CASCAIS, PORTUGAL-With the Portugese economy struggling, hotels like the 143-room luxury Vivamarinha Hotel & Suites in this resort area close to Lisbon have positioned themselves as a better value than other international destinations.

Along with Greece and Spain, Portugal is one of the European countries where the economy suffered in the past few years and has yet to rebound, acknowledged Vivamarinha general manager Pedro Santos. Consequently, properties like his have settled on a simple marketing message: luxury at an affordable price. Targeted are group and individual business travelers as well as leisure guests.

The U.S. is the property's largest international demand generator on the group side, Santos noted, citing Portugal's central location in Europe for U.S.-based global companies seeking a convenient, cost-effective site for conferences, sales meetings, and executive retreats. An independent hotel, the Vivamarinha is represented by Prestige... Full Story

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