Expedia launches new search tool for disabled travelers

by Melanie Nayer on

A new search tool from Expedia and Hotels.com makes it easier for consumers to find hotels that offer accommodations for disabled travelers. The search function will allow travelers to filter results to only show those hotels with accessibility equipment for the deaf, handicap-accessible bathrooms, Braille or raised signage, a roll-in shower and more. Once a hotel is located, a customer can request one or more of the specific accessibility features on Expedia.com’s online Reservation Page.

I did a quick search for hotels in Miami with accessibility features on Hotels.com and Expedia.com. The results were plentiful, and included properties that range in price and star-rating. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach, for example, offers rooms equipped with accessibility equipment for the deaf, raised signage, handicapped parking, and rooms with roll-in showers. The Marriott Miami Biscayne Beach offers similar options, as do the 62 other hotels that came up after I filtered my search. However, all these hotels note that amenities may be available only in some rooms and some amenities may incur additional fees, so it’s best to double check with your Expedia or Hotels.com customer service rep about any additional fees before booking.

To ensure the hotel is absolutely accessible for the needs of the traveler, Expedia.com and Hotels.com customer service team will review the traveler’s request for the hotel booking and contact the hotel to verify the specific needs of the traveler are met. Expedia or Hotels.com will follow up with call to the consumer to confirm the reservation or aid in booking another hotel.

According to HotelMarketing.com, Expedia.com offers more than 15,000 hotels that publish accessibility options.

Ritz-Carlton announces exclusive resort project in Aruba

by Melanie Nayer on

One “happy island” just a got a little happier…

Ritz-Carlton executives, together with newly elected Aruba Prime Minister Mike Eman, announced plans to open The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, an exclusive 320-room oceanfront resort set on the island’s popular Palm Beach. The new resort, scheduled to open in 2012, will feature several restaurants, an on-site spa, two swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. The Ritz-Carlton Club Level will be available to guests who want a more private stay, complete with concierge service.

The announcement is one of a few new hotels scheduled to join the Ritz family this year. The focus: to bring a new level of elegance to Aruba, and keep the concept of luxury travel affordable.

“Aruba is an island destination with growing appeal to discerning travelers from Europe and the United States. Its stunning beaches and majestic views make the island one of those exceptional places in the Southern Caribbean, blending serenity and scenic attractions our guests seek when planning a vacation,” said Ezzat Coutry, senior vice president, Southeast Region, Caribbean and Latin America, in a press statement.


Aruba is one of the most visited islands for east coast travelers. Legacy carriers including American Airlines, Continental, and Delta offer daily flights to Aruba, and the emergence of JetBlue’s daily flights to Aruba have helped the happy island boost tourism efforts over the past year.

The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is the hotel group’s latest project in the Caribbean. Ritz-Carlton has hotels in St. Thomas, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Mexico and The Bahamas. The hotel group will welcome the Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles at LA LIVE next month, and continues its expansion into the Middle East and Asia. Check back later for my exclusive interview with Ritz-Carlton’s President and Chief Operating Officer Simon Cooper…

Top Vancouver recommendations from Tim Zagat

by Annie Scott on

The Olympics are so exciting that we forget ourselves. Once bestowed with a ticket, we find ourselves a flight and forget the rest.

Fortunately, there’s a Zagat Survey for the rest. Co-Founder, Co-Chair & CEO Tim Zagat just released his newest guide to Vancouver. “[Zagat Surveys] are based on a large number of avid, local consumers and are put through a careful editing process,” says Zagat of why his guides are so legendary. The other secret? “We have always kept our personal selections independent from the survey to avoid playing favorites.”

Zagat took the time to answer a few of our questions about Vancouver. Check out the interview below for a peek inside the Survey’s top picks for food and what tourists should expect.

Gadling: What should one look for in Vancouver? What is special about the destination (besides, you know, the Olympics)?

Tim Zagat: Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or an attraction for the family, there is no shortage of excitement in Vancouver. Besides being a very attractive city, nearly 300 of the region’s finest restaurants, nightspots, attractions and hotels can be accessed in our 2010 Vancouver Survey and on ZAGAT.com. Surrounding areas such as Whistler, Victoria and Vancouver Island are all appealing.

G: With what cities would you compare Vancouver, for someone who’s never been there?

TZ: Seattle and Portland

G: If money were no object, what would be the ultimate Vancouver experience?
TZ: Most Popular:
1) Vij’s
2) Keg Steak
3) Blue Water Café
4) Le Crocodile
5) Chambar

Top Food:
1) La Belle Auberge
2) Vij’s
3) Cioppino’s
4) Le Crocodile
5) ToJo’s

G: Is there a specific local cuisine one must absolutely try?

TZ: I would recommend trying some of the great Pacific Northwest and Seafood restaurants in the area.
Top Pacific NW:
1) Bishop’s
2) West
3) Diva at the Met
4) Refuel
5) Cru

Top Seafood:
1) Blue Water Cafe & Raw Bar
2) C Restaurant
3) Go Fish!
4) Sun Sui Wah Seafood
5) Rodney’s Oyster House

G: Any customs of which tourists should be careful?

TZ: As an expected 2.3 million attendees are expected to come for the Olympics, tourists should plan for changing traffic patterns, enhanced security zones and extra travel time for all local and regional travel. In certain areas and hours, vehicles will be banned, so tourists can plan on foot-traffic.

G: What do you think the Olympics will do for Vancouver in the long run?

TZ: In the long run, any city that hosts the Olympics experiences an international spotlight on its culture, customs and traditions. Similar to the experiences in other Olympic cities, Vancouver should anticipate a long-term boost in economic growth and tourism.

You can access the 2010 Vancouver Zagat Survey for free here.

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Peace message painted on Kansas hotel

by Melanie Nayer on

Can you call it vandalism if the words are promoting peace? Technically, yes, which is what the Oread Hotel is doing after waking up to a spray-painted peace message on the front of the hotel.

The hotel, which is next to the University of Kansas campus, isn’t even open yet but owners are working feverishly to remove the message in time to open the doors next week.

According to Kansas City News, vandals painted “shout peace” in large block letters over a blue background on the front of the hotel.

“Vandalizing is bad, any way you look at it,” one KU student said. “There are other ways to get your message out.”

Apparently, however, the hotel’s opening isn’t generating a lot of excitement – seems the hotel stands in the same place a local bar and Yellow Submarine sandwich shop once stood, both fixtures of any campus life.

Ask them to personalize your room – Hotel tip

by Gadling Staff on

Many hotels will customize your room based on your personal preferences — even going as far as to make sure you have your favorite pillows and robes in your room upon arrival.

If you have a preference for room location (high or low floor), proximity to elevator, or pillow type (soft, firm, or down alternative), or would like robes or anything else specific in your room, give the hotel a heads-up when booking your room.

As long as they’re not super busy, you’ll find most properties to be very accommodating to your requests.