InterContinental Montreal Introduces 20th Anniversary Promotions!

It seems like just yesterday the luxurious InterContinental Montreal was opening its doors.  20 years later the hotel is proud to be celebrating its 20^th year in business.  Although the official anniversary is not until July 8^th, the hotel is starting the celebration early.  The long list of promotions all are centered around the number 20 and will be taking place on the 20^th of every month beginning in April and continuing for the rest of 2011.

InterContinental Montreal

On the 20^th, a variety of promotions will be taking place.  From giving the 20^th reservation of the day a free nights stay to offering a surprise 20% discount to the 20^th bill of the day the range of surprises is quite enticing.  For a mere $20, guests can upgrade to Club InterContinental class, try a newly concocted absinthe-based cocktail, dinner at Osco, or in the evening enjoy the wine of the month.  See the InterContinental Montreal for a full list of promotions.

The hotel, which opened its doors on July 8^th 1991, has been recognized by the Grands Prix du Tourisme Québécois for its excellence in delivering dynamic service.  The hotel invites everyone to come out and experience the service in person and join them in celebrating the milestone.

Congratulations to our friends at the InterContinental Montreal for a successful 20 years!

To read the full story about the 20^th anniversary celebration visit Canada News Wire.

InterContinental Brings Michael Jordan Back to Chicago

It has been over a decade since the name Michael Jordan created a buzz in the city of Chicago.  Now once again, the great #23 is making his presence known in the city that he once led to multiple championship seasons.  Jordan is partnering with the InterContinental Chicago to open up the third Michael Jordan’s Steak House.

InterContinental Hotel Chicago

The restaurant, which is set to open in August, is the third to bear the Jordan name.  The other two locations at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, have been very successful and Jordan has been waiting for the right opportunity to bring the steak house to Chicago.  The InterContinental Chicago, located on the Magnificent Mile, provides a prime location and the visibility that Jordan had been looking for.

The restaurant, which will feature a 7,000 square foot dining room that seats 160 and a downstairs bar that holds 70, will be taking the place of Zest.  Zest was what most would consider as a standard hotel restaurant but the InterContinental wanted to have more of a special occasion destination instead of a hotel dining room.

The last time Jordan returned to Chicago, three successful championship seasons followed. With history on their side, the third edition of the Michael Jordan Steak House should be quite successful as well.  Thanks to the InterContinental Chicago, the Windy City will once again be the “home” of Jordan.

To read more about the restaurant coming to the InterContinental visit the Chicago Tribune.

Willard InterContinental Joins Historic Hotel Network

Many hotels claim to have a significant amount of history take place within their walls.  Not many of these hotels can match the historic significance of the Willard InterContinental in Washington D.C.  To officially cement their place as a historic landmark, the hotel recently joined the Historic Hotels of America network.

The Williard InterContinental, Washington D.C.

The HHA was founded in 1989 to identify quality hotels that have maintained their historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance as well as to promote these hotels both nationally and internationally. To become a member, a hotel must be 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, or recognized locally as having historic significance.

The Willard, which was built in its current form in 1901, has a long list of past historical guests including just about every U.S. President since Zachary Taylor.  Other historic moments that took place at the Willard include Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. writing his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, Julia Ward writing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, and Ulysses S. Grant popularizing the term “Lobbyist”.  This short list hardly does justice to the vast history of the hotel.  To see a detailed list of the historic events visit the Historic Hotels of America.

Congratulations to our friends at the Willard for being recognized as a landmark in American history!  To read the full story visit USA Today Travel.

Redesigned Hotel Monaco is Bringing Sexy Back!

The Hotel Monaco is bringing sexy back in more ways than one.  Recently the 189-room hotel in downtown Denver completed renovations on all of the guestrooms giving the hotel a vibrant new feel.

Newly designed guestroom at the Hotel Monaco

This renovation is just the first of several the hotel has planned in efforts to capitalize on the growing popularity of the city as a hot spot for tourism, meetings, and culture.  The new design of the rooms was inspired by the urban and adventurous lifestyle that is characteristic of Denver but it still embraces traditional world culture.

The hotel is encouraging guests to come experience the new feel by means of their “Bringing Sexy Back” promotion.  With this package, guests will receive 20% off their room as well as free overnight parking among other accommodations.  Guests are encouraged to come experience the new Monaco and enjoy the contemporary ambiance they have created.

To read more about the inspiration for the renovation and its details visit Denver Daily News.

Hotels Maintaining Their Five Diamond Status

Hotels are constantly being rated by a variety of different organizations and travel websites. The highest recognition for being the best of the best is the AAA Five Diamond Award. This year, 15 new hotels were added to the prestigious list that now includes 124 hotels throughout the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Mexico.

Every year AAA inspectors personally visit and evaluate over 60,000 hotels and restaurants and rate them on a variety of categories including cleanliness, comfort, and security for hotels and cleanliness, food preparation, and service for restaurants.  The rating scale ranges from 1 Diamond up to 5 Diamonds.

The majority of the hotels on the 2011 Five Diamond list have held a position on the list for at least 2 years with the longest running streak being 35 years (3 separate hotels have this streak).  With that in mind, we want take a moment to recognize out clients who have retained this honor once again.

Our clients that have maintained Five Diamond status for multiple years now include the Mandarin Oriental Boston since 2009, the Mandarin Oriental New York since 2005, the Ritz-Carlton Washington D.C. since 2001, the Ritz-Carlton Georgetown since 2004, and the Ritz-Carlton Central Park since 2002.

Congratulations on your continued level of excellence in the hotel industry!

To read more about the new members on the list and also to see the full list visit USA Today Travel

Joie de Vivre to Expand Outside of California

“Joie de Vivre” which is French for “Joy of Living”, is a perfect expression for what guests experience at each of the California based hospitality firm’s unique properties.  Now the Joie de Vivre experience will be shared with a market outside of California for the first time in 24 years.

Joie de Vivre, California’s largest boutique hotel collection is expanding outside the borders of California by means of a management contract with the Hotel Theodore in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Hotel Theodore, located in the Old Town district, has also been known as the James Hotel and the Mondrian Scottsdale under previous ownership.

Hotel Theodore in Scottsdale, Arizona

The Old Town district is populated with old-fashioned stores, restaurants, and western art galleries that truly capture the feel of the cowboy era. Joie de Vivre has plans to renovate the property in order to embrace these southwestern roots.

The rebranding effort will be focused on embracing the history of the area in order to appeal to residents as well as out-of-town guests.  The hotel will be re-launched in the fall following significant renovations.

Joie de Vivre currently operates 34 hotels across California each with a very unique and dynamic personality.  The Hotel Theodore promises to live up to the reputation that the Joie de Vivre brand has built over the past two plus decades with luxurious properties such as the Hotel Vitale, the Hotel Angeleno, and the Hotel Adagio to name a few.

To read more about the agreement and plans for the renovation visit Joie de Vivre.

Starwood Hotels Team Up With Live Nation

Are you a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest program yet? If you answered no then get ready to sign up right away. On top of the hotel perks that come along with membership, Starwood hotels is now the official hotel partner of Live Nation so the benefits are about to start adding up.

Live Nation, the largest live entertainment company in the world, recently signed an agreement with the hotel group to be the exclusive partner for multiple years. Starwood Preferred guests can look forward to special offerings such as premium seating at concerts, backstage access, intimate acoustic concerts, as well as artist after parties taking place at properties around the world.

With all types of concerts including Brad Paisley, Ke$ha, Lil’ Wayne, Ozzy Osbourne, Stevie Nicks, and the Pixies to name a few, there is an attraction for just about everybody. Still not sold? Visit Live Nation and out of over 6,700 events, we guarantee you can find something to fit your taste.

In order to enjoy the VIP offerings through Live Nation you’re going to have to stay at one of Starwood’s hotels across the country and start accumulating Starpoints. From now until April 15th, you’ll accumulate double star points plus a bonus for staying on weekends. Your Starpoints will add up quickly so you can begin experiencing concerts like never before!

Starwood hotels include the St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Sheraton, Westin, and Four Points by Sheraton and members of the rewards program enjoy airline tickets and free nights at their hotels nationwide.

To read more about the Starwood’s partnership with Live Nation visit Billboard.

The Ultimate Super Bowl Party Package

As everyone knows Super Bowl XLV is right around the corner. And what better way to celebrate than with the five F’s- football, friends, family, food, and fun! To help with the celebration, the Mandarin Oriental, New York has a special deal for you!

The luxurious hotel is offering a Super Bowl Package valued at $42,650 and $37,150 for the Presidential and Oriental suites respectively. The package includes one night accommodations for two, a three-course game-time meal catered in-suite for up to 15 people, and one bottle of Glenfiddich 50 Year Old single malt scotch. Talk about partying in style!

Make this super bowl weekend one you’ll remember forever! Be sure to check out the Ultimate Super Bowl Party Package, and all the perks that come with it!

InterContinental Hotel Group is Moving Mobile

Are you attached to your mobile device? Well now your inability to separate from your smart phone will begin to reward you when you stay at one of the InterContinental Hotel Group’s many properties nationwide. IHG is making moves to stay on the forefront of the mobile and social media trends. The latest trend in social media is “Checking-in” at a location through Facebook or Twitter.

Recently the hotel group partnered with PlacePunch to deliver messages to guests through Twitter when they check-in at IHG properties such as InterContinental, Holiday Inn, and Crowne Plaza. Also they are working to create check-in loyalty programs that will only further enhance your incentive to check-in upon arrival to a property.

Currently upon checking in, guests will receive a welcome message via Twitter. Once guests have used the mobile check-in service the hotel will be able to send them timely message about events in the area or other useful messages. IHG has been on the cutting edge of the mobile marketing since 2001 with other ventures ranging from mobile websites to Apps for the IPad.

To read more about IHG’s mobile ventures visit Mobile Commerce Daily.

Oscars Coming to the Mandarin Oriental, Boston

With awards season in full swing, where will you be watching the Oscars?

Mandarin Oriental, Boston will play host to the Oscar night Gala February 27, 2011.

This year instead of watching from your couch at home, try experiencing the Oscars like the stars. On February 27, 2011, an evening filled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood will be coming to the Mandarin Oriental, Boston. The Ellie Fund will be hosting the only Oscars party in Massachusetts officially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Guests will enjoy live jazz by Common Thread featuring Evan Goodrow, the Academy Awards telecast live from Hollywood on over sized screens, complimentary bars, lavish hors d’oeuvres, gourmet chef stations, and decadent desserts. With everything from red carpet arrivals to photo shoots with an official Oscar statuette, this promises to be an evening you won’t want to miss!

For more information about the event, tickets, and a special rate for hotel reservations at the Mandarin Oriental visit The Ellie Fund.