Curio – A Collection By Hilton Opens Historic Ames Boston Hotel

CURIO – A COLLECTION BY

 HILTON OPENS

 HISTORIC AMES BOSTON HOTEL

Following multimillion dollar renovation,

 first Boston hotel

 joins Curio blending modern style

 and old-world sophistication for guests

 seeking

 authentic local experiences

  One of the most historic and distinctive hotels in Boston joins

 Curio – A Collection by Hilton^TMoffering independent-minded travelers and Hilton

 HHonors members another unique, upscale hotel option from the global set of more than

 20 open properties. Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton is the first Boston

 hotel to operate as part of the hand-picked collection of distinctive properties.

Ames Boston Hotel opens in the iconic Ames Building, which is listed on the National Register

 of Historic Places and is still widely referred to as Boston's "original skyscraper." Constructed

 in 1893, the 114-room boutique hotel – which has undergone a multimillion dollar renovation – is

 conveniently situated near Boston’s busy Financial District, the Hynes Convention Center in

 Back Bay, the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in the innovative Seaport District, and

 many public transit access points, including “T” stations at Haymarket, State Street, and

 Government Center. Additionally, Ames Boston Hotel abuts many of the city’s beloved

 landmarks and old-world neighborhoods, including the Old State House, Faneuil Hall and

 Beacon Hill.

“Ames Boston Hotel is an iconic landmark in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and

 perfectly represents Curio’s focus on offering travelers distinctive hotels that are imbued 

with local character and personality,” said Mark Nogal, global head, Curio – A Collection

 by Hilton. “With our first property in Boston, we look forward to providing leisure and

 business guests the unique experience they seek from Curio when visiting spectacular

 destinations around the globe.”

The 15-story Ames Boston Hotel merges the past, present and future, offering a 

blend of modern style and old-world sophistication. The renovation preserved

 many original features, such as the lobby’s tiled mosaic arched ceiling and a marble

 staircase that runs from the first floor to the roof. Upon arrival, guests will enter into

 a renovated lobby space featuring sleek new check-in stations and a casual seating

 area accented by warmly-toned wood shelving and trim pieces. Adjacent to the

 revamped entryway is a brand new Library Room boasting the same eye-catching,

 mid-century design scheme that begins in the lobby, which serves as communal

 workspace for guests and features a variety of comfortable seating arrangements

 that are ideally suited for solo travelers looking to unwind and small groups seeking

 informal meeting space.

“Ames Boston Hotel blends modern style and old-world sophistication, a unique style

 enhanced by joining Hilton’s Curio collection,” said Trish Berry, general manager,

 Ames Boston Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. “We are delighted to offer guests

 this perfect combination of age-old Boston charm with globally-recognized service

 and amenities.”

Guest Rooms and Suites: Stylish Luxury

Each of its 114 modern guest rooms, including one-bedroom suites, bears an elegant,

 sleek and luxurious design that pays homage to the original 19th century appearance

 of the building.

·         The suites are accented by dramatic, Romanesque arched windows and

 decorative fireplaces complemented by inventive design interpretations.

·         Grand windows usher in ambient natural light, while high ceilings, light oak

 hardwood floors and modern décor balance sophistication and comfort.

·         Other features include oversized closets and ergonomic workspace and an

 elegantly designed bathroom with white marble rain shower, stainless steel fixtures

 and illuminated vanity mirrors.

On-Site Dining: Breakfast Served in New Library Room, Cultivar by Acclaimed

 Chef Mary Dumont to Open

Ames Boston Hotel offers guests a delicious American Continental Breakfast served

 buffet-style in the property’s new Library Room located on the lobby level, consisting

 of freshly prepared hot items like assorted breakfast sandwiches and meats, as well an

 assortment of seasonal fruits, pastries, cereals, coffees, teas and fresh juices. Late

r this year, acclaimed Boston Chef Mary Dumont will open the doors to Cultivar, a

 highly-anticipated, unique dining concept that will serve modern American garden

 cuisine to local Bostonians and guests alike.

Fitness and Events

Ames Boston Hotel seeks to cater to every guest need, with popular amenities 

including a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary bicycles (seasonally) to ride

 through Boston’s bucolic parks in style. Also set to open in December is the hotel’s

 meeting and event space, which will accommodate gatherings of up to 75 people.

Just two miles from Boston's Logan International Airport, the hotel is situated on the

 Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile brick path around iconic Boston sites. Its idyllic location

 also offers panoramic views over the city's downtown and nearby attractions, including

 Boston Common, the Seaport District, North End, Hines Convention Center, Boston 

Convention and Exhibition Center, and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.

Hilton HHonors and Location

Ames Boston Hotel is part of Hilton HHonors, the award-winning guest-loyalty

 program for Hilton’s 13 distinct hotel brands. Guests are encouraged 

to participate in Hilton HHonors, Hilton's free-to-join loyalty program.

 Hilton HHonors members who book directly with Hilton save time and money

 and gain instant access to the benefits they care about most, including:

·         An additional 1,000 bonus points on eligible rates starting November 1, 2016

 through March 31, 2017 to celebrate the hotel’s addition to the Curio collection.

 Gold and Diamond HHonors members staying at Ames Boston Hotel will enjoy

 complimentary breakfast for up to two registered guests per room and space-available

 room upgrades.

• An exclusive member rate at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.
• Instant benefits, such as free Wi-Fi, the ability to earn and redeem Points for free nights
•  as well as access to digital check-in with room selection and Digital Key.
• Unforgettable, exclusive experiences, available via Points at HHonors.com/auctions,
•  such as access to private concerts or sought-after events.

Ames Boston Hotel is owned by a joint venture doing business as Ames Investor,

 LLC and managed by Benchmark, a global hospitality company. The property will

 be part of Benchmark’s Gemstone Collection, which features unique personal

 luxury hotels around the globe. Ames Boston Hotel is located at 1 Court Street,

 Boston, Massachusetts 02108. To make a reservation, travelers can

 call +1 617-979-8100 or visit Curio.com.

Best Hotel Loyalty Promotions For Fall 2016 Travel

Between Aug. 5 and Sept. 18, Best Western guests that stay at least three times, five nights, or earn 5,000 points via hotel stays will receive a free upgrade to Gold elite status. (Photo: Best Western International)

Plan your fall vacations early, and in style, with these great hotel loyalty program promotions.

Get to the Gold (elite status) with Best Western.This clever promotion from Best Western Hotels and Resorts is running in tandem with the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic games. Between Aug. 5 and Sept. 18, guests that stay at least three times, five nights, or earn 5,000 points via hotel stays will receive a free upgrade to Gold elite status. The upgraded status comes with bonus points and room upgrades.

Earn 10% cash rewards via The Guestbook. Members who join earn 5% cash back when making direct hotel reservations either from The Guestbook’s site or the hotel’s site. There is also the option to receive 10% back if it is applied toward a future stay at one of the portfolio’s 500 independent & boutique hotels. When you use the service, it directs you automatically to the hotel website, which allows you to double dip earning benefits associated with a direct hotel booking as well as cash back from The Guestbook. A unique feature is that the program’s Global Giving initiative also rewards nonprofit organizations with additional funds when guests reach certain milestones - $10 after 10 stays, and $25 after 25 stays.

IHG offers $25 gas card for Club Vacation reservations. Book a two-night or more stay at any Holiday Inn Club Vacations property and receive a free $25 gas card to help fuel up and get you there. Reservations must be made with a special rate code through the dedicated website.

Choice Privileges gives mega point bonuses for repeat stays. Between Sept. 1 and Nov. 11, every second stay at a Choice Hotels property will rake in 8,000 bonus points. This offer can be earned up to three times. This is a similar promotion to what was also offered this past summer. Be sure to register for the promotion before the first stay to be eligible.

Starwood launches a big fall promotion. Starwood wants to compete extra hard for your business between Sept. 12 and Dec. 18 and will offer travelers double points for stays of two nights or more on weeknights and triple points for stays of two nights or more on weekend nights. Registration for this promotion is required, but it is not available to do so until Sept. 12.

Free nights and points up for grabs with Starwood. Enter this daily sweepstakes from Starwood to see if you are eligible to win a free night at any Starwood hotel or a chance to win Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) points. This sweepstakes runs between now and Sept. 12, and each daily visit counts as an entry to win 50,000 SPG points plus five one-night award stays.

Double points continue for Hilton HHonors members this fall. Hilton’s summer promotion for double points at hotel stays was so popular that the brand decided to keep the fun going. Between Sept. 1 and the end of the year, all stays at Hilton family properties will be eligible to earn double points. There is no minimum night stay requirement (like the Starwood promotion) and there is no maximum cap on the points that can be earned (like the Choice Privileges promotion). Keep an eye out for the promotion registration page, which is coming soon.

IHG Accelerate launching this fall. Earn extra reward points with IHG’s Accelerate offer, which provides each member with a tailored promotion that awards points when members reach various thresholds with stays between Sept. 6 and Dec. 15. Tasks to reach various thresholds include staying once during specific months of the promotion or staying at multiple brands during the promotion. This could be a pretty lucrative chance to bulk up your account.

By Ramsey Qubein, Special for USA TODAY

DoubleTree By Hilton Opens First Hotel In Fiji

 

 

Following multimillion dollar renovation, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island offers authentic Fijian resort experience blended with modern amenities

Hilton Worldwide and DoubleTree by Hilton today announced the opening ofDoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji - Sonaisali Island, Fiji’s newest resort offering and the first DoubleTree by Hilton branded hotel in the tropical, South Pacific nation. The resort joins an existing portfolio of six DoubleTree by Hilton branded properties operating in the Australasia region, and opens as Hilton Worldwide’s 22^nd hotel in the region. The resort is owned by The Vision Group.

Paul Hutton, vice president operations Australasia, Hilton Worldwide, said, “DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is ready to provide guests with an authentic Fijian experience whilst delivering the comforts and amenities of a full service resort. We are thrilled to be opening this unique and luxurious resort, and look forward to extending a warm Fijian welcome to all of our guests.”

Situated on a lush, private tropical island and surrounded by the pristine waters of the South Pacific Ocean, DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is just a three-minute boat ride from the main island of Viti Levu and an easy 25-minute drive from Nadi International Airport.

All 120 guest rooms and bures (traditional Fijian bungalows) have been refurbished as part of the renovation and fitted with a wide range of guest amenities, including new furniture, smart televisions and signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree beds. Each of the generously-sized rooms and bures feature awe-inspiring views of the stunning Mamanuca Islands.

“The DoubleTree by Hilton brand has a strong and growing presence in Australasia, with three more hotels in the pipeline,” said Dianna Vaughan, senior vice president and global head, DoubleTree by Hilton and Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “The DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is a great addition to our resorts collection, and global travellers are sure to enjoy a memorable tropical getaway enhanced by our signature DoubleTree service, starting with our warm chocolate chip cookie greeting.”

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island features three restaurants and bars, offering guests a wide choice of cuisines and dining experiences. The resort's talented chefs create many innovative dishes, many using the finest native ingredients home-grown in the island's rich volcanic soil. The onsite vegetable farm, herb gardens, tropical orchards and hydroponic farm provide the kitchens with an abundant selection of fresh produce daily. Imported items are specially sourced to ensure a wide variety of inspired dishes.

Vulani, surrounded by one of the largest lagoon-style swimming pools in Fiji, offers buffet and à la carte dining with themed nights and live entertainment.

Tavu Bar & Grill, a poolside outlet offering swim-up service, is where guests can savour an extensive selection of expertly prepared local and imported meats served "BBQ style" on the beachfront.

“From our rich culinary options to the many leisure activities available, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is a true tropical oasis for guests seeking both adventure and luxury,” said Martin Rogers, Fiji cluster general manager, Hilton Worldwide.

Guests at DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island can choose from an array of adventurous and relaxing activities, such as: cooling off in one of the largest lagoon-style pools in Fiji, horseback riding, paintballing, and pampering treatments at the onsite spa. Multiple water activities are available, including snorkelling, scuba diving and yachting. Guests can also maintain their exercise routine by playing tennis or using the 24-hour onsite fitness centre, or by walking, jogging and hiking on the trails surrounding the resort.

DoubleTree by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island also features three conference spaces, making it an ideal setting for a unique corporate event or spectacular tropical wedding.

“The Vision Group Fiji is delighted to launch the first DoubleTree by Hilton in Fiji. It is an exciting and energetic brand that will resonate with travellers who are looking for a contemporary resort stay combined with an authentic Fijian experience,” said Vision Group Fiji Chairman Dilip Khatri. “The renovation of the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji, our second Hilton property, makes it a key asset and at a local level, provides a new high quality, unique resort option to international visitors and the Fijian market alike.”  

DoubleTree by Hilton knows that little things mean everything when it comes to a rewarding travel experience, and strives to bring each guest the special comforts and acts of kindness that are unique to the brand - starting with the warm chocolate chip cookie welcome and continuing throughout every guest’s hotel stay.

Among the amenities that guests will enjoy are the invigorating array of Aroma Actives body care products, complimentary high-speed internet access in public areas, and an industry-recognized service culture which is built around the idea of CARE, or Create A Rewarding Experience for guests, team members and the community.

Hilton HHonors^® guest loyalty program members have the opportunity to earn and redeem HHonors Points for their stays at the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island. To celebrate the hotel’s opening, Hilton HHonors members who stay at the resort will enjoy 1,000 bonus points for every night stay through October 2016.

For more information or to make a reservation, travellers may visit www.fiji.doubletree.com or call +679 910 3333.

Hilton’s Loyalty Program – Hilton HHonors – Again Achieves Top Ranking From J.D. Power For Excellence In Customer Satisfaction

The 2016 Hotel Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report by J.D. Power is based on survey responses from more than 3,000 consumers in the United States who have joined a hotel loyalty program. Credit: Hilton HHonors.

Hilton HHonors, the 50+ million member loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide’s 13 distinct hotel brands, was recognized by J.D. Power for the second year in a row, one of two hotel loyalty programs tied for highest in the Hotel Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report.

Hilton Worldwide Adds Vintro Hotel South Beach To Curio – A Collection by Hilton

One Part Vintage, One Part Wine, and a Heavy Dose of Relaxation

in Iconic South Beach

 Hilton Worldwide (NYSE: HLT) today announced that Vintro Hotel South Beach will join Curio – A Collection by Hilton™, a global set of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their distinctive character and personality, appealing to passionate travelers seeking local discovery. Vintro Hotel South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is expected to open in March.

A high-design update of a classic Art Deco building, the 50-room Vintro Hotel South Beach is in the heart of the "new" South Beach emerging cultural center just two blocks from the beach, and steps away from the Bass Museum, Miami City Ballet, The New World Symphony, and the Miami Beach Convention Center, home of Art Basel.

“It’s no coincidence that this will be our second property in South Florida in such short order since we launched the brand just over a year ago,” said Matt Wehling, senior vice president, development – North America, Hilton Worldwide. “Travelers are looking for new ways to experience their favorite destinations, and we’re more than happy to oblige by welcoming remarkable properties like Vintro Hotel South Beach to the Curio collection.”

At the heart of the Vintro Hotel South Beach is a mosaic wall in the lobby that embodies the relaxed vintage personality of the hotel and restaurant that has been rated among the Top 25 Hotels in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards.

The Mediterranean and Latin-inspired Vintro Kitchen Restaurant and Scorpion Bar are committed to ingredient-based, craft food and drinks, and serve artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, tapas, small plates, salads, wild-caught fish, and responsibly-sourced meats. And, of course, a wine selection from across the globe that underscores Vintro’s personality.

“Every single project has its own character, its own life, its own style - which inevitably comes from its location,” said Enrique Colmenares, owner and president of Vintro Hotel. “We succeeded in capturing that Miami Beach essence in the Vintro Hotel South Beach, and Curio will allow us to reach the independent-minded travelers looking for just such an experience.”

Alongside the Collins Canal, the hotel’s terrace, rooftop lounge and pool are the perfect places for either a quiet nightcap or private events for up to 50 guests. Guest rooms are designed with contemplative comfort in mind, featuring a custom-designed citrus palette with king beds, rain showers, natural bath amenities, plush robes and towels, 50” LED monitors and complimentary Wi-Fi.

“This property offers an authentic Miami experience, and we look forward to giving guests exactly that when the hotel joins the Curio collection in a few short months,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio – A Collection by Hilton. “From its emphasis on fine wine to its artful design, the Vintro Hotel South Beach represents the allure of the South Beach neighborhood and reflects the individuality Curio is known for.”

As members of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, all Curio hotels, including Vintro Hotel South Beach participate in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn both Points and Miles on the same stay and no blackout dates on reward stays. In addition, HHonors members can use Points to purchase unique experience rewards, premium merchandise, make charitable contributions and more.

For more information on Vintro Hotel South Beach, visit curiocollection.com.   

About Curio – A Collection by Hilton

Curio – A Collection by Hilton™ (curio.com) is a global set of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their unique character and personality; each one a part of the city they call home. Curio guests are passionate, independent-minded travelers seeking local and authentic experiences who value the added peace-of-mind that comes with the Hilton name and award-winning Hilton HHonors program. Curio joins a portfolio of world-class brands from Hilton Worldwide, a leading global hospitality company. Come discover the latest stories at news.curio.com, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or inquire about development opportunities at hiltonworldwide.com/development.