Save money and time with the new Hotels by Orbitz app for iPhone, which speeds you through hotel booking in just 3 taps.
By Valerie Moloney
iPhone devotees swear by its magical powers. Don’t know a song? Download an app. Refrigerator empty? Order groceries on your phone. And now, thanks to Orbitz, here’s one more convenience for booking hotels on the go: the new Hotels by Orbitz app for iPhone. (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…)
Boom town: New York City is slated to welcome dozens of new hotels. Credit: Javier Gil.
By Mark Chesnut
In the coming two or three years, Big Apple-bound travelers are going to find more options than ever when it comes time to make a hotel reservation. A recent report from hotel consulting firm Lodging Econometrics, first published in Crain’s New York Business, shows that New York hotels are in the midst of a major development boom — in fact, the city that never sleeps has become the fastest-growing in the nation in terms of new development. (more…)
By Valerie Moloney
It’s hard to imagine the world without those instantaneous social feeds, but this new tool moves the mobile experience to a whole other echelon. Say hello to Orbitz Mobile Steals, exclusive, mobile-only discounts of up to 50% on select hotels worldwide. Available across all mobile channels, including the mobile site and via free, downloadable apps for iPhone, Android and iPad, these hotel deals trot the globe, from Miami Beach to London, and can be booked for same-day or future travel.
A tool that moves as fast as you do: Introducing Orbitz Mobile Steals, savings of up to 50% on hotels worldwide.
The beauty of the Steals: Searches can be saved between devices as long as the user logs in. So if you start your search on a desktop, you can complete the booking from a mobile device later. (more…)
Pour George, one of the 26 stops on the New York City Beerathon, Nov. 19.
By Erin Behan
You’ve heard of the ING New York City Marathon 2011—you know that 26-plus mile run through all five boroughs that attracts 2 million spectators every fall?—but what of the lesser known but equally grueling New York City Beerathon? The beer tasting and bar hopping extravaganza loosely follows the marathon’s exhausting schedule. (more…)
Name change: the newly redubbed United Club in Hong Kong.
By Mark Chesnut
United and Continental Airlines passengers looking for a quiet respite from the airport hubbub are ducking into a lounge with a new name. The Continental Airlines Presidents Club and United Airlines Red Carpet Club have been renamed United Club, as the latest step in the merger process between the two airlines. The newly dubbed lounges feature the same amenities as before, including free drinks and light snacks, free Wi-Fi, workstations and conference room access. (more…)
Fresh and funky: Seattle's Hotel FIVE nails modern whimsy within walking distance to the waterfront.
By Erin Behan
Seattle is a city of many wonders — flying fish at Pike Place Market, an entire museum devoted to pop music, and foam-perfect cappuccinos to name a few — but if you haven’t checked out these four new Seattle hotels, you’re doing it wrong. Sure the rooms are guaranteed to be modern and fresh, but you also get hip restaurants serving local, seasonal cuisine, in-hotel coffee shops and pristine views of Elliot Bay.
We love to travel, and we love to talk about it. The Orbitz Blog is another way we can share our expertise, advice and the occasional random thought.
Check back often for fresh insight from Orbitz staff and contributors about cool places to visit, fun things to do and smart ways to save.