Visit Our Booth at THETRADESHOW top

Pack your bags, and head to Orlando, FL for THETRADESHOW, September 7-9!

THETRADESHOW is the #1 North American travel trade show and is the only travel trade show created and supported by 16+ of the travel industry's leading organizations. Destinations, travel companies and travel retailers worldwide connect and establish new business relationships at this valuable travel trade show.

Be sure to stop by CCRA’s booth #1814, to learn about the many benefits of booking your hotels through CCRAtravel.com. Book through CCRAtravel.com to increase your commission and book your clients better rates!

More Hotel Styles Hit Home top

Sustainability and environmental stewardship may be grabbing the headlines, but the real change taking place in hotels is fresh new designs with a modern, residential feel. So-called lifestyle hotel design is the new standard.

People view themselves through the brands they use. Your clients seek not just comfort and value and certain amenities…they want to experience brands that say something about who they are. Hoteliers recognize that guests want a hotel experience that’s an extension of themselves. 

The days of four plain walls and a floral covered bed are simply not enough for today’s image savvy traveler who has built up expectations of a more stylish, aspirational hotel experience. There are more room options now offered that are in line with the style and comfort people experience in their own homes. And this phenomenon happens across all price points.  

Brands such as Cambria Suites, Hotel Indigo, NYLO, aloft and ELEMENT are designed in today’s lifestyle hotel category. Cambria Suites has opend 12 new properties since launching the brand in 2007, and has plans to open 7 more this year, with the campaign “Where Life meets Style.” Other value brands are showing the same enhanced lifestyle design goals.  Hampton Inn, for example, several years ago revisited the way its hotel rooms were experienced with the highly successful "Make it Hampton" campaign.

Such stalwart brands as Marriott and Hilton now furnish more unique and stylish design touches you’d expect in modern boutique chains with amenities well beyond just a new color palette. Both of these companies are gearing up to introduce new boutique brand hotel concepts. Marriott partnered with Ian Schrager to create Edition, a brand with hotels ranging from 150-200 rooms expected to open by 2010. According to Marriott, “Edition will cater to a market of guests expecting a unique experience, not merely a place to sleep.  The properties, while distinct, will all emphasize quality, originality, authenticity and character, and delivering impeccable, gracious personalized service.” Hilton has not yet announced what their new brand will look like, but they are sure to inject new style into their soon-to-be boutique brand.

Holiday Inn, a classic InterContinental Hotel Group brand, is also in the process of reinventing themselves. The chain and its look is getting new life pumped into it through a $1 billion commitment from property owners. When complete, Holiday Inn will reflect a style more in line with the other new brands on the block.

Top 8 Must-Dos Before You Go to China top
Author: Justyna Rakowska

With the 2008 Summer Olympics quickly approaching, Beijing will attract many first-time travelers. If you have clients or friends on their way to China, better prepare them with the following travel tips.

1. Purchase insurance
Before traveling to a place like China you should purchase insurance that can be used abroad, like accident or medical insurance. The cost of travel insurance may vary depending on the cost and length of your trip, your age or your health.

2. Get vaccinated
Although there are no obligatory vaccinations before going to China, it is highly advisable to consult your doctor in this matter. Different vaccinations are being recommended for certain travel destinations. This is because there are several climatic zones in this country. The most common vaccination is against hepatitis and typhoid. Information is available either through health insurance information packs or at pharmacies that offer vaccination advice.

3. Visit your local pharmacy
For a trip to China, a first aid kit is a good idea, in addition to typical travel supplies. Include insect repellent for the summer and if you go to the south of China, make sure you've got a topical anti-fungal agent, and sunscreen.

4. Bring cash
Be sure to bring either U.S. Dollars or Euros. These currencies are easily converted into the Chinese currency RMB. In some smaller towns or villages around the country, it can be quite difficult to find a bank or a cash dispenser. The Bank of China is believed to be the most trustworthy place to change money.

5. Check your cell phone
All Europeans and many North Americans operating on GSM can use their ordinary mobile phones. But North Americans, who operate on a different frequency, need to have a more expensive tri-band model. You may also need to call your cellular operator to "unlock" your phone if you want to use it with a local provider.

6. Buy a phrase book
Not all people in China speak a foreign language. Even some employees at typically touristic places, like museums or famous temples often do not speak English. It is highly advisable to buy a decent phrase book and practice your phrases before you arrive, to be able communicate about essentials such as directions, food, etc.

7. Mind the local laws
Be especially aware that local laws and cultural expectations are not the same as what you are accustomed to in the U.S. China is generally very hospitable to tourism today. However, if you cannot read the signage at a location, be mindful to seek permission before entering or before taking photographs. It is your privilege rather than a right to visit the temples and sacred locations of a foreign country.

For details of the Olympic event schedules, venues, transportation and weather, there are several websites available, including: www.olympicgamesbeijingchina.com; http://en.beijing2008.cn; www.chinadaily.com

Source: www.articlesbase.com

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Packages from the Met for Business Travelers top

Whether you are in London or Bangkok for business, The Metropolitan will assure your travel will be crease-free.

In London…
The Metropolitan is a cool, contemporary hotel located on Park Lane. Numerous suites overlook Hyde Park, the green heart of London. Recently refurbished guest rooms and public areas offer complimentary Wi-Fi and high-speed internet access in stylish surroundings. Japanese-Peruvian restaurant Nobu features Michelin-starred cuisine, and the members-only Met Bar is a cult classic.The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offers a full-range of holistic therapies in addition to yoga and a private gym.

The Metropolitan London has created a business package to ensure a sleek and efficient experience while allowing you more time to relax.

The Time for Business Package costs £299 per night. It includes the following:

• Guaranteed early check-in from 10am
• Overnight accommodation in a City Room
• Fresh seasonal fruit in your room on arrival
• Nobu Bento Box and Isake Sake Premium delivered to your room
• Mineral water at turndown
• Breakfast to go in the morning

Terms and Conditions
- Subject to availability - Based on single occupancy in a City Room (supplements apply if the room is double/twin occupancy) - Nobu Bento Box to be delivered to your room between 6pm and 10.45pm (Monday to Thursday) or between 6pm and 11.45pm (Friday and Saturday) and Sundays up until 9.45pm. Please order the box from room service and allow up to 45 minutes for delivery.

In Bangkok…
The Metropolitan offers indulgent comfort with intuitive service and subtle contemporary design. The members-only Met Bar serves cool, bespoke Martini cocktails. Restaurant Cy’an specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, whilst Glow focuses on a healthful menu. Relaxation is available at the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, comprising Asian-inspired treatments, a gym and pool.

At the Metropolitan Bangkok we believe in stress-free business travel. That’s why Condé Nast Traveller magazine named this property among the world’s top business hotels in 2007. The two-night package offers the sleek and efficient tools this kind of traveler requires.

The Ready for Business Package is available at US$510 for two nights in a City Room, based on single occupancy. It includes the following:

• Credit value voucher of US$30 which can be used at Cy’an, Glow or the Met Bar
• Roundtrip limousine transfers
• Complimentary broadband internet connection
• A COMO Shambhala Massage or Thai Massage
• A special Metropolitan guest amenity
• One complimentary in-room movie
• Welcome herbal tea served in room upon arrival
• Fresh tropical fruit plate, replenished daily
• Complimentary use of gym, hydro pool, steam room and outdoor lap pool
• Complimentary yoga/stretch class at COMO Shambhala daily

Terms & Conditions:
• Room rates are subject to 10% service charge, prevailing government tax • Minimum of 2 consecutive nights is required • Credit voucher worth US$30 can be used when dining at Cy’an, Glow or Met Bar • Extra person, with extra bed will be charged at US$45++ per night • This offer cannot be combined with other promotions.

To Book the best rates at COMO Hotels and Resorts, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

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Amelia Island Plantation Guinness & Golf Event Highlights Labor Day Weekend top

Golfers can tee off at the second annual Guinness & Golf event at Amelia Island Plantation to open Labor Day weekend festivities.

The weekly Friday Boardwalk Bash at the Spa and Shops offers a special Irish theme from 5-8 p.m., with $2 Guinness drafts and Smithwick’s Irish Ale, live Irish entertainment and other food and drinks specials. On Saturday, golf begins with a shotgun tournament at 10:00a.m.on the Pete Dye-designed Oak Marsh course.

The $85 per person cost includes boxed lunch, drink tickets, prizes and Guinness branded goodies. Awards and an after-tournament party follows immediately at the Falcon’s Nest, Amelia Island Plantation’s aviation-themed restaurant and bar.

Each participant will be entered, and must be present, to win a trip for two to Ireland, with a tour of the Guinness Brewery. A portion of every Guinness & Golf package sold will be donated to Take Stock in Children, a mentoring and scholarship program for students from low-income families. Amelia Island Plantation has volunteered countless hours to support the organization, and has been an active sponsor since 2003.

For more information on the golf tournament, call 904-491-4646.

Amelia Island Plantation, Florida’s premier island resort and a Green Lodging Certified property, contributes time, money, property and people to its community’s charities, non-profit festivals and business organizations. Some of its major beneficiaries are Take Stock in Children, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Fernandina Beach High School and Middle School, Nassau Volunteer Center/Corporate Volunteer Council, YMCA, Tourist Development Council, Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach/Yulee Chamber of Commerce, GFWC Woman’s Club of Fernandina Beach, VISIT FLORIDA (on a statewide basis) and numerous other groups and organizations. The resort encompasses 1,350 acres and is recognized by the state of Florida for its efforts in energy conservation, recycling, and use of clean and green products in its pest control and housekeeping efforts.

To Book the best rates at Amelia Island Plantation, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

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Millennium Hotels and Resorts top

At Millennium Hotels and Resorts, friendly rates, attentive service, diverse style and uniformly high standards are what guests will experience every time they stay. With 15 dynamic destinations across the United States, Millennium offers unique environments that reflect the individuality of each location.

All Millennium properties are conveniently situated in scenic city-centric areas from coast to coast. Whether historic, urban, charming or stylish in character, Millennium properties provide the convenience and comfort that modern travelers demand.

Be on the lookout for exciting multi-million-dollar renovations currently underway at several properties across the country. Guestrooms will be receiving new bedding, updated color palettes and added in-room amenities. Lobbies and on-site restaurants are also getting makeovers that reflect the ambiance and beauty of the property and its location.

Millennium Hotels and Resorts also offer the WE LOVE AGENTS program, which makes your job easier and more exciting.

Benefits include: • $50 electronic gift certificates • FAM rates for North American properties • 10% commissions, paid twice monthly through an automated system • Easy access to tools and information that can help you increase your business

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Cambria Suites Opens New Properties in 2008 top

More good news for Cambria Suites® fans—the 7th property in the brand opened its doors in June, and many, many more are in the development pipeline.

The newest Cambria Suites hotel debuted June 2, in Plainfield, Indiana, less than five miles from the Indianapolis International Airport and close to the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Like all properties in this dynamic new brand, the Cambria Suites hotel in Plainfield is an all-suites hotel with stylish, contemporary décor and thoughtful amenities. Rooms come equipped with a separate workspace with a movable desk and ergonomic chair, luxurious bedding, Bath & Body Works bath amenities, Media Hub technology, DVD/CD player, MP3 jack, two LCD flat-panel TVs, microwave, refrigerator and Wolfgang Puck coffee. Hotel amenities include an indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center featuring equipment by Precor, barista gourmet coffee bar, hot breakfast including made-to-order items, bistro style dinner menu, 24/7 convenience store, and free high-speed wired and wireless Internet access.

In April, the Cambria Suites, Savannah Airport opened its doors, becoming the brand’s first property in Georgia. The 97-suite property is minutes from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and offers a free airport shuttle.

In March, the 108-suite Cambria Suites hotel in the Akron-Canton area opened its doors to guests in Uniontown, Ohio to become the first of many for the state of Ohio. This property is situated less than five miles from the Akron-Canton Airport and features more than 1,200 square feet of conference and meeting space along with business center with fax, copy and printing services.

These properties joined other open Cambria Suites hotels in Boise, Idaho; Appleton and Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Bloomington, Minnesota.

Look for many more Cambria Suites openings in the months to come. More than 60 hotels in the U.S. and Canada are in the planning stages or under construction. Notable future locations include Chicago, Illinois; downtown Scottsdale, Arizona; airport locations in Denver, Atlanta and Los Angeles (Ontario Airport); and two eagerly anticipated Cambria Suites hotels slated for Madison Square Garden and Brooklyn, New York.

To Book the best rates at Cambria Suites, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

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CCRA's Dallas Connection - The Adolphus top

In Dallas, Texas, the charm and romance of Europe is just downtown at the fabled Adolphus. No passport required. Surrounded by one of the world’s great hotel art collections, relax over cocktails in the Lobby Living Room. Savor the cuisine of Executive Chef Jason Weaver in the exquisite French Room, the only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in Texas and the top pick in the latest Zagat Survey. Retreat to elegant accommodations, rich in comfort and style. Enjoy a superb breakfast the next morning in the privacy of your guest room – or have a leisurely breakfast in The Bistro, our European-style coffee house.

The flagship Neiman Marcus downtown store is a short stroll up Commerce Street; an eclectic mix of restaurants is nearby. The Dallas Museum of Art and the Arts District, the Sixth Floor Museum, and the Dallas Summer Musicals offer cool relief for the summer heat. Entertainment choices abound, expertly arranged by our well-connected concierge staff.

Summer considerations include:

Texas Rangers Baseball | Dallas Cowboys Preseason Football | The Jersey Boys at Fair Park
Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus at the AA Center | Making It New: The Art & Style of Sara and Gerald Murphy (Dallas Museum of Art) | The Great American Trucking Show (Dallas Convention Center)
Stingray Bay at the Dallas Zoo | Concerts: American Idols LIVE; Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers; the Gypsy Kings, Julio Iglesias; Huey Lewis & The News; and The Beach Boys

For romantic getaways, try “Fuel for Fun,” an escape that offers a $100.00 fuel credit for a three-night stay. Plan ahead to experience the spectacular “King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs” exhibition, starting October 3, 2008, at the Dallas Museum of Art. Hailed as one of the extraordinary art exhibitions of our time, this Egyptian treasure trove offers a unique look inside the royal domain of an advanced civilization. The Adolphus Tut packages – “Bare Bones,” “Tut Uncommon,” and “Over-the-Tut – are designed to fit every budget. All include exclusive jump-to-the-head-of-the-line tickets that can be used any day, any time. Only hotel exhibition sponsors can offer these VIP tickets to their guests.

The French Room at The Adolphus transports guests to the regal splendor of Versailles. Celestial paintings and gilded woodwork are lit by hand-blown crystal chandeliers and richly ornamented sconces. Executive Chef Jason Weaver dazzles patrons with his distinctive cuisine drawn from a career polished in Miami and New York. On his menu, which changes with the seasons, are dishes that speak to the region and the latest culinary trends. A peek inside the current menu reveals why The French Room earns five stars. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays.

All of us at The Adolphus are delighted to be a part of the CCRA family. We thank you for your consideration.

To Book the best rates at The Adolphus, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

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Experience India with a Hint of Legendary Panache top

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces invites you to experience the chic comforts, unrivaled service, world-class amenities, and exquisite gourmet dining that is truly befitting the discerning global traveler.

With an array of the amenities and services Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is a new age traveler’s urban sanctuary. Stay connected with broad internet access, conduct business meetings with ease at the state-of-the-art conferencing and banqueting facilities, wrap up your work with our efficient secretarial assistance, have a quick workout at the modernized fitness centres or take a dip in the serene azure pools, revive yourself at the unique Taj Spas and finally venture out on a city tour specially designed by your private concierge.

As for an unforgettable culinary journey of world cuisines from Moroccan, Iranian, Greek, Turkish, Lebanese, Egyptian to Japanese, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, European and more the Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces has a lot to offer.

Savour signature French dishes perfectly paired with a selection of fine wines from famed vineyards across the world, under a magical night sky in the trompe l’oeil dome of the Zodiac Grill. A dining experience of a lifetime at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower Mumbai.

Delight yourself with authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the Blue Ginger. Soak in the exotic ambience laced with flaming torches, serene waterfalls, and some exquisite preparations form the master chefs, making it an admirable restaurant at the Taj West End Bangalore.

If it's Italian cuisine your palate desires then Pergo at Taj Coromandel Chennai is the restaurant to dine. Gourmet preparations crafted by Michelin chefs accompanied with the finest wines served in a warm and contemporary ambience account for a truly authentic and innovative experience.

Relish the new wave of contemporary Indian cuisine at Masala Bay where traditional India favorites are created with modern culinary techniques. The crisp ambience with a theatrical kitchen coupled with delectable preparations is one of the most sought after restaurants at the Taj Lands End Mumbai.

And now two new exotic destinations complement this culinary journey – Wasabi by Morimoto & Varq at the Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi.

Staying true to its unmatched gastronomic repertoire, the Taj unveiled Delhi’s first contemporary Japanese restaurant Wasabi by Morimoto. Wasabi is certain to thrill food connoisseurs in both substance and style. The restaurant gives guests an opportunity to discover the hidden secrets of the exquisite and unique Japanese culinary treasures prepared with contemporary techniques catering to different palates of the modern, global Indian and international visitors.

Varq is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sophistication offering a modern Indian gourmet dining experience that promises authenticity of taste and artistic presentations. Visually spectacular in every way, Varq is symbolic of luxury and panache which are reflected amply in the cuisine and the décor of the restaurant. It serves up stylishly crafted culinary fare in a sophisticated setting. The restaurant is truly a perfect mélange of fine dining with art.

Locations :- Americas – New York ( Relaunch of Pierre in April 2009 ), Boston, San Francisco, EMEA – London, ASPAC- India, Colombo. Bhutan & Australia, Middle East-Dubai, Indian Ocean- Maldives & Mauritius
GDS Code :- TJ

To Book the best rates at Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

Portal Tip - Find 4 Star Properties at 2 Star Prices top

Find the best deals, by narrowing your search to Net Rates and search by star ratings.

After you have filled in the city and travel dates, narrow your search by selecting to search properties that offer CCRA Net Rates.

Sort your results by star rating and scroll down to view the 4 star properties.

Select the 4 star property with the best value! Your clients will love the luxury hotel at the modest price you were able to get using CCRA Net Rates.

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