Modern Comforts in Historic Settings
Transforming historic landmarks into luxury hotels preserves significant architecture while offering guests experiences modern structures cannot duplicate. Respecting authenticity is essential: many centuries-old buildings can be thoughtfully retrofitted with contemporary comforts without compromising their artistic or architectural character. In Cusco, Peru, the Aranwa Cusco Boutique Hotel reclaimed two 15th-century Spanish colonial buildings so carefully that, after 50 years of abandonment and three years of restoration, only about 20 percent of the property is new construction. During the restoration, artisans uncovered and conserved wood carvings and rare wall frescoes, and the original aesthetic of the inner courtyard was preserved by enclosing its stone arcades and balconies with tempered glass.
aranwahotels.com
Portugal’s national Pousada system illustrates another approach to preservation, converting royal palaces, monasteries and fortresses into hospitality venues. The newly opened Pousada Fortaleza da Cidadela de Cascais, operated by Arteh Hotels, occupies a 15th- and 16th-century fortress overlooking the sea near Lisbon. Even its vaulted cistern has been repurposed as a distinctive venue for corporate meetings and events.
arteh-hotels.com
Some historic properties invite guests to participate directly in their conservation. Ruthin Castle, about 20 miles from Chester, traces its origins to the era of King Arthur and has passed through the hands of monarchs such as Edward I, Henry VII and Elizabeth I. Ruthin is the only Edward I castle in Wales where guests can stay within the castle walls; visitors can also support preservation by purchasing a symbolic title, becoming a Knight of Ruthin, with proceeds helping to maintain the estate.
ruthincastle.co.uk
Easier Visas Ahead?
Tourism ministers from G20 economies issued a declaration urging members to prioritize measures that encourage travel to stimulate job creation and economic growth. A central recommendation is to streamline visa procedures through new technology and greater international cooperation, making travel “more accessible, convenient and more efficient without a diminution of national security.” The World Travel & Tourism Council has estimated that improved visa processes could generate as many as 5 million jobs across G20 economies.
More Airport Chatter
Looking for a quick bite or coffee after security? Airport Chatter launched its Version 1.0 website as a community-driven platform featuring customer ratings and reviews. The site covers 52 of the busiest U.S. airports and provides details and locations for airlines, lounges, shops, services, public transport, parking, dining and nearby hotels. Each venue is profiled using expert reviews alongside tips and feedback from fellow travelers.
airportchatter.com
International Access
The newly opened Maynard H. Jackson International Terminal at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) adds 12 gates dedicated to international flights, simplifying arrivals by allowing passengers to clear customs without rechecking luggage for onward travel. The $1.4 billion terminal is part of a broader $5.4 billion expansion to upgrade the world’s busiest airport. Meanwhile, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) opened the $2.4 billion Terminal 3, which includes 14 gates serving international flights.
EVA Upgrades
EVA Air is rolling out a $100 million upgrade to its top cabins on the Boeing 777-300ER fleet, introducing the Royal Laurel Class business cabin with fully lie-flat seats. The cabin features a reverse herringbone layout: 38 seats that let window-seat passengers look outside without turning, while center seats facilitate dining and conversation. Adjustable seats and privacy panels let passengers create a personal space for rest or work. Royal Laurel Class is already in service on selected routes and will be available on all New York (JFK) flights by the end of the month, with Los Angeles (LAX) and additional San Francisco (SFO), Toronto (YYZ), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS) and London (LHR) flights added by year’s end. The full cabin upgrade program is scheduled for completion by August 2013.
evaair.com
New Routes to Japan and Colombia
All Nippon Airways (ANA) advanced the launch of daily service between Tokyo Narita (NRT) and Seattle (SEA) to late July. The route currently operates with Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and is slated to transition to Boeing 787 Dreamliners later in the year. ANA has also announced plans for new service from Narita to San José, California within the year. Avianca resumed service between New York (JFK) and Cali (CLO) and Medellín (MDE), Colombia, using Airbus A320 aircraft; flights operate on weekends during the low season and daily in peak periods.
Makeovers for Legends
Several iconic hotels recently completed thoughtful renovations. Vienna’s Hotel Sacher refreshed its interiors, added modern amenities including flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations, and extended complimentary WiFi throughout the property. Mandarin Oriental San Francisco celebrated its 25th anniversary with a full redesign: an Italian travertine lobby, refurbished guestrooms and suites, a signature restaurant called Brasserie S&P, and newly designed suites featuring furnished 800-square-foot landscaped terraces with striking city views. On Lake Como, Grand Hotel Tremezzo added eight luxurious Rooftop Floor suites, each with a private terrace, an outdoor heated Jacuzzi, dedicated butler service and bathtubs offering panoramic lake views.
New Hilton Trio
Hilton Worldwide expanded its global footprint with openings from Bogotá to Qatar and a first dual-branded property in Turkey. Hilton Doha marks the brand’s debut in Qatar: a 309-room hotel on the capital’s Corniche featuring a 750-seat ballroom, a dedicated conference wing and the brand’s first Middle East spa. In Turkey, Hilton Bursa Convention Center and Spa opened alongside Hampton by Hilton Bursa, representing Hilton’s first combined Hilton-Hampton property in Europe; the site offers convenient access to business districts and views of Uludağ Mountain. Additionally, Hilton Bogotá opened earlier this year in the city’s commercial core.
hilton.com
Sofitel in Mumbai
Sofitel Luxury Hotels introduced its first property in India with the 302-room Sofitel Mumbai BKC, located in the Bandra Kurla Complex within Mumbai’s business district. The hotel offers nine meeting rooms, including a ballroom, six restaurants, a spa and a fitness center, catering to both business and leisure travelers. This opening is the first in a planned roll-out of additional Sofitel locations across India.
sofitel.com