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AIRLINES’ EARNINGS FORECAST TO RISE IN ‘09
(source: USA Today)
U.S. airlines may be headed toward healthy 2009 profits. Several industry analysts are forecasting 2009 gains instead of big losses for Alaska, Delta, Continental and US Airways. Southwest could be more profitable.
Financial analyst Jamie Baker says that if current fuel prices are sustained and combined with airlines' steep cutbacks in flight schedules, even a recession of record proportions is unlikely to keep them from making money next year.
Northwest CEO Doug Steenland said recently his carrier would be profitable with oil at $100 a barrel. If oil prices return to their summer levels, the prospects for 2009 airline profits would disappear, but most analysts now discount that possibility. Crude oil prices have been estimated at an average of $90 for 2009.
SOUTHWEST TO OFFER DEDICATED PRIORITY PASSENGER SCREENING
(source: Business Travel News)
Southwest Airlines will roll out dedicated security-screening lanes for its highest-tier frequent flyer members and buyers of high-yield fares.
The Fly By Priority Security Lane Access give A-List loyalty program members and holders of Business Select tickets front-of-the-line access at Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Denver International, San Francisco International, Los Angeles International and John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif.
Southwest said customers must present their A-List card or a Business Select boarding pass at the security checkpoint once the lanes are active by the end of October.
American Airlines rolled out a similar program last month, giving elite status members, First and Business Class passengers and travelers on full-fare Economy Class tickets with "dedicated PriorityAAccess check-in, security screening lanes (where available) and exclusive boarding lanes at the gate." American said Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare, Miami, Los Angeles, New York JFK, New York La Guardia and San Francisco, among others, will offer the expedited services.
HOW TO BEAT JET LAG
(source: msnbc.com)
Interrupted sleep, irritability, disorientation, lack of motivation — these are only a few of jet lag’s symptoms, and even the most seasoned travelers experience them to some degree.
Despite the prevalence of jet lag, a few simple tricks can help you minimize its impact:
*Pre-travel preparations are important. Too much excitement, stress and disorganization can worsen your symptoms.
*On the airplane, stay hydrated, stretch often and go light on the alcohol.
*Once you arrive in the new time zone expose yourself to sunlight and social interactions.
*Try to exercise a few hours before bedtime or engage in aerobic activities immediately after waking up.
*A nap can help the body deal with jet lag, but only if you limit it to 30 or 40 minutes.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ICON
220 Main
Houston
 Hotel ICON A Boutique Hotel Indulgence in Houston
Elegantly discreet yet boldly contemporary. Grandly romantic yet personally comforting. Whimsically amusing yet seriously functional. Expect the unexpected at Hotel ICON, a recipient of Condé Nast Traveler's esteemed Gold List 2007, and the Houston destination of choice for discerning guests seeking a respite from the conventional hotel experience.
See and be seen by captains of industry, fashionistas, well-heeled international travelers and neighborhood locals lured to Hotel ICON for its many charms. An elusive blend of grand Neo-Classical architecture and dynamic contemporary appointments invite lavish comfort, intimacy and modern efficiency at the confluence of downtown Houston's dynamic business, theater, legal and sports districts.
Savor mouthwatering dishes at the award-winning VOICE restaurant. Vamp openly in the city's most flirtatious lounge. Relish a relaxing massage or other indulgence at the Balance day spa or in the suite's lavish bathroom.
Challenge oneself with custom equipment in an expansive 24-hour executive fitness center. Host an exquisite, mesmerizing event or meeting in the ICON's nearly 7,000 square feet of elegantly appointed meeting and event space.
Defy conventional expectations. Expect more from a hotel, not less. Expect Hotel ICON to delight, surprise and reward at every turn.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at ICON is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $292).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
1330 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington DC
 Where Oriental elegance blends with the best of Washington DC.
Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC has been ranked #1 in Institutional Investor magazine's "Top 100 Hotels of the World" survey.
Quite simply, the hotel offers guests a new level of luxury at the heart of the US capital, streets away from the nation's most revered monuments and within easy reach of Capitol Hill.
The elegant rooms and suites offer wonderful views. The restaurant, CityZen, is under the guidance of Eric Ziebold, one of America's 'best new chefs'. The spa facilities have earned one of the highest accolades in the region.
And naturally they know how to support their business guests, with expansive state-of-the-art conference facilities and an efficient Business Center.
Business or leisure, all discerning individuals living a pressured life will be interested in Tai Pan, the hotel's members-only lifestyle club, with exclusive access to luxurious facilities and dedicated concierge services.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC is $305 (compared to a corporate rate of $405).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL
510 Atlantic Avenue
Boston
 A Landmark Luxury Hotel on Boston's Waterfront
Located on Boston's historic Waterfront - surrounded by Boston Harbor and the new Rose Kennedy Greenway - InterContinental Boston is steps away from exciting Boston attractions, including Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, North End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and a plethora of historical attractions such as the Boston Tea Party Museum and Freedom Trail. Exceptionally convenient, InterContinental Boston sits at the base of the Financial District and is 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport.
Relax in 424 ultra-contemporary guestrooms and elegant suites with stunning Boston Harbor and downtown skyline views. The luxurious, next generation accommodations offer distinctive style, sophistication, innovation and convenience. Enhanced by original artwork, plush furnishings, stylish architectural touches and rich fabric, each beautiful room is graciously designed to help you rejuvenate with details that complement a demanding global lifestyle.
With its exquisitely artful décor, impeccable services, world-inspired facilities and chic atmosphere, the InterContinental Boston is the new symbol of 4 diamond AAA rated luxury and ultra-modern style on the Waterfront. Discover a lifestyle of elegance and ease with innovative services such as a Concierge Team, transportation, Business Center, valet parking, wireless high-speed internet, 32,000 square feet of premier meeting and event space, and 2 elegant ballrooms overlooking Boston Harbor.
InterContinental Boston offers an international feast of chic restaurants and bars that reflect a journey around the world. Their Provence themed brasserie, Miel "Brasserie Provencal" celebrates the intoxicating flavors of France's Côte d'Azur. East meets West at Sushi-Teq, a chic salsa bar pairing sushi with vintage tequila. RumBa is a sassy rum-themed bar serving international distilled rums, appetizers, and mixes of Latin and Caribbean music.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the InterContinental Boston is $310 (compared to a corporate rate of $499).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
HOTEL SAX
333 N. Dearborn Street
Chicago
 Any visit to Hotel Sax promises a luxurious yet energizing experience, rich with the passion, authenticity and uniqueness of downtown Chicago.
Sophisticated design intersects with old-fashioned pampering. Personalized service meets a serious commitment to luxury. With the heart of the city beating right outside its front doors, this is the perfect urban retreat.
A fusion of interior design elements from around the globe makes for a harmonious, yet alluring affair. Sophistication meets the avant-garde, resulting in a distinctly bohemian style unique to the Hotel Sax experience. Visitors are immersed in a world of traditional elegance with a decidedly modern twist. Exorbitant thread counts, elaborate design schemes and an impressive list of amenities set a new standard of excellence, while guests enjoy being pampered like never before.
The Studio is Hotel Sax's entertainment lounge. It is the only space of its kind. Powered by Microsoft technology, The Studio brings Hotel Sax guests together with the latest entertainment technology in a relaxed, welcoming luxury environment: it's the ideal home-away-from-home theater experience including the latest home entertainment technology:
*Five XBox 360 Elite® game stations with wireless controllers
*Five Microsoft Zune® MP3 players, pre-loaded with music and movies
*Two HP laptop computers, connected to the Internet
*A Microsoft Windows home entertainment PC, driven by Windows® Vista Media Center
Hotel Sax boasts Chicago's newest – and hottest – night spot, Crimson Lounge. The lounge is brimming with elegant touches, rich fabrics and textures, and a whimsical ambience. Crimson will seduce your senses with DJ-driven music, an interesting cocktail menu, unique VIP bottle service, and special surprises at every turn.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hotel Sax is $215 (compared to a corporate rate of $269).
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HILTON SAN FRANCISCO FINANCIAL DISTRICT
750 Kearny Street
San Francisco
 Following a spectacular $45 million transformation, the Hilton San Francisco Financial District hotel boasts 544 spacious and luxuriously-appointed guest rooms, including 7 specialty suites. No expense has been spared to ensure absolute comfort. This luxurious Hilton hotel in San Francisco provides everything needed for both productivity and pleasure.
Business travelers can appreciate complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access, ample work desks, and private voicemail. Everyone will appreciate the Serenity Bed with 'The Suite Dreams' by Hilton - complete with duvet, down-filled comforter, and jumbo-sized pillows.
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at Hilton San Francisco Financial District is $229 (compared to a corporate rate of $369).
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Ovation Corporate Travel
www.ovationtravel.com
info@ovationtravel.com
800.431.1112 |
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