PORTLAND, Maine - - Westin Portland Harborview's elf has left the shelf and joined the concierge team to make the holidays happier for travelling families.

"Recent surveys tell us that 68 percent of American hosts would prefer that their holiday guests stay in a hotel," said Susan Barry, director of sales and marketing for the Westin Portland Harborview. "With that in mind, we're offering an elf concierge to decorate guest rooms, display presents, and even leave behind nibbled carrots and cookies to make the magic of the holidays come to life for families on the road."

The Elf Concierge service will perform its magic prior to check in, or while guests are out for the evening. Services include room decoration, stocking hanging, gift placement, cookies and milk service and other special touches upon request. (The Westin brand, known for its emphasis on well-being, prohibits the placement of lumps of coal in its guest rooms, as they have been known to induce sadness.)

"Like all Westin associates, our elves are well trained for their positions," said Barry. "Before they get their pointy shoes and tights, they're required to take classes in gift display, tree topping, bell jingling, stocking stuffing, and marshmallow floating, just to name a few. Christmas only comes once a year, so they are as eager as Rudolph in a snowstorm to show off what they have learned."

As an additional nod to the wishes of holiday hosts, the Westin Portland Harborview will offer special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day rates of 4 and 5 respectively, to incent visitors to skip the fold out sofa in favor of a restful night's sleep.

Westin Portland Harborview is offering a special "Your Home for the Holidays" package including two nights in the Presidential Suite (sleeps six), elf concierge services, with a fresh balsam wreath on the door, in-room Maine blueberry pancake breakfast feast, and a family-style dinner in C-2, the Westin's up-casual restaurant. The package also includes in-town shuttle service to local restaurants, shops and attractions and a complimentary horse drawn carriage ride through downtown Portland. Make the Westin Portland Harborview Your Home for the Holidays from 9 midweek, 9 weekends through December 30. (Junior Suite Home for the Holidays packages from 9.)

Elf Concierge Services and "Your Home for the Holidays" can be arranged by calling Bernard at 207.517.8842.
Located in the heart of Portland's arts district at 157 High Street, the 289-room and suite Westin Portland Harborview is the result of an 18-month, million renovation that transformed a beloved, 1920s era grand dame into the city's most elegant hotel. The Westin Portland Harborview is within easy walking distance of the city's best dining, shopping and art galleries, as well as the Old Port District. Recently ranked the fifth hippest city in the U.S. by Travel & Leisure magazine readers and the #1 Foodiest small town by Bon Appetit, Portland is celebrated for its live music scene, fine dining, independent boutiques and eco-friendly lifestyle.

For additional information: www.westinportlandharborview.com
Twitter: @WestinME
Facebook: The Westin Portland Harborview Hotel

About New Castle Hotels & Resorts

Westin Portland Harborview is owned and operated by Shelton Ct. based New Castle Hotels & Resorts, an award-winning independent third-party hotel manager, owner and developer with 25 hotels and resorts and nearly 5,000 rooms under contract or in development. New Castle's growing portfolio of hotels spans 10 states and three Canadian provinces and includes several of Canada's historic landmark resorts. The privately-held company was established by CEO, David Buffam in 1980 and consistently ranks among the top hotel management and development companies in North America. New Castle is a preferred operator for diverse brands within the Marriott, Hilton and Starwood families. For additional information, please go to www.newcastlehotels.com.

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Lauralee Dobbins
Daly Gray, Inc.
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