The Top Ten Romance Hotels

Everybody needs a little romance in his or her life from time to time. The hectic lifestyles of this modern world often leave little time for enjoyment, let alone quality time with a partner or spouse. Choosing the right hotel is the first step to a great romantic getaway. Some hotels simply ooze romance (particularly in Japan) and can put even the most sceptical of individuals in the mood for love.

Here is your guide to the top 10 romance hotels in the world.

1. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – This hotel is beautifully situated in the most romantic city in the world. It is in a quieter area of the city to afford you some privacy but is also only a few minutes away from the top attractions, like the the Louvre for example. Most of the rooms have private balconies and all of them have an old world feel that simply oozes romance. This undoubtedly makes this hotel the best romance hotel in the world.

2. The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice – This Venetian hotel is one of the most spectacular in Italy. It boasts a prime location on the canal, which is illuminated for effect there. All of the rooms are traditional and there unique design serves to inspire the most unromantic of people! It is in a prime location for the attractions of the city but also gives its guests access to a secluded beach.

3. Le Meridien Hotel Grand Pacific Tokyo – We certainly can’t leave out this 5 star hotel located in Tokyo Bay where many “love hotels” are found. This is the biggest hotel in Tokyo and if you book a room high enough, there are beautiful views of Tokyo’s waterfront and the city. There are 884 romantic rooms. Fantastic customer service and facilities available.

4. Seamark On First Sunshine Coast – This hotel boasts individual apartments instead of rooms for that added bit of privacy when on a romantic trip away. It is set in tropical gardens and overlooks a number of the best beaches in the area so you can enjoy spending time in your partner’s company without distractions. It also has a pool and spa area for your convenience!

5. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas – This hotel offers all types of accommodation and gives you the privacy you need for any romantic break! The hotel is located in a quiet yet beautiful area with the famous Four Mile Beach within walking distance. It has a cocktail bar, sauna and pool. The ambience simply encourages relaxation and love.

6. Petit Palace Art Gallery Hotel, Madrid – This hotel is a renovated art gallery but is still home to the passion of the artists whose works once called it home. It is a luxurious hotel with modern facilities but is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is close enough to take regular trips if you wish, but the hotel is generally quiet and an extremely romantic retreat for couples in love.

7. Royal Palm Hotel, Grand Baie – This hotel is a popular choice for couples wanting a romantic break. It is surrounded by beaches and tropical gardens for an exclusive feel but provides comfortable rooms to make you feel at home. All rooms are facing the sea so you can relax in your room and savour the atmosphere of the destination without moving a muscle.

8. Fenix Hotel, Lisbon – This hotel is a very comfortable base for any visit to the Portuguese capital. It has its own gardens to stroll through, a great little restaurant and easy access to the rest of the city. The roomsare fully serviced with air conditioning, cable TV, mini bar and you can call for room service at any time.

9. Hulhule Island Hotel, Maldives – This hotel is perfectly kept with a romantic setting. It has a tropical feel and is located near beaches, quaint cafes and local shops that give an exotic aura of romance for any tourists. All rooms are luxurious with some offering peaceful views of the Indian Ocean.

10. Howard Johnson By The Falls, Niagara Falls – This hotel is superbly located for a trip to view the amazing Niagara Falls. It is designed to provide an elegant luxury for all of its guests and the service is of the highest quality. It is within walking distance of all of the major attractions but also offers privacy, thus combining the best possible factors to conjure up some romance.

If you are planning a romantic break then you need a hotel to match. The ten above are excellent and provide a romantic atmosphere from the minute you check in until the minute you leave. Planning is everything, so always choose the best hotel for the most romantic stay!

New York City Hotels

New York is one of the most famous and popular cities in the world today. It is also referred to as the ‘Big Apple’. The city stands tall with its many impressive skyscrapers and statues. It has a unique fast paced atmosphere that shouldn’t be missed. As you can imagine, New York has all kinds of accommodation that caters for a range of budgets. Many of the worlds most extravagant hotels can be found in New York.

Tips To Find the Ideal Hotel in New York

When choosing a hotel to stay in New York then, it’s imperative that you ask yourself the following questions so you can determine what place is ideal.

What part of New York do you plan to stay in?

New York can divided into several districts and these districts usually determine the range of hotel fees you’re going to encounter. Do you want your hotel to be situated in Manhattan, where most New York attractions can be found? If you want, however, to stay in a funky upbeat district then the hotels in Soho and Greenwich and the likes are probably what you’re looking for.

How much can you afford?

Now that we’ve got a specific location in mind, the next step to take is to count our available dollars. Hotels in New York range from the exorbitant to the wonderfully cheap. Naturally, the features are somewhat dependent on the price.

Who are you with?

If you’re bringing kids, then not all hotels in New York can of course, open their doors to welcome you. With children in tow, we can suggest hotels like the Doubletree Guest Suites and the Hilton Time Square, hotels that are both famous for reliable, warm and efficient service. And then there are the pets. If you’re the type to bring around your Dalmatian or Siamese with you wherever you go then the lists of prospective hotels in New York that you can stay on would narrow further. For travelers accompanied by their furry friends, try checking out hotels like 70 Park Avenue Hotel and Carlyle Hotel, which even offers dog-walking services just in case you find yourself busy touring New York City.

What features / services do you need?

If you’re on some sort of business trip, then definitely you’d prefer a hotel with Internet access. If you’re planning to host some sort of gathering then you’ll also be interested to check out hotel facilities and see what best suits the event you have in mind. Also, not all hotels in New York come with Olympic sized pools, Grade A spas and fitness centers so you must take all these things in consideration as you try hit upon the best place to stay in New York.

Recommended Hotels:
Before I launch on a list of New York City hotels that could interest you, first, I have to warn you that what’s termed as “affordable” in New York City may not be “affordable” in your vocabulary. So if you’re cash strapped, better check first if you’ve got some friends living in New York City who’d lend you a room for a week or two as you go sight-seeing. New York is a city of high rise towers and a number of those are hotels that you can take your pick of. These buildings range from the five star hotels to the funky ones to hotels with “affordable” packages.

Four Season Hotel:  If you’ve got kids, then you should consider staying in this kid-friendly hotel because guests under 18 can stay for free. The tallest hotel in New York City, it also provides its family guests with coloring books, a video lending library and welcome gifts for kids.

Soho Grand Hotel:  If you’re the type of traveler who can’t bear to leave your behind, have no fear because there are several hotels in New York that can accommodate furry guests, just like the Soho Grand Hotel. Upon checkout, you’ll even be given a goldfish to remember your New York holiday.

Affinia 50 Suites:  This particular hotel has no difficulties in landing a Top 10 spot in any survey when it comes to being the best hotel in New York City. Previously known as the Plaza 50 Suites, this is a no-fuss-comfort-zone for travelers who want basic accommodations that would also be easy on the pockets. Large suites equipped with kitchenettes are also available if you so prefer.

Hilton Time Square:  Never mind Paris Hilton and her notorious antics. At least her family still hasn’t stopped in being one of the best when you’re talking about hotel services. The Hilton Time Square is one of the poshest hotels in New York City, with a twenty-five-seater theater and even its own wax museum! And just because it’s posh, don’t assume that the staff would turn its nose up on noisy, bratty kids or dirty, scrambling house pets. Nuh-uh! The Hilton Time Square aims to please all forms of guests, human and non human, adult and kids.

Bangkok Hotel Booking: Our Top Tips

1. Location, location, location. Just like in real estate – find out where you are going to be and what is available around you. Is the bus, train, highway near? Where are the shopping malls? How far is it to that temple you want to visit? Remember when reading through the hotel write-ups – not every hotel is “centrally” located. Avoid Khaosan Road unless you like backpackers.

2. Don’t be fooled by a name. Most of the hotels in Bangkok use the words “Grand”, “Boutique”, “Royal”, “Luxury”, “Executive” in the name of the hotel – so just because you booked a room at the Royal Grand Executive Luxury Boutique Service Apartments doesn’t mean the place will be royal, grand or any of the other words.

3. Ask your friends. If they have gone to Bangkok before, ask them where they stayed and get a recommendation. This doesn’t mean you have to stay there – but it should give you some ideas.

4. Shop around. The Internet is a wonderful place. Pop in the name of the hotel you want information on in Google, and you will see a myriad of info and a range of prices. Take good notes. Read actual reviews keeping in mind most people are more willing to write a negative report as opposed to a positive one.

5. Find a forum. There are many forums available on Thailand in general and Bangkok specifically. Most will let you read the info without registering but if you want to post a question you will have to register. A good place to get very current information.

6. Is it near the “action”? Bangkok is infamous for its nightlife and you may or may not want to be close. Most nightlife is centered on Patpong Road (between Silom and Surawongse roads), Nana Entertainment Plaza (Sukhumvit and Soi 4), and Soi Cowboy (near Soi Asoke). So these are the areas to either avoid or make your reservations.

7. Sukhumvit is a very long road. Your friend recommends a hotel on Sukhumvit road but can’t remember which Soi (small street or alley) it is on. So, based on her recommendation, you book a room on Sukhumvit and Soi 103 only to realize it is a gazillion miles from anything. If you want to be centrally located – find a place off Sukhumvit between Sois 1 and 23.

8. What else is included? Free breakfast? Free Wireless? Transportation to and from the airport? Cable, Satellite, DVD, International Direct Dial (IDD) phone? Check to see what is and what is not included.

9. Is there a joiner fee? For the single guys who may bring back a guest for the evening, some hotels charge ridiculous amounts of Baht for having a guest. Best to ask first, and then avoid. You may be able to beat this if you book a double – but it isn’t worth the hassle.

10. You get what you pay for. Don’t expect Marriott service at a flea bag. We all want value for our money – but if you go cheap – don’t expect much. Look for a mid-range priced hotel – around USD $50 per night and you should be satisfied. Bangkok, and all of Thailand, has different prices for different times of the year – high and low season. Check the listed prices carefully.

11. Have fun and smile. Remember – you are in a foreign country and they may not do things like they do back home. Keep your cool, avoid arguing and smile. If you have a problem, ask for the manager and explain it with calm words and a pleasant tone. Yelling and screaming will get you nowhere in the Land of Smiles.

12. Online consolidators can often beat the price of a direct booking.

13. You don’t land at Don Muang Airport any more. Bangkok has a relatively new airport – Suvarnabhumi – about 50 kilometers further south than Don Muang. Plan your airport hotel accordingly.

14. Don’t expect the hotel staff to be fluent in your language. Most will speak English to a degree. Get a dictionary and learn a bit of Thai.

The Best Las Vegas Hotels

It is no secret that Las Vegas is a magical place. Millions flock to the city each year. Some of those have hopes of fame and fortune while others just wish to have a wonderful vacation. All in all it is hard to not have a good time in a place like Las Vegas. There is so much to do and it seems that it is hard to fit it all into the limited time that a vacation allows for. Even people who have lived in Las Vegas their entire life have yet to see all that this city has to offer and that means many great things for those that visit. Of course you will need a place to stay when you are in Las Vegas and there are many fine choices.

Mandalay Bay Las Vegas Hotel is one of the most popular spots in the entire city. Besides the beautiful rooms that this place offers, there is exciting casino gaming and some of the best food that you will find anywhere. There are five restaurants inside the hotel itself, including an award winning buffet that runs twenty four hours a day. The pool is the best in the business and the service is incredible.

Paris Las Vegas Hotel is a true bright spot in the sometimes less than colorful strip area. Making its way by the foreign theme, the Paris is first class all the way. Their service has won so many awards that it is hard to find a wall without some sort of plaque attached to it. The gaming is great and you can find some great food with a little money inside the hotel. There is twenty four hour room service available and there is always the shows that light up the night.

MGM Grand Las Vegas Hotel is a site where your breath will literally shoot from your lungs. The sight of this magnificent hotel will take your breath away and leaving you standing there in awe. There are live lions in the lobby, over one hundred thousand square feet of casino space and the rooms are to die for. This is the best there is when it comes to Las Vegas and they play the part well. You will find some of the finest dining without having to leave the hotel and the shows that are put on will knock your socks off.

Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel is one of those places that cater to the whales. The money that is required to stay here is tough to raise and the gambling is not the cheapest either. You will find that the food is a bit pricey as well. But, it is all worth the expense if you can raise the funds to stay as they do everything better in this hotel.

Monte Carlo Las Vegas Hotel is one of those places that is popular with the families in Las Vegas. The rooms are cheap and decent and the gambling is even cheaper. You can play a lot of poker in the rooms and there is more than enough to do for the young ones.

Your Travel and Holiday Money Options

With summer finally getting into full swing, many of us will be looking forward to travelling abroad for a well earned holiday. Of course, you’ll need access to cash while you’re away, so what are the best and safest ways of arranging your travel money?

1) Local Currency

It’s a good idea to take a small amount of local currency with you whenever you travel, if only enough to last you for your first few hours. You’ll probably need to arrange travel from the airport to your hotel for example, and local currency is the easiest way to pay for these initial expenses. The exchange rates charged at airports are notoriously expensive, so buy some currency before you leave and you’ll get a much better deal.

The drawback to carrying currency is that if it gets lost or stolen, it can’t be replaced. For this reason it’s best to use another form of travel money for most of your funds.

2) Travellers Cheques

These are the traditional way of carrying money abroad. When you buy the cheques, which can be in Sterling, Euros or US Dollars, you have to sign the stub of each cheque in the presence of the teller. Once abroad, you can convert the cheques into local currency by signing the other half of the cheque at a currency exchange, where the teller will compare the two signatures and also inspect your passport.

This system is more secure than cash as each cheque is uniquely numbered, so if a cheque goes missing it can be quickly cancelled and replaced by the cheque issuer. There is a drawback in that you have to cash the cheques at a currency exchange, and you might not find one offering a good exchange rate.

3) Credit Cards

Credit cards are accepted virtually the world over, and may seem a good way of paying your way while abroad. As well as using them for shopping, they can be used to pay restaurant bills and even to withdraw cash. Before choosing this as your travel money option though, check your card’s small print to see what interest rate is charged on overseas use – it will probably be higher than the standard rate of your card, and you’ll probably have to pay exchange charges too.

4) Cash Machines

There are now several international cash machine networks in operation, for example the Cirrus network, and it’s likely that your cash card can be used internationally, especially in Europe and the USA. This is a good way of financing your holiday spending, as you can draw out what you need while keeping the rest of your money safe in your normal bank account. The downside is that you may have to pay a fee for each withdrawal, and the exchange rate you’re charged may not be the best available.

5) Prepaid Cards

These are a relatively new kind of plastic card, which are used in much the same way as credit or debit cards, with the big difference that you have to ‘load’ the card with funds before you can spend with it. They are a secure way of carrying money, as the card is replaceable if lost, and as it can only be used in conjunction with a PIN number then even if stolen it’s difficult for a thief to make use of it. There will, however, still be exchange commissions payable when you use the card, and also usually a flat fee for cash withdrawals.

The main thing to bear in mind with travel money is that while each of the above options is useful, not all are suitable for use everywhere in the world. The best advice is not to rely on a single kind of travel money, but to take a sensible mixture of cash, local currency, and plastic or cheques, to make sure you can always get local currency when you need it. Enjoy your holiday!

Something Different: Funky Hotel Choices

When it comes to choosing a holiday, we are all spoilt for choice. There are thousands of destinations available through travel agents and on the Internet. However, the problem is that most packages only offer accepted types of holidays. In other words, if you are looking for something out of the ordinary then you really have to look for it.

When trying to find a funky hotel or holiday, you should start researching the market a few months before the day you wish to leave. Funky hotels are not widely advertised as such, especially if you fall into an older age bracket. They are generally only offered in unusual package holidays that are marketed towards individuals below the age of thirty. However, to give you a head start on your research, the top 10 funky hotels in the world are described below.

1. Katerina City Hotel, MoscowThis Russian hotel boasts a prime location just a few minutes walk from the sites of the city, as well as the entertainment and nightlife. It is decorated in pastel and lightwood to give a more relaxed feel and is thus informal. The food is good, the environment laid back and the modern feel makes it a lovely place to stay if you are looking for something out of the ordinary.

2. The Mosser Hotel, San Francisco: This hotel has created a culture of its own. The atmosphere is extremely laid back and relaxed. Its claim to fame is that it has the only hotel recording studio in the city! It is also only a few minutes away from the shop and nightlife areas of the city.

3. Caesar’s Palace Hotel, Las Vegas: The name says it all. This hotel is located on the strip and so has immediate access to the casinos, clubs and bars. The hotel itself is extremely elegant, offering excellent guest service, a spa and fitness suite and great food. The location makes it funky, but the sheer luxury of the hotel serves to heighten that.

4. Creatif Hotel Elephant, Munich: As soon as you lay eyes on the hotel, you know immediately that it is funky! The front is painted a variety of blocked colours, and the inner rooms are decorated the same way. It boasts modern facilities and access to all of the Munich’s main attractions without its guests being disturbed by the noise of the busy city.

5. Keio Plaza Hotel, Tokyo:  Located in Shinjuku, this hotel is a spectacular sight as you approach it. It stands out above the other buildings because it is illuminated and looks very impressive. All of the facilities are modern and of the cutting-edge technology. It is located within a short distance of the city centre and provides a great place to relax.

6. Magnificent Plaza Hotel, Shanghai: Located in the heart of Shanghai, this hotel is a short distance from all of the main attractions of the city. All of its 182 rooms are modern and equipped with up-to-date facilities. It offers a variety of food options from around the world too. There is no better place to stay in China.

7.  K-Port Inn, Dubai: At first glance, this hotel seems to be no different from any other. It could even be described as stately… until you walk through the door! It is in the city centre and offers contemporary furnished rooms with all of the latest amenities. However, it has Iranian and Arabic clubs, an American discotheque and an English pub on site! You cannot get any funkier than that!

8. Grand Oasis Resort, Cancun: This hotel’s appearance is phenomenal. It is a giant pyramid located in the heart of Cancun that seems to be rising from the Earth! You can play golf or lie on its half-mile beach until your heart’s content. You could also sit in one of the seven bars, or join in with other two themed parties the hotel holds every week. The choice is yours.

9. Leonardo Hotel, Prague: This is a converted Post House in the centre of Prague. It is absolutely gorgeous and extremely funky! The room décor combines classic and modern styles with skill and provides a pleasant and comfortable place to stay.

10. The Bellclaire Hotel, New York City: This hotel is funky primarily because of its crazy and friendly surrounding environment. It is in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of everything you would ever want to see in the city. It is very luxurious but also very modern. It was built in 1903 and is a fantastic place to stay for any tourist.

Romancing Canada: First-time Travelers

Canada occupies most of North America and is, size-wise, the second largest country in the world. There is nothing small about Canada and this makes it the ideal place for broadening horizons, traveling adventurously, and learning all about a country and its culture passionately.

When Is the Best Time to Go?

Summer begins in late May and ends in mid-September. Fall is from mid-September to mid-November. Winter starts mid-November and ranges on until mid-March. Finally, spring lasts from mid-March until late May. Canada’s tourism peaks from mid-June to mid-September. During these months, travels and accommodations are relatively more expensive.

In deciding when to go to Canada, you have to review your reasons for going. Are you going to Canada for the skiing or for the opening of the ice hotels? Then, winter is the perfect time for you to go. If, on the other hand, your reasons include outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, or fishing, schedule your visit during spring or fall. No matter what season you schedule your visit for, there will always be a deluge of luxury vacation rentals Canada tourists such as yourself can temporarily call home.

What Does One Do in Canada?

There are many things to do in Canada. You could catch a chinook on the Campbell River, also known as the Salmon Capital of the World. You could join the seemingly endless merrymaking at the Carnaval de Quebec. You could try being a ski bunny at the Whistler, Blackcomb. You could skate through town on the Rideau Canal Skateway, too. You could look for bears in Manitoba. You could go on a wine tour in the Okanagan. You could spend hours scrutinizing the Haida Totem poles. Or, you could live in the pages of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s book by pretending to be Anne of Green Gables. The list of activities is endless!

Canada’s Untainted Urban Gems

Canada’s cities are as diverse as its territory is expansive. French-speaking Montreal is the largest city in Quebec and arguably the liveliest in Canada. After the 1976 Montreal Olympics, the Biodome de Montreal filled in the empty stadium with four actively maintained ecosystems and numerous living exhibits. The collection of species is nothing short of phenomenal. Montreal has a thriving museum culture (buy a 3-museum pass) and an irresistible nightlife, boasting the largest dance floor in the country and a pioneering music scene with an eclecticism not to be found elsewhere. Travel west into Canada’s serene backwoods to discover Vancouver, a metropolitan diamond in the rough of British Columbia’s rugged wilderness. Ski Whistler’s nearby slopes or enjoy a day of sailing, then flex your cosmopolitan muscle in the evening with a stroll through the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery and appetizers at Canada Place. Visit Vancouver for a taste of Canada’s blossoming multiculturalism and international flavor. For a slower and more intimate pace, discover Nova Scotia’s capital of Halifax in the northeast. This revamped harbor town has become Canada’s Hollywood, with a large number of movies and shows being filmed along the charming avenues.

Unlimited Supply of Adventure

Canada’s Northwest and Yukon Territories offer some of the most pristine stretches of natural beauty in North America, along with the best light show around complements of the Aurora Borealis. Kluane National Park protects Yukon’s World Heritage Sites and Canada’s highest peak. In Alberta, Banff and Jasper National Parks provide the most spectacular views from the Canadian Rockies and a visit to Canada’s Glacier National Park, British Columbia, is imperative to witness the retreating ancient glaciers. With 39 National Parks and Reserves, Canada provides an infinite stock of breathtaking encounters.

 

Accommodation Travel Tips

BEFORE YOU GO

Do a hotel research on the net looking not only for the cheapest rates but also considering the amenities and services provided, location, possible references from other people. Travel guidebooks can also be very helpful for choosing the hotel that suits you best. Be as much flexible with your trip schedule as possible. For example, business class hotels often have lower weekend rates.

As soon as you reserved the room(s) online, document all information about the hotel(s). The easiest way is to print out the whole page off your computer screen so you will have a clear statement that you can use as evidence in case of misplacing or incorrectly entering your information by a hotel clerk. Take a copy with you, make another one for your relatives so they will know when and where you are going to stay so they can contact you in emergency cases.

WHEN CHECKING-IN

Learn the proper check-in and check-out times. Confirm the amenities and services the hotel provides. Ask for directions, a local map. Get a card with the hotel’s name, address and phone number so you can show it to a taxi driver or a passer-by in the street if you get lost.

Some hotels may provide extra services that you may not know about unless you ask for it:

  • – laundry service,
  • – hair dryers,
  • – voltage converters/ adaptors,
  • – newspaper service,
  • – complementary meals,
  • – access to fax machine, copier, printer, computer, Internet connection,
  • – cable TV, rental movies, video games,
  • – portable beds, baby cribs,
  • – complementary shuttle service to airport,
  • – rental safe for your money, jewellery, documents,
  • – telephone access charges,
  • – fees for using mini-bar,
  • – guided tours, excursions.

 

AT THE HOTEL

Safety should be a priority for everybody and you have to take some precautions. We devoted a whole separate page to travel safety including hotel safety measures so we will skip this part here. When you go out for the day, leave your key at the reception desk. Confirm closing time. Some hotels do lock up at night and you’re expected to keep the key if you stay out late.

BEFORE LEAVING YOUR HOTEL

Check out your room for left-behind items. If you need extra time for staying over the regular check-out time (usually it ranges from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m), make a request in advance or the hotel may charge you an additional night.

Review the hotel bill making sure that all charges are accurate.

We wish you a successful and safe trip!