hotel

Mercy Msia Fundraising Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:24:00 +0000

Mercy Malaysia will hold its annual fundraising dinner on Nov 13 with all proceeds to be channelled to earthquake victims in Padang, Indonesia, and Typhoon Ketsana victims in the Philippines.

Its honorary secretary Raja Riza Shazmin Raja Badrul Shah told the media Friday that tables for the dinner, to be held at the Hilton Hotel here, were going for RM3,000 to RM30,000 each.

Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak, who is the patron of Mercy Malaysia, will be the the guest of honour.

The dinner will also be held in conjucntion with a two-day International Humanitarian Conference scheduled the same day at the Putra World Trade Centre here and organised in collaboration with the International Council of Voluntary Agencies.

The theme of the conference is “Collaborating in a Changing Humanitarian Environment for Effective Response.”

Among the speakers are United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for peace-building support, Judy Cheng Hopkins, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative Alan Vernon, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cresent Society representative Jason Smith, Mercy Malaysia president Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus and past president Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Mahmood.

To register online for the conference, go to www.mercy.org.my.

Mercy Malaysia, a medical relief non-governmental organisation, has a pool of over 5,000 volunteers and is actively involved in numerous projects in many countries including Myanmar, Sudan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, China and at home.

Asian hotel chain eyes Melbourne

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:26:00 +0000

A NASCENT Asian budget hotel chain aims to open its first hotel in Melbourne within a year, as part of big expansion plans. Tune Hotels, founded two years ago in Malaysia, has seven hotels operating in South-East Asia, with 64 more under development, most in Asia - and Melbourne is firmly in its sights.

The chain works closely with low-cost airline AirAsia, which already operates into Australia, including 11 flights a week to Melbourne.

Tune's group chief executive, Mark Lankester, speaking during a recent visit to Melbourne, told businessday he had been investigating several sites around the city. ''If we can't buy land, we buy an existing building and convert it,'' he said.

While describing prices in Melbourne as steep, Mr Lankester said the aim was to be open for business by next October.

''The Australian market is superb, and Melbourne is a fabulous city. It makes a lot of sense to be here. People can fly very affordably. We aim to break into Melbourne and then Perth,'' he said.

Mr Lankester, a Malaysian citizen, previously ran Warner Music in South-East Asia. He was persuaded to lead Tune Hotels by Tony Fernandes, the founder of AirAsia. The two men were previously colleagues at Warner Music - hence the name ''Tune''.''

Tune's pricing structure is demand-driven: the earlier you book, the cheaper prices you get. The emphasis is on full occupancy.

As well, the company markets its ''green'' credentials, and guests pay extra for using energy-consuming things such as air-conditioners.

The cheaper rates are also bankrolled by advertisements, with ads in all hotels.

KL-Singapore Work Group For Iskandar Project

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Malaysia and Singapore formed a work group yesterday to study the joint development of an iconic economic project in Iskandar.

Working together on an iconic project in the Johor economic zone was one of the key issues discussed when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak met Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong here in May.

The bilateral project was mooted as a showcase of the commitment of both countries to build a strong, productive and enduring relationship, the two countries’ Joint Ministerial Committee (JMC) for Iskandar Malaysia said yesterday.

At the meeting in May, Lee had suggested a mixed-use township development, while Najib was keen on a wellness centre that could provide spas and other services.

But what the project will eventually be has not been finalised.

Yesterday’s meeting at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Singapore was the fifth for the JMC. It was formed in 2007 with the aim of facilitating cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore on the Iskandar project.

The meeting was jointly chaired by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan and Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.

The committee also includes Johor chief minister Ghani Othman and Singapore’s Transport Minister Raymond Lim. The JMC also reviewed the progress made by four sub-groups on immigration, transportation, tourism and the environment.

A study has been commissioned to assess the feasibility of jointly developing nature sites as tourism spots.

On the immigration front, the pilot test of the Malaysian Automated Clearance System — which gives frequent travellers to Iskandar Malaysia access to “fast track” lanes — was extended to all frequent travellers to Malaysia in September.

Both countries also agreed to double cross-border bus services by next January. The JMC will meet again in the first half of next year.

Hard Rock Cafe in Penang

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:31:00 +0000

THE Hard Rock Café Penang opened in style on Saturday at the spanking new Hard Rock Hotel along Batu Ferringhi beach.

Set to become a new iconic hotspot in the region, the café and hotel are designed to draw those who enjoy a hip and trendy lifestyle and vacation.

The opening ceremony started dramatically with a convoy of Harley Davidson motorcycles escorting Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng to the entrance of the hotel.

Lim later performed a ceremonial guitar-smashing with Tan Sri Syed Yusof Syed Nasir – co-owner of Palmco Hotels which operates the Hard Rock brand in Malaysia – and John Primmer, general manager of Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Also present was Stephen Lau, chairman of HPL Hotels and Resort which manages the hotel.

Guests were treated to a music rendition by Arthur Manuntang and live performances by artistes Ella and Zainal Abidin. Models on a catwalk showcased Hard Rock’s trendiest merchandise.

The café, which seats 130, and features a stage for live bands as well as a Rock Shop, also has a mezzanine floor and adopts a new classy and stylish concept with red-painted walls and splashes of gold.

The walls of the café, which serves authentic American cuisine, are decorated with authentic memorabilia of famous artistes from different decades.

Boasting 250 rooms and suites, the Hard Rock Hotel opened its doors last month and is only the third Hard Rock resort in Southeast Asia after Bali and Pattaya.

Most rooms have a view of the sea and a balcony.

The hotel is marked at its entrance with a giant 18-foot guitar that was unveiled in August.

It also features Penang’s largest free-form beach-sand swimming pool, services and clubs for adults, teens and children, a Marquee Ballroom that seats 300, as well as meeting rooms, providing a unique place where one can conduct business with pleasure.

64 Hotels By 2013

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:53:00 +0000

Some 200 hotels in over a dozen countries across Asia, the Pacific and Europe are offering clean, hip and secure accommodation for value-conscious travellers from around the world.

That, in a nutshell, is the dream being spun into reality by Mark Lankester, the chief executive officer of Tune Hotels.

Controlled by Malaysian budget carrier AirAsia and its boss Tony Fernandes, Tune already operates seven hotels - five in Malaysia and two in Bali.

'We would have had twice that number if not for the financial crisis and the credit crunch,' Mr Lankester told BT.

According to him, development plans are already underway to set up 64 Tune hotels in India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Bangladesh. These hotels will be up and running by 2013, he added.

And it doesn't stop there.

'With AirAsia X now flying to London and Australia, we have plans to launch 10 hotels in greater London, and as many in Melbourne and other Australian cities,' Mr Lankester said.

Singapore, despite its high land costs, is also on Tune's radar screen. So is China.

The hotels, where prices per night start at the equivalent of S$5 for a standard 12 square-metre room, are targeted at not just budget backpackers, but also budget conscious corporate travellers who want good, clean, secure rooms, with hot 'power showers' and good quality bed and linen, Mr Lankester said.

'We are not talking about cheap, sleazy hotels,' he said. 'Our hotels are good class, hip, budget hotels, centrally located in every city, with airy rooms, full CCTV monitored security, and front glass doors which auto-lock by midnight with access only by smart keys. It will appeal to both budget leisure and budget conscious corporate travellers.'

Each hotel will have an average of 180 to 200 rooms, though some of its existing Malaysian hotels have almost 300 rooms. And the F&B outlets will be farmed out to suitable vendors, be they a global chain or localised versions of 'kopi tiams'.

Mr Lankester, a colleague of AirAsia boss Mr Fernandes at Warner Music before he was poached not long ago by his old buddy, says the rollout will be financed by a combination of borrowing and franchise arrangements.

'We will no doubt have to gear up,' he said. 'But we will also leverage on existing properties where we will be operating the hotels in franchisee partnerships with the property owners.'

Mr Lankester envisages the Tune hotel chain spreading to locations well beyond the 120 destinations which AirAsia flies to.

'We call them Tune Hotels, and not AirAsia Hotels, for good reason,' he said. 'It gives us an option of growing beyond AirAsia.'

Never mind that its owners are the same people who control Asia's largest budget airline.

And even as Tune picks up, Mr Lankester and his buddies at AirAsia are already rolling out new products such as TuneTalk (mobile telephony cards) and TuneMoney (pre-topped up debit cards).

'TuneMoney, which is a tie-up with Visa cards, enables travellers to top up their debit card with the currency of their destination, thus saving them the hassle of doing forex transactions when they get there,' Mr Lankester explained. 'And with TuneTalk, we essentially tie up with local telephony service providers in various countries to enable our customers to use their mobile phones at local rates.'

Mr Lankester envisions that just as AirAsia has established itself as the undisputed leader in low cost air travel, Tune will ultimately emerge as the undisputed leader in hospitality and travel facilitation.

And it appears to have made good headway so far.

Haunted Hotels Boast of Ghost

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:41:00 +0000

How about checking into one of America's "haunted" hotels, where the promise of a sleepless night is actually a selling point, not just on Halloween, but year-round!
There are scores of hotels across the country that claim to be home to ghosts. And many don't hide their spooky pasts and perhaps presents; they actually advertise them and attract plenty of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the guests from another world.
CBS News "Trick or Travel" Editor Peter Greenberg highlighted some of the spookiest spots around the nation, where ghosts may never check out!
THE MYRTLES PLANTATION, St. Francisville, La. (From $115 a night)
Rhe inn is supposedly the site of 10 murders since it was built in 1794.
The inn is haunted most notoriously by a former slave named Chloe. One of the former owners allegedly took Chloe from her work in the fields to make her a mistress and house slave. Eventually, Chloe began to worry that the owner was losing interest in her, which would mean she'd have to return to working the fields. She decided to start eavesdropping on his conversations in hopes of finding something out. One day, the owner caught her listening in on his business dealings and cut off her ear as punishment. After this disfigurement, Chloe reportedly donned a green turban from that day on. Chloe didn't return to the fields immediately, but she still worried as she stewed over her punishment. One day, she hatched a scheme to poison the children's birthday cake with oleander leaves.
The stories differ about why she poisoned the cake. Some say she was hoping to rush in and save the day by treating the children with the antidote, thus proving she was too useful to return to the fields. Others say it was pure malice and getting revenge for cutting off her ear.
Regardless, the grounds of the Myrtle Plantation are now haunted by the ghost of a woman wearing a green turban. Guests and employees have also reported seeing the ghosts of two little girls in old fashioned clothing frolicking on the grounds and peaking from behind windows. There are various rumors to explain the heavy concentration of paranormal activity. Some claim the plantation was built atop an ancient Indian burial ground.

Goom Radio & Tokio Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:39:00 +0000

This is AWESOME! Goom Radio, who have interview Tokio Hotel a few times, and Tokio Hotel are preparing something awesome for fans on their show! Here is the information you need! Have fun!

From GOOM
We are looking active fans of Tokio Hotel, for our radio Just Hits (www.goomradio.fr/radio/just-hits).

We are therefore looking for fans wishing to make recordings Audio, dedications and phone audio on this occasion. To do so, send us your audio recordings (of correct quality with your phone, computer) by email and/or leave us your phone number and we’ll call you to proceed with registration.

Send us your vocal message at goomunityfr@goomradio.com

Feel free to send short messages but keep your original/native language as “Ich Liebe Tokio Hotel,” “I love Tokio Hotel”, “I can’t believe IT !!!”…

Also to be kept informed of the delivery of your registration, add our facebook page GOOM RADIO FRANCE

All fans are welcome … do not be afraid!

We will prepare a huge surprise to all fans who will send us a vocal message.

SO doing this. Spread the word.

Hilton Worldwide wins a contract

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:30:00 +0000

Hilton Worldwide announced plans Tuesday to operate a new 500-room convention center hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority picked McLean-based Hilton to market and manage the facility on Oct. 6. The decision came nearly three months after five competitors responded to the authority’s request for proposals.

Hilton beat out the other finalist, Bethesda-based Marriott International Inc., to operate the hotel, which is expected to open in the fall of 2012.

“The two were neck and neck,” Authority Chairman John Christie told Columbus Business First, a sister publication, of the finalists’ qualifications. “We could not have made a mistake.”

The authority also approved the sale of $160 million in bonds to finance construction. The term of the bonds could extend 34 years. Under the 15-year initial management contract with the hotel chain, Hilton will contribute $2.5 million toward the total cost of the project.

“After carefully analyzing all proposals on the table, we made the decision to go with Hilton Worldwide because their proposal was the best fit financially and programmatically for our project,” said Bill Jennison, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority.

The 1.7 million-square-foot Greater Columbus Convention Center is already served by another convention headquarters lodge.

“With the additional room nights, we will now be able to compete for 92 percent of our target market in the industry,” said Jennison.

The selection of a hotel management company marks the final major contract before the start of construction in summer 2010. In July, the convention facilities authority approved Turner Construction Co. and Smoot Construction Co. as construction managers.

The hotel is expected to have a large atrium in the lobby, 54 suites and 30,650 square feet of banquet and meeting space.

The losing company in the Columbus bid, Marriott, has been tapped to operate D.C.’s convention center hotel deal. But that deal is the focus of a lawsuit filed Sept. 4 by an entity controlled by The JBG Cos., arguing that D.C. taxpayers deserve a better deal than they are getting.

D.C. wants the court to expedite its consideration of the suit to minimize further delay of the long-stalled hotel.

In 2002 the city picked Marriott to build the 1,167-room Marriott Marquis, which would sit across the street from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 11:42:00 +0000

The Ambacang Hotel in downtown Padang has become a macabre meeting place.

Every day since Wednesday's devastating earthquake, hundreds of locals have braved searing heat, swirling dust and the stench of rotting corpses to gather outside the ruined Dutch-era colonial hotel to watch authorities work through the rubble.

Although thousands of buildings were badly damaged in the quake, it is the Ambacang - a well-known local landmark - that has captured the most attention, both from locals and foreign news crews.

Occasionally, a body is pulled out, loaded into a waiting ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital morgue for identification.

Four days after the quake, it's believed scores of bodies are still trapped inside. After several hot days, the stench is worsening. Many people wear surgical masks or hold their sleeves over their noses as they watch on.

But authorities believe some people may still be alive inside.

Onlookers have their fingers crossed.

"A lot of victims are still in there," Josie, 23, says.

"We're hoping they're still alive."
But does she really believe its possible people have survived so long?
"If they're still alive, they will be badly hurt, and very weak from hunger and thirst."
Eri, 38, also believes it's possible.

"I believe many people are still inside, because at the time the hotel was very crowded," he says.

"God willing, some have been saved."
Others, perhaps, have more morbid motivations for coming to the Ambacang. Eri's seven-year-old son, Haikal, "wants to see some victims". Teenagers use their mobile phones to take photos as bodies are pulled out.

Sherim, a local who is staying at a nearby hotel, is frustrated by the focus on the Ambacang.

Her university campus was badly damaged in the quake, and 80 young people are believed to be trapped inside, including many of her friends.

"There's suffering all over, why do people only care about the Ambacang?"
Authorities do not believe any Australians are trapped inside the hotel but it could be quite some time before that is confirmed.

Meanwhile, international search and rescue teams, including an Australian team, had sprung into action on Saturday.

Their first task was to assess more than 2000 sites where people may be trapped to decide if there is any possibility of finding people inside, alive or dead.
The international aid response was also gaining momentum, with relief supplies arriving from 14 countries, including Australia.

How To Get a Free Night At Sheraton Hotel

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:46:00 +0000

Starting today, Sheraton hotels is giving away a free night's stay -- for October 23, 2009 -- in 86 of its recently renovated North American locations. Here's the lowdown:

About 2,100 free overnight stays will be given away, on a first-come, first-serve basis. To get yours, you must visit www.sheraton.com/freenight from Oct. 6 through Oct 9. If you miss the deadline or the rooms run out before you get their, you'll be offered a discount coupon.

Fruitland man falls to his death.

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:32:00 +0000

A Fruitland man celebrating the marriage of a family member died after falling out of the third story window at the Best Western Inn and Suites in Farmington around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Darenell Jones, 25, was pushed into the window after re-enacting a move from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, police said.

Paramedics conducted cardiopulmonary resuscitation and took Jones to San Juan Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Jones fell about 20 feet to the sidewalk below, police said.

"It was horrifying for everybody," said Lenore Paulson, assistant general manager at Best Western. "It's been a quiet, sad and somber day around here."

Witnesses saw the incident from below and one gentleman was checking into the hotel at the time, Paulson said.

Jones and other family members were drinking in the hotel room rented by Jones' cousin, police said.

"There was definitely alcohol involved in the room," Paulson said.

The group was watching the

Ultimate Fighting Championship and horseplay began, police said.

The window broke when Jones was pushed into it during a fighting move and he fell to the sidewalk, police said.

It probably was a considerable amount of force because those windows are thick, Paulson said. The windows are one-quarter-inch thick and shatterproof.

The windows don't open and are pure glass, Paulson said.

No charges were filed and the case was forwarded to the District Attorney's Office for review.

"Our condolences go out to the family that was involved," Paulson said. "It's unfortunate that alcohol played a role in it."

Travel Search Engine Sprice.com to Power Hotel Search on WIKIO

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Find,Compare and Book Hotels.

Partnership enables WIKIO users to find, compare and book hotels worldwide with
Sprice.com`s in-depth hotel content and powerful search technology
SINGAPORE--(Business Wire)--
Sprice.com, one of the world`s leading real-time travel search engines, today
announced a partnership with WIKIO, the news aggregator and search engine, to
power its hotel shopping section.

As part of the partnership, Sprice.com will provide its cutting-edge `deep
search travel technology` backed by rich content on over 120,000 hotels.The
integration of Sprice content and technology will enable WIKIO.com to offer its
visitors an efficient and convenient comparison-shopping service for hotels.

Visitors to www.wikio.com will now be able to compare the best deals on hotels
worldwide, check customer reviews and make a hotel reservation through leading
hotel providers. With a simple interface that allows travelers to easily find
hotels and read in-depth hotel reviews including photographs posted by fellow
travelers, they can virtually check their hotel before they set their foot in
it.

Commenting on the partnership, Vikas Gulati, Vice President of Marketing, Asia
Pacific for Sprice.com, said "We are excited about this partnership which gives
us access to WIKIO`s large consumer base and extends our fast-growing reach even
further. It is also an acknowledgement of the value that the power, robustness
and flexibility of the Sprice hotel search application delivers to WIKIO users."

"Integrating Sprice.com`s hotel comparison engine into our shopping channel once
again demonstrates our commitment to offer our visitors useful, best-of-breed
content in the most user-friendly manner," said Laurent Binard, CEO of WIKIO.

"We are confident our visitors will appreciate receiving the best hotel deals
along with detailed information and customer reviews to help them with their
travel planning."

About Sprice.com

Sprice.com (http://www.sprice.com), the leading real-time travel search engine,
allows travelers to search for cheap flights, find and compare over 120,000
hotels with hotel reviews, and get the best travel deals. Sprice.com is a
product of Sprice Pte. Ltd., a Singapore registered company. Sprice operates in
Europe through its office in France, while the head office in Singapore serves
the markets in the Asia-Pacific. Sprice.com offers detailed information on over
120,000 hotels around the world, hotel reviews and cheap flights.

About WIKIO

Wikio is a news portal that searches press websites and blogs to find all the
breaking news of personal interest. With Wikio, one can create own personal
pages while subscribing to the news, blogs and media sites of their choice.
Wikio is also a participative service where users can publish an item, comment
on existing ones, or simply vote to make them more popular. WIKIO also provides
an online shopping platform for its users to find the best deals on a wide range
of product categories including electronics & computers, gifts, clothing and
hotels.

Few tips to choosing the right hotel

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:27:00 +0000

Too many hoteliers are not short-term gains and long-term. A bad choice in the hotel furniture to the potential to win and retain customers, which means that all the money you spent in the construction and launch of the hotel will be wasted. Although hundreds of decisions of the furniture can be a frightening prospect, and sustainability is a key factor in the election, we can not sacrifice themselves to the original style, just to save money in these relatively small.

Here are five simple tips to consider when choosing your hotel contract furniture to the number of visitors for the first time and maximize return, and your profits.

1) Architecture is everything. It is very likely the case if your hotel is located in a building with an architectural concept. If it is a listed building or has some historical elements in the interior of the hotel with the right furniture. Similarly, the traditional institution has not to be confused in a modern building to your guests.

2) Keep to a theme. This is similar to the first, but with a focus on interior decorating. If you opt for classic furniture, use the hotel. Do not make the mistake of using the classic furniture and home furnishings, and a prototype low cost in the rooms. Visitors a feeling of disappointment when the furniture is in the front better than the bedroom. Art Deco furniture and contemporary works, both in different rooms of a hotel.

3) Pictures can speak a thousand words. Brochures, newspapers and websites with all photos from outside and inside the hotel. Even if the hotel is outside the sumptuous images of cheap and poorly designed rooms will only make the customer away from your property. Choose poorly designed furniture will prevent you from booking guests. Likewise, if your furniture aesthetics in advertising and poor furniture around your hotel, the people who will visit only once, not back!

4) Make offer the best of services. Hotel bars and restaurants are making huge sums of money to attract customers from inside and outside the hotel. This of course only if you have a well-designed, attractive and comfortable environment. Make a design statement with your bar or restaurant can earn the interest of a number of parties. Hotel commentators, columnists and culinary lifestyle magazines comment on the atmosphere in which they have eaten their food and enjoyed a cocktail. A feature of these industry experts can a good reputation, that non-hotel guests and your profits will soar to draw.

5) When in doubt, ask the experts. If you have no idea where to start when selecting furniture for your hotel, enjoy the services of a number of the best deals offered furniture suppliers. You can also send you samples, please visit the website offers a mobile showroom and enter a personal designer to help you in planning your designs. Choose a provider with years of experience in the hotel contract furniture industry is the best choice for any design-conscious hotel operator could do.

Find great ways for travelers

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Marriott Announces Global Rate Break - 20 Percent Off Participating Marriott
Hotels Around The World
Book Your Vacation or Getaway by September 24th at
marriott.com/globalratebreak1

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Now, for a short time only, travelers
can get 20 percent off weekend stays with a Global Rate Break from Marriott at
more than 2,500 participating Marriott hotels and resorts located in great
destinations around the world.  Reservations must be made between September 10
- 24, for weekend stays (and mid-week stays at select hotels) between
September 25 and December 13, 2009.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090217/MARRIOTTINTLLOGO )

To book the Global Rate Breakfrom Marriott, visit
marriott.com/globalratebreak1 and use promo code F5X, or call 877-MARRIOTT.

"We continue to find great ways for travelers to save on their next trip,"
said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and CEO, Marriott International, Inc.  "The
Global Rate Break allows guests to choose from affordable rates at eight of
our brands, making it easier than ever to stay with Marriott."

The Global Rate Break from Marriott is available at eight of the company's
brands spanning a broad range of accommodations and services - luxury to
moderately priced:

  --  Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts
  --  JW Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts
  --  Renaissance(R) Hotels & Resorts
  --  Courtyard by Marriott(R)
  --  Fairfield Inn by Marriott(R)
  --  SpringHill Suites by Marriott(R)
  --  Residence Inn by Marriott(R)

  --  TownePlace Suites by Marriott(R)


The 20 percent Global Rate Break is available weekends (Thursday - Sunday) at
most participating hotels in North America, South America, Europe, Asia,
Caribbean and Latin America. The offer is available seven days a week at
select hotels and resorts around the world.

*Terms and Conditions: 20% discount applies to room rate only. Promotional
rates are valid for weekend stays, Thursday through Sunday for reservations
booked between September 10, 2009 and September 24, 2009, for stays from
September 25, 2009 to December 13, 2009 at participating Marriott(R) Hotels &
Resorts, JW Marriott(R) Hotels & Resorts, Renaissance(R) Hotels & Resorts,
Courtyard by Marriott(R), Fairfield Inn by Marriott(R), SpringHill Suites by
Marriott(R), Residence Inn by Marriott(R), and TownePlace Suites by
Marriott(R) hotels around the world.  A Friday night or Saturday night stay is
required.  Offer available 7 days a week at select hotels, and resorts and
country clubs. Offer not applicable to groups of ten or more. Must quote
promotional code F5X to receive the promotional rate. Promotional rate quoted
includes the 20% discount off of the regular room rate. A limited number of
rooms are available and blackout dates or other restrictions may apply.
Participating locations only. Some hotels may not be available at the rates
shown. Two-night weekend stay may be required at select hotels - check hotel
requirements for details.  A stay is defined as consecutive nights spent at
the same hotel, regardless of check-in/check-out activity. Promotion cannot be
combined with any other offer, sales promotion, or prior purchase/reservation.
Void where prohibited. (C) 2009 Marriott International, Inc.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for a company overview.

SOURCE  Marriott International, Inc.

Catherine Leitner of Marriott International Public Relations, +1-301-380-4220,
Catherine.leitner@marriott.com

Best Hotel You Can Go

noreply@blogger.com (syimiez) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:36:00 +0000

Hotel group Marriott International announced Wednesday it was planning 21 new hotels in Asia, despite the impact of the global economic slowdown on travel and demand.

The company already has 37 hotels under construction across the region, meaning that it will have built 58 new hotels by 2013, creating an estimated 24,000 jobs.

"We are excited by these spectacular, architecturally interesting additions to our already dynamic Asia-Pacific pipeline especially since this growth is occurring in the context of the difficult global economy and tight credit markets," said Ed Fuller, president of international lodging.

"We see Asia as an exciting, dynamic market that we have continued to focus on since the start back in 1989."

The 58 hotels now under development will add more than 16,000 rooms to Marriott's Asia-Pacific portfolio, bringing the company's presence in the region to 154 hotels offering 51,500 rooms in 18 countries by the end of 2013.

The 21 newly announced hotels include two luxury JW Marriott hotels in China, 10 Marriott hotels in China, the Philippines and Thailand, two Renaissance Hotels in China and seven Courtyard hotels in Cambodia, China and India.

Marriott International entered the Asian market with the opening of Hong Kong's JW Marriott 20 years ago.