Meridien magic

Hotel group Le Meridien has savings of up to 50 per cent off published room rates at most of its 126 properties in a summer promotion. Its Le Passport offer is available from July 1 to August 31. Le Meridien Sydney is A$199 (about HK$804), Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort Bali US$152 and Le Meridien New Delhi from US$141. Its alliance with Nikko Hotels also means guests can save up to 50 per cent at 20 Nikko properties in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific. www.lemeridien-hotels.com

Richard Branson's Virgin Blue airline has added new discounted domestic services in Australia. A service, which the airline describes as the third busiest in the world, will start between Melbourne and Sydney from July 15 with five return flights daily. Internet-booked flights are A$66 each way and is less than half the fares offered by the main carriers, Qantas and Ansett. A Brisbane-Canberra service starts from July 12 with a special A$99 fare for the first nine days of sale. Bookings for flights up until August 31, made up to midnight tomorrow, also will be available for $99 on the Internet. After the launch special, low prices will start from A$119 each way. A regular service is also offered between Sydney and the Gold Coast. www.virginblue.com.au