Operators highlight newitineraries that take guestsoff-the-beaten-track

Cultural Tours

March 21 2014 | ISSUE NO 1,865 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

agent bulletinfind out what's in storefor Aries this month

hotel bulletinfree & fast Wi-Fi withno strings becomes areality for guests ofone hotel group

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GLH HOTELS, which claims to be the largest owner-operator hotel company in London with more than 4,000rooms, or more than 10% of the city's fully functioninghotel rooms, has announced the launch, with BT, of full,fast and free Wi-Fi at all of its 36 UK properties with norequirement to register. It means the service isavailable throughout the hotels - from the lobby to thebathroom - with a single click to gain access. It alsomeans that anyone - a guest or not - can use the freeservice. The company maintains that the major investment of

close to £2m will see its appeal to all guests such asbusiness travellers, groups and individuals surpass thatof rival hotel groups, and has already seen a 13%increase in business.The group's 15 London properties include the Charing

Cross Hotel, Cumberland Hotel at Marble Arch,Grosvenor at Victoria, Tower Hotel at Tower Bridge andRoyal Horseguards Hotel on the Embankment. Its national brand is Thistle Hotels, which recently

carried out a survey of 2,000 people and discovered"surfing" was one of the most popular holiday pastimesfor Brits, but that having to pay for Wi-Fi was one of thetop "holiday hates".The survey also found that when booking a holiday,

fast, free and reliable Wi-Fi was a more importantconsideration that the hotel having a swimming pool orbeing close to local attractions.The CEO of glh Mike DeNoma said: "It's crazy to think

that in 2014 hotel chains are still charging up to £20 aday for Wi-Fi. Our research shows that free and fast Wi-Fi is very important, which is why we partnered with BTWi-Fi to upgrade our existing free internet access withno registration, no limitations and no fine print so thatcustomers can simply click and connect without fuss orfee. And most importantly, they don't have to sign up tomemberships or earn loyalty points to qualify."

EMERALDA MANAGEMENT Group (EMG) has announced aportfolio expansion with the launch of its latest luxuryhotel, the Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh.

Located in Northern Vietnam, the new five-star propertysits within the primeval tropical-forest of the Van LongNature Reserve and offers an ideal base for exploringVietnam's ancient Royal Capital including Cuc PhuongNational Park, Tam Coc - Bich Dong and the Kenh Gafloating village.

The company's chief commercial officer, Luong TracDuc, said: "We are delighted to launch Emeralda Resort tothe UK market, which is an important market for us andwe're keen to support it with sales initiatives and trainingthat educate and offer a full explanation of key USPs foreach property." For more information visit www.emeraldaresort.com

EMG expands portfolio with launch of new luxury resort in Vietnam

Free and fast Wi-Fi with no strings becomes areality for guests of one hotel groupby PAUL SCUDAMORE

www.travelbulletin.co.ukMarch 21 201414

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VILLA MALY, a boutique hotel in Laos' Luang Prabang, is markingSongkran (Lao New Year) with a three-night package from April13-16 that leads in at US$452 for two or $367 for one. It includesbreakfast, airport transfers, a spa treatment and a dinner cruiseon the Mekong River on the Nava Mekong. For details email info@villa-maly.com

InBrief� RELAIS & Châteaux has announced the addition of six newmembers as it approaches its 60th anniversary. They includeMaison d’Uzès in Gard, France; Hotel Restaurant Mammertsbergin Freidorf overlooking Lake Constance, Switzerland; ChasaMontana Hotel & Spa in Samnaun, Switzerland; MyconianUtopia Resort on the Greek island of Mykonos; Mihir Garh inJodhpur, India; and Brilliant Resort & Spa in Kunming next toYangzong Lake in China’s Yunnan province.

� THE FAIRMONT Hamilton Princess in Bermuda is undertaking a$70m renovation and restoration project that will maintain thehistoric character of the hotel, while adding luxury andcontemporary features. It includes the renovation andrestoration of the guestrooms and suites in the Poinciana Wingof the hotel, a new resort pool, the development of a new marinaand harbour side restaurant, plus enhancements to theinfrastructure.

� SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, At The Shard, London has opened itsreservation lines for rooms, events and Tīng – the signature

restaurant and lounge on level 35. The hotel will open on May 6with room rates starting from £450 per room, per night,including VAT.

For details see www.shangri-la.com/london� MOROCCO'S MAZAGAN Beach & Golf Resort is promoting aspecial Easter offer which is valid from April 1-30. Rates startfrom 1300 MAD (approximately £95) per night in a Pool ViewRoom, including breakfast and airport transfers. The offerincludes dinner for two adults and two kids under 12; 50% offchildren’s rooms (under 12 years); two-for-one spa treatmentsper room; five rounds of mini karting per child; free access toleisure and wellness activities throughout the stay includingbiking, fitness and tennis; free access to the casino and nightclub(for parents) including a 250 MAD casino bonus play per person;and free access to all kids clubs. The offer is subject to touristtaxes (MAD 49.50 per person, per day).

For details email reservations@mazaganbeachresort.com or seewww.mazaganbeachresort.com

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