Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center, an iconic, ocean-side retreat located along the sun-kissed sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, has recently begun an enhancement program that will makeover the property’s 296 guest rooms and suites as well as revive the signature Commodore Ballroom. Upon completion of the renovation, anticipated for the fall of 2011, the property will be renamed the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

Rob Palleschi, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton brand said, “Fort Lauderdale continues to show positive, long-term potential, as the city and its tourism partners continue to cultivate an outstanding leisure, business and convention destination. The Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel will only build further on their fine tradition in the community by providing high standards of service and creating rewarding experiences for travelers from cities around the world.”

Guests of the Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel will benefit from the characteristic qualities found at the brand’s more than 265 DoubleTree by Hilton locations around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team member commitment to the local community. The hotel will be managed by Hilton Worldwide.

Under the direction of interior designer Jane Dillon, all of the resort’s accommodations will undergo a significant refurbishment to brighten the ambiance and update amenities. New rooms will be light and airy, offering stylish decor - most complemented by amazing floor-to-ceiling water views. Guests will enjoy a clean, contemporary style reflective of the friendly and casual South Florida vibe with splashes of citrus accenting a soothing color neutral-sand color palette. Additional highlights include comfortable new furnishings, ocean-inspired artwork, softly patterned carpeting and crisp white linens - all coming together effortlessly to create a distinct sense of place. New modern amenities will include 40-inch flat screen LCD televisions, mini-refrigerators and microwaves.

The resort’s 8,200 square-foot Commodore Ballroom will also be refreshed and brightened, creating an appealing backdrop for memorable occasions from destination weddings to corporate retreats. The dynamic space features state-of-the-art lighting and sound technology, as well as both wired and wireless internet connectivity.

The soon-to-be Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel is located along the Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Intercoastal Waterway, offering direct beach access via its signature skywalk. Guests enjoy an exciting array of amenities such as tennis facilities, fitness center, swimming pool, water sports and the nearby shops and entertainment of Las Olas Boulevard. In addition, the resort boasts a 250-slip marina, and is home to the famed Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

City.Mobi

Also in US today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Fort Lauderdale.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

FortLauderdale.city.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.