Memorable Hotel Pets

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If you have a soft spot for pets, like us, you’ll appreciate ABC News’ list of America’s most adorable hotel pets.

Kimpton Hotels surely wins for the most pet friendly hotels – several of their properties made this list for friendly animal mascots, including the Hotel Monaco Alexandria and The Muse.

What’s your favorite animal on the list? Have you encountered a personal favorite that didn’t make the list?

Pet Only Airline Debuts

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Frequent travelers forced to leave their furry friends behind when flying have a new option…

Pet Airways debuts tomorrow as the U.S.’s first pet-only airline. Pets will travel in the main cabin, not the cargo hold of the planes.

The airline strives to protect the comfort and safety of pets, who are often injured in unsafe cargo conditions. Flights will serves New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles to start, with plans to expand nationwide.

Owners can book online and even track the progress of their pet’s flight at http://www.petairways.com.

Is this a service you will use?

AH&LA Volunteer Project a Success

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Congrats to the AH&LA’s Under 30 Gateway

…for raising $1,850 at this past weekend’s service event for the Washington DC Capitol Area Food Bank!

The money will help finance future service projects in the DC area.

Volunteers sorted and packaged up 16,252 lbs. of food and hygiene products for those in need!

Check out the Gateway’s Facebook page to see pictures from the event, or to find out how you can help make a difference.

Micro Hotels to Spread to U.S.

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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?

DC Meetings Industry Volunteer Event

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Congress wants us to stop meeting…so let’s fight back in a new way.

Volunteer for the Greater DC Cares Servathon on May 2 with AH&LA’s Under 30 Gateway

…It’s a great way to meet local hoteliers, while doing something good for the community!

All industry professionals and students are welcome to participate.

Servathon volunteers provide local nonprofits with critically-needed service by undertaking between 30-60 projects. Some of those include:

- Serving food to those in need
- Building computer labs
- Painting classrooms

The team is sponsored by the AH&LA Under 30 Gateway. All young industry professionals are encouraged to join (and if your company is a member, you can join the Gateway for free)

Join here or contact Netanya Stutz nstutz@ahla.com for more information…

…and don’t forget to sign up for the Servathon!

Presidential Inauguration

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The big event is finally here!

How are you participating in the inauguration events? Are you watching from home? Do you plan/have you attended any events in person?

Here are some fun inauguration facts by the numbers…

…for example – did you know that the Marriott Wardman Park expects to serve 49,000 meals from Saturday through Tuesday??

Micrsoft Surface Added to Sheraton Lobby Lounges

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Sheraton installed Microsoft Surface units in the lobbies of 5 of their hotels this week…

Microsoft Surface is a 30-inch display built into a table top. There’s no mouse or keyboard – it uses touch.

It’s like a giantic iPhone, only better!

Hotel guests can browse pictures of the hotel, create playlists with the jukebox, and even find restaurants, bars, and entertainment in the city with 365-degree satellite maps.

Check out the Surface at these hotels:

Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers – 811 7th Avenue 53rd Street, New York

Sheraton Boston Hotel – 39 Dalton St, Boston

Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers – 301 East North Water Street, Chicago

Sheraton Seattle Hotel – 1400 6th Ave, Seattle

Sheraton Gateway San Francisco Airport Hotel – 600 Airport Boulevard, Burlingame

Ft Lauderdale Gay Pride

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Greater Fort Lauderdale is gearing up for the 9th Annual Fort Lauderdale Stonewall Street Festival….

…it’s a week-long Gay Pride celebration: June 16 – June 22.

Check out:
-Live events
-Grand performances
-1st Night parade
-Street festival & exhibition

Visit the Greater Ft Lauderdale’s website for more upcoming fun visitor activities!

Explore French Perfume

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Looking for a unique activity for your next meeting in France … How about a visit to a French perfumery?

At Molinard, a Provençal perfumer that’s been around since 1849, your corporate group of 10-200 can play interactive olfactory games and concoct your own fragrances.

The newest addition is the Atelier Gourmand game – your guests’ senses will enjoy coffee, tea and chocolate!

Let Maison de la France help you find more one-of-a-kind activities – find out more today.