Mariott Replaces 628,000 Beds

Hotel company Marriott International Inc. plans to replace 628,000 beds by the end of the year to add more pillows, softer sheets and better mattresses.

The hotel operator said Tuesday the project will cost $190 million and use 30 million yards of fabric. The beds will be changed at about 2,400 hotels worldwide operating under eight different Marriott brand names.

The new linens will include 300-thread-count sheets, down comforters to replace traditional bedspreads and more pillows. The bedding will be thicker and the duvets more stylish.

Marriott said it surveyed 1,000 guests about the change, and most said they were looking for more stylish and comfortable bedding in their rooms.

Marriott's move comes as hotel chains try to one-up each other with plush sheets, comfy mattresses and big pillows in an effort to give guests a taste of luxury hotels for affordable prices.

Last year, the mid-priced chain Hampton Inn invested $80 million in new bedding. Radisson Hotels is replacing 90,000 beds at its properties.

Westin Hotels and Resorts started the rush in 1999 with the "Heavenly Bed," bedding meant to move away from the institutional feel of some rooms and give guests more luxurious accommodations.

Customers soon contacted Westin about ordering the beds for their own homes, prompting the company to strike a deal with manufacturers. In 2003, the company sold $4.9 million of "Heavenly" comforters, sheets and pillows.

Midwest Airlines Frequent Flyer Program For Pets

Midwest Airlines today announced a way to reward pets that travel with their owners. The Midwest Airlines Premier Pet Program, the first of its kind in the United States, awards pets one free roundtrip flight after flying with their owners on three paid roundtrip flights or six paid one-way flights.* Additionally, "human" members of the airline's frequent flyer program, Midwest Miles, may earn a free trip for their pets by redeeming 15,000 miles.

"Many customers choose Midwest Airlines when traveling with their pets, knowing that our approach to serving customers also applies to their four- legged family members," said Timothy E. Hoeksema, chairman and chief executive officer. "Our customers travel with their pets to dog and cat shows, to second homes, and on pleasure and business trips just because they enjoy their company. We decided it was high time we threw a bone to our best customers -- and their best friends -- for their loyalty to Midwest Airlines with a frequent flyer program just for pets."

Susan Kerwin-Hagen, coordinator of the Premier Pet Program and a trainer of show dogs, says Midwest makes an extra effort to reassure passengers traveling with pets. "To lessen any anxiety, pets are allowed to check in with their owners at airport ticket counters, and pets are the last to be loaded and the first to be unloaded from the plane," said Kerwin-Hagen. "We also have a special passenger notification tag attached to the kennel. After the pet is loaded, a portion of the tag is detached and given to a flight attendant who personally delivers it to the pet's owner in the cabin."

The American Kennel Club has commended Midwest Airlines for taking an important step in expanding its service for pet owners and recognizing dog owners' needs. "By rewarding owners who fly with their pets, Midwest Airlines will help alleviate many travel concerns for these individuals," said Stephanie Lane, director of Canine Legislation for the American Kennel Club. "The Premier Pet Program's flexibility will allow countless AKC constituents -- including dog owners, show exhibitors, breeders and sportsmen -- who travel even just a few times a year -- to take advantage of its benefits."

Midwest Airlines features jet service throughout the United States, including Milwaukee's most daily nonstop flights and best schedule to major destinations. Skyway Airlines, Inc. -- its wholly owned subsidiary -- operates as Midwest Connect, which offers connections to Midwest Airlines as well as point-to-point service between select markets on regional jet and turboprop aircraft. Together, the airlines offer service to 50 cities. More information is available at http://www.midwestairlines.com .

    * Pet owners have 36 months to accumulate the three paid roundtrips or six

     paid one-way trips needed to earn a free roundtrip for their pet -- a

     $150 value. Any person or pet living at the same address can combine

     their trips, a great advantage for owners who may have more than one dog

     or cat. Pets are accepted only on Midwest Airlines Boeing 717 and MD-80

     aircraft, and Midwest Connect Beech 1900 airplanes. The Premier Pet

     Program applies only to owners and pets that travel together on the same

     flight; it does not apply to pets shipped as cargo or service animals.

Southwest Airlines Extending Its Internet-only Fare Sale

Southwest Airlines extends its systemwide fare sale with discount Internet-only airfares as low as $39 one- way with a 14-day advance purchase. Fares range from $39 to $149 one-way and vary by destination and day of travel. To book the fare specials available at southwest.com, go to: http://www.southwest.com/jp/hotfares_air.shtml?src=PR_sale_011705

Park Hyatt Named ``Best International Hotel Chain''

Business and luxury leisure travelers give Park Hyatt top honor in the annual Global Traveler Magazine's GT Tested Awards, naming the worldwide luxury brand "Best International Hotel Chain."

More than 3200 Global Traveler readers participated in the open-ended nomination survey, citing Park Hyatt hotels for being "upscale but not snooty" and "the brand that provides a secluded haven for travelers abroad."

Park Hyatt also earned kudos for its United States product, placing second in the "Best Domestic Hotel Chain" category, ahead of Four Seasons, Marriott and Hilton.

The January issue of Global Traveler features Park Hyatt's "Best International Hotel" recognition along with more than 30 other travel related awards. Awards will be formally presented on January 24, 2005 at the Global Traveler Tested Awards in New York City.

Tsunami Travel Challenges

The recent tragic tsunami is providing some travel challenges. We are trying to find out which resorts are closed and which are opened. If you have reservations in affected areas, call first to find out status on refunds, upcoming trips or what the situation may be today.

Yoga Retreats May Be A Passionate Vacation Choice

Whether you've been doing yoga for years or just began recently, the time to go deeper may be here. Whether you teach others in a local class or practice alone in your own living space, you can take it higher. You can make it a vacation that you can take home with you. A yoga retreat vacation works from the inside out. And the wonderful feeling lasts longer. The return airporttrek and the first visit with your boss can't take it away from you. Full story