Meeting News - January 7, 2008 - (Page 23)

International Barceló Lays Down Template for Future & Hotel Developments Hotelier opens ‘benchmark’ resort and gears up for more U.S. groups Cancun—Barceló Hotels & Resorts, on an aggressive expansion plan in Mexico and the Dominican Republic (see Oct. 22 MN, p. 24), opened its latest property on Dec. 24 in Riviera Maya, Mexico, one that serves as a new benchmark for its resorts. The 756-suite Maya Palace is the fifth and most upscale property within the Spanish hotelier’s sprawling, all-inclusive Maya Beach Resort less than 50 miles south of Cancun. On a beachfront location, the Maya Palace has two meeting rooms for nearly 700 attendees, plus a multipurpose theater, along with six restaurants. Planners also have access to the standalone, 23,000-plus-sf Maya Convention Center within the resort. The Maya Palace’s suites, which Barceló classifies as upper mid-scale, have a contemporary decor highlighted by bright reds, oranges, and browns. The rooms are outfitted with stone-finished bathrooms with walk-in showers and bowl sinks, wallmounted flat-screen satellite TVs, high-speed web access, and large patios or balconies. “The Maya Palace is our best hotel, and it will be the model for our future hotel improvements and new builds,” said Simon Barceló Tous, the company’s co-president, during a pre-opening site inspection by MeetingNews in early December. “The Bavaro Beach Resort’s [full renovation] next year will follow the Maya Palace template,” he said, of Barceló’s five-hotel complex in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Barceló Tous indicated, as well, that the hotelier intends to expand its city offerings in its stronghold of Mexico (in Mexico City and Guadalajara) and in Central American countries. It already has city properties in the Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo) and Costa Rica (three in San Jose). “These will be five-star hotels for corporate travelers and will have meeting space,” said Barceló Tous. U.S. meetings and incentives business is growing for Barceló, and it wants to penetrate the market further in 2008. “It’s a segment we strongly believe [has] great opportunities,” said Barceló Tous. “Many customers participating in meetings and conventions return as tourists.” With offices in Miami and Toronto, the Barceló has doubled its U.S. and Canadian marketing budgets. H www.meetingnews.com Meetings Destined For Success Puerto Vallarta’s most beautiful hotel is now even better! The all-inclusive, all-suite Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya Hotel has completed an expansive renovation to its guest suites, public spaces, a new spa facility and its famous beach. With 318 one and two bedroom guest suites, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, legendary service and endless sunshine, it’s the perfect destination for your next meeting. And for a limited time it’s the perfect price! Book your meeting or incentive program now and enjoy special savings for 2008 group bookings. Per person group rates beginning at $150 per person/double occupancy. CALL: 1-888-676-7960 to book your next group at any Barceló Resort The Barceló La Jolla de Mismaloya Hotel is an all-inclusive luxury resort located on Mismaloya Bay in Puerto Vallarta. All-inclusive resort guests enjoy suite accommodations, unlimited dining & house cocktails at the resort’s five restaurants & lounges, sports activities on the beach & at the swimming pools, health club access and live entertainment. Also available – spa services and golf nearby. For more information and reservations: 1-800-BARCELO or www.barcelo.com January 7, 2008 MeetingNews 23 http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/mn102207/index.php?startpage=24 http://www.barcelo.com http://www.barcelo.com http://www.meetingnews.com

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Meeting News - January 7, 2008

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