Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 - (Page 30)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29 The owner, Rigoberto Orozco, says that all rooms are equally beautiful and cost the same ($188 per night has been the rate in 2007). However, his personal favorite is “La Basilica,” which is near the back of the inn and has a beautiful view of the Itchimbia Crystal Palace. All rooms will increase to $244 a night in 2008; commission is 30 percent. For reservations, call 888-790-5264 or e-mail Orozco at rigoberto@villacolonna.ec or info@villacollona.ec. The Hotel Patio Andaluz Quito (www.hotelpatioandaluz.com), a boutique property surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments, was declared Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1978. The hotel is an official “national treasure” and holds centuries of history within its walls. It was among the original building sites (solaris) that constituted the City of San Francisco of Quito at its founding. The hotel now has 31 suites, a restaurant, a cava bar and a library. It offers modern amenities without abandoning its historical and atmospheric colonial style. A single or double rooms costs $150. A duplex suite costs $175. Add 22 percent for tax and service charges. Agents can call Francisco Vaca, sales manager, at 011-593-2-280-0830 or e-mail cialcotel@hotelpatioandaluz.com. The Hilton Colon Quito (www.quito.hilton.com) recently wrapped up a refurbishment in its Santa Maria tower. Among the amenities that were added are the Hilton Serenity Bed, Cuisinart coffeemakers, flat- Guest room at the Hotel Plaza Grande Specialist in Latin America 1-800-327-0080 PANAMA $ days, hotel, meals, air fare air far 880 screen TVs and new furniture. The hotel’s $2 million renovation will also include the conversion of 92 rooms in the hotel’s La Pinta tower to 42 premium suites. The suites, which will be completed in 2008, will range in size from 645 to 968 square feet and have access to a private dedicated lounge, separate from the existing executive-floor lounge. The Hilton is also adding two meeting rooms. In front of the hotel, guests will find the Mariscal handicraft market— a circuit of folkloric shops—and El Ejido park, where there are painting exhibitions on Saturdays and Sundays. Hilton Colon Quito features the elegant restaurant Portofino, a bar, sushi bar, casino, facilities for conventions and events, spa and fitness center, and a 24-hour coffee shop and room service. Agents can contact Maite Ulloa, director of sales, at 011-592-2-2560666 or maite.ulloa@hilton.com. Dining Suggestions Restaurante el Cucurucho de Santa Clara (www.restaurants.com. ec/cucurucho.santaclara) specializes in Ecaudorian and international cuisine. The average cost for a meal is about $15, and the ambiance is comfortable, laid-back elegance. It is open from noon to 11 p.m. daily. Call 011-593-257-2114 or 011-593-228-5866. The Mea Culpa Restaurante, in the Hotel Plaza Grande facing the Presidential Palace, serves Chilean and Venezuelan dishes. A meal averages $20-$25. Call 011-593-2-257-3445. La Boca del Lobo (labocadellobo@hotmail.com) is an intimate restaurant in the Mariscal neighborhood that plays lounge music. Its menu features local and international food. The cost of dinner for two is about $45, including drinks. Call 011-593-223-4083. I CONNECTING YOU For details on tours of the Ecuadorian capital and packages to book for clients, visit www.travelagentcentral/quito MACHU PICCHU $ 7 days, air, tours, hotel air 1,492 GALAPAGOS $ 8 days, air fare, cruise air far and more mor 2,950 All packages include air from Miami, hotel accommodations, tours, transfers and more Add-ons available from more than 100 USA cities. Rates per person. www.taratours.com Interested? Request #006. 30 | TravelAgent December 10, 2007 http://www.hotelpatioandaluz.com http://www.quito.hilton.com http://www.taratours.com http://www.restaurants.com.ec/cucurucho.santaclara http://www.restaurants.com.ec/cucurucho.santaclara http://www.taratours.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/quito

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - December 10, 2007

Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 Online Now From the Editor Contributors Europe: Liverpool, The Beatles Hometown, Is also Known for it's Maritime Heritage, Art and Architecture European Hotel Highlights Central and South America: What You Need To Know About Selling Quito, the Historic Capital City of Ecuador Pacific/Asia: Malaysia Seeks to Grow Tourism as it Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of it's Independence Spa Resort in Goa, India Caribbean: Venerable Jamaican Resorts Tryall Club and Half Moon Marry Contemporary Design and Old-Time Elegence Caribbean Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Your Gen-Y Clients Las Vegas News and Notes Hotels: Sandals' 6th Annual Star Awards Tours: Escorted and FIT Packages in Western Canada Cruise: Barging 101 Cover Story: Wyndham's Way Agent Profile: Casto Travel's Marc Casto Technology Transportation Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Carnival's Plans for the Future Fairmont Expands in Africa Liberty Travel/Gogo is Sold Turks and Caicos Developments The New River Cruise Line, Jewel How to Protect Yourself When a Tour Operator Shuts Down In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Destination Africa

Travel Agent - December 10, 2007

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