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Porter Adds Jet Service to Orlando From Toronto and Ottawa: Great Marriott Bonvoy Deals for Maui, Hawaii

Ontario residents have a new way to reach one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Porter Airlines is taking to the skies for two new routes to Orlando International Airport  today, with flights departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa International Airport. 

The start of service to Orlando marks the third new Florida destination that Porter has touched down since the start of November, following Tampa and Fort Myers.

Flying aboard the new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, Porter brings its genuine hospitality and elevated onboard service to a new market with free, fast WiFi, a selection of premium snacks, and free beer and wine served in glassware. 

Priority check-in, extra legroom seats, premium pre-mixed cocktails, and fresh, healthy meals are also available with the all-inclusive Porter Reserve fares, or available à la carte with Porter Classic fares.

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO

Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO

“Canadians are the most frequent international visitors to Florida, and Porter is proud to take off on two more routes into the Sunshine State,” said Kevin Jackson, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Porter Airlines. “With Porter’s unrivaled level of comfort for economy travellers, our passengers can look forward to enjoying the journey and the destination.”

“Porter’s direct flight service to Orlando provides a new option for travellers to more easily get to the theme park capital of the world,” said Casandra Matej, president and CEO for Visit Orlando. “The timing is ideal, ahead of winter travel, giving Canadians the opportunity to soak up the sunshine this winter and beyond.”

The new routes also give passengers from Florida the opportunity to travel onwards to Western Canada destinations, with connections available to cities including Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. 

MARRIOTT BONVOY DEALS FOR MAUI AND OTHER HAWAIIAN ISLANDS

The Sandbar lobby bar at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Photo Courtesy Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

The Sandbar lobby bar at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. Photo Courtesy Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

As Maui hotels welcome guests back to the island, Marriott Bonvoy is giving members an exclusive offer. For stays on Maui between now and March 2024, Marriott Bonvoy will be offering members a 10k point reduction for those who have the island on their holiday and post-New Year’s travel list.

In addition, Marriott Bonvoy will also be offering members an exclusive bonus point offer for those looking to plan a holiday at any of the Hawaiian Islands. More details on both offers below.

Maui Point Reduction
Use your Marriott Bonvoy loyalty points to book travel to Maui andreceive a 10k point reduction upon booking. (For example, a property with 80k minimum points will now be redeemable for 70k.)
*These hotels are slated to begin accepting guest reservations in December and will be included in the points offer from that date forward, based on availability.
I wrote a review of the new club room at the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua not long ago, and also posted a story on the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. They’re both excellent places to stay.
Marriott Exclusive Offer – Hawaii for the Holidays
PTO days are calling. Plan a holiday in Hawai`i
to get a head start on spring break and summer getaways.Stay 4 nights and get the 5thnight free and earn 5,000 bonus points.Looking to upgrade the stay? Book a premium suite and receive up to a $600 hotel credit,per stay(credit varies by hotel).
Book by: December 10, 2023
Stay Dates:November 1, 2023 to January 24, 2024
Properties: Listed below
Details:There is a minimum stay length of 4 nights required and a discounted 5thnight will be         applied. This offer is not available to groups of ten or more rooms. Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion or prior purchase/reservation. Available all days of         the week, subject to availability. Premium Suite Room Type required for hotel credit.
Marriott Bonvoy Hawaii Properties

 

Oahu
The Hawaiian capital is a study in contrasts, with its high-rise-lined beaches and natural wonders like the volcanic Diamond Head Mountain. On a visit to Honolulu, it’s possible to experience the scenic and buzzy Waikiki Beach, world-class boutiques, restaurants and historic sites like Pearl Harbor and Iolani Palace, the former home of the Hawaiian monarchy and the only royal residence in the U.S.

I’ve stayed at both the Moana Surfrider and Royal Hawaiian, and they’re spectacular.

Big Island
The largest of the Hawaiian islands, has a wealth of luxuriant landscapes, from coastal jungles to mountain slopes. The Big Island is home to the most beautiful beaches in the world along with world-class shopping and dining and four active volcanoes.
 
Kauai
Thanks to local laws that prohibit buildings from being taller than a coconut tree, Kauai has the look of a largely untouched tropical landscape — a dreamy backdrop for pursuits like hiking, swimming, surfing, kayaking and simply unplugging.

HOLIDAYS AT THE CHELSEA HOTEL, TORONTO

A special kids check-in at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto.

Toronto’s holiday buzz is in full swing, with lights and endless festive fun along its streets. Whether you crave a serene winter getaway or a downtown shopping adventure, the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto is your ultimate holiday haven. Unwrap the joy of the season with us and make memories to last a lifetime.

Here are a few reasons to plan your winter getaway at the Chelsea:

Stay and Save! 

Black Friday Sale – Unwrap an early holiday present with our Black Friday offer and the lowest rate of the year! From November 21st to 27th, 2023, book your winter getaway from just $169 per night, (fully prepaid and non-refundable) for stay dates from November 21st, 2023, to March 31st, 2024. Relish the savings and do not miss this opportunity to make unforgettable winter memories in the heart of Toronto!

Holiday Sale – Book your winter getaway or cozy staycation at the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto and save up to 20% off the Best Available Rate. Rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Stress-Free Festive Planning: From cozy gatherings to grand celebrations, the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, stands as the ideal destination for every customized event, designed to suit your desires. Festive offerings include innovative menu planning, preferred room rates and cost-saving solutions, in one convenient location. Just round up your friends and/or colleagues, and leave the planning to us!

Your Room Key Unlocks More Than Just Your Door: Chelsea guests receive exclusive discounts to some of the city’s top attractions. Immerse yourself in art at the Art Gallery of Ontario and Royal Ontario Museum, enjoy jazz nights with the underwater world at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, and get littlized at Toronto’s newest unique attraction, Little Canada. Ask the hotel’s concierge for more information about the Show Your Key and Save program.

Book a Stylish Executive Room: Elevate your stay in our newly renovated Executive Rooms, which is the ideal choice for guests looking for modern comfort and stylish design. Room amenities include private balconies, a Nespresso® coffee machine, a mini-fridge, and more! Rooms and rates are subject to availability.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: Start your morning with a Salted Caramel Mocha at Express|o coffee and wine bar. For a cozy evening in, enjoy Festive handcrafted cocktails and dinner from a diverse menu at Elm Street Bar & Lounge. You also do not want to miss the happy hour from 3pm – 5pm.

Santa Claus Is Coming To Chelsea: Share your holiday wishes with the merry man in red as Santa Claus himself will be at the Chelsea from November 24th to December 24th! Join Santa on November 26th as he parades through the streets of Toronto.

Fun in the City: Revel in the magic of the season at Casa Loma during Christmas at the Castle. Enjoy ice skating right outside the hotel at the Barbara Ann Scott Ice Trail. Take a stroll through the Winter Village at the Distillery District, which is open until January 7th, 2024, an outdoor holiday market for timeless holiday charm and vendor cabins full of festive items and gifts. This year, enjoy the festive ambience at the CN Tower with a new Holiday Market from December 1st to January 7th, with free admission.

Arts, Culture, and Sports:

TSO Holiday Pops – save up to 20% on a jolly celebration for the whole family. Experience a whirlwind of timeless classics and festive favorites with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, igniting your holiday spirit.

See the Toronto Maple Leafs in action or get into spirit with the Toronto Raptors at the Scotiabank Arena.