The #PopUpPatio at the Westin Grand, Vancouver

News Release

 

A Temporary Rooftop Urban Oasis every Thursday and Friday this Summer

August 2012 (Vancouver, BC) - Above the bustling intersection of Homer and Robson Street is the sun-drenched poolside terrace of The Westin Grand, Vancouver.

Every Thursday and Friday this summer the space is transformed into the #PopUpPatio, a bustling rooftop patio lounge. Guests unwind after a hard day of work in this relaxed atmosphere with soft seating, green gardens and live DJ music.

Executive Chef Matthew Richmond has designed a light menu served from a BBQ action station including items like scallop and prawn kebabs and watermelon feta skewers.  Bartenders from Hidden Tasting Bar & Social Lounge serve cool cocktails along with a refreshing beer and wine list.

Aloft Hotels to debut in South Korea with Aloft Suwon

News Release

 

Aloft Forges Ahead with Global Brand Expansion, Signing Deal to Launch First Hotel, Aloft Suwon, in South Korea in late 2014.

Suwon, South Korea – August 9, 2012 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today that it plans to debut the Aloft brand in South Korea in late 2014, signing an agreement with development partner Youngshin HRD. Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of OKHOW Co., Ltd.

The hotel, Aloft Suwon, will be the first Aloft hotel in South Korea, adding to the brand’s global expansion plan and growth momentum in Asia Pacific that has been building up in recent years.

What's new in California: Summer edition

August 16, 2012 To view this issue online, click here.

California Travel News Bulletin SAILING SAN FRANCISCO BAY LIKE A PRO With a whoosh of water against its sleek, black hull and a thundering crack of wind-whipped sails above, USA 76 came about on San Francisco Bay. Almost immediately, the 115-foot mast — about as tall as a 10-story building — dipped 30 degrees, and I found myself riding the high side of the heeled-over sailboat as we sped under the Golden Gate Bridge. Unnerved by the sudden shift but trusting in the former America’s Cup racing yacht and its crew, I gripped the rails as we entered the towering swells just outside the Gate. (The New York Times) Back To Top | Read More » MARILYN MONROE: FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS AROUND HER CALIFORNIA HAUNTS 50 YEARS AFTER HER DEATH

What's new and improved at Banff-Lake Louise ski resorts

The Countdown is On! It may be the middle of August, but it's never too early to start planning for the upcoming ski season! After last years' record-breaking season, we're all in anticipation of another big season with massive amounts of fresh, dry snow! New and Improved for 2012/2013 The 2012/2013 season will see a number of new additions to the Banff-Lake Louise ski resorts. For the upcoming season Mt. Norquay will introduce a loading conveyor on its already improved Spirit Chair, The Lake Louise Ski Area is adding a brand new Tube Park, and Sunshine Village will be launching a new online video series! More information is available on our website. For our non-skiing guests, we are also launching an exciting new product; the Sightseeing Lift Pass. For $39.95 per day, this pass provides:

Stories about summer travel in British Columbia

  Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia
Here is a captivating collection of Fresh Story Ideas from Tourism British Columbia.


Vancouver Island: Dive Into Deep Bay Marine Field Station: If the mussels, clams, oysters and crabs of Baynes Sound could talk, they would tell a story that spans 400 million years. They would spin a yarn about Vancouver Island's original human population — the innovative First Nations people who relied on them for food. They would tell tales about what it takes to keep the ecosystem clean — a key task for shellfish, which are essentially the self-powered filters of sea.

Le Centre Sheraton Montreal offers great end of summer packages through Sept. 2

News Release

 MAB’s Half-Off Summer Experience, Great CAA rates, Festival rates and more

MONTREAL, August 14, 2012—Re-connect in the heart of Montreal at the newly renovated Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel and savour the ideal location new world-class attractions.

With great value hotel packages, couples and families are invited to make the most of the end of summer 2012 in Montreal!

Newly revitalized rooms are designed with your well-being in mind and feature the new signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, comfortable seating and LCD flat panel televisions. The hotel is also celebrating the completion of an extensive $40 million refurbishment. 

Driving California's Highway 1 awakens the senses

      (c) By Jim Fox

The 15,000 resident elephant seals along the beaches at Ragged Point, Calif. attract crowds of onlookers. (Jim Fox photo)

   The stench can be nauseating. The moans, belches and groans deafening. But the drive is exhilarating.

   This is California's Highway 1 along the Pacific Ocean that's one of the most scenic drives in the world.

   But there's one beach avoided by sunbathers and surfers.

   Even though, crowds form daily at Piedras Blancas to gawk at the sunbathers - hundreds, often thousands, of elephant seals. They spend their days lazing in the sun, grunting and covering themselves in sand.

   "Don't stand downwind from the seals," was the advice Tom Wolfe, concierge at the Fairmont San Francisco, offers as we set off on the drive south from the hotel atop Nob Hill.

   At the beach there's an "elephant seal symphony," in particular what mimics non-stop human belching. It's just the call of the elephant seal.

   Add to that gargles, grunts, snorts, bleats, whimpers, squeaks, squeals and the male elephant seal trumpeting to produce this concerto.