- Courtesy of The Lawyers' Travel Service September 10, 2008 In This Issue...
	CONTINENTAL JOINS FEE FRENZY
	AS AMERICANS FILL TRAINS, FRUSTRATION GROWS
	STARWOOD UNVEILS W HOTELS FOR LONDON, MANCHESTER
	OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY
	THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
	- LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD, West Hollywood
	- THE PALACE, San Francisco
	- AFFINIA, Chicago
	- SOFITEL, New York City
	- TAJ, Boston

CONTINENTAL JOINS FEE FRENZY
(source: Crain’s New York)

On Friday, August 29, Continental Airlines became the latest U.S. carrier to charge a fee to check bags. The Houston-based airline announced that it will begin charging some customers $15 for their first checked bags on flights starting October 7.

The carrier joins American Airlines, United Airlines and U.S. Airways, which instituted similar baggage fees three months ago in an attempt to offset high oil costs.

Continental is exempting its First and Business Class flyers, members of Continental’s EliteAccess program. In addition, travelers who purchased a full-fare economy ticket and military personnel and their families will not have to pay the fee.

AS AMERICANS FILL TRAINS, FRUSTRATION GROWS
(source: msnbc.com)

Rising costs of traveling by air and car, brought on by record oil prices, drew a record 2.8 million people onto America's cash-strapped passenger railway network in July, the largest of any single month in Amtrak's 37-year history and up nearly 14% from a year earlier.

But as passenger numbers grow, so too are complaints of overcrowding and delays.

Amtrak’s Acela is limited to reaching its top speed of 150 miles per hour (240 kmh) for just 20 miles on two sections of track in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Compare that to France, which has the world's fastest high-speed train, the TGV, that runs for long stretches at speeds as high as 200 miles an hour (322 kmh). And Japan, which boasts its 186 mph (299 kmh) "Shinkansen" trains.

While passenger rail systems in Britain, France and Germany account for about 6-8% of total annual passenger travel miles, Amtrak carries less than 1%. Japan, with the world's busiest high-speed rail network, carries 18%.

The Acela's on-time performance is down 4.4% in the year to July, but the number of on-time trains across its entire 21,000-mile (33,796-km) network rose 2.7% this year, thanks to long-distance services like the "Crescent" between New York and New Orleans, and the "Coast Starlight" between Seattle and Los Angeles.

STARWOOD UNVEILS W HOTELS FOR LONDON, MANCHESTER
(source: Breaking Travel News)

Starwood has two new offerings – the W London-Leicester Square and the W Manchester – both scheduled to open in 2010.

The London rooms include nine suites, two WOW Suites and one Extreme WOW Suite, all featuring custom-made furnishings as well as a signature spa, fitness facility, a world-class destination restaurant and W's exclusive Living Room experience. Guest rooms will offer the latest in cutting-edge technology and advanced in-room entertainment systems.

OVATION CLUB E-NEWSLETTER WEEKLY SURVEY!

The Ovation Club E-Newsletter Weekly Survey gives you the opportunity to weigh in by voting your opinion on hot topics in business travel.  You can also post comments online on the topic of the week.

Question of the Week: With airlines continuously raising prices, would you consider alternative methods (such as the railroad) for business travel?

- No. Most of my trips are far distances.  This is not a viable option.
- Maybe. I would definitely consider it as a cheaper, environmentally-friendly alternative.
- Absolutely. Saving money on business travel is important to me and my company.
- I already use the railroads quite a bit and am happy with this method of business travel.

To cast your vote go to: https://ovationtravel.com/enewssurvey/

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
LONDON WEST HOLLYWOOD
1020 North San Vincente Boulevard
West Hollywood

This famed location in Hollywood Hills is undergoing a complete re-articulation by the bold team of tastemakers responsible for the hotel’s stylish sister, The London NYC, in midtown Manhattan.

The spectacular views and signature spaciousness of the accommodations remain intact, but otherwise the hotel offers an entirely new look and feel on the legendary Sunset Strip. The London West Hollywood name represents the hotel’s rebirth as an entirely new experience.

David Collins – Hotel interiors are styled by celebrated Irish designer David Collins to reflect a spectacular and inviting living space. Open floor-plan guest suites offer both functionality and comfort, while maintaining the effortless style of California. Spacious rooms are light and uncluttered, yet cozy and intimate with amenities and technology that speak to the needs of the modern traveler.

Gordon Ramsay – All culinary, including a new restaurant, is under the direction of Michelin-rated chef Gordon Ramsay. Chef Ramsay is recognized as a maverick – a leader in the culinary world, heralding breakthrough concepts and setting the benchmark for creative cuisine to which others aspire. Ramsay is host of the popular FOX Television show "Hell’s Kitchen."

Waterworks – Luxury bath purveyor Waterworks create impeccably fashioned baths with custom fixtures, linens, robes and apothecary products.

Quintessentially – The elite global concierge service, Quintessentially handles any guest request. Guests will have 24-hour access to Quintessentially’s service experts who can help fulfill any desire, from sought-after concert tickets and reservations at the hottest restaurants, to VIP treatment at some of the area’s most elite nightclubs. The London West Hollywood and The London NYC are Quintessentially’s only in-hotel locations.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the London West Hollywood is $329 (compared to a corporate rate of $359).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
THE PALACE
2 New Montgomery
San Francisco

Centrally located downtown, adjacent to the Financial District, the Palace is walking distance to Union Square, the Cable Cars, the Embarcadero, Chinatown, the Moscone Convention Center, Pac Bell Park, Sony Metreon, Yerba Buena Park, SF Museum of Modern Art and the Theater District.

The Palace's 552 guest rooms have been newly restored with the latest in modern luxury with traditional mahogany furnishings and updated fixtures and offer a guest room bath beautifully appointed with marble counters, polished brass and chrome fixtures, and lighted mirrors. New shower heads with broader spray and multiple massage settings have been added to each bath. A custom designed amenity line is featured in each room for traveler convenience.

The new color palette of soft cream, shades of blue and butter yellow is fresh, warm and inviting. New beds include an ultimate comfort mattress dressed with a down comforter, large fluffy pillows and a cozy throw. Elegant draperies complement the interior and provide maximum privacy.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at The Palace Hotel is $289 (compared to a corporate rate of $569).

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

Customized Comforts, Sophisticated Style and Creative Cuisine Meet at Chicago’s New Cityscape Hotel.

The multimillion-dollar renovation of the Affinia Chicago is complete!

Located steps from the Magnificent Mile in the heart of Chicago's shopping, entertainment, culture and business districts -- the hotel features Affinia’s new "Cityscape" positioning. The Cityscape hotel offer guests an urban escape centered around a sophisticated lobby that flows seamlessly into the restaurant, lounge and bar areas -- drawing unique opportunities for social interaction.

After the extensive renovation, not one corner, wall or fixture of the hotel has been left untouched. All guestrooms now feature chic, yet comfortable décor, the fabulous Affinia beds and signature 6-choice pillow menu. The lobby and meeting facilities have been transformed into beautiful, modern spaces featuring cutting-edge technology and Affinia's personalized services.

C-house, the hotel's new restaurant, was rated number one on Chicago's "Top 10 Most-Anticipated Openings" of 2008 list by CS magazine. The restaurant is the creation of the award-winning celebrity chef, Marcus Samuelsson and features modern American seafood in a casual setting. C-house will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as room service and banquet catering. The restaurant will also boast a spacious bar and lounge and a year-round roof-top deck ideal for cocktails and small bites.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Affinia Chicago is $239 (compared to a corporate rate of $385).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
SOFITEL
45 West 44th Street
New York City

The ultimate in comfort and convenience, this thirty-story building in midtown Manhattan-a contemporary statement in limestone and glass-is just a stone's throw from Fifth Avenue. The modern-day traveler will enjoy the amenities on offer at this fine establishment, set within easy reach of Manhattan's most celebrated attractions. These include Times Square, Broadway theaters, world-famous restaurants, famous boutiques, art museums and corporate headquarters. Good access to transportation links.

Their luxurious guest rooms provide consummate style, comfort and elegance. Elegantly decorated with Paris and New York motifs, all have a spacious marble bathroom with separate tub, three telephones, broadband Internet access and fully stocked mini-bar.

Sofitel New York offers a dining experience like no other. Gaby, their Art Deco restaurant, offers French flare in a luxurious setting. Or one may prefer to simply relax with a cocktail and enjoy the intimate atmosphere of Gaby's piano bar.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Sofitel New York is $515-$575 for a Superior Room (depending on the day of week).

THE LAWYERS' TRAVEL SERVICE PREFERRED HOTEL PARTNERS PROGRAM
TAJ
15 Arlington Street
Boston

Looking for accommodations for business, a romantic retreat or simply to enjoy Boston? The Taj Boston, the Crown Jewel of Boston’s luxury hotels, is conveniently located directly across from the Public Garden and adjacent to Fashionable Newbury Street. Taj Boston offers impeccable service and the finest amenities. The Café, The Bar, and Afternoon Tea in the Lounge complete the unforgettable experience.

The Lawyers' Travel Service Preferred Hotel Partners Program rate at the Taj Boston is $295 (compared to a consortia rate of $550).

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