AMTRAK CUTS ACELA FARES IN NORTHEAST CORRIDOR With a dip in business travel, Amtrak is looking to attract other riders by cutting prices on its fastest trains between Washington and New York. Amtrak officials say they are dropping fares on the Acela Express up to 25%. The offer runs between March 3 and June 26. Amtrak spokesman Cliff Black said that the faltering economy played into the decision to reduce prices. He says with business travel down, the national passenger railroad is reaching out to leisure travelers. Now Acela business class tickets will be priced as low as $99 between Washington and New York; until now the lowest fare for that route was $133. Acela prices between New York and Boston will also be lowered. Passengers must buy their tickets two weeks in advance to get those prices. DEMAND FOR BUSINESS JETS FALLS Sales of general-aviation aircraft favored by businesses fell last year for the first time in five years. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association, a trade group for the industry, said Tuesday that shipments fell 7.1% last year. The decline was concentrated in the least-expensive planes, piston-driven models, but is spreading to more costly turboprops and jets, said an official of the group. The group did not offer a forecast for 2009 sales, but officials said shipments usually decline a year to 18 months after the start of a recession. "These are not luxury products; they're a necessity for companies to do business in today's just-in-time economy," Jens Hennig, the trade group's vice president of operations, said in an interview. Oscar S. Garcia, chairman of aviation consultant InterFlight Global Corp., predicted that orders will fall sharply this year, about 20% for business jets to 40% for piston-driven planes and their more price-sensitive buyers. SOUTHWEST PILOTING ONBOARD WI-FI Southwest Airlines recently launched a one-airplane pilot test of inflight wireless Internet with satellite connectivity supplier Row 44. In the next month, Southwest plans to expand the trial to three more aircraft. The carrier is offering onboard Wi-Fi for free during the trial period, though it plans ultimately to monetize the offering, a spokesperson said. The carrier said the service is compatible with any Wi-Fi-enabled device, including laptops and smart phones, though "cellular technology will not work." Southwest joins a growing number of domestic airlines that are bringing Wi-Fi onboard. American Airlines and Delta Air Lines in the past year have rolled out Wi-Fi on a limited domestic basis in conjunction with Aircell. American Airlines in August began rolling out the service across its 15-plane Boeing 767-200 fleet, while Delta is planning a fleetwide domestic rollout of the service, which this week launched on its 20th domestic aircraft. United Airlines last month also announced plans to outfit 13 transcontinental Boeing 757 aircraft with inflight wireless Internet capabilities in the second half of the year.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Curl up with a book in a club chair. Stretch out on a king-sized bed. Or get down to business with a spacious desk and ergonomic chair. From cozy, inviting guest rooms all the way up to the sumptuous suites, Loews Regency can accommodate – in ultimate comfort. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Loews Regency is $285 (compared to a corporate rate of $425) through April 12.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
As the only privately owned, five star hotel in Mexico City, Marquis Reforma offers its guests a wealth of special advantages that other area hotels cannot. By providing guests with an abundance of exceptional amenities and a high level of personalized service, Marquis Reforma has been recognized as a top Mexico City luxury hotel with a unique tradition of excellence. A tradition of excellence as one of the finest Mexico City luxury hotels is legendary and has enabled the Marquis Reforma to become a distinguished member of such prestigious organizations as Leading Hotels of the World. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Marquis Reforma Hotel & Spa is $230 (compared to a corporate rate of $250) including VIP treatment.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Metropolitan in London is among the capital's most enduring design phenomena, a hotel that combines cool looks and cosseting service with a contemporary mindset, putting it squarely on the map of travelers seeking to be at the centre of the action. From floor-to-ceiling windows, look out over a glittering skyline, comfortable in the knowledge one is standing right where it matters - on Park Lane, with the city's best bar and restaurant in the very same building. It is a private haven at the heart of the metropolis, a place to retreat to when the need for quiet comes upon. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Metropolitan is £220 (compared to a corporate rate of £285).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
Conveniently located within walking distance of two of the City's most popular neighborhood enclaves - Georgetown and DuPont Circle - Hotel Palomar Washington DC is an ideal destination when visiting the nation's capital. The perfect location makes a perfect complement to the elegant design, inspired by 1930s French Modern designers. Guests are greeted by the dramatic two-story lobby and the striking design elements throughout - the niches of eclectic and colorful objet d'art, the geometric marble flooring, the bold artwork and the exotic woods. Hotel Palomar Washington DC, a Kimpton Hotel, invites guests to enjoy: The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Palomar is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $375) through February 28.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Bar is an absolute must in the Triangle d’or. “Le tout” Paris loves to share this friendly atmosphere in an intimate and elegant place. The Gastronomic restaurant “La Salle à Manger” proposes a “Cuisine” innovative and refined in the stunning dining room. During the summer months, enjoy a lunch or dinner on the rooftop terrace of the Raphael, in the luxurious garden restaurant “Les Jardins Plein Ciel”, where one can appreciate a breathtaking panoramic view over Paris and its famous monuments. In 2008, the hotel completed full renovations of 16 deluxe rooms and renovations of the suite Arc de Triomphe - a sophisticated and spacious apartment with magnificent views of the Eiffel Tower. The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Raphael is €335 (compared to a corporate rate of €408).
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
The Ovation Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the W Los Angeles - Westwood is $319 (compared to a corporate rate of $429).
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In the heart of New York City, Loews Regency Hotel provides true Park Avenue luxury: plush, stylish guest rooms; warm, personalized service; and cosmopolitan nightlife courtesy of Feinstein’s at the Regency. And right outside the door… fabulous shopping, the City’s finest eateries, museums and of course, Central Park.
If one is looking for a five star hotel in Mexico City, then The Marquis Reforma Hotel is the destination. The hotel is positioned on the lovely Paseo de la Reforma, an ideal Mexico City business hotel in the heart of the financial and business district. Guests will enjoy staying in central Mexico City and the Zona Rosa, near the city's finest shops, restaurants, parks and museums - all at a great value!
Indulge in the Metropolitan way of life: fresh, stylish, energetic.
Hotel Palomar Washington DC - a luxury, boutique hotel in DuPont Circle, where high-end, art-house design meets sophisticated, personalized service - sets "Art In Motion" for an unforgettable experience.
The Hotel Raphael is a treasure in the heart of Paris. Built in 1925, close to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysées, The Hotel Raphael is the last Parisian Palace owned by a French Family.
W Los Angeles - Westwood is tucked away in a residential neighborhood - dotted with cafés, movie houses and movie premieres - between Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Escape to the newly redesigned modern, spacious bungalow-style studios and suites by celebrity designer Thom Filicia or sip and savor at the highly acclaimed restaurant NineThirty. Bask under the sun poolside or enjoy a cocktail in the outdoor restaurant The Backyard.