SARS illness disrupts Asian travelConcern about a...

SARS illness disrupts Asian travel

Concern about a flulike illness dubbed SARS, or severe acute respiratory syndrome, was disrupting air travel last week and discouraging tourism to Asia.

More than 1,800 cases and 62 deaths from SARS had been reported in 15 countries, according to the World Health Organization, as of the Travel section’s press time Tuesday. Most cases were in Asia, but there were also cases in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. The illness’ cause and cure were unknown.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that Americans avoid travel to mainland China and Hong Kong, Singapore and Hanoi. The U.S. State Department, while noting that the Canadian province of Ontario had declared a health emergency in response to SARS deaths, stopped short of warning against travel there.

In San Jose, an American Airlines jet arriving from Tokyo was briefly quarantined last week after several people originating in Hong Kong reported SARS symptoms, which may include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. They did not have SARS, doctors said. In Hanoi, a group of 11 French doctors and nurses sent to Vietnam to help battle SARS said they were stranded because Air France had been unable to find a crew willing to take the flight home.

Among canceled events in China were the World Economic Forum’s April 14 conference in Beijing and a concert by the Rolling Stones.

For updated information, see the CDC Web site, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/, or the World Health Organization, www.who.int/csr/sars/en/.

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US Airways out

of Chapter 11;

JetBlue expands

US Airways last week emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after obtaining more than $1 billion in financing.

Other recent developments in the industry:

* Low-fare JetBlue Airways will begin daily nonstops between San Diego and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on June 26; a second daily flight will be added July 14. Introductory fares begin at $124 each way (or $119 if booked online at www.jetblue.com).

* American Airlines has reached a $1.2-million settlement with the U.S. Department of Transportation about complaints that it violated federal regulations by failing to promptly provide wheelchairs to disabled travelers and to respond properly to complaints. The DOT said it found “a significant number of apparent violations” of the Air Carrier Access Act. American defended its record, saying the complaints about its treatment of disabled travelers compare favorably with statistics for other carriers.

* Federal regulators approved an alliance of Continental, Delta and Northwest that lets them sell seats on one another’s flights and offer reciprocal benefits, such as frequent-flier miles. The airlines said they would implement the plan this summer.

* Hilton on March 21 stopped honoring requests to exchange United Mileage Plus miles for points in its frequent-guest program, Hilton HHonors, and vice versa; points and miles can still be earned. A Hilton spokeswoman said the cutoff was a “business decision” made after discussion with United, which has been under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. She declined to elaborate.

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Santa Monica

hotel is crafted

with Asian touch

A 77-room boutique hotel inspired by Craftsman and Asian design has opened in Santa Monica across the street from St. John’s Health Center -- and about 20 blocks from the beach. About half the rooms were ready March 26; the rest are expected to open by April 25, a spokeswoman said.

The owners hope the four-floor Ambrose, at 1255 20th St., will be an urban hideaway. To that end, there’s an Asian-style garden with a koi pond and recorded chants, a cozy fireside library and a “living room” instead of a lobby.

There’s no restaurant on site. Instead the nearby Drago restaurant supplies a buffet breakfast and 24-hour room service. The hotel, owned and operated by the newly formed Ambrose Hotel Group in Santa Monica, also has a fitness center and personal trainers on call. Introductory room rates, through May 31, begin at $145, including parking and breakfast. (877) 262-7673, www.ambrosehotel.com.

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DEAL OF THE WEEK

Hotel helps

with the airfare

The Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort & Golf Club in Puerto Rico will credit guests for up to $300 per person for airfare for stays through Dec. 19. To claim the credit, you must arrive on a Sunday or Monday and stay at least three nights in an ocean-view room, with rates starting at $375 per night through April 26 and $345 April 27 to Dec. 19. The price of your air ticket, up to $300 per person or $600 per room, is credited on your room bill. Other restrictions apply. The Westin, rated four diamonds by AAA, covers 500 acres and includes two golf courses, a casino, four pools and several restaurants. Ask for the “free air” deal. (888) 625-4949 or (800) 474-6627, www.westinriomar.com (click on “Vacation Packages,” then “Special Limited Time Offers”).

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FREE FOR THE ASKING

Spring events

in Chicago

The “Chicago Spring Training” brochure lists events, exhibits, concerts, plays and other activities in the Windy City through May 31, plus some hotel discounts. Call (877) 244-2246 for brochures or visit www.877chicago.com to view similar information.

-- Times staff and wires