FUEL COSTS CONTINUE TO AFFECT TICKET PRICES United Airlines boosted its ticket prices by as much as $50 round-trip last week, raising the stakes in the airline industry's battle against rapidly rising fuel costs. Continental Airlines matched the increase. Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has taken no action at this time, spokeswoman Chris Kelly said. It was the fourth week in a row that carriers have raised ticket prices, and the second round of increases led by Chicago-based United, the second-largest U.S. airline, in as many weeks. United's higher fares went into effect late Thursday, March 13, hours after crude oil prices surged to a new record of $111 a barrel. The increase is unusual for its size. Most recent fare increases have been limited to about $10 round-trip. United spokesman Robin Urbanski said the higher fares are based on the length of the flight, meaning that trips of under 500 miles will cost travelers $4 to $10 more round-trip. Journeys of more than 1,500 miles are now $12 to $50 more expensive than before the increase, she added. "Fuel is our highest expense. The cost of it clearly continues to rise," Urbanski said. "We must be able to pass along these costs just like other businesses do." As the price of oil has risen, carriers have tried to push more of their fuel costs onto consumers. Some of those increases have stuck, but stiff competition from low-cost airlines such as Southwest Airlines Co. and JetBlue Airways Corp. means many others have been rolled back after competing airlines failed to follow suit. The last thing business travelers want to do when returning home from a grueling business trip is cook dinner. Hotel companies are developing more attractive airport properties to cater to the business traveler. For a long time, airport hotels were considered a necessary evil. And, because these hotels were regarded as purely functional, second-choice options by both travelers and hotel companies, there wasn't much incentive to make them more enticing. Until now. Hotel companies are beginning to realize that airport hotels represent a new, potentially significant source of profits. Airport hotels really are more convenient. As Janis Cannon, vice-president for brand management at InterContinental Hotels Group's (IHG) flagship InterContinental chain, says: "As a brand, we are always positioning our hotels where our customers are." This summer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is launching two new brands, Aloft and Element, aimed primarily at business travelers. Many of the new properties will be situated at airports and in secondary cities such as Green Bay, Wis., and Wilmington, Del. These new hotels offer the same kind of aesthetics and amenities that travelers would find in upscale urban hotels, as well as such services as express check-in and grab-and-go food.
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
___________________________________________________________________________ The Lawyers' Travel Service |
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As culturally vibrant as the neighborhood in which it sits, Rosewood Crescent Hotel is a refreshing experience of contrasts. Located within walking distance of the art, culture and energy of Dallas, the hotel consistently wins hearts and accolades as one of the best hotels in the United States. With a bold palette of rich colors, chic European-style guestrooms with modern amenities, innovative New American cuisine and the serenity of The Spa, Rosewood Crescent Hotel offers discreet and professional service with Texas charm.
Hotel ICON is a next generation concept in Personal Luxury Hotels.
Just yards from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Hyde Park, The Capital Hotel and Apartments provides luxury accommodation and personalized service in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge. All 49 suites and rooms boast Egyptian cotton sheets, handmade mattresses and luxurious, spacious marble bathrooms. The hotel’s two Michelin star Capital Restaurant has an enviable reputation for excellence, with the French-inspired cuisine of Head Chef Eric Chavot attracting gourmets from around the world. Meetings can be accommodated in any of the hotel’s three function rooms and guests also have access to an exclusive health and fitness spa.