Planning A Wedding Abroad With Karisma Hotels & Resorts

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Weddings, moving house and divorces are meant to be the most stressful things to go through in life and as more brides and grooms are opting to tie the knot abroad, the stress levels are likely to increase.

However, help is available for couples planning weddings abroad via Faith Wishnie, the director of wedding services for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.

According to Wishnie, the rising number of destination weddings is down to the changes in todays modern society.

“Awareness of destination (wedding) options has really jumped. This is because of family and friends being spread across the world, people are travelling more now, and the Internet has played a big part because it’s easy to do the research,” she explained.

Beach weddings are a popular option for loved-up couples who are seeking romance and a picturesque setting. Destinations such as the Caribbean are among the favourites due to the large number of all inclusive resorts, tailor-made wedding packages and considerably lower costs compared to weddings in the United Kingdom.

Many of the resorts offer free wedding planners who can take care of all of the details, from the marriage licence and legal documents, to the flowers, photographer, music and catering.

“The trend is (for brides) who want to have the planning simplified and have everything taken care of,” added Wishnie.

Karisma Hotels and Resorts has 12 wedding planners who can help brides and grooms plan their dream Cancun weddings via email and over the phone, plus 15 onsite wedding coordinators who are available at the hotel groups seven properties across Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

The resorts also offer a separate groom’s room, so the bride and groom can both get ready in privacy before the ceremony.
Wishnie offers a couple of tips for couples so they can enjoy stress-free weddings abroad:

Don’t check-in anything that you’ll absolutely need or want for the big day. Carry your dress with you and/or buy anything there that you definitely want for the wedding, she said.

Don’t bring party favours with you. We can work with you to get favours or flowers and decorations cheaper (onsite).”

What amenities are standard in Orlando hotels

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The Orlando area has more than 400 local Orlando hotels. Each one offers a range of amenities to secure a comfortable and convenient stay for each guest.

So what are some of the standard amenities you might be interested in when staying at a hotel in Orlando?

Complimentary shuttles. Since so many Orlando hotels are located just minutes away from theme parks, you will find that many of them offer free shuttle transportation. Some Orlando hotels also provide transportation to Orlando International Airport. Be sure to ask about this if you dont have a car with you.

Pools. Most of the hotels have pools. Some even have waterslides. Others have acouple of pools and slides. And youll even find Jacuzzis. What better way to enjoy the Orlando sun than to splash around the hotel pool?

Concierge services. Many local provide customers concierge services. If you need assistance booking dinner reservations, finding the best spa or getting advice on which Orlando theme parks to visit, the concierge can help you out.

Coffeemakers and ironing boards. Most Orlando hotels offer these amenities, this way you can be sure to start your mornings off free of any stress. In addition to coffee makers, many of the hotels in Orlando FL even provide complimentary coffee to guests.

Cleaning services. This is probably a given. Youll find daily maid service and staff members who will assist you with any housekeeping concerns you may have.

Gift shops. At the themed hotels and resorts, youll find themed gift shops. But at most of the area hotels, youll find some kind of Orlando souvenirs.

Dryers and washers. Not all of the local hotels will have washer & dryer units, but some do. And some are even free. This is certainly worth looking intoespecially if you are planning on staying in Orlando for a few days. Also, some hotels offer dry cleaning services.

Lounge and restaurant. Most Orlando hotels have a lounge and restaurant. Some even provide happy hours, complimentary cocktail receptions or complimentary breakfasts.

Fitness centers. Whether its a small gym or a larger fitness center, most hotels in Orlando FL accommodate guests who desire to stay in shape. The facilities are usually free to guests but it never hurts to double check with the hotel before booking your room.

Wake-up phone calls. These are usually offered free of charge.

Each hotel provides unique amenities, but these are the main ones that you will see at each hotel. If you are seeking something specific, do not forget to inquire about it before getting your reservation.

Ladera Hotel In St Lucia Named Top Caribbean Resort By Travel + Leisure Magazine

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One of St Lucias most coveted boutique properties has just earned a top ranking position on Travel + Leisure magazines annual Worlds Best Awards 2012 Readers, a prestigious recognition the resort earned thanks to the outstanding quality of the holiday experiences they offer to guests. Having appeared in the magazine’s prestigious list of Top 10 Caribbean Resorts for the second year running, this time around the Ladera Resort managed to steal the number one spot.

To the surprise of no one and giving credit to the thousands of travellers who choose this spectacular luxury hotel as their number one destination for pampering St Lucia holidays, once again, the Ladera has been named one of Travel + Leisures favourite Caribbean resorts, thus marking 2012 as the seventh year in a row that the exclusive property has been singled out for praise by the discriminating and well-travelled readers of said travel magazine, one of the most popular in the industry.

The beautiful Ladera Resort, small, cosy and chic, yet legendary because of its dramatic location atop a panoramic hill. It has long been praised for its pioneering openair architecture, luxury services, superior quality of hospitality and ecofriendly practices at 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea.

The property is currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary Year in 2012 and to mark the special ocassion the resort’s pampering guests with unique specials. During Laderas 20th Anniversary Year, the resort is unveiling four additional connecting luxury onebedroom Hilltop Dream suites on Paradise Ridge, opening in October 2012.

“Each new Hilltop Dream Suite will feature the famously breath-taking vistas from the open living room and will include private infinity pools, says Olivier Bottois, Laderas Vice President of Marketing & Operations.

The openair bedrooms are designed and appointed with furnishings and fixtures consistent with Laderas sustainable practices.

The resort’s awardwinning Dasheene restaurant is recognised as one of the top tables in the Caribbean, serving innovative West Indian cooking for even the most discerning of foodies. Ladera also features the intimate Ti Kaye Pose Spa and a spectacular 1,200 square foot Paradise Pavilion, where new outdoor Couples Massages are offered overlooking the Caribbean Sea and Pitons.

Ladera is honoured to continue its legacy as a T+L reader favourite, said Olivier Bottois, Laderas Vice President of Marketing & Operations.

We strive to provide our guests with the most authentic St. Lucian experience, whether they come here for a wedding, a honeymoon, a sunset dinner, or simply the vacation of a lifetime. Were thrilled that Travel + Leisure readers have recognised Ladera among the very best.

If all this wasn’t enough to entice more travellers to plan deluxe holidays in St Lucia at the resort, the Ladera is also launching a new Peak to Beach Package Collection elevating the holiday experience for guests with the Best to Even Better Two Hotels, Three Luxury Package Experiences under a Single Easy Net Rate Cap Maison & Ladera Resort, St Lucia.

After the resounding success of the original Peak to Beach joint holiday package, the islands 2 iconic luxury hotels, Ladera and Cap Maison, have partnered again to create the innovative, threetiered Peak to Beach Package Collection. The trio of unique sixnight packages provides guests with amazing holidays to St Lucia staying at two legendary St Lucia hotels located on opposite ends of this tropical island paradise and, depending on preference, an array of adventures and luxurious extras, all organised under a single, easy price.

International Hotel Chain Plans To Open New Jamaica Hotels In 2012

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During the Caribbean Marketplace event hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) in the Bahamas, leading international hotel chain Choice Hotels International announced plans to expand its business in key Caribbean holiday destinations including Aruba, Barbados, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States Virgin Islands.

While these markets form part of Choice Hotels long term strategy, spokespeople for the group have stated that opening new Jamaica hotels in 2012 are part of the company’s more immediate plans. Bill Clegg Regional Vice President for Brand Performance and Programs of Choice Hotels International, pegged Jamaica as one of their top five target markets in 2012 in a nod to the growing popularity of Jamaica holidays. We are very keen on re-establishing our presence in Jamaica and driving more business to an already robust tourism destination within the region noted Mr Clegg.

While the Choice Hotels Group is keen to launch its economy and midscale brands to offer affordable Caribbean hotels it is now most excited at the prospect of launching its luxury brand: the Ascend Collection. Choice Hotels provides the opportunity for historic, boutique or otherwise distinctive independent Jamaica hotels to be part of the of the luxury Ascend Collection brand through its membership programme. Jose Salvador Icaza, the Caribbean Franchise Development Director for Choice Hotels International stated the following of the membership programme, Hotel members benefit from our powerful marketing and reservations systems, education and training, and are given the tools to strengthen their commitment to service excellence We’re excited about Ascend and hope to bring Jamaica online in the near future.

Choice Hotels eagerness to launch in Jamaica is part of a growing trend of hotel groups seeking to gain a foothold in the Caribbean island as it continues to prove itself as one of the leading Caribbean holiday destinations. Many people anticipate that the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games will thrust the island further into the spotlight with high hopes of another dominating performance from track and field star Usain Bolt as well as other top performing Jamaican athletes.

Tourism officials in Jamaica have acknowledged the 2012 Games as a key marketing opportunity that can lead to a substantial increase in the number of people booking holidays in Jamaica. Minister of Tourism and Entertainment Dr. Wykeham McNeill noted that the islands sports personalities would be key in building the islands tourism brand and marketing Jamaica holidays to travellers from key international source markets.

In 2009 you experienced the fever Bolt crated at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Berlin. Well its only gotten bigger because Bolt was adding to Jamaicas past Olympians and world record holders. Today the list goes on and on with Asafa Powell, Yohan Blake and Veronica Campbell-Brown, Dr Wykeham said.

Ways To Get A Free Hotel Upgrades In Texas

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Ways to Get a Free Hotel Upgrades in Texas.

There is no secret formula for getting a guaranteed hotel upgrade. Why settle for a single when you can have the penthouse suite! Here is a list of tips for getting your hotel free room upgrade which are sure fire ways of landing the best possible room at no extra charge.

Tip #1: Ask Three Times. Make your reservation by phone and ask the operator for a free upgrade. A few days before arrival call to confirm the room, this makes the operator look at your reservation and has the ability to make a change. Now on arrival ask yet again.

Tip #2. Look the part. On arrival make sure you do not look like you’ve just come out of the dump, looking sharp gives the reception clerk reason to give you a free upgrade.

Tip #3. Be Nice. Each interaction you have with an employee at the hotel should be pleasant, go out of your way to be nice to them, if you don’t get a free hotel room upgrade you’ll sure to get good service.

Tip #4. Invite reason for a special occasion. When you call and go to reception be sure to talk about your special occasion, anniversary wedding or otherwise. Don’t say it’s your birthday unless your birthday is really close or just past because they have your details on file.

Tip #5. Play the sympathy card. Explain that your anniversary you wanted to be special and get a good room but couldn’t afford to get it, by doing this the person at reception feels sorry for you and might just upgrade your hotel room for free.

Tip #6. Don’t go when it’s busy. On busy nights chances are the rooms are full and you can’t get an upgrade because there is no room to upgrade you in.

Tip #7. Only stay one night. By only staying one night the hotel doesn’t have to worry about you tying up the room for so long, the hotel wants one night guests for upgrade because when and if the traveller wants to extend chances are they won’t change rooms and they’ll want the expensive room.

Tip #8 Be Loyal. On your first night join the hotels loyalty program, by being a frequent guest you get discounts and free upgrades for your loyalty.

Tip #9 Suck up to the hotel manager. The person with the most power to get you a free room is the hotel manager, find the hotel manager and make sure you tell him how fantastic your stay is and how much you love this hotel and that he is doing a fantastic job keeping the hotel up like this. You never know he might just put a note on your file and next time you get a free hotel upgrade.

Tip #10 Write them a letter. After your stay at the hotel come home and write the hotel a letter, thanking them for their service and the room. It’s not un-common that people receive and email back with coupons discounts and hotel room upgrades.

Tip #11 Be persistent. If you keep trying out tips 1-9 you will get a free hotel upgrade. Texans are really nice people and if you show your gratitude they are sure to pay you back.

So how do you get something for free when other people are paying good money for? By following these tips your sure to get a good upgrade. If you’re looking for a hotel room in Texas where it’s possible to get a free hotel room upgrade check the Hotels in Texas site for more information on hotels that give free upgrades.