The Lofts at Promenade, Long Beach's impressive new apartment addition to the city's much-anticipated pedestrian only entertainment, restaurant and retail shopping promenade, announces its grand opening on Thursday, August 27, 2009.

"We are delighted to announce the Grand Opening of The Lofts at Promenade," said Frank T. Suryan, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Lyon Capital Ventures. "The design and planning of the project is a culmination of our commitment to excellence and a collaboration between design and development that is the signature of our approach to multifamily living. There is a general misconception that the development of an apartment project is inferior to condominiums, but since 1989 Lyon has taken great pride in developing quality, award winning properties that are designed to be representative of their specific locations. The Promenade at Long Beach is home to the newest urban loft-style apartments in the heart of exciting downtown and The Lofts is the ideal location for the urban sophisticate. Just step inside and see the sleek, contemporary design of gourmet kitchens with culinary islands, granite countertops, concrete flooring and open living spaces. Every project presents distinct challenges and opportunities and the Lofts at Promenade is no exception. What we have achieved is essentially two projects in one connected by an innovative sky bridge where residents will enjoy the exclusive Rooftop Sky Lounge, Sky Fit Health Club, resort style pool and spa, private cabanas and outdoor fireplace surrounded by spectacular panoramic city views. The Lofts at Promenade is truly representative of the 'best in industry' reputation our company has earned and works so hard to maintain."

Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster added: "The Lofts at Promenade and the Lyon Apartment Companies' new addition is a great example of commercial and residential interests partnering with the City of Long Beach to create projects that will improve our downtown area. The Lofts at Promenade's rooftop is an innovative space where residents can join together as neighbors in a communal area that is consistent with Long Beach's Sustainability Plan."

Mayor Foster is among the city officials and local dignitaries scheduled to attend the invitation only event from 5:00-8:00 P.M.

The Promenade is a six block long thoroughfare in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, anchored on the North by the popular City Place, and the Long Beach Convention Center to the South. It is a major component in an investment of more than $1.8 billion in new construction in the city since 2000. The area is accessible by four major freeways, with the MTA Blue Line Providing daily service to and from Downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach is also host to crowd pleasing major events such as the Toyota Grand Prix, Long Beach Jazz Festival, and Pro Beach Volleyball.

The Lofts at Promenade offers a variety of floor plans, from approximately 600 to 1400 square feet, with monthly rents starting at $1,715. Each luxury urban loft features epic views of the city and the Pacific, designer light-filtering roller shades, gourmet kitchen, modern floor finishes, private balconies, and modern industrial designer fixtures and hardware. Renters have the option of additional upgrades to customize their residence. Also available are corporate rental packages and a resident referral program with cash bonuses when tenants refer a friend.

Residents also have special access to a private elevator just off the busy Promenade to the elite Terrace Club. Across the resident Sky Bridge they will find the exclusive, tranquil rooftop Sky Lounge. At this private sanctuary they can truly get away from it all and socialize with friends, grill on complimentary barbecues, take a refreshing swim, or enjoy an exhilarating workout.

Another major feature of the Lofts at Promenade is its unprecedented list of concierge services which range from therapeutic massage to personal trainers, chef services to dog walkers, dinner reservations, dry cleaning, housecleaning, pet and fitness services, concert tickets too.

The Lofts at Promenade is a property of Lyon Apartment Companies. Major General William Lyon, USAF Retired, founded The William Lyon Company in Orange County more than 55 years ago. Lyon Apartment Companies, originally founded in 1989, currently manages over 14,000 apartment homes in several key markets, coast-to-coast, including 1900 Ocean also in Long Beach. Lyon Management Group, Inc. founded in 1989 by Frank T. Suryan, Jr., Chairman and CEO also offers the Lyon Peace of Mind Program which provides "protection from the unexpected". Lyon will allow tenants out of their lease in case of job loss. The company has earned numerous industry awards, including multiple California Council for Quality and Service "Best-in-Class" honors, as well as "The Best in the Industry" resident satisfaction awards from CEL & Associates, the country's largest surveyor of resident satisfaction.

Source: The Lofts at Promenade

Centrum Properties, Inc. today announced the conversion of its premium, 342-unit development, The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection, from condominium to rental. Apartment seekers may visit the leasing center currently located at 709 South Clark Street and may also access details and contact information at www.rooseveltcollection.com. The leasing center will move to the property, located at 150 W. Roosevelt Road, beginning August 14.

"The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection is a one-of-a-kind property, which will attract renters with high standards who expect the best. Our intent is to deliver service that exceeds those expectations," said Centrum principal John McLinden. "The South Loop location is convenient to much of what makes this city great, from Museum Campus and Soldier Field, to Grant Park, the lakefront and Printer's Row." The project design was honored by New Home Magazine as "The Best New Mid-Rise Development in Chicago"; and the one-and two-bedroom apartments are offered in 25 distinct and appealing floor plans. In addition, Centrum is developing a 2-acre, beautifully landscaped public park, directly adjacent to the project.

Apartments will be available for occupancy beginning September 1; one-bedrooms will be offered starting from $1,375 and two-bedrooms starting from $2,300 per month. The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection offers design elements unmatched in Chicago's luxury apartment marketplace, including hardwood floors; balconies or terraces; gourmet kitchens with granite countertops, designer Italian cabinetry, stainless-steel Kitchen Aid appliances and chimney-style stove hoods; and bathrooms clad in porcelain tile, featuring Grohe fixtures, soaking tubs and rainshowers, and Kohler frameless glass shower doors. Residents will also enjoy many building amenities including a social lounge, business center, conference room, theater room, a fitness center outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, and storage compartments.

Roosevelt Collection is the South Loop's most dynamic new "neighborhood within a neighborhood" and includes such exciting features as:

• A 16-screen multiplex theater - Kerasotes Showplace's premiere location in Chicagoland.
• Approximately 300,000 square feet of dynamic retail shops and restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining
• An upscale health club
• A generously landscaped 2-acre public park
• A pedestrian-friendly plaza
• Ample indoor public and private parking
• The ultimate convenient location, between Target and Whole Foods, and walking distance to both the Loop and the lakefront.
  

Said McLinden, "The Lofts at Roosevelt Collection offers a lifestyle experience unparalleled in the Chicago market - the opportunity to rent a luxury apartment in a hip, active and truly mixed-use community of residents, retail shops, restaurants and entertainment, just steps from all the city has to offer."

SOURCE Centrum Properties, Inc.

Los Angeles-based builder Lee Homes, Inc. and institutional urban development investor CityView today announced the grand opening of TLofts, a new ultramodern sustainable loft community, situated in the heart of West Los Angeles. An Urban Block Party was held on Saturday, August 8, 2009 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm to celebrate the culmination of years of work to bring this community to fruition. Henry G. Cisneros, former Secretary of U.S. Housing & Urban Development and Executive Chairman of CityView, and Jeff Lee, Principal of Lee Homes, presided over the official opening ceremony that was held at 11:30 am. Also participating in the ceremony was Lynn Jacobs, Director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Representatives from the offices of Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas and Los Angeles City Councilmember Bill Rosendahl presented commendations honoring the long-awaited new community.

The opening of TLofts coincides with last week's news from the S&P/Case-Shiller index report that showed home sales climbed in June for the third month in a row indicating a rise in homebuyer confidence. Following the positive reports of an economy in rebound, Cisneros and Lee announced that 13 lofts have sold at the TLofts development even before the grand opening and an interest list of more than 800 names promises to keep sales moving along at a rapid pace.

The Grand Opening & Block Party was a lively event demonstrating the lifestyle for those who will live in this prime urban location. Local merchants represented vendors who will serve the new community, such as Trader Joe's, FIJI Water and The Wine House set-up shop for the day in the community's courtyard offering everything from food and wine to giveaways and samples. Other participants adding their wares and services to the festivities included Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Romina Foods, Simply Pet Life and many more.

"TLofts is an excellent example of CityView's mission to finance the development of reasonably-priced communities with quality builders that are located near employment and transportation centers," said Cisneros. "We are excited to see evidence of increased consumer confidence and feel the timing of the TLofts grand opening couldn't be better!."

A perfect example of a smart growth development, and certified as a "green community" by California Green Builder, TLofts consists of 84 one- and two-story lofts. Combining eco-friendly living with work/live spaces, high-quality design and a desirable location "walkable" to jobs and retail, the community adapts to today's different lifestyles. It is the only large community in Los Angeles to offer charging stations for electric cars. Prices start from $415,000.

"TLofts is truly a unique project and we are thrilled to provide this quality live/work community to West Los Angeles," said Lee. "Lee Homes is steadfast in our commitment to offer innovative, green urban developments close to work, friends and family, and in walking distance to conveniences. Together with CityView we have brought this smart growth community to one of the most desirable areas in Southern California."

"We are very pleased with CityView and Lee Homes for their resilient commitment to housing production in Los Angeles County, and for the innovation and environmental quality of their work," said Supervisor Thomas.

"I like seeing eco-friendly projects like this opening in Los Angeles," said Councilmember Rosendahl. "It's the standard and the path we all must follow in creating a sustainable future."

TLofts is situated on Tennessee Avenue, just west of Sawtelle Blvd. and east of Olympic Blvd. It is also ideally proximate to bus stops and the proposed Exposition Light Rail Line. Additionally, TLofts is close to major employment hubs, including the nearly two million square feet of office space within walking distance on Olympic Boulevard, as well as in Century City, Westwood and Santa Monica.

For further information on TLofts, visit www.tlofts.com

Source: CityView

Alexico Group, the developer of The Laurel, a new Upper East Side luxury condominium, hosted an open house weekend June 27-28(th), 2009 to showcase the building's newest amenity spaces, The Laurel Club and The Trophy Club. Jeannie Woodbrey and Joanie Schumacher of Corcoran Sunshine Marketing Group welcomed guests to The Laurel, located at 400 East 67(th) Street. Another open house is this coming weekend, Sunday August 9th from 1 - 4 PM.

Prospective buyers, brokers and residents enjoyed refreshments in The Laurel's new club spaces. In The Laurel Club, the building's two-story, 4,000 square foot private recreational space, guests shot pool, played foosball and arcade video games, and enjoyed movies in the Club's 30-seat private theater. On the lower level in The Trophy Club's Triathlon Training Center, a trainer was on hand to provide demonstrations of the The Laurel's cutting-edge training equipment, which includes custom designed resistance pools, Woodway "The Force" treadmills, CycleOps pro indoor cycles and SCIFIT ergo-meters. The two-story, 8,000 square foot Trophy Club offers residents extensive cardiovascular and strength training facilities and two pools, including a 50-foot infinity edge lap pool with a glass mosaic tile interior and a botticino marble deck.

"We are so pleased to welcome our residents and neighbors to the newly completed Trophy and Laurel Clubs. These spaces are beautifully designed and outfitted with the best equipment and furnishings. The Clubs offer buyers at The Laurel a place where they can relax, recharge and play while never having to leave home. Already we're seeing residents and their families enjoying the spaces; the theater and the Apple computer station are especially popular with the children in the building," said Woodbrey.

The Laurel, a 31-story glass and Indiana limestone residential building, was built to the highest LEED-certified standards using environmentally responsible construction. Offering immediate occupancy, residents can move in today and enjoy coming home to a top quality building with the best services and amenities on the Upper East Side including a full-time concierge, 24 hour doorman, bicycle and stroller storage, on-site parking and an on-site resident manager. There are 129 condominium residences in The Laurel, developed by Alexico Group and designed by award-winning architects Costas Kondylis and Brian Callahan, which range in size from studios to four bedrooms.

For more information please visit: www.laurelcondominium.com

SOURCE Alexico Group

Rafael Nadal, recently ranked as the world's number one in men's tennis, has purchased a home in the residential complex of Playa Nueva Romana, in the Dominican Republic, promoted by Bahia Principe.

The residential complex, located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Caribbean, will have 1,200 luxury homes, a marina, a five-star hotel, and an 18-hole golf course. This new development represents an investment of more than US$180 million and covers an area of 620 acres of coconut groves, just 45 minutes from Santo Domingo's international airport.

The project is part of the Pinero Group's expansion strategy within the real estate sector, based on the potential for development of tourist residential complexes. Located next to the hotels that the Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts chain has in the Mexican Caribbean, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, it offers residents a chance to enjoy all the services of the hotel complex.

For its most exclusive customers, Bahia Principe Residences & Golf Resort has created a Founders Club, offering investors unique opportunities. In addition to owning a lovely property on the Mayan Riviera Maya or Playa Nueva Romana, they can upgrade their investments with benefits like preferred location, unrivalled views, VIP treatment at the golf course, membership in Vitalicia Familiar, a private club in the Clubhouse, personalized golf cart, buildable land, VIP service packages and more.

This new project is backed by one of the most important Spanish companies in the industry at the international level, the Pinero Group, with more than 35 years' experience in the tourism market.

Soltour, whose main business centres on the development and sale of tourist packages to various vacation destinations, is recognized as one of the most solid tour operators in Spain, Portugal and Russia.

Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts' all-inclusive five-star hotels are located in the finest vacation destinations: Mayan Riviera, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Tenerife. The hotels are situated right on the beach, making them perfect for enjoying luxury vacations in an incomparable setting of nature and comfort.

SOURCE Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts / Grupo Pinero

Enjoy a free night when you stay at the legendary Eden Roc, A Renaissance Beach Resort & Spa, offering new luxurious oceanfront rooms, new oceanfront dining experiences and a variety of upscale recreational amenities.

Simply stay two nights get the third night free, or stay six nights and get two nights free. With rates from $229 to $399 per room, per night, guests won't want to miss this exclusive Miami vacation package, valid through December 26, 2009.

Rediscover the new Eden Roc Beach Resort on beautiful Miami Beach. Relax poolside at one of four pools, or claim a chaise lounge on the beach. Discover culinary excellence at Gia Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, Cabana Beach Club or the Lobby Bar. The luxury Miami Beach hotel is also currently offering spa services and a fitness center to all guests.

Be sure that the promotional code B4F appears in the Corporate/Promotional code box when making your online Miami hotel reservation, or call 1-800-228-9290 in the US and ask for promotional code B4F.

For package details, terms and conditions, visit http://marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals.

Eden Roc, A Renaissance Beach Resort & Spa

Overlooking world-renowned Miami Beach, the bold new Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach, Florida embraces its role as a timeless treasure, yet welcomes guests with a gracious new contemporary spirit. Once again, guests can luxuriate in spacious rooms & suites at this unique Miami Beach, Florida hotel. Bask in the sun at one of four refreshing pools or claim a chaise lounge on the beach to watch the waves roll by. Enjoy additional Miami hotel amenities including a marina, Starbucks Cafe and 46,000 square feet of lavish indoor meeting space as well as 25,000 square feet of outdoor event space. Eden Roc, A Renaissance Miami Beach Resort & Spa has completed a magnificent and historic $200 million renovation with the exception of our new spa which is in the final phase of planning and permitting.

SOURCE Eden Roc, A Renaissance Beach Resort & Spa

UK home buyers and investors looking for an affordable property with strong long term potential need look no further than the Thalassa Beach Resort on the Karpas Peninsula in North Cyprus. With its undisputed and internationally recognised land title, this development is a fantastic opportunity to buy in one of the Mediterranean's most stunning beachfront locations. Prices start from just GBP59,950.

Thalassa Beach is the largest and most prestigious beachfront development in Northern Cyprus and the last scheme in the area with permission to build right up to the shoreline. There is a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 65 square metres to 150 square metres, some with balconies and some with private pools.

The development boasts an Aqua resort with large communal pool, private beach with water activities, children's activity area, lagoon with water sports, spa, gym, Turkish bath, massage area, sauna, restaurant/beach bar, management offices and a retail/commercial area.

Thalassa Beach Resort is set in the stunningly beautiful conservation area of Bafra. This region is renowned for its unspoilt beauty with glorious sandy beaches, clean blue Mediterranean waters and a ruggedly spectacular coastline all framed by the Besparmak mountain range. The development is also just 20 minutes drive from one of the largest yacht marinas in the Mediterranean which will accommodate 300 berths.

Bafra is quickly becoming a world famous hideaway due to increasing tourism at the quality end of the market. One of its major draws is the five-star Kaya Artemis Hotel which is conveniently located near to Thalassa Beach.

Tim Morgan, Managing director of Emerging Real Estate, commented: 'Northern Cyprus is a stunning country and offers huge long term potential for both investors and holiday home owners thanks to its fantastic climate, scenery and people. There have been a lot of problems with land issues but we are pleased to say that this development is fully recognised and is a safe purchase.'

Tim concluded: 'We have sourced all the relevant paperwork and legal documentation for added piece of mind. Our team is on hand to talk clients through all of this so they know their dream investment in the sun is secure.'

For full details and an information pack on Thalassa Beach, interested buyers should contact Emerging Real Estate on T: +44(0 )1924-364754/ E: info@emergingrealestate.com" target=_new>info@emergingrealestate.com/ Website: http://www.emergingrealestate.com

The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel officially celebrated the completion of its two-year, multi-million dollar make-over with major fund raiser for the Amsterdam-based Kika Foundation for cancer research. Located in Amsterdam's historic city center, the landmark hotel, with its signature 17th century Koepelkerk conference center, has been totally redesigned to meet the needs of today's business and leisure travelers.

"The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is our latest gem in a global portfolio of more than 140 hotels and resorts," said Tina Edmundson, senior vice president, lifestyle brands and Renaissance operations. "The hotel is a perfect blending of old and the new, traditional and modern, matching up with our equally exciting ultra-modern Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe and chic Renaissance New York Hotel 57 -- three fabulous hotels in three major cities."

"The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is a masterpiece, and when I first walked into the bright new lobby, I immediately felt the Renaissance brand difference," said Amy McPherson, Marriott International's newly appointed President and Managing Director, Europe. "The new design makes the most of this property which is at once historic and very modern and vibrant -- just like the city of Amsterdam."

The lobby design reflects the 24/7 work patterns of business travelers, allowing for a smooth transitioning from work to relaxation, socializing or play. "With this innovative concept of adaptable spaces and settings, guests can tailor their uses to suit their needs, just as they normally do at home," said hotel General Manager Yehia Rashed. "And the lobby seamlessly leads into the restaurant and lounge." The hotel features with 402 new guest rooms and suites, a new restaurant, lounge bar, 24/7 modern fitness room, club lounge and the most extensive conference and event facilities in Amsterdam and Central Europe.

In the contemporary and casual Scossa restaurant, Executive Chef Michel Westerman presents a traditional Mediterranean style menu, with fresh, artfully prepared signature dishes. Guests at Scossa can enjoy a quick bite or a more leisurely, complete meal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The large, open kitchen creates a dialog between chefs and guests, who can also dine at the master chef's signature table to watch culinary masterpieces come together."

Across from Scossa, the hotel serves signature cocktails and standout menu items in the trendy 2b Lounge bar. Decorated in orange, red and yellow hues, with warm wood patterns and stylishly designed booths and banquettes, 2b lounge is the ideal venue for before or after corporate or social events, where guests can easily work, socialize, mingle and relax during business hours or after.

Amsterdam is known for its beautiful canals, history and art, but equally popular are its legendary cafes or Kroegen. The Koepelcafe, just a few steps behind the 2b lounge bar, is a traditional Amsterdam Kroegen - a place to relax and just "hang-out." A rough-and-ready establishment, truly traditional and thriving, it serves local delicacies, bite-size sandwiches and melt-in-the mouth pastries.

With its two major meeting locations, the Renaissance Amsterdam is a prime venue in Europe for meetings and incentives, conferences and events. In the main hotel, a total of 3,972 square feet of updated, state-of-the-art meeting space accommodates meetings for six to 150 persons and dinners for up to 110 persons. Across the street, the historic, iconic Koepelkerk -- built in 1668 and once an inspiration for Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh - now inspires meeting and event planners, offering another 10,721 square feet of space and six flexible breakout rooms, comfortably hosting up to 700 persons.

Each of the hotel's guest rooms and suites were redesigned with Renaissance bedding, the best in technology including high-speed Internet via cable and wireless LAN, 42-inch HDTV televisions with a wide choice of channels in a selection of languages, digital music sound systems and computer connections, as well as standard amenities. Business travelers will particularly appreciate the comfort of ergonomic executive chairs and spacious desks. All rooms are decorated with modern art depicting the beautiful Koepelkerk.

The Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel is perfectly located within a three-minute walk of Central Station and the famous canal, the Singel, within a short walk of fine dining, shopping and cultural discoveries, such as the Anne Frank House, Flower Market, the Royal Palace.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

Six Omni Hotels have earned high rankings in Travel + Leisure's annual 2009 World's Best Awards readers' survey in the Large City Hotels in the Continental US and Canada category and the Small City Hotels in the Continental US and Canada category. The awards announced Friday are on travelandleisure.com./worldsbest, and will be featured in the August issue of Travel + Leisure hitting newsstands July 24th( ).

"We are honored to have so many of our properties selected by the well-traveled readers of Travel + Leisure," said Mike Deitemeyer, president of Omni Hotels. "We are delighted that our commitment to providing memorable experiences is recognized by our guests and credit our talented team at each property for these esteemed accolades."

Five Omni Hotels are named to Travel + Leisure's list of Top Large City Hotels in the Continental US and Canada: Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, TX, ranked number four; Omni Mandalay Hotel near Dallas, TX, ranked number nine; Hotel Omni Mont-Royal in Montreal, Canada, ranked number 15; Omni San Francisco Hotel, ranked number 21; and Omni Chicago Hotel, ranked number 25. The second highest-rated hotel on the list of Top Small City Hotels in the Continental US and Canada, the Watermark Hotel & Spa in San Antonio, TX, is also owned by Omni Hotels.

Travel + Leisure readers rated hotels, cities, islands, airlines, tour operators, car-rental agencies and cruise lines in the magazine's annual World's Best Awards readers' survey. Hotel rankings are based on readers' ratings in the following categories: rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value. Small City Hotels are defined as those with fewer than 100 rooms; Large City Hotels have 100 rooms or more.

SOURCE Omni Hotels

The Ritz Carlton Residences are among the most striking of options of the many new condos along Baltimore MD's inner harbor. The residences had their grand opening a little over a year ago in May 2008.  The complex consists of 192 units with waterfront and downtown views and luxurious features such as high ceilings, solid wood doors, hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, fireplaces, wet bars and gourmet kitchens with granite coutertops.

Baltimore MD's inner harbor recently received the Urban Land Institute Heritage Award, which has only been given 8 times in the past 30 years. The award is given to those urban designs that are successful after 25 years and that are copied in other cities.

The inner harbor area is vibrant and beautiful example of city living. Restaurants, shopping, grocery stores (Whole Foods!), sports arenas are all within walking distance,  The area hosts several festivals and events such as Fourth of July fireworks over the inner harbor.  Baltimore.org has a lot more information.