Hotel Industry News – Week Ending 11.18.06

Doubletree has announced an new holiday program to help save endangered species. For every reservation made through their website between November 15 and December 15, Doubletree will donate $1.00 to the World Wildlife Fund. If you’re traveling to Mexico City, its is now an accommodation option.

Fairfield Inn is offering 10% off to AAA members from now until January 15 at participating locations. That’s double the standard discount.

Hilton Hotels, along with Food Network, has started a new tasty program at selected properties. Guests dine on an executive chef created 4 course regional menu, paired with suggested wines. Beats the heck out of going to Applebee’s again.

IC Hotels Group is offering double points beginning with your second stay at InterContinental®, Crowne Plaza®, Hotel Indigo®, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Staybridge Suites® or Candlewood Suites® between now and December 15, 2006.

Marriott Properties will extend e-receipt services to all customers, not just those with rewards accounts. This is pretty handy for expense tracking if you travel frequently. In addition, rewards members can earn up to 25,500 points for opening a NetBank account. I can’t think of a better reason to start saving. Feeling generous? Rewards members now have the option of donating rewards to charity.

W Hotels has announced plans for their first property in Thailand with the W Retreat & Residences-Koh Samui. I LOVE Thailand in general and Koh Samui in particular and I would hate to see it end up being the Panama City Beach of Southeast Asia.

Westin Hotels is piloting a program, including Travelers’ Renewal Menu, Station and Kit. The menu will offer remedies for common travel ailments, such as green tea to reenergize, aloe and pineapple sorbet to sooth sore throats and hot chicken soup to quell stomach upset. Travelers’ Renewal Stations will provide fruit, hand purifier and water in Westin hotel lobbies to help keep guests hydrated and healthy when they arrive and when they leave the hotel’s doors. The Travelers’ Renewal Kit will be available for purchase, offering tools to make traveling easier, from a refreshing hand purifier to Sudoku games. (via BusinessWire)

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