fall is an excellent time to visit Provo and experience the Islands’ lifestyle, whether vacationing solo, as a couple, or with your family,” said Honorable Wayne Garland, executive chairman of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board. “Travelers can participate in the Turks & Caicos’ plentiful water activities, relax in more than a dozen world-class spas, and enjoy gourmet cuisine. It’s easier than ever to experience luxury with all of the impressive resort promotions currently available.”

Travelers looking to unwind in a tropical haven will be able to experience everything that Turks & Caicos has to offer from miles of fine white sand beaches and translucent turquoise waters to fine dining and indigenous, one-of-a-kind spa retreats. The warm and radiant climate provides an ideal backdrop for an abundance of water activities like world-class snorkeling, scuba diving and kite surfing.

The Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board invites travelers to enjoy Provo’s numerous accommodations in paradise. Attractive promotions include:

· Located on the pristine white sands of Grace Bay Beach, the 21-suite Turks & Caicos Club offers simple luxury with a touch of European sophistication. Guests can receive 50 Percent Off Fall Rates on any one- or two-bedroom oceanfront suite or two-bedroom poolside suite with a minimum booking of four nights. Discounted rates start at $248. Offer valid Oct. 1 – Nov. 9, 2008. For more information and reservations, call (649) 946-5800 or visit www.turksandcaicosclub.com

· The Sands at Grace Bay offers guests oversized balconies and glistening moonlit beaches, embracing the spirit of the tropics. Guests have the opportunity to expand their unprecedented experience with Two Free Nights—representing a 30 percent savings when booking a seven night stay, valid now through Oct. 31, 2008. Rates start at $185 for a studio with a courtyard view. For more information and reservations, call (877) 77SANDS or visit http://www.thesandsresort.com

The Tuscany on Grace Bay, located on Grace Bay Beach, named one of the world’s top ten beaches by Conde Naste, is one of the finest luxury resort lodgings that Turks & Caicos has to offer. This exquisite resort is made up of intimate villas, each created with their own distinct ambience and décor. The Tuscany is offering Two Free Nights—representing a 30 percent savings, valid now through Oct. 31, 2008, when guests book a seven night vacation—a minimum savings of $1,000. Rates start at $525 for a one-bedroom suite. For more information and reservations, please call toll free (866) 359-6466 or visit http://www.thetuscanyresort.com/caicos.html

· Nikki Beach, a luxury resort in Turks & Caicos, offers guests booking a deluxe king oceanfront room at $250 per night by Oct. 31, 2008 an automatic upgrade to a one-bedroom oceanfront suite—a $100 savings per night—on travel now through Dec. 14, 2008. Guests will enjoy VIP airport limo transfers, a personal assistant, the Nikki Beach Resort special turndown amenities each night and a glorious oceanfront adult playground with incomparable dining, signature entertainment and world-famous DJ’s. For more information and reservations, please call (649) 941-3747 or visit www.nikkibeachhotels.com/nikkibeachresortandspaturksandcaicos.php

Ocean Club and Ocean Club West, which sustained only minor cosmetic and landscaping damage post-Hurricane Ike while already closed for annually scheduled maintenance, is slated to re-open in late October 2008. This fall, Ocean Club Resorts will donate a portion of reservations made from Oct. 24 – Dec. 21, 2008 to the TCI Red Cross for victims of the hurricane, located primarily on Grand Turk, South Caicos and Salt Cay. Rates start at $179 for a studio with an island view. For more information and reservations, please call (800) 457-8787 or visit http://www.oceanclubresorts.com/

About Turks & Caicos

The 40 islands of the Turks & Caicos, of which eight are inhabited, are renowned for their award-winning beaches, diving and array of world-class resorts. Additional activities include tennis, golf and horseback riding. The islands feature a variety of spa and body treatment services and are home to the world’s only conch farm. There are three daily 90-minute direct flights from Miami, a US Airways direct flight from Charlotte, twice weekly flights from New York and weekly flights from Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto. For more information on travel, visit the Turks & Caicos Islands Tourist Board Web site at www.turksandcaicostourism.com or call (800) 241-0824.

BRAZILIAN RESORT PONTA DOS GANCHOS

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:12:43 +0000

BRAZILIAN RESORT PONTA DOS GANCHOS
ADDS FIVE NEW LUXURY SEAFRONT BUNGALOWS

Silent Auction for Inaugural Stay
to Benefit Prominent Children’s Charity

Santa Catarina, Brazil, September 29, 2008. To celebrate the opening of its five new deluxe bungalows, Ponta dos Ganchos, the exclusive beach resort located on BrazilÂ¹s pristine southern coast, is auctioning the inaugural weekend stay in each Emerald villa bungalow for charity (from December 5 - 7, 2008). It’s an unprecedented opportunity for travelers to be the first to experience these incomparable villas, each perched along the water’s edge and featuring exquisite furnishings and superior amenities, while contributing to a worthy cause.

Situated on a private peninsula along Brazil’s alluring Emerald Coast, Ponta dos Ganchos is a haven for beach lovers who appreciate laid-back elegance and seclusion. The award-winning Relais & Châteaux resort features 25 private bungalows overlooking the crystal-clear waters, each rustically refined and designed to be in complete harmony with the natural surroundings. The four new Emerald Villa Bungalows (2,455 square feet/230 square meters) and one Special Emerald Villa Bungalow (3,210 square feet/300 square meters), opening in

December, will add a new dimension of luxury to
Ponta dos Ganchos. The bungalows feature dry saunas and Jacuzzis with sea views, personal spa areas with massage tatamis, wine cellars, and private decks and plunge pools, as well as music systems, Internet connections, and flat-screen televisions. The Special Emerald Villa Bungalow also includes an in-villa fitness center. Guests who stay in any of the property’s accommodations revel in the impeccable service, fine cuisine (all meals included), and a host of activities, from water sports and nature hikes to therapeutic open-air massages, throughout their stay.

SILENT AUCTION PROCEEDS TO BE DONATED TO Instituto Guga Kuerten

“As we celebrate this milestone in our development, we are delighted to give
back to the community and involve our valued, gracious guests who share an
affection for Brazilian culture and a devotion to improving the lives of the
less fortunate,” said Nicolas Peluffo, managing director. “Ponta dos Ganchos
is proud to contribute all of the monies generated from our silent auction
to one of our country’s most important charities, Instituto Guga Kuerten.”

Founded by Brazilian tennis champion Gustavo Kuerten, Instituto Guga Kuerten
(www.igk.org.br) is dedicated to helping underprivileged children in the
region enjoy access to after-school sports programs and supports
organizations that aid people with disabilities. Kuerten is a beloved
Brazilian sports figure who has worked tirelessly to mobilize philanthropic
activities in his country.

The silent auction is open now until 4:30 p.m. (local time) on October 31,
2008, and the minimum bid for each bungalow is 30 percent less than the
standard weekend rate, offering travelers further incentive to participate.
The minimum bids for the weekend (two nights/double occupancy) are:

* Emerald Villa Bungalows (four units): R$ 4,480.00 (approx. US$ 2,560)
* Special Emerald Villa Bungalow (one unit): R$ 5,880.00 (approx. US$ 3,360)

All bids must be submitted in Brazilian reais, and current conversion rates
may be found at finance.yahoo.com/currency. Those with the highest bids by
the deadline will be the first travelers to savor the many luxuries of these
brand-new, exquisitely designed tropical hideaways, which offer the utmost
in comfort, style, and privacy in one of the worldÂ¹s most romantic locales.

HOW TO BID

Travelers may make a bid by calling Ponta dos Ganchos reservations at +55 48
3953-7000, 1 8778 BOOK PDG (US), or 0808 234 8680 (UK). E-mails, containing
contact information, desired bungalow, and bid amount, should be sent to
reservas@pontadosganchos.com.br.* For more information about the services
and amenities of Ponta dos Ganchos, visit www.pontadosganchos.com.

* The bid amounts must be paid in full by November 10, 2008, via bank
transfer or credit card. Winning bids are valid for December 5 Â 7, 2008
bookings only for Emerald Villa Bungalows and Special Emerald Villa
Bungalow, double occupancy, and cannot be used for any other dates.
Cancellations are not accepted and are subject to total loss of payment as
proceeds will be donated directly to Instituto Guga Kuerten. All meals and
non-alcoholic drinks are included.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE ANNOUNCES NEW, SIX-DAY SCANDINAVIA CRUISES

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:04:13 +0000

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE ANNOUNCES NEW, SIX-DAY SCANDINAVIA CRUISES—WITH ROUNDTRIP SAILINGS FROM ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Holland America Line’s flagship, ms Rotterdam, will sail two new six-day Scandinavian itineraries in July 2009. Ideal for travelers eager for a shorter getaway, the two round-trip sailings feature spectacular scenic cruising and explore Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

“Given our legacy in Rotterdam, we are thrilled to be sailing in and out of this magnificent port, right past our original headquarters, now the Hotel New York,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “It’s a unique and unforgettable experience to watch Rotterdam’s citizens cheering at our arrivals and departures.”

Departing July 18, 2009, from Rotterdam, Netherlands, the ship calls at some of the Baltic’s best-known ports: Helsingborg, Sweden; Copenhagen, Denmark and Oslo, Norway, before returning to Rotterdam. A 22-hour stay in the Danish capital enables guests to meander through the streets of Copenhagen or enjoy a leisurely dinner at a sidewalk café before returning to the ship.

The second sailing, departing Rotterdam July 24, explores the coast of Norway with calls at Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. Two days of scenic cruising in Norway — the first in Sognafjord and Aurlandsfjord, and the second at Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock — will delight nature enthusiasts and amateur photographers alike.

“These new six-day cruises are perfect for the traveler who wants a shorter premium vacation and to discover some of Scandinavia’s most beautiful and memorable towns and seascapes,” added Meadows.

Cruise fares for the two six-day, roundtrip Rotterdam voyages begin at $869 per person, double occupancy.

12-Day cruise—or an 18-day Collectors’ Voyage—available for those who wish to explore Baltic in more depth

Holland America Line also offers two extended cruise options for those who want to see more of Northern Europe and to receive a more in-depth discovery of Scandinavia and the Baltic.

Departing on July 18, guests can combine the two six-day itineraries for a 12-day cruise that sails to a variety of ports and includes scenic cruising through Norway’s most picturesque fjords and has only one overlapping call at Rotterdam. Pricing for the 12-day cruise begins at $1,629 per person, double occupancy.

The six day, July 24 sailing, can be combined with the following 12-day, July 30 sailing, for an 18-day Collectors’ Voyage. The Collectors’ Voyage includes calls at Oslo, Norway, Århus, Denmark, Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany, Tallinn, Estonia, and two days in St. Petersburg, Russia. While in St. Petersburg, guests will have plenty of time to explore such iconic treasures as the Hermitage Museum, the palace of Czarina Catherine the Great and the cathedrals of St. Petersburg. The Collectors’ Voyage then continues its journey to Helsinki, Finland, Stockholm, Sweden, scenic cruising of Stockholm Archipelago and disembarks in Copenhagen, Denmark. Pricing for the 18-day Collectors’ Voyage begins at $2,399, per person, double occupancy. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional on all fares.

The Holland America Line premium cruise experience

At the heart of every Holland America cruise is a warm and award-winning style of service. With As You Wish dining®, the onboard culinary experience gives options to suit every taste. Guests can choose a classic fixed seating and dining time or a flexible, open seating schedule. And alternative dining always is available, including the elegant Pinnacle Grill and relaxed Lido Restaurant.

Culinary staff and guest chefs lead cooking classes and demonstrations in the onboard Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine, and, as part of the Explorations Speaker Series, special guest lecturers sail on each cruise to offer enriching perspectives on regional art, history and culture. The Explorations Café — powered by the New York Times — enables guests to stay connected to loved ones. Guests are also assured a good night’s sleep with the Mariner’s Dream stateroom amenities, including luxurious beds and linens.

When in port, guests can choose from a diversity of shore excursions including the exclusive Medallion Collection featuring Overland Adventures, Signature Collection private-car touring, visits to natural, architectural and technical masterpieces from the Wonders of the World Collection and rare and unusual experiences with the Encore Collection excursions.

For cruise brochures or for more information, consult a professional travel agent, call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit www.hollandamerica.com.

— www.hollandamerica.com —

Desires Hotels, A New Modern Boutique Collection

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:21:03 +0000

Desires Hotels, A New Modern Boutique Collection, Launches Desireshotels.com
Delivering Unexpected Amenities in Stylish Settings

Desires Hotels, a collection of independently created, modern boutique hotels, has just launched their new, comprehensive website. The brand boasts an unwavering commitment to service, unique architecture and design, and delivers unexpected amenities in the most stylish settings. Whether it be the world class art collection at The Sagamore in Miami Beach, the rooftop lounge at the San Juan Water and Beach Club, or The Mela Hotel, just steps from Times Square, each of the Desires Hotels provide a unique experience through their own aesthetic and design. Just as color slowly washes over the images on the website, we invite you to color your experience however you wish. Whether you take in the aqua blue waters of Miami Beach while at The Betsy or the golden dome of Atlanta’s City Hall atop the rooftop of The Glenn Hotel, we offer every opportunity for you to find comfort and sophistication catered directly to your desired preferences.

DesiresHotels.com features everything you need to make your stay at a Desires Hotel anything but ordinary. With the ability to book reservations directly through the website, guests will have exclusive access to podcasts that outline current events in and around each hotel, specialized music playlists, virtual tours, special offers and packages, and a host of other features, making DesiresHotels.com among the most innovative in the industry.

Savvy travelers seeking a lifestyle-oriented experience will appreciate the “Your Desires” loyalty and concierge program which ensures that every guest has an exceptional experience. The unique and individualized loyalty program is designed to provide special care and attention to guests before they even arrive at the hotel. Create your personalized profile on the website to ensure that no detail is overlooked throughout your stay. Whether you seek information on popular museums, cultural events, the latest restaurants, business accoutrements or nightlife, a special Manager of Desires will ensure that all of your personalized preferences are arranged before you arrival. Guests who register for the program online, will become privileged members, receiving an extra-ordinary level of service that goes above and beyond that of a normal concierge service.

We recognize that beautiful hotels must be combined with attentive yet unassuming service. For both leisure and business travelers alike, Desires Hotels are poised to cater to the needs of each and every client. Simple touches can turn an ordinary stay into an extraordinary experience, and Desires aims to provide a level of service to help make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Log onto DesiresHotels.com to explore the vast array of opportunities available to you before booking your stay at a Desires Hotel or call 866.593.4330.

About Desires Hotels

From the neon lights on Ocean Drive in South Beach to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, from the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta to the cobbled adoquine streets of Old San Juan, or right in the heart of Times Square, Desires Hotels is a unique collection of independently created modern boutique hotels. High in style, distinct and creative, each of these lifestyle hotels have one-of-a-kind architecture and interior design, allowing guests to expect just as much from their hotel as they do from their destination. Savvy travelers seeking a lifestyle-oriented experience will appreciate the “Your Desires” program that tailors a unique experience to every guest. Desires Hotels deliver unexpected amenities in stylish settings.

For more information about Desires Hotels and their locations, call 866-593-4330 or visit Desireshotels.com.

Millennium Broadway Hotel hosting The Gourmet Institute event

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:10:02 +0000

NYC’s Millennium Broadway Hotel in Times Square is hosting The Gourmet Institute event on October 17th. Tickets and hotel rooms are sold separately; as the Millennium Broadway Hotel is the host this year, they are offering a special discounted room rate to ticket-holders for this coveted event.

The Millennium Broadway Hotel is hosting the sixth annual Gourmet Institute on October 17th – a weekend long insider’s look from one of the most popular food magazines, Gourmet. Exclusive seminars, cooking demonstrations and tastings will be given by the food industry’s top players from October 17-19th. Tickets are $1,395 per person. Room rates for ticket holders start at $349 per night.

The weekend schedule includes:

Cooking demonstrations and seminars by Grant Achatz, Dan Barber, John Besh, Daniel Boulud, David Chang, Tom Colicchio, Todd English, Masaharu Morimoto, Eric Ripert, Marcus Samuelsson, Nancy Silverton, Michael Symon, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and many more.
Meeting the personalities behind Gourmet, including executive chef Sara Moulton, wine & spirits consultant Michael Green and Ruth Reichl the editor in chief of Gourmet
Tasting by the chefs during the demos and seminars
Sampling of wines from around the world
A spectacular welcome gala at one of New York City’s premier cultural institutions featuring the cuisine of renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer’s catering company, Hudson Yards, and five of his acclaimed restaurants including: Blue Smoke, Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, The Modern, and Tabla
A one-of-a-kind dinner on Saturday night at a celebrated New York restaurant
There will also be a custom gift bag filled with products valued at $300

Gourmet Institute ticketholders receive a special discounted nightly rate of $349 per night (does not include ticket price) for superior rooms and a rate of $389 per night (does not include ticket price) for premier rooms and are subject to availability. Suites are available upon request. Tickets are sold separately at GourmetInstitute.com. For hotel reservations, please call the hotel directly at 212-768-4400 or 800-622-5569, and mention The Gourmet Institute.

To order tickets, please visit: http://www.gourmetinstitute.com/register.cfm

To book hotel rooms, please visit accommodations: millenniumbroadway.com

October 17-19th | Tickets $1,395 | Rooms $349+

Millennium Broadway Hotel | 145 West 44th Street | New York, NY | 212-768-4400

Millennium Broadway Hotel hosting The Gourmet Institute event

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:08:47 +0000

The weekend schedule includes:

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GRANDE GOURMET WEEKEND FOR FOOD-LOVING TRAVELERS

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 18:01:04 +0000

GRANDE GOURMET WEEKEND FOR FOOD-LOVING TRAVELERS

Chefs To Fuse New England’s Rich Culinary History With Contemporary Southern Cuisine

As many of the nation’s best cooks compete for coveted culinary awards, three top chefs will do the opposite this fall when they combine their favorite culinary secrets for Marina Inn at Grande Dunes’ first event created for food loving travelers.

The resort’s first Grande Gourmet Weekend — a three-day event scheduled for October 17 to 19 — will blend the latest food trends from historic New England with contemporary Southern fare. Signature receptions, cooking demonstrations and catered feasts will feature menus that fuse local dishes from both regions, with specialty items such as beer braised pork from South Carolina’s Caw Caw Creek, “deconstructed” seafood stew with Maine lobster and homegrown desserts from both the North and South.

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CityCenter Unveils Stellar Lineup of Restaurants At ARIA Resort & Casino

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 17:29:20 +0000

CityCenter Unveils Stellar Lineup of Restaurants
At ARIA Resort & Casino

Masayoshi Takayama, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Sirio Maccioni, The Light Group, Jean-Philippe Maury and Shawn McClain
To Helm Eateries in Luxurious Resort at CityCenter’s Core

ARIA, the resort casino at CityCenter, the dazzling vertical city set to transform the Las Vegas Strip when it opens late next year, has named the stellar chefs set to oversee its culinary offerings.

ARIA has assembled many of the best and brightest chefs and restaurateurs from around the country, uniting those who have played integral roles in the development of Las Vegas’ culinary scene with a pair of remarkable Las Vegas newcomers. Sirio Maccioni, Michael Mina, Julian Serrano, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, The Light Group and Jean-Philippe Maury, who run acclaimed eateries at Bellagio, The Mirage, MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay, will be joined by Masayoshi Takayama, the world renowned chef of the famed Masa in New York City and Shawn McClain, celebrated executive chef and partner at three of Chicago’s top restaurants.

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