Welcome Back Fairmont Peace Hotel

The "Number One mansion in the Far East" known since 1929 has once again opened its doors after much anticipation since their closure in 2007. The hotel offers 270 deluxe guestrooms and suites with a selection of six restaurants and lounges, including the missed and much-loved since the 1930s Jazz Bar, their signature Chinese restaurant Dragon Phoenix and The Cathay Room, offering stunning views of the Bund from its terrace on the 9th floor. The 8th floor will host the famed Peace Hall, where the property's iconic sprung-wooden dance floor still evokes memories of old Shanghai cabarets and gala parties. http://tinyurl.com/32lpozd

Hilton Brings First Luxury Hotel to Beijing Capital Airport

Hilton Beijing Capital Airport is the first-ever luxury airport hotel in China. This five-star hotel is located in terminal 3 and offers 322 guest rooms including a 365-square-meter Presidential Suite. There are 18 two-story, two-bedroom duplexes and all rooms have contemporary designs, separate walk-in showers, 37-inch flat panel TVs, high-speed internet access, with complimentary access to the Executive Lounge for Executive Room and Suite guests. Guest can choose from seven restaurants and bars for their daily dining experience. There is ample meeting and private event space with 32 private dining rooms, two ballrooms and 21 meeting rooms. http://tinyurl.com/2vbhuql

Top Ten Ethical Destinations in the World

Ethical Traveler has named the “Top 10 Ethical Destinations in the World”. What does this mean? It means countries such as Suriname, South Africa and Poland for example; support the preservation of the wonders of the world for future generations. These are the best countries for the ”mindful” traveler who shares its host country’s concern of preserving the natural surroundings, promoting safe and responsible tourism opportunities and protecting local communities.

http://tinyurl.com/2ddnegh

Hidden Fees Can Make a Hotel Stay Not So Affordable

The lodging industry earned more than $1.75 billion this year as a result of surcharges, so the inconvenient extra hotel fees are here to stay for now.

From a fee to the $5 to receive a package to your room to the $30 for the mandatory valet parking due to the non-existence of self parking, there are other fees like towel fees, mini-bar restocking fees, in-room safe fees, housekeeping fees and the all inclusive resort fees.

Be prepared when booking your next trip and ask about all mandatory fees and taxes that will be added to your bill before you book. Also, keep these hints in mind if you find yourself in a surprise fee situation:

1. At checkout, always check your bill before signing. It is easier to dispute a charge at checkout then once you have left the hotel.

2. If you feel something was not disclosed in advance, calmly object to the fee, as front desk clerks have the authority to remove most fees.

4. If this fails, ask for the front desk manager.

5. If all else fails, remember to research and find a property that is fair to guests with all their charges.

http://tinyurl.com/2eqra9k

Netherlands Welcomes New Hilton The Hague Hotel

The latest addition to the Hilton world-wide portfolio is a restored 1950’s Royal Dutch Telecom headquarters. This is Hilton number 5 in the Netherlands and The Hague is the country’s third largest city.

This new property offers ten meeting rooms with their largest being the Mesdag Ballroom accommodating up to 400 people. Groups will be delighted with the easily accessible motorway and train to major European cities such as Brussels and Paris. The Hague Hilton is only 25 minutes from Amsterdam Shiphol and Rotterdam airports.

http://tinyurl.com/2g64ucm

Sold! The InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

Open since 2004, InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta is sold to Pebblebrook Hotel Trust for US $105 million in cash. InterContinental Hotel Group PLC (IHG) will remain the hotel’s management company under a long term contract.

http://tinyurl.com/26e5yma

Second Hilton Hotel Opens in Poland

The Hilton Gdansk is the second Hilton Hotel to open in Poland. The “modern meets medieval” property has been designed with striking architecture of Polish architect Prof. Stefan Kurlylowicz, which complements the historic Old City.

Located on the waterfront overlooking the Motlawa River and in the heart of old town it allows guest to experience the rich culture and ancient surroundings of a great European city. One of the most prominent features is suspended in the hotel’s central atrium: the “Seaflowers” chandelier, which features more than 25,000 individual glass flowers and is illuminated by fiber optics creating a dazzling effect. http://tinyurl.com/35sffgq

Sir Richard Branson Teases About Virgin Hotels

After briefly mentioning it during the inaugural flight from Los Angeles to Toronto, the public is now anticipating Sir Richard Branson’s announcement disclosing if, when and where the new and luxurious Virgin Hotels will launch. http://tinyurl.com/3yufaqn