AMERICAN AIRLINES will
launch service from New Yorks Kennedy Airport to London Stansted on
Oct. 28. To mark the new service, passengers in business class or
full-fare economy class can earn up to 12,000 AAdvantage bonus
miles for roundtrip travel through Jan. 31. American also is
offering an introductory business-class fare of $1,365 each way,
based on required roundtrip purchase for travel from Oct. 30 to
March 29. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 17, and other
restrictions apply.
PALMER HOSPITALITY GROUP is gearing up to launch its first Bulgarian property, the
108-suite, five-star All Seasons Club Bansko, on Dec. 15. To be
located near ski slopes and the town of Bansko, the hotel will
feature a modern decor and such amenities as a swimming pool,
fitness center, spa, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi as well as an
outdoor barbecue area, childrens playground, cafe and ski shop. The
business center and conference hall will be equipped with
state-of-the-art technology, and all guest rooms will feature
wireless Internet. Room rates will begin at $175 per night through
March 15. For more info, visit www.palmerhg.com.
UNITED VACATIONS kicked
off a Big Fall Sale with savings of up to $200 when booked by Nov.
16 and good on select dates through October 2008. A London package,
for example, including four nights accommodations at the Royal
Medoc and roundtrip air on United, is priced from $764 from
Washington, $819 from Chicago, $849 from Los Angeles, $889 from
Denver and $924 from San Francisco. Prices include daily
continental breakfast. Additional destinations, origin cities,
hotels and departure dates are available. Visit www.unitedvacations.com.
VALENCIA, SPAIN, host of
the 32nd Americas Cup yacht race earlier this year, has been
selected to host the 33rd Americas Cup, as well, set to run from
May to July 2009. Tourism officials credit a $2.8 billion overhaul
of the citys infrastructure for attracting the event. The project,
begun in 2003, integrated the city with the port, marina and the
beach areas. The city spent more than $675 million to transform the
waterfront area alone by redesigning the existing harbor and
commercial port and adding several state-of-the-art marinas. The
improvements also have resulted in a 400% growth in cruise ship
visits in the past six years.
THE PRAGUE
RENAISSANCE Hotel in the Czech
Republic will be rebranded as the Hilton Prague Old Town on Nov. 1
after a complete redesign. The renovation of the 300-room property
includes the addition of 15 suites and a presidential suite as well
as the restoration of the hotels public spaces and restaurant.
Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay will make his Prague debut with
the opening of Maze, a restaurant at the Hilton Prague Old Town.
The meetings rooms and fitness center will be completed by early
2008. For more info, go to
www.hiltonpragueoldtown.com.