Travel Agent - August 18, 2008 - (Page 39)

VALENCIA IS SPAIN’S THIRD-LARGEST CITY, BUT IT HAS A COMFORTABLE SMALL-TOWN FEEL. Visitors can spend days walking around the old medieval center or touring the museums and arts centers in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. And at night, the Bario del Carmen in the old heart of the city comes alive with trendy bars, clubs and atmospheric restaurants. The Westin Valencia (www.starwood hotels.com/westin/valencia), a handsome 1917 heritage building, is a short walk from the old center. The enormous Swarovski chandelier in the circular hall is dimmed at night when candles create a fairytale atmosphere both inside and around the large patio with its palms and orange trees. Maria Dolores Martinez (011-34-96-3625929, dolores.martinez@westin.com), personal assistant to the general manager, says the Thursday jazz sessions in the El Jardi Lounge and Sushi Bar and Valencia’s only Sunday Brunch in the El Rosmarino Restaurant are popular. The fine dining restaurant is run by Michelin-starred Chef Oscar Torrijos (011-3496-362-5900, oscartorrijos@telefonia.com). For high-end clients, ask for a Grand Deluxe or Executive Room, which have terraces with Jacuzzis. All 135 rooms (38 connect) feature Heavenly Beds. Heavenly Cribs are available upon request for tiny tots, as are Heavenly Dog Beds for pets up to 18 kilos (about 40 pounds). VIPs will relish the 2,150-square-foot Suite Real, the largest suite in the Valencia region, designed by local designer Francis Montesinos, with a lounge, library, wine cellar and two bedrooms. The striped walls, sumptuous furnishings and all black-and-white bedroom decor are very dramatic. And anyone staying here will remember the designer’s name, as it is scribbled over carpets, rugs and bedcovers. Demi Moore and hubby Ashton Kutcher were the first to stay here and Kevin Costner and Bruce Springsteen have also been guests. This suite cannot be booked over the GDS, so contact General Manager Franck De Weerdt (011-34-96-362-5900, franck.deweerdt@westin.com) for reservations. Ramon Cisneros (011-34-96-186-6280, rcisneros@carolihealthclub.es) manages the Caroli Spa & Health Club and fine-tunes treatments to personal requirements. The concierge staff, headed by Francelina Amaral (011-34-96362-5900, francelina.amaral@westin.com), will book seats for concerts and sporting events, and arrange city tours and airport transfers. The Hospes Palau de la Mar (www.hospes. es) is for clients who appreciate the finer things in life. This stylish boutique hotel is in two stately homes off one of Valencia’s main shopping streets. A haven of classical elegance, it surprises for its contemporary touches and minimalist furnishings. Natural light is a feature throughout the property, with windows cleverly set into the old walls and top-floor ceilings. The inner patio off the elegant lobby has 18 rooms. The other 42 Double Rooms, Superior Doubles, five Junior Suites and Presidential Suite are all different in size but have dark wood floors, queen-size beds and cool whiteand-beige color schemes. For clients who like a lot of space, ask for #501, a top-floor Junior Suite with a sloping ceiling and extra-large bathroom. Another room we liked is #410, a Double Room with a separate shower in the bathroom. Not all rooms have these, so be sure to specify when booking. Assistant Manager Eduardo Domenech Savall (011-34-96-316-2884, am.hospes.palaudela mar@hospes.es) says to book ahead for the Las Fallas festivities in March and for major sports events. Contact General Manager Maria Ripoli (palaudelamar.direccion@hospes.es) for special requests. To call her, the concierge staff, the Bodyna Spa or the restaurant, you have to go through the front-desk phone line (011-34-96-316-2885). The spa has a fitness area, small pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. The smart Senzone restaurant serves contemporary Mediterranean food, Valencian dishes and fine local wines. The Hilton Valencia (www.valencia.hilton. com) is on the outskirts of the city, opposite the Palacio de Congresos and near the fairgrounds. The 304 rooms have contemporary furnishings and include 34 Junior Suites, two Presidential Suites and 10 Relaxation Rooms. We think the Relaxation Rooms (all on the 21st floor) will appeal to couples, since they have a Jacuzzi big enough for two. They have comfortable armchairs in the sleeping area and desks. Ask for one of the corner rooms, like #2104, as they are extra large. CONTINUED ON PAGE 40 August 18, 2008 TravelAgent | 39 http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/valencia http://www.valencia.hilton.com http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/valencia http://www.valencia.hilton.com http://www.hospes.es http://www.hospes.es

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Travel Agent - April 18, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor Pacific/Asia: Visitors to Ubud will Discover the Essence of Balinese Art and Culture Special Supplement: Malaysia Travel Planner New Zealand: There is Plenty to See and Do Throughout the West Coast of the Southern Alps Europe: Beauty, History and Culture Combine in Valencia, Spain Caribbean: Scrub Island is the BVI’s First Development in 15 years The Wyndham Rio Mar’s $40 Million Makeover is Well Underway in Puerto Rico The Latest on Grenada, a Caribbean Up-and-Comer Mexico: Big Hotel Plans are in the Works for the Riviera Nayarit Florida: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel turns Orlando into Italy Las Vegas: Dinner at these Restaurants Can Get your Clients into Vegas’ Hottest Nightclubs Cover Story: Medical Tourism Special Supplement: Destination Weddings Specialist 3.0 Hotels: Everything Old is New Again at New York’s Algonquin Cruise: Short Cruises Keep your Clients on the Move for Less Group Travel: Disney makes Exotic Locales Friendly for Family Travel Car Rentals: How Much Insurance Does your Client Need for a Rental Car? Agency Profile: Corporate Travel Sales are Rising at MTravel.com, a Division of Montrose Luxury Travel Expo Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Hyatt comes to Curaçao New Hotels and Resorts in Asia CLIA Tightens Qualifications for ID Tripology Links Agents to Clients In the Spotlight Agent Access Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - August 18, 2008

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