Send2Press Newswire

Mobile Couponing Company Competes for Best New Technology Product

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 15:20:44 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- PlumReward, LLC announces that they have been invited to compete in the New Product Gallery to be held at the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show in Orlando from September 5 to September 7 at the Orange County Convention Center. There are several categories: one being for best new technology. That's the category where PlumReward fits in.

PlumReward has developed a device and reporting system that enables service-oriented businesses such as restaurants, car washes, and video stores to send timely coupons and promotions as text messages to their customers on their cell phones. Businesses can then track customer visits and coupon redemptions at their stores via web reports.

While mobile couponing has become an increasingly popular marketing tool, PlumReward has designed a system that enhances marketing while fostering customer loyalty.

"We are not about traditional text messaging," Jonathan Goodyear, president of PlumReward, LLC explains. "What sets us apart from the competition is our focus on tracking the entire customer transaction lifecycle: first visit to coupon distribution; coupon redemption to future visits."

So, how does it work? A customer comes into the store and has the option of entering his cell phone number into a PlumReward device. He is then asked if he wishes to receive coupons and other promotions via text messaging. PlumReward then tracks and logs subsequent visits. Customers can also earn free items/discounts based on number of visits, even if they opt not to receive coupons on their cell phones.

Business benefits include: increased revenue; no more loyalty cards; real-time marketing; and customer tracking. Businesses can also communicate with customers at ideal times such as right before the lunch hour when they are most likely to make purchases.

And, while other mobile couponing companies require customers to install software to their phones, PlumReward does not. It also operates with any phone that can receive text messages.

"We offer less start-up friction," Goodyear says.

Current clients include: Jersey Mike's Subs, Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby's, Hollywood Tans, Planet Smoothie, Quiznos Subs and Pizza Hut.

Best new product winners will be announced on September 6 at 3:00 p.m. in the New Product Gallery, booth 1269. PlumReward will be exhibiting at booth 1470.

To learn more, visit: www.PlumReward.com.

For more information contact:
Jonathan Goodyear, of PlumReward, LLC, 407-810-5925, jon @plumreward.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, PlumReward mobile coupons, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Show

EMRG Media, LLC Launches Hotel Division to Meet Growing Event Planning Demand

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:24:12 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., July 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EMRG Media, LLC, New York's leading event planning and marketing company, announced today the launch of its hotel division in New York City. This new division is in response to a growing hotel-industry clientele. Over the last eight years, EMRG Media has conducted event planning and marketing for New York's premier restaurants, event spaces, nightclubs and lounges. Now, they will be adding hotels to their exclusive client roster.

EMRG Media, LLC will provide event planning services for high-end and boutique hotels including: The Ritz Carlton, Flatotel and The Bryant Park Hotel.

"Corporate event planners and other decision makers who spend millions, annually, on corporate events, meetings and business luncheons in the New York Metro area have increasingly requested hotels for their events and meetings," Mario Stewart, founder and co-owner of EMRG Media, LLC, says. "It made perfect sense for us to expand our business to focus on the area of our industry where so many of our clients hold their functions."

With this new addition comes expansion of the type of events offered and catered to. EMRG Media, LLC has always been on the cutting-edge of industry trends. In 2006, the company channeled their niche expertise into the publication of the NYC Venue Guide which is now available for 2008.

About EMRG Media, LLC
EMRG Media, LLC is a premier, full-service, marketing, event planning and publishing firm based in Manhattan. The company specializes in the conceptualizing, venue selection and negotiating, organizing, and marketing a variety of events for both large and small-scale corporate and private parties.

For more information, visit: www.EMRGMedia.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, event planning and marketing, EMRG Media New York

Opposites Attract - Sporting Resort and Spa Provides Best of Both Worlds

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:27:14 GMT

SWAINSBORO, Ga., June 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Imagine a getaway that provides sporting adventure and spa relaxation. Consider being in a rustic environment that is also luxurious. Delight in a place that caters to the need for fresh air as much as the desire for gourmet dining. These seeming opposites come together splendidly at Flat Creek Lodge in Southeast Georgia. Whether satisfying both the yin and the yang of individuals or pleasing couples with opposite tastes, this hunting and fishing resort and spa can easily delight the most avid sportsman and the most discerning gourmand.

Flat Creek Lodge offers Summer Sizzler package: Travel between June 15 and August 15, One night of lodging, one night of fine dining and one hearty country breakfast, $199 per person.

OUTDOOR SPORTING
Sporting Club Director Bob Edwards has developed a hunting and fishing program at Flat Creek Lodge that allows for a variety of outdoor sporting adventures. Whether it's for small game such as quail, duck or pheasant or for big game such as wild boar, turkey or white tail deer or even catch- and-release fishing for largemouth bass, Flat Creek Lodge has something to offer a novice or expert sportsman or woman. Yet Flat Creek Lodge also offers its visitors an important bonus - the property maintains ecologically sound practices like using biodegradable sporting clays and non-toxic ammunition.

SPA & BATHHOUSE
A trip to the Spa and Bathhouse at Flat Creek Lodge is a study in relaxation. The rustic, heart pine building housing the Spa overlooks a beautiful lake complete with a fountain and swans, while across the property, the Japanese Bathhouse beckons with private or shared mineral baths and milk soaks. Even better, the milk has traveled only hundreds of yards, straight from the Flat Creek Lodge Dairy. The Spa incorporates many traditional treatments with a special twist from specialized whirlpools to cedar-lined sauna and steam rooms, and the view from the hot tub overlooking the central lake - complete with black swans - is always spectacular. All treatments at the Spa utilize L' Occitane products, and maintain Flat Creek Lodge's environmentally sensitive philosophy.

NATURE TRAILS, BEACH & CABANAS
Flat Creek Lodge offers plenty of opportunity for hiking, biking and nature walks around the spacious property. Bikes can be rented from Flat Creek Lodge, so there is no need to bring one. Guests can also visit the new secluded freshwater beach located where private cabanas are available.

DINING
The Flat Creek Lodge Dining Room serves seasonally appropriate four- and five-course dinners paired with the perfect wines. Based on foods that are grown or caught at Flat Creek Lodge, the menu changes daily, and the ingredients are always fresh. All spring and summer, the onsite Berry Orchards yield blueberries, blackberries and raspberries that make their way straight to the table, and the greenhouses and gardens are in full bloom. The onsite Dairy provides a line of artisan cheeses specially crafted by award-winning Head Cheese Maker Dane Huebner. Guests may also choose to have their own fish or game from the day's hunt prepared for an evening meal. The Dining Room also serves both Continental and Hearty Country Breakfasts and can accommodate daytime picnics, snacks and private or group lunches as well.

LODGING
At Flat Creek Lodge, guests now have a variety of lodging choices. Whether staying in the main Lodge where each room is themed with art and accessories by local artists or opting for one of the larger Cottages, all visitors will appreciate the rough-sawn pine and rustic architecture of the buildings complemented by luxurious touches like high-end toiletries, soft towels, personal bathrobes and spacious bathrooms. Any guest staying at the Flat Creek Lodge Cottages is also welcome to use the fully equipped Fitness Center and will have use of golf carts to get around the grounds during their stay. Guests are also welcome to enjoy biking and walking nature trails throughout the property.

Currently, Flat Creek Lodge can accommodate singles, couples and groups of various sizes. For those arriving at Atlanta or Savannah airports, van transportation can be provided. Flat Creek Lodge can also assist with arranging golf outings and other area excursions.

Located just three hours southeast of Atlanta, Flat Creek Lodge welcomes the discerning sportsman and sportswoman to an unforgettable hunting and fishing adventure. Amid a pristine and private woodland preserve, guests can stay in the main Lodge or in a private Cottage. Visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities, relax in the Spa, or pamper themselves in the uniquely designed Japanese bathhouse before experiencing the cuisine in the Flat Creek Lodge Dining Room. Menus feature fresh, seasonal herbs, fruits, and vegetables, wild game and seafood from the Golden Isles of Georgia. Dining on Friday and Saturday evenings is four or five courses paired with just the right wine. The 2,000-acre Flat Creek Lodge is located at 367 Bishop Chapel Church Road, Swainsboro, Georgia 30401.

The Lodge can be reached at 478.237.FISH or 877.352.8273. It can also be visited online at www.flatcreeklodge.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Georgia hunting and fishing program, Flat Creek Lodge

North Carolina Restaurant Reacts to Current Economic Times

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:16:50 GMT

ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- It's no secret that current economic times are challenging. Gas prices continue to soar and healthcare insurance is at an all-time high. Consumer confidence continues to fluctuate and business owners must find ways to retain and grow their current customer base. Vincenzo's Ristorante and Bistro in Asheville, N.C. has altered its business model to help its customers ride out the storm.

Vincenzo's, Asheville's premier Northern Italian restaurant, cares about meeting its customers' needs. As a result, they have made menu alterations and also instituted changes to their smoking policy.

Customers can now choose smaller plate items for less money.

"So, go ahead and order that filet mignon; it's not as much money as you may think," Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo's, said. "People watching their waistlines also appreciate this new change as half portions of pasta are easily accommodated."

Additionally, restaurant management also announced that its "warm and friendly" bistro room has changed its smoking policy. Smokers are permitted to light up after 9:30 p.m., but not before.

"The change in the smoking policy came about at the request of our customers," Butner said. "People who wish to enjoy our live music in the bistro part of the restaurant can now do so, smoke-free, up to 9:30 p.m. We also wanted to accommodate our smokers who enjoy a cigar apres dinner; this was a happy compromise."

Many restaurants have moved to being completely smoke free, but Butner realizes that people still enjoy a smoke after a good meal.

"We cannot disregard that part of the population," he added.

Butner hopes that these changes will not only boost consumer confidence, but will also save people money, better their health, and encourage them to continue to enjoy the small pleasures in life.

"In times such as these," Butner explained, "it's important to treat ourselves and to take care of ourselves."

Vincenzo's prides itself on providing a genuine northern Italian dining experience for its guests. Their menu celebrates the cuisines of Veneto (Venice); Lombardy (Milan); Tuscany (Florence); and the Piedmont (Turin).

Its atmosphere is casual; music is nightly and includes live blues, jazz and standards music, without cover charge.

For more information, visit: www.Vincenzos.com - or call: 254-4698.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Vincenzos Ristorate and Bistro, Italian restaurant North Carolina

Authentic Italian Restaurant, Bellini Italian Bistro, has now Opened at 510 Ocean Drive, South Beach

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:31:48 GMT

MIAMI, Fla., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Gourmet Cuisine enthusiasts may now enjoy some of the finest Italian food and delicacies in Miami. At Bellini you will find delicious and simple Italian food that hopefully tastes as good as you remember from your last trip to Italy. The restaurant owner, Diego Ucciferri's philosophy is as easy as it is straightforward - "use the best local ingredients as simply as possible and serve them with flourish and pleasure."

The name of the restaurant comes from the Bellini cocktail which was created in 1948 by legendary bar man Harry Cipriani for his friend, Ernest Hemingway, at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. Originally made with fresh white peaches, cognac and champagne, the Bellini has gained popularity throughout the world.

Bellini Italian Bistro continues the tradition, using only the freshest peaches available. Indeed, a complementary Bellini cocktail is offered to all frequent diners.

About Bellini Italian Bistro
This authentic Italian restaurant is located in the luxurious Bentley Hotel on Ocean Drive and features a Mediterranean inspired outdoor dining area. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 365 days a year, and the hours are 8.00 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.

The restaurant also caters to large parties and events, which can be held at the Bentley Hotel's Rooftop Terrace. Please contact Diego Ucciferri at 305-531-2100 for further information.

About Brenalt PR: Brenalt PR is a division of The Brenalt Group, an award-winning, full-service advertising, branding, graphic design, interactive, marketing, and public relations agency with offices in Miami, Dayton and Los Angeles. "We help businesses and organizations build their brands, increase sales and grow revenues and profits with strategically relevant creative solutions that establish real value for audiences and drive measurable results for marketers."

For more information please contact Robert Hock at Brenalt PR, 305-372-5605, extension 2104 or rwhock@brenalt.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Bellini Italian Bistro, Bentley Hotel South Beach

Three Lakes Resort Gives Mom a Well-Deserved Vacation

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 12:36:36 GMT

THREE LAKES, Wis., April 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Northernaire Resort and Spa is proud to announce their "Mother's Day Enter to Win" contest running through May 7, 2008. Entrants are asked to describe, in 500 words or less, why their mother deserves to win a two night stay in one of Northernaire's fully-appointed luxury suites and pampering at the spa, which includes a relaxing massage and facial.

Entries must be received no later than May 7, 2008.

Entries may be submitted by mail to: Northernaire Resort and Spa, 6990 Bengs Road, Three Lakes, WI 54562, by fax: 262-348-0420, or e-mail: shawn @genevahospitality.com.

Winner will be announced May 9, 2008.

More information on the resort: www.northernaireresortandspa.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Wisconsin hotel, Northernaire Resort and Spa

Lake Geneva Resort Gives Mom a Well-Deserved Vacation

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:14:46 GMT

LAKE GENEVA, Wis., April 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Cove of Lake Geneva All-Suite Resort and Conference Center is proud to announce their "Mother's Day Enter to Win" contest running through May 5, 2008. Entrants are asked to describe, in 500 words or less, why their mother deserves to win a two night stay in one of The Cove's fully-appointed luxury suites, pampering at the spa, which includes a relaxing massage and facial, and two tickets aboard one of Lake Geneva Cruise Line's magnificent fleet for a Full Lake Tour.

Entries must be received no later than May 5, 2008.

Entries may be submitted by mail to: The Cove of Lake Geneva, 111 Center Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, by fax: 262-249-1532, or online: www.Cove-Lake-Geneva.com.

Winner will be announced May 9, 2008.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Cove of Lake Geneva resort, Wisconsin resorts

Net Rate Hotel Program for Travel Agents

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:07:57 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Fare Buzz launched a new, dynamic, web-based hotel booking engine - an industry first - allowing travel professionals to book hotels at net rates in over 100,000 hotel and resort properties.

This innovative program offers quality-inspected properties in more than 200 countries, worldwide, with hotels ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. The savings are substantial, 30-40 percent off retail prices. Agents can log on to the new booking engine at www.farebuzz.com/hotels.

The new hotel program provides travel professionals with access to pre-negotiated wholesale rates, as well as the best available rates, categorized as "Super Nets" and "Super Savers." Agents can now add their mark up at the time of booking and receive their commissions within a week of booking.

"Travel agents are tired of waiting for their commissions and want their money fast," says Arnold Walter, President and CEO of Fare Buzz. The new hotel program is based on a powerful, robust and yet very simple to use technology which gives search results in seconds and instant booking confirmation. Reservations can be made on the web site 24/7 or by phone seven days a week.

Established in 1994, Fare Buzz is a New York-based travel supplier that has grown to be one of the leading travel suppliers in the country. Since their inception, the company revolutionized the world of air travel through strategic negotiations and partner alliances. For years, they have been one of the leading suppliers of airline tickets. Fare Buzz backs up its product line with a "Price Meet or Beat Policy" and a "Product and Service Guarantee" - these are unique in the B2B world. Fare Buzz is a pioneer in travel technology; they have developed state-of the-art and user-friendly booking tools for the travel industry.

Fare Buzz is committed to creating a true value "One Stop Shop" for its travel agent partners, and offers them the most competitive air, hotel and car prices. These are complemented by the latest travel tools and excellent customer service support.

"I would urge all of our travel agent partners to try our new hotel booking tool and give us their feedback so that we can improve it further. We are committed to developing superior products and services that empower travel agents to grow their business," Walter says.

For reservations, visit: http://www.farebuzz.com/hotels; or call: 1-888-808-4123.

Program Information contact:
Josanne Swain
Josanne @ farebuzz.com
212 391-2313 ext 150.

Premier Restaurant Directory Provides Consumer and Business Services

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:20:15 GMT

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Visiting a new city? Not familiar with the area? A new restaurant directory, YourRestaurantDirect.com - launched by directory experts YCD, LLC - can help you zero in on what you are searching for. With over 170,000 national listings there is sure to be something for everyone.

This new web site, YourRestaurantDirect.com, has a contemporary look and is easy to use and to navigate. Your Restaurant Direct features restaurant profiles on restaurants in over 50 categories. Consumers can also rate restaurants, print restaurant coupons, post reviews, make reservations, find directions and read detailed profiles.

Restaurants who wish to create profiles will save time and money. They will also be exposed to thousands of potential customers. Restaurants can upload coupons and add upcoming events in the special events database to include affairs such as charity dinners, wine tastings, industry conferences and more.

Restaurants can also upload photos of food and the restaurant's interior and exterior to further entice customers.

While surfing the site, consumers will also benefit from food-industry related articles. Recent topics include information on wine making, Chinese food and nutrition, the differences between fast and slow cooking, and tips for cleaning a barbecue or grill.

Recipes are also available. People can learn how to make refried beans; how to cook brisket; or how to use coffee by the cup in an array of inspirational recipes. Caribbean, Mexican mocha, Cuban cubano and Grog are only a few out of an endless list of possibilities. Consumers and businesses, alike, will benefit from these helpful tips.

YourRestaurantDirect.com also features a classified section. People can search for restaurant-related jobs; businesses can post ads. In addition to jobs, real estate, restaurant equipment, and other restaurant-related accessories are also included in this classified section.

"We wanted to create a web site where patrons and restaurant owners could both benefit," Lee Starusta, president of YCD, LLC, parent company for Your Restaurant Direct, said.

Starusta is not new to creating and promoting useful directories for consumers and businesses. He is also the Internet force behind the already popular niche directory, YourContractorDirect.com, which has successfully matched thousands of contractors and homeowners.

Businesses listed on these highly-promoted directories save time and money while maximizing Internet exposure.

For more information, please visit: www.YourRestaurantDirect.com; call: 561-312-1538; or email: pam @yourrestaurantdirect.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, restaurant directory national listings, Your Restaurant Direct classifieds

New Software Program Offers Solution to Recordkeeping for Gratuity Based Income Employees and Employers in the Restaurant and Hospitality Industries

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:23:13 GMT

PHILADELPHIA, Pa., April 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- J.M. Wick and Associates, Inc. (www.jmwick.com) has announced the release of P.I.T.: Personalized Income Tracking, a software program exclusively designed for personal at-home use of tracking tips for employees whose income is gratuity based, in addition to meeting the tip reporting needs of employers in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

The software program is a one-entry system that enables the employee to record their tips in accordance with the Internal Revenue Service's recordkeeping requirements as stated in the IRS Publication 3148, while maintaining organized income data which can assist in making more sound personal financial decisions. For employers who hold an agreement with the IRS, such as the TRAC program, and offer tip reporting education plus provide manual recordkeeping methods, our software can eliminate much of the cost of these recordkeeping tools.

P.I.T. software gives the employee, more efficient method of maintaining records of daily sales, credit card and cash tips and includes various reporting features that enable the user to view reports detailing their daily income on a monthly and annual basis, calculating the percentage of tips to sales. Additional reports and information provided are tip-out reports, prior year comparison reports, income earned per day of the week on a monthly and annual basis, and hourly pay rate averages.

P.I.T. also includes IRS forms 4070a and 4070 for those individuals who are required to submit monthly tip reports to their employers. P.I.T. will allow the user to enter more than one employer and will store and track the income data from all employers, allowing the user to view reports containing income data from a single employer or all employers combined. The program is not a time-sensitive and the employee can begin tracking at any time of the year. And due to its unlimited database, it will store and recall information for several years.

Denise Rushwick, President of J.M. Wick and Associates, Inc. states: "P.I.T.: Personalized Income Tracking is the only software program available that addresses the tip recordkeeping needs of employees in the restaurant industry. When we designed this software program, we have kept in mind that the average age for restaurant employees is between the ages of 18 to 35, they have very busy lifestyles and were raised in the computer era. Our goal is to give them an affordable program they could relate to in terms of recordkeeping and reports designed to help them track their income more closely, and by promoting P.I.T., the employer can offer a more feasible tool to aid their staff with daily personal tip recording. In addition, given the way a server or bartender's income can fluctuate throughout the year, our program can track these changes and help the employee manage their finances more accurately."

She further states: "Employees would relate to using P.I.T. far more than using a manual recordkeeping method. It's a win-win situation for all involved."

P.I.T.: Personalized Income Tracking can be purchased through J.M. Wick and Associates' website and is offered to individuals at prices beginning at $20.95 for a single user license available for download directly from the website. Discounts are offered to companies who want to buy multiple single user license CD's and pass the savings on to their staff.

J.M. Wick and Associates, Inc. is a Levittown based company who offers accounting and start up services to small businesses. To develop P.I.T. Personalized Income Tracking software the president relied on her 32 years of restaurant experience and 23 year accounting background, in addition to research based on the tip reporting requirements of the industry and conducting interviews with servers, bartenders and restaurant managers.

For more information,
please visit our website at www.jmwick.com.
or contact:

Denise M. Rushwick
J.M. Wick and Associates, Inc.
Phone: 215-945-6263
Fax: 215-945-8634
E-mail: jmwickassociates @ aol.com

Mark L. Srein
J.M. Wick and Associates, Inc.
Phone: 215-945-6263
Fax: 215-945-8634

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, tip reporting requirements, JM Wick and Associates Inc

Former NFL Coach Offers Introductory 'Tell Them 'Da Coach' Sent You' Golf Packages In Celebration of his two new Orlando Resorts

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:46:22 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla., March 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Da Coach" Mike Ditka, former NFL Coach of the 1985 Super Bowl champs, the Chicago Bears, welcomed guests recently as they arrived at Mike Ditka's Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa to join him in celebrating the opening of Mike Ditka's Runaway Beach Club Resort and Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa.

Ditka proudly posed for pictures in the 26,000 sq ft Grand Clubhouse and greeted guests, answering questions and discussing the uniqueness and high standards of both new resorts bearing his name.

"Why try to fit four people in a hotel room, when you can stay in one of these villas and enjoy all the comforts of home, including extra bedrooms for the kids and grandkids?" questioned the Coach. "I want to provide hard-working families with the vacation they deserve, at a price that won't break the bank."

In honor of the opening of Mike Ditka Resorts, both Runaway Beach Club Resort and Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa are offering a special "Tell them 'Da Coach' Sent You" golf package for a limited time, April 11 through June 30, 2008. Two-night/Three-day packages starting at $339 per person, based on double occupancy (non-inclusive of taxes and resort fees) and includes a luxurious two or three bedroom villa, Championship golf for two, cart and green fees and more.

To book this special offer, guests can call 888-512-2200. For more information, visit mikeditkaresorts.com. Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa and Runaway Beach Club Resort are both located in the heart of the Orlando attractions area and are just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort.

The ultimate in vacation luxury, Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa is a gated resort community featuring spacious two-, three- and four-bedroom lakefront villas, elegantly, yet comfortably furnished with the latest entertainment and appliances. The resort further pampers vacationers with a full-service 4,600-square-foot European-style spa, a heated zero-depth entry freeform swimming pool, resort-style pool and hot tub, health and fitness center, 50-seat movie theater, billiards room, game room, meeting facilities and high speed wireless Internet service throughout the resort. The property also offers complimentary shuttle service to the Walt Disney World theme parks. For more information, visit lighthousekeyresortorlando.com or call 866-797-0018.

Runaway Beach Club Resort offers all of the conveniences of a resort with the space and luxury of a private residence. Guests will enjoy some of the area's largest one-, two- and three-bedroom villas and loft villas. The sprawling grounds feature a heated "Key West" zero-entry family pool with water features for kids, a heated "South Beach" adult pool and tanning deck, a 24-hour professional fitness center and complimentary shuttle service to the Walt Disney World theme parks.

For more information, visit www.runawaybeachhotel.com or call 866-289-0238.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Metrofunk.com Launches Club Metrofunk

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:48:51 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Metrofunk (Metrofunk.com), the first metropolitan based online social network built by trendsetters for trendsetters, announced today that they will celebrate the company's launch into public beta on Wednesday, March 19th at Club Metrofunk, located at 532 West 27th Street. If the address sounds familiar, that is because it is the address of the popular Manhattan nightclub, Home.

New York nightclubs have been known to be at the forefront of style, culture, and class. Many trends in the late 80s and early 90s such as break dancing, various fashion fads, and music artists like: Prince, C+C Music Factory, George Michael, Wham, and Information Society were born from nightclubs when the nightlife scene encouraged outrageous personalities and unique styles. Metrofunk.com and Home have collaborated in an effort to revitalize this long lost New York nightlife culture by dedicating Wednesday nights specifically to trendsetters in the nightlife, fashion, film, and music industries. Starting Wednesday March 19th and continuing every Wednesday thereafter, Home will officially be renamed Club Metrofunk.

Metrofunk.com is a project that began three years ago by industry veterans with the primary focus of facilitating creativity, foster openness, and empowering trendsetters within the industries of nightlife, fashion, film, and music. By taking on the form of an offline establishment every Wednesday, Club Metrofunk will be able to establish a real and stable networking environment for trendsetters to mingle and network with the people that support their creative vision, style, and mission.

The early portion of the night will serve as an offline showcase that will allow music artists to perform new hits, filmmakers to present their latest projects, fashion designers to expose their new lines, and so forth. The film feature for the debut night will be "Fly," an unorthodox and insightful view of combined creative genres including art, fashion, music, and film. Its methodology of representing the subconscious mind through film and photography has been raved about in Vogue, Nylon, WWD, and New York Times. The latter portion of the night will be fueled by celebrity nightlife personalities and their gorgeous entourages.

Jon B, owner of nightclubs Home and GuestHouse states, "I've seen my fair share of events focused websites and social networks on the Internet, and I think the Metrofunk model is truly unique and I am looking forward to having Club Metrofunk create a new and exciting night at Home, where some of the City's great musicians and filmmakers will get a chance to showcase their work to industry tastemakers."

Metrofunk's CEO, Han Kao says, "We are working hard to ensure that every aspect of Club Metrofunk will exemplify an atmosphere that reflects what Metrofunk stands for. Metrofunk is not just a website, or some cool new fad. It may manifest in the form of a website or an offline nightclub, but ultimately it is any medium that will help remove disconnects in our personal lifestyle that common sense dictates should be connected. We are excited to be working with Jon B and Home and feel it is a big step forward in our overall mission."

About Metrofunk
Metrofunk.com is an invite-only social and mobile network specifically designed to attract and empower trendsetters around the world in the lifestyle industries of nightlife events, fashion, film, and music. Metrofunk.com's primary focus is to help facilitate creativity, foster openness, and become a useful marketing tool. This allows the mundane process of getting a message into public awareness to be simple and easy, thus allowing more energy and focus on the work itself. That's the overall idea.

About Home
In 2005, nightlife impresario, Jon B launched New York's hottest nightclub, Home. Since it's opening, Home has become a premiere nightlife destination for many of today's A-list celebrities including Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Kim Kardashian, Fergie, Lindsay Lohan, Ashlee Simpson, Jessica Alba, Jay Z, Nicky Hilton, Scarlett Johansson, Derek Jeter and Sarah Michelle Gellar. In December 2007, Home expanded, opening a second location in St. Louis.

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

IMAGES:
*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/08-0312-Metrofunk_72dpi.jpg)

*(PHOTO 300dpi: Send2Press.com/photobay/08-0312-Metrofunk_300dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Club Metrofunk event invite.)

Former NFL Coach Mike Ditka Promotes New Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa and Runaway Beach Club Resort

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:40:36 GMT

ORLANDO, Fla. - Feb. 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Da Coach" Mike Ditka, former NFL Coach of the 1985 Super Bowl champs, the Chicago Bears, will soon celebrate his latest victory with the official grand opening of the first two Mike Ditka Resorts in Orlando, Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa and Runaway Beach Club Resort.

Ditka will be in Orlando Feb. 27th, to unveil the new resorts to the media and VIP's. Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa and Runaway Beach Club Resort, are both located in the heart of the Orlando attractions area, and are just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. These new Resorts are just one part of the successful business in Coach Ditka's portfolio. "Da Coach," also owns interest in the Chicago Rush indoor arena football team, Mike Ditka's restaurants, created the "Kick Ass" wine label as well as a fine line of quality cigars among other ventures.

The ultimate in vacation luxury, Lighthouse Key Resort & Spa is a gated resort community featuring spacious two-, three- and four-bedroom lakefront villas, elegantly, yet comfortably furnished in West Indies decor. Designed to provide a home away from home for guests, the new villas feature fully equipped, stainless steel gourmet kitchens, private lanais, lavish master suites, separate dining and living rooms, in-home washers and dryers, and the latest in high definition, flat screen entertainment as well as a 42-inch inch television in each villa's great room.

The resort further pampers vacationers with a full-service 4,600-square-foot European-style spa, a heated zero-depth entry freeform swimming pool, resort-style pool and hot tub, health and fitness center, 50-seat movie theater, billiards room, game room, meeting facilities, a grand clubhouse, deli and gift shop, business center, meeting space, poolside bar and high speed wireless Internet service throughout the resort. The property also offers complimentary shuttle service to the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

For more information, visit lighthousekeyresortorlando.com or call 866-797-0018.

Runaway Beach Club Resort offers all of the conveniences of a resort with the space and luxury of a private residence. Guests will enjoy some of the area's largest one-, two- and three-bedroom villas and loft villas. Furnished in Key West cottage style, each villa has a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen and dining room, flat screen TVs and DVD players. The sprawling grounds feature a heated "Key West" zero-entry family pool with water features for kids, a heated "South Beach" adult pool and tanning deck, a 24-hour professional fitness center, indoor basketball court, whirlpool spa, clubhouse/reception center, and complimentary shuttle service to the four Walt Disney World theme parks.

For more information, visit www.runawaybeachhotel.com or call 866-289-0238.

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Renewed Hilton Hawaiian Lagoon in Waikiki Makes a Splash

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:05:21 GMT

Muddy, jelly-fish stinging water transformed into a clear, tropical delight

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 21 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Hawaii's largest hotel, the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki (Travel-Hawaii.com/Hilton_Hawaiian_Village.html) has finally completed its long-awaited lagoon revitalization project, according to Travel Hawaii LLC (Travel-Hawaii.com), a leading Hawaii Internet booking service. The project has transformed the once murky, uninviting pond into a delightful 5 acre swimming and recreation center, open not only to guests of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, but to the general public as well.

For many years, the lagoon next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village was dark and uninviting. "It was swimmable but little jellyfish often stung those who ventured into it," said John Lindelow, Travel Hawaii's owner, "and the bottom was muddy from years of collected debris. You rarely saw anyone actually in the water."

The Hilton recently completed a $15 million renovation of this historic lagoon, with excellent results. The project was finally completed in January 2008 after two and a half years of planning and work. Now guests can actually swim in the lagoon, or just wander on its sandy, beautiful shores.

Although the lagoon does not technically belong to the hotel, the Hilton's Regional Director of Public Relations Manager Cynthia Rankin stated, "Since the lagoon is right next to the hotel, we felt it was the Hilton's responsibility to bring it back to its original state. Prior to this, the lagoon was fed water from an intake system that was directly off of the ocean. This brought in a lot of ocean trash, invasive species, jellyfish, and algae."

A new state of the art pumping system has been installed that pumps 15,000 gallons of fresh sea water a minute from intakes that are 250 feet below sea level. This cleaner fresh sea water entirely replaces the lagoon water five times a day.

The Hilton is encouraging the local community to hold swimming events at the lagoon. In addition, many weddings will likely be held on the lagoon's edge, with the groom possibly arriving by boat to meet his bride.

"It's amazing how this renovation has transformed the lagoon," said Lindelow. "Our hats are off to the Hilton Hawaiian Village."

For more details, see: Travel-Hawaii.com/Hilton_Hawaiian_Village.html.

Pay Nothing or Pay Through the Nose: In-Room Internet Access at Hawaii Hotels

Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:15:54 GMT

HONOLULU, Hawaii - Jan. 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- According to Travel Hawaii LLC (Travel-Hawaii.com), a leading Hawaii Internet booking service, guests at Hawaii hotels can enjoy free high-speed internet access in their rooms, or they can pay up to $20/day. Different Hawaii hotels have wildly varying charges for this new "must have" amenity.

In Waikiki, for example, guests staying at Starwood's Moana Surfrider (Travel-Hawaii.com/Moana_Surfrider,_A_Westin_Resort.html) must pay $13/day for Internet Access, while next door at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach (http://Travel-Hawaii.com/Outrigger_Waikiki_on_the_Beach.html), high speed Internet access is free for all guests. Over on Kauai, about half the hotels have free high-speed Internet access, while others charge between $10 and $15/day.

"This wide variation in pricing reflects two things," said John Lindelow, Travel Hawaii's owner. "First, the advent of the Internet has created a strong demand for continued Internet access, even when people are on vacation. It's as essential as phone service or maid service.

Guests feel that they MUST stay connected. Second, the situation has exposed the confusion within the Hawaii hotel industry as to how to handle charging for their services, like bottled water, phone calls or internet access. The hotels can't decide whether to bundle such things into their room charge, charge a resort fee, or charge by itemizing everything the client gets."

Perhaps the most egregious example of Hawaii hotels nickel and diming their clients is at those hotels that charge guests for in-room Internet access and also charge a hefty, mandatory "Resort Fee." For example, the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort (http://Travel-Hawaii.com/Wailea_Beach_Marriott_Resort_&_Spa.html) charges a mandatory $25/day Resort Fee, but guests who want Internet Access in their rooms must pay an additional $13/day. Of the 15 Hawaii Hotels that charge the much reviled Resort Fees, six charge for Internet Access on top of their Resort Fee. (A complete list of Resort Fees at Hawaii Hotels and what they include is at http://Travel-Hawaii.com/hawaiiresortfees.html.)

To empower their clients with critical information, Travel Hawaii maintains a database of Internet Access fees at Hawaii hotels at Travel-Hawaii.com/hawaii_hotels_internet_access.html. Included for each hotel is information on the cost of Internet Access in the rooms, in the business center, and elsewhere in the hotel. In addition, each hotel's web page contains a full description of costs and policies for Internet Access at the hotel.

"Another layer of this puzzle that we're documenting is the wired versus wireless Internet, particularly in rooms," said Lindelow. "So many people are traveling with laptops, iPhones, and other wireless devices, and they want wireless access. So our database includes that distinction when we know it." Increasing numbers of hotels offer wireless Internet access throughout their hotel, and some charge differentially for wired versus wireless access.

About Travel Hawaii LLC
Founded in 1997, Travel Hawaii has become a leading Internet booking service for consumers wishing to vacation in Hawaii. Travel Hawaii maintains sophisticated online booking systems and databases focused on Hawaii travel.

For more information, visit: www.Travel-Hawaii.com.

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