Modern Comforts in Historic Settings
Turning precious historic landmarks into luxury hotels is a win-win that preserves important buildings, brings history to life and provides travelers with experiences modern buildings can’t duplicate. Authenticity is key, but despite being many centuries old, these properties can retrofit state-of-the-art modern comforts carefully, preserving the artistic and architectural integrity and sense of history. In Peru, Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel reclaimed a pair of 15th-century Spanish colonial buildings so carefully that after 50 years of abandonment and three years’ restoration, only 20 percent consists of new construction and materials. During restoration, wood carvings and rare ancient wall frescos were discovered and preserved, and the inner courtyard’s original aesthetic was kept intact by enclosing its stone arcades and balconies with tempered glass panes.
Portugal’s commitment to preserving historic royal palaces, monasteries and fortresses is exemplified in its national Pousada system. Opened just this year by Arteh Hotels, Pousada Fortaleza da Cidadela de Cascais is in a fortress built in the 15th and 16th centuries overlooking the sea just outside Lisbon. Even its old cistern, with a vaulted ceiling, is a venue for corporate meetings and events.
Some historic landmarks encourage guests to become an active part of their preservation by buying a share of them. Ruthin Castle, 20 miles from Chester, is a Welsh property with origins as far back as King Arthur’s time and previously owned by King Edward 1, Henry VII and Elizabeth I. Ruthin is the only Edward I castle in Wales where guests can stay inside its walls, and they can own a slice of its heritage by becoming a Knight of Ruthin, knowing their purchase helps preserve this historic royal stronghold.
Easier Visas Ahead?
Tourism ministers of the G20 economies issued a declaration calling for members to give priority to encouraging travel as a way to create jobs and further economic growth. A key recommendation is to ease the visa process using new technology and increased cooperation among countries to make travel “more accessible, convenient and more efficient without a diminution of national security.” The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates improving visa processes could add as many as 5 million jobs in G20 economies by 2015.
More Airport Chatter
Wondering if there’s a place to get a quick bite or cup of coffee post-security? Airport Chatter launched a new website Version 1.0 with a community platform that includes customer ratings and reviews. Along with details and locations of airlines, lounges, shops, services, public transport, parking, dining and nearby hotels at 52 of the busiest U.S. airports, the site profiles each shop, service and dining venue, using expert reviews combined with tips from fellow travelers.
International Access
Adding 12 new gates exclusively for international flights, the newly opened Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) will simplify international arrivals, with travelers no longer needing to recheck luggage for on-going flights after clearing customs. The $1.4 billion dollar terminal is part of a $5.4 billion program to expand and upgrade facilities at the world’s busiest airport. At the same time, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) opened the $2.4 billion Terminal 3, with 14 gates for international flights.
EVA Upgrades
EVA Air’s new business cabin, Royal Laurel Class, is now in the air on the first leg of its $100 million program to upgrade the top cabins on all the airline’s Boeing 777-300ER fleet with new, fully lie-flat seats. Set in a reverse herringbone configuration, the 38 seats in the Royal Laurel cabin allow window-seat passengers to look out without turning and those in the center to comfortably dine and talk with travel companions. Or passengers can easily adjust their seats and use convenient privacy panels to create in-flight personal space for rest or work. By the end of this month, EVA will offer Royal Laurel Class on all its New York (JFK) flights, and by the end of the year on Los Angeles (LAX) service and some San Francisco (SFO), Toronto (YYZ), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS) and London (LHR) flights. All cabin upgrades will be complete by August 2013.
New Routes to Japan and Colombia
All Nippon Airways moved the launch of service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Seattle (SEA), originally scheduled for later this year, to late July. The daily service currently uses Boeing 777-300ER aircraft but will switch to Boeing 787 Dreamliners later in the year. Watch for upcoming ANA services from Narita to San José, Calif. (SDG), within the year. Avianca reactivated its flights from New York (JFK) to Cali (CLO) and Medellín (MDE), Colombia, served by Airbus A320s. Flights are scheduled for weekends in low season and daily during high season, through Sept. 16 and Dec. 3 through Jan. 13.
Makeovers for Legends
Vienna’s most famous lodging, the Hotel Sacher, gleams from fresh renovations that updated the color palette and added flat-screen TVs (even in the bathrooms), iPod docking stations and free WiFi access throughout. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Mandarin Oriental San Francisco has been redesigned with a new Italian travertine lobby; completely refurbished guestrooms and suites; and a signature restaurant, Brasserie S&P. Individually designed suites now have furnished, 800-square-foot landscaped terraces with spectacular views of the city. Overlooking Lake Como, northeast of Milan, Grand Hotel Tremezzo added eight lavishly appointed suites on a deluxe Rooftop Floor. Each suite has its own private terrace, outdoor heated Jacuzzi pool, butler services and bathtubs with panoramic views of the lake.
New Hilton Trio
Hilton Worldwide lives up to its name with openings from Bogotá to Qatar and its first dual-branded property in Turkey. Hilton Doha is the group’s first hotel in Qatar, a 309-room complex on the headland of the capital city’s prestigious Corniche. Along with a 750-capacity ballroom and a dedicated conference wing, Hilton Doha has the brand’s first spa in the Middle East. Hilton Bursa Convention Center and Spa opened in conjunction with Hampton by Hilton Bursa, the first combination of the two Hilton brand properties in Europe. Close to the city center with easy access to the city’s business and commercial districts, the hotel overlooks Uludağ Mountain in northwestern Turkey. Hilton Bogotá, located in the commercial heart of downtown Bogotá, opened earlier this year.
Sofitel in Mumbai
Sofitel Luxury Hotels opened its first hotel in India, the 302-room Sofitel Mumbai BKC, in the Bandra Kurla Complex in the heart of Mumbai’s business district. Nine meeting rooms (including a ballroom), six restaurants, a spa and a fitness center make the hotel appealing to both business and leisure travelers. This is the first of several planned Sofitel locations throughout India.
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