Find your inspiration in 2009 with a W Hotels calendar

 

As you may recall, W Hotels was a major sponsor of Fashion Week in NYC this past year.  The brand is continuing its fashion forward focus with a 2009 calendar it put out in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

The images in the calendar were selected by twelve designers as having served an inspirational purpose in their creative process.  The calendar images suggest that inspiration comes from a multitude of different sources all around us, even ones that most of us wouldn’t consider inspirational at first.  In fact, the calendar includes blank pages for you to discover objects that inspire your own creativity.

 

The calendar does more than provide artistic inspiration and look good on your wall.  When you buy the $15 calendar on the W Hotels online store, 100% of all proceeds will be donated to The CFDA Foundation, which raises funds for chartable initiatives and campaigns on behalf of the American industry’s designers.  

 

Source: Starwood

The British have expectations for the W Santiago and Andaz in 2009

W Santiago slated to open March 1, 2009

The best of 2008 lists are starting to roll in, but The Times UK has already compiled a Hottest of 2009 list.   The W Santiago, slated to open March 1, 2009, was a newcomer on a list of 12 hotels that should raise the bar for the world’s hottest hotels next year.  With only 205 rooms, this will be one of the smaller W Hotels.

“The W Hotel chain – the trendy arm of Starwood Hotels – is mushrooming over the next 12 months with openings in Doha, New York, St Petersburg, Barcelona, Bali, Puerto Rico and Santiago. The latter is perhaps the most interesting – situated across from Plaza Peru in the centre of town but with a view of the Andes,” reported the article.  The hotel owners boast about how Santiago offers the possibility of experiencing both the ski slopes and beaches in the same day.  

Currently, the only W Hotel in Latin America is the W Mexico City.  This newest addition in Santiago will be the brand’s first property in South America.  

Among other hotels that made the hot list for 2009 – Andaz New York.  Andaz is Hyatt’s new upscale design brand with the most product similarities to W Hotels.  With its sisters properties in London and West Hollywood, the Andaz brand is heating up and is sure to give W a run for its money in these cities.

Andaz London's version of the Living Room

Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth lends another helping hand this Christmas

 

Sheraton Harborside Portsmouth (New Hampshire)

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all you readers!

This is a season for giving to those in need.  With the mortgage crisis and the worst unemployment we’ve seen in decades, there are many who could use a helping hand this year.

I just read an article on USA Today about a Sheraton and a Hilton in Portsmouth, New Hampshire that have extended a helping hand to several homeless families in their local area.  In this seaside town, the Sheraton Harborside and Hilton Garden Inn are hosting four homeless families, who all checked in yesterday and get to stay through tomorrow (with a complimentary late checkout I hope).

The Sheraton Harborside has been doing this for four years now.  ”It began with an arrangement made through the Sheraton with a prior director.  This year we are sending four families.  Two will be at the Sheraton and two at the Hilton,” said one of the originators of this program.  

The Director of HR at the Sheraton Harborside said that it’s simply the right thing to do.  ”I think it’s nice that we can offer something special over the holiday, a home base and a warm bed.  We treat the families just like a regular guest.  They go to the front desk and gives their names to register.  The staff cares for them as they would anyone else.”

Not that I’m in need of food or shelter, but when my boss learned that I would be spending Christmas without my family, she invited me to a Christmas dinner with her husband and two rockstar kids.  I was touched by this act of thoughtfulness, and I can only imagine how those families in Portsmouth must feel today.  Thanks boss!

I hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas!

 

Source: Seacoast

Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas offering $49 rooms and $229 Panoramic Suites!

Encore Las Vegas suite foyer

Las Vegas is in one of the worst tourism slumps in the history of this neon city, and its hotels and casinos are taking a beating.  On top of the uncanny snowfall in the desert, it didn’t help that some more rooms were added to the supply mix with the opening of the Encore Las Vegas (think Wynn part deux) a couple days ago.  Pardon me – I should have said suites, as this property was built sans rooms but rather with 2,034 suites.

In an effort to fill its own suites, the Planet Hollywood has put out a half-off suite promotion.  Rates now start from $129 per night in the Strip Suites and $229 per night in the Panorama Suites, and are valid for stays from January 2 through April 13, 2009. .  Make sure you book by January 14, 2009 and read through the T&C’s.  Additionally, look what the rate includes . . .

• $40 Gaming Bonus (for new a-List Club members)
• 2 Spice Market Breakfast Buffet Tickets

Click here for more promotion details, or the full T&C, or just call 1-866-716-8134 and mention rate plan SUITESP.

Panoramic Suite

If the suites are still too rich for your blood and you just want a rock bottom rate, how about $49 in a Hollywood Hip Room (includes movie memorabilia and oversized marble bathrooms)?  As expected, this rate is best reserved on a Sunday through Thursday stay, but it’s still the lowest I’ve ever seen for Planet Hollywood.

As an added bonus, you still get $40 in casino play.  Just make sure you book your room by January 10, 2009.  Here’s the T&C for this promo.

Click here to see if your dates are good for $49/night.  To make this deal even sweeter, don’t forget to register for the upcoming SPG 2009 Q1 Night After Night promo that gives you 500 Starpoints per night.  

Hollywood Hip Room

The grass is greener at the Element Lexington, recipient of Starwood’s first LEED Gold Certification

 

The flagship Element Hotel – Element Lexington – has become the very first Starwood to achieve the coveted Gold LEED certification.  For those that aren’t familiar, LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council.  In other words, the Element Lexington is recognized by an independent national organization as Starwood’s most eco-friendly hotel.  

While the Element Lexington’s mission is to raise the bar for the greening of Starwood’s hotels, this property hasn’t lost sight of guest services and the creature comforts necessary for extended stay trips.  The hotel interior would pass aesthetics tests for any Westin or W.  As for comfort, the hotel even offers modular furniture that can be arranged to guests’ liking.  According to the first round of reviews on Trip Advisor, this is all around one damn good hotel.  

What makes the Element Lexington so green that it got the gold?

The hotel was recognized for its superior performance in areas including water and energy conservation and improved indoor environmental quality measures.  The great news for Mother Earth is that the Element Hotels model can be replicated and franchised, further augmenting the impact of energy conservation one hotel at a time.

Reduced Water Consumption:

Element Lexington is saving 942,000 gallons of potable water per year by adopting water conservation practices both inside and outside the hotel.  The hotel cut outdoor water consumption in half through water-efficient landscaping and reduced indoor water use by installing high-efficiency water fixtures throughout the property.

Reduced Energy Usage:

Element Lexington saves energy and each year keeps half a million pounds of carbon emissions out of the atmosphere by using energy conservation measures including a high-efficiency heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, Energy-Star appliances in guest rooms and an environmentally-friendly lighting system throughout the hotel powered by CFL and LED technology.  The hotel also supports the development of renewable energy technology such as wind power by purchasing renewable energy credits to offset 70% of electricity use for the first two years of operation and is committed to offset 35% of annual electricity use each year thereafter. 

Gotta love the Element branded mugs

Improved Indoor Environmental Quality Measures:

The hotel enhanced indoor environmental quality by using paints, adhesives and carpeting systems that minimize airborne pollutants.  Element Lexington also partnered with EcoLab to implement Green Housecleaning practices to reduce the use of potentially hazardous chemical contaminants and maximized day-lighting throughout the hotel by utilizing oversized guest room windows and open interior spaces, including a multi-storied window wall in the hotel’s lobby.

“Element Lexington’s LEED Gold status underscores Starwood’s history of innovation, as we continually adopt leading-edge technologies and practices,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Element Hotels. “Cost-efficient, environmentally friendly building construction and operations were at the core of the development of the Element hotel concept with the goal of creating a healthier, greener environment to benefit both guests and associates. We are actively transferring the learnings derived from this working laboratory of green development across our portfolio of nine world-class brands.”

Element consists of entirely new-build hotels showcasing the latest in green construction, design and operations. With 30 hotels in the pipeline, Element opened its first two hotels in 2008 and expects to open several more next year in key markets such as Houston, Baltimore and Denver.

 

Source: Starwood, Trip Advisor

SPG members get the VIP Clear Lane at airport security

 

SPG members get one of these

SPG is on a roll these days.  Yesterday Starwood previewed the Q1 2009 SPG Promotion, and today it officially announced that SPG members will soon get to fly through airport security while guests with other hotel chains are left with secondary screening.  

SPG partnered up with Clear, the airport security fast pass, to give its Platinum members VIP airport security status with complimentary Clear cards for one year (worth $199).  SPG Gold and Preferred members will receive three-month Clear card trial offers.  For you platinum members, I’m giving you this warning . . . If you don’t cancel your membership before the end of the free year, you’ll be automatically renewed for a second year at $199.  You’ve been advised!

Having one of these cards is like being in the HOV lane but without the backseat drivers and late carpoolers.  It’s like having a backstage pass and walking by general admission just for kicks.  

“Starwood Preferred Guest strives to discover new ways to further enhance our loyal guests’ entire travel experience,” said Mark Vondrasek, Senior Vice President of Distribution, Loyalty, and Partnership Marketing for Starwood. “With the Clear card, we can help provide our guests a speedy trip through airport security as they head to their ultimate destination, whether it be home or one of our hotels.”

The Clear card offers will be sent to Starwood Preferred Guest members beginning in December, and registration can be completed through February 28, 2009.  At this time, you MUST be a US-based SPG member to participate in the Clear program.  In other words you need to be a US citizen or permanent resident.  Sorry Canadia.

Between the VIP security service and the Westin Renewal airport lounges, Starwood is on track to take over our nation’s airports.  No complaints from me though.  Wouldn’t you prefer a welcoming Starwood smile at the airport gate over what we get these days?

By the way, did you know that Clear travelers also get expedited VIP access to the Georgia Dome, San Francisco’s Monster Park, and Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High, during football games?  I didn’t.

How exactly does Clear work?

Clear members have their identities authenticated and, after application completion which involves providing iris and fingerprint images, receive a card that allows access to Clear’s security lanes nationwide. Clear lanes, which feature concierge staff whose assistance speeds throughput while making passage through security more hassle-free, are already operating in airports such as ATL, DEN, MCO, SFO, and the NYC ports.  Here’s the full list of airports.

Want endless Starpoints? The 2009 Q1 SPG Promotion is almost here – Night After Night

 

Night After Night SPG Promotion for Q1

Starwood’s SPG folks have kept us on the edge of our seats for the highly anticipated 2009 Q1 SPG Promotion.  While it doesn’t go into effect until January 7, 2009, here’s a sneak peak of the promotion called, “SPG Night After Night.”

The SPG Night After Night Q1 promo will get you 500 bonus Starpoints PER NIGHT plus an additional 5,000 bonus Starpoints for every 10th night you stay.  That totals 10,000 bonus Starpoints for every 10 nights.  

If you play your cards right, you can get up to 1,000 Starpoints per night.  However, make sure you hit milestones in increments of 10 nights to maximize the benefits of this promotion.  For example, if you accrue 20 nights you get 20,000 Starpoints.  Hit only 19 night and you get 14,500.  There is NO earnings cap for this promotion so get ‘em while you can.

And since it’s Q1, you can get a jump start on your status qualifying nights while getting bonus Starpoints at the same time.  :-)

This promotion is open to any SPG member, but you have to make sure you register once the promo page goes live on January 7th.  Also keep in mind that the valid dates for this promo are between January 7 – April 30, 2009.

Here are the full T&C’s.

 

Source:  Starwood

Three newly opened Luxury Collection hotels and their grand opening offers

 

There have been some exciting new additions to Starwood’s Luxury Collection brand in the past year.  Among the most notable new identities are the SLS Beverly Hills (LA), The Fairfax at Embassy Row (DC), and the Nines (Portland).

If the descriptions and photos of the newly opened SLS Beverly Hills haven’t enticed you to book a stay just yet, then what about triple Starpoints and $50 hotel credit?

The SLS Beverly Hills is inviting new guests to try out the hotel and offering bonus Starpoints as one of its perks.  In addition, the hotel is throwing in $50 PER NIGHT towards dining in The Bazaar or spa treatments by the pool or in the privacy of your own room.  To sweeten the deal even more, you can get early check-in and late check-out depending on the occupancy level of the hotel.  This deal is good for stays through January 31, 2009.

The starting rates for this package begin at $389 per night.  By comparison, booking a AAA rate could get you a $379 nightly rate, but forget about any bonus Starpoints, hotel amenity credits, or priority early check-in and late check-out.

The Luxury Collection recently added The Fairfax at Embassy Row.  This hotel used to be branded as the Westin Embassy Row but has received an upgrade after a restoration.  Its debut as part of the Luxury Collection is appropriate given its rich history and original grandeur.  

Between now and January 15, 2009, you can register for double Starpoints if you’re heading their way.  Too bad the date range for the double Starpoints won’t overlap with Obama’s inauguration . . . go figure.

Portland also got in on a piece of the action with the Nines.  This Luxury Collection addition is located next to Pioneer Square and boasts a strikingly contemporary design that sophistically complements the large ensemble of modern art from local artists.  

Of the three Luxury Collection hotels mentioned in this post, the Nines offers the lowest opening rates.  $149 starting rates will get you one of those tastefully artistic guestrooms as well as complimentary valet parking.  No bonus Starpoints with this offer, but at least you save on some cash.  To take advantage of this offer, you gotta stay before May 3, 2009.

 

 

The Nines in Portland, OR

The W Scottsdale hits the sweet spot – First look photos

W Scottsdale Entrance

Since the W Scottsdale went live a couple months back, the hotel has become one of the most bold additions to W Hotels.  With every turn of my head, I found something new begging my curiosity.  Let’s start with the living room, which was seductively lit and speckled with design-heavy chairs and couches arranged to facilitate close conversation.  Each section of seating had its own unique styles and fabrics.   Upon entering the public washrooms, a communal block of sinks broke the divide between the sexes and forced opportunistic co-mingling . . . and that’s just the beginning of the cool factor.

The W Scottsdale website refers to the hotel as a “magical oasis” that features stunning views of the desert landscape.  I can’t say I saw much desert (more like construction and land development across the street), but perhaps it was because my eyes were fixated on the rooftop pool located on the second floor.  At the bottom of the tank are multiple portholes that measure 5-feet in diameter and shoot through to the ceiling of the valet driveway.  Diving down to make faces at the doormen below, I was surprised to hear the thumping of W music playing from the underwater speaker system.  Even the bass sounded good.  I should also point out that the pool is heated in the winter, and chilled (yes chilled) in the summer.

The surrounding outskirts of the pool were neatly littered with lounge chairs and outlined by steel framed cabanas.  More than just relief from the desert sun, the cabanas have built-in LCD flat screens, speakers, and the coolest ceiling fans you’ll ever see.  There’s even a corner of the rooftop with sand for you to sink your toes into while the bartender crushes up a Vitamin W signature cocktail.

As for the guestrooms, the one I had the privilege of checking out happened to be a studio suite that wow’d me with a plush microfiber sectional couch and Bose surround sound equipment to go along with the 37″ LCD flat screen and DVD player.   I was also surprised to see a computer parked on the desk as a standard amenity in the suite.  

Enough of my mumbo jumbo though.  Take a look for youself . . .

 

 

W Scottsdale Living Room

W Scottsdale Pool Deck

W Scottsdale Shade bar seating

Check out the portholes in the pool

Would you decline housekeeping service for 500 bonus Starpoints or $5?

500 Starpoints if you make your own bed

The west coast is often referred to as the best coast.  Whether or not you agree with this statement is up to you, but it’s been widely accepted that California, Oregon, and Washington have established themselves as progressive states – particularly in environmentally friendly business practices.

The Sheraton Seattle is no exception.  The hotel has long been regarded as a thought leader in the green hotels evolution.  It was one of the first hotels to participate in voluntary recycling program back in 1993.  Now, the hotel has become the second pilot property at Starwood to offer 500 bonus Starpoints or $5 to guests who voluntarily decline daily housekeeping service.   The first hotel to come up with the idea of rewarding guests for keeping after themselves was the Sheraton Kauai Resort in Hawaii.  Rather than Starpoints or $5 though, this hotel offered one complimentary breakfast buffet.

Sheraton Seattle helping lead the green hotel movement

Back in Seattle, the new program is called, “Help the Earth – You Tidy, We Treat” and has stirred up great excitement in the SPG member community.  The General Manager at the Sheraton Seattle commented, “We want to increase our environmental conservation efforts by providing an optional incentive program for our guests.  The beauty of this program is that the decision to participate can be made on a daily basis and doesn’t require you to contact anyone in the hotel.”

Due to the popularity to date of the Sheraton Seattle’s incentive program, Starwood has plans to roll it out on a broader basis in 2009.  For the time being though, this particular incentive is available only to SPG members staying at the Sheraton Seattle.

Stay tuned . . . 

 

Source: Starwood