Loews Hotels & Resorts has announced an aggressive growth strategy to boost its properties by up to 50 in total, including its current properties within the next few years.
p>Loews Hotels & Resorts has announced an aggressive growth strategy to boost its properties by up to 50 in total, including its current properties within the next few years.
In the last 18 months the company has announced the acquisition of Boston and Hollywood properties, as well as the Loews Madison Hotel in Washington.
The company has also announced plans to open a Chicago property in the early part of 2015 and its development strategy also includes an expansion into Europe, the Caribbean and Mexico, with a view to opening its first European property in London. As of this year, the company has more than $1billion of acquisitions and capital projects underway including $100millon in renovations on its Loews Regency Hotel in New York and a $27million renovation on the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
The company's senior vice president of sales, David Wiener, said: "In the last 18 months we've seen double digit growth year-on-year and the length of stay of our customers has also increased.
"Other trends include an increase in couples taking spa breaks, a rise in family bookings and an increase in people taking advantage of the close proximity of our properties by opting for twin-centre breaks. 
"My advice to agents would be to encourage their clients to book early and take advantage of the range of special offers available. They can also highlight to their clients that customising packages is an option and we have developed a range of options with local partners including trips to beer distilleries and sailing lessons as examples."
As an example, a 30% saving is currently offered to customers staying three nights or more across participating properties. The offer is valid on any day of the week, based on availability, and is available until December 30.
The company, which offers 10% commission to agents, is keen on working more closely with the trade and offers special trade rates at its properties as well as a selection of annual fam trips. It is also currently researching into offering a training module with a view to rolling this out in the next few months.
For more information visit www.loewshotels.com
