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Victims of ‘Real Estate Catch-22′ Offset Mortgage Costs as First-Time Landlords

July 22nd, 2008 by admin

LAS VEGAS, July 21 /PRNewswire/ — Today many Americans, faced with layoffs, a lagging economy and sharply increasing gas prices, are relocating in search of new employment opportunities. While many may get a steal of a deal on a new home in light of today’s real estate crisis, the National Association of Realtors reports that home inventories are at an 18-year high, making many of these same home buyers the product of a “Real Estate Catch-22″ — the problem faced when deciding whether to take a chance and be stuck with two homes (and two mortgages) or sell before buying.
For those forced into a move and dealing with the balancing act of two homes and two mortgages, some homeowners are taking a turn at becoming a landlord to subsidize the cost to keep two properties while riding the ebb and flow of the real estate tide.
“With families moving to different cities and states in search of employment opportunities more people are faced with the stress of paying two mortgages or, even worse, a potential foreclosure,” said Robert Kanaat, CEO and founder of TenantWIZ, an online rental property management company. “To balance the added costs of dual home payments, many are looking for ways to use their vacant property as a source of revenue. One popular alternative has been turning the home into a rental unit.”
For multi-homeowners interested in generating additional revenue to offset the costs of two home mortgages, without quitting their day job, Kanaat offers first time “landlords” the following six tips:
Determine if it is a year-round rental or vacation destination. Based on the location of your home — is it near waterfront or in a city with strong tourism — you may be able to turn a steady seasonal profit renting it out to vacationers. To save costs while on the road, more families are turning to vacation home rentals rather than hotels to save costs on extended stays and meals.
Get the 411 on potential renters. Whether advertising on the Web, in the newspaper or via word-of-mouth, everyone has heard horror stories of renting gone wrong. Make sure you know as much as possible about potential renters and do the necessary background checks to make sure they do not have credit issues that will impact payment. For long-term tenants, Legaldocs.com provides landlords with a free tenant application that includes a background check consent area.
Name your price. Determining how much to charge for rent should be based on a variety of factors including the cost of your mortgage — how much do you need to charge to break even — to the current rental rate of comparable houses in your neighborhood and city to the amenities your home offers (e.g. do you have a pool, swing set for kids, etc.).
It’s not you it’s me. Just like a first date, first impressions count. Make sure your home looks its very best to entice potential renters to want to learn more — changing the light bulbs, cleaning the carpets, fresh paint and a nice yard can go a long way.
Make it easier to manage remotely. For time-strapped individuals who are several hours away from the property, consider using an online program to manage your property. For example, TenantWIZ offers property managers the ability to do everything from scheduling maintenance, to tracking expenses, unlocking the property and collecting payment — all remotely and automatically.
Unload through rent-to-own. Speak with your mortgage company and determine whether you could offer your home as a rent-to-own. Not only will you have a better chance of getting quality renters, you may also solve your entire two-home challenge.
About TenantWIZ Software Corporation (TWZS)
TenantWIZ Software Corporation (TWZS) enables multi-homeowners, agents and rental businesses the ability to create and manage all aspects of their vacation rental property remotely and automatically using the company’s online lifecycle management system. Through the system’s feature-rich tools users are able to design a Web site, book rentals, unlock the property, collect payments and more. For more information, visit
TenantWIZ Software Corporation

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Sunstone Hotel Investors, Inc. Schedules 2008 Second Quarter Earnings Release and Conference Call

July 21st, 2008 by admin

SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., July 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Sunstone hotel Investors, Inc. announced today that it will release its financial results for the second quarter 2008 after the close of market on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The Company will hold a conference call following the release of its financial results on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EDT (2:00 p.m. PDT) to discuss its second quarter 2008 results.
A live webcast of the call will be available via the Investor Relations section of the Sunstone hotel Investors’ website at . Please go to the website at least 15 minutes prior to the conference call in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software. A replay of the webcast will also be archived on the website. As an alternative, investors may dial 1-800-366-7449 (for domestic callers) or 303-262-2139 (for international callers) to listen to the live call.
About Sunstone hotel Investors, Inc.
Sunstone hotel Investors, Inc. is a lodging real estate investment trust (”REIT”) that, as of the date hereof, has interests in 45 hotels comprised of 15,354 rooms primarily in the upper-upscale segment operated under nationally recognized brands, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Fairmont and Starwood. For further information, please visit the Company’s website at .
For Additional Information:

Bryan Giglia
Vice President - Corporate Finance
Sunstone hotel Investors, Inc.
(949) 369-4236

Sunstone hotel Investors, Inc.

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International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) Announces Global Call Center of the Year Award Finalists

July 20th, 2008 by admin

PRINCETON, N.J., July 17 /PRNewswire/ — The International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) has announced the Global Call Center of the Year Award finalists. The award will be presented on September 16 at ICMI’s flagship call center conference, the Annual Call Center Exhibition (ACCE), taking place this year in Phoenix.
In the large call center category, the finalists are Mondial Assistance, , a global leader in specialty insurance and emergency assistance services, and SRP, , one of the nation’s largest public power utility companies.
“Our associates ask me every day if we’ve won the award,” said Pam Dufour, Chief Services Officer at Mondial Assistance (formerly World Access.) “They are very excited to be recognized as a top call center. We tell them all the time just how great they are but having an independent group’s validation is really special, too.”
“We’re grateful that ICMI has elected to recognize SRP’s Call Center accomplishments,” said Michael Lowe, SRP’s manager of Customer Services. “I want to acknowledge our employees who have carried on SRP’s long tradition of quality customer service through hard work and a real commitment to our customers.”
The Global Call Center of the Year Award are given annually to two call centers, one in the small-medium and one in the large, that have shown a strong grasp of the principles of effective call center management, created a positive work culture and a climate that fosters personal growth, and built a track record that includes developing and attaining impressive goals within the organization. The award recipients will profiled in Customer Management Insight, the leading publication for the call center industry.
In the small-medium call center category, the finalists are Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, , a global law firm, and in the large category, Careerbuilder.com, , the nation’s largest online job site.
“It is certainly an honor for Orrick’s Service Desk to be chosen as a finalist for the ICMI “Call Center of the Year Award,” said Patrick Tisdale, Orrick’s CIO. “Being recognized by one of the service industry’s most trusted advisory organizations is a wonderful validation of something our lawyers and staff comment on quite frequently — that we enjoy a very responsive, educated and high quality level of service center support, available to us anywhere we find ourselves working around the globe, at any time of the day.”
Ted Hopton, Director of Membership Services, spoke proudly about all four finalists, “ICMI Members include the leading contact centers from around the world, and we select only the very best of the best for our award. Each of these companies provides an outstanding example of the high-level of performance that call centers are capable of achieving,” he said.
For more details about the annual Global Call Center of the Year Award, please visit .
About Mondial Assistance
Mondial Assistance is a global leader is specialty insurance and emergency assistance services. Four percent of the world’s population or about 250 million people are served by Mondial Assistance businesses around the globe. In the United States, Mondial Assistance is best known for its Access America brand of travel insurance and assistance services. Access American plans are sold in all 50 states by the finest travel agencies and suppliers. As one of 29 business units, the U.S. operation also serves major health insurers, credit card, and entertainment companies with insurance products, international travel assistance, and concierge services. For more information, please visit: .
About SRP
SRP is the third-largest public power utility in the nation providing electric service to more than 935,000 customers in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. SRP also is the Phoenix area’s largest supplier of water, delivering about 1 million acre-feet to agricultural, urban and municipal water users.
About Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP is a global law firm with more than 1,000 lawyers in North America, Europe and Asia. The firm focuses on litigation, complex and novel finance and innovative corporate transactions. Orrick clients include Fortune 100 companies, major industrial and financial corporations, commercial and investment banks, high-growth companies, governmental entities, start-ups and individuals. The firm’s 18 offices are located in Beijing, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Moscow, New York, Orange County, Pacific Northwest, Paris, Rome, Sacramento, San Francisco, Shanghai, Silicon Valley, Taipei, Tokyo and Washington, D.C.
About CareerBuilder.com
CareerBuilder.com is the nation’s largest online job site with more than 23 million unique visitors and over 1.6 million jobs. Owned by Gannett Co., Inc., Tribune Company, The McClatchy Company and Microsoft Corp., the company offers a vast online and print network to help job seekers connect with employers. CareerBuilder.com powers the career centers for more than 1,600 partners, including 140 newspapers and leading portals such as America Online and MSN. More than 300,000 employers take advantage of CareerBuilder.com’s easy job postings, 26 million-plus resumes, Diversity Channel and more. CareerBuilder.com and its subsidiaries operate in the U.S., Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit .
About the International Customer Management Institute
The International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) is one of the call center industry’s most established and respected organizations. Founded in 1985, ICMI delivered the industry’s first management-level conferences, educational programs and publications. Through constant innovation and research, ICMI’s consulting and training services have become the industry’s gold standard. ICMI publications, such as ICMI’s Customer Management Insight, and events, including the Annual Call Center Exhibition (ACCE) and Call Center Demo and Exhibition conferences, continue to lead the industry. And ICMI’s growing membership community now includes professionals representing organizations in over 50 countries. For more information on the International Customer Management Institute, please visit . ICMI is part of Think Services, a division of United Business Media (), a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.
Contact Information

Ted Hopton
ICMI Director of Membership Services
Phone: 610-918-4757

International Customer Management Institute

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AAA Travel Professionals Say Travelers Adjust Plans in Response to Rising Gas Prices

July 19th, 2008 by admin

WASHINGTON, July 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Two new surveys of AAA travel agency and auto travel managers reveal that rising fuel prices are affecting Americans’ travel plans this summer. From one-on-one interactions with AAA members, 95 percent of AAA auto travel managers say that high gas prices will cause travelers to alter their vacation plans this summer. AAA auto travel managers cited travelers taking trips closer to home, taking fewer trips, and reducing the number of vacation days traveled as the top ways that Americans will adjust their travel plans this summer.
When asked about destinations that most frequently provide the most attractive bargains or best values for summer travel, AAA travel agency managers identified the following: Las Vegas; Orlando/Walt Disney World, Fla.; Branson, Missouri; Anaheim/Disneyland; and San Francisco. International destinations identified as best for bargains and value are: the Caribbean; European Cruises; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; South America; and Costa Rica.
When comparing AAA’s 2007 and 2008 summer travel surveys, AAA travel agency managers identified the following locations as this summer’s top five domestic and international vacation destinations:
Domestic by air:
(Excluding Canada & Mexico)

2008 2007
1. Orlando 1. Orlando
2. Las Vegas 2. Las Vegas
3. New York 3. Seattle
4. Los Angeles 4. New York
5. Washington, D.C. 5. Los Angeles/
Orange County

International by air:

2008 2007
1. Rome 1. Rome
2. London 2. London
3. Cancun 3. Vancouver
4. Dublin 4. Cancun
5. Vancouver 5. Paris

In addition, domestic “hot spots” for this summer include: New Mexico; San Antonio, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Oregon; and Miami/South Beach. International “hot spots” include: Croatia; Montenegro; Vietnam; Cinque Terra, Italy; and Douro River, Portugal.
AAA is the largest full service, leisure travel agency in North America, generating more than $4 billion in sales. Travelers can access full-service travel planning at 1,100 AAA retail offices and on AAA.com. In addition, AAA is the premier provider of travel information and trip planning tools including print and online versions of maps, TourBook(R) guides, TripTik(R) routings, and low member pricing on reservations at AAA Diamond Rated hotels.
As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at .
AAA news releases can be downloaded from .

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Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Mike Pina

AAA

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Kaua’i Vacations New ‘Three for Free’ Deal

July 18th, 2008 by admin

MILWAUKEE, July 17 /PRNewswire/ — Now more than ever, vacationers are wanting maximum value out of their vacation investment. With perfect timing comes a brand new deal from United Vacations to a destination most would consider beautiful, luxurious … and now affordable.
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With the ‘three for free’ deal, travelers can experience all the splendor of Kaua’i with a vacation package that includes three stand out specials, on top of the already great savings from bundling hotel and flight together.
‘Three for free’ offers include:
— Free 5-day Alamo car rental
— Free nights and free room upgrades at select hotels
— Free dining at select hotels

Here’s just a sample of some of the hotels contributing to an affordable vacation experience for travelers with this deal:
— Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa — 6th night free, daily buffet
breakfast for two
— Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club — 4th night free, daily buffet
breakfast for two, free room upgrade
— Hilton Kauai Beach Resort — 5th night free, free split of champagne
for honeymoon & anniversary guests

With over 60 years experience serving vacationers to Hawaii, United Vacations is prepared to make every step of the vacation process a smooth and memorable one.
Consumers: Purchase online at , by calling 888-328-6877 or by contacting a local travel agent.
Travel Agents: Book United Vacations through VAX VacationAccess(R) at or the VAX VacationAccess technology via Amadeus AgentNet, Sabre Vacations, and Vacation.com AgentNet.
United Vacations’ America, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Ski programs are operated by The Mark Travel Corporation in Milwaukee, one of the largest vacation companies and operators of private-label brands in the United States.

United Vacations

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Dropping Temperatures Mean Falling Travel Prices

July 17th, 2008 by admin

BOTHELL, Wash., July 16 /PRNewswire/ — Beat the heat, the crowds, and peak season costs by visiting Europe in the winter with a vacation package from go-today.com. Those who plan in advance and don’t mind packing a coat will be rewarded with up to $650 savings on vacations to London, Paris or Rome. Also by purchasing in advance, travelers will have the best availability and lock in the price to protect against future fuel surcharge increases and exchange rate fluctuations.
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Go-today.com is offering air inclusive 6-night vacation to London priced from $749, Paris from $829, and Rome from $949. Taken in peak summer season, the same packages range from $450 to $650 more per person; money that can be spent on sightseeing tours, meals, or souvenirs.
“Go-today.com is dedicated to providing customers with affordable options for traveling internationally,” stated Martin Froggatt, President of go-today.com. “Lower winter season prices are an excellent way to maximize your vacation budget while still getting to experience all that these internationally renowned cities have to offer.”
Go.today.com’s London, Paris, and Rome packages include roundtrip airfare, 6-night hotel accommodations, continental breakfast daily, hotel taxes and service fees, and airline fuel surcharges.
For more information about winter travel and to make reservations, please visit or call one of our travel experts at 800-227-3235 (6:00am to 7pm PT Monday - Friday and 7:30am to 4pm PT Saturday and Sunday).
About go-today.com:
In 1997 go-today.com was established with a vision of offering affordable independent travel to Europe and other world destinations. Go-today.com expanded its global destinations in 2003 and 2004 with locations in Asia, the South Pacific, Central America and South America, New Zealand, and Australia. We seek out and promote vacation products that represent the best value in terms of price and quality. As a division of Europe Express, a market leader in world travel, go-today.com has been able to forge strong relationships with hotels, airlines and other suppliers. The key to our success is our belief that when service is the first priority, then quality, value and customer satisfaction will follow.
CONTACT:
Kelsey Merwick
Public Relations Coordinator

800-227-3235 ex 2503

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Martin Froggatt

go-today.com

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Staycation, Shmaycation: Sandals Resorts’ Fly-Free Offer Will Have Travelers Soaring

July 16th, 2008 by admin

MIAMI, July 15 /PRNewswire/ — Rising airline costs and talk of a downturn in the economy may have spurred the “staycation,” travel’s latest trend du jour, but would Americans really rather stay home when they can be footloose on a Caribbean beach, cocktail in hand without having to attend to laundry or the lawn? Sandals Resorts doesn’t think so. Beginning July 18, 2008, the Caribbean’s leading chain for romance-minded travelers is offering a limited-time “Fly Free Promotion,” that offers guests who book a minimum three-night stay by August 31, 2008 with an air credit of up to $550 per person.
“Rising costs on nearly every aspect of flying these days — from checked baggage to one’s seat location — have really placed a damper on Americans’ travel plans this year, many even opting out on some well-deserved R&R all together,” Kevin Froemming, President of Unique Vacations Inc., the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts, said. “Through this exclusive offer, there is no need to put travel plans on hold. Americans have a right to vacation and this program is designed to provide those travelers with some relief.”
Valid for travel between July 18, 2008 and December 20, 2009 (blackout dates apply), the promotion also features 30 percent off regular rack rates for guests who book a six-night stay or longer, with rates starting as low as $198 per person, per night. Those who book a seven-night stay in select top-category suites, including the luxurious Swim-up River Suites at Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, can also receive up to two nights free, in addition to 30 percent off rack rates and the air credit. Guests who book stays between three and five nights are still eligible to receive up to 25 percent off rack rates, plus the air credit.
With airfares ranging from $270 to $540 from major US gateways to the Caribbean this summer, Sandals Resorts’ “Fly Free Promotion” is designed to cover most, if not all, of the cost of air travel. “A $50 spa credit simply isn’t going to cut it,” Froemming added. “Through the Sandals Fly Free promotion, guests can literally have the entire cost of their airfare covered. We take guest satisfaction very seriously and are always seeking ways to reward guests for their business, particularly during these difficult economic times.”
Sandals Resorts’ “Fly Free Promotion” is available at all 12 resort locations in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Air credits vary per resort. For additional information or to book your Sandals Resorts Luxury Included(R) vacation today, please call 1-800-SANDALS or visit .
* Blackout dates apply. Fly Free offer based on doubly occupancy, a three- night minimum stay. Air credits include $350 airfare credit per person for travel to Jamaica or Bahamas; $450 per person for travel to St. Lucia; $550 per person for travel to Antigua. Maximum 2 person limit for offer. In some cases, Fly Free offer may not cover all airfare costs, taxes and fuel surcharges. Credit has no cash value. Cancellation penalties, deposits, and other fees for airfare may apply. Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
Sandals Resorts:
Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 12 Luxury Included(R) Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California’s legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivaled watersports including the Caribbean’s largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Preston Bailey Signature WeddingMoons(R) and signature Red Lane(R) Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region. In July 2007, the five-star, all suite Mediterranean Village debuted at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, offering two people in love the ultimate romantic getaway.
Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for the Luxury Included(R) vacation and has been voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the World Travel Awards for 14 years in a row, and World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company for 12 years in a row. For more information, call your local travel agent or 1-800-Sandals (1-800-726-3257) or visit .
Sandals Resorts

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Companies Cut Travel Costs with New Technology In Time of Surging Gas Prices

July 15th, 2008 by admin

LONDON, ON, July 14 /PRNewswire/ — At a time when gas prices and travel costs have reached an historic high, 77 per cent of companies that have deployed Unified Communications solutions have reduced employee travel and trimmed their travel budgets, a new study from Info-Tech Research Group reveals. Unified Communications, technology that seamlessly integrates voice, data and video communications, quickly delivers substantial business and technology benefits to enterprises where it’s deployed.
“As fuel prices continue to escalate, companies will be looking for innovative methods of doing business across long distances,” said Jayanth Angl, senior research analyst with Info-Tech Research Group. “Unified Communications has been a poorly understood concept, but the results of our study show it’s a worthwhile investment that delivers cost and time savings.”
Unified Communications consolidates and integrates various communication elements such as file sharing, instant messaging and audio/visual technology to make remote communications more effective and provide a viable alternative to in-person meetings. The Info-Tech survey on Unified Communications was conducted over the last two months, and included responses from 220 IT managers in companies primarily based in the U.S. The study comprised the survey plus interviews with a broad sample of IT leaders.
“The investment in Unified Communications is going to save us quite a bit of money in travel expenses, “said an IT Director in the manufacturing sector. “We looked at the costs that we incur, and used a ‘what if’ scenario. Our conservative estimate would be 35 per cent less than what we are currently spending.”
Not only business meetings but daily commuting can be reduced with Unified Communications, since employees can now work effectively from a remote location.
“There are of course occasions when face-to-face meetings are an unavoidable necessity of doing business,” Angl said. “But for many situations, businesses will find integrated communications using web conferencing plus application sharing with Unified Communications can indeed reduce the need for travel.”
Angl said based on the study’s findings, more companies should increase their knowledge and awareness of Unified Communications technology for increased productivity and cost savings.
About Info-Tech Research Group
With a paid membership of over 23,000 worldwide, Info-Tech Research Group () is the global leader in providing tactical, practical Information Technology research and analysis. Info-Tech has a ten-year history of delivering quality research and is one of North America’s fastest growing full-service IT analyst firms.
Info-Tech Research Group

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Opening Announcement: Nu Hotel - Downtown Brooklyn’s First Boutique Hotel Opens on Smith Street

July 12th, 2008 by admin

NEW YORK, July 10 /PRNewswire/ — For most stylish travelers, New York has always meant Manhattan. With the opening of Downtown Brooklyn’s first boutique hotel, Nu hotel (85 Smith Street at Atlantic Avenue; 718-852-8585), Brooklyn emerges as a destination in itself. Nu hotel offers a smart, clean, fresh design along with expert service, and was conceived to create an authentic travel experience integrated into the fabric of the local Brooklyn landscape.
Hersha Hospitality launches Nu hotel Brooklyn on the heels of their opening of the Duane Street hotel (Tribeca, NY) and The Independent (Philadelphia, PA). The three hotels serve as the foundation of Hersha’s Independent Collection of hotels. Executive Vice President Naveen Kakarla says, “Nu hotel is emblematic of our Independent Collection of Hotels — smaller, unique properties designed and curated to celebrate the vibrant neighborhoods and gateway cities in which they are located. Nu hotel Brooklyn offers guests an authentic, intimate and local experience.”
The 93-room, newly built hotel, owned and operated by Hersha Hospitality and designed by Datumzero Design Office, is located on stylish Smith Street and sits squarely at the intersection of four intriguing Brooklyn neighborhoods: Downtown Brooklyn, home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Courthouses, and the offices at MetroTech Center; Boerum Hill, where streets are lined with elegant brownstones and French bistros; Cobble Hill, a blend of old-world shops, bakeries and gardens; and Carroll Gardens, an old-fashioned Italian neighborhood with wide streets, chic restaurants and antique shops. Together, these areas possess all the requisites for a unique, insider’s experience.
Nu hotel showcases a design approach intended to maximize space, light and air. The project is nestled in an upscale residential complex suggesting a local neighborhood refuge, while the beauty and friendly nature of the neighborhoods ensure that guests feel safe and secure as they explore the gems that Brooklyn has to offer. Whimsical references such as stenciled quotes from famous Brooklynites, “found objects” from local landmarks and other daring local art strive to echo the authentic, confident character of Brooklyn.
Guest rooms are available in three styles — the Nu Standard, the Nu Friends Suite, and the Nu Urban Suite — and are outfitted in a clean, natural palate of materials and hues that creates a stylish setting reminiscent of an urban artist’s dwelling. Nu Friends Suites are equipped with bunk beds and modular furniture that adapts for friends and family; both ideal for children and in keeping with the fun, casual atmosphere that Nu hotel aims to provide. Nu Urban Suites feature a cozy bed niche with leather surroundings, a sitting area and custom hammocks that evoke ultimate relaxation.
In addition to presenting a luxurious, bright and airy space, Nu hotel reflects a commitment to eco-friendly living. Cork flooring appears in rooms, as do organic bedding materials and custom furnishings crafted from FSC- certified, sustainably harvested teak wood. Amenities include 32″ flat-screen televisions with “jack packs” to dock audio, video and computer electronics and complementary WiFi access. Spacious bathrooms are equipped with unique chalkboard walls where guests can jot notes for housekeeping, travel mates, or simply record their own musings. Sleek light fixtures, stone and glass showers, rain head showers and Aveda bath products add a modern, luxurious sensibility.
Guests can mingle with fellow travelers and locals alike at Nu Bar, the hotel’s cafe/lounge — located adjacent to the lobby — where cafe beverages, cocktails, and light fare will be available. The Nu Gym includes the latest cardio equipment and free weights in addition to a boxing bag and yoga/pilates mats and accessories. The Nu hotel also offers bike storage and bicycle use service for guests interested in exploring New York on two wheels. Additional amenities located in the lobby include the business center, and a custom concierge service. Those seeking a quiet corner can retreat to the “library nook” where comfortable seating and antique accents create a warm space to delve into a book.
Rates begin at $200 per night. For more information, or to make a reservation, call 718-852-8585 or visit .
About Hersha Hospitality
Hersha Hospitality currently operates over 60 hotels in the most valuable markets in the nation. In addition to boutique hotels, Hersha Hospitality also provides turnkey hotel management and asset management for properties with leading brand affiliations through Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Starwood, and Intercontinental hotel Group. Our highly experienced team is accustomed to serving as a fiduciary to publicly traded companies, joint ventures, institutional real estate owners and private investors.
Hersha Hospitality

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Mexico & Caribbean Vacations on SALE

July 11th, 2008 by admin

MILWAUKEE, July 10 /PRNewswire/ — For beach lovers and culture seekers alike, comes a brand new deal on vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean. Organized vacation planners who like seeing their departure date circled on the calendar far in advance will benefit. Plain and simple, booking early saves money.
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Here’s how it works. Book your vacation package (including flight and hotel) for four nights or more to Mexico or the Caribbean by September 30, 2008. Save up to $300 on your package, depending on when you depart. For example:
– Depart in the next 60-119 days and save 5%, up to $150. Use promotion code SAVEFIVE.
– Depart in more than 120 days and save 10%, up to $300. Use promotion code SAVETEN.
The great thing about booking with United Vacations to Mexico and the Caribbean are all the perks — in addition to the bundled package savings. Included in your package price are roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, fuel surcharges and up to 1,000 bonus miles per reservation for booking online (in addition to the regular miles you’ll earn from your flight). And because everyone wants peace of mind, there’s someone available to help when needed, United Vacations offers all travelers 24-hour customer support and in-destination support in Cancun specifically via Lomas Travel.
For complete offer details visit .
Consumers: Purchase online at , by calling 888-328-6877 or by contacting a travel agent.
Travel Agents: Book UV through VAX VacationAccess(R) at or the VAX VacationAccess technology via Amadeus AgentNet, Sabre Vacations, and Vacation.com AgentNet.
About United Vacations:
United Vacations serves travelers in a variety of ways, giving them more reasons than ever to plan, purchase and save on a quality vacation experience. With United Vacations travelers can look forward to choosing from a wide selection of destinations, flights and hotels around the world. The goal: offering the best in-destination activities, transportation and travel protection options, as well as delivering the highest level of customer service 24-hours a day. Travelers will be sure to enjoy a personalized experience suited to making their vacation dreams a reality.
United Vacations’ America, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico and Ski programs are operated by The Mark Travel Corporation in Milwaukee, one of the largest vacation companies and operators of private-label brands in the United States.

United Vacations

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