DELTA LIMITS INT’L SECOND-BAG FEE TO TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHTS Delta Air Lines is refining its $50 international second bag charge announced last month to only include flights between the United States and Europe. Delta said it plans to charge $50, or the local currency equivalent, for economy passengers checking a second piece of luggage. The fee applies to travel booked from May 23 and commencing on or after July 1. When the carrier became the first domestic legacy carrier to announce the fee, it applied to all international travel. AIRLINE INDUSTRY’S PET-FRIENDLY TREND DOESN’T SIT WELL WITH EVERYONE Southwest last month became the latest big U.S. carrier to allow small pets in the cabins of its planes. The airline began accepting its first reservations for pets Monday. But apparently that's not sitting well with everyone. The Denver Post writes that the pet-friendly trend among airlines "has brought howls of protest from people concerned about allergies, onboard barking and smelly conditions." Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz tells the Post that the company's customers had not voiced much opposition on the subject prior to the change. But he tells the paper that Southwest "will quickly make accommodations if a pet is causing any disruption in flight." What about other airlines that allow pets? United spokeswoman Robin Urbanski tells the Post problems "don't seem to come up often." United says it limits the number of pets per flight and will re-seat people with pet allergies. The Post got a similar response from American, with spokesman Tim Smith adding: "We don't guarantee our flights are allergy-free, or fragrance-free or there hasn't been an animal there." One airline headed the other direction on the subject is Frontier. That carrier used to allow pets in the main cabin before changing its policy last year. The airline does offer an option to ship pets in the pressurized cargo hold of its flights. ON THE RADAR: BIRD-PROOFING U.S. AIR TRAFFIC Steve Osmek is a wildlife biologist testing a new avian radar system in the hopes that it will someday warn air-traffic controllers of birds flying toward the approach and departure paths of airliners, signaling possible danger, much as low-level wind-shear detection systems alert pilots. Such a system might have triggered an alert for US Airways Flight 1549 to delay its takeoff until a flock of geese passed. Last January, after hitting birds soon after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, the plane's engines began to fail, and the crew landed the plane in the Hudson River and evacuated passengers without any fatalities. The Federal Aviation Administration says its test in Seattle has gone well, and it will begin similar tests this summer at Chicago's O'Hare and New York's Kennedy airports. "We're very excited about the technologies out there and the ones to come," said Michael O'Donnell, FAA director of airport safety and standards. "It's very promising." The FAA says it's still several years away, however, from putting bird-radar systems in control towers at commercial airports. The Air Line Pilots Association and others have criticized the agency for taking too long. The FAA says the technology didn't become promising until radar advances in 2005. The radar is programmed to peg birds' altitude and distinguish their size and type, since different species pose different threats to airplanes. Geese are quite dangerous -- not only because they are large, but also because they flock together. Radar can identify birds by looking at whether they soar and descend rapidly like birds of prey or whether they tend to fly straight and level. "After [Flight] 1549, now everybody wants it yesterday," Mr. Osmek said.
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Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Crowne Plaza Times Square is $229 (compared to a corporate rate of $329) through June 30, 2009.
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Donovan House, Thompson Hotels’ first project in Washington, DC, injects an element of sleek sophistication into the nation’s capital, offering a fashionable option for travelers. 193 unique guest rooms feature custom design elements including a custom chocolate leather canopy bed, Studio Gaia club chair and cocoon spiral shower. Donovan House is topped off with ADC (Above DC), a private rooftop pool and bar/lounge along with celebrity chef Todd English’s newest restaurant, CHA, offering Asian-inspired cuisine and a cozy tea lounge. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Donovan House is $219 (compared to a corporate rate of $239).
OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Winner of the 2009 Boston Green Business Award Enter the chic lobby of this luxurious boutique hotel - check out reservations at either of the hotel's two world ranked restaurants - and proceed to the elegant luxury suite, which many of their guests refer to as their own private retreat, all at incomparable quality and value. The Eliot Hotel, recently named to Condé Nast Traveler's 2009 Gold List and ranked one of the Best 100 Hotels in the United States by Travel + Leisure Magazine, is set on one of the most beautiful boulevards in America, a stone's throw from fashionable Newbury St. shopping, Copley Place and Boston's major art galleries and cultural attractions, as well as universities and research centers. This historic, boutique hotel provides European luxury and unique elegance not found in other downtown Boston area hotels. A home away from home for business people, vacationing families and international travelers in downtown Boston, guests are struck by the exceptional feeling of warmth and comfort in the exquisitely decorated suites and deluxe rooms. Concierge services are highly personalized at The Eliot, as staff strive to satisfy the needs of every guest. The Eliot Hotel is first choice for downtown hotels because of its historical presence offering a warm boutique touch of Paris in Boston. Guests of The Eliot Hotel enjoy unique, attentive personal services and luxurious amenities and accommodations not found at other downtown Boston hotels. Chef Ken Oringer, James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Northeast and winner of the Food Channel's Iron Chef Competition, has made The Eliot a world renowned culinary destination. Restaurant Clio and Uni Sashimi Bar, both named among the "Best Restaurants in America" by Zagat, are located in this elegant boutique setting. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Eliot Hotel is $245 (compared to a corporate rate of $255). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Following an £80m refurbishment of this historic establishment, guests can now make their grand entrance into a realm that has been crafted and refined for over 140 years. Discover the new Langham Hotel London, which offers 380 luxurious guestrooms and suites, 15 function rooms, and the dazzling Palm Court, famed as the birthplace of the afternoon tea tradition. The Langham, London has enchanted royalty, dignitaries and celebrities since 1865, when it opened as Europe's first 'Grand Hotel'. The Langham Hotel London today continues to impress discerning travelers with its legendary 'service with poise'. Guests will be delighted by this charming Victorian London hotel and its exceptionally rich heritage. Indeed, the celebrated history and distinguished reputation of this unmistakably fine establishment sets it apart from other everyday London hotels. The Langham London is a veritable icon among London hotels, offering impeccably luxurious surroundings on Regent Street, one of the city's premier locations. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Langham London is £267 (compared to a corporate rate of £335). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM Convenience: * 20 minutes from San Francisco International * Located in the heart of the financial district * On the famous California cable car line Guest Comfort: * 400 square foot guestrooms * Executive desk Complimentary Services:* T-1 high speed internet access * 24-hour fitness center * Downtown car service * In-room laptop safes * Wireless in public areas Awards & Recognition: * AAA Four Diamond Award * Condé Nast 2005 Gold List * DiRona Award winning Bob's Steak & Chop House Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Omni San Francisco is $230 through June 30, 2009 (compared to a corporate rate of $289). OVATION PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM As Atlanta’s premier destination for business and leisure travelers, the exclusive hotel offers an unrivaled dimension of refined elegance, luxury and bespoke service at one of the world’s best addresses. The St. Regis Atlanta features 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, Remède Spa, 40,000 square foot Pool Piazza, over 16,800 square feet of exquisite indoor and outdoor event space with innovative Business Center, the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an impressive selection of world-class cuisine. Dining and entertaining at The St. Regis Atlanta is a stylish affair, ranging from enjoying world-class cuisine at the hotel’s signature two-story restaurant, complete with private seating and an exquisite outdoor patio, to savoring cocktail classics at the wood-paneled bar. Guests can also sample high-quality, international wine selections in The Wine Room or enjoy the soothing sounds of live piano in the Lobby Bar. The hotel’s stunning Pool Piazza will offer private cabanas, a spectacular waterfall and a casual, yet stylish, Poolside Bar & Café. The St. Regis Atlanta features the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet the needs of global travelers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest’s needs, customizing each stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences. Ideally located in the heart of Atlanta’s exclusive Buckhead community, named by Robb Report as one of the country’s “Top 10 Affluent Communities,” the St. Regis Atlanta offers guests access to an impressive selection of culinary options, preferred golf courses and luxury retail stores. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is close by, and private aircrafts can land at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, just 15 minutes from the hotel. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the St. Regis Atlanta is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $259).
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Retreat from the rigors of travel; sleep well in the Westin Heavenly Bed(R) or reenergize in the heated indoor pool. One can explore the surroundings with their complimentary shuttle to the nearby King Street Metro. Everyone wants to feel special and have a unique personal experience. At Westin, there is an approach to making sure this feeling of personal renewal happens for every guest. Let all senses come alive. Feel welcome and renewed at Westin. Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Westin Alexandria is $245 (compared to a corporate rate of $279). ___________________________________________________________________ Ovation Corporate Travel |
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* 24-hour Room Service * Twice-daily housekeeping * Windows that open * Pillow top mattresses 
