Hotels Testing New Direct Connect Model

A new Google Maps feature that aggregates real-time hotel rates and availability has passed a seven-week beta test and has gone live, and at least one Central Reservation System provider is on a global road show informing hotel clients of their appearance on the new distribution channel.

Distribution experts still are hypothesizing about what kind of effect the search-engine giant will have on where travelers book hotel rooms, but some say the program should be embraced by hoteliers who don’t want to lose bookings to online travel agencies. Brands have taken notice and are discussing whether to alter their distribution strategies.

$3.4 Billion Baha Mar Hotel Complex Breaks Ground In The Bahamas

Baha Mar Resort

Baha Mar, “the largest single-phase resort development in the history of the Caribbean,” celebrated the commencement of construction with its official groundbreaking ceremony today. The 1,000-acre, $3.4 billion resort, gaming and entertainment complex, slated to open in late 2014, will include some of the world’s most famous hotel brands.

Baha Mar will include Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Morgans Hotel Group, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and a world-class casino hotel, creating a total of 2,250 new rooms. It will include the largest convention center in The Bahamas, with 200,000 square feet of space, which can also double as an entertainment and sports arena. Baha Mar’s  100,000 square-foot casino will be the largest in the Caribbean.

Other amenities will include a 50,000 square-foot retail village combining an upscale shopping experience with Bahamian arts and crafts, chef-branded restaurants, and entertainment venues. A 20-acre Eco Water Park and pool experience, and three spas, including the largest spa in the Caribbean, will be set on the Bahamian Riviera, along 3,000 feet of the beach. Also planned is an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

Tom Costello is the CEO, Partner & Co-Founder of Groups International, a company that provides marketing, consultative services, and technology solutions to the group and leisure travel markets.  Connect with him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook or contact him by email.

Check The Buzz About Hotelmine

There’s a lot happening since the recent launch of the Hotelmine.com website this past week.  Thanks to all of the hotels that are participating and we look forward to adding more hotels this week.

Tom Costello is the CEO, Partner & Co-Founder of Groups International, a company that provides marketing, consultative services, and technology solutions to the group and leisure travel markets.  Connect with him on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook or contact him by email.

Mexican Resort City Of Acapulco Scene Of Bloody Drug Cartel Turf Wars

A spate of attacks on taxis in the Mexican resort city of Acapulco has left 12 drivers or passengers dead, just ahead of Monday’s start of the Mexican Open tennis tournament.

Acapulco has been the scene of bloody drug cartel turf wars, and taxi drivers have often been targeted for extortion or recruited as lookouts by the gangs.

The organizers of the largest tennis tournament in Latin America say the Mexican government has pledged that appropriate security measures have been taken for the event.

State police said Sunday that four suspects have been detained in relation with some of the attacks. The suspects had guns, a grenade and a machete that police say may have been used to decapitate some of the victims.

 

Washington, D.C. "Direct Connect" Hotels From Hotelmine

Washington D.C.

So you’re interested in taking a trip to Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is filled with exciting and memorable places to visit. Whether it’s the Capitol or the Smithsonian museums, Hotelmine is designed to help you book a great guest room in our nation’s capital.

Here are just a few of the many hotels in Washington, D.C. that you will find at Hotelmine.  Don’t forget when you decided to book your guest room you will be dealing directly with the hotel and not an online travel agency.

Hotelmine…see where the world’s largest “Direct Connect” travel site can take you!

Washington, D.C. Hotels

• Embassy Suites Convention Center
• Sofitel Hotel Lafayette Square
• Park Hyatt Hotel
• Topaz Hotel
• Omni Shoreham Hotel
• The Jefferson Hotel
• Beacon Hotel
• The Dupont Hotel
• Westin Grand Hotel
• Hotel Palomar
• Homewood Suites
• Carlyle Suites
• Residence Inn Capitol
• Marriott Hotel Metro Center