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Hotel suite where Rowling finished 'Potter' available only through HP Fan Trips™

June 22, 2007

The suite at Edinburgh's opulent Balmoral Hotel in which JK Rowling penned the final words of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is being offered for booking exclusively through HP Fan Trips™ the night of the book's release.

The Balmoral, known for its luxurious and stately presence in Scotland's capital city, discovered in January that the famous author had autographed and inscribed a marble bust of the Greek god Hermes in her suite with the phrase: "JK Rowling finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in this room on 11th Jan 2007." A spokesperson for Rowling and the hotel later confirmed its authenticity. (Hermes is also the name of character Percy Weasley's pet owl in the series.)

"We feel it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to stay in the very place this author finished one of the defining series of literature in a generation," said Jeannie Barresi, managing director of Beyond Boundaries Travel, the company that produces HP Fan Trips™ each year. The 5-star Balmoral didn't wish it to become a tourist destination and has hence refused to divulge the exact room number -- which was incorrectly reported in the media -- except for this special booking. They have also not altered the room in any way since Rowling's visit, except to remove the inscribed bust for safekeeping.

The package being offered by HP Fan Trips™ is for three nights: July 19, 20 and 21. Breakfast is included each day, and two copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be provided, along with special access to the exclusive HP Fan Trips™ release party at Waterstone's in Edinburgh. That event includes private entrance before midnight into the bookstore, special gifts and entertainment with magicians, musicians and more. An upgrade to the full Book Release package with a Harry Potter-themed banquet, fan discussion of the series and additional activites is also available.

To inquire about pricing for the Balmoral suite guests should immediately call Beyond Boundaries Travel directly at (800) 487-1136 in the U.S. or (719) 471-0222. While the cost of the special Balmoral suite package will be out of reach for most, HP Fan Trips™ also has openings on its regular Book 7 Release packages, which include a choice of three or four night stays in either London or Edinburgh. See the web site for details.

About HP Fan Trips™

HP Fan Trips is the premiere Harry Potter-themed fan tour group worldwide. It was developed in coordination with the top international Harry Potter fan sites and has been operating tours since 2004. HP Fan Trips™ events have been featured in the New York Times, CNN, Frommer's, Fodor's, The Scotsman, New Zealand Herald, Malaysian Star and other international media.

About Beyond Boundaries Travel

Beyond Boundaries Travel works with a wide variety of suppliers to create uniquely themed experiences for their exceptional clients. Since 1991, Beyond Boundaries has designed special interest group travel. It is an international tour company working with Exclusive Resorts, The History Channel, Valerie Wilson Travel, the United Nations, fandom web sites and other organizations.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Jeannie Barresi
TEL: 800-487-1136 (U.S.) or +1 719-471-0222

TRIP INQUIRIES: Contact online