Reading room: the Taschen Library at the Trump Soho Hotel in New York City.
By Mark Chesnut
Sure, ebooks have made it easier for travelers to bring all the reading material they need when on the road. But a growing number of luxury hotels have introduced their own stylish collection of coffee table books and even business books — so whether you’re planning a Mexico vacation or hopping among New York hotels, you can find a worthy alternative to that well-traveled iPad. (more…)
Jackpot: Las Vegas McCarran International Airport has free WiFi (if you can pull yourself away from the slots).
By Mark Chesnut
You’ve got a layover that’s just long enough to check e-mail on something larger than your cell phone, but you have no VIP club membership handy and you don’t feel like paying as much as $20 to access Wi-Fi for just an hour or two. What to do? (more…)
History in the making: Circa 1886 restaurant, at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston.
By Mark Chesnut
The cities of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are tourism magnets, thanks to their Southern hospitality and beautifully maintained historic attractions. But they can also be great places to hold a business meeting, as many of their most attractive landmarks are also available for private events. And that includes hotels in both cities, where Southern charm and stunning settings combine to create unique venues for a variety of gatherings. (more…)
The price is right: New DOT rules provide more up-front details about airline fees and surcharges.
By Mark Chesnut
Beginning Jan. 26, new rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) should make it a bit easier when shopping around for the best airfare. Consumer advocates are hailing a new consumer rule, designed to enhance protections for air travelers, that will require all government taxes and fees to be included in every advertised fare. (more…)
Enlist now: a former military residence has been recast as the upscale Inn at the Presidio
By Mark Chesnut
The Presidio — San Francisco’s scenic, 235-year-old former military base — will introduce a new option for travelers in April, when the first hotel ever to operate on site opens its doors. The Inn at the Presidio is expected to attract both business travelers and anyone planning a California vacation in the city by the bay, thanks to its upscale ambiance and proximity to noteworthy attractions. (more…)
Coming soon: US Airways is adding a bunch of new flights at its Washington D.C. hub.
By Mark Chesnut
Travelers planning trips in and out of the nation’s capital now have an array of new options, thanks to new flights recently announced by US Airways, which is ramping up service at Washington Reagan National Airport as part of a major slot swap with Delta Air Lines. (more…)
Screen time: Minneapolis will be added to the TSA's pre-screening initiative this year.
By Mark Chesnut
In today’s ever-changing world of air travel, the experience you have during security screening is likely to depend on the airport you’re moving through. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced new test and pilot programs at some airports, bringing changes — and potential new options — for frequent flyers. Here is a sample of what to expect this year. (more…)
By Mark Chesnut
This year has been a big one for Residence Inn by Marriott. The extended-stay hotel chain debuted its very first European property while announcing its expansion into South America — all while strengthening its position as a favored brand for both business travelers and families.
The Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Pompano Beach offers amenities for business travelers and families.
The Residence Inn made its entrance into Europe with the opening in October of the Residence Inn by Marriott Munich City East in Munich, Germany, within walking distance of the city’s Ostbahnhof train station. The 125-room property has one meeting room for eight people. In addition, Marriott plans to introduce the chain in South America in 2012 with the opening of its first property in Guayaquil, Ecuador. (more…)
High-tech takeoff: All of Delta's mainline aircraft have WiFi. Credit: Cubbie Vegas.
By Mark Chesnut
Not everyone wants to stay connected when they’re in the air. But for those who do want to surf the Web while flying, the highly inconsistent connectivity offered today can be a bit frustrating. To help you sort out who offers what and when, here’s a roundup of the latest onboard WiFi offerings. (more…)
Getting carded: elite benefits are available with some -- but not all --airline credit cards. Photo: LatinFlyer.com
By Mark Chesnut
The writing on the wall indicates that it may become harder for many travelers to reach elite level status with their preferred airlines, thanks to new status thresholds and, at some carriers, changes that will base mileage accrual on the fare paid rather than the mileage flown. (more…)
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