This week’s Hotel Wrap has got everything from COVID-19 response updates and long-stay accommodation to wellness programs and even a bit of celeb spotting!

Hilton extends loyalty benefits

Hotel giant Hilton has shared with guests what it is doing to extend their Hilton Honors benefits and to support communities during what is a turbulent time.

All Hilton Honors members whose 2019 status was scheduled to be downgraded on 31 March 2020 will automatically receive a 12-month extension.

Hilton is also extending guests’ 2020 Honors member status to 31 March 2022, as well as pausing the expiration of all points scheduled to expire between now and 31 December 2020.

Furthermore, Hilton has extended the expiration date of all unexpired Weekend Night Rewards as of 11 March and all new ones issued until 30 August 2020 through to 31 August 2021.

Hilton has also made further adjustments to its individual booking policies. All existing scheduled for arrival on or before 30 June 2020 can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival day.

Any new reservations made by 30 June 2020 for any future arrival date can be changed or cancelled at no charge, up to 24 hours before the scheduled arrival day.

Hilton is also doing its bit to support the many communities impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) around the world.

This includes partnering with federal, state and local governments to provide housing for first responders and health care workers, pledging financial assistance to organisations helping those impacted by COVID-19, and donating Hilton Honors points.

Aussie singer-songwriter Ruel spotted at W Bali – Seminyak

Australian singer-songwriter Ruel Vincent van Dijk (aka Ruel) was spotted at W Bali – Seminyak last month working on his debut album, which is set to be released later this year.

Ruel spent two weeks in February writing and recording tracks in the hotel’s Sound Suite – W Hotels’ first-ever private music recording studio and creative space.

While there, he recorded an acoustic cover of “She” by Harry Styles, playing guitar and showcasing his neo-soul style of voice. Check out the video below:

Raffe Hotels & Resorts issues COVID-19 update

Raffe Hotels & Resorts has provided an update on the situation for its three properties: Plantation Island Resort, Lomani Island Resort and Fiji Gateway Hotel.

Plantation Island Resort has temporarily suspended operations until 31 May 2020. All existing bookings during this period will need to be cancelled and will be allowed to re-book at any time in the next 12 months.

Furthermore, the second phase of the resort’s redevelopment plans have been postponed until further notice. Plantation Island Resort will not accept any new bookings under the ‘Construction Room’ category, but all existing bookings in this category will be honoured.

Lomani Island Resort has also temporarily suspended operations until 31 May 2020, although the resort was already closed during this period for renovations. Raffe is currently deciding whether or not to postpone Lomani Island Resort’s public area development project.

Fiji Gateway Hotel will remain open and fully operational until further notice.

SKYE Suites launches long-stay accommodation ahead of Sydney hotel opening

Serviced apartment hotel player SKYE Suites is launching into the long-stay market ahead of the opening of the third hotel in its Sydney portfolio, SKYE Suites Green Square, in mid-2020.

Both of the existing SKYE Suites hotels in Sydney and Parramatta are set up to offer long stays to corporates or those seeking temporary accommodation while they relocate, move house, renovate or wait for flights to reopen amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

They offer self-contained and spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments, each with open-air balconies or courtyards to take in fresh air and stretch out.

There is keyless entry and virtual concierge tablets in each suite for guests to access hotel services, as well as an option for mobile check-in, ensuring a contact-less check-in and stay.

A third SKYE Suites hotel will open mid-year as part of the iconic $575 million Infinity by Crown Group development.

Pullman Luang Prabang invites couples to plan their wedding in northern Laos

The Pullman Luang Prabang is promoting its new eco-friendly ‘Khoi Hak Jao Lai’ wedding package, which includes a traditional ceremony, professional photography, a romantic dinner, couple’s spa treatment, in-room amenities, and more.

Available until 31 December 2020, the new package is priced at US$1,799 ($3,045) per couple, including accommodation and all the aforementioned amenities and activities.

Aman unveils new wellness programs

Aman has announced new wellness programs designed to bolster and support the body’s natural defence systems with the aim of enabling guests to be at their optimum health.

Drawing on advanced medicine and scientific knowledge, as well as the wisdom of ancient wellness traditions, each new program will tackle every aspect of immunity and reflect Aman’s signature integrative approach to wellbeing.

Affected by so much more than changing seasons, personal hygiene and nutrition, immunity is impacted by key factors including state of mind and body, environment, emotions, energy, spirit, and community.

Personalised to every individual’s unique condition and circumstances, Aman’s new programs take into consideration each of these aspects to aid immune response and to strengthen natural barriers.

Wharf Hotels runs incentive contest for Global Hotel Alliance’s G-Leads

In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, Wharf Hotels continues its commitment to Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) by reinforcing the group’s inspiring sales incentive reward programme, G-Leads.

A cross-brand selling program that fosters the exchange of business prospects, all GHA associates are rewarded with an incentive for qualified, materialised business referred to and confirmed by any GHA property.

Wharf Hotels recently launched a G-Leads Champion Challenge amongst its 5,000 associates, encouraging healthy competition and a business-led mind-set.

Winning the contest was luxury hotel colleague Vicky Tang, director of room sales at Niccolo Chengdu, an Ultratravel Collection hotel. Her top performance was rewarded with round-trip flights for two, including accommodation at any GHA member hotel in the Asia Pacific.