We Advise your Vacation

DALLAS, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Bringing people to and around Florida is what Southwest Airlines is all about. VISIT FLORIDA’s mission is to market travel and drive visitation to and within Florida. That is why Southwest Airlines and VISIT FLORIDA are excited to announce a large scale, integrated promotional partnership designed to raise awareness of Florida’s many attractions in key markets such as Philadelphia, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, the Boston area, and Dallas.
The joint marketing initiative includes television advertising, online advertising, promotions, and public relations elements and is designed to increase visitation to the Sunshine State this fall. As Florida’s largest carrier, Southwest is uniquely positioned to help increase visits and promote the many attractions of Florida.
“Florida is a great year-round destination, and we are thrilled to partner with VISIT FLORIDA to help get the word out about all that Florida has to offer,” said Derek Kuester, Manager of National Promotions and Partnerships. “Florida has been very good to Southwest, and we have been good for Florida — this is a win-win for both of us.”
VISIT FLORIDA is the state’s official source for travel planning. Travelers can find the information necessary to plan the perfect Florida vacation at the award winning web site.
“VISIT FLORIDA is committed to establishing Florida as the #1 travel destination in the world,” said Tammy Gustafson, Planning and National Accounts Executive of Universal Orlando and VISIT FLORIDA’s Marketing Vice Chair. “This partnership with Southwest Airlines will inspire millions of travelers to consider a Florida vacation this fall and winter.”
After almost 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers-offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest Airlines , the nation’s largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers carried, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states with more than 3,400 flights a day. Southwest began serving the Sunshine State in 1996 and is the state’s largest carrier, with service from six Florida cities.

Southwest Airlines

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ — MrVacation.com is proud to announce that it is now part of the online vacation rental and real estate market. Effective July 2008, MrVacation.com supports homeowners of vacation rentals & real estate around the world by providing both free and paid sources of advertising for vacation homes, condos, villas, townhouses, cottages, and cabins.
With its Internet presence, MrVacation.com is accessible to the millions of yearly travelers around the world who seek privately owned vacation rentals for both comfort and a more cost-effective vacation away from home.
In the face of a US recession and crashing housing market, more and more homeowners are converting their weekend & vacation homes into vacation rentals for an additional source of income. At the same time, gasoline prices and airfare are at all-time highs, which means fewer travelers are hitting the roads this year. As a result, there is an increasing number of vacation rentals competing for fewer travelers, creating a more competitive market for vacation homeowners. This is why MrVacation.com couldn’t have come along at a better time.
MrVacation.com helps vacation homeowners generate additional rental income by providing them a targeted audience of worldwide travelers seeking vacation accommodations in their area.
What makes MrVacation.com stand out from its competitors is that homeowners can also list their vacation homes for sale. This unique feature makes MrVacation.com one of the only websites in the world to offer a highly targeted database of investment real estate for the travel industry.
MrVacation.com is privately owned by individuals who personally own vacation rental homes and have vacation rental experience and expertise.
While their “free” advertising offer currently extends to only the first 5 vacation homes listed in each city, their goal is to always maintain highly competitive advertising prices and generate consistently profitable returns for their subscriber-base of vacation homeowners and property managers.
For more information, please visit:

Press contact:
Bill Saedlo
(305) 393-8458

This release was issued through eReleases(TM). For more information, visit .
MrVacation.com

MILLERSVILLE, Md., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Travel Advantage Network (TAN), a nationwide leader in wholesale vacation accommodations, has joined in the fight against hunger in Myanmar through its support of Share Our Strength. TAN recently raised close to $1,000 for Share Our Strength, through fundraising activities including a garage sale, employee theme days and games, bracelet sales, raffles and other activities that influenced employee participation towards this worthy cause. In the spirit of the fight against hunger, employees also sold orange ribbons to coincide with this year’s National Hunger Awareness Day. Donations will support Share Our Strength’s efforts to provide food to the citizens of Myanmar.
“Each month a different TAN employee initiates events that support a worthy cause,” said TAN President Brad Callahan. “Their community commitment and dedication to reaching out to those in need is what makes our employees unique. We have a very special family here that we are proud to call TAN.”
“TAN employees recently helped Share Our Strength provide critical food relief in Myanmar. Their efforts also helped increase awareness of hunger overseas and here at home,” said Margie Fleming Glennon, Share Our Strength’s Communications Director. “We applaud the ongoing efforts of TAN’s employees to help those in need, and we are grateful to have been selected as a receiving charity.”
TAN’s support of Share Our Strength was lead by Shelly Chamberlin, who organized the group activities which resulted in the funds raised. TAN employees rotate each month by choosing an organization they wish to support; then fellow employees enthusiastically rally behind that organization.
In addition to their support of Share Our Strength, since January 2008, TAN employees have raised and donated thousands of dollars to help in the fight against muscular dystrophy, congenital heart defects, autism, arthritis and juvenile alopecia.
For information, contact Lorena Andon, TAN Marketing Manager, at 410.729.1133 ext. 145 or email .
Photos available upon request
ABOUT TRAVEL ADVANTAGE NETWORK (TAN) Since 1992, TAN, a wholesale priced vacation accommodations program, has helped families and individuals create lifelong vacation memories. TAN is the proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau of Maryland’s prestigious Torch Award for exemplifying high business standards and professional integrity and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce’s Philanthropy in Business Award for outstanding and innovative commitment to local and national charities. TAN is a recipient of Baltimore CEO Magazine’s 2008 Future 50 Award, recognizing the fastest growing companies in the greater Baltimore area. TAN was the only travel company to make this year’s Future 50 list. To learn more visit .
ABOUT SHARE OUR STRENGTH(R) Share Our Strength is a national organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry. We weave together a net of community groups, activists and food programs to catch children at risk of hunger, and surround them with nutritious food where they live, learn and play. We work with the culinary industry to create engaging, pioneering programs like Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation(R), Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale(R), Share Our Strength’s A Tasteful Pursuit(R) and Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out(TM). For more information, please visit .
Media contact:
Sarah Cody
(202) 997-6798

Travel Advantage Network

BETHESDA, Md., July 30 /PRNewswire/ — Marriott International, Inc. announced today the expansion of its diverse hotel ownership portfolio with the opening of the African-American-owned, 162-suite Residence Inn National Harbor Washington, D.C., on Aug. 18 in Maryland’s Prince George’s County — cited as “America’s Wealthiest Black County” by Ebony magazine. The Residence Inn National Harbor will become the eighth Marriott hotel owned by Los Angeles-based Integrated Capital, LLC and the sixth diverse-owned Marriott hotel in Prince George’s County.
“We are proud of our growing portfolio of diverse-owned hotels, which currently stands at more than 400,” said Norman Jenkins, senior vice president, Lodging Development, Marriott International, Inc. “Integrated Capital is a great example of an owner that has benefited from our Diverse Ownership Initiative.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Marriott once again,” said Kenneth Fearn, founder of Integrated Capital, LLC. “Marriott has the best hotel ownership program in the hospitality industry and more importantly, our values of diversity and inclusiveness are aligned. It’s truly a great partnership.”
The hotel’s senior leadership includes a diverse staff with 12-year Marriott veteran Kori Johnson leading the way as general manager. It is located in one of the largest development projects in the Washington-DC metro area which offers a host of restaurants, retail and businesses along the shores of the Potomac River. The Residence Inn National Harbor is located just over the Woodrow Wilson Bridge — a boat ride away from Alexandria, Va., and Washington, D.C. — and offers easy access to Andrews Air Force Base, Nationals Stadium and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Integrated Capital’s portfolio also includes the following Marriott-branded hotels:
– California - Ventura Beach Marriott;
– Colorado - Fort Collins Residence Inn by Marriott, Fort Collins Courtyard by Marriott and Fort Collins Marriott;
– Kansas - Overland Park Marriott;
– Maryland - Silver Spring Residence Inn by Marriott and the Columbia Residence Inn by Marriott.
The five additional diverse-owned hotels in Prince George’s County include: two Courtyard by Marriott hotels, a Residence Inn by Marriott and a Springhill Suites by Marriott under development in Bowie and Hyattsville, Md.; and a TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Bowie Town Center that is currently open.
Marriott’s Diversity Ownership Initiative was designed to help educate and guide successful business owners through the hotel ownership process. In 2005, Marriott set a goal to have 500 hotels owned, operated or in the pipeline by minorities and women by 2010. To date, Marriott’s portfolio includes more than 400 such hotels and is well on track to exceed the 2010 goal. For more information on Marriott’s diversity initiatives, visit .
For more information or reservations, call the Residence Inn National Harbor Washington, D.C. hotel directly at 301-749-4755, the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131, a travel agent or visit the website at .
Visit for Marriott International, Inc.’s company information.
Marriott International, Inc.

NEW YORK, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — Today the Dorchester Collection adds two American five-star hotels to its portfolio — The New York Palace in New York City and the hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. The London-based luxury hotel collection, which owns and manages The Dorchester in London, The Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles, Le Meurice and hotel Plaza Athenee in Paris, and hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, will take over the management contracts of both hotels with immediate effect.
(Photo: )
(Photo: )

The Dorchester Collection also announced major investment plans for both properties. The intention is to transform The New York Palace into one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. The refurbishment will take place over the next three years and will include a total redesign of the public areas and guest rooms. Meanwhile, at the hotel Bel-Air, a new $6 million spa will open in 2009.
Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection, said, “We are delighted to welcome these iconic hotels to the Dorchester Collection. All our hotels have their own style of individuality and these are no exception. We have ambitious plans for growth and are targeting 15 hotels in key North American and European cities in the next 5-10 years. To have secured such landmark hotels in the gateway cities of New York and Los Angeles is of tremendous benefit to our portfolio.”
The New York Palace is one of the city’s most iconic addresses and is located in midtown Manhattan on Madison Avenue. With 899 rooms it consists of the landmark Villard Mansions, built in 1882, which houses the hotel’s Michelin-starred Gilt restaurant and a contemporary 55-story tower.
Christopher Cowdray noted: “The New York Palace has great potential and we fully intend to preserve and enhance the heritage, reputation and unique character of the hotel while ensuring that it provides the highest possible standards of service and excellence that Dorchester Collection is known for.”
The hotel Bel-Air has 91 guest rooms and suites set in 12 acres of landscaped gardens, privately nestled in Stone Canyon. Constructed in 1946 by Texan entrepreneur Joseph Drown, the Bel-Air has developed into one of the most iconic and respected properties in the world and is perhaps most famous for ‘Swan Lake’ with its own resident swans. In 2006 the hotel underwent a $22 million renovation and each of its 91 rooms has its own unique design, some of which are tailor-made for frequent guests. Renovations also included a newly designed restaurant, the addition of the Wine Terrace and state-of-the-art equipment in the fitness center.
About the Dorchester Collection
With five of the world’s foremost five-star addresses, the Dorchester Collection celebrates luxury with hotels of original character and the most modern amenities. Established as the Dorchester Group by the Brunei Investment Agency in 1996, the Dorchester Collection was rebranded in 2006 to develop an impeccable portfolio of traditional and contemporary properties in Europe and the United States. The current portfolio of owned and managed properties includes The Dorchester, a 244-room hotel long favored by the cream of society in the heart of Mayfair in London; The Beverly Hill Hotel, a glamorous and celebrity-friendly 204-room property on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles; the elegant Le Meurice Hotel, a centuries-old, 120-room property located between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre on rue de Rivoli in Paris; hotel Plaza Athenee, a 188-room embodiment of Parisian luxury set between Avenue des Champs Elysees and the Eiffel Tower; and hotel Principe di Savoia, a cosmopolitan, 401-room property on the Piazza della Repubblica in Milan. With unrivaled experience and capability, cross-property values of the highest order, and strong company branding that expresses universally high regard for its portfolio, Dorchester Collection assures a consistently exceptional guest experience at all of its hotels. U.S. reservations: 800.650.1842;

Dorchester Collection

MINNEAPOLIS, July 30 /PRNewswire/ — The LUSSO Collection, an exclusive boutique luxury travel destination club providing members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations, announced the introduction of LUSSO 21 — a new membership offering that enables individuals to experience LUSSO properties for 21 days each year.
LUSSO 21 provides members with 21 days in The LUSSO Collection properties each year for a deposit of $325,000 and annual dues of $21,000. Only 50 LUSSO 21 memberships are available.
The LUSSO Collection’s multi-million dollar properties are located in such sought-after vacation destinations as Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Aspen, Colo.; Miami, Fla.; Hawaii and the Bahamas. LUSSO 21 members also receive many amenities including on-site concierge; pre-arrival grocery shopping; personal chauffer for traveling to and from the airport; and a 100 percent refundable membership deposit upon resignation. The LUSSO Collection prides itself on its boutique structure that provides members the best availability and amenities in the industry.
“We are excited about offering LUSSO 21, which we developed based on feedback that we have received from people who want to experience The LUSSO Collection but who may not travel extensively,” said Steve Greer, founder and CEO of The LUSSO Collection. “Our club continues to evolve based on how to best serve our ever-growing membership base and to meet our ever-present goal of providing truly luxurious getaways for individuals who love to travel.”
The LUSSO Collection also offers the LUSSO Unlimited membership option, which provides members with unlimited usage of its private luxury vacation homes each year as well as all of the amenities provided to club members.
All of The LUSSO Collection members can take advantage of its membership benefits program, The LUSSO Life(TM), which provides lifestyle benefits including on-call personal “wherever, whenever” concierge services; MedjetAssist in the event of a medical emergency; and an exclusive partnership with The World Golf Group for unprecedented access to private golf courses nationwide.
The LUSSO Collection, which was founded in 2006, currently has 150 members and recently added its 30th home in one of 16 destinations. The company has an aggressive growth plan that includes having a portfolio of 39 homes in 21 destinations, including Europe, by year-end.
About The LUSSO Collection
The LUSSO Collection is an exclusive boutique travel destination club that provides members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations. Founded by Steve Greer in 2006, The LUSSO Collection offers its growing membership access to residences that average $4 million in value and an on-site concierge offers hassle-free planning for a truly luxurious vacation. For additional information, please call 1-866-GO-LUSSO or visit .
The LUSSO Collection

NEW YORK, July 29 /PRNewswire/ — From jetting overseas for a culinary experience to a desire to learn life-enriching skills while on vacation, travelers are intent on continuing to pursue travel experiences that allow them to indulge in their personal interests despite the softening economy, according to a recent survey of 501 U.S. adults by American Express Travel. Indeed, 87% of respondents indicated that the number of vacations involving one or more personal “passions” would either remain the same or increase over the next two years; of those, 28% indicated that they expect the number to increase.
These findings may come as somewhat of a surprise in light of the fact that 90% of respondents indicated that they feel the US economy is currently in or edging toward a recession. But at least 60% of respondents say that it’s because travel is so important to their mental health and lifestyle that they have not let economic concerns impact their plans. Although these travelers are not immune to the softening economy, they are still moving ahead with their vacation plans but acting more resourceful in their planning. Taking savvy approaches to travel, 66% of respondents are tapping into rewards points or miles earned to offset costs, 58% are visiting more affordable destinations, and 24% are taking shorter vacations.
“Given the uncertain economy, we wanted to see how people’s passions drive behavior when it comes to travel,” says Audrey Hendley, vice president of marketing, American Express Travel. “The survey results overwhelmingly show that people whose vacations are tied to personal interests intend to continue to travel by taking advantage of money-saving resources, such as rewards programs.”
The Purpose-Driven Vacation
From cooking and fitness to theatre and the arts to fashion and spectator sports, the survey found that personal interests are key drivers in vacation decisions. A few interesting facts:
– 87% of travelers indicate that personal interests drive the majority of their vacation plans
– 60%* of travelers say the stronger they feel about a passion, the further they’ve traveled for it
– 57%* of respondents are willing to travel any distance to explore their personal interests
– 36% of those surveyed said they wouldn’t consider a vacation destination that doesn’t help them fulfill at least one personal passion
– 71%* of respondents have discovered a “new passion” while on vacation
– 34% of vacationers have discovered a passion on vacation and incorporated it into their home life
*% - agree strongly/somewhat on a 4-point scale.
Vacations that incorporate personal passions also tend to be longer by almost double the number of days compared to those trips that do not include personal interests (16 days versus 9); more frequent (6 trips versus 3); and more expensive ($3,900 versus $2,400).
America’s Favorite Passions
While the survey showed that Americans have a broad array of passions and interests, here are just a few popular ones:
Culinary Interests: A growing number of travelers are inspired by the desire to expand their culinary horizons. In fact, 42% of respondents said that culinary factors, including the ability to try new cuisine and indulge in truly exotic/native dishes, were extremely/very important to their travel choices. This was particularly true among the younger respondents (18-34 year-olds), of which more than half (55%) said the ability to enjoy distinctive culinary experiences while on vacation was either extremely or very important.
Sporting Events: 28% of respondents have traveled to attend a sporting event in the past.
Adventure: 25% of respondents have taken a vacation in pursuit of adventure and thrill from hiking to whitewater rafting.
Music: 21% of respondents have taken a vacation that included attending concerts and/or music festivals.
Educational travel: More than 15% of respondents reported traveling to delve deeper into the history and/or culture of a particular destination.
At American Express Travel
Many travel counselors at American Express Travel report seeing an increasing number of travelers book vacations with specific interests in mind. For example, one travel counselor arranges travel for a horse racing aficionado client that travels faithfully throughout the year following the circuit, from the Kentucky Derby to Preakness and Belmont. Another travel counselor reports working with a group of travelers that visits London every year to enjoy the latest theater productions. Other travel counselors routinely get requests from clients interested in visiting the best destinations around the world for surfing or skiing. And many travel counselors attribute the growing draw to Africa to the increasing number of photography and nature aficionados in pursuit of their passions.
“The great benefit of American Express Travel is that we have hundreds of travel counselors that have expertise in categories of travel- adventure, safari, ski — as well as expertise in an endless list of destinations listed on americanexpress.com/travel,” says Hendley. “In addition, American Express Travel offers vacation experiences customized not only for any traveler or personal interest, but also for every budget.”
About the American Express Travel Survey
Data for this travel survey was collected via an online poll conducted by Harrison Group on behalf of American Express Travel of 501 consumers across the U.S. The poll was fielded in early June 2008. All statistics reflect the percentages of consumers polled.
About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today is one of the largest travel agency networks. The company has Travel and Foreign Exchange Services locations worldwide.
American Express Company () is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
About Harrison Group
Harrison Group () is one of the country’s leading marketing and strategic consulting firms. Based in Waterbury, Connecticut, Harrison Group specializes in concept testing, forecasting, segmentation, branding and market modeling for some of America’s leading companies, including financial service firms, software, and technology companies, retailers, consumer package goods companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers and interactive entertainment companies.
American Express Travel

LOS ANGELES, July 28 /PRNewswire/ — LuxuryLink.com, the world’s premier online luxury travel resource, announces a partnership with Canon and Secrets Resorts & Spas to offer an exclusive travel package giveaway designed to deliver picture perfect vacation moments, and the ultimate camera to capture them all.
This unique sweepstakes showcased on LuxuryLink.com, combines a 5-night stay at your choice of Secrets Resorts & Spas destinations in the Riviera, Mexico, along with a Canon EOS Rebel Xsi camera. Surrounded by warm water and pure white sand beaches, Secrets Resorts & Spas provide couples with Unlimited-Luxury(R), a new and better way to have it all. The winners of this unforgettable escape will travel to the Mexican Coast in style with their brand new EOS Rebel Xsi from Canon. This new innovation from Canon provides point-and-shoot ease of use, letting photographers save memorable moments with a click.
“By partnering with Canon and Secrets Resorts & Spas, we really found a winning formula to provide our loyal users with a totally unique luxury experience,” said Luxury Link VP of Advertising Greg Maltzman. LuxuryLink.com has brought together these two leading brands to create unforgettable memories for one lucky couple. The contest runs from July 22, 2008 and ends August 15, 2008, so enter today for your chance to win.
There is no purchase necessary to enter the contest. Click here to enter:
About Canon U.S.A., Inc. - Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. , a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2007, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.”
About Secrets Resorts & Spas - Secrets Resorts & Spas offer adults an extra measure of romance and sensuality in exquisite luxury settings. With Unlimited-Luxury(R) everything is included: Elegantly appointed rooms and suites with 24-hour concierge and room services. Multiple gourmet restaurants and lounges serving premium beverages. Endless day and evening activities, all in spectacular settings.
About LuxuryLink.com - LuxuryLink.com is your gateway to over 1000 luxury hotels, resorts, and vacation packages from around the world. LuxuryLink.com is proud to join with Secrets Resorts & Spas and Canon to offer an exciting contest for a romantic vacation along the Mexican Coast and the ultimate Canon camera to capture it all. Since founding in 1997, visitors have enjoyed free access to exclusive vacation auctions at special Web-only prices. Customers can choose to bid on a live auction, or eliminate every risk with a “Buy Now” offer.
LuxuryLink.com

SAN FRANCISCO, July 23 /PRNewswire/ — The legendary Santa Cruz Dream Inn has been transformed into a four-star luxury hotel after an extensive renovation and has re-launched as a Joie de Vivre hotel. Most of the hotel’s 165 oceanfront rooms are available this summer. The meeting spaces are on schedule to reopen in spring 2009, along with Aquarius, a new restaurant offering an organic and sustainable menu.
Now that the dream is a reality, the hotel is offering a special summer rate of $239 per night Sundays through Thursdays during July and August based on availability. Considered Santa Cruz’s only luxury beachfront hotel, the historic Dream Inn captures the spirit of the central California coast like no other. With Cowell’s Beach as its back yard playground, the hotel is conveniently located adjacent to the Santa Cruz wharf and the legendary boardwalk offering myriad attractions, dining, activities and entertainment.
The vision of the Dream Inn was to incorporate the essence of Santa Cruz into the hotel’s iconic building. Joie de Vivre utilized a process focused on five words that reflect the personality of the hotel, the local community and guests. The result is an ideal mix of eclectic touches and a natural, laid back atmosphere. Representing the design concepts of Young-at-Heart, Worldly, Eclectic, Organic, Dreamy, the re-designed pool/lounge area overlooks the ocean and offers an extensive pool bar service/menu. Each of the retro-chic rooms feature balconies with dramatic Monterey Bay views, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, iPod docking stations, flat screen HD TVs, and luxurious Lather bath products.
During a public contest earlier this year, the community was invited to rename the Coast Santa Cruz Hotel. After more than 800 suggestions were received, all strongly recommending the hotel be officially honored with its original name, the decision was made to seek out patented rights to use its original name. “The Santa Cruz Dream Inn is an iconic property that deserves an iconic name and we are pleased that this name relates to our vision for the redesign of the hotel, and fulfills the community’s dream as well,” said Chip Conley, Founder and CEO of Joie de Vivre.
Working with the city on a recycling and composting program, the hotel is also installing compact fluorescent lighting throughout and has switched to completely biodegradable food containers. Once the entire renovation is complete, the Santa Cruz Dream Inn will be in process to receive Green Certification from the city. One of only five beachfront hotels on the California Coast, the Santa Cruz Dream Inn is located at 175 West Cliff Drive. Visit or call 831-426-4330.
About Joie de Vivre Hotels
Based in San Francisco, Joie de Vivre Hotels () is a creative collection of lifestyle businesses. As California’s largest independent boutique hotelier, Joie de Vivre encompasses other hospitality businesses such as restaurants and spas. Celebrating more than 20 years of creating dreams, Joie de Vivre Hotels is expanding its California presence in Oakland, Sacramento, San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Huntington Beach and beyond.
Joie de Vivre Hotels

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., July 18 /PRNewswire/ — Travelers to Rancho Cucamonga, California, are in for a special treat as the very first aloft hotel in the United States officially opened its doors in this Southern California city. The opening of the aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga was commemorated by a ribbon-cutting ceremony during a grand opening celebration at the property attended by company representatives and local officials. Participants included Mayor Donald J. Kurth; Ted Knighton, president, hotel Operations, Interstate Hotels & Resorts; Paul Novak, managing director, The John Buck Company; and senior brand executives from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. .
“aloft is a new concept in ‘lifestyle’ hotels, targeted to meet the specific needs and desires of today’s savvy, design-conscious consumers who understand that great style can be both accessible and affordable,” said Ted Knighton. “Starwood has gone to great lengths to create a new product that provides high design at an affordable price point, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. We are confident that aloft is a perfect complement to the Rancho Cucamonga hotel marketplace and believe it quickly will become a leader in its segment.”
The 136-room aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga will be located at the northwest corner of 4th Avenue and Haven. aloft is the hotel component of a $60 million master-planned, mixed-use development called HavenPark, which is owned by L.A.-based Hileman Co.
A vision of W Hotels, the aloft brand is shaking up the lodging industry with urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft offers a total sensory experience, with guest lofts featuring loft-like nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows that create a bright, airy environment. The centerpiece of the loft room is an ultra- comfortable signature bed, and large, stylish bathrooms complement the guest experience with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by Bliss(R) Spa. Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center, featuring wireless Internet access and plug & play, a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops - all linked to a large flat panel HDTV-ready television for optimal sound and viewing.
aloft stays true to the W brand’s heritage, offering sassy, savvy public spaces. Guests can read the paper, work on their laptops via hotel-wide wireless Internet access, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix communal lobby area and bar w xyz. The re:charge fitness center and splash, the outdoor pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; while re:fuel(SM) by aloft, a one-stop food and beverage area, offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24 hours a day.
Guests can book directly through which features the best rate guarantee and by calling 1-877-go aloft. Guests can also book via local travel agents. Rates for aloft hotels are market-driven, averaging $150/night. All aloft guests have the option to join and earn Starpoints in Starwood’s award-winning, industry leading Starwood Preferred Guest(R) program.
Media Contacts:
Yani Duran
aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga
Director of Sales
909 484 1608

Mary Jane Orman
aloft hotels
914 640 5287

aloft Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga