New York tourism 'Quacking' - video

Dubai’s designer hotels

Dubai is to become the capital of couture as two of the world’s most iconic fashion houses set to launch their new luxury hotels in the emirate. The Palazzo Versace Hotel and the Armani Hotel will offer the ultimate in designer luxury living, featuring an array of fabulous facilities and lavishly designed interiors fit for an Arabian Prince. And, the world-renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab will be establishing a presence in Dubai, developing the signature luxury boutique hotel at The Tiger Woods Dubai.

Set to open later this year, the world’s first Armani Hotel in Dubai will occupy the first eight floors and floors 38 and 39 of the striking Burj Dubai development. The hotel will feature 160 rooms and suites, fully furnished with sophisticated Armani Casa interiors to fully realise the "Stay with Armani" promise, and will also feature a collection of 144 luxury private residences; the Armani Residences.

Unsurprisingly, Dubai is also the chosen location for the Palazzo Versace Hotel in the emirate’s Culture Village on Dubai Creek. This stylish hotel will be the ultimate in luxurious living boasting 217 hotel suites and 169 private residences, all sumptuously furnished with an exclusive line of Versace Home Collection products to provide a truly opulent stay. Set against its own spectacular marina and lush landscaped gardens, guests can experience the magnificent interiors inspired by a fusion of classic Arabian architecture and world renowned stately homes.

And, for those with a keen interest in sport, Lebanese designer Elie Saab has designed the stunning hotel at the forthcoming world’s first golf course designed by Tiger Woods, Al Ruwaya - the first Elie Saab branded luxury boutique hotel. The Tiger Woods Dubai hotel is being designed in classic Arabian style with rooms offering spectacular views across the lush gardens and will set new international standards of innovation in architectural design. Featuring 89 suites and 14 bungalows overlooking the golf course, the hotel will also a boast a 10,000 square foot swimming pool and one of Dubai’s most exquisite spas.

Source: TravelDailyNews

Continental to add Houston-Edmonton flights

Continental Airlines has announced plans to begin new non-stop service from its Houston hub to Edmonton International Airport beginning November 1. The daily flight is the 11th Canadian destination to be served by Continental and the airline’s fourth Canadian destination from Houston.

The service will be operated using a Boeing 737-500 aircraft with 114 seats. The flights from Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will depart at 6:00 p.m. and arrive at Edmonton International Airport (YEG) at 9:25 p.m. Return flights will depart Edmonton at 6:40 a.m. and arrive in Houston at 11:56 a.m.

Luxury hotel for $19 a night?

A luxury resort in San Diego is offering rooms for $19 a night. Yes, that’s right. But there is a catch – you have to sleep in a tent.

The staff at the Rancho Bernardo Inn will remove the mattress and headboard and provide a small tent instead. In order to reduce the regular room rate from $219 to $19 per night, you will have to give up breakfast, air conditioning, lights, sheets and even the bed.

Oh, one more thing: Bring your own toilet paper.

General manager John Gates says the hotel hopes people who try the “Survivor’s Package” promotion will return at full price.

The offer will run from August 16 to 31.

>> Book cheap flight and hotel packages to California at flightandroom.com

Alaska Airlines starts Seattle-Austin service

Alaska Airlines began nonstop service Monday between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Austin, Texas.

The flights to Seattle leave Austin at 4:40 p.m. and depart Seattle to Austin at 9:45 a.m.

Alaska Airlines will operate the flights with Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin.

Alaska Air Group also said Monday that it will begin Horizon Air one-stop flights from Seattle to Mammoth Lakes, Calif., for the winter season beginning December 17. The airport is 15 minutes from the Mammoth Mountain resort area.

Celebrity Equinox officially named

Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship - the Solstice-class Celebrity Equinox - was officially named at a ceremony held in the port of Southampton, England, on July 29.

Celebrity Equinox will enter service this week from Southampton on an eight-night Norwegian Fjords cruise before returning to take its official maiden voyage on August 8 through the Mediterranean. The ship will present Mediterranean sailings from Rome through the fall and will offer Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale beginning this winter.

Celebrity Equinox is the world’s newest and most environmentally friendly cruise ship. The first ship in her class, Celebrity Solstice, entered service last year.