Tuesday May 3, 2011
İDestination Hotels & Resorts
The Green Key movement is growing.
Intercontinental Tampa has become the latest hotel to be rated by the fast-growing eco-rating company. The Florida resort has achieved a ranking of Four Green Keys out of a possible five. The Intercontinental was recognized for such earth-first choices as placing local, organic foods on its menu and donating untouched food items to food banks.
Green Key is now affiliated with more than 2,100 hotels in 50 US states as well as 14 additional countries worldwide.
Related Reading: How To Avoid Greenwashing
Monday May 2, 2011
İPalm Beach County
Palm Beach County is losing out on tens of thousands of attendees and room nights all because of one thing - a convention center hotel. Rather, the lack of one.
The good news is that the county is a bit closer to finally having a more convenient place for business travelers to rest after a long day on the floor.
County commissioners recently approved the first steps in a project that will hopefully place a 400-room Hilton adjacent to the Palm Beach County Convention Center. The headquarter hotel would place conventioneers within easy distance of the county's performing arts center as well as dozens of shopping, dining and entertainment choices. Palm Beach International Airport would be just a short three mile cab ride away.
So far, there's no word on just when the $100 million dollar proposal would come to fruition, though.
Related Reading: In The "Center" Of It All
Sunday May 1, 2011
İThe Shores
This is one spa trend I hope catches on.
The Shores Resort in Central Florida has teamed up with The Oceans Racquet & Recreation Club to offer fun fitness activities like tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, yoga, beach walks and more to guests for free.
While many spas chose to charge for these activities, The Shores sees value in offering them at no charge. Some of the activities will take place at the health facility while others will occur at the resort. All are available to both leisure travelers and groups. The move is a creative way for The Shores to outshine it's competition.
Newly hired Director of Spa & Recreation for The Shores, Alicia Howell, will oversee the program for the Four Diamond resort.
Related Reading: Sparking Spa-taneous Growth In A Troubled Economy
Sunday April 17, 2011
İCashman Productions
When I think of Las Vegas, art is usually not the first thing to come to mind (nor the fourth, fifth or sixth). But, hidden within Bellagio I found a gem of a find, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. This cultural surprise teams up with museums across the country to bring art to the gaming-weary masses.
Event planners may not know that the intimate space is available for chic after-hours receptions for groups of up to 200. Pricing begins at $3,000.
More: Bellagio Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas