tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34829357203102786712024-03-05T02:11:05.919-08:00Hotelsmuhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-20698732039685672232011-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:002011-08-29T13:04:13.375-07:00THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS<div style="text-align: center; background-color="><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span><b><i><a href="http://royalpalm-hotel.com/"><span><span></span></span>THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ADDRESS IN MAURITIUS</a></i></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center; background-color="><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><span ><b><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">When you choose Royal Palm for your holiday in Mauritius, you can expect perfec</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">tion from start to finish; it is undeniably the finest hotel in Mauritius. Located on the sheltered north-west coast, stretching along a pure white sandy beach, Royal Palm is a tranquil tropical haven with an uncompromising commitment to excellence. A proud member of "The Leading Hotels of the World", it symbo</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">s made for unique moments, the kind that leave indelible traces in onelizes the harmony between luxury and refinement.A stay at Royal Palm can only be one of a kind. Each visit feels like a homecoming. Time is purely subjective within Royal Palm’s environment as if it wa</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">
<br /></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Royal Palm delights you with its hint of nostalgia, timeless values and peaceful atmosphere. Your every wish is anticipated and every whim is satisfied with impeccable service that is as attentive as it is discreet. ’s heart.</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">The team at Royal Palm is committed to your well-being, whether you are enjoying a meal in one of the hotel’s restaurants, a treatment in the sumptuous surroundings of the Spa or simply relaxing on the beach or in your private Suite.Celebrated for its award-winning cuisine, Royal Palm invites you to a tantalizing culinary experience in its three restaurants.</div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto; ">Immerse yourself in complete luxury and book your holiday in Mauritius at Royal Palm.</div></b></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: justify; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNjG1c2D2Wr-DUsh-LBuylPbYjwPrAB0CzQXh2S1uhaiz_fDuNkhfaZMfguUC-UIHTXMcXQ0V9s-N29K8AntTBa92CH2GLOwQSACKuXdaUlcWftXqcPernxmuMYbVtHWY-EcU6v81I6m_/s400/hilton-hotel-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646368663703048402" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 304px; height: 236px; " /></span></span></div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-25065483069868311032010-12-20T02:06:00.000-08:002010-12-20T02:15:03.181-08:00SULTANAHMET ISTANBUL FOUR SEASONS AT<center><i><br /><b>Description</b><br /><br />Since opening in 1996, this hotel is one of the jewels in the Four Seasons' crown, being both a Conde Nast Traveller Award Winner and a Travel + Leisure Award Winner. Enjoying its excellent worldwide reputation - and going from strength to strength, this is a boutique style hotel of just 65 rooms and suites located in a former prison in the centre of Istanbul's Old Town. It may be one of the smallest in the Four Seasons chain, but the hotel offers everything that a larger hotel does, and much more besides. The three-storey, neo-classic building is conveniently situated between Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.<br /><br />The atmosphere in the hotel is warm and welcoming with an air of elegance and charm. The interior design pays homage to the city's rich Ottoman heritage, with arched ceilings, decorative local artefacts throughout and a fantastic collection of antique rugs and Turkish sofas. The 65 rooms and suites have the traditional Four Seasons decor - refined antique wood, plush carpets, vaulted ceilings and arched windows. Rooms are furnished with a writing desk, chairs, a private refrigerated bar and an armoire with a television, DVD and Bose CD player. The marble bathroom includes a deep soaking tub and a separate shower.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUFH_okALmYUyRes-_KWgP-3UtgSNIdmLeXKvy7aouyVDLuxMG8Rk5VABcfbMJtz1_pg4rDKqmD3ONbe6CX67u7UjOrObM11d2jnFuIqMzyCVWUJbfQex4ujfhtgMYcnKE4t5-8zlE33Y/s1600/jhldkbf945096486-853jfjfjjfj.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTUFH_okALmYUyRes-_KWgP-3UtgSNIdmLeXKvy7aouyVDLuxMG8Rk5VABcfbMJtz1_pg4rDKqmD3ONbe6CX67u7UjOrObM11d2jnFuIqMzyCVWUJbfQex4ujfhtgMYcnKE4t5-8zlE33Y/s320/jhldkbf945096486-853jfjfjjfj.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552704908257615602" /></a><br /><br />While the smooth and ever-attentive service is typical to Four Seasons, in Istanbul there is no other hotel that can deliver the same high level of service that is on offer here. The 24-hour staff will get you anything and everything you need, be it chocolates with your coffee or a private helicopter, it will arrive at super speed too. This is a hotel where Turkish traditions, from the warmth of the welcome to the attentive service, ensure that every guest leaves with fond memories and the intention to come back time and time again.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfu5ODnlvGADfPfaojwEfs_OQZILK2ZihHsteNIuk2NeZUlyGv2z-YplXI4j9lQfjQJRv1h70rLDhxF8JfHoyTV2Ypze25RjdqLuy6U0veIVtqiDkkiEAcu3qctvgCF0xUW0FCBRq38DD/s1600/209234hffwer89053945j35.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinfu5ODnlvGADfPfaojwEfs_OQZILK2ZihHsteNIuk2NeZUlyGv2z-YplXI4j9lQfjQJRv1h70rLDhxF8JfHoyTV2Ypze25RjdqLuy6U0veIVtqiDkkiEAcu3qctvgCF0xUW0FCBRq38DD/s320/209234hffwer89053945j35.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552704651991945922" /></a><br /><br /><b>SEASONS</b><br /><br />Superbly located in a beautiful glass pavilion in the manicured courtyard garden, this is the place to try out as many dishes as possible, given the selection of international cuisine and local specialities prepared by the very talented Chef Mehmet Gok and his team.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf4N4Mfcbejcyfrvyx_DvWg3fOU8CNbmuB9ADN5O-SUJ10zcqEzNFj3EEvYS6Q5A1MiI5K4G0Q8uGxtoC4xbJSxOLQz9WowxvNVCY5_JIqUMmSYWF_pCxK8TQqHE50JfEibOEgY2M1xEi/s1600/fdghhdf1123455334.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjf4N4Mfcbejcyfrvyx_DvWg3fOU8CNbmuB9ADN5O-SUJ10zcqEzNFj3EEvYS6Q5A1MiI5K4G0Q8uGxtoC4xbJSxOLQz9WowxvNVCY5_JIqUMmSYWF_pCxK8TQqHE50JfEibOEgY2M1xEi/s320/fdghhdf1123455334.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552704654978204850" /></a><br /><br /><b>THE HEALTH CLUB</b><br /><br />The Health Club is fully-equipped with cardiovascular machines, free weights, bottled water and energy drinks. After working up a sweat, it makes sense to visit the sauna or to try some of the wonderful spa treatments available - from massages to facials and aromatherapy treatments<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7NYM6Yvtv8goxBJdLLwF5QxcmtXkdzRcv2VCm-OxkkFwG9z0Qc3-HLAQgOa2D5Js8ME7CAB9tbq4Pfr0Vgyh3cFkUnu09n4chMNHi-xf6s8HyRDJxaSJaXgJQ9lxFzrBOCHD7TGytQ3E/s1600/pk58676.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7NYM6Yvtv8goxBJdLLwF5QxcmtXkdzRcv2VCm-OxkkFwG9z0Qc3-HLAQgOa2D5Js8ME7CAB9tbq4Pfr0Vgyh3cFkUnu09n4chMNHi-xf6s8HyRDJxaSJaXgJQ9lxFzrBOCHD7TGytQ3E/s320/pk58676.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552704647405179554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwPEjoePU7mPXeweiwzIzHOWpGaa2GEz1-7KiXoZPFFRAy884YMDNhXaUSzUx1cpHlx2wv53YAFzXQ_JPU88okm4HUEeD4R5bRfXN7vI_88rrU1r7Vm4dBrqSQeaKyYZGUE8brpg0V5MW/s1600/awjklefhoisdvjagdfg.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwPEjoePU7mPXeweiwzIzHOWpGaa2GEz1-7KiXoZPFFRAy884YMDNhXaUSzUx1cpHlx2wv53YAFzXQ_JPU88okm4HUEeD4R5bRfXN7vI_88rrU1r7Vm4dBrqSQeaKyYZGUE8brpg0V5MW/s320/awjklefhoisdvjagdfg.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552704643137911074" /></a><br /><br /><b>BUSINESS FACILITIES</b><br /><br />The Hotel is equipped to handle the most demanding presentation and communication requirements</i></center><center><i><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbel3uTCMDXCD6yBeWtPfPggudIp41p3yaaEM0cOXUz7qOOj4nO_-Ie0tFelp_U6HErxbEaQnus_Q5DLt1ZV_q5vOk9iEAZX36qByz2cA-1QwmsMA8QbsQ84y9ZGftHddrV-CMcuVWOIaQ/s1600/daniyalsubhani.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbel3uTCMDXCD6yBeWtPfPggudIp41p3yaaEM0cOXUz7qOOj4nO_-Ie0tFelp_U6HErxbEaQnus_Q5DLt1ZV_q5vOk9iEAZX36qByz2cA-1QwmsMA8QbsQ84y9ZGftHddrV-CMcuVWOIaQ/s320/daniyalsubhani.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552704640683751298" /></a><br /><br />with advanced event expertise and trademark Four Seasons support on hand 24 hours a day to respond to every need. There are sophisticated function spaces available from the exclusive boardroom for private meetings and dinners to a ballroom that can accommodate up to 190 for a professional..<br /></i><br /></center>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-41797236014031043952010-06-20T01:21:00.000-07:002010-06-20T01:23:33.030-07:00Crowne Plaza<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue Light', 'Helvetica Neue', HelveticaNeue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); line-height: 15px; "><h2 class="lessLegroom" style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 8px !important; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-style: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;">The Ideal Choice </span></span></h2><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#993399;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 10px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Crowne Plaza is located in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, with Washington DC only seven miles away. However, nearby shops and restaurants provide guests with options closer to the hotel, as well as convenient access to the Red Line Metro. The hotel also allows guests complimentary access to the adjacent LA Fitness Center, as well as various other discounts to local businesses through a “Good Neighbor” program. Renee Lubinski, their E-marketing Specialist, offers us more information on additional Crowne Plaza perks. Every Wednesday, the hotel holds a Manager’s Reception at the on site River City Grille where “guests can mingle with staff and enjoy complimentary appetizers.” Renee also notes how the hotel caters to their business clientèle through a business center, over 15,000 square feet of meeting space, and Quiet Zone Floors for “a productive business environment.”</span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">One of the things Renee emphasized was how the Crowne Plaza was “the ideal choice for DC sight seers without the expense of DC.” For both leisure and business travelers, this hotel offers reasonable prices without compromising their quality service. The Meetings Director, Jose Alfaro, is a perfect example of this. Starting at the Crowne Plaza over thirteen years ago, Jose exemplifies ideal customer service so much that the hotel has had “several clients return just based on a great experience with Jose.” Additionally, a Real Traveler raves about the service, writing, “I was continuously impressed with the exceptional customer service over the length of our stay.”</span></i></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.5em; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; font-weight: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style-type: none; list-style-position: initial; list-style-image: initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So whatever the reason, if you ever find yourself in the area, be sure to look up “the metropolitan Washington DC </span></i></span></p></span></span></span></div></span>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-68829929996916718622010-03-12T23:56:00.001-08:002010-03-12T23:58:22.107-08:00Sydney’s Fancy New Spa<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"><em>Sydney’s Fancy New Spa… at the Shangri-La</em></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Just a few weeks old, CHI, The Spa is giving Sydney residents (and visitors, of course!) something to smile about. Shangri-La’s signature spa brand opened in Oz on February 16 with a big opening ceremony (which featured a “lion dance”). The first CHI in Australia, this luxurious sanctuary has six private spa suites, each described as a “spa within a spa” with ample personal space and aroma steam showers. Three of the suites even offer infinity edge spa tubs overlooking Sydney Harbour. Take your pick from 24 treatments based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional Asian well-being practices. The “Sense of Place” experiences focus on indigenous treatments using Australian herbs and plants like lemon myrtle and eucalyptus.<br />In Sydney over Easter? Hop over to the Shangri-La to test out the new spa. With the “Easter Eggs-traordinary Spa Package,” you’ll get a CHI Vanilla Bean Body Massage for one adult and Easter eggs for the kids. Also included with your accommodations: childrens robes for the night, buffet breakfast, overnight parking, and complimentary use of kids’ DVDs, the health club and Internet. Priced from AUD 413 per night and available March 26- April 14, 2010</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-3738510764362030852010-03-12T23:56:00.000-08:002010-03-12T23:58:21.765-08:00Sydney’s Fancy New Spa<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"><em>Sydney’s Fancy New Spa… at the Shangri-La</em></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#6633ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Just a few weeks old, CHI, The Spa is giving Sydney residents (and visitors, of course!) something to smile about. Shangri-La’s signature spa brand opened in Oz on February 16 with a big opening ceremony (which featured a “lion dance”). The first CHI in Australia, this luxurious sanctuary has six private spa suites, each described as a “spa within a spa” with ample personal space and aroma steam showers. Three of the suites even offer infinity edge spa tubs overlooking Sydney Harbour. Take your pick from 24 treatments based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional Asian well-being practices. The “Sense of Place” experiences focus on indigenous treatments using Australian herbs and plants like lemon myrtle and eucalyptus.<br />In Sydney over Easter? Hop over to the Shangri-La to test out the new spa. With the “Easter Eggs-traordinary Spa Package,” you’ll get a CHI Vanilla Bean Body Massage for one adult and Easter eggs for the kids. Also included with your accommodations: childrens robes for the night, buffet breakfast, overnight parking, and complimentary use of kids’ DVDs, the health club and Internet. Priced from AUD 413 per night and available March 26- April 14, 2010</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-1804830505170476512009-12-24T22:40:00.000-08:002009-12-24T22:41:31.857-08:00Five-Star Hotel Days Are O-V-E-R<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"><strong><em>Banished! Bronne's Five-Star Hotel Days Are O-V-E-R</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff99ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Even though throwing a fire extinguisher into a hotel pool -- from your balcony -- is a pretty DUMBASS move, we couldn't help but feel a little sympathy for Bronne on tonight's Real World after he got bounced from his sweet suite at the ME Hotel. 'Specially after he owned up to his CHILDISH/RECKLESS/DEMENTED behavior (unlike some people we know) and apologized to the manager for being such a STUPID MONKEYBRAIN.<br />To make matters worse for our beloved East Coast frat boy, his new living quarters in Cancun don't quite live up to his old superstar pad. It's almost as if he's been banished to the REAL world, where the rooms don't always come with a hot tub and monogrammed slippers.<br />We're thinking dude definitely deserved to get booted (like, he coulda killed a hotel guest), but on the other hand we're pretty unhappy about seeing Bronne have to suffer in a barely three-star hotel. And did you see him sharing pizza with that random guy on the street? Where did all his best buddies go during his time of need? Hmm, at least tequila doesn't care what neighborhood you live in</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-27554856107614789842009-11-23T00:25:00.000-08:002009-11-23T00:28:46.735-08:00THE LATEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>MONASTERIES/ THE LATEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">"Get thee to a nunnery," Hamlet told Ophelia, urging her to chastity; but were he to make the same demand today, the chances are he’d be packing her off to a five-star hotel where she could spend the night with her lover in a king-size bed. While monasteries have always been hospitable, obliged by the Rule of St Benedict to open their doors to whomever the Lord might send their way, in secular times that hospitality has reached another level. In a wave of recent conversions, cells have been knocked together to create large and light bedrooms, modern plumbing has been installed, and refectories have been turned into gourmet restaurants.<br />Such earthly delights are persuasive, but the most compelling thing about monastic hotels is their serenity. As well as being physically beautiful, ex-monasteries are often strikingly spiritual, as if centuries of prayer and plainchant have seeped into their massive walls. A stay in a cloister seems to incline one to contemplation, reading, sleeping well and turning off the mobile. There are now hundreds of monastic hotels in Europe and Latin America—all across the Catholic world, for Napoleon dissolved monasteries with a lighter touch than Henry VIII. These five seem particularly to have their spirit intact.<br />Il Convento di Santa Maria di Constantinopoli, Puglia, Italy<br />Alistair McAlpine gave this 16th-century Franciscan monastery, in the heel of Italy, to his wife, Athena, as a wedding present. Together they have filled it with his fantastic collections of tribal art, textiles, carvings and cacti and opened eight rooms to paying guests. More house party than hotel—B&B includes lunch, tea, wine, grappa, even laundry; the only extra is dinner (€40 a head)—the Convento is steeped in its own past. "It has some kind of reverberation on the rhythm that our day takes," Athena explains. "Every morning we sweep our courtyard, a bell sounds for lunch and supper, everyone eats the same food, together, and in the evening </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong><em>Marriott expands in Mexico</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">In a strategic move, the Marriott hotel chain is all set to highly expand its presence in Mexico. Most notably, Mexico has been regarded as one of the most popular sun destination for Americans and Canadians, in addition to an increasing number of Europeans. A report published in the Washington Business Journal notes that the international hotel giant shall necessarily attempt to triple the number of its establishments that it operates in Mexico, during the next five years period. This move forms part of a wider strategy aimed at increasing the presence of Marriott outside of the United States. Notably, outside the US, the firm is already a popular player in the hospitality industry.<br />At present, Marriott owns and operates about 16 hotels in Mexico. Several of these properties are sited in resort town and highly popular leisure destinations. If the expansion proposal goes on according to the schedule, the introduction of these new ranges of Marriott hotels shall give a significant boost to the Mexican economy, creating not less than 3,000 new jobs in the hospitality industry. On the whole, 29 new hotels are being planned for various cities and towns in Mexico, with the expansion project estimated to cost the owners of these properties about $1 billion spent towards establishment and running.<br />Ed Fuller, hotel firm's president noted that while Mexico has an attractive tourist destination for quite long for Americans and Canadians, due to the rise of a New Mexican middle class, a commendable development has been brought about in the arenas of domestic and national tourism.</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-86633095395698293812009-10-24T00:04:00.000-07:002009-10-24T00:05:49.765-07:00So You Want to Work in Hotels<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"><strong>So You Want to Work in Hotels, Part II: The Interview</strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">When I last wrote a post about how to get a job in the hotel industry, the economy was booming and hotels were so desperate for staff they were stopping just short of dragging passersby off the street and slapping uniforms on them. These days, occupancy rates have tanked, room attendants are dozing on beds rather than making them, and it seems the only place to find job vacancies is in the obituaries.<br />Are job prospects that bleak? Absolutely not. Hotels are always in need of great people, but competition is fiercer than ever. Taking the time to understand the unique culture of the hotel industry will give you a leg up on other candidates. Here are a few insider tips to help prepare you for that elusive hotel interview.</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-9133532119340633032009-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:002009-09-23T11:34:39.805-07:00Cheap Daytona Beach Hotel<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Bahama House – Cheap Daytona Beach Hotel</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">I was nervous when I pulled up to the Bahama House in Daytona Beach. Hotels along the beach here, like any business in this worn out beachside town, are a risky proposition. You’re chances of ending up in the lap of luxury are second to none, and you hope and pray you don’t end up in a bed bug infested dump.<br />(It should come as no surprise for anyone who has been to Daytona Beach in recent years that one of its properties would show up on a list of 10 Worst Hotels.)<br />My only experience with the Bahama House before checking in was the online reviews and their mediocre web site.Sure, the colors were bright and friendly, and the reviews seemed positive enough. But still, I was, at best, cautiously optimistic.<br />What I found at the Daytona Bahama House was a clean, no frills hotel with impeccable service.<br />The woman at the front desk set the tone for my entire stay. She smiled and handed me a welcome bag, which I would later discover wast stuffed with a free Harlequin romance novel and chocolate samples. I got the sense that Irene was welcoming me into her home and she was eager to invite me to the complimentary cocktail hour that had already begun in the small common area of the lobby.<br />As I took my room keys and handwritten parking pass for the underground garage, I breathed a little more easily. While the reception area and lobby was small and modestly adorned, every surface had obviously been polished and shined. I skipped the free drinks and pretzels and headed straight for my room .<br />My room was a king suite with an ocean view. The carpet was worn, the tile was dated, and the jacuzzi was a basic bathtub/shower combo with jets in the side. But again, everything was impeccably clean.<br />The room reminded me of my first post-college apartment on the day my parents came to visit. Someone had clearly done the best they could with what they had to work with. The small kitchenette was stocked with dishes and silverware, the bed overflowed with an abundance of pillows, and the towels in the modest bathroom were bright white and fluffy.<br />I headed for the balcony to inspect my view. I found two plastic chairs and a matching plastic end table, and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">New Epoque Hotel Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza, Ibiza</span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">A new boutique hotel in the Epoque Family: Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza, Ibiza. Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza Hotel is a new concept in hospitality. Water, light and textures all mix in theis outstanding boutique hotel. Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza Hotel is the ideal place to come and enjoy the best of Ibiza: because of its location, in the peaceful Marina at Santa Eulalia, because of the nature surrounding the property and because of the extent of services . Quilibra Aguas de Ibiza Hotel goes beyond being just a 5-star property: its style is personal and warm, and represents a compromise with excellence. The rooms at the Hotel Aguas are divided in three categories: Dreamer’s Room, the Junior Suite facing the sea, and the Corner Suite a 700 sq.ft space boasting a 180° view. The Senzone La Sal, which offers a variety of Ibizan cuisine, and the Senzone Oligo Madeinterranean which offers stylish and modern Mediterranean food. At the Hotel Aguas you’ll also find the Alabastro Lounge, a meeting point in the lobby area, a place to enjoy wine tasting or informal drinks and snacks<a href="http://hotels.uptake.com/blog/daytona-beach-florida-bahama-house-4233.html"></a></div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-69543397067140620072009-08-22T03:57:00.000-07:002009-08-22T04:02:09.063-07:00Hotel vs Rental<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Hotel vs Rental Apartment</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left"> If so, look at the Top-5 reasons to visit the rental apartment vs hotel .If you are on a very short trip, hotels will serve your purpose but if your trip is more than a week than certainly rentals apartment is a better option<br />1. A home away from home -In furnished apartments you could prepare your meals or you go out if you wish. Also you can enjoy the confort or the space in rental apartment . It like being in your own house. For the other way a hotel is a ideal for a short stay, if you don't want to worry about anything apart from waking up<br />2. Advantages lifestyle, freedom and more - The typical hotel can offer a great or small room without style. But if you are looking for some more ,the rental apartments can be of differents kind for families,for couples, for executive... moreover Friendly Rentals offers Villas, cosy houses , lofts ...3. Ideal for business - For the visitors for relocation , executives on a short visit or colleagues who are traveling together, a rental apartment is perfect. Also the hotel doesn't offer services like broadband, flat screen TV, cable and digital channels and a fully equipped kitchen. For the same price you have so much in a rental apartment.<br />4. Save money - Furnished apartments seem to be more costly than a hotel but the cost depends upon the duration of your stay. A short stay at a hotel may cost you less than the furnished apartment for the same time period but in the long run, furnished apartments prove to be cheaper than the hotels<br />5. I Feel Good Factor - This can be very useful for the transfer service. The first few weeks or months in a foreign country can be difficult and confusing.An apartment with the space and comfort of a home it can be relaxed for you .</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;">Kona Hotel or Kona Condo which one is Best for Hawaii Ironman Accommodation</span></strong></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#cc0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Warm aloha to all of our Best Hawaii vacation blog visitors,<br />and especially to those who still want to visit the Big Island in October for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championship but were not able yet to find that affordable and special Ironman rate offer. If that is you, please, continue reading. Our today's blog post might have just the best place with top amenities at top location for the best rate I could find online.<br />Inquiries for Kona accommodations, vacation rentals such as Kona condos come in quite frequently in our Kohala Coast Vacation Guide, where we also list Kona vacation rentals, homes and condos. The Kohala Coast is a great option when visiting the Big Island for the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon event.However, for active triathletes competing in the Kona Ironman we always recommend lodging in Kona. If you are still searching for a place to stay in Kona for the Ironman 2009, we recommend to read one of our most recent posts 2009 Hawaii Ironman Visitors Information.<br />Now, coming back to our blog title question Kona hotel or Kona condo which one is best for your Ironman visit?', that does not take much thinking. First of all, Kona hotels are currently filling up fast and with no amenities like a fully equipped kitchen they are not as much desired as a vacation condo. OK admitted Kona hosts raise their condo or rental rates significantly for the Ironman week but still most everybody comes out ahead with renting a Kona condo versus a Kona hotel room.</div><div align="left">Against all odds, our friend Joe decided to make our Best Hawaii Vacation blog visitors the following special offer for his Luxury 2Br/2Ba Kona condo at Mauna Loa Resorts for the Kona Ironman Week: $1650/wk (sleeps 6)! Believe me this is a rare find. That's why we agreed to publish it on our blog:Week October 4 - October 11, 2009 Ironman week race starts Oct 10, 2 bedroom luxury condo at Mauna Loa Resort completely furnished incl bedding, dishes cooking utensils etc, near all events in downtown Kona Rate $1650 for the week. Call Joe at 703-269-7014</div><div align="left">If you are not one of those crazy triathletes who have to immediately take each minute to prepare for their biggest performance in a lifetime, this wonderful Kona condo allows you to enjoy many outdoor activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, bike riding, walking, hiking, and more. When searching for Kona condo specials for the Ironman, I found a 2Br/2Ba at the same resort for $5000/wk. If you don't believe me, Google has the answer!If you do believe me, call Joe and make your Kona condo Ironman reservation at a premier Kona location for the best price in the Kona Alii Drive area. What's your experience with Kona vacation rental hosts for this 2009 Hawaii Ironman? We'd love to hear from you</div><div align="left"> </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-38428816917950414502009-06-18T00:59:00.000-07:002009-06-18T01:01:26.232-07:00Design Hotels Mallorca<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330099;">Hotels Mallorca</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330099;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330099;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#330099;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Majorca is a Spanish jewel off the north east coast, deep in the heart of the Mediterranean. Famous for its sandy beaches and aqua-marine coastline, Majorca has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1950s, especially among German and British visitors who are drawn to the island’s temperatures, which top 29 degrees Celsius in the summer.<br />The island is also steeped in history, with the capital - Palma - created by the Romans who settled here and influenced by the Byzantines who settled later on. Following the tourism boom, the Majorcans have gone to great lengths to fuse the old and new to create the latest in global holiday hotel design. Today, Mallorca offers a lot of very special Design Hotels.<br />Anyone staying in Palma will be able to choose from the beautiful beach front, a plethora of restaurants serving Catalan cuisine and the capital’s bustling nightlife. It is also home to the island’s only airport. It is Majorca’s oldest city, overlooked by Bellver Castle, but Palma hotels have kept ahead of the times by producing increasingly modern facades and interiors, some of which can be seen at new addition, Hotel Zhero, which offers stunning views of the ocean.<br />Hotel Zhero opened on the Palma coastline in 2008. The hotel was designed in black and white to contrast with the turquoise lure of the Mediterranean. It is metres away from the beach and harbour, making Hotel Zhero the perfect place for sunset strolls and boat trips. The white rooms are like a blank canvas for each holidaymaker, minimalist from walls to floors. Elements of black pique the furnishings and lighting creating startling decor. This holiday haven has a fresh, clean feel for a holidaymaker looking for high design on a budget.<br />Further away to Pollenca, the far northern quarter of the island, earns visitors that extra bit of peace and quiet as well as the chance to get pampered at the five-star Son Brull Hotel & Spa the hotel owners have fused together Majorca’s historic roots with sleek, modern design, when they converted this former monastery into a wellness hotel comprising of 23 rooms.</div><div align="left">Son Brull Hotel & Spa’s size and location creates a real sense of losing oneself in nature, nestled in forest land with views over the Mediterranean. This five-star facility was designed for indulgence, with sports facilities, whirlpool, sauna, massage as well as outdoor and heated indoor swimming. Danish technology experts Bang & Olufsen installed the latest designs in each room to ensure every guest has five-star luxury at their fingertips.<br />For mid-range excellence Son Bernadinet in the south of Majorca is an 18th century country house designed with the ultimate in relaxation in mind. With only 11 rooms, the four-star hotel has a cosy feel. The creators aimed to give visitors time to take in the sights and the sunshine, serving meals on a roof top terrace and providing shade for a pleasurable lounge by the pool. Four poster beds and comfortable armchairs make stays here comfortable, quiet and serene, with the hustle and bustle of the capital within easy reach, less than an hour’s drive away</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-48353006195989377442009-06-16T06:24:00.000-07:002009-06-16T06:35:43.708-07:00European Hotels<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;">Luxurious European Hotels</span></em></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;"></span> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">contaray to popular belf, some of the most lusurious hotels in the world are within your reach . They are no longer exclusive destination you have to enjoy while watching a scene in a movie or on televison . Some of the world's most beautifull hotels are more afforedabale than you think. visitor touring europe will centainly enjoy some </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-146664024063475652009-04-26T11:07:00.000-07:002009-04-26T11:09:35.836-07:00Best Hotels in Manila<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><strong><em>Best Hotels</em></strong></span></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Accessible and convenience best describe InterContinental Manila's location. Situated in the heart of the premiere financial district of the country, it is a stone's throw away from the top business, cultural and recreation centres of the metropolis. It is also a mere 20 minutes from the international and domestic airports, one's gateway to, from and around the Philippines.InterContinental Manila boasts of 338 guest rooms and luxurious suites. Good taste, comfort and functionality went into the design of each room, every one of them equipped with first-class modern conveniences such as a state-of-the-art television information system with local and cable programming and in-house movies, Broadband internet access, IDD telephone, voicemail and graphic television, radio, lights and air-conditioner, a fully-stocked minibar, electronic safe and hair dryer.Address: NO. 1 AYALA AVE, P.O. BOX 731-D-3117, MAKATI CITY, MANILA</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#ffcc00;">TOLL FREE INTERCONTINENTAL RESERVATIONS 1-800-883-3201</span></strong></div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-4429138281994251892009-02-24T21:54:00.000-08:002009-02-24T21:57:59.617-08:00Real estate investor grabs loan note for two hotels<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"><em>investor grabs loan note for two hotels</em></span></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3333ff;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left">Opportunistic real estate investment firm PCCP has acquired the A note of a loan secured by two Bay Area hotels, the Crowne Plaza at San Francisco International Airpott in Burlingame and a Holiday Inn Express in Walnut Creek.<br />PCCP, formerly known as Pacific Coast Capital Partners, bought the debt from Column Financial. The hotels are owned by the Carlyle Group. PCCP purchased the B note of the same loan from Column Financial in December 2007.<br />The deal reflects PCCP’s appetite for performing and non-performing loans secured by quality real estate and strong ownership, according to partner Gregory Galusha.<br />“We are looking for note purchase opportunities – whether increasing our position in existing deals or new deals,” said Galusha. “Our experienced team has originated and held multiple floating rate real estate whole loans, mezzanine loans, B-notes, participations and preferred equity. We also asset manage and service more than $1.4 billion in 80 senior and mezzanine real estate loans.”<br />PCCP now holds both the A and B notes of the whole loan which was originally a $48.3 million senior loan secured by a portfolio of four hotels in Northern California. Since origination in August of 2007, two of the hotels, which include the Sacramento Holiday Inn and the Concord Holiday Inn, have been sold.<br />“This was a great opportunity to buy a note at a discount,” said Rob Cohen, vice president of PCCP. “We thought it was compelling because the exposure per hotel room was low and we were already invested in the transaction with our B note. We were comfortable with the collateral and the experience of the borrower.”<br />Cohen added that even though PCCP expects considerable downturn with hotel fundamentals in the near term, the long-term prospect of the Bay Area hospitality market is still strong and the low loan basis per key mitigates risk.<br />The Crowne Plaza hotel in Burlingame consists of 309 rooms and recently completed substantial renovation. The Holiday Inn hotel in Walnut Creek consists of 156 rooms and in November 2008 completed a conversion to a Holiday Inn Express</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-69649983410073961032009-01-23T00:02:00.000-08:002009-01-23T00:03:40.507-08:00The Mighty River GangaThe mighty river Ganga which is also known as the River Ganges is greatly revered in all of India. I recently had a chance to witness this reverence first hand as I visited two holy towns Haridwar and Rishikesh both of which are located in the foothills of the Himalayas through which this mighty river flows on its way towards the plains. Much of India’s rich civilization and culture has in fact developed along the banks of this great river as a result of which the river is worshiped and held in high esteem by the Hindu population of India.<br /><br /><br />The Ganga which is responsible for the fertility of nearly forty percent of India’s agricultural land begins its journey in the higher Himalayas in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh at the Gangotri glacier which is a vast expanse of ice situated 14000 feet above sea level. This glacier is the source of the River Bhagirathi which continues to join the River Alaknanda whose waters are formed from the melting ice of several Himalayan peaks like the Nanda Devi, the Kamet and the Trishul to form the River Ganga at the town of Devprayag. <a class="more-link" href="http://blog.asiahotels.com/the-mighty-river-ganga/">read the rest o </a>he Mighty River Gangamuhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-3896639083070105842009-01-19T04:23:00.000-08:002009-01-19T04:24:37.140-08:00Jupiter Hotel - Portland, Oregon<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;">Jupiter Hotel</span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="left"><em><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-size:100%;">The only cultural boutique hotel in Portland, Oregon, the </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Jupiter Hotel</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> promises to deliver a luxurious and unique experience for its visitors.<br />The Jupiter Hotel features a crisp, streamlined and contemporary design that leaves the guestrooms, lobby and other regions of the hotel feeling clean and liberated from clutter. Besides well-appointed details and top quality bedding, guests can also enjoy the unique atmosphere and features of the hotel.<br />Spa style rubdowns, unique and custom designed meeting spaces, and an award winning restaurant that regularly features indy rock bands as well as internationally known DJs makes this hotel one of the hippest and most innovative in the United States.<br />The Doug Fir restaurant is described as a “modern diner meets swanky cocktail lounge” with a menu featuring farm-fresh omelets, amazing burgers, baguette French toast as well as drinks and finger food.<br />Besides basic amenities and features, guests will also find:<br />80 innovative guest rooms featuring custom blu-dot modern furnishings<br />000 square foot outdoor courtyard, with stage, perfect for concerts, fashion shows, weddings and other events<br />Complimentary wireless internet throughout<br />Room service and restaurant hours 7am – 4am daily<br />Custom furniture and urban décor<br />Outdoor fireplace and patio dining</span><strong> </strong></span></em></div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></em></strong> </div><div align="center"> </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-29026438492138935262009-01-19T04:19:00.000-08:002009-01-19T04:22:51.454-08:00K West Hotel & Spa - London, England<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">West Hotels and Sps Lodon England</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left">King size rooms, simple, elegant style and a peaceful ambience await weary travelers at this new modern hotel. The hotel is located a short walk from Notting Hill and High Street Kensington, and a short ride to the West End of London. Its location beyond the congestion zone of London means a quieter, more peaceful stay without sacrificing the convenience of downtown.<br />Besides the hotel guests will also find a full service spa as well as the Kanteen Hotel and room service. Besides basic amenities, guests will also find:<br />K Spa and Gym offers aromatherapy, hot stone techniques and a full range of other treatments to enhance guests stay.<br />K Lounge Bar with a DJ on the weekend<br />Vanity K is a chic stand alone nail bar<br />Wireless high-speed internet access everywhere<br />Hand-made mattresses, non allergenic pillows and luxurious bed linens<br />Flat screen television, CD/DVD player and MP3 connectivity </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-18096350247537907872008-12-09T22:23:00.000-08:002008-12-09T22:27:05.150-08:00Le Web08 - Day 1 - Getting financed in a recessionTuesday, December 09, 2008<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />It is a great time to keep investing, says a first panelist.<br />Another VC says that VCs didn't fear for their own life in 2001/2. Easier to get capital funds. Today, firms are very afraid not to get enough return on their investment. They are more careful and minimize their risk in their portfolio.<br />You cannot deny a storm is coming up. And VCs need to be prepared with the reality of the market and are cautious with revenue coming from start up they invested in.<br />VCs come at a later stage in a start up after angel money. VCs can really make new ventures more succeful and Martin is asking (or begging) VCs to keep investing an supporting brillant ideas.<br />Is not easy to have a constructive relationship between VCs and Entrepreneurs. VCs need to allow Entrepreneurs to make some mistakes and learn from them. But the role of the VCs is to also guide start ups and warn them of serious threats or issues.<br />Good VCs help Entrepreneurs being better in what they do.<br />When VCs say "no" to invest in a venture, they should explain why. Ouriel is asking if VCs are going to say "NO" next year more often. The ratio is 10 investments out of 1000 presentations made at a particular. Is that ratio going to change next year? Probably not. So no real reasons why start ups will find more difficult to raise money next year.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ffcc00;"><strong>Le Web08 - Day 1 - Wikio</strong></span></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Pierre Chappaz, CEO of Wikio (formerly founder and CEO of Kelkoo) is on stage now.<br />It is not the first time we are living in a Internet crash. We will survive this crisis. Web2.0 services are loosing money for most of them. But growth is still there. Speed of progress with NetVibes is quite impressive (revenue X by 4 in 4 quarters).<br />So what Wikio is about. A pan European News portal launched in 2005 with a team of 35 people in virtual offices in several countries. It allows users to browse information from traditional media, blogs, video sites. Has used some of the features of NetVibes to enhance the UI of Wikio.<br />Business model is on merchants links, adsense. sponsoring and advertising.<br />In November, Wikio has reached 12.4 million users (4M in France alone, less than 1M in the UK).540K€ revenue in Q4 2008 and Wikio is now breakeven.<br />Few learnings:<br />1/ Believe in what you do and fight2/ Manage expenses very carefully3/ Europe is their natural market and diversity is easier to deals with4/ Information generates traffic but not enough revenue (shopping is much better for that)</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-50965513398259074522008-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:002008-11-30T05:02:21.053-08:00Italy Shows Steep Declines For OctoberAccording to the latest hotel data from STR Global, Italian revenue per available room (RevPAR) dopped 20 percent to €99 for October.<br />For Italian hoteliers it’s nothing new. Declines have been back to back since May 2008. Turin was the only city to show growth, up 18-percent from the previous month.<br />Room occupancy dropped 13% across Italy from October 2007 to October 2008. The dark numbers from October worsen the already dreary year-to-date figures when compared to year to October 2007 figures.<br />“Demand has been falling in the main Italian cities since spring this year”, commented James Chappell, managing director of STR Global. “Milan and Turin have only started to see declining demand levels since July and September, respectively, which will put pressures upon their occupancy and average rate levels as we have seen in other Italian cites”.<br />“So far, Turin countered the country-wide trend through its increased marketing activities, increased cultural events and MICE (meeting, incentive, conference and event) business”, said Marco Malacrida, area director of STR Global in Italy. “The city’s increased destination marketing campaigns in national and international media, promoting multiple cultural and gastronomic events, combined with addition of new branded hotels and refurbishment of existing room stock boosted Turin’s hotel offering”.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">TMI Asia_Pacific: Now’s The Time To Hire</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center">According to TMS Asia-Pacific, hiring moratoriums are best lifted as today’s market has been inundated with available talent, the “best… seen in years.”<br />TMS also sites the forecasted upturn that is predicted in global business in the year ahead.<br />We have seen a major shift in the market in recent weeks with yesterday’s job-heavy, candidate-light scenario being almost completely reversed on an overnight basis,” he said.<br />“The upside of this is that we are now starting to see some very strong talent emerge - in fact some of the best we have seen in a number of years.<br />“Now is the ideal time to hire supreme talent to ensure companies are meeting their service level agreements.”<br />Turbulent times often see some high quality talent freed up as businesses restructure to try and cope with economic pressures. The financial crisis that has been hitting world markets very heavily for the past 6 months has set loose a large number of highly trained professionals that haven’t been seen on the market in years.<br />TMS is a top-tier specialist travel, tourism and hospitality recruitment and HR services company. With offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, as well as overseas at Auckland, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and SIngapore, TMS is routinely interacting and facilitating the placement of hotel professionals. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"> </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-27828703250631543332008-11-12T04:08:00.000-08:002008-11-12T04:10:08.627-08:00Hungary Luxury Hotels, Four and Five Star Hotels, Budapest<div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">Budapest Accommodation tips</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center">When choosing good accommodation in Budapest, please read the following tourist info:The list of Budapest hotels & accommodation in this site includes mainly luxury four stars & five stars hotels in Budapest.An important factor when choosing a good hotel in Budapest is hotel location. Many Budapest hotels are located near Metro stations in Budapest, enabling a very quick and easy travel in Budapest.Before choosing your Budapest hotel try checking that your stay in Budapest does not cross a national holiday when many tourist attractions are closed. Another point, try avoiding visiting Budapest in periods of big Congresses in Budapest, in this time it is quite difficult to get a good hotel in Budapest at reasonable prices.Before arrival to Budapest please visit Budapest hotels web sites, you may sometimes find a cheaper price for your hotel.Certain hotels in Budapest offer a cheaper rate when you stay in Budapest in a weekend.Most good hotels in Budapest have an impressing tourist information material, maps and free travel information in various languages for your stay in Budapest.Most of the good hotels in Budapest have internet facilities helping you be updated from Budapest. </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-76287804053439263112008-11-12T04:06:00.000-08:002008-11-12T04:08:12.218-08:00World Luxury Four and Five Star HotelsWhen choosing a world luxury hotel, please read the following tips:The list of world luxury hotels & accommodation in this site includes mainly luxury four stars & five stars hotels. The hotel directory is sorted by country.An important factor when choosing a good hotel is its location. Many hotels abroad are located near Metro stations in that city, enabling a very quick and easy travel in the city.Before choosing your hotel try checking that your stay abroad does not cross a national holiday when many tourist attractions are closed. Another point, try avoiding visiting in periods of big Congresses in the city, in that time it is quite difficult to get a good hotel at reasonable prices.Before arrival to a city please visit the city hotels' web sites, you may sometimes find a cheaper price for your hotel.Certain hotels offer a cheaper rate when you stay there in a weekend.Most good hotels abroad have an impressing tourist information material, maps and free travel information in various languages for your stay.Most of the good hotels abroad have internet facilities helping you be updated from your hotelmuhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-40177663067170535452008-11-10T04:40:00.000-08:002008-11-10T04:46:14.947-08:00Luxury Holiday PortalLuxury Holiday portal featuring luxury hotels, luxury travel, boutique hotels, world travel, paradise islands and luxury city breaks <br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Luxury Hotels in Las Vegas</span></strong></div><div align="left">Las Vegas is the mecca for playing casino games.One of the most visible aspects of Las Vegas' cityscape is its use of dramatic themes. The theme of luxury hotels and casinos on the Strip has established the city as one of the most popular destination.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Saddam Hussein Luxury Yacht</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left">The government of Iraq is selling the yacht of its former leader Saddam Hussein, Itar-Tass reports. The existence of the 80-meter-long Basra Breeze yacht (formerly known as Qadisiyah Saddam and Ocean Breeze) has been classified for a long time.It was.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Travel Deals from Recession Fears</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">If there’s one upside to a downturn, it’s that the consumer suddenly has new power: it’s a buyer’s market. Paradoxically, the eve of a recession might be just the time to consider that long-promised long weekend away </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Holidaymakers Fall For Rome</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">Rome in high summer can be uncomfortably hot, but the Eternal City can offer a delightful long weekend break in the shorter and cooler days of autumn and winter. The current economic situation means belt-tightening for many travellers, but the trip n..</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Mile High Building</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left">Mile high building brings mile-high challenges! So they’re building a mile-high tower? Well, billionaire prince and owner of The Savoy: al-Walid bin Talal, is planning to at least. The building will leave the Burj Dubai, Taipei 101 and The Gherki..</div><div align="left"> </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-63098920252948226102008-11-08T22:18:00.000-08:002008-11-08T22:20:30.805-08:00A blogger is bornAs a few of you may have noticed, I’ve sorely neglected updating you on the life and antics at Opus Hotels via the blog. I have a long list of fabulous excuses but will spare you most of them. Suffice it to say, life has been on fast forward here since my boss, mentor and dear friend Danielleft to become a full time ‘auteur’ and left me trying (impossibly) to fill his large and stylish shoes.When Dan pushed the daunting list of activities across his desk that I needed to pick up after his departure, he made me promise to blog often, wittily and well. While I’d had fun subbing in for him in the past, I’d never considered the pressure of actually coming up with (relevant and interesting) things to say on a regular basis. Needless to say, I’m suffering a case of mild inadequateness that comes from attempting to follow his blogger footsteps. Hm, let’s see … he left to pursue writing as a full time career; media have gushed over his witty blog; students in hotel schools have been assigned to read his blog; and now I have to step up to perform? But here I am, on my 4th flight from Montreal in 8 weeks, resolutely starting my first solo post. It feels good.I’ve been spending a lot of time recently at Opus Montreal planning the usual spate of marketing and communication activities. In this case, they’re directed at the spring 08 opening of what will be Montreal’s hottest, newest drinking and eating establishment. (More on that next post). As most marketers will tell you, it’s no longer enough to take out a couple of ads and hope the masses will come. Nope, it’s all about social marketing nowadays. I imagine I’m speaking to the knowledgeable and converted, but in the past year I’ve turned away from all but the most nominal advertising efforts (to the dismay of persistent sales people flogging ad space) and have become a convert to the merits of SEO, social marketing, viral campaigns and more. As head of marketing for a couple of stylish and contemporary boutique hotels, it’s my job to stay current on the latest trends. If Opus doesn’t chart this territory, who will – the Ritz?I confess I’m still grappling to understand these various mediums though. For gawd’s sake, I must be the last person standing who hasn’t succumbed to Facebook - yet. [I’ve been informed there’s a user group for people who swore they’d never join … like me.] Fortunately I have some really smart (and patient) people around me that guide me ever so slowly through the differentiators between Facebook and Myspace, Flickr and Youtube, Ebooks and Widgets, the list goes on! Last week, we created a Facebook Business Pagefor the Opus Hotel and had almost 300 fans join in less than a week! Our page features an events calendar, photos from previous parties, reviews and a discussion board. (Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, you may want to check out our rocking Valentine’s event featuring London’s own Housexy by Ministry of Sound.)As I plan the much anticipated spring launch at Opus Montreal, I’m actually getting excited about building our Facebook business profiles and sharing up-to-date information with you through this blog. We’ll even have a weekly video showing the progress of construction. If you come across hotels or bars that demonstrate particular Facebook or blogging brilliance, I’d love to hear from you.I’m looking forward to adding ‘blogger’ to my bio. Stay tuned for my soon-to-be-created Facebook profile. Look for it under “Groups for people who swore they’d never join”.<br />Labels: blogging, hotel, hotel blog, hotel vancouver, opus blog, opus hotelmuhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-18429698596426741202008-11-06T23:23:00.000-08:002008-11-06T23:28:23.217-08:00Channel District Hotel Set To Begin ConstructionConstruction of the Hotel Indigo in the Channel District of Tampa is set to begin before the end of the year.<br />The $29 million, 168-room Hotel Indigo will be located at Meridian, Cumberland and 11th streets near the Florida Aquarium.<br />We are ready and have loan commitments, and all indications are we are moving forward,” said Ford Smith, president of Tampa-based BayStar Hotel Group.<br />There are 27 other Hotel Indigos across the United States, with six in Florida and one each in Canada, Mexico and England.<br />The hotel will be a beautiful and luxurious one, with hardwood floors and area rugs in guestrooms, and a tone setting lobby with a surfboard-shaped check-in rather than the conventional lobby desks.<br />Each Indigo Hotel tends to have elements that set it apart from the others, but all implement the “Golden Mean” or “Phi,” a concept from the year 1200 that involves ratios of numbers that contribute to pleasant eye patterns.<br />The hotel should create 50 new jobs, as well as the 150 to 200 jobs created for the construction project.<br />Source<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Will Grow in 2009</span></strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left">With over 25 hotels and 10,000 guestrooms lined up in development projects, the Fairmont Hotel & Resorts will continue its aggressive growth strategy into 2009.<br />Their impressive portfolio of luxury hotels includes locations such as the famous Plaza Hotel in New York City, the Fairmont Mayakoba in Mexico City and the Fairmont Singapore.<br />2009 holds a variety of projects for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts including expansion into rapidly growing markets in Saudi Arabaia and China. Before the end of 2009, eleven new hotels will open their doors, including the 222-room Fairmont Beijing and 150-room Fairmont Battery Wharf in Boston’s historic North End.<br />Overall the chain will expand by 3,700 guestrooms in locations as varied as Kenya, United Arab Emirates, and Egypt.<br />Source</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">September Drops in RevPAR and Occupancy</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left">The US Hotel industry has posted year-over year declines in both RevPAR and Room Occupancy rates for September 2008, according to reports form STR.<br />Occupancy in September fell 5.9 percent to 60.6 percent, compared to 2007’s 64.5 percent. RevPAR for the month was down as well, decling 3.1% to $65.08 from September 2007’s $67.13.<br />Some markets still performed well, including New Orleans with a +20.2 percent revPAR, Denver with a +12.3 percent revPAR, New York with +8.4 percent revPAR and Dallas with +6.4 percent revPAR.<br />The stalwart San Francisco market also reported gains of +8.4 percent in revPAR for the month.<br />Overall, however, the industry faced a very difficult third quarter in 2008, with revPAR growth moving into negative territoy for the first time since the second quarter of 1993.<br />“We expect a continued difficult operating environment in the final quarter of 2008. Room supply growth will continue while demand growth (roomnights sold) likely will remain soft in many markets, driven by slowing economic growth.”- Bobby Bowers, STR Senior Vice President of Operations</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;">Middle East Hot Spot for Top Level Hotel Professionals</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left"><span style="color:#3366ff;"><span style="color:#333333;">While worse news is digested daily by Western hospitality companies and hotel franchises, eyes have turned towards the Middle East for a glimmer of hope and a rosier picture.<br />Dubai, the capital of hotel management companies in the Middle East, continues to astound with their unprecedented success story and growing market share. Hoteliers have long been fleeing to set up shop in Dubai, where they enjoy tax-free salaries, a superior quality of life and the plentitude of career opportunities.<br />While overall salaries for VPs of development and other high ranking officers in Hotel companies are equal to or less than their counterparts across the world, there are quite a few hidden perks.<br />First, they keep the 40% that would otherwise be eaten by taxes. Second, they usually have housing provided as they are working there as expats. Putting the numbers together, a position today in Dubai is, in all ways, quite a good deal.<br /></span></span><span style="color:#333333;">It remains to be seen how much the current crisis will work its way into the Middle East market, but for now they seem quite prepared to weather this financial nightmare.</span></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;">HotelBook.com Jumps 21% in Profits</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center">Utell Hotels & Resorts reported a 21% increase in revenue to hotels between January and August 2008 on hotelbook.com.<br />HotelBook.com offers more than 6,000 independent, boutique and small group hotels in 2,000 cities around the world, and averages stays of 2.8 days and an average increase of £8 per night in booking rates compared to 2007.<br />Even with economic trends on a downward spiral, the operation was able to post a respectable profit.<br />“We’ve further developed hotelbook this year to enable the independent and boutique hotels represented to better reach travellers globally seeking a unique and personalised experience,” said Wimborne. “The revenue results are evidence that our campaigns are delivering for both hotels and customers.”</div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#3366ff;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="center"> </div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3482935720310278671.post-69724958267088786992008-11-06T23:19:00.000-08:002008-11-06T23:23:40.123-08:00Hotel Booking Site For Those With AllergiesPure Solutions has launched the first online resource for travelers seeking allergy-friendly lodging.<br />PURE Solutions lets travelers book at over 50 hotels worldwide and is a leading resource for allergy sufferers. THeir technology improves air quality, provide a better sleeping atmosphere and enhance the hotel experience.<br />“According to the National Center for Disease Control, one in four Americans suffers from allergies. Our website now makes it possible for travelers with allergies to easily find and book a hotel room that allows them to sleep better at night and wake up feeling rested and refreshed” said Brian Brault, CEO and Founder of PURE Solutions. “The site now better represents who we are and why a PURE room makes such a difference, as well as providing regular updates of new hotels that offer PURE rooms<br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">UK Hotels Feel Slowdown In September</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong> </div><div align="left">UK Hoteliers watched as their numbers took a slight dip in September as a result of lower demand. Room rates declined as a result, and the worsening economic situation being fended off by business travelers is beginning to take a more noticeable toll on business.<br />A PDF Hotel Consultancy Service report for September reported that in London room rate was down to 1.5% from the same time last year. Occupancy, however, stayed at 81.6%, but this number was still down 5.7% from the same time last year.<br />Other regions experienced similar or worse declines in numbers.<br />Robert Barnard, partner for Hotel Consultancy Services at PKF, commented, “The decreases that hoteliers experienced this month are not surprising given the current turmoil in the markets which is undoubtedly affecting business travel.<br />“However, it should also be noted that hoteliers did have a particularly strong September in 2007 and this goes some way to explaining some of the decreases.</div>muhammadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05918889914203069038noreply@blogger.com