Four Seasons Hotel Miami Appoints Dan Normand As General Manager

He will be responsible for all operations of the 221-room hotel as well as the office space, condo-hotel program and 186 residential condominium units also housed in the 70-story tower on Miami's Brickell Avenue.

Dan Normandin has been appointed General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, effective July 15th. He will be responsible for all operations of the 221-room hotel as well as the office space, condo-hotel program and 186 residential condominium units also housed in the 70-story tower on Miami's Brickell Avenue. Normandin replaces Simon Pettigrew who, after two years of being with Four Seasons Miami, has accepted the position of Vice President of Hotel Operations at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas.

Normandin brings to his new role over twenty four years of experience in hotel leadership positions, most recently as General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta, the only Mobile 5 Star and AAA Five Diamond-rated hotel in the city. He joined Four Seasons in 1997 as Hotel Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. Four years later, he transferred to Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara as Resort Manager, and was instrumental in the transformation of "The Biltmore". He has also spent time as Hotel Manager at Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, a Mobile 5 Star designated hotel. Prior to joining Four Seasons, he worked with the Canadian hotel management company Delta Hotels and Resorts in Richmond, Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia.

Ranking high among Normandin's interests are volunteering to support local communities and fostering growth of local business. A former member of the Rotary Club of Montecito, Normandin is currently on the Board of Directors of Midtown Alliance (GA) and Board of Advisors for Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he represents Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts among the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality.

He can be contacted at Four Seasons Hotel Miami, telephone (305) 381-3026 or via e-mail at dan.normandin@fourseasons.com. 

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Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel welcomes guests

Marriott International has announced the 298-room Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel will join its portfolio of more than 3,800 properties worldwide on July 1st 2013 under a franchise agreement with WB AMBASSADOR.

Located in the heart of the city, the historic property will become the most recent addition to Marriott International’s signature global brand, Marriott Hotels, and represents the company’s 12th property in Paris.

“We are delighted to grow our footprint in Paris with this timeless property,” said Amy McPherson, president and managing director of Marriott International, Europe.

“There has never been a more exciting time to introduce our fourth Marriott property to the market with the many transformative changes happening within our signature brand. 

“Paris is one of the most dynamic and sought after cities in the world and we look forward to being ready to host the next generation of travellers.”

Located on the right bank of the River Seine in the 9th Arrondissement and Opera Quarter, the Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel is a few minutes’ walk from the city’s major attractions including the Opera House, Montmartre, Sacre Coeur, Le Louvre, Place Vendome, Jardins des Tuileries and Galleries Lafayette with world class shopping and boutiques. 

Also in close proximity to the business district, Paris Stock Exchange and numerous shops and restaurants, the hotel is the perfect base for business and leisure travellers.

Originally built in 1927, the hotel was the vision of the influential architect Baron Haussmann who was commissioned to reshape Paris’ streets and architecture. 

The property has an illustrious past as host to royalty, politicians and visiting heads of state along with important historical figures such as Charles Lindbergh and Gustave Eiffel.

The hotel famously hosted Charles Lindbergh’s celebrations as he historically completed the first solo flight across the Atlantic and named the hotel bar in his honour. 

Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel 2The Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel’s 298 guestrooms are stylish and thoughtfully designed with clean lines and a soothing colour palette.

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Shangri-La Hotel Shenyang to open August 1st

Shenyang’s Imperial Palace is the inspiration for one of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ newest mainland China properties.  The Hong Kong-based hotel company is preparing to debut a new five-star hotel in the historic city of Shenyang, which is home to the only other existing royal palace in mainland China after the Forbidden City in Beijing.  Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang will open along the city’s “Golden Corridor” on 1 August, in time to host sports “royalty” during the 12th China National Sports Games being held there in September.

Shangri-La has created one of its luxury oasis to care for travellers in Shenyang.  The hotel’s grand, tranquil lobby and Lobby Lounge are designed as if they were the “backyard” of the Imperial Palace, which is famed for its 20 gardens and roses (the official flower of Shenyang).  Guests enter the hotel on a marble floor that appears strewn with rose petals, which are etchings filled in with three different marble inlays.

The lobby’s soaring 10-metre ceiling is supported by marble-clad columns depicting wind and clouds in a traditional Chinese, auspicious graphic style.  Behind the reception desk, a copy of a Song Dynasty painting found in the Shenyang Museum features a flock of soaring cranes, representing health and flowing treasure.

The grandeur of Shenyang Imperial Palace is reflected throughout the lobby area and represented in many forms: the patterns from an emperor’s robe woven into area carpets; the flowing design of the crystal lighting fixture, the intricate rose petal design on laminated glass, and the naturalistic depictions on the marble columns.  All the natural elements that were thoughtfully and seamlessly used in the creation of the Imperial Palace gardens were emulated in order to create an oasis where guests can relax, rejuvenate and revitalise.

Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang’s 424 guestrooms start from 42 square metres.  Decorated with Chinese accents, the elegant and classic rooms offer panoramic city views and are outfitted with Shangri-La’s signature amenities, including complimentary high-speed broadband Internet and Wi-Fi.
Shangri-La’s signature Horizon Club guestrooms are found on the top five floors of the building, and the exclusive Horizon Club Lounge on the top 30th floor offers refreshing city views through nearly floor-to-ceiling windows.  The Horizon Club Lounge is accessible to all suite and Club floor guests and offers valuable privileges including complimentary breakfast, all-day refreshments and evening cocktails, and free use of the lounge’s meeting room for two hours per day.  Providing guests an even more personalised level of service, Horizon Club privileges also include dedicated Club Concierge service, tea or coffee delivered to the guestroom with a wake-up call, suit pressing and late check-out until 4 p.m. on day of departure.

Also on the top floor of the hotel is Shinsen, a specialty restaurant and bar.  Its contemporary environment features a sushi and sake bar, teppan private dining rooms and a rooftop terrace.  Showcasing Shangri-La’s restaurant design and cuisine concepts, all-day dining restaurant Café Liao is a dramatic food theatre with an extensive selection of Asian and international cuisines using both local and imported produce.

Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang’s Summer Palace serves the finest Cantonese and Liaoning cuisine in a style that combines authentic taste with contemporary presentation.  Complementing the stylish décor and elegant ambience of the main dining area are 13 private dining rooms with garden views catering to VIP and corporate events as well as informal family and social occasions.

For meetings, the hotel offers 4,026 square metres of space on two floors.  On level two, the grand ballroom is the largest of its kind in northeast China.  The 1,900-square-metre pillarless ballroom has a 600-square-metre pre-function area with floor-to-ceiling-windows and a nine-metre-high ceiling.  Additional meeting facilities include a second 566-square-metre ballroom and seven function rooms, one of which offers a 3,015-square-metre rooftop garden.

The hotel’s contemporary style health and recreation facilities include CHI, The Spa, with nine luxurious private spa suites; a rooftop tennis court; 25-metre indoor heated swimming pool; Jacuzzi; sauna, and steam bath.  The fitness centre provides personal training in addition to group and individual exercise programmes.

Located on Qingnian Avenue (dubbed the “Golden Corridor”) in Shenhe District, the hotel is situated within walking distance to the city’s prime shopping and entertainment area and is close to city government, consulate offices and exhibition centres.  It is a 30 minutes’ drive to the airport and 20 minutes to the city’s two major train stations, which connect Shenyang by express trains to key cities.  Shangri-La Hotel, Shenyang will be the second hotel managed by Shangri-La in the city, joining Traders Hotel, Shenyang.

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Ritz-Carlton set to open Bali hotel in 2014

The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Indonesia is set to open in 2014.

The luxury resort is owned by PT Oriental Indah Bali Hotel Company and designed by architects and designers, Burega Farnell.

It will feature 288 keys including 90 exceptional suites and 14 villas. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali will also debut 10 cliff top villas that offer ocean views.

The luxury resort will also include six restaurants and bars, which include a cliff-side restaurant integrated into a natural cave that doubles as a private dining room.

Other restaurants include a beach grill, an Indonesian restaurant, a Japanese restaurant, a pool bar and all-day dining. Within the resort grounds, there will be a Ritz-Carlton Spa; a water sports pavilion and other recreational facilities.

“Bali is a naturally beautiful destination that global travelers have consistently returned to. We are delighted to be creating an authentic Balinese resort in Sawagan which will offer breathtaking views and carefully curated experiences and recreational activities that speak to the aspirations of today’s Ritz-Carlton guest,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton.

Bali is a dream wedding destination, and The Ritz-Carlton will provide ideal wedding venues, including a choice of two wedding chapels, a ballroom, three intimate function rooms and outdoor terraces to create memorable celebrations that will stay with a couple and their guests for a lifetime.

“Described as simply the world’s best island, Bali a resort destination that appeals to many seeking an escape from the world and we are proud to unveil a resort that will, once again, raise the bar for hospitality in the region and contribute to the growth of tourism in Indonesia,” added Humler.

The stunning island of Bali enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the world’s most luxurious resort destinations with its combination of sandy beaches, local Balinese artisan culture and relaxed ambiance.

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Ritz-Carlton to cease managing Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Palm Beach

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. said today it would cease managing The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Palm Beach as of July 1. 

The owner of the property will be renaming and managing the hotel.  Effective July 1, no Ritz-Carlton Rewards or Marriott Rewards points can be earned or redeemed at the property.  In connection with its departure, Ritz-Carlton also said that it has filed a multi-million dollar counterclaim against the owner, RC/PB Inc., for breach of contract.

Ritz-Carlton noted that the court in the pending litigation filed by RC/PB permitted the owner to take over the hotel even as it dismissed the vast majority of the owner’s claims, but that the court also stated that such action would subject the owner to breach of contract damages claims.  Ritz-Carlton categorically refuted the owner’s claims relative to the management of the hotel, saying that for the 22 years Ritz-Carlton has managed the hotel it has always passed the contractual performance test.  In fact, under Ritz-Carlton’s management, the hotel was forecasted to earn millions of dollars in net profit in 2013. 

Ritz-Carlton has been an active and contributing member of the Palm Beach community, and has managed the Palm Beach hotel with distinction, in the process earning accolades from a range of trusted luxury travel experts, including AAA, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, Spa Finder and US News and World Report.  The exemplary service and hospitality provided by the ladies and gentlemen of the The Ritz-Carlton have kept the company atop the J.D. Power and Associates Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study for Luxury Hotel Brands for three consecutive years.

The Ritz-Carlton continues to operate 9 hotels in Florida and is committed to Florida as a prime global destination.

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Hyatt Regency Hotel opens in Gurgaon

Hyatt Hotels has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Gurgaon in New Delhi’s National Capital Region.

Located in the rapidly expanding business and residential city of Gurgaon, Hyatt Regency Gurgaon has the largest meeting space and room inventory in the city.

Spread over six acres, Hyatt Regency Gurgaon is strategically located off the Delhi-Jaipur Highway at the gateway of Gurgaon’s commercial district.

The hotel is conveniently located 30 minutes from Indira Gandhi International Airport and is an ideal base for tourists covering the ‘golden triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

“We are proud to announce the opening of Hyatt Regency Gurgaon in the same year that Hyatt will celebrate 30 years of Hyatt-branded hotels in India.

“The Hyatt Regency brand features elaborate meeting and convention facilities in key business destinations and Hyatt Regency Gurgaon does a wonderful job showcasing those brand elements,” said Pablo Graf, senior vice president, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, south-west Asia.

“This is an exciting time for us to be in Gurgaon, which is one of the largest corporate and residential hubs in the country.

“We believe that the rapid growth of this area, combined with proximity to the nation’s capital, will make our hotel ideal for state-of-the-art meetings, conferences, social events, and weddings,” noted Federico Mantoani, general manager, Hyatt Regency Gurgaon.

Contemporary décor and vibrant hues distinguish the lobby and 16 floors of the hotel.

The interiors create a relaxing ambience offering guests a spacious and comfortable environment in the midst of a bustling city.

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New Elite Mankato Hotel raises a glass to the business community

When it comes to succeeding in business, as the saying goes, it’s all about who you know. And if that has you reaching for your rolodex, it’s time to check out the event calendar for The Courtyard by Marriott Mankato. This new and vibrant hotel is the place to be on Sept. 3, 2013 when it will host a networking event with Greater Mankato Growth (GMG).

Dubbed “Business After Hours,” the monthly event is open to all GMG members, and the Courtyard by Marriott Mankato, located next to the River Hills Mall, is an ideal host. (The hotel has over 4,200 square feet of meeting space). Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment while they meet with other business leaders from their community.

With superior lodging and hotel amenities, the Courtyard by Marriott Mankato is a short distance from Minnesota State University. This means guests have easy access to the University, golf and wineries like Chankaska Creek Ranch, among other attractions. What’s more, the Courtyard by Marriott Mankato is a leader in green meetings and technological expertise, thereby ensuring the hotel can accommodate any meeting request or special event.
At the Courtyard by Marriott Mankato, groups may choose to utilize a refreshing outdoor courtyard capable of seating up to 300 people in lieu of a traditional meeting room. Whichever event space best suits the group, however, every group is sure to enjoy the custom catering menus available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are prepared by the hotel’s executive chef. Cocktails and Starbucks coffee are also available at the Bistro which is the hotels in-house fast casual restaurant.

With so many conveniences on hand, the Courtyard by Marriott Mankato is sure to be a favorite host among the “Business After Hours” crowd, just as it is a favorite destination for its guests.

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Trump Hotel Collection in wellness focus

Family-run luxury hotel brand, TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION has unveiled its comprehensive TRUMP Wellness triad of programs, designed to support each guest’s healthy lifestyle. The new initiative will debut on June 17.

“TRUMP Wellness is another important step for the TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION in our effort to create exceptional personalized experiences and options for our guests that are reflective of their lifestyle,” explained Chief Operating Officer Jim Petrus.

“With the TRUMP Wellness program, we are effectively eliminating the challenges that can interrupt a healthy lifestyle when you’re away from home. Working with our food and beverage departments and fitness leaders like Technogym and Under Armour, TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION is giving guests yet another dimension of world-class service.” Petrus adds.

The first program, Nourish, will enhance each hotel’s in-room dining menu with a range of options, providing guests with vegan, gluten-free and organic selections with complete nutritional values. A Healthy Kids Menu by Trump will also provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for the junior set.

Minibars will be revamped with healthier snacks rather than the standard minibar fare. At least one-third of all choices at each hotel will be in a health food category.

As part of the Nourish program, TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION’s culinary teams have partnered with organic certifying companies to develop a selection of menu items made with certified organic ingredients that are sourced locally and delivered fresh daily.

The second program designed to accommodate busy lifestyles, Quick Bites, will be an express in-room menu that will include health-wise and delicious options. All items will have delivery guaranteed in 15 minutes or less. These food selections have been designed for guests on the run or with time constraints and can be taken to go.

The third program, Travel Fit, encourages guests to maintain their workout regime while traveling, whether they choose to exercise in their guest room or the fitness center.

Equipment like yoga mats, stretch bands and light weights will be available to guests upon request to their Trump Attaché, making it easy to stay fit without leaving the room. For guests who forget their workout gear or are struck with sudden inspiration, fitness apparel and footwear from Under Armour will be provided, along with pre-loaded iPod Shuffles with the guest’s personal music genre preferences from their TRUMP CARD Privileges Program guest profile.

Fitness centers are stocked with training cards portraying easy-to-follow workouts developed exclusively for Trump by the world leaders in fitness, Technogym. And for guests who wish to take their workout outside, maps of local running paths have been designed by each TRUMP HOTEL COLLECTION hotel.

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Where study students of Stenden’s Hotel Management programme

Stenden University of Applied Sciences is one of the few vocational universities in the Netherlands, which runs their own learning company, the four stars Stenden University Hotel. This is the real business hotel, where students of Stenden’s International Hotel Management School study and work during the first 3 years of their study programme.

Under the supervision of the university staff they develop hotel’s website and learn to provide high quality services of any level, from meeting new guest to organising various events, activities, and excursions. Because of students’ eagerness, creativity, and willingness to learn Stenden University Hotel is doing very well. In 2004 it overgrew its ‘leaning company’ status and started to invite regular guests, and in 2012 this hotel celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Stenden University Hotel is located in Leeuwarden, a capital of the Northern Province Friesland. It consists of 28 hotel rooms, a lobby, restaurant, and bar. As this hotel is a part of Stenden University, its guests have full access to the university facilities and equipment, needed for various meetings, conferences, seminars, training sessions, and congresses.

If you like to organise parties and events and make your guest feel welcome, if you are able to make several things at the same time and find flexible solutions of complex problems, than Hospitality Management area may be the right choice for your future career.

International Hotel Management of Stenden University starts in September and February and leads to the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. While students of this programme can gain practice experience in the real environment of Stenden University Hotel, they also do not miss possibilities of (inter)national traineeships during their fourth year of education.

These traineeships not only allow them to compare different hospitality business methods, but also facilitate finding first work place. Due to this education approach 96% students of this programme start their career within 5 months after graduation.

Find application details, deadlines, and tuition fee of Stenden’s International Hotel Management programme at our ‘programmes’ section.

Watch the movie about Stenden University Hotel:

For more information please follow to the International Hotel Management page on the Stenden’s website.

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International Hotel Management at NHTV Breda

NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences offers International Hotel Management, an innovative professional Bachelor’s programme which gives students the opportunity to learn in a real-life setting. Only 150 places are available every year for students from Holland and abroad and all of the spots for the 2013-2014 year have already been reserved. Please note that registration for the next academic year (2014-2015) is already open.

The Bachelor’s programme in Hotel Management at NHTV Breda is very popular because of its top position in the national ranking lists. Both Keuzegids and Elsevier, which are based on the annual National Student Survey, consistently have named it the best in its category during recent years. This programme was recognized at the national level by receiving the label of excellence from the Dutch Government and was accredited by the United Nations World Tourism Organization for collaboration with international partners.

The average number of students enrolled in hotel programmes at other universities in Holland is 300. The low number of spots for this programme allows instructors to apply a more personalised approach with every student. This extra attention and the use of a practice-oriented education helps students achieve better results.

From the beginning of this programme students can study in a real-life environment at Sibelicious, NHTV Breda’s in-school training company (photo). They learn everything about the Hotel Business, from serving customers to managing staff and organising events, during the course of the programme.

In the second year of the programme students with the best study results are chosen for the Hilton Class, an online learning programme created by Hilton Worldwide University, one of NHTV Breda’s collaborators. Excellent students can also benefit from one of two work placements at Hilton and can start their career there upon graduation.

NHTV’s International Hotel Management programme can be completed in 3 or 4 years, depending on the student’s previous level of education. Find information about admission requirements, deadlines, tuition fees, and scholarships on the International Hotel Management programme page.

See more on the NHTV Breda website.

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$129: 4-star Sheraton Tribeca New York Hotel + Save 10% on your stay, Book Anytime

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$295: 4-star The Bryant Park Hotel + Free WIFI, Book Anytime

Listed on the Conde Nast Traveler 2004 Gold List as one of the "World's Best Places to Stay"A fashion symbol in its own right, as well as being located near other fashion symbolsContains bar, spa services and premier restaurants The Bryant Park rooms overlook the famous park, offering breathtaking views. The Bryant Park Hotel features two other types of suites, as well as superior and deluxe rooms. All 128 guest rooms contain stylish, contemporary decor. Some also include terraces. The signature look of the Bryant Park Hotel brightens all of its rooms. Rooms feature authentic Tibetan rugs and marble bathrooms, as well as flat-screen LCD televisions and Bose radios. Guests can use the fitness center and private dining services, which are available 24 hours a day. The beds provide a welcome retreat after a long day, featuring down comforters and Egyptian cotton linens. Dine in the Koi Restaurant on-site or enjoy the bar also located within the hotel. Business travelers find spacious desks and meeting spaces. The hotel boasts a 70-seat private theater for business meetings and conferences. Explore the luxurious spa and enjoy a personalized service. Bryant Park (across the street)Empire State Building (0.4 mi/0.6 km)Grand Central Terminal (0.5 mi/0.8 km)Madison Square Garden (0.5 mi/0.8 km)New York Public Library (0.5 mi/0.8 km)Times Square (1 mi/1.6 km)Must show guest room key in bar to qualify for complimentary valet parking for hotel guests on Friday and Saturday nightsAdditional charges apply for in and out privileges. This offer is applicable to Friday and Saturday nights only; Sun-Thu parking will be charged at the prevailing rate structure

This is not a comprehensive list of fees. Any amounts listed above may not include taxes and are subject to change.

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$281: 4-star Ace Hotel New York + 20% off your entire stay, Book by 01/06/2013

Experience the New York edge in loft or bunk bed guest rooms with vintage furnishingsDine at the three fantastic on-site eateries, including the Michelin-starred BreslinWalk to the best of New York, including downtown neighborhoods and Times Square

Ace Hotel New York is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan, on West 29th Street and Broadway. The Empire State Building is only a few blocks uptown, and Penn Station, Madison Square Garden and Times Square all within walking distance. A subway station is around the corner.

Embrace the unique at Ace Hotel New York, designed in homage to the "anti-design" and the hip history of the city. Room categories range from standard loft and bunk bed, plus a budget-friendly selection. Rooms include free high-speed Internet/Wi-Fi access and a fully stocked mini refrigerator/bar. Most also feature vintage furnishings and special decor touches. Dining at Ace Hotel is a treat -- choose from Stumptown Coffee Roasters, John Dory, No. 7 Sub Shop or the Michelin-starred The Breslin, each an adventure of flavors. Room service is available 24/7. Be sure to visit the on-site shops, a treasure-trove of original goodies. Penn Station (0.6 mi/1 km)Grand Central Terminal (1.2 mi/1.9 km)Statue Cruises, Battery Park (Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island ferry) (4.1 mi/6.7 km)LaGuardia Airport (11.5 mi/18.6 km)Newark Liberty International Airport (14.7 mi/23.6 km)John F. Kennedy International Airport (17.3 mi/27.8 km)Empire State Building (0.3 mi/0.5 km)Madison Square Garden (0.6 mi/1 km)Times Square (1 mi/1.2 km)Rockefeller Center (1.5 mi/2.5 km)Central Park (1.5 mi/2.5 km)Museum of Modern Art (1.7 mi/2.8 km)Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (2.4 mi/3.9 km)Offers 3,000-square-foot Liberty Hall and 700-square-foot The Boardroom (fees apply)Full selection of presentation and event equipment (fees apply)Catering services available from the on-site eateries (fees apply)

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$263: 3-star Beekman Tower Hotel + Save 12% on your stay!, Book Anytime

I have stayed here 5-6 times and have noticed that the furnishings,carpet and kitchen supplies need to be up graded. Will stay here again but wish the place would get an upgrade

Amenities:3Room cleanliness:3Hotel staff:4Room comfort:2Location:4Value:2

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