Palace Resorts completed a $22 million renovation of the Nizuc unit of the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. The Mexico resort is comprised of three sections, which include Moon Grand, Sunrise and Nizuc.

The renovation touched virtually all aspects of Nizuc, including 120 rooms, the main lobby, swimming pool, food and beverage outlets, gymnasium, beauty salon and Tortugas Ballroom.

The renovation is the brainchild of nightclub designer Francois Frossard. The lobby was enhanced with what Palace calls “irreverent” touches, such as elephant tusk chandeliers and “whimsical” glass fixtures, and was designed to incorporate European and Mexican design influences.

The renovation also includes a new Irish bar, The Pub, which is scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of this year.

Other new enhancements include a mini-golf course and kids club, The Playroom. The Playroom features 11 different game rooms, a beauty salon, mini runway, dollhouse, full kitchen and “creativity area.” It is also equipped with an XBox room and an arcade zone.

The Nizuc renovation is part and parcel of a larger renovation program. Last year the Palace unveiled a $55 million Sunrise renovation and announced plans to construction a massive 140,000-foot convention center that will host the May 7 kick off of the annual Tianguis Turistico convention. 

Manhattan’s Loews Regency Hotel Reopens Its Doors

Loews Regency Hotel in Manhattan has reopened following a yearlong, $100 million renovation. The hotel features 328 guestrooms and 58 suites.

In the spring, the property will unveil six suites of 700 to 1,500 square feet that overlook Park Ave. and 61st St.

The new Regency Bar & Grill is the venue for the property’s Power Breakfast, a concept introduced in 1975.   

The 132-seat restaurant boasts a menu that emphasizes local produce to create classic dishes with international flavors. It includes a 32-seat bar and lounge.

The lobby lounge, with velvet sofas, is equipped with hardline Internet outlets.

Guestrooms have smart televisions and free Internet. Bedding is Frette linens.

The new Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa is scheduled to open in March. The 10,000-foot space will feature 32 hair stations, eight spa treatment rooms and private suites.  It will open at 7 a.m. by appointment.

A 1,700-square-foot fitness center, open 24/7, features cardiovascular and strengthening equipment, spin bikes and elliptical machines. Personal trainers will be available by appointment.

Iberostar Unveils Free Night Promotion for Agents

Iberostar introduced a promotion that provides agents with one free night when they sell stays of five nights or longer at select resorts in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Agents who book the new Iberostar Playa Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, will also receive $50 Visa gift cards.

The promotion must be booked by Feb. 28 for travel from Jan. 1 to Aug. 16. To qualify, agents must register bookings on iberostaragentincentive.com by March 5.

The offer is good for one free night in a standard double room.

Participating properties include Iberostar Cancun; Iberostar Paraíso Maya, Riviera Maya; Iberostar Baváro Suites, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Iberostar Playa Mita.

Sonesta Introduces Travel Agent Rate 

Sonesta introduced an Experience Sonesta rate that lets agents book up to two rooms at a time at 50 percent off the best available rate at the hotel of their choice by using the TVL rate code in the GDS.

The discount rate is subject to availability for up to two rooms per booking and valid through Dec. 31. Identification is required at check in.

B Hotels & Resorts Launches Agent Rewards Program

B Hotels & Resorts introduced the B Our Preferred Travel Agent rewards program, which provides retailers with a range of sales tools and commissions incentives to help them boost sales.

Agents will receive special rates and promotions, fam trip invitations and brand updates.

The program includes interactive modules and presentations to familiarize agents with the brand.

Preferred Hotel Group Generate $834 Million in Revenue

Preferred Hotel Group said it generated $834 million in revenue in 2013 on behalf of its member hotels, an increase of 14 percent over 2012. It also added 126 new member properties.

The company’s portfolio of hotels also saw increases of 17 percent in bookings, 20 percent in room nights and 6 percent in ADR compared to 2012.

Member hotels in Mexico and France experienced ADR increases of 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively, over 2012.

Preferred expanded its reach to Vietnam and Myanmar, and such cities as St. Petersburg, Russia.         

Hilton Introduce Meeting Platform for Planners

Hilton Worldwide introduced getplanning, which enables meeting planners to connect with hotel staff, vendors and partners in real time, to its portfolio of global Connect+ properties.

“We’re always listening to meeting professionals around the world as we evolve our tools and services to deliver successful events for them and their clients,” said Mark Komine senior vice president, sales Americas, Hilton Worldwide in statement. “We believe strongly in the value of personal relationships and this platform enables planners to stay connected to everyone involved in their event.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton and Embassy Suites Hotels brands are part of Hilton Worldwide’s Connect+ program.