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Tuesday, August 7, 2012

New and Exciting Changes for the Boston Area’s Hyatt Regency Cambridge Hotel

Hyatt Regency Cambridge has a new attitude! This landmark, Charles River hotel is boasting swanky new meeting space, summer dog socials, a weekly ocean-fresh raw bar and a conveniently delicious grab-and-go market. All of this recent activity has Hyatt Regency Cambridge guests and associates buzzing with excitement.

On the heels the Boston area hotel’s floor-to-ceiling guest room renovation, the metamorphosis continues as vibrant carpeting, elegant lighting, contemporary artwork and a naturally lit boardroom, enhance the second floor space. State-of-the-art, touch screen reader board technology allows guests to get an interactive look at the hotel, as well as surrounding sites and activities.

On the playful side of things, Hyatt Regency Cambridge is inviting their local, 4-legged neighbors in for local treats and plenty of playtime! Every Thursday from 6-8PM, the hotel is hosting community socials, called the Dog Days of Summer. This pet-friendly event encourages local pet owners, guests of the hotel and any animal lovers to get out and enjoy the summer, in their beautiful shaded courtyard. The hotel provides a cash bar, local pup treats from Polka Dog Bakery and even frozen dogcicles made by their very own Chef, Robert Daugherty, perfect for cooling off.

As far as treats for the adults, they may be interested in the weekly New England Seafood Market, featured in Zephyr on the Charles, every Friday evening from 5:30PM-10PM. Showcasing an all-you-can-eat seafood display, that varies based on the fish mongers freshest catch; on any given evening guests can delight in iced little neck clams, old bay seasoned shrimp, a flight of oysters fresh from New England waters, accompanied by a choice of entrée and a delectable dessert. Top it all off with the mellifluous sounds of a live, local jazz band and guests have the makings of a perfect evening.

If guests have picked up a little of the fast-paced, east coast swagger and are on the move, then they will love Hyatt Regency Cambridge’s new Market on the Charles. This grab-and-go market can fulfill almost any desire. Picture Starbucks®, meets awesome hotel gift shop. Need a macchiato and a pair of socks? They’ve got it! Offering Starbucks® beverages, seasonal fruit cups, New England inspired fresh food items, toiletries, souvenirs and much more, Market on the Charles is truly a one stop shop.

Overall, these innovative and exciting changes have given Hyatt Regency Cambridge a fresh new look and feel, providing a lively welcome experience for arriving guests and state-of-the-art meeting space for events of all sizes.

General Manager, Stacey Nichols states, “I am extremely excited to unveil the new Market on the Charles and our updated meeting space. Market adds a welcomed new dynamic to our property, providing a quick and convenient option for our guests on the go. We are always looking for ways to enhance our guests’ experience and provide additional comforts for travelers, and this new addition to our hotel accomplishes just that when they stay at Hyatt Regency Cambridge.”




Saturday, August 4, 2012

Cheers: The Former Bull & Finch Pub on Beacon Hill |The Inspiration for the Popular TV Show "Cheers"

The exterior of Cheers Boston on Beacon Hill, formerly the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston (The inspiration for the popular TV show “Cheers” ~ 1982-1993)

Photo by Wallyg via Flickr

An authentic replica of the Cheers setting is located in historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Visit Cheers' Website

Update: Since publication, Cheers at the Faneuil Hall location ceased operations in 2020.

 

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Thursday, August 2, 2012

The Maine Appalachian Trail Club and Friends Celebrate the Appalachian Trail 75th Anniversary – Hikers Add Their Names to A.T. History

About the Completion of the Appalachian Trail
The original A.T. took more than 15 years to build and the last two-mile stretch was completed by a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crew on August 14, 1937. The last section of trail was completed in Maine and within the town of Carrabassett Valley on the backside of Sugarloaf Mountain. A historic plaque is located on a section of trail that is difficult to access. With the arrangement of a shuttle bus and the Sugarloaf Superquad chairlift, hikers can reach this remote section with a moderate 8 or 4-mile hike to sign the special 75th Anniversary register.

About the Appalachian Trail
An estimated 2 to 3 million people visit the A.T. every year. Hikers from across the globe are drawn to the Trail for a variety of reasons: to reconnect with nature, to escape the stress of city life, to meet new people, strengthen old friendships or to experience a simpler life. About 2,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the estimated 2,180 miles of the Trail each year, with only one out of four completing the entire journey. Many of these thru-hikers will be passing through Maine in August.

About the 75th Appalachian Trail Anniversary Celebration in Maine
Multiple hikes will be offered, at varying levels of difficulty on Saturday, August 18th:
  • An 8-mile, all-day hike from Lone Mountain to the top of Sugarloaf will transit the entire last two miles of completed A.T. and pass by the plaque. Hikers will depart at 7:45am on a bus.
  • A moderate, 4-mile afternoon hike to the plaque where hikers are assisted by a chairlift at Sugarloaf Mountain Resort ski area.
  • Short walks or observation from the mountaintop chairlift.
The day will conclude with a ceremony featuring guest speakers including Mark Wegner, Appalachian Trail Conservancy Executive Director. A social gathering at the Rack BBQ, a local restaurant features music, food, trail displays and raffles to benefit the Crocker Mountain Conservation Project.

The Maine Appalachian Trail Club, Town of Carrabassett Valley and the Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust organized the 75th Anniversary events in Maine. Event information and registration is available at http://www.matc.org or by email, mainetrails(at)comcast(dot)net.

About the Organizers
The Maine Appalachian Trail Club manages and maintains the 267 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Founded in 1935, MATC is an all-volunteer, donor-supported nonprofit that welcomes new members and inspires respect for this natural treasure.

The Maine Appalachian Trail Land Trust is committed to protecting the traditional, ecological and recreational values of wilderness, wildlife and undisturbed scenic beauty that is most often associated with the Appalachian Trail in Maine. The protection of 11,798 acres of Crocker Mountain is MATLT’s newest conservation project. 

The Town of Carrabassett Valley is a Four Season recreation-based community located in the heart of the western mountains of Maine. The town, located two hours northwest of Portland and two hours west of Bangor, Maine, is home to the Sugarloaf Maine Ski Resort. 



Monday, July 30, 2012

The Sands at Grace Bay on Turks & Caicos Unveils Property-Wide Enhancements In 2012

The Sands at Grace Bay resort situated on Providenciales' world-famous Grace Bay Beach has made several property-wide enhancements that will be completed before the busy winter travel season. The resort's award-winning Hemingway's Beachfront Restaurant has added an expansive retractable awning that offers guests additional shade from the sun and an even more enjoyable open-air dining experience just steps away from the beach. A newly installed heater in the resort's main swimming pool will keep guests comfortably warm during the cooler months. Additionally, the resort has undertaken a green initiative by installing an environmentally friendly Bionest wastewater treatment system to irrigate the lush resort grounds and gardens.

Photo courtesy of The Sands at Grace Bay

Scheduled for completion by December 2012, all 114 luxurious studio and suite accommodations are receiving the following bathroom enhancements: Travertine stone shower, bathtub, flooring and baseboards; Kohler fixtures; curved shower curtain rods; cast iron slip resistant bathtubs; and a fresh coat of paint. And finally, The Sands at Grace Bay has added stand-up paddleboards to their wide array of complimentary guest offerings, which include free use of kayaks, Hobie Cats, snorkeling and windsurfing gear, and bicycles.

 "We are continuously trying to improve upon our luxurious resort accommodations and maximize our guest experiences during their stay with us," said Mona Beeson, General Manager of The Sands at Grace Bay. "We are delighted with our growing number of repeat guests who continue to call our property their "home away from home," as well as the increasing number of new guests who are choosing to stay at our resort. We are excited to bring even greater value to return guests and new travelers who will be staying with us this fall and winter."

For more information, visit www.thesandstc.com



Thursday, July 26, 2012

Crystal Cruises Focuses on the "New" in New England/Canada


Crystal Cruises’ fall voyages through America and Canada’s “East Coast” roots, offer dozens of new boutique adventures ashore, new chic spaces on board, and a brand new, exotic Québécois itinerary, with three off-the-beaten-path maiden calls.  
 
Beginning September 19, aboard Crystal Symphony – freshly redesigned during a $15 million extreme makeover, five seven- to 11-day cruises, will sail between Boston, Manhattan and Montréal. The season’s centerpiece, Crystal’s first-ever round-trip from Montréal, is an easy, seven-day intimate exploration of European-flavored French Canada, including a maiden call to France itself.

Twenty-nine new Crystal Adventures, offer novel ways for foodies, adventurers, and culture-hounds, to experience the historic region’s most iconic and less-expected areas, like: 
  • Saint-Pierre & Miquelon: Visit North America’s last vestige of the French Republic and see Al Capone’s “home-away-from-home” during the island’s golden era of Prohibition profiteering.
  • Québec City: Join Huron natives in a Friendship Dance and sacred ceremonies following a traditional feast of bison, wapiti meat and Indian bannock bread.
  • New York: Sail past the Statue of Liberty to the newly-completed 9/11 Memorial or enjoy an exclusive, private visit to the American Museum of Natural History while closed to the public.
  • Havre-Aubert Island (from Magdalen Is.): Listen to a Madelinot fisherman’s tales of maritime life of yore.
  • Halifax: Look for the majestic North American bald eagle during a Shubenacadie River Zodiac ride.
  • Bar Harbor: Glide over Acadia National Park’s treetops in an open-cockpit biplane.
  • Magdalen Islands (maiden call): Learn about the distinct Acadian culture and taste local specialties like porto-style fortified wine, Pied-de-Vent cheese and bagosse “island beer.”
  • Montréal: Jet boat away from the Old Port, down the Lachine Rapids.
  • Sept-Îles (maiden call): Train-ride to a marshland Innu camp for immersion into traditional First Nations life, from chanting and smoked salmon secrets to moccasin and medicine-making.
  • St. John: Heli-fish in the footsteps of Prince Charles on the Miramichi River or have “Tea with Eleanor” Roosevelt at her and Franklin’s former summer residence.
  • Boston: See what some call New England’s most well-preserved (and picturesque) Colonial town during a half-day in Marblehead and witch trial-famed Salem.
Aspiring photographers can also learn pro tips to capture the “perfect shot” of Halifax or St. John, during photo excursions there, and bike-riders can work off their sea legs through NY’s Central Park, or Montréal’s 236 miles of bike paths.  Additionally, Crystal’s You Care, We Care voluntourism program, offers complimentary opportunities, to assist with local Canadian food banks, or help low-income and homeless Bostonian children.

“New England/Canada is one of the most storied and stunning regions in North America and offers so much to explore and discover.  Each year, we strive to not only expand our offerings with new ports, but also re-invent the journey with new experiences, in traditionally popular destinations,” says John Stoll, vice president, land and port operations.

Until August 31, all-inclusive “Book Now,” cruise-only fares, start at $2,355/person, double-occupancy, with attractive air add-ons, from more than 90 North American gateways, and savings for family/friend groups of six or more.

The renowned Crystal Experience, was recently voted the “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure magazine readers, for the seventeenth year in a row, more than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

 
 
 
 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Lark Hotels Connects the Dots Between Coastal New England Spots with New ‘Wanderlark’ Program

Lark Hotels, a boutique hospitality company with four stylish coastal New England properties, will roll out its new “Wanderlark” program late this summer. Available September 1 through June 15 annually, Wanderlark will offer six- and nine-night getaways to Nantucket, Newport and Kennebunkport with rejuvenating layovers at a Lark hotel in each destination. Rates start from $715 for two based on time oftravel and represent a discount of 20%.
Wanderlark was created to inspire travelers to explore coastal New England during the quiet off-season, a sublime time when fireplaces are ablaze, hot toddies are mulling and reservations at coveted restaurants are plentiful. In addition to spectacular low season rates at each hotel, Lark guests will have access to pre-trip concierge services from Lark Hotels’ CEO Rob Blood who will personally help plan the perfect, tailored itinerary for each guest. Wanderlarkers will also receive complimentary locally brewed beer (or a bottle of wine) upon check in at each hotel.
Wanderlarking to all three destinations is available September through November and May 15- June 15. Wanderlarking to Kennebunkport and Newport is available September 1 through June 15.

Lark Hotels’ properties include The Veranda House and the Chapman House on Nantucket, The Attwater in Newport and the Captain Fairfield Inn in Kennebunkport. Behind the design aesthetics of each hotel is Boston-based Rachel Reider Interiors who created the nautical meets retro-chic look at each property.

To learn more about the properties, visit www.larkhotels.com






Monday, July 23, 2012

JetBlue Takes Loyalty to New Heights with Introduction of TrueBlue Mosaic(TM)

JetBlue Airways today introduced TrueBlue Mosaic, an enhancement to the carrier's existing customer loyalty program that will add even more value for its most frequent flyers. Officially launching this fall 2012, TrueBlue Mosaic members will automatically receive:
  • Free second checked bag for everyone flying on the member's reservation (b)
  • Free Even More(TM) Speed, providing expedited security at 36 airports for everyone flying on the member's reservation
  • Early boarding with early access to overhead bin space for everyone flying on the member's reservation
  • Ability to use TrueBlue points to purchase Even More(TM) Space seats for extra legroom
  • Access to a dedicated 24/7 customer service line
  • Three Bonus TrueBlue points per dollar spent for a total of nine points per dollar when booking on jetblue.com (c)
Existing members of TrueBlue, JetBlue's loyalty program, will be automatically upgraded to TrueBlue Mosaic if they have earned 15,000 base flight points or completed 30 flight segments and have earned at least 12,000 base flight points in a calendar year. Current TrueBlue members eligible for TrueBlue Mosaic will be notified and automatically enrolled in the program this fall. To learn more, visit: www.jetblue.com/mosaic. 

To celebrate the launch of Mosaic and show appreciation for its most frequent longstanding customers, JetBlue is rolling out a special introductory gift of six free Even More(TM) Space seats for TrueBlue members earning the Mosaic badge in 2012. Even More(TM) Space gives customers additional room to stretch out and relax, plus early boarding and early access to overhead bins. 

"We've applied a fresh approach to member recognition with the introduction of TrueBlue Mosaic, offering those who fly with us the most increased ease of travel, while still maintaining excellence in product and service for all," said Dave Canty, JetBlue's director of loyalty marketing. "Whether traveling for business, pleasure, or anything in between, our new Mosaic members will receive more value, more services and even more extras; our way of saying 'thank you' for choosing to fly with us time and again." 

Mosaic, named after one of JetBlue's acclaimed tailfin designs, is an apt choice for the new loyalty nomenclature and a departure from the existing, traditional tiered loyalty programs. Mosaic describes the way in which the airline views its diverse customer base, as people from all different walks of life and traveling for different reasons - business, vacation, visiting friends and family - with the opportunity for all to benefit in the same way when they book JetBlue as their airline of choice. TrueBlue Mosaic customers will receive all the great benefits that already come with flying JetBlue, including plenty of room to stretch out, free snacks, 140 channels of free entertainment programming, and the best service in class. 

"The ability to skip the security line, check a second bag for free, earn extra bonus points on every dollar spent, or reach a dedicated customer service line, will save time for business travelers with tight schedules, reduce hassle for parents flying with kids, and put money back in everyone's wallets," Canty added.

TrueBlue, JetBlue's loyalty program, is free to join and includes the ability to use points for any seat on any JetBlue operated flight, no blackout dates (d). One way Award Flights are available starting at just 5,000 points and $2.50 taxes/fees (e). Additional information about TrueBlue and how to register can be found at https://trueblue.jetblue.com. 




 

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

American Airlines, BookIt.com Connect Directly

American Airlines and BookIt.com®, a leading online travel provider, announced that the online travel company has become part of a growing number of agencies adopting AA's direct connect link to access personalized fares, schedules, custom travel products and services.

"American Airlines is the premier airline that offers the best flight options into the Caribbean and Mexico – two of BookIt.com's primary destinations," said Tom DiBacco, BookIt.com's Vice President of Business and Finance. "This is a great deal for our guests who get to choose from the most current American Airlines flights and lower fares when booking certain vacation packages."

BookIt.com is a rapidly growing, award-winning online travel agency that offers bundled vacation packages to many destinations served by American, including the United States, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. The direct connect agreement allows BookIt.com to offer lower package prices for many popular destinations and ensures that its travelers will have greater access to American services and benefits.

"American's direct connect link with BookIt.com showcases how American's unique set of products can be displayed in innovative ways that increase leisure-oriented travel options available to consumers," said Cory Garner, American's Managing Director – Sales Operations and Distribution.



Source: www.aa.com

Monday, July 16, 2012

JetBlue Airways Announces 23rd Caribbean Destination: Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands

JetBlue Airways has announced its intent to serve Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands, the largest destination in the British Overseas Territory's archipelago. Beginning Nov. 15, 2012, the airline will serve Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) with three times weekly service on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Saturday service from Boston's Logan International Airport (BOS) beginning on Nov. 17, 2012. Flights are expected to go on sale later this month at www.jetblue.com.

Destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean now make up almost one-third of the carrier's route network. Grand Cayman will be JetBlue's 74th destination and the 23rd destination in the Caribbean. Earlier this month, JetBlue also announced intent to serve two other new Caribbean destinations: Cartagena, Colombia beginning Nov. 2, 2012 and Samana, Dominican Republic starting Nov. 14, 2012, both from New York's JFK.

"Our Latin America and Caribbean destinations continue to flourish and based on this support that we continue to receive from our customers, we are excited to add the beautiful Cayman Islands to our growing network," said John Checketts, director of route planning for JetBlue. "Whether travellers are seeking relaxation or adventure, attractions like Seven Mile Beach, swimming with stingrays, snorkelling or scuba diving are just a few options to explore in this tropical, aquatic playground." 

With this new addition, by the end of 2012 JetBlue will serve the following Latin American and Caribbean destinations: Aruba; The Bahamas (Nassau); Barbados; Bermuda; Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman); Colombia (Bogota and Cartagena); Costa Rica (Liberia and San Jose); Dominican Republic (La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samana, Santiago and Santo Domingo); Jamaica (Kingston and Montego Bay); Mexico (Cancun); Puerto Rico (Aguadilla, Ponce and San Juan); St. Croix; St. Lucia; St. Maarten; St. Thomas; and, Turks and Caicos (Providenciales). 

JetBlue's schedule between New York and Grand Cayman:
JFK to GCM:
GCM to JFK:
Depart - Arrive
Depart - Arrive
7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.
- Flights operate three times weekly on Mon., Thurs., Sat.
beginning Thurs., Nov. 15 , 2012 -
- All times local -
JetBlue's schedule between Boston and Grand Cayman:
BOS to GCM:
GCM to BOS:
Depart - Arrive
Depart - Arrive
10:25 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 7:25 p.m.
- Flights operate on Saturdays beginning Sat. Nov. 17, 2012 -
- All times local -


JetBlue's flights to Grand Cayman from Boston and New York will be operated with its comfortable Airbus A320 fleet and award-winning service featuring convenient, assigned seating; a first-checked bag free; complimentary and unlimited name brand snacks and drinks; comfy leather seats; and more legroom than any other carrier in coach. 

Source: JetBlue.com

 

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Thursday, July 12, 2012

Boston Park Plaza Hotel – a Historical Boston Hotel and the Official Hotel of the Boston Red Sox Proudly Announces the Launch of Their New Mobile Website

Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers, has announced the launch of their Boston Hotel Mobile Website. It provides convenient access from any web-enabled mobile phone, tablet or I-Pad, giving prospective and repeat Hotel Guests, a fast, informative look-and-book solution, while they’re on the move.

Mobile Phone and Tablet users, will enjoy many of the same functions as the full Boston Hotel Website with streamlined information and quick links to check rates, view photos, Special Offers, view a map, contact the Hotel, connect to the property’s social media and most importantly, book a room – all with a few simple taps of the screen.


“With the launch of the mobile site, we intend to penetrate the burgeoning mobile market,” says Director of Revenue Management Gopakumar Menon. “With the simple layout and precise information, we are making it even easier for people to book their favorite Boston Hotel.”


This historic Boston Hotel, is having a big year committed to improving the Guest experience. Having completed a $5 million renovation, this Boston Hotel was named the Official Hotel of the Boston Red Sox during the team’s 100-year anniversary at Fenway Park, and has invested in its online presence with a new Hotel Website, a new Hotel Blog and the new Boston Hotel Mobile Website.


The mobile-friendly version of the Hotel’s Website was created with speed and performance for the end-user in mind, while also reflecting the prestigious Boston Hotel brand. 

 

 

 

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