Travelodge Offers Free Children’s Zoo Admission with Two-Night Stay this Summer

Stay two consecutive nights at a Travelodge hotel and receive two complimentary children’s tickets good at more than 135 participating zoos across the country. Here, children are enthralled at the jaguars on view at Palm Beach Zoo, Florida © 2013 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Looking to get a little something extra out of this year’s summer vacation? Take a ZOOcation! Stay two consecutive nights at your favorite Travelodge® hotel and in addition to great rates and a comfy room, you’ll receive two complimentary children’s tickets good at more than 135 participating zoos across the country.

Created through an association between Travelodge, National Geographic and The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Travelodge ZOOcation promotion runs through September 30, 2013 and is only available at Travelodge.com. Free children’s tickets are awarded in the form of a voucher and are redeemable when combined with the purchase of an equal number of adult admissions at a participating AZA-accredited zoo.

“Travelodge wants to keep guests close to adventure and what better way to do that than to help them get out and visit their favorite zoo,” said Kevin McCabe, senior director of marketing for Travelodge. “Plus, with 350 hotels throughout the U.S., average rates starting at less than $70 a night and free extras like breakfast and Wi-Fi, having a great adventure isn’t dependent on traveling far or spending a lot of money.”

Among the zoos where families may redeem their vouchers are the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif.; the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio and the Bronx Zoo in New York. A full list of participating zoos is available at www.aza.org/zoocation.

As an added bonus, guests who are members of Wyndham Rewards®, the free-to-join guest loyalty program of Travelodge hotels and parent company Wyndham Hotel Group, will earn valuable points during their stay. Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and restaurants and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

To take advantage of this offer, visit www.travelodge.com or call 1-800-525-4055 and request special promotional rate code SFA. Vouchers will be mailed approximately two weeks after reservations are made and blackout dates for redemption may apply. The promotion is available for booking through September 30, 2013 or while supplies last. Vouchers are good through November 30, 2013. Full terms and conditions are available at www.travelodge.com.

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Dusit International to Award Dusit Thani Maldives Vacation in Social Media Contest

Dusit International is rewarding its loyal social media followers with an opportunity to win a vacation at the Dusit Thai Maldives resort

A leading Asia hospitality group, Dusit International, is rewarding its loyal social media followers with an opportunity to win a  Dusit Thani Maldives vacation by participating in its ‘Dusit Dream Holiday’ contest.

From November 29 to December 19, the online community is invited to submit a photo that embodies their dream vacation based on three separate weekly themes:

City Extravaganza: November 29 to December 05,
Beach Getaway: December 06 to 12,
Cultural Escapade: December 13 to 19.

Participants may submit as many entries as they wish through any of the following channels: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr or Instagram. Entries should include the #DusitDreamHoliday hashtag or tag Dusit International’s social account. Participants may also send in their photos via campaign@dusit.com.

All photos submitted will be uploaded to the Dusit International Pinterest board at https://pinterest.com/dusithotels/. The three photos gaining the most likes and repins will be selected each week to qualify for the final round. The participant submitting the winning photo will receive a five-night Beach Villa stay in the luxurious Dusit Thani Maldives that features a private deck area and plunge pool, plus daily free breakfast and round-trip seaplane tickets between Malé and Dusit Thani Maldives for two.

Dusit Internaltional media followers are invited to start clicking away for a chance to live the Dusit Dream this holiday season. More information is available at www.dusit.com/dusitdreamholiday.

Surrounded by a vibrant 360 degree coral reef and turquoise lagoon, the new Dusit Thani Maldives is located on the beautiful Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, in the Maldives, and comprises 100 exclusive villas and residences for retreat style relaxation. The resort also features three restaurants, two bars and the Dusit signature Devarana Spa along with a range of upscale amenities.

Dusit International has more than 60 years’ experience in the hotel and hospitality field. Founded in 1949 by Honorary Chairperson Thanpuying Chanut Piyaoui, whose first hotel was the Princess on Bangkok’s New Road, Dusit International has since acquired a unique portfolio of distinctive hotels, building upon Thai culture and tradition to create a personalized welcome for all guests made distinctive under the Dusit International brand promise; the delivery of an ‘experience that enlivens the individual spirit, no matter the journey’.

Dusit International comprises four hotel brands: Dusit Thani, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, and Dusit Devarana. It also operates Dusit Residences and its own signature Devarana Spa.

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Clifton Hotel, Eco-Chic Beach Retreat in Miami’s South Beach Offers Value Rates thru Nov. 30

Looking for an eco-chic beach retreat this fall? Rates at The Clifton Hotel in Miami’s South Beach start at $149 per night weekdays and $199 per night on weekends through Nov. 30, 2012.

The Clifton – Florida’s first LEED Gold hotel – just joined the Ascend Hotel Collection membership program from Choice Hotels International, an elite portfolio of independent hotels. As part of this global network, the property remains independently owned and operated, while gaining a presence on ChoiceHotels.com, one of the industry’s most visited websites, drawing 100 million visits annually. The Clifton also gets a loyalty program, Choice Privileges, with more than 15 million rewards members worldwide.

This 35-room boutique hotel is located in the heart of the historic Art Deco District, one-half block from the beach and a short stroll to South Beach’s famous nightlife, shops and restaurants. The Clifton underwent a multi-million-dollar eco-renovation and reopened in 2010 with its historic, Art Deco façade refreshed and redesigned interiors that are fresh, hip and environmentally friendly.

Contemporary decor features custom furnishings made locally with bamboo. Guestrooms are outfitted with modern LED lighting, and beds boast comfortable mattresses created from renewable materials and topped with soft pillows made of recycled bottle fibers that are allergen-free and anti-microbial. Among the many other green features: solar power, an occupancy-sensing energy management system, high-efficiency faucets and air conditioning system, water-conserving dual-flush toilets and energy-efficient windows. The lobby bar serves up organic wines and cocktails along with traditional South Beach favorites. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast as well as VIP passes to nightclubs and pre-parties.

Launched in the fall of 2008, Ascend Hotel Collection today has more than 75 distinctive hotels in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Scandinavia and Costa Rica. The fast-growing portfolio appeals to savvy travelers who like to immerse themselves in a destination and live like the locals when they travel.

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Fraser Suites Sydney, Australia, Creates Family Fun Package with Entree to Attractions

Families visiting Sydney, Australia and looking for inner city accommodation with something to keep even the littlest members of the tribe entertained will love Fraser Suites Sydney’s new major attraction accommodation packages.

Combining entry tickets for the whole family to Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium or Wild Life Sydney and gold standard accommodation in a 2 bedroom apartment (suitable for two adults and two children), as well as complimentary Internet access.

Fraser Suites Sydney offer spacious studios and self contained one and two bedroom apartments, so families have plenty of room to stretch out, and with the excellent leisure facilities including amazing indoor swimming pool and delicious breakfast options, there is something for everyone.

Located in the heart of Sydney CBD, the hotel is also just a stones throw from Darling Harbour Entertainment Precinct, as well as Chinatown and Spanish Quarters. Other attractions easily accessed by public transport include Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and the world famous Sydney Harbour.

New Family Packages at Fraser Suites Sydney – all from $558 per night

Taronga Zoo Family Package
Includes overnight accommodation for a family up to 4 people in a 2 bedroom Suite with Internet access, Taronga Zoo tickets for a family of 4 people of 2 adults and 2 kids ( Children under 4 stay for free and FOC entrance to Taronga Zoo).

Sydney Aquarium Package Includes overnight accommodation for a family up to 4 people in a 2 bedroom Suite with Internet access and tickets to Sydney Aquarium for a family of 4 people (2 adults and 2 kids).

Wild Life Sydney Package Includes overnight accommodation for a family up to 4 people in a 2 bedroom Suite with Internet access and tickets to Wildlife Sydney for a family of 4 people ( 2 adults and 2 kids).

All packages are valid until 31 March 2013. Subject to availability. Block out dates apply,

For bookings contact (02) 8823 8888
Fraser Suites Sydney, 488 Kent Street, Sydney
www.sydney.frasershospitality.com

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Win a Hotel Getaway to Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham By Entering Sweepstakes

Travelers wanting to get out and have some fun this summer now have the chance to create and win their ideal vacation thanks to the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham® hotel brand and its “Design Your Perfect Getaway” sweepstakes.

Now through August 15, 2012, travelers who visit the newly re-designed Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham website (www.microtelinn.com) can enter daily for their chance to win by “designing” their perfect getaway, including choosing a favorite vacation setting as well as daytime and nighttime activities. Plus, participants can earn two extra entries by being, or becoming, a member of Wyndham Rewards®, the free-to-join loyalty program of more than 6,500 hotels worldwide, including those under the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham brand.

“The perfect vacation starts with a great hotel and that’s exactly what guests receive when they stay with us,” said Keri Putera, vice president of marketing for Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham. “Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a night in the city or a retreat to the mountains, with more than 300 hotels—all designed from the ground up to be a part of the Microtel family—staying with Microtel means never having to compromise quality for value.”

One grand prize winner will be selected from all eligible entrants to receive a three-night, four-day trip for two to the U.S. or Canadian destination of their choice complete with hotel accommodations, roundtrip airfare, midsize car rental and $500 in spending money. Five first prize winners will also receive three free night stays at any participating Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotel in the U.S. or Canada, to be awarded in the form of 48,000 Wyndham Rewards points. For full terms and conditions, or to enter, visit www.microtelinn.com.

Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham® brand is an award-winning chain of more than 300 economy hotels located throughout North America and the Philippines. Each hotel is newly constructed and offers an array of complimentary amenities including free Wi-Fi access and free continental breakfast. Other amenities available at most hotels include meeting and fitness centers, swimming pools and the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, Wyndham Hotel Group’s guest loyalty program.

For the past decade, J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham brand highest in overall guest satisfaction in the economy lodging segment.

Each Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hotel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Microtel Inns & Suites Franchising, a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. Reservations and information are available by calling (800) 771-7171, TDD (800) 824-2082 or (888) 304-6835 (Español) or by visiting www.microtelinn.com. For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com.

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Get $50 Gift Card with ‘Two Stays Pays’ Promotion from Choice Hotels International

Get a $50 gift card with the new Two Stays Pays promotion from Choice Hotels International. During this summer travel promotion, there’s no limit to the number of $50 gift cards you can earn. Here’s how this offer works.

Through August 15, 2012, travelers who stay two separate times at a Choice brand hotel can earn enough Choice Privileges rewards points to redeem for a $50 gift card. Put your $50 towards gas, shopping, dining out and more, and have extra funds to spend on the rest of your vacation. To be eligible for this promotion, you must be a member of the Choice Privileges rewards program. Plus, you must register at ChoiceHotels.com and make your reservation through this same website or by calling 800.4CHOICE.

The Two Stays Pays promotion goes far and wide. It’s open to U.S. and Canadian residents traveling throughout North America, Europe, Mexico, Central America, Australasia and the Caribbean. And it’s good at all 10 value-focused Choice Hotels brands – Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn – as well as at Ascend Collection member hotels.

Most Choice brand hotels add to the savings with free Wi-Fi, free breakfast and free parking. Additionally, you have the assurance of the Choice Hotels Best Internet Rate Guarantee so you know you’re getting the lowest rate for your hotel anywhere online — or get a free night on Choice.

For more information or to register for the Two Stays Pays promotion, visit ChoiceHotels.com.

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Inn at the White Elephant Village to Open in Nantucket Summer 2012

The Inn at the White Elephant Village will open summer 2012 with 20 units, including 14 suites and six deluxe guest rooms. Located on South Beach Street, the new Inn and existing White Elephant Residences will comprise the newly-created White Elephant Village, a natural extension of the award-winning White Elephant hotel that continues to be rated among the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler magazines.

As part of the expansion, the Village will have its own lobby, including reception area, concierge, fireplace, gift shop, and business center. The lobby will serve morning coffee, pastries, all-day snacks, and late-afternoon port and cheese – creating a natural hub for guests. All guests of the White Elephant Village will continue to enjoy exclusive use of the Village’s heated pool and cabanas, fitness center, and complimentary bicycles.

Celebrated Nantucket interior designer Kathleen Hay will bring a warm, neutral palette to the Inn, providing a sophisticated and comfortable décor. Reflecting the ambiance of its island location, the Inn will feature oversized windows, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate the rooms, and quintessential Nantucket wainscoting detail throughout. Each of the suites and deluxe guest rooms will be replete with HD flat-screen TVs and miniature refrigerators as well as linens by Pratesi, plush turkish towels, bathrobes, and cozy slippers. Ideal for families, the 14 suites will offer sofa beds to accommodate couples traveling with children and four of the suites will feature fireplaces.

Managing Director of Nantucket Island Resorts Khaled Hashem sees this expansion as a positive sign that tourism in Nantucket is continuing to grow. “We are excited with the addition of the Inn that will further enable us to host families and groups in the award winning accommodations these travelers expect from the White Elephant.”

The iconic White Elephant hotel and White Elephant Hotel Residences will open for the season on April 19. Guests can book now for suites and guest rooms this summer at the Inn at the White Elephant Village.

For more information visit www.nantucketislandresorts.com or call 800.475.2637.

Nantucket Island Resorts is a collection of premier hotels on Nantucket. Properties include The Wauwinet, ideal for romance with access and views of both bay and ocean beaches and home to the award-winning TOPPER’S restaurant, White Elephant, the iconic hotel located right on Nantucket Harbor that offers a lovely arrangements of rooms, suites, cottages, and a stunning loft as well as the Brant Point Grill, the White Elephant Village offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom Residences and the new Inn, Jared Coffin House, a historic and charming inn located in Nantucket Town, The Cottages & Lofts at the Boat Basin, waterfront cottages with full kitchens located on three wharves jutting out into Nantucket Harbor and featuring 12 pet-friendly accommodations, and Nantucket Boat Basin, a 240 slip full-service award winning marina.

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Choice Hotels to Give Away Caribbean Vacation to Winner of Facebook Sweepstakes

As winter wanes and warmer weather beckons weary travelers, Choice Hotels is looking to send one lucky Facebook user on a wonderful Caribbean vacation getaway.*

From now through April 30, 2012, Facebook users who “Like” Choice Hotels can learn how to enter into the “Caribbean Dreamin’ Sweepstakes” where they’ll have the chance to win a trip for two to the Caribbean. The sweepstakes grand prize winner will receive cash for round-trip airfare for two and 100,000 Choice Privileges rewards points to redeem at one of our 11 different Caribbean island hotels.

Don’t like your odds? Well in addition to one grand prize winner, Choice Hotels will also give away instant prizes right on its Facebook page. After each consumer enters the sweepstakes, they’ll have a chance to play an instant win game where they can win dozens of travel prizes including Amazon Kindles, Apple iPod Shuffles, and Tumi.com Gift Cards.** What’s more, consumers who enter the sweepstakes and then share the promotion with their family and friends will get a bonus sweepstakes entry.

“As more and more consumers conduct their vacation research and travel booking through emerging social media and mobile channels, we want to be there to offer them fun deals like this,” said Robert McDowell, senior vice president of global distribution for Choice Hotels. “By giving one lucky winner an amazing Caribbean vacation through our Choice Hotels Facebook page, we’re hoping to directly engage with our guests in new and interesting ways.”

Consumers can visit Facebook.com/ChoiceHotels and “Like” the page to find out more about how to enter for a chance to win. Choice Hotels brand locations available in the Caribbean include Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, and Ascend Collection brand properties in the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Curaçao. As part of the Choice Hotels family, these hotels offer free breakfast, Internet, pools, sundecks, bars and restaurants (specific amenities vary by location).

Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) franchises more than 6,100 hotels, representing more than 495,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 other countries and territories. The company’s Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

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Choice Hotels Launches Free-Night Travel Promo for Choice Privileges Members, Valid at 1,500 Lodgings

Virginian Suites, a member of the Ascend Collection of hotels, in Arlington, Virginia, offers 261 apartment-style suites and a lovely lounge where breakfast is served. The hotel is two miles from downtown Washington DC and a 15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro Station. One of the Choice Hotels group, travelers who stay two separate times at a Choice Hotels property can earn enough Choice Privileges rewards points for a free night at more than 1,500 Choice Hotels lodgings © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Stay twice and get a free night.

That’s the gist of a new spring travel promotion from Choice Hotels International.

From March 8 – May 8, travelers who stay two separate times at a Choice Hotels property can earn enough Choice Privileges rewards points for a free night at more than 1,500 Choice Hotels lodgings.

This is one of the company’s most popular promotions, with the bonus of having no limit on how many free nights travelers can earn.

To be eligible, travelers must be members of the Choice Privileges loyalty program and make their reservations at ChoiceHotels.com or toll-free at 800.4CHOICE.

The Stay Two Separate Times, Earn One Night Free promotion is wide in reach, available at participating Choice Hotels properties throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Mexico, Central America, Australia and the Caribbean. And it’s good at all 10 Choice Hotels brands: Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn plus the Ascend Collection membership program.

Many of these well-priced hotels offer great perks, too, like free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. To get more information, visit https://www.ChoicePrivileges.com.

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HOJO Hosts Facebook Sweepstakes to Award Ultimate Harlem Globetrotters Fan Experience

Fans of the world famous Harlem Globetrotters now have a chance to win a 3-day/2-night trip for four to Tampa, Florida, to see the Harlem Globetrotters perform live at the St. Pete Times Forum with the Howard Johnson® hotel brand and its “Globetrotter Getaway” sweepstakes.

Now through February 15, 2012, Wyndham Rewards® members who “like” www.facebook.com/hojo can enter for a chance to win the trip which includes airfare, hotel accommodations, $250 for travel expenses, select Harlem Globetrotters merchandise and a private meeting with the Harlem Globetrotters.

“Howard Johnson has always been about fond memories, happiness and making people smile,” said Rui Barros, Howard Johnson brand senior vice president. “With this latest opportunity, we’re continuing that tradition, providing one lucky fan with the experience of a lifetime.”

In addition to the grand prize, five first prize winners will each receive 16,000 Wyndham Rewards points, redeemable for one free night stay at any participating Howard Johnson hotel in the U.S. or Canada.  Five second prize winners will each receive an autographed Harlem Globetrotters jersey. Full sweepstakes terms and conditions are available at www.facebook.com/hojo.

Howard Johnson International, a member of the Wyndham Hotel Group family of lodging brands, is a global chain of primarily midscale and economy hotels featuring single, double and suite accommodations. All properties in the U.S. and Canada, and most properties in other regions, offer complimentary high-speed Internet access, expanded cable television, in-room coffee and weekday newspaper. Select hotels offer complimentary Rise & Dine® continental breakfast and allow pets.

Howard Johnson hotels participate in Wyndham Rewards, the world’s largest lodging loyalty program as measured by more than 6,500 participating hotels throughout 36 countries worldwide. For more information about Wyndham Rewards, visit www.wyndhamrewards.com.

Reservations and information are available by calling (800) 446-4656 or by visiting www.hojo.com. All Howard Johnson hotels are independently owned and operated.  Howard Johnson International is an indirect subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN). For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com.