DELTA ADDS NEW BAG FEE Delta Air Lines said Tuesday, April 21 it was instituting a $50 fee for most passengers to check a second bag on an international flight — a first among major U.S. carriers. American Airlines and United Airlines said they were studying Delta's move, but did not immediately announce any plans to match it. Among foreign carriers, British Airways has a fee for a second checked bag for some passengers for travel to some international destinations. Atlanta-based Delta said its fee was effective Tuesday for travel beginning July 1. The company expects to generate more than $100 million annually from the new fee. Delta already charges fees for the first and second checked bags on domestic flights. THE GOOD AND BAD FOR RECESSION TRAVELERS Kiss those little bottles of lotion goodbye, but don't despair. You stand to gain better things, thanks to the ailing economy. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Here's what we're likely to lose in the recession: * Hotel amenities - Though hotels are trying to minimize the effect on guests, one of the first things travelers noticed after the economy headed south was that resort amenities (washcloths, little bottles of lotion) disappeared from their rooms. * No more free carry-on luggage - There's every indication the airline industry is flying in the direction of charging for carry-on bags. For example, US Airways recently reduced the size limit on its carry-on baggage, a move that other airlines, including Continental, made last year. Cheer up! Here are three things we'll gain from the current economic malaise: * Free Wi-Fi everywhere - A lousy economy has apparently increased our appetite for access to a free, high-speed wireless network. Travel companies are complying. * Upgraded customer service - "Competition is fierce," said Tom Kelley, a managing partner for Concept Branding Group, a hospitality-consulting firm. "Hotel and restaurant service staff knows their jobs depend on getting and keeping business." * Lots and lots of bargains! - As the economy reels, we should expect to find deals on everything from airfares to all-inclusive resort stays. Some travelers will be able to experience more luxurious travel arrangements than they have been able to afford in the past. THE BUSINESS TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO LOOKING LOCAL If you do a little research before you travel, you can learn to dress, think and act like a local, blending seamlessly into whatever city you’re in. And, experts say, it’s important to blend. “It’s important to dress and act like a local not just so you won’t be taken advantage of but because it is a sign of respect,” says Wanda Mann, founder and editor of the Blackdresstraveler.com. “The fact that you took the time to learn about the culture of the city you are in helps to make the interaction much more pleasant.” Research local websites and read the local paper of the city you will be traveling to so that you can get an idea of what the “dress code” is. Learn a little bit of the language of the country you’re visiting in, if possible. It can go a long way toward creating good will and getting the hosts to like you. Educate yourself about the local customs and business protocol, recommends Andria Mitsakos, who owns her own PR firm. “Sometimes a handshake is good but sometimes it could be an embrace, or a kiss on one cheek or two cheeks,” she says. “People love sharing their culture and if you allow them to do that it’s a wonderful experience.”
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The boutique accommodations are ideal for business stays, while the lounge and restaurant are the perfect place for meeting with clients or friends. Whatever the agenda during a Hollywood visit, the lavish tradition of hospitality and style at the Grafton assure that every aspect of one’s stay will exceed expectations. Each of the 102 chambers of decadence is appointed with modern amenities that offer contemporary comforts for the ultimate in Hollywood hedonism. From the pillow-top mattresses and sleek Italian linens to eco-licious organic products and iPod docking stations, the hotel aims to gratify each and every one of its guests. Additionally, the five guest suites offer themed decorations and various sizes and amenities to meet the most spoiled guest.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The guest rooms are spacious and many offer sweeping views of the bay as well as the city. The rooms have an attractive, contemporary décor and appointments with fine furnishings. Accommodations are 100% non-smoking and are equipped with wired and wireless High Speed Internet Access, plush robes, beds with 300-count Frette sheets, down duvets, and a Nakamichi stereo/CD player. Room service is available 24 hours a day. A professional staff and superior facilities, including onsite catering and audiovisual resources with state-of-the-art telecommunication services, provide support for all conference needs. Le Méridien San Francisco… the premier choice in the downtown area for one’s next executive conference, meeting, or retreat.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
As the only privately owned, five star hotel in Mexico City, Marquis Reforma offers its guests a wealth of special advantages that other area hotels cannot. By providing guests with an abundance of exceptional amenities and a high level of personalized service, Marquis Reforma has been recognized as a top Mexico City luxury hotel with a unique tradition of excellence. A tradition of excellence as one of the finest Mexico City luxury hotels is legendary and has enabled the Marquis Reforma to become a distinguished member of such prestigious organizations as Leading Hotels of the World.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Nestled amid 16 pristine acres, Rosewood Sand Hill melds the relaxed style and beauty of California Ranch architecture with lush courtyard gardens and stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Rosewood Sand Hill is not a typical hotel, appealing to a varied guest experience with resort like amenities, lush courtyard gardens, superb service and local charm. Boasting the largest guest rooms on the peninsula, the hotel’s 123 rooms and suites are outfitted with thoughtful furnishings, original art, sumptuous marble baths and state-of-the-art technology. All offer private balconies or terraces with views of the Santa Cruz Mountains or lush courtyard gardens. At Madera, the hotel’s signature restaurant, a comfortably elegant ambiance, picturesque views and outdoor terraces welcome guests and locals. Offering an open artisan wood-burning kitchen, rustic American cuisine and extensive wine list, Madera also features two private dining rooms with terraces and cozy fireplaces. Hours of indulgence may be spent at Sense, A Rosewood Spa which features 13 treatment rooms, fitness suite, salon, spa cafe, boutique, motion studio and heated outdoor pool, or enjoying nearby leisure pursuits such as golf, cycling, horseback riding, shopping and walking trails. Whether relaxing in the largest guest rooms on the Peninsula, pampering in Sense Spa or delighting in the freshest of local ingredients and flavors at Madera, guests will enjoy unparalleled attention to detail and impeccable service creating memorable and personal experiences.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Ovation Corporate Travel |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Grafton on Sunset is an ideal destination when visiting the West Hollywood area with its snazzy spot on the notorious Sunset Strip. Heralded the “Boulevard of Dreams”, Sunset Boulevard along with its lovechild, The Grafton, is conveniently situated to the Hollywood studios and production offices, numerous chic bars, restaurants and lounges, world-class shopping, eye-candy galore, and more.
Le Méridien San Francisco is a luxury hotel located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. The hotel is connected by a landscaped pedestrian bridge to the historic Federal Reserve Building, and the shops, entertainment, and cafés of the dynamic Embarcadero Center. Le Méridien is also steps away from San Francisco’s main leisure attractions such as Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, with easy access to Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.
In one of the most fast-paced and populous cities on Earth, sits an enclave of quiet elegance and luxury, the Loews Regency Hotel. Located in one of the most revered sections of Manhattan, the hotel is situated on a tree-lined avenue and neighbors upscale boutiques, antique shops and museums. Once inside, the lobby exudes warmth and friendliness: an exceptional quality that's just as inherent in the attentive staff. A recent multi-million dollar renovation has turned this hotel into a closely guarded secret getaway. The luxurious fabrics that grace the contemporary accommodations are enhanced with gold and wood accents. Sheets of the 200-thread variety and premier mattresses ensure that guests will sleep deeply even if the city doesn't. The polish and flair of the hotel isn't purely cosmetic. An impeccably attentive staff ensures that The Regency lives up to its refined Park Avenue address. Distinctive services range from individually designed workouts with personal trainers to the simple, welcoming gesture of a doorman that remembers and refers to guests by name throughout any visit. 
If one is looking for a five star hotel in Mexico City, then The Marquis Reforma Hotel is the destination. The hotel is positioned on the lovely Paseo de la Reforma, an ideal Mexico City business hotel in the heart of the financial and business district. Guests will enjoy staying in central Mexico City and the Zona Rosa, near the city's finest shops, restaurants, parks and museums - all at a great value!
Much awaited and long anticipated, Rosewood Sand Hill is the peninsula's newest luxury hotel, located steps from Stanford University and at the gateway to Silicon Valley.
Located on K Street, with the White House and the Washington Monument literally at its doorstep, The St. Regis Washington DC is at one of the capital's most desirable locations. Discover the grand scale preservation and a re-imagined St. Regis Washington DC through the transformation of its 175 rooms and suites and experience bespoke service through the legendary St. Regis butler. In September 2008, the hotel introduced their signature restaurant, the critically acclaimed Adour. 
Soaring high above the Strip, the Trump Hotel Las Vegas rises 64 stories to offer sweeping panoramic views of the city against a majestic backdrop of surrounding mountains. The Trump Hotel Las Vegas houses 1,232 graciously furnished suites and 50 penthouse suites, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, The Spa at Trump and Health Club, exceptional dining and well-appointed amenities. Gilded with gold glass windows, the Trump Hotel Las Vegas is adjacent to some of the city’s best shopping and resort casinos, and mere steps from the exhilaration of the Las Vegas Strip. An icon of definitive style, the Trump Hotel brings sophistication and elegance to the heart of Las Vegas.