Room for pets
TRAVELLERS WHO cannot bear to be parted from their pets received good news this week, when one of Britain’s biggest hotel chains announced it is to install beds for canine and feline guests. Travelodge has customised a replica of its luxury king-size bed to accommodate clients’ animals. The beds, 2ft 6in long and 2ft wide, come with a mattress, pillow and duvet and cost around 15 euros a night. They will be introduced in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham and Nottingham later this year. See www.travelodge.co.uk.
Solar canal
In a bid to reduce pollution, Venice’s first solar-powered vaporetto boat will be launched next month by Francesca Bortolotto Possati, the owner of the luxury Bauer Hotel Group. The boat, known as B Mare, generates no pollution, noise or waves, according to its creators. It will operate primarily on the Grand Canal between Bauer’s main hotels.
Ryanair transfers
Lowcostcoach.com is offering transfers to the Dolomites ski region from airports in Italy served by the no-frills carrier Ryanair. Holidaymakers flying in to Verona Brescia, Venice Treviso and Milan Bergamo will be able to travel on to ski resorts from 12 euros. The service starts on December 1.
An inspector’s call
The Small Luxury Hotels of the World group is recruiting for a “mystery inspectors” programme, in which undercover guests visit one of the company’s 370 hotels in 60 countries to review its services. The group reimburses one night’s accommodation, but the “inspectors” must pay their own travel expenses. Visit www.slh.com for more information.
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