First hotel in Latin America Joins Curio - A Collection By Hilton

Hilton Worldwide and PKF hotelexperts Latin America announced that Anselmo Buenos Aires will join Curio – A Collection by Hilton, a global brand of distinctive upper upscale and luxury hotels, hand-picked for travelers who seek local discovery and authentic experiences. The signing of Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton was announced at the recent 2015 NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, exactly one year after the launch of the Curio collection. The hotel will be the first Curio hotel in South America when it opens in July of this year.

Hilton Worldwide hosted a cocktail reception at the Hilton Buenos Aires hotel in honor of the addition of Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton to its portfolio on Thursday, June 18.

“Our location in the heart of Buenos Aires backed by the Hilton engine will set us apart in the Latin America market,” said Carlos Alonso, managing partner, PKF hotelexperts Latin America. “But it’s our love for Argentine culture, and our passion for making guests feel inspired by making new discoveries, that will make us an integral part of the Curio – A Collection by Hilton culture of being individual and independent.”

The hotel was converted from an historic mansion built in 1906, which is rumored to have been originally owned by Anselmo Aieta, a famous tango musician and composer. To this day, the property maintains its original 1900s façade complemented by a modern design comprised of spacious rooms and upscale restaurant and bar concepts. The hotel will have its own internal plaza, reflecting the local Argentine culture by providing a place for guests to interact and feel at home.

“The Anselmo Buenos Aires is not just the first Curio hotel in South America, but also our first in the Curio collection to bring to life a piece of history that was never before part of the hotel industry,” said Ted Middleton, senior vice president, development – Latin America, Hilton Worldwide. “This gives us the chance to further shape the brand with new, independent properties that are meaningful in their respective destinations.”

The 50-guestroom Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton will be located in the historic neighborhood of San Telmo. The hotel will face Plaza Dorrego, a major attraction due to its cultural, shopping and gastronomical offerings. On any given day in the plaza, there will be a combination of locals and tourists alike, browsing the Sunday antique fair, enjoying tango dancing and experiencing the cuisine and friendly culture at restaurants, bars and cafes.

"We are excited to introduce Curio to South America, and it’s so fitting that our first property in the region is in Buenos Aires, the heart of passionate Argentine culture, arts and cuisine,” said Dianna Vaughan, global head, Curio - A Collection by Hilton. “The eight opened hotels currently in the Curio collection are defined by the independent properties themselves, and there’s no question the rich history of Argentina as embodied in the original architecture of the Anselmo mansion will make a memorable impact on visitors.”

As members of the Hilton Worldwide portfolio, all Curio hotels, including Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton, 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.

Turkish Airlines Launches Istanbul-San Francisco Nonstop

Turkish Airlines added its 2nd destination in California and 11th in the Americas by inaugurating flights to San Francisco.

With existing services to Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Toronto, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Washington, Boston and Montreal, Turkish Airlines adds flights to San Francisco as its 11th destination in the Americas.

Beginning on April, 13, 2015, San Francisco flights will be operated 5 times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions.

Travelore Tips: 5 Safety Tips For Women Traveling Alone

A Few Precautions Help Reduce Risks So You
Can Focus On Fun, Globetrotting Author Says

Perhaps more than ever, women are willing to ditch their traveling companions and go solo when it comes time to hit the road and see the world.

A survey by Small Luxury Hotels of the World, for example, revealed that between 2011 and 2012 there was a 53 percent increase in the demand for rooms by women traveling alone.

The London Daily Mail also reports that some hotels have taken steps to make their accommodations more appealing to women traveling on their own, with such features as women-only floors. 

Still, despite the trend, many women may worry that such solitary excursions carry too many risks, making them a target for thieves, kidnappers and other criminals.

But one woman who has logged endless miles exploring the world and finding romance says it doesn’t have to be that way.

“There is no reason to let your fears keep you from the adventures you can experience,” says Barbara Foster, a veteran globetrotter and author of the book “The Confessions of a Librarian: A Memoir of Loves.” (www.threelovestory.com)

“Sure, there are risky places and bad types out there. But with the right precautions, women can travel solo with confidence, visiting the places and meeting the people they always dreamed of and returning home with wonderful stories and memories.”

Foster speaks from experience. Her travels have taken her across the country and around the world, with stops in Istanbul, Bombay, Buenos Aires, Jerusalem and other locales.

As an adventurer, Foster is something of a contradiction. She describes herself as a librarian who has difficulty reading flight schedules, and suspects a haggling merchant in an Arab bazaar would view her as easy pickings.

He would be mistaken.

While Foster has spent a professional lifetime in academia, and co-authored books on such esoteric subjects as Tibetan Buddhism, she also is steeped in real-life experience.

Foster, who says solo trips can be deeply rewarding for women, offers five tips for traveling boldly while staying safe.

•  Steer clear of the most dangerous locales. Simply put, some places just aren't worth the risk, so avoid “no go” neighborhoods, cities and countries. For example, if you feel compelled to go to the Middle East, visit Israel, which is the safest Middle Eastern country. Still, if the destination is truly important to you, go ahead and take the risk. India can be dangerous and Foster says she was nearly kidnapped there, saved only by the intervention of a librarian friend. At the same time, she says, the country offers a once in a lifetime experience.

•  Connect with friendly contacts. Make yourself known not only to the U.S. embassy or consul, but also to people in your field, Foster says. During her travels, Foster wrote articles about libraries she visited. Her fellow librarians were a protective group.

•  Learn the language or at least useful phrases. Even if it’s just a few key words, speaking the language can come in handy if you need to seek assistance. Understanding what others are saying also can alert you to potential dangers.

•  Dress wisely, pay attention to manners and spend money in moderation. Essentially, don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself. In her book, Foster recounts a visit to Istanbul where she watched horror-struck as two Turkish men slapped a young British woman for wearing a miniskirt on the street. For added protection against thieves, Foster recommends carrying money and identification in a pouch under your shirt.

•  Travel in the USA. You will miss many of the world’s must-see places, but if the thought of traveling abroad holds too much stress for you, it might be better to stick closer to home. Foster says two of her favorite U.S. cities are New York and New Orleans, both great places to explore.

About Barbara Foster

Barbara Foster has worked as a college librarian and as an associate professor specializing in Women’s Studies at the City University of New York. She has published numerous articles on education and travel, as well as more than 200 poems in literary journals under the name Belladonna. Her latest book is “The Confessions of a Librarian: A Memoir of Loves.” (www.threelovestory.com)

Hilton Buenos Aires Celebrates 10th Anniversary Of First Ever Hotel Barbie® Room With Themed Room’s Return

Barbie Room Returns to Hilton Buenos Aires Offering a Once in a Lifetime Experience with All Things Barbie

 

 Hilton Buenos Aires and Mattel® team up again to introduce the Barbie® Room to the newest generation of Barbie admirers.  In line with Mattel’s effort to encourage and inspire young girls that “with Barbie, anything is possible”, the Barbie Room returns to the Puerto Madero hotel ten years after the debut of the first ever hotel Barbie Room at Hilton Buenos Aires in 2004.  

Located on the first floor in room 136, guests can immediately see the Barbie Room’s pink door from the hotel’s welcoming atrium lobby.  Offering a connecting deluxe room for parents, grandparents or family members making a child’s dream come true, the Barbie Room brings glamour and fantasy to life with all the elements of a Barbie-themed paradise.  Upon entering the hotel, fans of the most popular fashion doll ever produced will find a giant Barbie shoe perfect for the first of many selfies.  They can then check-in at an exclusive kids registration area where a Barbie staircase leads to the beginning of their unforgettable stay.

The room will be available for a period of three months and has been designed especially for Hilton Buenos Aires.  Inspired by Barbie® Dreamhouse, the room features exclusive Barbie items not found anywhere else and welcomes guests to a Barbie experience like no other with games, furniture, pillows, toiletries, dolls, movies, toys, a changing room, and even a runway with mirror where the fashion icon’s fans can model.

Additionally, Hilton Buenos Aires is offering an array of Barbie themed activities for all hotel guests.  Hilton Buenos Aires executive chef, Emiliano Sabino, has created a themed menu including a Barbie® Candy Bar.  The spa and fitness center at Hilton Buenos Aires welcomes little guests with a special Barbie® Spa featuring beauty treatments, manicure, facial and hair styling.   

The first ever hotel Barbie Room was introduced at Hilton Buenos Aires in 2004, demonstrating the hotel’s innovative approach to creating memorable travel experiences and creating a trend in the industry.  Since then, Barbie themed rooms have appeared in a number of destinations around the world, including a return to Hilton Buenos Aires in 2007.

For reservations, email reservations.buenosaires@hilton.com or call the hotel directly at +5411 4891-0101.
 

About Hilton Buenos Aires
Located in Puerto Madero, the contemporary, bright and warm Hilton Buenos Aires welcomes guests to a glass atrium lobby and features 417 guestrooms, including Executive Floor rooms and suites.  Dining options include El Faro signature restaurant and the Mosto Wine Bar, where guests can tempt their palates with an array of international culinary delights and world-renowned wines.  The hotel also boasts a world-class spa, fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck.   A special relaxation area offers drinks and soothing teas while steam baths, a dry sauna and whirlpools offer a way to rejuvenate after a good workout.   For the business minded, Hilton Buenos Aires offers over 6,600 square meters of meeting space, including the largest hotel ballroom in the city.  Previously a forgotten port, Puerto Madero is bustling with restaurants, renovated lofts, offices, high-rise residences and luxury hotels.  Tourists can enjoy Puerto Madero’s ecological reserve, walks along the Rio de la Plata riverbank and a floating casino.  www.buenosaires.hilton.com or facebook.com/hiltonbuenosaires.