The Big Fat Hotel Wrap
Welcome back from the long weekend folks.
But wash away those tears, and enjoy the brilliant summer weather – we’ve got another hotel wrap to get you up to speed in no time at all.
And remember – it’s a short week, so rejoice for long weekends!
I choo choo choose you!
Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has selected Discover the World to strengthen its sales in Australia and New Zealand.
“We are particularly impressed with the professional approach Discover uses as well as its well-structured global organization,” said Francis Bertrand, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ vice president international sales.
“Because Australia and New Zealand represent two important source markets for us especially for our hotels and resorts in Asia, we needed a bigger sales footprint in these two countries representing our product and service.”
From plant to plate
Much loved among locals and visitors alike, QT Sydney’s Gowings Bar & Grill has provided guests with some of the most distinctive and vibrant cuisine since its opening in 2012.
To further cement its reputation as a leading stalwart in the Sydney dining scene, QT Sydney has appointed Georgie Neal to the newly created role of QT Forager, allowing the chefs of Gowings Bar & Grill to have direct access to the finest ingredients, while at the same time supporting local growers and producers.
Paying tribute to some of the best produce Australia has to offer, Georgie will develop a long-lasting and mutually beneficial network with growers nationwide to bring fresh, organic produce to the diners at Gowings Bar & Grill. With the appointment of the QT Forager, the hotel also aims to increase awareness of the importance of eating and buying local.
Lux in full swing
LUX* Resorts & Hotels, is announcing the opening of four new properties by 2017 in the Indian Ocean, China and the Middle East, as well as the complete refurbishment of LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives.
Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Resorts & Hotels, comments on the group’s developments: “Once again, we are experiencing exciting times at LUX* Resorts & Hotels. With four new properties scheduled for opening by 2017, and the remaking of LUX* South Ari Atoll, Maldives, the group is progressing well towards our international development ambitions.”
A second resort along the LUX* Tea Horse Road, Yunnan, China is opening in December 2015, while another LUX* Resort in Reunion Island is opening during the second half of 2016. A second LUX* villa only Resort in the Maldives is opening during the second half of 2016 and finally, Beachside Luxury at LUX* Al Zorah, U.A.E. is opening late 2016.
Anantara gets handy
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort now offer a complimentary smartphone called “handy” in all guest rooms, and are the first hotels in Thailand to offer such a service.
Much more than just a smartphone, the aptly named handy device is preloaded with destination specific features to offer a superior guest experience and interactive travel solutions for leisure and business travellers. handy keeps guests connected, informed and entertained 24 hours a day, both onsite at the hotels and when they are on the move.
handy also offers unlimited local and international calls to ten destinations from each hotel, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the United Kingdom and the United States. Unlimited 3G data connectivity comes with a WiFi tethering capability to other mobile devices such as laptops and tablets and also pre-installed popular social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
TFE deal of the week
This week TFE Hot Deal includes Spring Savings Darwin, visit Travelodge Hotel Mirambeena Resort Darwin and Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront for two nights, or Adina Apartment Darwin Waterfront for three nights, and save 30% off your stay.
Darwin offers a beautiful environment with nature a solid part of Darwin’s backyard with famous national parks of Kakadu and Litchfield only a few hours’ drive away
Subject to availability so don’t miss out, and book now! Visit TFEhotels.com for details and available dates.
Outrigger Fiji celebrates Founders Day
Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort’s unique location near the International Date Line made it the first property to join in Outrigger’s worldwide Founder’s Day celebrations on September 29.
As the sun crossed the six time zones where Outrigger Resorts are located, each property celebrated the 68th anniversary of when Outrigger Hotels and Resorts founders, Roy and Estelle Kelley, opened their first hotel in Waikiki in 1947.
Staff at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort celebrated Outrigger Founder’s Day with ice cream, cake and games while guests enjoyed a cocktail party hosted by the resort’s management team at the Vahavu swimming pool.
California getaway
As part of the Suite California Getaway Coastal Tour, The Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara is offering a vacation package that allows guests to immerse themselves in the sophisticated California vibe of the Funk Zone.
For added relaxation and comfort, each experience includes a two-night stay in a spacious Four Seasons suite. Offer is valid from Sept. 1 through Mar. 31, 2016 and requires a two-night minimum stay.
Aloft celebrates big 100!
Aloft Hotels has announced the 100th hotel milestone worldwide, with the opening of Aloft College Station in Texas. Currently operating in 16 countries across the globe, Aloft has experienced incredible growth since it emerged onto the scene in 2008.
With the recent openings of Aloft Manhattan Downtown – Financial District in New York City, Aloft Santa Clara (CA), Aloft Stuttgart and Aloft Munich in Germany, Aloft continues to expand in key global markets, with eight more hotels set to open by year’s end.
Four Points hits 200!
It’s a week of centuries, with Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announcing that its booming Four Points brand has crossed the 200th hotel milestone worldwide, fueled by unprecedented demand in dynamic destinations across the globe.
Boasting the largest pipeline in the Starwood Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Four Points continues to exceed expectations with plans to open 12 additional hotels around the world by the end of this year – roughly one a week.
Four Points is on track to expand its portfolio of rooms by nearly 60% in the next five years with new hotels strategically located in nearly every corner of the globe.
New Vibe hotel slated for Hobart
Toga Far East (TFE) Hotels has secured the operating agreement for a new Vibe Hotel as part of a mixed-use development in the Hobart CBD in Tasmania, due for completion in 2017.
Developer, Raadas Property has obtained Development Approval for a 15-storey redevelopment of 36 Argyle Street, which is currently an open air carpark opposite Royal Hobart Hospital and Hobart Private Hospital. The proposed development incorporates a ground floor of retail and hospitality space, four floors dedicated to commercial offices and ten floors for approximately 120 rooms and suites, conferencing and facilities.
Raadas has appointed TFE Hotels to operate the hotel under its Vibe Hotels brand and consult with Hobart-based Xsquared Architects on design. Construction is expected to commence in 2016.
Swissotel gets festive
Swissôtel Sydney, directly opposite the State Theatre in the heart of the CBD, has a fabulous special for the festive season of 15% off the best available rates from the 13th December 2015 to the 31st January 2016.
Swissôtel Sydney’s newly refurbished rooms offer the perfect oasis and stepping off point for taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Guests at Swissôtel Sydney, may enjoy delicious seasonal meals at Jpb restaurant based on the freshest local ingredients designed by talented young star chef, Joshua Askew.
The hotel’s Spa & Sport spa facility has been transformed into a haven for relaxation and fitness. Lead-in rates for Swissôtel Sydney for the period of the 13th December 2015 to the 31st January 2016 start at $249 for a Premier Room, $345 for a Signature Skyline Room, $500 for a Signature Skyline Suite.
InterContinental dishes up with celeb chefs
InterContinental Hotels Group, is today welcoming three of the world’s best chefs, Jason Atherton, Pierre Gagnaire and Theo Randall with the opening of signature restaurants at InterContinental hotels and resorts in Dubai, Danang and Bangkok.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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