Accor is making significant strides towards the launch of its very first Orient Express hotel, the Orient Express La Minerva in Rome. This marks a momentous occasion in the revival of the iconic Orient Express brand within the hospitality industry. Accor’s acquisition of a 50% stake in the Orient Express brand from SNCF Group in
Hotels
Intrepid Travel, a renowned tour company, has taken a significant step towards expanding its presence in the hotel industry by appointing Celine Hurelle. With 24 years of experience at Accor, Hurelle will collaborate with Intrepid’s executive leadership to identify potential opportunities for acquiring accommodations that align with the company’s commitment to responsible travel. Currently, Intrepid
During my stay at the Henderson Beach Resort, I found myself immersed in a sense of tranquility that seemed to envelop the entire property. Instead of attending a morning yoga class as planned, I felt compelled to take a leisurely stroll along the nearby beach. The sun was rising, casting a warm glow over the
The completion of extensive renovations at Epcot marks a new beginning for the iconic theme park. After years of construction fences obstructing the view of guests, Epcot now stands fully revealed, showcasing the changes that have been made to enhance the visitor experience. In 2019, Disney unveiled plans for a significant transformation of the park,
Universal Studios Florida welcomed the highly anticipated DreamWorks Land on June 14th. This new addition, first announced last summer, promises exciting experiences with beloved characters from popular DreamWorks franchises such as “Shrek,” “Trolls,” and “Kung Fu Panda.” Upon entering the land, guests are immediately transported to Shrek’s Swamp, right next to his iconic 35-foot-tall cottage.
The advancement of audio-animatronic technology over the years has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the early days of the technology when Disney first introduced a lifelike President Abraham Lincoln at the 1964 World’s Fair, to the present-day sophisticated figures like Princess Tiana in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the progress is evident. The realistic portrayal of
Disney’s upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” at Hollywood Studios promises to be a groundbreaking experience for audiences. Show director James Silson highlighted the innovative approach of blending live performers, real set pieces, puppets, and digital elements to create a truly immersive performance. The perfect blend of reality and fantasy will
It is no surprise that in the travel industry, finding a comfortable place to stay is a top priority for both business and leisure travelers. A recent Travel Weekly poll revealed that the majority of travel advisors frequently book hotels, resorts, and other accommodations for their clients. The methods used by these advisors vary greatly,
HX, previously known as Hurtigruten Expeditions, has recently made a significant change in its leadership by appointing Gebhard Rainer as its new CEO. Rainer, who is currently serving as the CEO of Sandals Resorts International, will continue in his role at Sandals until June 30th. This decision marks a new chapter for HX as it
Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is continuing its growth in the hospitality sector, with plans to open a second Retreat-branded hotel in the Icelandic highlands by 2027. The new hotel will be located near the company’s existing Highland Base at Kerlingafjöll resort, which debuted last July. This mountain destination will cater to adventure-seeking travelers, offering a mix
The highly anticipated redevelopment of the iconic Coco Palms Resort on Kauai marks a significant milestone for Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants as they make their grand entrance into the Hawaiian luxury hospitality industry. With a rich history dating back to the golden era of Hollywood, the original Coco Palms was a favorite retreat for famous
Set to make its grand debut on December 11 on the captivating northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Viva Miches by Wyndham is creating a buzz in the hospitality industry. The resort’s first phase boasts an impressive 538 accommodations, offering guests a wide range of options to choose from. Viva Miches features six room categories,
When one envisions the North Shore of Oahu, images of serene beaches, salty air, and laid-back vibes immediately come to mind. The untainted beauty of this coastal area is its main draw, with no flashy resorts or over-the-top attractions needed. However, recent news of Turtle Bay Resort being acquired by Host Hotels & Resorts and
As I stepped foot into the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on the beautiful island of Kauai, I was immediately captivated by the stunning location and unique layout of the resort. Positioned on the edge of Hanalei Bay, the hotel offers a breathtaking view of the sun dipping low on the horizon, casting a golden glow
Atlantis Paradise Island has taken the concept of a dream vacation to a whole new level in partnership with Mattel. The collaboration, set to run until the end of 2025, brings the iconic Barbie to life in an immersive experience like no other. From Barbie-themed guestrooms to pool cabanas, activities, and menu items, guests are
Europe-bound travelers from the U.S. are taking a different approach this summer by prioritizing value when planning their European vacations. According to a 2024 trends report from the Mastercard Economics Institute, travelers of all income levels are now seeking more value from their trips by choosing alternative destinations that offer more affordability. This shift has
Marriott International recently unveiled details about its latest midscale brand in development, known internally as Project Mid-T. The concept was introduced by Marriott CEO Anthony Capuano during the company’s Q1 earnings call in May, emphasizing a “conversion-friendly midscale brand” to cater to a specific market segment. According to Diana Plazas-Trowbridge, senior vice president and global
Rock ‘n’ roll legend Sammy Hagar has brought a taste of Baja beach vibe to Las Vegas with the opening of Sammy’s Island at the Palms Casino Resort. This tropical oasis is the perfect summer escape for guests looking for a fun and relaxing poolside experience. Poolside Experience The revamped Palms Pool now boasts Sammy’s