The Daily Thread

Lexus teamed up with Fairmount Hotels in San Francisco to create a “Hybrid Living Suite”. The room was designed with eco-friendly and recycled materials. The centerpiece of the room was a coffee table that was constructed from the leather of reclaimed Lexus prototypes. L.A. based designer Kelly LaPlante designed the Fairmount suite.

Marriott announced that they will be donating $2 million dollars over the next three years to the Sustainable Amazon Foundation, a newly-formed nonprofit organization. They will also solicit contributions from its employees and hotel guest. Some of the money will go to subsistence payment for the 500 or so people who live in the Juma Sustainable Preserve and the rest will go to local schools and help villages.

The Morgans Hotel will be closing May 18, 2008 for a $9 million revamping of its lobby and guest rooms. French designer Andree Putnam, who designed the hotel 20 years ago, will be in charge of re-designing the space.

Le Parker Meridien added a new piece of equipment to their Gravity Fitness and Spa, the Wii. The gaming console is located on their indoor racquetball court and is projected onto a 20-foot wall with surround sound and a private instructor. There is no need to be a guest; local NYC residents are more than welcome to play for a fee.

Yatt’it is Hyatt’s new online travel community. The site was created for Gold Passport Loyalty members but is still beneficial for all travelers. This will be the first travel site to offer expert insight and tips from local Hyatt concierge worldwide. They will also partner with other web-site sources, such as Frommers.com and FlightStats.com.