Marriott Hotels is still set to open its latest hotel, on the grounds of Walt Disney World, sometime in 2021, according to the travel blog The Points Guy (TPG).MORE Hotel & Resort Marriott already has an ownership share in both the Disney Swan and Dolphin hotels, two gleaming, side-by-side structures with a combined 2,276 rooms that offer visitors something of a middle ground between staying in one of the Disney Resorts or staying off-property.The new hotel will be located in the same area as the Swan and Dolphin and, The Points Guy notes, it will not go by its original name of ‘The Cove.’Instead, the new hotel will be called The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve, a fairly unoriginal moniker that could make for some confusion with the original Swan Hotel.Name aside, the new hotel – which just completed its top floor and appears headed for a summer 2021 opening – will be much smaller than its sister Swan and Dolphin. The Swan Reserve will have 14 floors and 349 rooms, according to TPG, but it will include 149 suites designed for families of six to eight people traveling together. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Palladium Hotel Group, which reopened a number of Mexican and Caribbean resorts in July, released an updated timeline for additional property reopenings in both destinations.Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa and TRS Yucatan Hotel in the Riviera Maya, are scheduled to reopen on Oct. 2. MORE Hotel & Resort In the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino Santo Domingo is set to begin welcoming guests again on Sept. 4.In Punta Cana, Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa & Casino, Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa and TRS Turquesa Hotel are scheduled to reopen on Nov. 19.Punta Cana’s TRS Cap Cana Hotel is set to resume operations on Dec. 18.“We are very excited about the reopening of our hotels in Mexico and the Dominican Republic this fall,” said Pilar Arizmendi-Stewart, vice president of sales and marketing or the Americas at Palladium Hotel Group. “Every step we take to reopen our hotels involves hard work to ensure the safety of our guests and a seamless travel experience.”On July 1, the Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and TRS Coral Hotel resumed operations, as did Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta.In Jamaica, Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa and Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa reopened on July 10.The Grand Palladium Imbassai Resort & Spa in Brazil began welcoming guests again on Aug. 6.This summer, Palladium unveiled Stay Safe Plus insurance, which covers medical expenses of up to 3,000 euros for any illness arising during guests’ stays to up to 100,000 euros for COVID illnesses. The insurance protects guests from the moment they check until the moment they check out, the company said. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Hilton announced the opening of the new Conrad Punta de Mita Resort in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit on September 1.The resort features a pristine two-mile-long beach and 324 rooms in an effortless style reminiscent of the natural world. MORE Hotel & Resort The design style, called Huichol, reflects the belief that transformation happens through a connection to nature, which is found throughout the resort with open-air walkways and lush vegetation.“The opening of Conrad Punta de Mita marks an important milestone for Hilton, as we bring Conrad-level style, service and experiences to the shores of Riviera Nayarit,” said Jorge Giannattasio, Hilton’s senior vice president and head of operations, Caribbean & Latin America.“As one of Mexico’s most sought-after destinations, Punta de Mita is the perfect location for the newest addition to our luxury portfolio in the region – and we can’t wait for our guests to discover the inspired experiences that await at Conrad Punta de Mita.”The resort is currently providing guests with an introductory “Hola Conrad” offer: for stays four nights or more, guests can book rates starting at $349 per night. The deal includes luxury round trip airport transfers, $100 resort credit and complimentary access to the Conrad SPA wet areas.The resort is also a part of Hilton’s new “Work From Paradise” offer. For more information, please contact your local travel advisor or visit ConradPuntadeMita.com. Let's block ads! (Why?)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has released a report about the impact of the ongoing coronavirus outbreak on the hotel industry.After six months of travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the AHLA shared sobering details regarding millions of employees still furloughed or laid off and travel demand lagging far behind normal levels. Trending Now The AHLA report found that four out of 10 hotel employees are still not working and 65 percent of hotels remain at or below 50 percent occupancy, which is below the threshold at which most properties can break even and pay debt.“While hotels have seen an uptick in demand during the summer compared to where we were in April, occupancy rates are nowhere near where they were a year ago,” AHLA president Chip Rogers said. “Thousands of hotels can’t afford to pay their mortgages and are facing the possibility of foreclosure and closing their doors permanently.”“Our industry is in crisis. Thousands of hotels are in jeopardy of closing forever, and that will have a ripple effect throughout our communities for years to come,” Rogers continued. “We need help urgently to keep hotels open so that our industry and our employees can survive and recover from this public health crisis.”In addition, consumer travel remains at an all-time low, with only 33 percent of Americans reporting they have stayed overnight for a leisure vacation since March and just 38 percent saying they are likely to travel by the end of the year.Urban hotels are also suffering the most and facing collapse with cripplingly low occupancies of 38 percent, with struggling properties resulting in massive job loss and dramatically reducing state and local tax revenue for 2020 and beyond. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Club Med announced its new “Back to Savings” promotion on August 31, open for bookings now through November 4, 2020, for travel through May 1, 2021. Trending Now The sale features rates starting at $125 per night per adult for participating Club Med resorts in Mexico, the Caribbean and Florida. The rates originally begin at $250 per night per adult.The promotion also includes up to $500 air credit, and a 50 percent discount on children under sixteen. Children under four stay for free.Club Med also currently offers a free cancellation policy for stays on or prior to July 2, 2021, which grants guests a full refund when canceling up to 15 days prior to the travel date. Its Emergency Assistance Program covers all guests traveling before April 30, 2021, for emergency medical expenses during their stay, including those incurred by COVID-19.Club Med’s Safe Together protocols are enhanced hygiene and safety measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19. They include wellness checks for staff and enhanced cleaning protocols. For a full list of participating Club Med resorts, please visit ClubMed.com/BacktoSavings. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Walt Disney World announced its Polynesian Village Resort would not reopen to guests until the summer of 2021.Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort was initially scheduled to reopen on October 4 after being postponed originally from August 12, but those plans were abandoned on Monday. The Villas and Bungalows at the resort will remain open. Trending Now During the coronavirus-related closure, the Polynesian Village Resort will undergo extensive refurbishment work, including enhancements to the Great Ceremonial House and guest rooms.The overhaul at the Disney resort is expected to begin in early October and the changes should be ready when the facility reopens to the public next summer. Impacted guests and travel agents have been notified of the resulting cancelations.Disney is assisting guests by modifying their reservations to other Disney Resort hotels.The theme park company also announced opening dates for several other resorts in its portfolio, including the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on September 21, Coronado Springs Resort on October 14 and Art of Animation Resort on November 1.Disney fans are still waiting to hear from the company about the opening dates for All-Stars Resorts, Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge.Last week, the Walt Disney World Resort announced guests of all ages would be permitted to wear their Halloween costumes during regular operating hours this fall for the first time ever. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Playa Hotels & Resorts is inviting travelers to seek tropical refuge in the Dominican Republic during these uncertain times. The Sanctuary Cap Cana resort has private luxury villas that are perfect for social distancing.There is the option for either a one- or two-bedroom villa, and each one has a living room, spacious bathroom, private terrace and a homey atmosphere. Guests staying in these accommodations are also spoiled with either an ocean or lush garden view. For a limited time, travelers booking a villa stay will receive exclusive VIP perks including:—Preferred in-room service delivery—High-speed WiFi—Private round-trip airport transfers for up to six passengers—Romantic dinner at the beach or in the villa—Private romantic bubble bath with a champagne bottle for two—24-hour concierge service—Daily laundry service—Golf clubs rental when booking at Punta Espada Golf Course[embedded content]The offer is valid for travel through December 18, 2020, when booked by December 13, 2020, and there is a minimum five-night stay required.Monarch Villas are $299 per person per night; Monarch Villa Oceanfront rooms are $365 per person per night; King and Queen Villas are $455 per person per night, and Royalty Villas are $879 per person per night. Bookings made under this sanctuary villa offer can be canceled at no charge up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled arrival date.There are endless reasons to love Sanctuary Cap Cana. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort has five restaurants, six bars, five pools, daily activities, evening entertainment and so much more. The property is also included in Playa’s Work & Learn From Paradise program, giving people the option to take their home routine to the beach for an extended stay. Contact your preferred travel advisor or visit sanctuarycapcana.com/villa-offer to learn more or book your stay. Let's block ads! (Why?)

There aren’t too many children who don’t enjoy a fun-filled day at a water park, splashing around with friends and zipping down water slides, all while soaking in the warmth of the sun. There are also several adults who enjoy these same activities, and Sandos Caracol Eco Resort invites people of all ages to join in on the fun.The Sandos Hotels & Resorts property, located within the magical Riviera Maya jungle, has everything water lovers could imagine. This ultimate water playground has an area for every traveler, from the littlest guests to the adults who are kids at heart.There is no need for the little ones to worry about whether or not they are tall enough to join in on the fun, as there is a section just for them—the children’s area. This area offers small slides and age-appropriate games and activities. Parents can splash around with their little ones or choose to relax while watching them in the nearby lounge chairs.Once children outgrow this section, they can add in a bit more excitement. The medium slides offer five runs, perfect for the kids who are too old for the children’s area but are not quite ready for the best of the best. PHOTO: Water slides at Sandos Caracol's water park. (photo via Sandos Hotels & Resorts) There is also an area of the water park that offers adventures for daring teenagers and adults looking for the ultimate thrill. There are seven slides in this section, some allowing for multiple people to go down together and others that swimmers descend down while on a tube.This water playground is included and open for all guests to enjoy as part of the resort’s all-inclusive plan. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the slides available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The park is family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy it to the fullest.This multi-section water park, along with several swimming pools and a white-sand beach area, makes it impossible for visitors to stay at this resort and not have a good time.Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, in addition to Sandos Playacar and Sandos Finisterra, recently earned the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel seal due to the newly advanced hygiene protocols and improved practices.From increased cleaning and sanitizing measures to the elimination of printed materials, and everything in between, Sandos Hotels & Resorts is doing everything possible to ensure travelers have a safe visit during their time spent in paradise. Contact a travel advisor to learn more or to get your future stay on the books. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Sandals Regency La Toc is scheduled to reopen on August 31. The resort, known as the “Emerald of the Caribbean,” is one of Saint Lucia’s most glamorous resorts.The 220-acre estate is perched on a half-mile crescent of shoreline with exotic coral bluffs, lush hillsides and rolling fairways. Visitors have access to three resorts for the price of one and access to all of the amenities, including 27) restaurants at Sandals Regency La Toc as well as Sandals Grande St. Lucia and Sandals Halcyon. PHOTO: Millionaire Suite at Sandals Regency La Toc. (photo via Sandals Resorts) Guests can also choose the Sunset Bluff Millionaire Butler Villas with Private Pool Sanctuary, which offers 180-degree views, a private Infinity Pool and Whirlpool and fully opened glass walls that offer a stunning cliff-top view.Couples can also opt for the Sunset Bluff Honeymoon Oceanfront One Bedroom Villa Suites with Private Pool with the feel of a “Resort within a Resort”.Visitors to Sandals Regency La Toc also receive free green fees at the resort’s nine-hole Sandals Golf Club or enjoy free green fees and complimentary transfers to the nearby 18-hole Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate.Everyone enjoying a stay at Sandals can rest assured that their visit will be safe with Sandals new Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness. These new measures include industry-leading cleaning and hygiene standards created with guidance from the CDC, the World Health Organization and the local ministries of health.Exclusive private airport lounges with hand sanitizer, masks, gloves and cold drinks for guests.Guests also have private transfers to and from the airport.Once at the property, guests receive hand sanitizer, a temperature check and check-in is available online.Social distancing measures are in place around the property. For example, bar stools are placed in pairs six feet apart from one another, elevator volumes have been limited and employee traffic has been rerouted.New cleaning measures are extensive and include Sandals 18 touchpoint practice, which involves all aspects of the resort experience from arrival to departure.There are more robust housekeeping measures in place as well as the Triple Check System to ensure cleanliness and sanitization throughout the resort."We want our guests to not have to worry about a thing so they can enjoy the Luxury Included vacation they've trusted in time and time again,” said Gordon "Butch" Stewart, founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts. “We're doing everything we can to offer peace of mind during a time that has been difficult for the entire world, and that is why we have continued to evolve our protocols to maintain an even safer, healthier stay.” Let's block ads! (Why?)

As travelers seize on the idea of the road trip, Marriott International has joined forces with concierge company Quintessentially to curate a collection of one-of-a-kind adventures.“During this time we know that many of our guests are choosing to travel in different ways. They might be staying closer to home, or seeking the personal space that driving between destinations affords,” said Tina Edmundson, global brand and marketing officer and luxury portfolio leader, Marriott International. “With this series of exclusive road trips, and with the expertise of Quintessentially, we are thrilled to be able to offer our guests access to unparalleled, luxury-focused experiences that meet the moment.” These itineraries offer bespoke journeys complete with high-end Marriott properties and service as well as captivating landscapes, exceptional culinary offerings and outdoor adventures.Prices for these luxury itineraries start at $15,000 for two guests. Each trip includes a selection of diversified, luxurious experiences that are unique to the destination. PHOTO: Sailboat near the Golden Gate bridge. (photo via iStock / Getty Images Plus / pgbrace) For example, in California, travelers can enjoy a champagne toast in a private seaplane overlooking the San Francisco sunset, mountain bike with a local professional in Santa Barbara and take surf lessons with a world surfing competitor in Half Moon Bay.“At Quintessentially, we are the authority on creating one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experiences. With this collection of road trips, we are excited to bring these different destinations to life in a unique way and can further tailor the packages to guests' personal preferences,” said Annastasia Seebohm, CEO, Quintessentially. “Marriott International’s unparalleled luxury portfolio allows for a seamless experience as guests move between properties and explore at their own pace.” Try the healing waves lounge enhancement treatment at The Miami Beach EDITION. (photo via The Miami Beach EDITION) Travelers can choose from several itineraries, including the Best of the Sunshine State with stays at the Miami Beach EDITION, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota as well as a private seaplane experience, an airboat ride in the Everglades, a gallery tour and more.The Classic includes stays at the St. Regis San Francisco, The Ritz-Carlton, Santa Barbara, and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel with a private sunset sail around the Golden Gate Bridge, private kayaking in the Channel Islands, mountain biking in Santa Barbara, surfing in Laguna Niguel and more.Guest can choose the Rockies with stays at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, and W Aspen. Travelers have the chance to drive a supercar down the canyons of Denver, enjoy a private hike through the Boulder Flatirons, fly fish in Vail Valley’s Eagle River and more.Country to Coastal California includes stays at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, and The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon BayKayaking in Lake Tahoe at dusk, a private boat and lunch on Lake Tahoe, a private tour of San Francisco in your own cable car with a local guide are just some of the included experiences on this itinerary.There are also more itineraries in Nashville, the Sonoran Desert, the Dolomites, Italy and Spain. Let's block ads! (Why?)