Travel Tidbits: Hot Hotel Happenings

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

11 Oct 2007 09:00 PM

TRUMP HOTELS GOING GLOBAL

Donald Trump is taking a break from bad-mouthing Rosie O'Donnell to concentrate on his hotel empire. The real estate mogul just announced he is creating a new Trump Hotel Collection (an offshoot of an existing Trump project) that will cater to travelers seeking luxury accommodations.

The new collection will include the yet to be complete Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago (due in December) and Trump International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas (due in early 2008) along with new properties in Dubai, Fort Lauderdale, Manhattan's SoHo district, Waikiki and Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.

Some of the hotel's luxe amenities will include 500-thread-count sheets, breathtaking views of some of the world's most popular cities, and concierge and butlers Trump calls "attaches" who work personally with guests.

HAWAIIAN UPGRADE

If you are lucky enough to be spending part of your winter soaking up the sun in Hawaii (specifically in Waikiki) your timing couldn't be better.

Several resorts on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu are making major improvements to their properties just in time for the busy winter travel season. Two Waikiki hotels making notable upgrades are the Outrigger Reef on the Beach and the Sheraton Waikiki.

At the Outrigger Reef guests will notice a difference in size. The hotel is downsizing from 800-plus rooms to 631, meaning you will be getting more space to stretch out. In addition to the added space, guest rooms will feature new 32-inch flat-screen TVs and free high-speed Internet.

Meanwhile, at the Sheraton guests will enjoy newly installed flat-screen TVs, plus "Sweet Sleeper" bed, down pillows, bathrooms with ocean views and light wood paneled headboards. (Gone are the multicolored floral bedspreads that looked like they had been around since the "Brady Bunch" visited Hawaii.)

GAMBLING ON ATLANTIC CITY

Mega-casino dealer MGM Mirage is betting Atlantic City will be a winner for them. The casino giant just announced plans to construct Atlantic City's biggest resort. According to company spokespeople, plans call for a $5 billion, 3,000-room MGM Grand Atlantic City to be raised on land adjacent to the existing ultra-luxe property Borgata, in which MGM has a 50% share. The new resort is expected to open in 2012.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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