Rezidor to Open Two Hotels in the Algarve, Four Elsewhere by 2009
The Brussels-based management company Rezidor Hotel Group (www.rezidor.com) has contracted to open six properties in Europe in the next two years: Radisson hotels in Paris; Yalta, Ukraine; Portimao, Portugal; and Brno, Czech Republic; plus a Park Inn in St. Helens, England. The Portugal and Ukraine hotels will be new builds, while the others will consist of conversions and renovations.
"These six new contracts showcase how important our European markets are for the growth and development of our brands," said Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of Rezidor. "I'm particularly excited about the new hotels in Portugal, which are an important step for our growth in southern Europe."
Rezidor has contracted for two hotels in the Algarve region of Portugal. The Radisson Hotel Portimao will offer 192 guest rooms, two restaurants, a bar, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa. It will be part of a complex that will include a racetrack where national and international sporting events are held. Rezidor's new Radisson Residence in Portimao will have 160 apartments, leisure and reception areas and a restaurant.
The six European additions will increase the hotel group's portfolio by 1,048 rooms. Rezidor has close to 300 hotels in the Radisson SAS, Country Inn, Missoni, Park Inn and Regent brands in nearly 50 countries.
Second Renovated Suite Debuts at Four Seasons Geneva
Following the renovation of its Royal Suite just six months ago, the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva (www.fourseasons.com/geneva) has unveiled its Presidential Suite, with more than $1 million in enhancements, including the dedicated service of a personal assistant. 
The two-bedroom space is decorated in silver and white against dark wood, and features a designer chandelier above a six-person dining table, a master bedroom with walk-in dressing room and a marble bathroom. The corner suite's multiple balconies offer views of Lake Geneva and Old Town. Rates begin at $8,200 per night. Contact the hotel's general manager, Jose Silva, at 011-41-22-908-7000.
Tour Routes for Biking
BikeToursDirect (www.biketoursdirect.com) has expanded its roster of cycling programs in 30 European countries for 2008. New itineraries take bicycling clients through Amsterdam; France's Loire Valley; Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast in Croatia; and Krakow, Poland. Self-guided tour packages start at $750 per person double for seven days at two- and three-star hotels; guided tours, starting at $1,050 per week, include support vans, dinners and guides. BikeToursDirect does not pay a commission, so agents need to add in their own service fee when selling to consumers. 
Vintage Advantage
The Hilton Arc de Triomphe Paris (www.hilton.com) has partnered with Ooh La La! (www.oohlalavintage.com), a top vintage boutique in Paris, to offer "Vintage Master" classes centered on the history of fashion in the privacy of their hotel room. Guests can try on signature French clothing and be measured for custom couture. Classes start around $90 per person, with a minimum of four people required for a class. All rooms in the Hilton Arc de Triomphe reflect Art Deco style. Other special features of the hotel are a mosaic-decorated spa and an Andalusian patio garden. Contact General Manager Serde Edauin at 011-33-1-5836-6700, or go to www.hiltontravelagents.com.