The latest edition of Hotels.com® Hotel Price Index™ (HPI®) indicates that North America saw the second fastest rise in average hotel prices in the first half of 2012, with a growth of 5 percent, putting the Index at 109. The good news for travelers is that prices stayed 10 Index points behind their peak in 2007 and were still cheaper than in 2006.
The HPI tracks real prices paid per room by Hotels.com customers at approximately 140,000 properties within the Hotels.com network in major destinations around the world. This edition of the report, which compares the first six months of 2012 with the same period in 2011, shows an upward trend in hotel prices across all global regions, resulting in an average global increase of 4 percent. This is the first time in five years that Hotels.com has seen an increase across the globe.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/52878-hotels-com-hotel-price-index-north-american-hotel-prices-up-5-percent
Conde Nast Traveler US declared Vivanta by Taj as 3rd best hotel in the world in its 16th Annual Business Travel Awards 2013. Vivanta by Taj was launched 3 years ago by the Taj Group. Currently comprised of 28 hotels and resorts in India and the Indian Ocean region, the brand is represented across key metropolitan capitals as well as leisure addresses like Maldives, Sri Lanka, Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Kashmir, a rainforest resort at Coorg, one of the largest spa sanctuaries at Bekal and a soon to be unveiled private island at Langkawi.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/65026-vivanta-by-taj-declared-3rd-best-in-world
Chic Outlet Shopping®, the Collection of luxury outlet Villages by Value Retail, has launched its new summer ‘Globalista’ campaign, which is set to thrill lovers of travel, fashion and luxury destination shopping.
As part of the campaign, Chic Outlet Shopping® has created a one-of-a-kind film directed by world-renowned photographer Mary McCartney and starring international style icons – US model and actress Milla Jovovich and art director Julia Restoin Roitfeld.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61923-chic-outlet-shopping-launch-globalista-campaign
Standard Pacific Homes, one of the nation’s leaders in homebuilding quality, today announced plans to unveil Shady Oaks, a brand new collection of impressive luxury residences nestled around the natural beauty of Southlake’s oak trees, green belts and open spaces. The 10 new home designs incorporate artistry and advancement in architecture that address the changing lifestyles of today’s homeowners with an emphasis on open spaces and indoor to outdoor connectivity. Tour the stunning model home at the Grand Opening celebration Saturday and Sunday December 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59469-standard-pacific-homes-new-luxury-home-designs-shady-oaks-southlake-tx
Cypress Cay Pontoons is the premier Manufacturer and Designer of Fishing and Luxury Pontoon Boats. Locate your nearest Pontoon Dealer for any questions regarding pricing and product availability. Compare and choose a Model for ultimate comfort, amenities and ease of use at CypressCayPontoons.com. We also provide well-equipped fish models.
A group of moderately priced midsize cars outperformed most of their luxury counterparts in a challenging new frontal crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) on 2013 models. Of the 18 midsize family cars evaluated in the small overlap test, two earn the top rating of good, 11 earn acceptable, three earn marginal, and two are poor.
In contrast, just 3 of 11 midsize luxury and near-luxury cars evaluated in the inaugural round of small overlap tests earned good or acceptable ratings. Midsize moderately priced cars are the second group to be tested. The best performers in this group are the Honda Accord 4-door and Suzuki Kizashi. Both earn a good rating.
Baume & Mercier released today a short film that brings to life the beauty of the age-old saying, “it is better to give, than it is to receive.” “Celebrate Dad,” is slated to launch today on http://www.baume-et-mercier.com and the brand’s social media platforms.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7230451-baume-mercier-celebrates-father-s-day-with-moving-short-film
Moët Hennessy, Official Partner, reaffirms its support for Solar Impulse and its pursuit of the first round-the-world flight powered only by solar energy.
"Celebrating Sustainability"
Its support of Solar Impulse as an Official Partner shows Moët Hennessy's taste for pushing the envelope and conquering new territories, as well as recognizing the role of excellence and innovation as two key drivers of progress worldwide.
Growth in the Moët Hennessy group and its 22 prestigious brands has been powered by their pioneering spirit and the conquest of new territories. The first consignment of champagne was dispatched to Russia in 1780 by Veuve Clicquot. Hennessy began exporting cognac to the United States in 1787, two years before the French Revolution, followed by China in 1859. Today, Moët Hennessy exports 95% of its production and is the world's leading producer and exporter of luxury wines and spirits.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7813551-moet-hennessy-solar-impulse/
At the 2014 New York Auto Show, the S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe makes its world debut. The new S63 AMG 4MATIC Coupe is the latest dream car to augment the Mercedes-AMG model range. Exciting lines underpin this two-door model's design. Power and sensual purity combine to give the vehicle irresistible presence and breathtaking performance. Equally impressive is the combination of outstanding driving dynamics, advanced lightweight construction and groundbreaking efficiency. The AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine is a paragon of poise and assur-ance. Boasting an output of 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, the S63 AMG Coupe delivers exceptional performance with remarkably low fuel consumption. In addition, AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive (33/67% split) will come standard in the U.S. market for optimum traction in any driving situation.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7112052-mercedes-benz-usa-s63-amg-4matic-coupe-luxury-car
Opulence. Avant-garde. Revelry. Everything that made the Roaring Twenties one of the golden ages of American history is on the brink of a comeback as a new generation discovers a love of Gatsby, jazz and the prohibition era. While few of us can permanently reside in a mansion as grandiose as the famous Jay Gatsby’s, we can certainly pretend to live that lifestyle while traveling by choosing properties that capture the same atmosphere of ultimate indulgence and luxury.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61553-hotels-com-helps-travelers-live-like-gatsby-twitter-contest
Cypress Cay Pontoons is the premier Manufacturer and Designer of Fishing and Luxury Pontoon Boats. Locate your nearest Pontoon Dealer for any questions regarding pricing and product availability. Compare and choose a Model for ultimate comfort, amenities and ease of use at CypressCayPontoons.com. We also provide well-equipped fish models.
Top Hybrids and Electric Cars Must Buy 2016 [ Buying Guide ]
Top Recommended Hybrids and Electric Cars
List Car you need to buy:
====== 2016 Tesla Model S ========
We owned a 2013 Tesla Model S for 18 months and despite numerous dealer visits and maintenance issues, we were ultimately sad to see it go. It's quick, comfortable, quiet, spacious, and can tote as much cargo as some crossover SUVs. The "85" version can go 265 miles on a charge, so range anxiety is a nonissue. We even drove ours from L.A. to New York in less than three days using Tesla's free Supercharger quick-charge network. We definitely have gripes, including some underwhelming interior trim pieces and a lack of small item storage. There's also the below-average reliability, although our dealer experiences were exceptional. So even though it's not perfect, the Model S remains our favorite electric car.
============2016 Kia Soul EV============
Kia's first real foray into the electric vehicle world is a success. In fact, the funky Soul is arguably more appealing when it swaps out its internal combustion engine for an electric motor. In our testing, the Soul EV went farther on a charge than its similarly sized and priced competitors, and then recharged quickly thereafter. It also doesn't suffer a reduction in cargo space versus the non-EV Soul, meaning it provides the utility of a small SUV rather than that of a small hatchback like its rivals. A long warranty and generous features are other benefits.
===============2015 BMW i3=============
BMW's i3 is a remarkable vehicle. Its main structure is made of light yet strong carbon fiber instead of the usual steel or aluminum. This helps reduce the i3's weight, which pays dividends for both electric range and performance. With its electric motor in back and the battery under the floor, the i3 boasts sporty acceleration and handling.
======= 2015 BMW i8 ===========
You want your plug-in hybrid to be a head-turning sports car? Look no further than the BMW i8, the two-door supercar for the environmentally conscious. Like the more attainable BMW i3, the i8 is built around a carbon-fiber passenger cell. But in the i8 an electric motor drives the front wheels and a turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine pushes from behind.
===== Luxury Hybrid 2016 Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid =====
Porsche's flagship sedan is the Panamera, a low-slung four-door with a hatchback trunk. The 2016 Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid is the plug-in hybrid version, and it offers 16 miles of pure electric driving before the supercharged 3.0-liter gasoline V6 engine takes over. Acceleration, handling and braking are pure Porsche, which is something of a trick for a car this large. It's perfect for those shoppers
======= Hybrid SUV 2016 Toyota Highlander Hybrid =========
No other automaker bothers to offer a hybrid version of its three-row SUV. But Toyota's Highlander Hybrid doesn't earn a spot in our Buying Guide purely by default. It continues to show just how well the hybrid formula can be applied to a big, family-friendly crossover SUV. The hybrid version earns a 28 mpg combined estimate, or 7-8 mpg better than the V6-powered Highlander. In addition to that, the Highlander Hybrid offers solid build quality, respectable acceleration, a sophisticated and quiet ride quality and plenty of standard and available features.
====== 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2016 Toyota Prius =====
Substantial changes last year vaulted the Toyota Camry Hybrid onto our top-recommended list. Although it doesn't quite match the fuel economy of some competitors, the real-world cost of that difference is negligible. Plus, dismissing the Camry simply because of an mpg or two would mean missing out on an otherwise compelling sedan. Comfort remains a Camry priority, but this latest Camry Hybrid also handles pretty well.
====== Hybrid Cars 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid / Energi =====
The 2016 Ford Fusion Hybrid is a great choice for car shoppers who are new to hybrids. It's quiet, comfortable and feels very much like a normal family sedan, while delivering the fuel economy you expect from a hybrid. It's also a Ford Fusion, which means you also get impressive refinement, good road manners and plenty of standard and available high-tech features.
======= 2016 Volkswagen e-Golf =====
Among entry-level EVs, the Volkswagen e-Golf is our favorite. It handles well, has a handsome interior, delivers class-competitive range and has the optimal equipment for quick battery recharging. What's even better, cargo space is unchanged from the non-EV Golf because the batteries are located under the floor.
