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We’ve had a look at the likely hot destinations for travelers in 2009, but it’s also interesting to hear about the trends in hotels for tourists and travelers - where do the experts think we’ll be staying in the next year or so, and what does the near future look like for hotels economically? Here are a few of the predicted trends for accommodation during 2009:

• With a more environmentally friendly outlook, a lot of travelers say that they will be more likely to stay in eco lodges and other “green” accommodations during 2009, compared to their past behavior.
• And while some expect that economic difficulties might stop a lot of travel taking place, there is also a widespread belief that this won’t affect hotels as much because a lot of people - including vacationers and business travelers - will still travel, but will not travel quite so far. But they will still need a hotel to stay in, so the economic downturn may not be quite as damaging for hotels as for other parts of the travel industry.
• Travelers within the United States tend to fairly loyal to their brand when they stay in hotels, usually because of guest points programs, and that is unlikely to change in 2009. The top three brands as far as loyalty goes in the US are Marriott, Hilton and Hampton Inn.
• In possibly good news for travelers, the occupancy rates of hotels are predicted to decline a bit during 2009, which might mean that hotels offer some lower price to entice more guests to stay. However, some experts are saying the average reduction in prices might be around 1%, while still others think that other economic issues will actually force hotel prices to rise about 5%; so it’s anybody’s guess right now.
• Another interesting trend that hoteliers are keeping a close eye on for 2009 is the increasing inmportance of having an online presence. With more and more hotel bookings being done online, hotels are finding it ever more important to have a good website and more of them are providing extra services for guests who book directly online, rather than through a booking agency that takes a fee. Some say that this trend means that we will start to stay at more independent hotels during 2009, rather than well known chain names, because when we are individually searching online we are able to find a wider variety of possibilities.

As expected, the economic crisis is taking a large toll on the travel industry. For September, both major airlines and hotels are reporting steep declines in business. According to the New York Times, the seven major airlines carried 9.2% fewer passengers, domestically and internationally, in September 2008 compared to the same month in 2007, while many fares are 15-25% higher than last year.

According to Smith Travel Research, domestic hotel occupancy was down 5% over the previous September as well. As the holiday season isn’t far off, things may get worse for the travel industry before it gets better. Traditionally, the holidays are extremely busy. But with many people choosing to stay home rather than travel over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the travel slump many continue into next year.

Many four- and five-star hotels, which usually aren’t effected much by economic downturns, are also reporting a decline in business. Third-quarter profits dropped 28% for Marriott International, one of the global giants in the hotel industry. With the Presidential election a month away, the banking crisis and the recession, airlines, hotels and other travel companies are in a scramble to lure the dwindling number of business and vacation travelers.

photo credit: richard winchell

Disney Port Orleans Riverside Hotel Bayou Style Unit

The charm and appeal of this resort is obvious from your first arrival at this moderate Disney location. The theme of the resort is a Louisiana Bayou, with its plantation style and rustic style guest rooms. The mansion type rooms are part of the Magnolia Bend section of the resort, while the rustic lodge type rooms are in the Alligator Bayou area.
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The Westin Hotel Long Beach
333 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
(866) 716-8132
StarwoodHotels.com
Directions

The Long Beach Hotel is located on Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach California. The hotel is located resonably close to both Los Angeles Airport and Orange County Airport. Local nearby attractions include the Long Beach Aquarium, Pine Ave Market, Shoreline Park, Rainbow Lagoon Park, and across the street from the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. In addition there are numerous other stores, restaurants, bar or other tourist destinations all within walking distance.

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The Polynesian Resort is one of the two original Walt Disney World Resorts
photo credit: abbynormy

The Polynesian at Walt Disney World is a deluxe class resort in the Magic Kingdom area. The Polynesian (or “Poly”, as frequent visitors refer to it), was one of the first resorts to be built at Disney World.

The close proximity to the Magic Kingdom makes it a very popular hotel choice for Walt Disney World guests. The Polynesian hosts a theme of the South Pacific islands, from the lush vegetation in the grand lobby to the intimate details found in the resort rooms. As you enter the main building in the Polynesian complex, you will be in the two-story lobby, also known as the Great Ceremonial House. In addition to the front desk area, here you will also find shops, restaurants, and a lounge.
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The Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World in Florida.

photo credit: mrkathika

This Disney deluxe class resort is located in the Magic Kingdom area, between the Contemporary resort and Fort Wilderness. The “theme” of this resort is that of a National Park, as the entire resort has a lodge feel that captures the spirit of the American West in the early 1900’s. The parking area is conveniently located in front of the lobby area of the hotel and is within comfortable walking distance to the hotel.
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The Animal Kingdom Lodge located next to Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom Park opened in 2001
photo credit: clyderob

Opened in 2001, this Disney Deluxe resort is located about one mile from the Animal Kingdom Park. The theme of this resort is an African Savanna and Lodge. Everywhere you look, you will see the animal theme from the architecture to the live animals in the savannas. The lodge has nearly 1300 rooms and is home to more than 100 birds and animals, including zebras, giraffes and gazelles.
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Las Vegas
Hotels from $50, Air + 2 nights from $223 - Expires 5/9/08
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All-Inclusive Sale: Air + 4 nights from only $534 - Expires 5/1/08
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New Orleans
Jazz & Heritage Festival - hotels from $119! Book for travel from 4/25/08 to 5/5/08 expires 5/5/08
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Washington DC
Hotels on Sale! Book by 4/28/08 for travel from Now until 5/5/08 expires 5/5/08
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Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Country Club is a AAA five diamond/Mobil five-star casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada; a southern suburb of Las Vegas.

Opened in the spring of 2005, the Wynn Las Vegas is one of Las Vegas’ tallest buildings. Once the site of the legendary Desert Inn Resort, the 215-acre property combines the “Old Las Vegas” tradition with new technology, such as high-speed Internet connections and VOIP technology, in all of the guest rooms. Named for the resort’s owner, Steve Wynn, the luxurious 2716-room resort has rapidly soared to the top of the “best places to stay” list in Las Vegas. With multiple restaurants, a championship golf course, and mid-Strip location, the Wynn Las Vegas is a great choice for a luxurious and full-filled honeymoon.

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Bellagio is a AAA Five-Diamond rated luxury hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, USA.

The Bellagio Hotel, named for a small village in Italy’s lake district, is one of Las Vegas’ finest and most luxurious hotels. Built in 1998, the Bellagio is known for its elegant decor and fixtures, its fine dining, and its large lake in front of the hotel with its choreographed fountains, one of the many free attractions in Las Vegas.

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