Travel Agent - September 3, 2007 - (Page 29)

the locals enjoying the specially commissioned music, events and markets for the occasion, Americans are roaming the streets, shopping in the city’s newly established fashion district and eating at Gerbeaud Ház, the city’s famed pastry and coffee shop. I know Americans are beginning to flock there because Julien Carralero, general manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest (www.four seasons.com/budapest), where I stayed, tells me that 60 percent of his guests are American leisure travelers. Since 2004, when the Four Seasons there opened its doors, tourists have marched in and out of the hotel to admire the detail-oriented renovation, as well as the hotel’s stunning lobby, though the 179room hotel is rarely at full occupancy. The building itself has a rich history that spans a life as a luxury apartment building and insurance offices, and it was sadly in a state of neglect before the Four Seasons took it over and renovated it. The hotel is so breathtakingly beautiful that it has won awards not only for its rooms and service but also for its design. pleasures such as tomato soup, asparagus risotto with truffles, and chocolate molten cake were filling enough to carry me through three hours of private car sightseeing the next day, which was graciously arranged by the hotel’s concierge. Such an extravagance isn’t necessary, as the hotel is located near the famous Danube and within walking distance to a number of the city’s attractions and landmarks. If it sounds as though I was pampered during this stay, well—I was. What else would you expect from the Four Seasons? Room rates at this time of year average 350 euros. For more information, agents can contact Sherryn Bates, director of sales and marketing for the hotel, at +36 1 268 6000 or sherryn.bates@ fourseasons.com. For more on Budapest, visit www.budapestwinterinvasion.com. $ 5,000,000 (agency commissions expected to be generated by “World’s Largest Cruise Night” on October 17, 2007.) 7 Experiencing the Hotel Indeed, my room, 129, a Standard King that overlooked the Danube and the Chain Bridge, was quite comfortable—a welcome respite from the 10 or so hours it took to get there. Malév (www.malev.com), Hungary’s carrier, flies direct from New York, but flights were so full I instead flew Oneworld alliance partner American Airlines (www.aa.com) to Zurich and connected from there to Budapest on Malév. Though there are larger suites at the hotel, the best room to book is one of the Park Suites on the third floor, which are made up of one large room, complete with several sitting areas and a desk. What makes this room great is the positioning of the bed, which directly faces the window that opens up to a fantastic view of the Danube. Also easing me into relaxation was the helpful staff, particularly Magdi, my masseuse at the hotel’s spa, who dutifully worked out the kinks in my shoulders. A delicious dinner and wine pairing at the hotel’s restaurant, Páva, rounded out my first day. At the restaurant, simple During National Cruise Vacation Month in October, CLIA will create huge cruise news to generate blockbuster sales for you. This year we expect to double last year’s record of an estimated $2.5 million in agent commissions. The highlight will be our “World’s Largest Cruise Night” on October 17, 2007 and, for the first time ever, our online virtual “World’s Largest Cruise Night.” No matter what size your agency, we invite you to host your own “World’s Largest Cruise Night” event and reap the benefits first-hand! To register for CLIA’s “World’s Largest Cruise Night” on October 17, 2007 or for complete information about the benefits of CLIA membership, visit www.cruising.org or call 754-224-2200. September 3, 2007 TravelAgent 29 http://www.budapestwinterinvasion.com http://ww.fourseasons.com/budapest http://ww.fourseasons.com/budapest http://www.malev.com http://www.aa.com http://www.cruising.org http://www.cruising.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - September 3, 2007

Contents News You Can Use Agenda: Fam Trips, Calendar of Events, Deal of the Week Cover Story: Hotel Brand Expansion Africa: Egypt’s Newest Destination Hawaii: Hawaii Update Pacific/Asia: Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square Europe: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Caribbean & Bahamas: Marriott Expands Its Caribbean Portfolio El San Juan Hotel & Casino Upgrades San Juan’s New Doubletree by Hilton Mexico: Hotels Offer Post-Hurricane Deals Ski: The Inn at Lost Creek Agent Profile Meet Mame King Advertisers’ Information Classified Marketplace Luxury Travel Expo Update People & Places Special Supplement: Las Vegas Sales Guide

Travel Agent - September 3, 2007

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.