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Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service
July 22, 2009

In This Issue...

KIMPTON OFFERS CASH BACK
HOTELS, AIRLINES OFFER TREATS
FRIENDLY SKIES? NOT FOR PET OWNERS
AIRLINES STOP SWINE FLU VICTIMS
THE LAWYERS" TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
- AFFINIA, Chicago
- INTERCONTINENTAL PARIS LE GRAND, Paris
- LANDMARK, London
- OMNI BERKSHIRE, New York City
- ST. REGIS, Atlanta
- W DALLAS - VICTORY, Dallas
- WESTIN CITY CENTER, Washington DC

KIMPTON OFFERS CASH BACK
(source: Kimpton.com)

Kimpton is picking up the tab for airline charges that may apply when you check a second bag. Simply show proof of an airline baggage charge when you check in at any Kimpton hotel in the U.S. and Canada, and Kimpton will issue a room credit for one bag, up to $25, offsetting this cost for air travelers.

"At Kimpton, we believe that small gestures go a long way toward making us the best loved hotel company in the country," said Mike Depatie, president and CEO of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. "With the We've Got Your Bag program we aim to extend care for people who stay with us beyond our hotels to other aspects of the travel experience."

Clients of The Lawyers' Travel Service receive 25% off the Best Available Rates at all Kimpton properties nationwide.*

HOTELS, AIRLINES OFFER TREATS
(source:USA Today)

The travel industry is going to great lengths to woo people with promotions that range from the creative to borderline kooky.

British Airways, for instance, is holding an essay contest for grown-ups. It's offering free round trips to those who make the most compelling argument for why they need to travel overseas for business.

Book a business meeting at a Starwood hotel, and your company or organization can qualify for a free concert with British singer Natasha Bedingfield in honor of your favorite charity.

Kimpton Hotels will have you jumping through hoops, literally. Guests who can hula hoop for 20 seconds can win a free room upgrade.

As part of the Kimpton hotel chain's summer "playground" campaign that runs until Labor Day, guests who hula hoop for 20 seconds or emerge victorious from a game of rock, paper, scissors can win a free room upgrade. Being quirky is not a new concept for Kimpton, which has featured tarot card readers during evening receptions at some of its properties.

FRIENDLY SKIES? NOT FOR PET OWNERS
(source: The New York Times)

Airlines may be raising the price of in-flight food and checked luggage, but pet owners say the fees for flying with their furry friends are getting out of control.

A number of airlines raised their pet fees by about $20 or more in the last year or so, and now charge $100 each way to take a pet on a flight. Continental, Midwest and United now charge $125 to bring a pet onboard, up from $100 previously. Expect to pay even more to check in larger pets as luggage.

These days, with airfares so low, a pet's fee can be more than a human's ticket. But for airlines, it's another way to eke out more revenue.

However, there is a new option: Pet Airways (www.petairways.com), a pet-only airline beginning service this month. Aimed at pet owners frustrated with the high cost and human-geared service associated with most airlines, Pet Airways promises to fly animals in a climate-controlled cabin outfitted with individual crates instead of seats, and staffed with a flight attendant who will check on animals every 15 minutes.

Other tips to keep to mind:
• Airlines limit the number of pets on each flight, so book early if you plan to bring your pet.

• To avoid delays and reduce the stress on your pet, book a nonstop flight whenever possible.

• If checking your pet as luggage, avoid booking a mid-day flight in summer, when the cargo hold can be dangerously warm.

• "I recommend feeding them about four hours before the flight, if possible," said Melissa Halliburton, founder of BringFido.com, a travel site for dog owners.

• After purchasing an appropriate pet carrier, write your pet's name on it, including identification tags with your home address and phone number as well as the address and phone number of your destination, Ms. Halliburton suggests.

But if your pet is an anxious flier, consider leaving it home. Sitters can be found online at Petsit.com and Petsitters.org.

 

AIRLINES STOP SWINE FLU VICTIMS
(source: CNN)

British Airways has put into effect measures to stop people with swine flu boarding flights in a bid to prevent the virus from spreading further. BA said there had been a "very small number of cases" where people who had checked in with symptoms of H1N1 had been advised not to travel after having medical checks.

Virgin Atlantic also said victims would not be allowed to board one of its planes without a fit-to-fly certificate from their doctor or a hospital, though there had been no cases yet.

Medical screening for the swine flu virus has been introduced at many airports around the world for passengers arriving on international flights but there are concerns that many people may not be aware they are infected. Those who do have symptoms have been advised by Britain's health authorities to delay their journeys until the signs have cleared up.

"We have a medical team within the airline as well as a contingency planning group which has met for the past few years to look at the issue of a flu pandemic," A British Airways spokeswoman said.

BA told CNN Monday though that it was "business as usual" and all flights were operating normally.

Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles said: "If there are signs of something being wrong, be it excessive sneezing or coughing, not looking well, high temperature, then the airport staff can call in a medical team for extra advice. "If the medical team believe there are reasons not to fly, the passenger will be asked to produce a fit to fly certificate from their doctor or a hospital, and they will be put at our cost on to the next available flight."





THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
AFFINIA
166 East Superior

Chicago

another hotel
Stay magnificently at Chicago's new urban escape. The Affinia Chicago, located just steps from the famed Magnificent Mile, has recently completed an exciting multimillion-dollar renovation.

Not one corner, wall or fixture of the hotel has been left untouched in order to create a hip, yet comfortable environment decked with eclectic décor and custom furnishings featuring unexpected colors and textures. Set in the epicenter of Chicago's shopping, nightlife, entertainment and business districts, the hotel provides a true "Cityscape" experience with a scenic rooftop bar, destination restaurant and insider recommendations to all the city has to offer.

Dine at C-House, rated number one out of the "Top 10 Most-Anticipated Openings" of 2008 by CS Magazine. Created by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, the restaurant delivers traditional seafood in a sleek, yet rustic setting. For pre or post dinner drinks head north to C-View, the hotel's rooftop bar and lounge.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is $160 (compared to a corporate rate of $190).*

 

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
INTERCONTINENTAL PARIS LE GRAND
2 rue Scribe
Paris

another hotel

InterContinental Paris Le Grand stands opposite the Opéra Garnier in the law district of Paris, near the capital's bustling business neighborhood and to all the main tourist sites, the department stores and the luxury boutiques around Place Vendôme.

These below rates include high speed internet access in the room and a 24 hour access to the fitness center and sauna.

Clients of The Lawyers' Travel Service will also receive a discount on the Full American Buffet breakfast served in the "Café de la Paix" restaurant at the rate of €29 (instead of €38).

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is €278 (compared to a corporate rate of €295).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LANDMARK
222 Marylebone Road
London

another hotel

Stay at the five star Landmark London hotel and experience the beautifully distinctive style and ambience, which combines classic British elegance and grandeur with deluxe facilities. Featuring some of the largest guest rooms in London, the hotel ensures that travelers will be able to experience the highest degree of comfort in luxurious surroundings. The hotel offers three unique restaurants and bars for either fine dining or classical British cuisine and late night drinks.

The Landmark London's location is second to none. Perfectly located in Central London and directly opposite Marylebone station, the hotel is close to all main attractions and amenities. The hotel is just a short distance from Oxford Circus for all of London's famous shopping and Piccadilly Circus the renowned theatre district. London's main airports can all be reached in less than an hour.

For ultimate in fitness and pampering, their state of the art Spa & Health Club provides sheer opulence in health and fitness service and facilities. It offers a 15-metre indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped gymnasium, four spa treatment rooms offering ESPA treatments, a Sanarium and two steam rooms. Excellent customer service is central to a traveler's experience at The Landmark London so rest assured that all guests will receive extremely friendly and approachable service from their highly trained staff.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is £215 (compared to a corporate rate of £355).*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
OMNI BERKSHIRE
21 East 52nd Street
New York City

another hotel

Luxury Midtown Manhattan Hotel

The Omni Berkshire Place, New York City's most exclusive Midtown Manhattan address, has become a haven for discerning travelers. A gracious host, this Midtown Manhattan hotel creates a sense of timeless elegance.

Located on Madison Avenue steps from exclusive 5th Avenue shopping, 1 block from St. Patrick's Cathedral; 2 blocks to Rockefeller Plaza and Radio City Music Hall, and 8 blocks from Central Park, this luxurious New York City hotel blends memorable elegance with the excitement of Midtown Manhattan.

Hotel Highlights:

*Located on Madison Avenue steps from 5th Avenue Shopping

*396 luxury guestrooms and suites

*Fireside Restaurant

*Watch favorite sporting events on Fireside's 18 square foot, 4 channel HD Video Wall

*High-speed wireless Internet access

*Check-in: 3 pm Check-out: Noon

Awards and Accolades:

*Awarded the Family Friendly Award from Where Magazine New York for the second consecutive year

*New York Magazine awarded the Omni Berkshire Hotel the Best Room Amenities Award, 2006

*Meeting News readers named the Omni Berkshire Hotel the Best Family Friendly Hotel in New York for the third year in a row, 2005

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is 15% off of the Best Available Rate.*

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
ST. REGIS
88 West Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta

another hotel

As Atlanta's premier destination for business and leisure travelers, the exclusive hotel offers an unrivaled dimension of refined elegance, luxury and bespoke service at one of the world's best addresses. The St. Regis Atlanta features 151 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, Remède Spa, 40,000 square foot Pool Piazza, over 16,800 square feet of exquisite indoor and outdoor event space with innovative Business Center, the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an impressive selection of world-class cuisine.

Dining and entertaining at The St. Regis Atlanta is a stylish affair, ranging from enjoying world-class cuisine at the hotel's signature two-story restaurant, complete with private seating and an exquisite outdoor patio, to savoring cocktail classics at the wood-paneled bar. Guests can also sample high-quality, international wine selections in The Wine Room or enjoy the soothing sounds of live piano in the Lobby Bar. The hotel's stunning Pool Piazza will offer private cabanas, a spectacular waterfall and a casual, yet stylish, Poolside Bar & Café.

The St. Regis Atlanta features the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet the needs of global travelers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest's needs, customizing each stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Ideally located in the heart of Atlanta's exclusive Buckhead community, named by Robb Report as one of the country's "Top 10 Affluent Communities," the St. Regis Atlanta offers guests access to an impressive selection of culinary options, preferred golf courses and luxury retail stores. The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is close by, and private aircrafts can land at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, just 15 minutes from the hotel.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is $249 (compared to a corporate rate of $259).*

 

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
W DALLAS - VICTORY
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas

another hotel

Deep in the heart of Dallas, famed Texas hospitality meets W style.

W Dallas - Victory defines the emerging it-spot, Victory Park, as a posh playground near Downtown, Uptown, Turtle Creek, the high-style Design District and the city's nightspots.

W Dallas - Victory will charm with sensory indulgences wrapped in cowboy cool. Indulge at Tom Colicchio's Craft, revel at Ghostbar, steam, de-stress at Bliss Dallas or get wet in the infinity pool.

From the Mega Texas-sized rooms to the Wow Suites, 252 sleek rooms invite guests to live large, Dallas-style with rainforest showerheads, 32" plasma TVs, W signature beds and the W-exclusive lemon + sage Bliss® Sinkside Six.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is $240 (compared to a corporate rate of $260).*

 

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
WESTIN CITY CENTER
1400 M Street; NW
Washington DC

another hotel

Located in the heart of the nation's capital, The Westin Washington DC City Center is a vibrant hotel that captures the capital city's dynamic spirit. The atrium lobby offers spectacular skylight views and welcoming staff provide world-class service.

406 guest rooms and suites are designed with comfort in mind. Sleep well in the Heavenly Bed® and refresh in the Heavenly Bath®. Ergonomic desk chairs and flat-screen TVs add a touch of aesthetic functionality. Every room also offers wireless High Speed Internet Access and 24-hour room service.

Reenergize in the WestinWORKOUT® Gym featuring a Stairmaster, LifeCycle, treadmill, and weights. Rejuvenate and relax with a cool drink and a light snack at Liquid 14 after exploring the nearby museums and monuments. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the comfortable 1400 North, An American Restaurant, overlooking the main lobby.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate is $209 (compared to a corporate rate of $259).* *All rates are subject to availability.

_________________________________________________________________

The Lawyers' Travel Service
www.lawyerstravel.com
info@lawyerstravel.com
800.431.1112