SEPTEMBER 28, 2022

FLORIDA AIRPORTS CLOSE DUE TO HURRICANE IAN


As Hurricane Ian approaches Florida, many Florida airports have announced closures and airlines are offering travel waivers for those impacted, reports USA Today. Ian hit Cuba as a Category 3 storm on Tuesday, knocking out power to the island, and approached Florida as a Category 4 storm. Over 1,200 flights were cancelled in the state for Tuesday and Wednesday, and FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said Florida will likely be affected by heavy rains, flash flooding, surges, and power outages this week. Local airports that have announced closures include Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Orlando International Airport (MCO), St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), and Tampa International Airport (TPA). All Florida airports are encouraging travelers to check with their airlines on flight statuses and updates; multiple airlines have issued travel waivers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.

BIDEN ANNOUNCES PROPOSED RULE TO PROTECT AIR TRAVELING CONSUMERS


President Biden has introduced a new proposed rule designed to strengthen consumer protections for air travelers, reports Transportation Today. The proposed rule would require airlines to disclose “usable, current and accurate” information on any fees charged to change or cancel flights, or for checked or carry-on baggage, the first time an airfare is displayed. The rule is in response to President Biden’s executive order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy and is aimed at eliminating surprise fees. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, “Airline passengers deserve to know the full, true cost of their flights before they buy a ticket […] This new proposed rule would require airlines to be transparent with customers about the fees they charge, which will help travelers make informed decisions and save money.”

THAILAND TO ELIMINATE ALL PANDEMIC-RELATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS THIS WEEK


Thailand has announced it will drop its remaining pandemic-related travel rules this week as it ends its nationwide COVID-19 Emergency Decree, reports Travel + Leisure. Beginning October 1, Thailand will no longer require travelers to show proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test to enter the country; currently, travelers must show either proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test taken within 72 hours of traveling in order to gain entry. Additionally, Thailand will extend the time visa-exempt travelers (including those from the US) can stay in the country from 30 days to 45 days; the new visa rules will be in effect from October 1 through March 31, 2023. These decisions come as Thailand reclassifies COVID-19 from “a dangerous communicable disease” to “a communicable disease under surveillance.”

CANADA TO OFFICIALLY LIFT ALL CORONAVIRUS-RELATED TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS


Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the government will end its COVID-19-related vaccination, testing, and quarantine requirements for international travelers beginning October 1, reports Travel Pulse. In a news release, the government detailed that, regardless of citizenship, travelers will no longer need to “submit public health information through the ArriveCAN app or website; provide proof of vaccination; undergo pre- or on-arrival testing; carry out COVID-19-related quarantine or isolation; [and] monitor and report if they develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 upon arriving to Canada.” Additionally, masking will no longer be required on public forms of transportation beginning in October, including on airlines and trains. “Thanks largely to Canadians who have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated, we have reached the point where we can safely lift the sanitary measures at the border,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos said in a statement. 

DELTA TO EXPAND 2023 EUROPEAN SCHEDULE


Delta Air Lines has announced that it will offer new or resumed European flights in 2023, with 8 percent more available seats than summer 2022, reports Business Travel News. New York-John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) service includes daily flights each to London-Gatwick and Geneva beginning April 10, and resumption of daily service to Berlin will begin May 25. Atlanta routes include the resumption of three-times weekly service to Stuttgart on March 26, three-times weekly service to Dusseldorf beginning May 9, and five-times weekly seasonal service to Edinburgh beginning May 25. For Los Angeles, Delta will operate daily service to London-Heathrow on March 25 and will restart daily Paris service May 8. The next phase of Delta’s new Terminal 3 facility at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is set to open to passengers on October 5, with eight of the nine new gates beginning operations.

APEX TEMPLE COURT HOTEL

1-2 SERJEANTS' INN

LONDON

In the heart of the bustling Fleet Street is the Apex Temple Court Hotel. Ideally situated for leisure and business, some of the best things to do in London are just a stone’s throw away. With London’s West End Covent Garden and St Paul’s Cathedral both within walking distance, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the London experience. 

 

The hotel’s eye-catching interiors and historic façade adds character and style. The spacious rooms boast sleek en-suite bathrooms and comforting in-room amenities including Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes, slippers, and Antipodes organic toiletries. Plus, some rooms even have a balcony.


The hotel is home to Chambers Restaurant which serves fresh, modern cuisine and just a short walk across courtyard lies chic wine bar, The Amicable Society of Lazy Ballerinas. Here, guests can indulge in carefully selected cheeses, charcuterie, and delectable small plates. The perfect place to start the evening or end the day.

HALL ARTS HOTEL DALLAS, CURIO

COLLECTION BY HILTON

1717 LEONARD STREET

DALLAS

Welcome to the award-winning HALL Arts Hotel, the only hotel in the spectacular Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous arts district in the country. This hotel is filled with world-class art pieces at every corner, curated to have a museum feel, while being steps away from Pritzker Prize-winning architecture, exceptional art museums, and performing arts centers. The highly designed guest rooms and suites seamlessly blend beauty and practicality with thoughtful touches throughout the high-tech spaces. Ellie’s, the on-location restaurant, harmoniously balances an art-filled, modern aesthetic with great food and genuine hospitality at every table, and is complete with a lounge, formal dining area, and outdoor terrace. To elevate the guest experience is the Experience Curator, who performs exclusive in-house art tours, secures exclusive Dallas Arts District moments, and goes above any request desired.

HILTON BOSTON DOWNTOWN,

FANEUIL HALL

89 BROAD STREET

BOSTON

Built in 1928 as Boston, Massachusetts' first Art Deco skyscraper, the historic Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall is the ideal blend of old and new. The 1920's intimate decor of warm brick, rich woods and brass is combined with a host of modern comforts and conveniences. The hotel's ongoing commitment to superior service and exceptional standards of excellence earned the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award annually. Providing spacious guest rooms with an enchanting view of the city and period-style furnishings with thoughtful business amenities, including Wi-Fi and a state-of-the-art fitness facility, the hotel offers classic American and seafood cuisine with the on-property restaurant, Fin Point Oyster Bar & Grille. Hilton Boston Downtown/Faneuil Hall is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown Boston in the Financial District, one block from Boston's Waterfront, and ten minutes from Logan International Airport.

MILLENNIUM HOTEL

BROADWAY TIMES SQUARE

145 WEST 44TH STREET

NEW YORK CITY

While Broadway and Times Square are right outside the door in Midtown Manhattan, all the hustle and bustle of the city will be checked at the door once guests arrive at Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square. Instead, guests will experience refreshingly friendly staff and a relaxing spot to unwind in the heart of the city. With this incredible location, savvy travelers will love the value of this 4-star comfort hotel in Midtown Manhattan.  

ROYAL SONESTA

WASHINGTON DC,

DUPONT CIRCLE

2121 P STREET NW

WASHINGTON, DC

The Royal Sonesta Washington DC captures a sensational DC boutique hotel vibe and is centrally located in Dupont Circle which pulses with creative, current, and urban energy. The hotel has contemporary art inspired guestroom designs, while chic function and public spaces give a stylish edge. Guests will enjoy a complimentary beverage hour, complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness center access, and complimentary bikes to ride around the many attractions in the local area. This is truly the place to be in Washington, DC. 

THE AMESWELL HOTEL

800 MOFFETT BOULEVARD

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Guests can relax and retreat from the comfort of their own desk. Work from The Ameswell in their fully equipped wellness rooms.


Enjoy a dedicated workspace, high-speed and complimentary Wi-Fi, in-room work out equipment, complimentary water & coffee, and Mirror by Lululemon. After a hard day’s work, wrap up the night and head over to Roger, the in-house bar, and restaurant.


Train mentally and physically throughout the day – stay refreshed and inspired from The Ameswell.

THE CRAWFORD HOTEL

1701 WYNKOOP STREET

DENVER

More than a hotel in Denver, The Crawford Hotel is the best place to meet, shop, eat, drink, and sleep — right above the iconic Denver Union Station. Situated in the heart of Denver, The Crawford Hotel offers an escape like no other. Enter through the bustling railway station–less than 40 minutes on the RTD Rail’s A Line from DIA – where an immediate sense of wonder and excitement awaits. This LoDo hotel features a collection of 112 guest rooms and suites, each showcasing a distinct style that reflects an era of Union Station’s rich history. With historic details such as 65-foot ceilings, soaring windows, and stunning chandeliers, the revitalized landmark is a portal to the best of modern-day Denver, complete with acclaimed restaurants, shops, and gathering places loved by locals and visitors alike. A stay at The Crawford promises a one-of-a-kind experience.


At The Crawford in 2022, Ovation clients receive these special benefits:

  • 24-hour cancellation policy prior to the arrival
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in guestrooms
  • Complimentary access to the on-site Crawford’s fitness center
  • Guest room upgrade to the Deluxe room types at the $235.00 rate based on hotel availability at the time of the request

THE MARQUETTE HOTEL,

CURIO COLLECTION

BY HILTON

710 S MARQUETTE AVENUE

MINNEAPOLIS

An unassuming yet vibrant treasure in Downtown Minneapolis, The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is built on elegance, refined design, and tailored style. A showcase of Minneapolis’ finest, Marquette is where the city comes to life. Experience the best of downtown and the best of Minneapolis by upgrading a stay to one of the stunning signature suites for an additional $130 per night. Suites feature extra living space, higher floors, high-end decor, and premium amenities. Choose a Deluxe or Premium suite and enjoy 300-thread count sheets, granite bathrooms, and an expansive workstation ideal for business travelers. Or take travels to the next level with the Foshay King Suite or Presidential King Suite for an additional $500 per night, each offering 1,100-square-feet of stylish living space, a separate dining area for four, movies on demand, and an upgraded bath experience. 

THE PENINSULA

NEW YORK

700 FIFTH AVENUE

NEW YORK CITY

The Peninsula New York, the iconic Fifth Avenue property that has epitomized elegant luxury for decades, welcomed back its devoted patrons to its award-winning Spa and also recently launched its brand-wide Wellness program. ‘Life Lived Best’ will provide guests at all properties with unprecedented opportunities to pursue their fitness, mindfulness, and nutritional goals – and to access those opportunities whenever they wish through a dedicated Wellness Portal and 24-hour Wellness Concierge service. The program includes in-room video fitness tutorials and guided audio meditations, schedules, and bookings for in-person exercise and mindfulness classes, plant-based cooking classes, spa treatments, and wellness-themed events, and Naturally Peninsula menu choices.

THE WALL STREET HOTEL

88 WALL STREET

NEW YORK CITY

The Wall Street Hotel, located in Manhattan’s Financial District has officially opened its doors. Historically, the heart of the building has offered an establishment of community gathering and international trade. Embracing the vibrant change of the neighborhood, modern travelers will now enjoy a stylish cultural hub that unifies the neighborhood with a modern and gracious approach to service and hospitality. 180 rooms and suites span the premises with original artwork and luminous wallcoverings inspired by Mother of Pearl; a sea-stemming tribute to the hotel’s owners, the Paspaley family, who have a storied history in pearling and oyster cultivation. The Lounge on Pearl offers a calm oasis for light bites and everything from coffee to cocktails. Enjoy a lighter take on French fare at La Marchande, the hotel’s signature restaurant by Michelin-Starred Chef, John Fraser.

COVID-19 TRAVEL RESOURCES GUIDE
Facebook  Twitter  Linkedin  

GBT Travel Services UK Limited (GBT UK) and its authorized sublicensees (including Ovation Travel Group and Egencia) use certain trademarks and service marks of American Express Company or its subsidiaries (American Express) in the “American Express Global Business Travel” and “American Express Meetings & Events” brands and in connection with its business for permitted uses only under a limited license from American Express (Licensed Marks). The Licensed Marks are trademarks or service marks of, and the property of, American Express. GBT UK is a subsidiary of Global Business Travel Group, Inc. (NYSE: GBTG). American Express holds a minority interest in GBTG, which operates as a separate company from American Express.