- Matching the benefit offered to some elite members of other hotel frequent guest programs, gold and platinum members of Marriott Rewards now receive free in-room Internet. But the new perk is limited to Marriott, JW Marriott and Renaissance hotels in the continental United States and Canada. Ritz-Carlton properties and Marriott’s growing collection of hotels and resorts in Hawaii will still ding elites for upwards of $15 a day.
- The Blue, a 240-unit condo resort in Doral, just a few minutes from Miami International Airport, is rebranding itself as the Hyatt Miami at The Blue. Speaking of Florida, a 114-room Candlewood Suites has opened in Tallahassee.
- A 102-room Homewood Suites by Hilton has opened in Bozeman, Montana.
- Westin has opened a 340-room hotel in Austin, Texas. The Westin Austin at the Domain is within a purpose-built “neighborhood” that offers residential, office and retail space.
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Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2009 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.
