Harrah's Resort in SoCal Re-Emerges as a Resort Property after $160M in renovations

Most of the time, when you hear Harrah’s tacked onto a hotel you picture decent casinos, tasty buffets, and comfortable, standard rooms—but you wouldn't necessarily throw the hotel brand into the luxury category. However, Harrah’s Resort Southern California’s latest $160 million, multi-phase renovation has us rethinking our traditional views of the Caesars-Entertainment-owned hotel chain.

Unveiling their new 403-room hotel tower this spring, the resort’s expansion also included the addition of three new dining venues; Dive Day Club with a swim-up bar and guest DJ's, a 23,000-square-foot convention and entertainment space, and two new lounges. With all the changes and updates, Harrah’s has really stepped up their game, making themselves more on par with Las Vegas properties.

One of the biggest transformations was the addition of the Tower North which features 48 expansive suites. It feels modern yet classically chic with dark wood furnishings, floor-to-ceiling windows with thick curtains and a slight ‘60's-Mod style. Harrah’s SoCal also offers a 59,000-square-foot casino, and one notable aspect is the amount of non-smoking areas; with high ceilings and plenty of air flow, the smoking sections aren't bothersome to non-smokers.

Sprinkled throughout the space are also a number of venues to enjoy such as The Courtside Sports Bar and Corked, a craft beer and wine bar which features many of San Diego’s best breweries. When it comes time to dine, guests can choose from one of nine choices including a Mexican food truck, the iconic Pink’s Hot Dogs (a celebrity favorite in Hollywood), and the fine dining steakhouse Fiore which is helmed by George Kapetsonis who competed on the Food Network’s Chef Wanted with Anne Burrell against other chefs in a battle of knowledge and skill.

Located just 40 minutes from downtown San Diego, Harrah’s Resort Southern California is both a great place to spend a week with the family and a fun getaway for friends celebrating just about anything! For more information about updates and improvements click here: http://www.justluxe.com/travel/hotel/feature-1955599.php

A Landmark Reborn in Florida

Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the century-old Historic Federal Courthouse has been transformed into Le Méridien Tampa. 

Stunning architecture juxtaposes with modern touches in the heart of the arts and entertainment district. The hotel has 130 guest rooms with more than 4,000 square feet of meeting space and boasts french comfort food cuisine.

Check it out at http://tinyurl.com/m7yaxqg

Meeting Trends In 2014

If there is one thing planners and hotels agree on today, its the emerging trends in meeting planning that will surely shape the industry in years to come. Meetings are becoming one of a kind experiences held at unique locations that an attendee may not otherwise visit, or incorporating outdoor elements. Some venues are even incorporating 'multi-sensory events' using touch, taste, sight and smell together to create themes like tropical or old world, ingraining a true memory associated with that event that lingers year-round.

There is a growing popularity of local elements at meetings and events, which can turn a board meeting into a dive into culture. Venues are offering local cuisine, art, and even beer. Attendees can get involved with local volunteerism and experience the culture of their destination, and the response is overwhelmingly positive.

The reality of the current sellers market is that clients are facing a lack of availability and price pressures. This shift is encouraging planners to think differently in terms of location, price, and how fast they move to contract. Decision makers must be nimble enough to book in advance, which makes hotels are more likely to negotiate deposits and cancellation penalties.

Mobile technology at an events used to be something nice to have, but today, its a table stake. It allows organizers to send information to attendees, help them craft programs, and make adjustments based on feedback to provide more value. Smart phones have become part of our daily lives, and utilizing this is a great way to engage your attendees, but it has to be given proper attention and planning. Now social media has its own budget in most companies, and it plays a meaningful part in marketing and communication. Organizers are increasingly taking the attendee data captured to the next level by using geo-locating technology as virtual guides through trade show events, think 'Google glasses' for trade shows.

This trend affects hotels in a big way, as being a free Wi-Fi capable hotel is expected, and can create an advantage over those venues not capable of doing so. For more information on these and other trends, visit: http://www.successfulmeetings.com/Event-Planning/conference-management/Articles/The-Top-Four-Meeting-Trends-of-2014/.

Tips for Business Travelers

With peak meeting season upon us, and the economy seemingly working in the right direction, the GBTA has predicted an increase in the number of business travelers this year. This means that many of you could be spending a lot more time on the go. How do those seasoned travelers make it look so seamless? Here are a few of their tricks.

Getting extra sleep and water before your trip can actually reduce jet lag, and keep your immune system in fighting shape in airports and stuffy airplanes. Having a 'travel kit' which includes easy access to work files, a predetermined travel wardrobe, and small luxuries to help you relax during travel can make all the difference when you fly.

An essential part of life on the road is sticking to your routine. Having healthy snacks on hand, and choosing a hotel with a gym can put some normalcy into your life. And there is nothing wrong with giving yourself time to relax by taking a personal day (or hour!) if possible during your schedule. Don't be tempted to consume too much caffeine or alcohol during your travels, and know when to put your work away and get a good nights sleep.

Check out the full article for more helpful information to keep you going strong this year. Happy travels!  http://tinyurl.com/kh6g38s

New Airfare Tax Legislation Aimed at Transparency of Hidden Federal Tax Fees

Airline ticket prices have been increasing at an alarming rate.  What you may not know is that some of it is due to Government Federal Tax increases that are HIDDEN in the advertised air ticket pricing.  These hidden Government Federal Tax Fees are around 20% or more.  This new legislation would end the ability for the government to bury these ticket tax hikes in advertised air ticket prices.  For additional information, go to http://tinyurl.com/lg4m7fd.