Spaceport America names preferred New Mexico hotel partner
Virgin Galactic seems to be edging closer to its goal of getting its long delayed inaugural space flight off the ground.
The company has announced a partnership with New Mexico Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces as its preferred hotel property for Virgin Galactic customers.
The hotel is located 60 miles from Spaceport America and will invest several million dollars on upgrading facilities worthy of Virgin Galactic’s affluent guests spending more than $200,000 each for the privilege of flying to the edge of space.
The hotel will build ‘Executive Suite VIP Wings’ with concierge service, customized room service menus and private VIP areas.
The hotel hopes to make other upgrades which will increase its AAA rating from three to four diamonds.
Several years ago, founder Richard Branson proposed building a Virgin brand hotel in the area to cater to Virgin Galactic fliers however this never came to fruition.
Also, Virgin announced an agreement with World Class Gourmet of Las Cruces to provide dining services to travelers during their training period at Spaceport.
According to Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides, the partnerships for accommodation and catering will "define the Virgin Galactic astronaut experience" for guests.
"Future astronauts will come from around the world to New Mexico, so it’s important that they experience the outstanding local offerings and character as part of their experience," he said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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