Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Choosing A Hotel In Torrevieja, Spain

Torrevieja is one of the most popular vacation hotspots on Spain’s Costa Blanca. It is part of the Alicante Province and located only thirty miles from the Alicante airport serving this popular region of Spain. Bus services from the airport can transport you easily to the city or some of the more expensive hotels in Torrevieja will provide transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Torrevieja offers hotels for every traveler. Luxury hotels are often closer to the local attractions and the coastline’s beaches, which will be a huge plus if you intend to spend a lot of time at the beach. Many luxury hotels have pools, spas, health clubs, babysitting service, dry cleaning service and its own restaurants and bars. As expected, these hotels are the more expensive choice in hotel accommodations. Smaller hotels in the area are generally located further away from the beach and attractions and do not offer as many amenities and additional services. However, even with the lack of amenities, these hotels are generally a good choice if you are looking for basic accommodations at a reasonable price.

If you are staying in Torrevieja for only a short time, you may want to splurge on a more luxurious hotel. A longer stay, however, may be best suited for a lower priced hotel if your vacation budget is somewhat limited. In addition to duration, the location of the hotel is important to consider. If you plan to spend most of your time at the beach, try to find the most hotel most convenient to the beach yet within your price range. Keep in mind, though, that hotels closer to the beach tend to be higher priced.

Finding Torrevieja hotels should not be difficult, as there are several ways to find the hotel that best fits your vacation needs and budget. A travel agent can provide a lot of information on Costa Blanca hotels. Booking your flight and hotel at the same time may result in a better deal. Be sure to call the travel agent in advance to get the best deal on the best hotel for you, especially during the summer months when accommodations book quickly.

If you already know the hotel in which you want to stay, just contact the hotel directly but be sure to still call in advance. You may find that the hotel is full if you wait until the last minute to make the reservation. If you do not know where to stay, hotel reviews are a good place to start. You can find reviews of various hotels on the internet, which typically use a standard rating. Good, basic hotels usually have a three start rating while luxury hotels have anywhere from four to five starts. Many travel sites offer descriptions of the hotel and its amenities as well as pictures. Finally, reading reviews by former guests is a great way to get an idea of the quality of the hotel from the guests themselves.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Casa Colonial Beach And Spa, Is The Only Real Five Star Hotel In The Dominican Republic

Casa Colonial Beach and Spa, is the only real five star hotel in the Dominican Republic. Unlike many five star hotels it is in many ways closer to being one of the best small inns & hotels in the Dominican Republic, with only 40 rooms but also in the whole Caribbean.

We decided to have Christmas in the Dominican Republic, and as we will only stay in five stars, and we don’t like all inclusive, we were very restricted. So after reading up a lot of reviews we selected the Casa Colonial for our vacation, and we really had no regrets.

The Casa Colonial Beach is a very attractive small hotel, which has a beautiful kind of open airy feel to it.

The bedrooms are a very good size, large marble bathroom, huge tub, and separate shower, and importantly double wash hand basins!! We had a first floor garden view room, which was very secluded, and it had a very large patio.

We both used the spa and gym facility, and found them very good, and not over the top.

The first thing that struck us was the service, always with a smile, always very attentive, from the moment we arrived , when we were served with a well needed drink whilst we checked in, to the moment we left. Everything from wanting to carry our plates at breakfast to helping adjust sun beds.

We enjoyed the pool which never seemed too busy, no fight for beds, with a very reasonable restaurant for lunch, where the food was good, not too expensive, and even the drinks were not over the top. The same could be said for the food in the restaurant, but this does bring me to what we felt was the biggest drawback to the hotel.

The Casa Colonial Beach is situated on a beach, in a gated secure area, and is surrounded by the all-inclusive hotels I hate. The beach therefore was crowded, and not with the type of people I necessarily wanted to be close to on a vacation. . Although in fairness not on our bit of private beach, which was well served with loungers, and bar service, but you just didn’t want to go for a walk along the beach.

As all-inclusives mean guest eat in, there was no alternative but our restaurant for food. In other words we couldn’t just go out and eat in a local restaurant, because there really wasn’t much to choose from, and any taxi drivers we used all said the food at the Casa Colonial was the best, and the hotel was the best on the island.

Having said all that we had an extremely pleasant stay at the Casa Colonial Beach and Spa, and a very nice Christmas, if a little expensive a day, and would recommend it with the provisos we described

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Personal Security In Overseas Hotels

* Do not discuss your business or travel plans in public areas where they may be overheard. Discuss your travel plans and movements during your stay with as few people as possible.

* Selecting a hotel room on the third to fifth floor generally will keep you out of reach of criminal activity from the street but still within reach of most fire truck ladders.

* Do not entertain strangers in your hotel room. If you feel you must, require them to leave a valid ID card with hotel security or the front desk.

* Be alert to overly friendly locals who may have criminal intentions. They may offer to take you to a "special" restaurant. Their ruse may be to offer drugged refreshments.

* Never leave valuables in your hotel room exposed or unattended, even in a locked suitcase.

* Place valuables--money, jewelry, airplane tickets, credit cards, and passport--in a hotel safe deposit box or room safe.

* Familiarize yourself with escape routes in case of fire or other catastrophe.

* Use the door chain or bolt lock whenever you are in your room.

* Use the door viewer (peephole) before opening the door to visitors.

* Do not discuss your room number while standing in the lobby or leave your room key on restaurant or bar tables.

* Keep your room neat so you will notice disturbed or missing items quickly.

* Secure your laptop to an immovable object using a lock and cable. You can purchase one of these for about $25 online. If you have sensitive files on your laptop, consider removing your hard drive and bringing it with you when you go out.

* Carry a business card from the hotel to make it easier to get home in a foreign country where not many taxi drivers speak your language.

* Carry a color copy of your Passport wherever you go. Some countries, like Thailand, require you to carry your Passport at all time, but most law enforcement officials will not penalize you for having a copy and going to your hotel room to get the original.

* Make sure you know the local phone numbers for police, fire and emergency. Countries like Thailand have tourist police in addition to the regular police and they are trained to speak foreign languages and assist tourists.

* Try not to let your credit card get out of sight. It is very easy for someone to skim your card in just a few seconds.

Just because you are on vacation doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Big cities are big cities everywhere in the world and all big cities have their share of crime.

A little prevention can go a long way in a foreign country and make your vacation a memorable one.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Cancun All Inclusive Hotels

In the early 1950s, Cancun was an underdeveloped and scarcely populated island, with just one coconut plantation and small Pre-Columbian ruins of the Maya civilization. The Government of Mexico took steps to develop it as a tourist resort on a loan from the International Development Bank. A causeway to link the two parts of Cancun, an international airport and a “model city for workers”, with housing, schools and healthcare facilities were constructed. The Government began its development programs in 1970 and accelerated them in the 1980s.

Today, the city, including the mainland and the island, is home to 500,000 residents, most of whom are from mainland Mexico, and a growing number from the rest of America and Europe.

Cancun has a wide range of tourist accommodation to suit everyone. There are about 140 hotels with 24,000 rooms and 380 restaurants. The hotel zone is very exclusive and multinational, with up-market restaurants, bars, and clubs that cater to the rich and famous. The hotel zone is expensive and depends on the all inclusive hotels to retain visitors in this area. This tendency has allowed prices to keep soaring, a common factor that affects all tourist resorts.

Due to their several advantages, all-inclusive hotels have become the norm in Cancun. One important plus point about most inclusive hotels is the package that they offer airfare, food and accommodation, all wrapped into one. An all-inclusive ticket can save a lot of money, as much as $600 per person on a single journey. Though all inclusive hotels are expensive, they make the stay comfortable. They offer very good accommodations and supply food, beverages and drinks 24 hours a day.

Some of the all inclusive hotels in Cancun include Ambiance Villas and Club, Aquamarina Beach Hotel, Barcelo Tucancun, Club Carrousel Cancun and Crown Paradise Club Cancun. Most of the all inclusive hotels are situated at the beach and cost from approximately $40 $150 per night. All inclusive hotels enable the visitor to enjoy his visit with comfort.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Scarborough City Guide, Including Hotels

Scarborough is one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts and has been for more than four centuries. Located on the east coast of Yorkshire, Scarborough has always attracted visitors thanks to its beautiful and lengthy sandy beaches, picturesque cliff tops and family-oriented attractions. The location offers spectacular views of the North Sea but is also far more than just another seaside town; there are numerous things to see and do, making it an ideal place to take a break.

When you arrive in Scarborough, you’ll discover a whole treasure trove of things to see and do during your stay. Whatever your interest, be it history, heritage, sport, nature or art, you’ll find that Scarborough has it covered. Here are just a few of the places you can visit:

The Rotunda Museum. Suitable for all the family, including young children, this museum has Scarborough’s past completely covered. Come here to find out about the Victorian spa, the fishing port and prehistoric burial sites.

Eden Camp at Malton. It’s worth taking the short journey from Scarborough to visit this exciting recreation of wartime Britain. Scenes from the past are reconstructed through a combination of sound, smell, movement and lighting.

Scarborough Light House. Located on Vincent Pier, this lighthouse has been guarding the coast for two hundred years and is known and loved by visitors and town-dwellers alike.

Church of St. Martin-on-the-Hill. This beautiful Victorian church boasts splendid, pre-Raphaelite stained glass, colourful interior decoration and extravagant architecture.

North Bay Miniature Railway. Enjoy the whimsical British phenomenon of the miniature railway as you explore this one from the 1930s, which has tracks of almost a mile in length.

As well as all the places of interest to visit in Scarborough, there are also many different types of things you can do. Scarborough is host to a whole selection of special events and activities all the year round, so you never know what might be on when you come and visit. Some of the things you might choose to do include:

Go shopping! At the Brunswick Shopping Centre, you’ll discover shops selling many different kinds of goods and products, whether you’re looking for children’s clothing or the ideal wedding present.
Take a trip along the coast with Scarborough Pleasure Steamers. Enjoy the finest views of the picturesque Yorkshire coast by travelling on the Regal Lady and Coronia. Trips run whatever the weather.

Enjoy the spectacle of the Water Ski Circus. You’d be cruel to deny your kids the pleasure of a trip to this exhibit, which sees your favourite TV & film characters performing on water skis. Watch out for Batman, Bart Simpson, the Tellytubbies and more.

Go boating at Peasholm Park & Island. Choose from canoes, pedalos or boat trips and enjoy this beautiful park on a relaxing afternoon. Also choose from mini golf, tree walks, and a water ski circus.

Scarborough offers a wide variety of places to eat, each serving its own type of distinctive food. Venues range from that ever-popular Yorkshire speciality, fish and chip shops, to high-class restaurants, plus all the cafes you could wish for. Here is just a selection of some of Scarborough’s quality eateries:

The Red Lea Hotel. Located on the Prince of Wales Terrace, this hotel has a five-star restaurant offering three course meals that change every day. Take your pick from beef, salmon or vegetarian platters, or try something refined like the roast pheasant.

The Magpie Caf้. This caf้ offers a variety of tasty meals, but is especially renowned for its fish and chips. The reason? The fish is always straight from the harbour at Scarborough, meaning you’ll be in for a fresh-tasting treat.

Mother Hubbard’s Restaurant. A family-owned eatery for many years, this restaurant also serves up its own special brand of fish and chips, earning it the title of ‘Fish and Chip Shop of the Year’ on several occasions.

The Hungry Horse. A wide choice of dishes is on offer here, ranging from delicious steaks to bulging burgers, light bites and yummy desserts. You also have the opportunity to wash down your food down with an ice-cold Greene King beer.

The Pizza Place. If you’re looking for takeaway food, then this is the place to come. Choose from a variety of pizzas, all served with your own choice of toppings.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, then you’ll find yourself spoiled for choice when you come to Scarborough. Every type of accommodation is available in the town, whether you’re looking for bed and breakfasts, hotels, inns, or guest houses; there are also many caravans and campsites available for booking. Finally, there are even holiday cottages up for rent if you want total privacy, peace and quiet. Many of the hotels in the town are located on cliff-tops, offering views of the sandy beaches and open sea; others come complete with their own golf courses. Additionally, many of the hotels and guesthouses offer facilities such as swimming pools, television, bars and in-house restaurants.

The Gresham Hotel
The Victoria Hotel
Hotel St Nicholas
Royal Classic Hotel
Granville Lodge Hotel
Chatsworth Hotel
The Crown Spa Hotel
Ashburton Hotel
The Lincoln Hotel
The Skikero Hotel
The Grand Scarborough
Mansion House Hotel

Scarborough has plenty of entertainment up on offer, most of it geared towards the family. One of the town’s biggest venues is the Olympia Leisure Family Entertainment Centre, which has everything from fruit machines to children’s adventure play areas, laser dodgems, simulators and the ever-favourite 2p machines. If you’re stuck for something to do in an evening, then Scarborough Spa Theatre provides a variety of family entertainment. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something that little bit different, Cotton Dale Shooting Ground is on hand if you’ve always fancied having a go at clay pigeon shooting. Finally, if you’re a movie fan, then a trip to the Hollywood Plaza Cinema is a must, as it shows all the latest blockbusters.

As one of Britain’s best-loved seaside towns, Scarborough has plenty to offer the visitor and tourist. With plenty of attractions and things to do, no matter what the weather, Scarborough is the perfect holiday destination all year round.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Rome hotels: tips for a successful holiday in Rome

If you have a chance to fly to Rome you can book your accommodations in the hotels located in the historical city center of the eternal city.

Rome is a city that can accommodate also the travelers who want to save money without sacrificing comfort, convenience, and well being in the bargain.

Since the beginning of the XX century many hotels located near the spanish steps and trevi fountain are still family owned. The warm hotel management of these buildings made these roman families proud to serve their guests for many years.

It's not rare to find in some of these accommodations magnificent Belle Epoque lobbies and sitting rooms, with wood burning fireplaces and a bar to one side.
The rooms of the hotels located in Rome city center vary in size and are nicely appointed with antiques, coordinated fabriques, cable television and also internet connection. Several have balconies: in fact even the smallest single room has enough space to unpack and stay in comfort. The bathrooms have been revamped in marble and offer soft towels, a telephone, and a selection of toiletries.

A summer roof garden adds to the hotels in Rome an unbelievable charm. It's always recommended to book your hotels in Rome in the so called " centro storico" ( historical city center ) because good restaurants and shopping opportunities are all within easy walking distance.

What makes Rome a very complete city is that its hotels combine central locations with a warm, personalized athmosphere and friendly staff: space is never an issue in the rooms, which beautifully integrate their elegant past with the comforts of today.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Manchester City guide, including Manchester Hotels

Manchester is one of the most vibrant and dynamic places in the UK. Here you will find a wonderful variety of things to see, do and experience, whether you are shopping, eating out, enjoying outdoor activities or anything in-between. Manchester has been recently transformed thanks to the investment made for the highly successful hosting of the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Manchester not only gained a brand new stadium, but also plenty of modern architecture, fantastic shopping facilities, some great hotels and a bustling nightlife including a thriving student and gay scene. All this makes Manchester an exciting city to discover.

Places of interest:

Manchester holds galleries, museums, sculpture trails, architecture and glorious countryside to name just a few of the many exciting places to visit. While you are discovering the stories and treasures of all ten districts of Manchester you will enjoy a feast of sightseeing and things to do.

The Lowry is undoubtedly one of the most visited galleries in Manchester. The Lowry building has a spectacularly modern design is every bit as fascinating as the varied art collection it holds and hence is a real source of local pride. It is named after the artist LS Lowry and there is a very fine collection of his drawings and paintings on display. The Lowry is also hosts two theatres and various shops, bars and restaurants.

Manchester Art Gallery is a must for art lovers. The gallery has an internationally respected collection of art ranging from the early Dutch and Italian masters, through to the likes of Gainsborough and Constable. There is also a display of decorative art including ancient Roman earthenware to contemporary furniture, providing something for all taste to enjoy.

Manchester United is one of the most well known football teams in the world. To find out more about this club visit their museum and take part in the guided tour. It is open most days, but there are certain restrictions on match days.

Museum of Science & Industry is where you will discover all the interesting facts about Manchester’s role in the industrial revolution and get the chance to see steam engines and locomotives, to modern day aircraft and star gaze in the planetarium.

Urbis is set in a dramatic glass building rising high above the centre of Manchester. An interactive exhibition will lead you on a journey exploring life in different cities around the world. With four cascading exhibition floors to explore you need to allow at least ninety minutes for your visit.

Things to do:

In Manchester you will find all the shops you could ever desire and a few more besides. Acting as the Gateway to the North, Manchester also provides a perfect base to explore many of the North's attractions and is within easy reach of Blackpool, the historic city of Chester and only a few hours' drive to the Lake District, and the Yorkshire Dales.

Heaton Hall and Park is one of Manchester's principal parks and is less than four miles from the city centre. Its rolling scenery provides an attractive setting for a wide range of leisure activities which cater for visitors of all ages. It is also plays host to many outdoor events, like summer fun days, theatrical productions, concerts and other major events.

East Lancashire Steam Railway is journey back in time. It was opened in 1846 to link the Manchester to Bolton line with Radcliffe and was a popular passenger and freight route until 1972. The East Lancashire Preservation Society, with assistance from Bury and Rossendale Councils, saw the line reopened in 1991. The traditional station buildings and developments along the tracks have contributed to the Society being presented with a number of environmental awards.

Wigan Pier is situated on the banks of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and is one of the North West’s favourite visitor attractions. At the heart of the centre is an authentic recreation of life in the 1900s. Here you can witness the Victorian way of life such as life below ground at the coalface and how the famous Lancashire pit brow lasses lived. In the ever-popular Victorian schoolroom you can experience the rigours of a strict Victorian education.

Trafford Centre is a place where visitors marvel at a whole host of shopping opportunities all conveniently located under one roof, with the added bonus of bar and restaurant facilities and a cinema for relaxation during an exhausting shopping trip.

Food & Drink:

Manchester has a global feel and flavours all of its own, and can boast of thirty different nationalities of the finest cuisine. Having restaurants and caf้s flying flags from around the world. Manchester offers a mind-boggling range of restaurants, whatever your budget. Ultra-chic or reassuringly traditional, Manchester’s restaurants, caf้s, pubs and bars offer rest and relaxation for all.

39 Steps is tucked away on South King Street and has quietly been busy making a very successful name for itself over the past 21 years. It specialises in providing an every evolving menu to make the most of the finest seasonal produce.

Le Petit Blanc Brasserie is one of a number of Raymond Blanc’s popular restaurants and like its sister establishments has a good reputation for serving up quality food in suitably elegant surroundings. The well-priced set menu will not break the bank.

The River Room Marco Pierre White is situated with the very chic and sophisticated Lowry Hotel. Like the hotel the restaurant is highly elegant, as is the food which is widely considered to be some of the very best, if not the best in Manchester, with the added bonus of great views out across the river. This restaurant is both the ideal setting for an important business lunch, or a romantic dinner for two.

Bulls Head is conveniently located right by the Manchester Piccadilly railway station and describes itself as ‘Your local in the heart of the city.’ It’s a fine example of a good old-fashioned city pub offering an excellent selection of real ales and basic pub food including sandwiches, jacket potatoes and burgers.
Lass O’Gowrie is a particular favourite with real ale fan thanks to a range of ever-changing cask beers on offer as well as boasting its own brewery. It is also a hit with the local student population, who come here to dine on the simple and reasonably priced food such as chilli and lasagne.

Waxy O’Connors is a popular Irish pub and is a labyrinth of different rooms set across four levels. This is not the place for a quiet drink. It is a lively pub with live bands twice a week; as well as showing live sporting events on its big screen. There is a wide choice of both wine and beer and the food comes in the form of dishes as varied as traditional Irish stew, fish and chips and seafood chowder.

Manchester Hotels & Accommodation:

What ever you are looking for, from a quiet guest house, or a large conference centre, there is accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets in Manchester.

Britannia Sachas Hotel
The Britannia Country House Hotel
Fairways Lodge & Leisure Club, Formerly The Villag
Express by Holiday Inn Manchester East
Best Western Willowbank Hotel Manchester
Jarvis Piccadilly Hotel
The Grafton Hotel
Eleven Didsbury Park
Monton House Hotel
Novotel Hotel
Didsbury House
Chesters Hotel & Restaurant
Copperheads Hotel
Mitre Hotel
Thistle Manchester
Novotel Manchester Centre
Radisson Edwardian Manchester
Arora International Manchester
Premier Apartments Manchester (Opening April 6)

Entertainment

Manchester is the life and soul of the region with more theatres than any other UK city outside London, a wide range of live music venues, two internationally renowned orchestras and a music and club scene of world-wide fame. You'll never be stuck for something to entertain you in Manchester.

Manchester Evening News Arena is one of the best venues in the South East. The programme boasts an excellent line up of comedy, music, dance & theatre.
Lowry Red Cinema entertains you with high quality contemporary dance, drama, visual arts, films, comedy, music et al.
G-Mex is a great venue for music, comedy, cabaret and theatre.

With so much variety available whatever your requirements for a short break you cannot go wrong with using the exciting city of Manchester as a base. With history, culture, sport and scenery all available within easy reach and a choice of restaurants and bars where to end a day, why not give Manchester a visit.