Best Western has Bangkok covered: Different Hotels for Different Travellers

 

From youthful city stays and neighbourhood hideaways to airport stopovers, conference venues and upscale accommodation, Best Western’s diverse Bangkok portfolio matches distinct hotel brands with the travellers and locations they serve best.

The BWH Hotels Bangkok portfolio shows how location, brand identity and price point can be used to serve markedly different travellers within one sprawling metropolis. Rather than competing for precisely the same guests, its properties range from compact neighbourhood hotels and youthful lifestyle accommodation to airport stopovers, large conference venues and upscale international hotels.

Why Sathorn Is One of Bangkok's Best Districts for Visitors — and Where to Stay

What Is Sathorn, Bangkok?

When travellers search for the best areas to stay in Bangkok, Sathorn consistently ranks among the top choices — and for good reason. Sathorn is one of Bangkok's most dynamic districts, offering a mix of cultural landmarks, art spaces, lush green parks, vibrant nightlife, and fine dining experiences. While it's well known as a financial hub, the district rewards visitors with far more than boardrooms and embassies.

Best Western executives gather in Bangkok for inaugural Pan APAC regional conference

Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BWH) hosted its first Pan-APAC Regional Conference in Bangkok, bringing together about 150 hoteliers, owners and partners as the group highlighted growth opportunities across Asia-Pacific.

Best Western Adelaide Airport now open

Doors Open at Best Western Adelaide Airport, showcasing BWH’s legacy brand in South Australia

BWH Hotels proudly announces the opening of Best Western Adelaide Airport, bringing its legacy brand to South Australia’s capital.

Best Western global loyalty program upgrade - no points expiry

Loyalty first: Best Western Rewards® introduces global program upgrade
New membership tiers and lifetime loyalty points for Best Western Rewards members

Best Western Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program for Best Western Hotels & Resorts (BW), has introduced two new membership tiers and removed points expiry, becoming the only major hotel chain to offer points with a lifetime spend.

Steve Richards, Best Western Australasia's Head of Commercial said the changes are part of Best Western's commitment to introducing a better service and more recognition for its most valued guests.

"Best Western Rewards is a truly global rewards program offering more benefits than ever before. The fact that points no longer expire is a big deal for guests, regardless of whether they've stayed at a Best Western hotel within 12 months or two years. What this means is Best Western Rewards members can now keep all their accumulated points and redeem these for holidays or gift cards whenever they want," Mr Richards said.

With 25 million members worldwide, Best Western Rewards now has five membership tiers: Blue, the standard entry tier; the new Gold status, for guests who stay with Best Western at least 10 nights a year; Platinum, for members who stay 15 nights a year; Diamond, for members who stay 30 nights a year, and the new Diamond Select for 50+ nights a year.

Guests who achieve Diamond Select status, now the top tier in the Best Western Rewards program, will receive a 50 per cent point bonus, room upgrades and a welcome gift on check-in.

"We see Diamond Select status being most lucrative for our business travellers. These are guests who are staying frequently at Best Western hotels and rapidly accumulating points as part of their working week," Mr Richards continued.

Best Western Rewards points can be earned from stays across Best Western's six brands: Best Western, Best Western PLUS, Best Western PLUS Executive Residency, Best Western PREMIER, the BW Premier Collection and GLō.

"All Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Select members receive a welcome gift on check-in at any of Best Western's 4,000 hotels worldwide. This is part of an ongoing strategy to introduce more member benefits so our most loyal guests can earn rewards faster than before," Mr Richards said.

In 2014 and 2015, Best Western Rewards was named the top loyalty program by Loyalty360, one of the top three hotel loyalty programs by U.S. News & World Report, and received the American Express Loyalty Award. It was also awarded the Asia Pacific region's up and coming loyalty program in the 2015 Freddie Awards.

Joining Best Western Rewards is free: go to www.bestwestern.com/rewards to sign up to the program.

About Best Western Hotels & Resorts

Best Western Hotels & Resorts is headquartered in Phoenix Arizona, U.S., with over 4,000 hotels in 100 countries worldwide. Best Western Australasia is a third-party organisation and licensee of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, with 160 independently owned and managed Best Western hotels across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Best Western's family of brands caters for all travel styles with Best Western, Best Western PLUS, Best Western PLUS Executive Residency, Best Western PREMIER, the BW Premier Collection and GLō. More than 25 million travellers are members of the award-winning loyalty program, Best Western Rewards®.

On 30 September 2015, Best Western Hotels & Resorts announced a global brand transformation. Visit www.bestwestern.com.au to learn more or find Best Western Australasia on Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter.

Best Western Australasia Donates $30,000 to World Vision Project

Best Western Australasia, part of the World's Biggest Hotel Family, has donated $30,000 to World Vision Australia to provide better education and health resources for fifty children living in rural Laos.

Paul Hodda Best Western Member Director, Shona Langridge World Vision’s Corporate Partnerships Manager , Steve Richards Best Western GM of Sales and Marketing
Copyright: Best Western Australasia

A cheque for $30,000 was presented to World Vision's Corporate Partnerships Manager Shona Langridge at BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel Stellar in Sydney yesterday by Steve Richards, Best Western Australasia's General Manager of Sales and Marketing and Paul Hodda, Best Western Member Director.

The money was raised from a promotional World Vision rate plan, auction winnings from previous Best Western Conventions and two $1,000 personal donations made by Mr Hodda and Best Western Australasia's President, Phil Hateley.

“Best Western has always been a family company, so our ongoing partnership with World Vision Australia to help children, their families and communities is a natural extension of this philosophy,” Mr Richards said.

“We'd like to thanks our guests, hoteliers and friends who dug deep to help us fundraise over the last two years. We're proud to make this thirty-thousand dollar donation to help bring about positive change to children and rural communities in Laos.”

Travelling to Laos's Xaybuathong district in 2014, Hodda visited the rural communities set to benefit from fundraising support.

“Simple things like roads, clean drinking water and resources for schools are needed to help give children the best chance at receiving a good education and a healthy upbringing. I'm pleased that their standard of living can improve with the help of this donation made to World Vision.”

Langridge said, "Best Western's support, sponsoring fifty children in a community in Laos will provide funds to improve primary and secondary education through buying resources for schools, improve the nutrition and health of mothers and children under five years old and help sustain food security.”

Since 2010, Best Western Australasia has raised almost $60,000 dollars for World Vision Australia to help children and communities in need around the globe.

For more information about Best Western's work with World Vision Australia, go to www.bestwestern.com.au/partners/world-vision-australia.

Traveloscopy | 

New Global Growth Initiatives at Best Western

Best Western Australasia, part of The World's Biggest Hotel Family, has ended 2014 with unprecedented success in RevPAR performance and an overall 10% increase in bookings delivered to its member hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Stay in 4.5-star accommodation at BEST WESTERN PLUS Apollo International Hotel, Newcastle NSW
Copyright: Best Western Australasia

The company's revenue was strongly supported by a record 27% rise in Best Western Rewards business. With over 23 million loyalty members worldwide, Best Western Rewards was recently named one of the top three hotel rewards programs by U.S. News and World Report in 2014.

Rob Anderson, Best Western Australasia's Chief Executive is pleased to report the total business delivered to members in the past six years has doubled and new global initiatives are now underway.

Anderson revealed that the brand is looking to deliver even stronger support to member hotels and has pooled global budgets to build a dynamic digital platform.

“The way people book hotels has changed. Best Western International is developing a new digital platform to power our internet and mobile strategies to do things faster and better. This will vastly improve our marketing, content management and time to market,” he said.

Also starting this month (January 2015) is the Best Western Design Excellence Program. The program focuses on creating great property design to produce the best return on investment for member hotels.

Anderson continued, “This program was launched in the United States a few years ago and has proven to be one of the most successful and popular initiatives with members in Best Western's 65-year history. Over the next five years, each hotel will be visited by a design specialist who will formulate a customised property improvement plan.”

New deals were signed in 2014, including a new build of 80 apartment-style rooms on the Sunshine Coast and the signing of The Haven Inn hotel in Sydney's Inner Western suburb of Glebe.

“The quality of our hotels continues to be our greatest strength and something we are all extremely proud of. Last year we saw over 30% of our hotels in Australasia receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Our Net Promoter Score, which we regard as the benchmark in customer satisfaction research, has also doubled in the last six years.”

In Asia, the brand's footprint in Indonesia continues to rapidly expand with Best Western International looking to open at least six hotels in 2015, adding to 11 hotels already operating in the country.

“Overall, Asia has experienced spectacular growth for the brand and is a region of focus for Best Western in 2015,” Anderson added.

About Best Western Australasia
Best Western Australasia is part of Best Western International, the World's Biggest Hotel Family, with over 4,000 hotels in more than 100 countries. There are over 170 independently owned and managed Best Western hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Discover Best Western's three hotel types: BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS and BEST WESTERN PREMIER. Make a reservation atwww.bestwestern.com.au or join us at joinbestwestern.com

Follow Best Western:
Facebook: /BestWesternAustralasiaTwitter: @bestwesternoznzInstagram: @bestwesternauLinkedin: Best Western Australasia

Best Western Adds Brand New Hotel in Angeles City

Best Western International has signed a new management agreement to expand its collection of hotels in the Philippines.

The hotel group, which operates more than 4,000 properties worldwide, has penned a contract with Hilcres Consolidated Corporation to operate BEST WESTERN Bendix Hotel - a brand new midscale hotel in Angeles City, the burgeoning tourism and economic center on Luzon Island. 

“Angeles City is growing fast and we are delighted to be able to move into this exciting region,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East.

“Our existing properties in Manila, Makati City, Cebu and Boracay have been extremely popular with domestic and international visitors alike. And I am confident that BEST WESTERN Bendix Hotel, with its comfortable rooms, excellent connectivity and modern amenities, will be equally well-received.

“I would like to thank the Hilcres Consolidated Corporation for their confidence in Best Western International and I look forward to working with them on this exciting project,” Mr. de Souza added.

Scheduled to welcome its first guests in the second quarter of 2015, BEST WESTERN Bendix Hotel will be a modern, clean-edged hotel offering 60 spacious guest rooms.

With a contemporary design, soft, sleep-inducing beds and large bathrooms with separate shower units, this stylish new hotel will provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience. And with such modern amenities as large flat-screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi, guests will always be able to stay connected to their home or office.

The signing of BEST WESTERN Bendix Hotel marks a major step forward in Best Western International’s expansion in the Philippines.

At present, the company operates six hotels across four destinations in the country - Boracay, Cebu City, Makati City and Manila. But by the end of 2016, the company plans to expand this collection to 14 hotels, adding more than 750 modern rooms to its nationwide inventory.

Concept Amenities Receives President's Award at the 2014 Best Western Australasia Awards for Excellence

Concept Amenities has been awarded the prestigious President's Award at the 2014 Best Western Australasia Awards for Excellence. The award is presented each year to a Best Western hotel member or outstanding affiliate who has made a positive contribution to the organisation over the year. This is the first time in the awards 50-year history that a supplier has received this honour.

Presidents Award Winner + Best 4.5-5 Star Property - Phil Hateley, Michael Matulick Concept Amenities
& Jayson Mehnert representing BWPREMIER Terrace Hotel.

Presented by Best Western Australasia President and Chairman, Phil Hateley to Concept Amenities Chief Executive Officer, Michael Matulick on the final night of the Best Western Australasia Convention held in Hobart recently, Hateley explained the significant contribution Concept Amenities has made to the hotel group.

“After 25 years in dedication and support for Best Western, I felt this year was the best chance to recognise the huge contribution Concept Amenities has made not only to the industry, but to the Best Western brand,” Mr Hateley said.

Concept Amenities is a global leader in the supply of environmentally responsible hotel guest bath amenities. In 2013 the company celebrated its 30th year in business, marking several decades as Best Western's preferred supplier of hotel amenities. As his family business, Matulick was proud to receive the award on Concept Amenities behalf.

“It's an absolute honour to accept this award in recognition of a wonderful and rewarding partnership with the Best Western family over many years. I thank my brilliant team, the CA family, for their passion and commitment. Congratulations! We look forward to continuing to strengthen our connection with Best Western and their guests.” Mr Matulick said.

Hateley said he has worked closely with Michael's father and founder of Concept Amenities and was proud to carry out the successful Soap Aid global donation program introduced in 2012.

“Soap Aid is an independent charity established by Concept Amenities to help save millions of lives worldwide. It addresses one of the most critical needs facing our planet today—the lack of hygiene resulting in millions of unnecessary deaths; more often children. It's a great initiative and has really helped us give back to less fortunate communities by recycling and distributing unused amenities to those in need.”

“It is a huge honour to present my President's Award to Concept Amenities this year, and I look forward to seeing Best Western's partnership with them only grow stronger.”

About Concept Amenities

Concept Amenities is a recognised world leader in the supply of guest amenities that deliver on quality, luxury, style and environmental solutions. In sync with the hospitality industry the company is strongly conscious of the impact it has on the environment and the growing eco-consciousness of guests. This is enhanced with ERP — the leading benchmark for Environmentally Responsible Products — which is biodegradable, and recyclable, with a care for the environment. Learn more at conceptamenities.com

About Best Western Australasia

Best Western Australasia is part of Best Western International, the World's Biggest Hotel Family, with over 4,000 hotels in 100 countries worldwide. There are almost 180 independently owned and managed Best Western hotels across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji with three hotel types: BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS and BEST WESTERN PREMIER. Find out more at www.bestwestern.com.au.

Best Western Brings a Sense of Style to Phuket

Best Western International – the World’s Biggest Hotel Family – will soon unveil a new hotel in Phuket which is set to excite guests with its sleek and stylish design.

Due to open in October, BEST WESTERN Patong Beach will be located close to the heart of Phuket’s main tourist area, less than 1km from the famous white sands of Patong Beach and a multitude of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

BEST WESTERN Patong Beach will become Best Western International’s 13^th hotel in Thailand and its third in Phuket, joining BEST WESTERN PREMIER Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa and BEST WESTERN Phuket Ocean Resort Phuket. 

The hotel’s 224 contemporary rooms and suites all come equipped with large 32-inch LCD TVs, comfortable beds, minibars and tea and coffee making facilities. And as with all Best Western hotels worldwide, Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the property. Other guest amenities include a fully-equipped fitness centre and a business centre.

Guests will enjoy relaxing under the Phuket sun in an outdoor, infinity-edged swimming pool, while the light and spacious poolside Mana Restaurant serves up delectable local and international cuisine and cocktails at the bar.

“BEST WESTERN Patong Beach is a wonderful example of our new generation of hotels in Asia,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East.

“With modern design, a full range of facilities and Best Western’s legendary service, BEST WESTERN Patong Beach will reinvigorate the midscale sector in Phuket. I am confident this excellent hotel will be extremely popular and look forward to welcoming our first guests when the hotel opens this October,” Mr. de Souza added.

New hotel brings sense of style to Phuket

 

 

Best Western International – the World's Biggest Hotel Family – will soon unveil a new hotel in Phuket which is set to excite guests with its sleek and stylish design.

Due to open in October, BEST WESTERN Patong Beach will be located close to the heart of Phuket's main tourist area, less than 1km from the famous white sands of Patong Beach and a multitude of bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

BEST WESTERN Patong Beach will become Best Western International's 13th hotel in Thailand and its third in Phuket, joining BEST WESTERN PREMIER Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa and BEST WESTERN Phuket Ocean Resort Phuket.

The hotel's 224 contemporary rooms and suites all come equipped with large 32-inch LCD TVs, comfortable beds, minibars and tea and coffee making facilities. And as with all Best Western hotels worldwide, Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the property. Other guest amenities include a fully-equipped fitness centre and a business centre.

Guests will enjoy relaxing under the Phuket sun in an outdoor, infinity-edged swimming pool, while the light and spacious poolside Mana Restaurant serves up delectable local and international cuisine and cocktails at the bar.

"BEST WESTERN Patong Beach is a wonderful example of our new generation of hotels in Asia," said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International's Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East.
 
"With modern design, a full range of facilities and Best Western's legendary service, BEST WESTERN Patong Beach will reinvigorate the midscale sector in Phuket. I am confident this excellent hotel will be extremely popular and look forward to welcoming our first guests when the hotel opens this October," Mr. de Souza added.

Web: bestwestern.com.au | bestwestern.co.nz | bestwestern.com.fj

 

New Western Australia hotel links Coral Coast drive: BEST WESTERN PLUS Kalbarri Edge Resort

 

Best Western has welcomed the 4-star BEST WESTERN PLUS Kalbarri Edge Resort in Western Australia (WA) to the group, providing a much needed accommodation option for tourists travelling between Geraldton, Carnarvon and other towns along WA's Regional Coral Coast.

 

Built in 2009, the 72-room BEST WESTERN PLUS Kalbarri Edge Resort is the 20th property in Australia to pass Best Western's Quality Assurance program to carry the brand's midscale BEST WESTERN PLUS hotel type.

           

"BEST WESTERN PLUS has really taken off in North America and Asia, and we're on our way to replicating the same success here because we're very selective about the properties we allow to qualify as a PLUS hotel,"

Best Western Australasia's Chief Executive, Rob Anderson said.

 

With over 4,000 hotels in 100 countries, Best Western International introduced the three hotel types in 2011 to help distinguish its midscale and upscale properties.

 

"Each time we add a new hotel we're welcoming only the highest quality accommodation to our group, with

BEST WESTERN PLUS Kalbarri Edge Resort being the newest addition to 12 properties already linking Western Australia's metropolitan and regional towns."

 

BEST WESTERN PLUS Kalbarri Edge Resort's 72 rooms range from fully self-contained two bedroom serviced apartments to spa suites and deluxe studios, with king beds, modern in-room facilities and upgraded bathroom amenities. Ideal for groups, guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, free Foxtel channels, and a kitchenette or kitchen with a microwave in each room.

 

Property features include a solar-heated pool, gym, large balconies, outdoor dining and private barbecues. The fully licensed Edge Restaurant is open seven days for breakfast and dinner, with a separate room service menu available. Guests wishing to dine out can take a five minute walk to Kalbarri town centre. 

 

The property is jointly owned by WA hospitality industry operator and consultant, Chris Pye (CEO and Chairman of Hospitality Inns) and Jon Jessop of Edge Resorts.

 

"We've been with Best Western for decades and in our opinion, the quality accommodation offered by this Kalbarri resort will be well received by our Best Western clients travelling around WA," Mr Pye said.

 

Pye's portfolio includes four Best Western properties in regional WA – Carnarvon, Esperance, Geraldton and Kalgoorlie – and two Perth hotels with the midscale BEST WESTERN PLUS Ascot Serviced Apartments and 5-star boutique hotel, BEST WESTERN PREMIER Terrace Hotel in Perth's West End. 

 

"Kalbarri provides a great link between our existing WA properties, so it made commercial sense for us to continue with Best Western. We like the PLUS brand – our BEST WESTERN PLUS Ascot Serviced Apartments near Perth's airport precinct operates at high occupancy – and we are riding happily on the back of the success Best Western has enjoyed after opening 14 hotels in 2013.

 

"We expect our Kalbarri resort will entice people to stay longer and see more of the beautiful natural landscapes in the area. The Murchison River gorges in Kalbarri National Park are half an hours' drive from town and great for photos."

 

A comfortable seven-hour drive or 600 kilometres north from Perth, Kalbarri is a seaside town sitting at the mouth of Murchison River and entrance to Kalbarri National Park. Popular for tailor fishing, the area also offers horse-riding and skydiving. Wagoe Beach, the Lucky Bay Beach sand dunes and Kalbarri Golf Club are popular attractions for families and tour groups all year round.

 

Plan your next trip to Kalbarri with Best Western. Visit bestwestern.com.au/kalbarriedge.

                                                      

  

 

Find out more at www.bestwestern.com.au/hotel-types.

 

 

Best Western & Harley-Davidson Launch Rider-Friendly(R) Hotels

 

Harley-Davidson enthusiasts can hit the road with a new destination in mind, with Best Western and Harley-Davidson Motor Company announcing a new range of Rider-Friendly® accommodation benefits for riders staying at over 75 participating Best Western hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

As part of the perks, Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) members who sign up to Best Western Rewards – Best Western's global loyalty program – will be automatically upgraded to Platinum rewards status which includes 10 percent bonus points on each stay, a welcome gift on arrival, complimentary room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out when available. Plus, HOG members also receive an extra 10 percent discount off their accommodation.

Best Western Arrives on Phnom Penh's Riverside

Best Western International has taken over the management of a stunning riverside hotel in the heart of Cambodia’s thriving capital, Phnom Penh.

The BEST WESTERN River Palace Hotel is set on the banks of the Tonle Sap River, offering an ideal location for both business and leisure travelers. And this superb setting is matched by a wealth of facilities.

The hotel’s 59 rooms and suites - many of which overlook the river - all come equipped with 32-inch LCD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, work desks, tea and coffee making facilities, walk-in showers and bathtubs.

At the end of a day exploring the city, guests can unwind in the hotel’s excellent spa, which features hot and cold jacuzzis, a steam bath and the only Turkish hammam in Cambodia. There is also a fitness center with the latest modern equipment.

Diners can sample the freshest local seafood and delectable Khmer and Western cuisine at the Palace Seafood Restaurant, or relax with a cooling drink at the Riviera Lounge Bar. 

And for corporate guests, the hotel’s meeting space and VIP rooms provide options for intimate meetings or special events of between 12 and 60 people. There is also a modern business center.

“Our expansion in the ASEAN region continues at pace, and I am delighted to be able to welcome guests to yet another thriving regional capital, Phnom Penh,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia & Middle East.

“This exciting city is fast becoming a regional hub for business and leisure travel, and the position of the BEST WESTERN River Palace Hotel means we are now at the very heart of Phnom Penh’s growth. Combined with our existing hotel in Siem Reap, this opening also means Best Western is now present in Cambodia’s two leading destinations.

“I am confident that our guests will love the excellent array of amenities on offer at the hotel, including our exquisite spa with Cambodia’s only Turkish hammam,” Mr. de Souza added.

BEST WESTERN River Palace Hotel becomes the company’s second hotel in Cambodia, following the BEST WESTERN Suites and Sweet Resort Angkor in Siem Reap. Ahead of the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, Best Western is now present in eight ASEAN countries, including six of the region’s capital cities.

Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth WA joins Best Western

The award winning Sea Breeze Resort in Exmouth, Western Australia has joined the Best Western group today, giving the Australasian affiliate of the World’s Biggest Hotel Family a new accommodation option for holidaymakers and corporate guests visiting Ningaloo.

Located on Western Australia’s North West Cape, Exmouth is known as the gateway to the Ningaloo Marine Park and Cape Range National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef.

BEST WESTERN Sea Breeze Resort offers 28 fully self-contained 4-star executive and 3.5-star standard studios, with kitchenettes, free Wi-fi, 40 inch flat-screen TVs and free Foxtel channels. The property’s features include a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, lagoon style pool and barbecue area surrounded by tropical palm gardens. A free airport shuttle bus service is available for guests travelling to and from Learmonth Airport, 38km south of Exmouth.

Best Western Australasia’s Chief Executive, Rob Anderson has welcomed the group’s latest addition.

“Best Western has 12 hotels across 10 locations in Western Australia, and I’m pleased to add Mr Passeck’s Exmouth property to our offering. It is one of the leading accommodation providers in the region.”

Axel Passeck, owner of BEST WESTERN Sea Breeze Resort said the property has undergone a series of upgrades to pass Best Western’s Quality Assurance program.

“We are excited to again carry the Best Western brand as it is highly regarded in regional Western Australia and around the world. With the whale shark season now underway at Ningaloo, we’re expecting high occupancy rates for the remainder of the season.”

The Passeck Family opened the property on 1 April 1998, after leasing Bachelor Enlisted Quarters 4 (BEQ4) of the former Chief Petty Officers’ Quarters in the historic Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt. They converted the vacant buildings into the BEST WESTERN Sea Breeze Resort where it stands today.

“Guests talk about the novelty of staying in an active naval base, the original landmark that put Exmouth on the map. It still sends messages for Australian and U.S. naval command centres to submarines around the world,” Mr Passeck said.

Situated a two and a half hour flight or a 15-hour drive north of Perth, leisure and corporate travellers visit Exmouth regularly to swim with whale sharks, humpback whales and Giant Mantas. The Ningaloo Reef stretches across 300km of white beachfront, with popular activities including snorkelling, 4WD safaris, scenic flights over the reef and more.

Find out more about BEST WESTERN Sea Breeze Resort at bestwestern.com.au/exmouth/hotels/sea-breeze-resort.

Best Western Sails into Taupo

Best Western has added its fourteenth New Zealand hotel, the BEST WESTERN Sails in Taupo to its growing hotel family. Anchored on the waterfront of the Great Lake Taupo, the four and half star (4.5) property is perfectly positioned for travellers looking to explore snow capped mountains or try a variety of water activities at the base of the volcanic peaks lining this popular North Island destination.

BEST WESTERN Sails is a comfortable three and a half hours’ drive south of Auckland on New Zealand No.1 Highway, or a 45 minute domestic flight from Auckland Airport. The two-level property offers 19 units ranging from queen or king one bedroom units to deluxe studio spa suites, two serviced apartments and a one bedroom family apartment. All units have self-service kitchen facilities and Sky TV channels, 

with guests receiving free wi-fi and complimentary morning newspapers.The hotel is pet-friendly, accepting dogs by prior arrangement and with their own bedding.

Rob Anderson, Best Western Australasia Chief Executive said, “I am delighted to welcome BEST WESTERN Sails to our growing hotel group, to help increase tourism to Taupo and its surrounding regions.”

Canadian-born Richard and his New Zealander wife Karen Murphy, hosts at BEST WESTERN Sails, have lived in Taupo for almost three years, after spending eight years in the Bay of Islands running a five star resort for which they received the “Franchisee of the year Award” working with another hotel chain.

Coming from a professional dance background, Richard worked for Paramount Pictures for ten years as a choreographer before finishing up his dance career in 2002. He and Karen then moved from Hawaii to New Zealand to begin their next successful career stage in hotel management. Richard said they enjoy the fast-paced nature of the accommodation industry.

“We wanted to run a smaller property that is busy all year round, not only during peak ski season or the summer months. Taupo, with its four seasons is the perfect fit for us,” he said.

Richard said joining Best Western allows them to be part of a hotel brand with a global reputation, highly regarded among Australian, European and UK travellers.

“Best Western has a proud international reputation, and the brand fits well with our commitment to providing the very best customer care for all our guests,” he said.

Taupo attracts domestic and international tourists looking for adventure, a place to relax, or who are attending one of the many popular events native to the region. Taupo’s freshwater lake allows for great trout fishing and water activities, with day sailing on the lake extremely popular. The Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park can be a great half day excursion, with the 18-hole Wairakei International Golf Course and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Kinloch Golf Course drawcards for golfing enthusiasts.

Earlier this year, BEST WESTERN Sails received a 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, placing it among the top ten per cent of all hotels on TripAdvisor that receive this prestigious award each year.

To make a reservation at BEST WESTERN Sails, see http://www.bestwestern.co.nz/best-western-sails

New Best Western opens in Lake Taupo, NZ

Best Western is pleased to introduce their latest member property in Taupo, New Zealand. The Best Western Caboose Lodge & Conference Centre is perfectly positioned on the lakefront at Lake Taupo, with spectacular views across the lake, to the three volcanic cones of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe.

The 40-room, four star Quarlmark rated hotel is within minutes of the town centre and airport. Rooms feature comfortable queen sized beds, tea and coffee making facilities, internet access, writing desk and chairs, a modern ensuite bathroom, complimentary toiletries, iron and ironing board, and hairdryer.

Guests can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool and spa, small fitness room, and onsite bar and restaurant with a panoramic position overlooking the lake. The restaurant serves fresh cuisine, made from local produce including free-range meat and poultry products.

For more information on the Best Western Caboose Lodge and Conference Centre visit www.bestwestern.co.nz/cabooselodge

 

Best Western and HotelsCombined.com team up

HotelsCombined.com, the world's leading hotel meta-search engine and Best Western International, the world's largest hotel chain® have today jointly announced their new partnership. This partnership allows distribution of Best Western hotels via HotelsCombined.com.

With the systems integration finalized on www.HotelsCombined.com, travellers can now search and compare live hotel rates from over 4,000 independently owned and operated Best Western hotels worldwide. Travellers choosing to make their hotel reservation direct with Best Western are then redirected to www.BestWestern.com where they will be able to complete their hotel booking without additional fees or mark-ups.

Kimi Anderson, General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Best Western Australasia said "This partnership gives our customers real-time rates and availability for over 4,000 properties worldwide. For our properties, it gives them a new distribution channel without any of the headaches of managing a new process. The management of rates already integrated into the current system means they will be able to reach more potential guests, without lifting a finger".

Yury Shar, HotelsCombined.com Managing Director welcomed the new partnership, "We are excited about our partnership with Best Western – an industry pioneer with one of the most renowned and iconic brands. Our ability to generate incremental direct business on a global scale is becoming a more attractive proposition to hotel chains like Best Western."
 

About Best Western International

Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN®, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* guests worldwide each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveller, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Best Western's partnerships with AAA®/CAA®, Michael Waltrip RacingTM and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewards®, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com

About HotelsCombined.com
 
HotelsCombined.com is the world's leading hotel search engine, with a database of more than 200,000 hotels from 195 countries. The site streamlines the largest amount of real-time international hotel deals into one simple and efficient format, aggregating prices from prominent online travel agents and hotel chains, including Expedia.com, Travelocity.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Hilton and Holiday Inn. More than 6.5 million monthly HotelsCombined.com users compare multiple hotels simultaneously and then click directly to partner Web sites to make a reservation. With no mark-up fees or additional booking fees, HotelsCombined.com offers travelers a completely free and invaluable tool for finding unbeatable hotel deals. HotelsCombined.com has received critical acclaims from travel industry experts such as Arthur Frommer, founder of Frommer's Travel Guides and Budget Travel Magazine, who said, "There's now an aggregator for finding inexpensive hotel rooms anywhere in the world, and its results seem phenomenal" and CNN has praised HotelsCombined.com saying, "If you are looking for hotels, HotelsCombined.com gives you a darn good search."

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.