INTERCONTINENTAL Hotels
Group signed its 100th franchise agreement in Mexico, adding a
Crowne Plaza hotel to its portfolio. The 506-room hotel in Acapulco
was previously a Holiday Inn and is currently in the process of
being reflagged the Crowne Plaza Acapulco. In addition, IHG said 24
properties will be built in Mexico by the end of 2006.
KARISMA Hotels &
Resorts will open the El Dorado Seaside Suites on the Riviera Maya
Nov. 18. Formerly the El Dorado Resort, the property underwent a $6
million renovation that transformed the former 177-room resort into
an all-suite, 133-room "boutique" property catering to adults only.
The renovation lasted 14 months and included new bathrooms and
furnishings as well as new cable TV and phone systems. The resort
will be marketed to couples and honeymooners and as a resort for
"destination weddings." The property is offering an introductory
rate starting at $270 per night, double. Jacuzzi suites, of which
there are 85, feature either interior or exterior hot tubs and
direct beach access. For information or reservations, call
(866)-KARISMA.
APPLE
VACATIONS is offering a lowest
price guarantee on its new nonstop service from Chicago's Midway
Airport to Cancun via Ryan International. If a lower price is
found, Apple will match the price plus reward the agent with bonus
Royalties Points. The price match is valid on new bookings and are
based on final price (less taxes and insurance) for the exact same
vacation, including the same hotel, room category, departure date
and duration. The promotion does not apply to companies that don't
pay agents commission.
PLEASANT
HOLIDAYS is offering reduced
room rates at select Riu properties through Dec. 23. The promotion
is in effect at the Club Hotel Riu Jalisco in Nuevo Vallarta, the
Hotel Riu Cancun, and the Hotel Riu Palace Las Americanas in
Cancun. Four-night, land-only packages start at $287 per person,
double. Prices include roundtrip airport transfers, hotel taxes and
surcharges. For information or reservations, call (800) 448-3333 or
visit www.pleasantagent.com.
SIESTA
TOURS launched escorted tour
packages for independent travelers to Oaxaca and San Miguel de
Allende/Guanajuato. Siesta, a specialist in escorted group tours,
said the new packages are designed for clients who like the
company's product but don't want an escorted group tour and for
clients whose vacation dates don't coincide with scheduled group
departures. Siesta's independent tours include hotel
accommodations, daily breakfast, tours of local attractions with an
English-speaking guide and airport transfers. For information or
reservations, call (800) 679-2746.