News Update

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  1.  
  2. Solar Plane’s Overnight Flight


    A solar-powered experimental airplane completed a 24-hour test flight last week. The flight took place overnight and was powered by energy collected from the sun during the day. According to The New York Times, the flight was the longest and highest solar-powered aircraft. It reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet above sea level. The plane took off and landed in Payerne, Switzerland and was in the air for exactly 26 hours and nine minutes.

     

     



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  3. Holland American Line

    MS Rotterdam/Alaska Cruise
    300 Elliott Ave. W.
    Seattle, WA 98119
    tel 877 932 4259


    by J.D. Brown and Margaret Backenheimer North to Alaska by sea, roundtrip from Seattle, via Juneau, Sitka, and Ketchikan — with whales and glaciers, eagles and totems along the way — what better way to explore America’s true wilderness than in luxury? Holland America’s newly outfitted cruise ship MS Rotterdam makes this weekly foray along the beautiful shores of the last frontier a midsummer’s delight.

    The Rotterdam looms large on the water, although it is now but a boat among mega-ships, carrying up to 1,400 passengers and 600 crew at a swift pace with ease. It is massive enough to contain its own casino, a $2 million art collection and a Las Vegas-style theater, but not so vast as to drown its passengers in a labyrinth of endless decks and corridors.

    This is the first season in Alaskan waters for the Rotterdam, Holland America’s standard-bearer. Before venturing up the northern shoreline of the 49th state, the Rotterdam underwent exhaustive enhancements in December 2009. What we came to admire about the redesign of this vessel is how it now seamlessly combines the classic elegance of upscale sailing with the latest technological and recreational advances of a sleek deluxe hotel.
    Between ports of call we sampled the Culinary Arts Center, where smiling Executive Chef Thomas Schumann and his team offered interactive gourmet cooking lessons in a state-of-the-art demonstration kitchen. We also wedged our way into the Digital Workshop, where instructors can get you up-to-speed with that new camera or put you online with the latest tips on social networking. We even treated ourselves to ocean views and stone massages in the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, and more than once we dipped our toes into The Retreat, a resort-style facility with lounges anchored in shallow outdoor pools.

    The accommodations on the Rotterdam are freshly redesigned, too. The upper-deck Deluxe Verandah and Penthouse Verandah Suites include a private lounge with concierge, very much like the executive floor of a 5-star hotel. Our particular cabin, a few decks below, was a Lanai stateroom, Holland America’s latest innovation, in which the deck windows have been refitted with reflective-glass sliding patio doors. The Lanai doors afford wide views of the sea, as well as wonderful opportunities for people-watching. These 39 new staterooms are not only spacious and luxuriously appointed, but equipped with enough storage to unpack fully, something we always seek, but seldom find, on a seven-day cruise.

    The Rotterdam’s showcase is its Explorations Café, a sprawling coffeehouse with baristas on hand, an extensive, well-organized library lining the walls, tables for the largest jigsaw puzzles and comfortable sea-view seating for reading and napping. Above all there is an abundance of workstations with the latest PCs for Internet browsing. This is the finest media complex we have seen on a cruise ship — no tiresome waits for a computer or for a latté.

    Less to our taste was the Rotterdam’s inviting, but maddeningly slow, buffet line, the Lido. Its cooking stations proved to be understaffed. While the Lido’s offerings were abundant and tasty, we soon gave up on the slow lines and phoned for room service, which was always a prompt delight.

    The dining was better in the main La Fontaine Dining Room, but heading our list was the Pinnacle Grill, renowned for its steaks, wine list and table settings. Reservations and a $20 surcharge are required here, but the ambience, service and cuisine are worth the investment.

    All in all, our voyage to Alaska on the “new” Rotterdam was extremely well run, and the upgraded facilities, refreshing. The vessel’s state-of-the-art engines were able to turn on a dime when we explored the scenic highlight of this voyage, an unobstructed close-up survey of Alaska’s spectacular Hubbard Glacier, with nary another vessel in sight. Topping it off almost every night with the classic dessert of the north, baked Alaska, we decided there was nowhere else north by northwest we’d rather be.

    Score: 4/5

     

     



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  4. Airlines Await Fines


    United Airlines and Delta Air Lines face fines following violations of the three-hour tarmac delay rule. During the month of May, five flights were delayed for more than three hours. United operated four of them; Delta operated one. The airlines face fines of up to $27,500 per passenger and are currently awaiting the results of a Department of Transportation investigation into the incidents. Carriers are not fined if planes were delayed for safety and security reasons.

     

     



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  5. DOT Finalizes Tokyo Decision


    The battle over take-off and landing slots at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) is over. U.S. regulators have finalized a decision that gives Delta Air Lines slots for two daily flights. American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will each get one slot. United Airlines and Continental Airlines were denied access to airport slots. A new runway will open in October and flights will begin shortly thereafter.

     

     



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  6. Rebak Island Resort

    P.O. Box 125, Kuah Langkawi
    Kedah Darul Aman
    Malaysia
    tel 604 966 5566


    by Alexandra Young On a Saturday morning, I decided to leave the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and hop a 50-minute flight to the famed Malaysian island of Langkawi. Landing in Langkawi, I disembarked the aircraft to a small, clean and modern airport. Walking through the arrivals gate, a friendly member of the Rebak Island Resort, Langkawi, a Taj Hotel, staff was waiting to greet me.

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  7. Airport Scanners Linked To Cancer


    Do airport body scanners heighten the risk of cancer among frequent travelers? The jury is still out on that question, but according to Dr. David Brenner, director of the Center for Radiological Research and the Higgins professor of Radiation Biophysics at Columbia University Medical Center, the average radiation dose from a front and back scan is about 0.15 µSv. While statistically small, the exposure amounts to 20 times the average dose.

    Brenner sent Global Traveler a copy of the PowerPoint presentation he referenced during a June 2010 speech on Capital Hill. “The implication is that as you lower the dose, you proportionately lower the risk, but there is no dose where the risk is zero. This is where we need more research,” Brenner told Congress.

    While individual risk is statistically small, Brenner said the population risk has the potential to be significant. Among his concerns: X-rays are effective at breaking molecular bonds in organic molecules, such as DNA, resulting in damage to chromosomes and chromosome damage in a single cell can be the first of many steps on the path to cancer.

    According to Brenner’s research, susceptibility to X-rays differs by individual. At-risk subsets of the population include children, developing embryos and fetuses and genetically sensitive groups.

    Brenner told Congress the new full-body backscatter scanners do not emit a uniform dosage of radiation throughout the body. Some parts of the body will receive larger doses than others and the largest doses from this type of technology will affect the skin. The 0.15 µSv is a relatively low dose of radiation, but still higher than average.

    His report also cited basal cell carcinoma as one of the most common cancers associated with X-ray exposure, particularly after exposure in childhood. Radiation acts as a multiplier of natural cancer rates, so any increases in cancers as a result of X-ray scanner irradiation of children would not likely appear for decades.

    Brenner, who throughout his speech, reiterated his belief that the overall risk is very low, is rallying for more research into the effect of full-body scanner exposure on the general population balanced with the potential benefits of safer flying.

     

     



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  8. Aloft Minneapolis

    900 Washington Ave. South
    Minneapolis, MN 55415
    tel 985 624 3697


    by Barbara & Jim Twardowski Aloft Minneapolis is less than two years old and located in the downtown, revitalized Mill District. In the 1800s, the mills built along the Mississippi River, near St. Anthony Falls, jettisoned the area into the largest producer of flour in the world. By the 1960s, flour production ceased and the buildings stood empty or were demolished. Today, the remaining mills have been converted to loft homes. Across the street from the hotel are the Mill City Museum, a National Historic Landmark, and the internationally acclaimed Guthrie Theatre.

    The modern exterior of Aloft blends well with its neighbors. The hotel is a new brand for Starwood and describes itself as “a vision of W Hotels.” A hip, happy and hospitable hotel, every room was reserved on the day we arrived.

    Hotel guests are greeted with neon-colored signage, 42-inch LCD televisions mounted to the wall, music that complements the time of day (soothing in the morning and a club beat at night) and chic, modern decor. Self-parking for $15 a day is available in an outdoor lot or at a condo complex beside the hotel.

    Staff members work inside a circular desk. From this strategically placed spot, they assist guests who are checking in and out of the hotel, serve as concierge — dispensing maps and information — and ring up items bought at Re: fuel (the 24/7 grab-and-go gourmet station). No matter what time of day we passed the front desk, the staff was busy and always paused to say, “Hello.” Young and professional, they could be students from the nearby University of Minnesota.

    The first floor of the hotel is the heart of the property. During our visit, patrons sipped drinks at the Wxyz bar and young men were racking up balls at a fuchsia-colored pool table. Another guest was leaning over a computer checking Mapquest and a couple sat chatting on the couch by the fireplace. Just down the hall are a glass-enclosed indoor swimming pool and a workout room. In the evening, the courtyard space became the stage for a local band.

    Our fourth-floor room had two queen-size beds, huge windows and a long desk. A plug-and-play connectivity station allowed us to view a PowerPoint presentation on the 42-inch television mounted to the wall. Internet service is free throughout the property. The room was nearly 300 square feet with an oversized bathroom. Amenities included a safe, a mini-refrigerator and a coffee/tea set-up. Complimentary newspapers were located in the lobby.

    Aloft Minneapolis, like the city, is energetic, engaging and exciting.

    Score: 5/5

     

     



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  9. Delta, US Airways To Sue FAA


    Delta Air Lines and US Airways are headed to court, announcing they plan to sue the Federal Aviation Administration over the conditions the FAA imposed for a proposed slot swap between the two airlines. The airlines announced their decision in a letter sent to the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Transportation and the chief counsel of the FAA.

     

     



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  10. Aegean Airlines Joins Star Alliance


    Just 14 months after its acceptance into the Star Alliance, Aegean Airlines, Greece’s flagship carrier, is officially the network’s newest member, further expanding its reach and proving to the world that despite the country’s economic woes, its aviation industry remains as vibrant and viable as its European counterparts.

    Since its founding 11 years ago, Aegean has grown exponentially, accumulating both passengers and a bundle of honors. In 2009, one year after surpassing Olympic as the country’s largest carrier, Aegean was named “best regional airline in Europe” by SkyTrax. For each of the past 10 years, Athens International Airport has recognized the young airline for its industry-leading on-time performance.

    With 98 percent coverage of the domestic market and service to 20 international destinations — Madrid (MAD), Vienna (VIE), Belgrade (BEG) and Tel Aviv (TLV) were added last year alone — Aegean is well-positioned as the 28th member of the Star Alliance.

    “This country has always been a center for trade and tourism,” Star Alliance CEO Jaan Albrecht told an overflowing audience at Elefthérios Venizélos International Airport (ATH) on June 30. “Greek people were traveling the world long before many others…You have set the stage for further growth by combining the Greek airline industry forces in the interest of the traveling public,” he said, referring to the merging of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airways, announced last February.

    The Aegean–Olympic merger was a product of necessity, said Aegean Airlines Chairman and CEO Theodoros Vassilakis: “We believe it’s the only answer to the size of Greece and to the financial situation.”  – Patrick Adams

     

     



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  11.  

Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf Resort
Vithei Charles De Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Khum, Siem Reap, Cambodia
 

  • Overview

  • Room

  • Facilities

Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa ResortThe Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap is amongst landscaped gardens on the peaceful tree lined Charles de Gaulle Avenue.

Of the hotels in Siem Reap, the Location of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap is ideal. The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort at Siem Reap has complied with the requirements prescribed by ASEAN Green Hotel Standard 2008-2009.. The Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort at Siem Reap is only 15 minutes drive from the airport and is conveniently located near local tourist attractions and traditional markets.

The Room Facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap feature 238 rooms. There are non smoking rooms and balconies available with some rooms. The room services are 24 hour room service, dry cleaning and laundry, high speed Internet access (deluxe room onwards), air conditioning, bathroom with separate bathtub and shower stall, ceiling fan, hair dryer in room, high speed transmission line, in room safe, International direct dial telephone, mini bar and satellite television.

Dining at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap features three bars and five restaurants.

Fitness and Recreation at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap feature the Phokeethra Country Club, the world class 18 holes golf course, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, in house movies, sauna, steam bath, Resort shops, flower shop, boutique, massage, gymnasium, library, reading room bicycle and boat excursions. Business and Conference at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap services feature banquet and meeting rooms, broad-band Internet access Business center, facsimile, courier services, post and parcel and limousine / taxi hire services.

Other Amenities and Services at Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap are 24 hour front desk, 24 hour security, baby sitting on request, bus / coach park area, car rental, concierge, doctor on call, currency exchange facilities, drug store, facilities for disabled persons, free parking, tour and travel desk, travel agent services and tourist information desk. Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. The city of Siem Reap has emerged as one of the popularly known tourist destinations of the world. The building of Siem Reap boasts of the Chinese-style architecture and figures as one of the places that travelers might consider visiting. The scenes of the beautiful villages, countryside as well as the colorful culture make it a destination worth a visit. The boost in tourism has seen setting up of numerous hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap. There are major hotel groups in Siem Reap and other Hotels in Siem Reap that offer luxurious and comfortable accommodations. One of the highly renowned 5 Star Hotels in Siem Reap is the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap. The room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resortin Siem Reap are reputed to keep up with the expectations of the tourists.

With 238 guest rooms, room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap are worth a mention. The room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap are up with the very best in the hospitality industry. The guest room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap boast well-decorated contemporary look. Guests can choose from superior 1 king bed, superior 2 single beds, deluxe 1 king bed, deluxe 2 single beds and so on.

The room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap include facilities like air-conditioning, sattelite televisions, international direct dial telephone facility, hairdryer, ceiling fan, High speed transmission line, ceiling fan and so on. Among other room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resortin Siem Reap, the bathrooms are equipped with separate shower stall and bath tub.

The rooms have fully stocked mini bars that provide guests with their favorite glass of drink even when indoors. The room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort of Siem Reap are tailor-made to provide guests with best of comforts and satisfaction, so that the guests never miss the homely comforts even when away from home. The superior room facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resortof Siem Reap are designed to cater to the needs of big families and corporate clients.

Siem Reap is one of the premier tourist destinations in Cambodia. Siem Reap is the capital of Siem Reap Province. The city is counted among the popular tour destinations of the world. The beautiful scenic villages, colorful countryside and the colorful culture make Siem Reap one of the choicest of destinations of the world. The Chinese architecture of the constructions of Siem Reap, especially the ruins of Angkor Wat is a treat to the eyes of the onlookers. The tourism sector has gained a considerable boost which has eventually resulted in setting up of numerous hotels and restaurants in Siem Reap. There are numerous world class hotels in Siem Reap. One of the highly renowned 5 Star Hotels in Siem Reap is the Sofitel Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap. The other amenities and services at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap are reputed to keep up with the expectations of the tourists.

Besides the Room Facilities at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resortin Siem Reap, Dining at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap, Business and Conference at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap and Fitness and Recreation at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap, guests are offered many other amenities and services at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap.

Dining at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap is one of the aspects of the hotel that make it particularly lovable among the tourists coming here from different foreign countries. Dining at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap is a treat for any food lover. There is a vast array of dishes and drinks that are a delight to the palate of the visitors. Guests putting up in this star hotel will be satisfied with the options available for dining at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap. There are 3 bars in the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap. Guests can go and have some relaxing time sipping from their favorite glass of beverage.

Other amenities and services at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Siem Reap include 24 hour room service, 24-hour security, tourist information desk, laundry service, restaurants, bar, coffee shop, wi-fi internet facilities, car parking, babysitting and so on.

Besides, some of the other amenities and services at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort of Siem Reap are travel agent services, concierge service, and courier service and so on. The hotel also offers boat excursions and bicycle tours.
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa ResortSofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa ResortSofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa ResortSofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa ResortSofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort


RoomBATHROOM : Shower, Bath/Shower, En Suite, Hair Dryer,
BED : Single, Twin Queen, Twin Single, Cot on Request,
BUSINESS : Telephone, Direct Dial Telephone,
ENTERTAINMENT : TV, Remote Control TV,
FOOD & DRINK : Mini Bar, Tea and Coffee Facilities, 24 Hours Room Service, Complimentary Bottled Water,
OTHER : Air Conditioning, Hairdryer, Safe, Iron and Ironing Board on request, Daily Housekeeping, City Map,
VIEW : Air Conditioning, Hairdryer, Safe, Iron and Ironing Board on request, Daily Housekeeping, City Map,

 



 

 

Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor Golf Resort* Air conditioning in rooms
* 24 Hour Reception
* Babysitting services
* Cots available
* Car parking available onsite
* Wi-Fi Available
* Meeting Facilities
* Restaurant
* Outdoor Pool
* Golf 18 Hole
* Fitness Centre
* Sauna
* Steam Rooms

* Massage
* Jacuzzi
* Smoking allowed in bedrooms
* Safety Deposit Box
* Minibar in each room
* Telephone In Each Room
* 24 Hour Room Service
* Concierge
* Laundry/Valet Service
* Wake Up Call Available
* Currency Exchange
* Interconnecting rooms available
* Doctor on call

* Porter
* Lift to all floors
* In-room Broadband
* Wi-Fi Available In Public Areas
* Wi-Fi Available In Rooms
* Business Centre
* Secretary Service
* Private dining services
* Lounge Menu
* Bar
* Public Air Conditioning

 


Room Type : Superior Room

Price update on : Thursday, 09 September 2010

Single

Double/Twin

Triple

 

Rates include all taxes and service charges

196 US$ 

196 US$ 

  216 US$ 

Book

 

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