Affordable Hotels in Fort Lauderdale|"Hotels & Lodging "

Source            :    calgaryherald.com
Category       :    Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                 :    MEGAN COLE
Posted By     :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Whether it's Tofino, Whistler or Kelowna, when Tobias Lawrence and her husband travel they take along their whole family, which means their two huskies Haiku and Lulu. "After some bad experiences with boarding I want my dogs with me," said Lawrence. "If we go away for Christmas, we want our dogs with us. We aren't going to board them because we want them to be part of the experience. "They are our family."

Dog owners who feel the same way as Lawrence are becoming an increasing trend, which means that hotels and other accommodation properties have to make arrangements to host dog owners and their pets.

For more than 20 years Lawrence has been travelling with dogs, including her previous pooch Logan, and said she has seen a shift in the way hotels welcome pets. "More hotels are definitely accommodating those travelling with dogs," she said. "When I first got my husky Logan — and I had her for 16 years — it was extremely difficult to travel places." Lawrence said even travelling to major cities like Vancouver was a challenge, not to mention rural B.C., which often had a limited selection of hotels and motels. "We recently travelled to Kelowna and stayed at the Ramada there, and when we arrived they had two gift baskets for Haiku and Lulu," she said.

Even though the perks for pets are welcomed by owners, Lawrence said there are other considerations, such as the location of the hotel and whether there are dog walking options. While some hotels have adopted a pet-friendly approach to match the growing demand, Nicholas Gandossi, general manager of Vancouver's Opus Hotel, said it has been part of their business since Day 1. "We haven't just adopted that position as a sales or marketing ploy. We've been pet-friendly since the day we opened our doors in 2002," said Gandossi. According to Gandossi, even though most of their guests fly into Vancouver, other clients choose to drive, which allows them to bring their dogs with them. But part of being pet-friendly for Gandossi also means acknowledging that other guests may not be, which is why they have included a doggy waiver. "We have the noise clause on the doggy waiver which guests sign at check-in," he said. "They can't leave dogs in the rooms because of potential noise." Along with barking, Opus also addresses concerns about cleanliness in their pet-friendly rooms, which are given a thorough scrubbing when the canine has departed. In general, those rooms are reserved for this particular type of guest. Many hotels aren't stopping at the basic amenities. From puppy spa facilities to gourmet dog food menus, accommodators are going the extra mile to attract dog owners."We made the decision not to charge any pet fee," said Gandossi.

"This seems very basic, but I think it makes a strong point that we're telling our guests that we want to make them feel included and welcome to bring their other loved ones. Then we added all the extra incentives — every guest checking in gets a copy of Modern Dog magazine, every guest gets a dog toy, and we've purchased pet beds and stainless-steel bowls."

Source:calgaryherald.com/life/Hotels+other+lodging+increasingly+catering+owners+with+perks/8676309/story.html

Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale|"Toronto's Pearson Airport Lands A New Breed Of Hotel"

Source           :    calgaryherald.com/
Category       :    Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                :    RICK MCGINNIS
Posted By     :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

The 427 roars past the old Valhalla Inn building, speeding travellers to and from the airport that was once the hotel's reason for existing. The building is empty and eerie. Terrance Jacobs lets me in through a side door; he's chief executive of TCL Asset Group, and his company has the contract to liquidate the hotel in a two-day auction next week, but even he admits he hates being here alone.There's always a hint of The Shining in any empty hotel, but it wasn't always like this for the Valhalla Inn, which opened in 1963, a labour of love by Etobicoke developer Edmund Peachey, who guessed that a Nordic-themed motor hotel near what was then called Malton airport would probably stand out from the crowd. And it did.

Way on the other side of Pearson's runways, on Derry Road just 750 yards from Brampton, the Radisson Plaza Mississauga is having its grand opening. There's no Viking longhouse lounge here-- the theme is Viennese rococo, all marble and gold, all meant to make this hotel stand out in today's crowd.Nick Kochhar is the general manager and VP of the Plaza, and he says that the business traveller they're targeting is a different beast from the onetime patrons of the Valhalla Inn's Mermaid Bar. They're more concerned with comfort than amusement, and put a premium on features like reliable broadband wifi, multiple flat panel TVs, a spacious bathroom, prompt laundry service and a really good bed.

"A few years ago you could see a distinct difference brand to brand," he tells me. "You'd see a difference between a mom-and-pop hotel and a Days Inn or a Holiday Inn, then a big jump in what you'd expect in a Hilton or a Radisson or a Four Seasons. Some of these brands barely had a TV in a room, not to mention a fridge or a coffee maker. Today, you can go to the smallest of these properties and these have become standard. The basic standard has stepped up."Out in airport hotel country, all that hasn't changed is their patrons' disinterest in being close to the action--and the traffic -- downtown. Once little more than motels, airport hotels soon tried to distinguish themselves by the quality of their facilities and entertainment, since patrons chose them mainly for their proximity to clients and suppliers. Today, business trips are more crowded, the expectations to produce more keen and technology has woven a more robust tether to employers and clients, so their room is their office, boardroom and bedroom.

When the Valhalla Inn was built, Scandinavian modern was the height of design fashion, but Peachey decided to go back a bit further, to the days of the longboat and the horned helmet, and so Mr. Jacobs lets me into conference rooms named after Norse gods like Freya and Odin, now filled with hundreds of auction lots of silverware and plastic plants, chafing dishes, plates and ice buckets -- 26 lots of eight, all emblazoned with the hotel's logo, which will survive in a sister hotel still doing business in Thunder Bay.A local heritage group has dibs on the bar in the Nordic Dining Room with its carved dragon prow, among other distinctive architectural elements, like the massive front door handles and the signage on the once-swinging Mermaid Bar. The deer that once roamed the landscaped courtyard are long gone, as are the girls in costume fish tails who once did shifts in the hotel pool, in front of the watertight windows behind the bar in the curved, azure-painted room downstairs. It's the sort of thing you associate with a hotel in Miami, not Toronto, even in the '60s, and in any case Mr. Jacobs tells me that this is the first time the windows to the pool have been exposed in years -- the owners had to cover them up with stained glass when patrons started getting naked in the pool, much to the amusement of Mermaid Bar patrons. It's an anecdote that typifies the first golden age of the airport hotel, when highways were giving way to airways, and the travelling salesman was transforming into the business traveller, albeit with the same need to let off a little steam with strangers far from home, glorying in a spell of blessed anonymity on the "airport strip," whose punning name referred as much to the peeler bars as the hotels.

But Peachey's closest onetime competitor, the Ramada Inn just up the highway, is also shuttered, and airport strip fixtures like the Regal Constellation are being demolished as the airport hotel and its clientele is evolving and moving further away from the city. At the new Radisson Plaza, Mr. Kochhar and the hotel's owners are aiming for at least a four diamond rating -- ambitious for a downtown hotel, never mind one located on a six-lane road full of rumbling diesel rigs, whose neighbours are warehouses and industrial parks. They're building ahead of a demand, he admits, but the logic is sound -- remote clusters of hotels have grown up to serve Markham's tech industries, for instance, and development around the old strip at Airport Road and Dixon has run out of space. "A hotel is something that is built ahead of time," Mr. Kochhar says. "In normal economic circumstances, when there is a demand people increase the capacity of manufacturing, whereas in tourism you have to make the availability first and then satisfy the demand."

Source:calgaryherald.com/travel/Pearson+Airport+lands+breed+hotel/2020083/story.html

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale|"Major Eid Bonanza For Hotels"

Source           :    http://thinkmagazines.com/
Category       :    Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                :    think 
Posted By     :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Several of the country's five-star hotels are already full to capacity as people from across the Gulf descend on Manama to celebrate the end of Ramadan.The deluge of visitors is mainly from neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which has declared a 12-day holiday."On the first day of Eid, families like to spend time with each other, so the hotel occupancy rate on Wednesday night was normal," said Bahrain's Five-Star Hotels executive committee chairman Abdulnabi Daylami.

"Hotel occupancy rates will pick up after the first day of Eid and it is showing a promising trend."Mr Daylami said some hotels were already fully booked after they joined forces to lower room rates."For example, a room that was BD65 was available at BD55, so obviously it attracts visitors and increases occupancy," he said. "Some five-star hotels are not accepting any more bookings as they are full. This is a positive sign for the industry in Bahrain." Mr Daylami expects people to turn to four-star hotels for rooms, which will also benefit from the Eid rush, along with taxi drivers, tourist guides, restaurants and shops. It is hoped the Bahrain Summer Festival, starting after the Eid holiday, will attract visitors to stay for longer.

The fifth annual event will feature renowned Lebanese singer Magida El Roumi, Iraqi singer Fareeda Mohammed Ali, classical music performances, Bahraini folk dances and children's favourite cartoon character Scooby-Doo. The latest Arab Idol, Palestinian singer Mohammed Assaf, will also perform as part of the line-up of the festival that runs from August 18 to September 9. It is being held as part of celebrations to mark Manama being named Capital of Arab Tourism 2013. "This is an excellent sign for us as people would love to attend the Bahrain Summer Festival with their families and enjoy the musical performances," said Mr Daylami.

Source : gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=358916

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale|"Marriott Opens New Resort & Spa In Pompano Beach"

Source           :    http://thinkmagazines.com/
Category       :    Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                :    think 
Posted By     :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

With the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa grand opening on July 31, the charming city of Pompano Beach welcomes a new wave of tourists on a national level. Featuring 219 guest rooms with private balconies and views of the Atlantic Ocean, five meeting rooms and ample event space, the boutique-style resort is designed for both business and pleasure.

Urgo Hotels, a major operator, developer and owner of upscale hotels, embraces the simplicity and luxury of oceanfront Florida living with this new property. Conveniently located between Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach international airports and area cruise terminals, the hotel is strategically positioned with easy proximity to Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is home to McCoy’s Oceanfront, an upscale seafood-driven restaurant led by Executive Chef Frances Deskin. The coastal experience comes full circle with the resort’s luxurious SiSpa. Coming this winter, the relaxing oasis will offer guests an opportunity to unwind and be pampered with a variety of spa services including massages, facials, body treatments and waxing.

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale|"The Betsy & Esencia"

Source           :   http://blog.slh.com/
Category       :    Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                :    blog.slh
Posted By     :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Thousands of miles away from the UK, the team and I visited the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in the Americas for our annual regional meeting. It was great seeing them all. During my stay I visited The Betsy, in Miami, USA and Esencia in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and The Pillars at New River Sound in Fort Lauderdale, USA.  I must say that although all of these three hotels are totally different, they all have the SLH factor!  If you’re planning to stay at either of these properties you’ll be left positively glowing, making your holiday a memorable one.

The meeting was held at the Betsy but to get over the jet lag – some of the team stayed at the “Pillars” – it has a great feel about the hotel – truly a “home from home.”  Wonderfully located literally minutes  from the beach and right in the heart of the “BUZZ” but also a tranquil setting on the inner water way. The owner Michael Landry gave us a superb evening cruise with cocktails exploring the inner waterways of Fort Lauderdale. The boat is for hire at the hotel and I thoroughly recommend the experience. I also hired a bike for one day, which although hot was a great way to combine some sightseeing and exercise!

The Betsy is a fabulous boutique hotel and an iconic landmark on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive. First opening its doors in 1942, The Betsy has an amazing historical background, which explains its architectural features both past and present amongst its art deco neighbours. This luxury property has sixty-two bedrooms to choose from and are all individually furnished. Eating at their renowned BLT restaurant is pure steakhouse bliss. You can look forward to the beach, which is literally on your doorstep.  Also, the views from the Rooftop Solarium and Wellness Garden are stunning where the hotel entertained all of the other SLH hotels in the region for a few “drinks”!

My next stop was at the SLH hotel Esencia in Mexico…this property was incredible. I can see why it’s such a popular choice amongst guests. If being pampered is your thing, then the Escencia spa experience is world-class. The warm and friendly staff will make you feel instantly at home in this luscious 50-acre estate. There are plenty of things to do: if you don’t want to venture far they offer yoga, scuba diving, wind surfing. And for a more educational experience you can learn how to cook the Meso-American cuisine or sample a variety of wines with the head chef. Once again, the beaches are beautiful in this part of the world.

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale|"Luxury Hotels With The SLH Factor"

Source           :    http://blog.slh.com/
Category       :    Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                :    blog.slh
Posted By     :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Luxury Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Thousands of miles away from the UK, the team and I visited the Small Luxury Hotels of the World in the Americas for our annual regional meeting. It was great seeing them all. During my stay I visited The Betsy, in Miami, USA and Esencia in Playa del Carmen, Mexico and The Pillars at New River Sound in Fort Lauderdale, USA.  I must say that although all of these three hotels are totally different, they all have the SLH factor!  If you’re planning to stay at either of these properties you’ll be left positively glowing, making your holiday a memorable one.

The meeting was held at the Betsy but to get over the jet lag – some of the team stayed at the “Pillars” – it has a great feel about the hotel – truly a “home from home.”  Wonderfully located literally minutes  from the beach and right in the heart of the “BUZZ” but also a tranquil setting on the inner water way. The owner Michael Landry gave us a superb evening cruise with cocktails exploring the inner waterways of Fort Lauderdale. The boat is for hire at the hotel and I thoroughly recommend the experience. I also hired a bike for one day, which although hot was a great way to combine some sightseeing and exercise!

The Betsy is a fabulous boutique hotel and an iconic landmark on Miami’s famous Ocean Drive. First opening its doors in 1942, The Betsy has an amazing historical background, which explains its architectural features both past and present amongst its art deco neighbours. This luxury property has sixty-two bedrooms to choose from and are all individually furnished. Eating at their renowned BLT restaurant is pure steakhouse bliss. You can look forward to the beach, which is literally on your doorstep.  Also, the views from the Rooftop Solarium and Wellness Garden are stunning where the hotel entertained all of the other SLH hotels in the region for a few “drinks”!

My next stop was at the SLH hotel Esencia in Mexico…this property was incredible. I can see why it’s such a popular choice amongst guests. If being pampered is your thing, then the Escencia spa experience is world-class. The warm and friendly staff will make you feel instantly at home in this luscious 50-acre estate. There are plenty of things to do: if you don’t want to venture far they offer yoga, scuba diving, wind surfing. And for a more educational experience you can learn how to cook the Meso-American cuisine or sample a variety of wines with the head chef. Once again, the beaches are beautiful in this part of the world.

Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale|"Fort Lauderdale Condo Hotel Update"

Source           :    http://www.consumertraveler.com
Category       :    Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
By                  :    Janice Hough
Posted By      :   Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

Affordable Hotels In Fort Lauderdale

People who are looking to own a vacation home, but would also like to rent it when they are not in Fort Lauderdale, often turn to Condo Hotels.  We are fortunate to have a few Condo Hotels in Fort Lauderdale that are very nice.  The buildings that are the most popular are:   The W Fort Lauderdale, Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Q Club, Gallery One, and The Atlantic Hotel.  In the last few weeks news has come out on The W Fort Lauderdale Residences, and on the Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale.

The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale, which has been legally known as the Castillo Grand, was sold to a developer who is familiar with operating hotels in the Ritz Carlton brand. 

The W Fort Lauderdale Residences may have found a buyer. Between the two luxury buildings of the W Fort Lauderdale Residences and The Ritz Carlton Fort Lauderdale you will see the large vacant building located at 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.  That building was supposed to be the Trump International Hotel and Tower in Fort Lauderdale. Speculation is that whoever buys the 298 unit building will turn it into a luxury condo hotel.