#ALOFTLIVE: Starwood's innovative Aloft brand announces Live at Aloft Hotels 2015 tOUR

 5 Emerging Artists. 5 Cities. 25 Nights of Music.

Only at Aloft.

STAMFORD, CT – Aloft Hotels has announced that the hottest emerging musical acts are checking in and rocking out at Aloft Hotels across the country as part of the Live At Aloft Hotels 2015 Tour. The tour will feature intimate, exclusive performances by five rising artists, each set to play at five of Aloft’s most buzz-worthy destinations in North America.

“Aloft is built for the next gen traveler. From innovative design, to our vibrant social scene and dynamic music programming, the Aloft experience is for early adopters,” said Brian McGuinness, Global Brand Leader, Starwood’s Specialty Select Brands. “With Live At Aloft Hotels, we’re able to give our guests a taste of the future of music while offering a larger platform of exposure for some of the industry’s hottest rising artists.”

The Live At Aloft Hotels 2015 Tour officially kicked off with acoustic based pop artist Christian Burghardt at Aloft Dallas Downtown. Australian pop duo The Veronicas will then hit the stage at the Dallas hotel. Additional tour stops for both acts include Aloft Minneapolis, Aloft Orlando Downtown, Aloft Cleveland Downtown and Aloft Denver Downtown. Check out LiveAtAloftHotels.com for upcoming tour dates and the full tour lineup.

Around the world by private jet, leaving from Canada in November

(News Release)

Surprisingly affordable, always an adventure When people think about hopping on a private jet for a dream vacation, it remains just that, a dream. Now Travel Guild Inc. is offering you the chance of a lifetime! Climb aboard a VIP Boeing 737 for an epic around the world adventure in 25 days. The flight originates in Calgary, stops in Kelowna to pick up more passengers, and on the way back, drops off at Toronto, Calgary, and Kelowna International airports. In between, it is nothing but pure adventure. But wait, a private jet… around the world… it’s got to be very expensive… right?  Wrong! Consider the out of pocket costs for almost a month of five star accommodations and restaurants, not to mention air fare, transportation costs, guided sightseeing tours, exotic evening events, visas and tips, entertainment and shows, and a safari! One would think an adventure like this would be well over $2000 a day. It’s not. This around the world by private jet vacation is $32,995 US and a very affordable $2,995 supplement for the single traveler. Couples, groups and singles will enjoy meeting and traveling with like-minded individuals.

Disneyland celebrates 59 magical years in California!

CELEBRATING 59 MAGICAL YEARS -- Disneyland Resort guests joined 59 Disney characters on Main Street, U.S.A., to hear a recording of Walt Disney’s opening day “welcome” speech and sing “Happy Birthday” in a festive marking of the resort's 59th anniversary.

The upcoming 60th anniversary Diamond Celebration logo was unveiled as part of the annual July 17 anniversary celebration at Disneyland Park.

For more Disneyland news: https://disneyland.disney.go.com/

Save now with Starwood Hotels & Resorts' resident rates

Adventure and Fun Are Right Next Door

TORONTO, August 22, 2014 —Starwood invites residents across Canada to save up to 15% at hotels and resorts in their geographical region for end of summer and autumn stays.

 Rediscover the fun and adventure that can be enjoyed right next door with the ultimate local getaway.  Enjoy exclusive resident rates of up to 15% off at participating hotels and resorts for Thursday-Sunday arrivals, valid now for stays through December 31, 2014. 

Plan an end of summer or fall family or couples getaway that’s close by.  Valid Government issued photo ID must be presented at time of check-in to confirm these exclusive rates. Rates are per room, per night, based on single or double occupancy and availability at time of reservation.  Children 17 years of age and under stay free in parent’s room using existing bedding.

Hotel brands participating in this offer including Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Le Meridien, W, Aloft and Element hotels.

Pucker up for the West Montrose "Kissing Bridge."

   One-Tank Trip for August 30/14

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Visitors are invited to come and validate the long-standing nickname of the West Montrose Covered Bridge as the “kissing bridge.”

   The heritage structure – Ontario’s only remaining covered bridge – is part of a heritage walking tour during Doors Open Waterloo Region on Sept 20.

   Built in 1881, it was “appropriately nicknamed due to the intimacy and privacy that the covered bridge offered its travellers,” Canada’s Historic Places says.

Tours will be given around the West Montrose “Kissing Bridge” in September. (Jim Fox photo)

   The iconic one-lane structure is located in one of the province’s most picturesque landscapes as it spans about 60 metres (198 feet) across the Grand River.

   It also represents the early history of Woolwich Township and of an earlier time in the village about 20 minutes north of Kitchener-Waterloo.

   The walking tours of 45 minutes leave at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. from Letson Park at Rivers Edge Drive and Letson Drive.

   Along with the bridge and the nearby Lost Acres Variety store and bakery, the walk includes West Montrose village, one of Ontario’s first recognized Cultural Heritage Landscapes.

   The bridge with its red-painted wood panelling and gable roof was designed by local contractor John Bear and built with his brother Benjamin as a replacement for an earlier open bridge at that site.

West Montrose “Kissing Bridge.” (Jim Fox photo)
For complete story, go to:
http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca/2014/08/pucker-up-for-west-montrose-kissing.html

Sanibel Island beach in South Carolina ranks top U.S. dog-friendly beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau 

LEE COUNTY, FL – If you're looking for beach destinations where you can enjoy some fun and sun with your four-legged friend, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida welcomes dogs with open paws!

Vetstreet.com, a top animal health and lifestyle website, has named Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island to the top of its list of eight dog-friendly beaches in the U.S.

The site  notes that there is plenty of space for owners and dogs to get ample exercise or just take a break. The tropical nature of the island and the nearby nature preserve makes this beach even more of an exotic getaway.

Picnic areas and barbecue grills are available, and the area offers plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and accommodations, making an extended stay an easy option.

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver sparkles with prestigious Forbes Five-Star ranking

One of Only Four Canadian Hotels to Achieve this Recognition

Vancouver, BC - The 56th annual Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards' top picks for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas includes the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver as the proud recipient of the prestigious five star rating.

 

The Forbes five star rating is a coveted honour awarded to the best of the best; this year Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is among only four Canadian hotels receiving the highly esteemed nod of approval.  Sending out undercover inspectors to stay at the selected hotels and grade them on points including service, atmosphere and amenities provides Forbes with an impartial ruling of the guest experience. 

 

The distinguishing aspect between four star and five star hotels as per Forbes is predominantly service, a quality that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has always prided itself on.  To achieve five star status hotels must "provide a memorable experience through virtually flawless service and the finest of amenities and delivery of service that is intuitive, engaging and passionate, and eagerly goes beyond expectations."