Hotels Bringing Out Big Savings for Meetings

Mar 26

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If you’re one of the lucky still planning a meeting, there are deals ‘a plenty!

An Associated Press article reports the following meeting deals —

_ OMNI HOTELS: For meetings of up to 150 rooms booked by June 30 and held by Dec. 31, it’s waiving fees of $10,000 or more that are levied when an event draws fewer guests than promised.

Omni is booking 20 percent fewer events this year so far than in 2008, said Tom Faust, the vice president of sales. But after cancellations spiked fivefold in December from the same month in 2007, they’re now stabilizing to earlier levels.

Omni operates 43 hotels in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

_ MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC.: For events involving 100 rooms or more, Marriott is offering 2 percent discounts, doubling reward points and easing penalties for individual no-shows.

The company, which has about 3,100 hotels around the world, expects revenue from large events to fall 12 percent in 2009 from last year because of cancellations, changed plans and fewer bookings for new events.

_ HYATT HOTELS & RESORTS: For events involving at least 10 guest rooms, Hyatt offers a 10 percent discount at its 19 resorts and a 6 percent discount at its 101 hotels in North America. There are more than 360 Hyatt hotels and resorts around the world.

_ STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE INC.: Starwood offers a 3 percent discount on the total room bill and 10 percent discount on food and drink. Starwood’s 940 hotels worldwide include the St. Regis, Sheraton and Westin chains.

_ FAIRMONT HOTELS & RESORTS: For events involving at least 10 rooms, it’s offering 10 percent off total room bill. Fairmont has 56 hotels around the globe.

_ WYNDHAM HOTELS AND RESORTS: For events involving at least 76 rooms, planners can choose three benefits from a list including free rooms, suite upgrades and a 10 percent discount on food and drink. The promotion applies at all 82 Wyndham locations, predominantly in the U.S., Mexico and Caribbean. Wyndham’s parent company also franchises Ramada, Days Inn and other hotel brands and operates a timeshare concern.

_ OTHER COMPANIES: The Kessler Collection, which has 11 hotels in Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, is waiving all no-show fees and eliminating penalties for rescheduling events. Palace Resorts, which operates 11 hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, is waiving no-show and rescheduling fees.

Micro Hotels to Spread to U.S.

Mar 24

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Would you stay in a hotel like this to save some $$?

Micro hotels have been spreading across Europe, and are beginning to reach U.S. cities like New York…

…to help travelers enjoy luxuries for less.

These Micro Hotels focus on making the rooms feel special instead of mall.

What do you think — will the idea catch on? Would you stay here? Will this become the cheap way for businesses and associations to continue meeting?

Mid-Beach is Miami’s New Hotspot

Jan 29

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Mid-Beach Miami is becoming South Beach’s newest party spot -

in part thanks to The Gansevoort South Hotel’s chic lounges, enourmous guestrooms, and 42,000 square foot gym.

Check out the rave review from the New York Times…or visit the Gansevoort on ConventionPlanit.com for more information.

DC Hotel Gets Political

Aug 26

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Die-hard Democrats and Republicans alike can celebrate their candidates while staying at one DC hotel – The Liaison Capitol Hill, an Affinia Hotel.

The Liaison is offering a “Pick Your Party” package for guests –

choose the “red” dining and nightlife guide to mingle with local McCain supporters and receive a copy of the Washington Times…

…or opt for the “blue” dining and nightlife guide to find Obama’s fans and get a copy of the Washington Post.

The packages also come with picnic baskets and “Not for Tourists” Washington city guides.

You can even buy a “Demodog” or “Republipooch” t-shirt for your dog!

Stargaze at a Roofless Sand Hotel

Jul 25

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Check out the roofless sand “hotel” in England that’s been built right on the beach…made from 1,000 tons of sand!

It took a combined total of four men 98 hours to create the project. Even the beds are made of sand!

There’s no roof, so guests can stargaze at night, and in the morning the tide laps at the entrance. Now that’s a real beachfront property!

Best Hotel Reviews

Jul 18

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Road warriors like meeting professionals can tell hundreds of stories about their travel experiences and properties they have visited.

What are some of the best experiences you’ve had at hotels or resorts? Maybe it was great customer service, outstanding facilities, special amenities, or other features.

Inquiring minds want to know so please let us know!