Win a trip to Bangkok from Gadling and lebua!

by Grant Martin on

With spring right around the corner, we have a special treat for you, dear readers, the chance to win a free trip for two to Bangkok from Gadling and lebua, the finest five-star hotel in Thailand.

You might recall the recent coverage of the lebua properties at Gadling. Their Bangkok hotel occupies the top floors of State Tower on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, towering among the surrounding buildings and offering full panoramas of the beautiful city. The hotel, simply put, is mind blowing. Set in the beautiful, visceral, dramatic city of Bangkok it’s the perfect base from which travelers can explore the Grand Palace, the night markets and the throbbing cultural city.

The winner of this drawing will be able to experience the luxury first hand with a four night stay in the exclusive Tower Club Riverview Suites, with airfare for two, one dinner for two, cocktails at the Skybar and airport shuttle covered. All that you need to do is pick a few days, select your flights and begin the journey of a lifetime.

Rooms will be in the plush Tower Club suites on the very top floors of the property, with breathtaking views from the balconies, lavish interiors, complimentary broadband internet, complimentary mini-bar, a new range of Bvlgari amenities, access to the Tower Club Lounge and many others perks.

Sound amazing? Having been there ourselves, we can guarantee that this will be the trip of a lifetime. All that you need to do to enter is leave a comment below. We’ll be sending important updates and details via our Twitter feeds as well, so make certain that you follow @lebuaconcierge and @gadling on Twitter as well.

Official rules:

  • Before you enter, we encourage you to follow @gadling and @lebuaconcierge on Twitter to stay abreast with updates. We’ll be sending important updates and info from these feeds!
  • To enter, leave a comment below.
  • Your comment can say anything (flattery highly encouraged!) but it must be left before Friday, February 26th at 5PM.
  • You may enter only once, and multiple entries will be deleted.
  • One prize winner will be randomly selected to receive 1) Four nights free at lebua at State Tower, Bangkok, 2) Round trip airfare for two for up to $1500 each, 3) Dinner for two at any lebua restaurant 4) Cocktails for two at the Skybar
  • Round trip airfare credit for two will be provided for up to $1500 each, through lebua’s US-based travel agent (NOTE: In the event the airfare is more than $1,500/person, winner will be responsible for paying the difference.)
  • Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 and older.
  • Approximate value of the prize is $5000.
  • Click here for the complete official rules of this giveaway.

Read more about the lebua properties among Gadling’s coverage, and good luck!

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Sorry, this contest is now closed.

Hotels working on technology that could eliminate front desk check-in

by Melanie Nayer on

Imagine checking into your hotel room from your WiFi-enabled flight, or even in the cab on your way to the hotel from the airport. According to a story in USA Today’s Hotel Check-in column, that’s the concept some hotels are working on.

Starwood Hotels has been at the forefront of this high-tech endeavor with their Aloft Hotel in Lexington, Mass. You have to be a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program to test it out (the program is free to join). You’re then mailed a keycard with RFID capability, and what happens next could eliminate a lot of hassle for rushed guests.

From USA Today:

“On the day you’re set to arrive at the Aloft Lexington hotel, you’ll be sent a text message to your Blackberry, iPhone or other mobile device disclosing your room number at the Aloft. When you arrive at the hotel, you’ll then be able to go straight to your room, using your keycard to unlock the door. The door lock will recognize the RFID card when its nearby, so there’s no need to drop your bags at the door to remove the card from your wallet; instead, you’d be able to simply tap your wallet on the lock.”

We want to know: What do Gadling readers think about this high-tech concept? Would you rather pass by the front desk and head straight to your room, or do you like the personal attention at the check in desk? Let us know your thoughts.

Club Med coming to China

by Melanie Nayer on

The famous foam parties are heading to China.

Club Med announced it will open new hotels at the Sun Mountain Yabuli resort, a destination ski resort in northern China. The two hotels will make up Club Med Yabuli Resort and include 133 and 155 rooms, respectively in each hotel.

According to a press release, Club Med will provide up to $3 million in funding for additions to the two hotels that include new facilities and renovations that are synonymous with the Club Med brand.

Melco China Resorts, also located in the Sun Mountain Yabuli Resort, will manage all ski activities, retail and commercial operations, winter and summer resort attractions, mountain operations (lifts and snowmaking), and the existing 20-suite mountain top hotel and mountain top dining.

“China is an exciting and dynamic country for tourism and one we are committed to as a growth market for Club Med,” said Henri Giscard D’Estaing, Chairman of Club Med. “Over the last two years we have conducted extensive consumer research and the number of mainland Chinese guests visiting our Asian resorts continues to grow. We have reviewed many resorts across the entire country and in Sun Mountain Yabuli and Melco China Resorts, we have found a resort and company that shares our focus for excellence and the overall customer experience.”

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Thompson Hotels opens first international hotel in May 2010

by Melanie Nayer on

Thompson Hotels announced its first international property, Thompson Toronto, will open in May 2010. The 16-floor Thompson Toronto will feature 102 guestrooms complete with hardwood floors, workstations, floor-to-ceiling windows and marble bathrooms with heated floors.

The Thompson Toronto’s 16th floor will be private Penthouse Suite and feature a panoramic view of the city. A rooftop pool will be open seasonally, complete with cabanas, and a year-round indoor lounge will allow guests to cozy up to the hotel’s fireplace with a cocktail.

Thompson Hotels currently has nine locations in the United States including the 60 Thompson in New York and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles. The Toronto hotel will be the group’s first international destination and will connect to a 336-unit condominium project.

“The success of the Thompson Hotel brand in the United States proves we have a concept that appeals to a chic, urban clientele,” says Jason Pomeranc, co-owner of Thompson Hotels. “Toronto shares many of the same attributes as our most successful markets and the development Tony and Peter brought to us fit Thompson perfectly. The decision to come on board was simple.”

Double-check your credit card statement – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Hidden hotel charges can appear on a credit card statement weeks after your stay, even if you paid your balance at checkout. Generally, these phantom charges include amenities like Internet access and parking. Be sure to scan your credit card statement to be sure you were charged the correct amount — and not charged twice.

Also, be wary If you’ve used a voucher for a meal at the hotel restaurant; the discount may suddenly disappear. The worst offense I’ve personally experienced was when the shopping spree of another guest was charged to my room.

If this happens to you, just contact the billing department at the hotel. They understand that this happens and are happy to work with you.