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Luxury Home Rentals in Tuscany

2011-04-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

Tuscany is the region in Italy, which precisely matches the visitor's expectations about the clean, unspoilt landscape of Mediterranean country under the sun hot enough for grapes to produce nice wine, jet not too hot, so the green areas do not turn into the empy desert.

The valour of the place has already been appreciated by Etruscans, who exploited ore deposits from the slopes of Monte Amiata and Monte Civitella.
Romans established new towns like Pistoia, took a bath here and there, but didn't left many of spectacular traces, like for example in adjacent region Lazio.
There is quite a big number of interesting Romanesque and Gothic buildings, like the spectacular towers of San Gimignano, but Tuscany is known for its art treasuries from Renaissance.
The region's capital, Florence is so packed with art masterpieces that you need several days at most to comprehend and digest all the artistic experiences.
It is better then to stay for a few days in a hotel here, and even better, spend some time for research and select an apartment to rent which has 'A Room with a View'.
Popular area for villa rentals is Chianti, there Francis Mayes has found her villa to restore, and Hollywood cameramen setting for some shots of 'Gladiator'.
Many more movies were made here, like 'Under the Tuscan sun' based on book by Mayes, 'English patient', or going back to Florence, 'La Vita e Bella' and 'Hannibal' with Anthony Hopkins.
Renting a luxury villa here is a good choice, and with splitting the costs among group of friends allow to have a holiday cheaper than while staying at a hotel.
More villas can be found between Viareggio and La Spezia, also in another wine district called 'Super Tuscan'. Less packed with historical buildings is Maremma tempting with unspoilt landscape in Natural Park and perfect conditions for sailing and diving near island Elba.

Skiing in Italian Dolomites

2010-08-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Lake Misurina

Over 160 years ago German and British travellers discovered the limestone mountains Dolomites, and treated the small villages scattered around the area as base for their excursions.
At the beginning separated from the civilization soon they received the new roads and railway connection with Venice and Milano. The winter resorts were modeled after St.Moritz in Austria, as most of the mountains were under the Austrian-Hungarian Empire rule.

The new hotels were build in Cortina d'Ampezzo, San Martino di Castrozza also in Madonna di Campiglio to name just a few important ski resorts.A little outside of the main track the ski resort San Martino remained its egalitarian character. Unlike the other resorts, which are better or worse interconnected between each other, it is rather difficult to ski elsewhere while sleeping in San Martino, thus the tourists came there more for relaxing and admiring the phantasy shapes of Dolomite peaks still enjoying skiing.
The visitors, who want to experience the biggest number of kilometers and the bigger variety of slopes choose the area of Sella Ronda. within last years the Italian magazines and organizations voted Alta Badia and Val Gardena the best ski resorts of Dolomites, and among the best in Italy, considering the accommodation base, tourist information and overall preparation for the Winter and Summer seasons.
British tourists prefer Madonna, which competes with Cortina for the title 'Queen of Dolomites'. Not only British, recently Madonna has seen Naomi Campbell, and Michael Schumacher, who became the frequent guest there. But Cortina is definitely the icon of Dolomites, and a really 'must-see' for the firs timers in Dolomites.
Already popular at the beginning of 20th century it became the resort of 'rich and famous' especially after the World War II, which fruited with hosting Winter Olympics in 1956.
Several iconic movies were made on the slopes of Tofane, including Bond with Roger Moore, who visited Cortina several times after. Cortina is still the elite ski resort, however today is harder to spot a celebrity, who rather stay within the privacy of their apartments. The photo shows Lake Misurina, a marvelous table of water reflecting the surrounding mountains in the relaxing tranquility of existence.

To read about the best hotels in Dolomites please visit the pages of Ski Italy, where you can also find more about Ski Cortina.

Photo courtesy of satyricon86

Merry Christmas

2008-12-26T01:36:00.000-08:00

The team of Best Hotel Search wishes you 'Merry Christmas an a Happy New Year'.
We hope that in spite of various political situations around the world, the coming
year will bring you the new opportunities to visit exotic places.
We are going to put all our effort to make this place useful for both holiday and business trip planning.
Merry Christmas!

Oriens Travel & Hotel Management Exceeds Projections With Recent Contract Worth Estimated $250,000

2008-10-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS, Oct 7, 2008 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Oriens Travel & Hotel Management Corp. (Pink Sheets:OTHM) ( http://www.orienscorp.com), a company that seeks out mid/lower-end hotel properties in developing countries and reorganizes them under the Hotel PURE brand, is pleased to announce the signing of its first contract with one hotel, worth approximately $250,000 per year in revenue to the Company. Oriens will facilitate all of the hotel's online booking needs and in return this order will allow the Company to achieve revenue ahead of projections.

This marks a major milestone for the Company since the initial projections of achieving revenue were forecasted to start in the third quarter of 2009. Statistics show that in Costa Rica in 2007, 1.9 million visitors occupied approximately 1 million rooms with an average nightly rate of US$150. The number of visitors is expected to increase to 2.4 million in 2008. With 15% of the total rooms being booked through the Internet and growing rapidly, the estimated worth of these 150,000 room bookings is just over US$22 million.

Recognizing these trends and utilizing the Company's proprietary online booking and processing technology, Oriens has launched a marketing effort to approach these hotels in Costa Rica in an effort to handle all of their online booking needs. As a result, the first contract was agreed upon with Hacienda Quachipelin. Oriens expects to put together a sales force that will market its online booking technology to the thousands of hotels in Costa Rica as well as other developing nations. Oriens is currently projecting to service an additional 40 hotels, worth approximately US$8 million in sales, over the next 9 months.

Ken Chua, President of Oriens Travel and Hotel Management Corp. stated, "We are extremely excited by the completion of this first contract with Hacienda Quachipelin. This agreement has now placed Oriens into a positive stage of revenue growth. Now that the first one is out of the way, the flood gate is now officially opened."

The Oriens Travel & Hotel Management Corp. logo is available at www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4206

The above statements in regard to Oriens, which are not purely historical, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Oriens' beliefs, expectations, hopes or intentions regarding the future. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available to the parties as of such date. It is important to note that the actual outcome and the actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include risks and uncertainties, such as technological, legislative, corporate, financial and marketplace changes.

NYC Plaza hotel owners win naming fight in Vegas

2008-10-07T12:55:00.000-07:00

LAS VEGAS: The owners of the Plaza Hotel in New York have won a court fight to use the Plaza name for a casino-resort planned on the Las Vegas Strip.

El-Ad Group, the developers of the planned multibillion dollar resort, said Monday they expect to break ground in spring 2010 and open in 2012.

El-Ad Group was sued by Tamares Las Vegas Properties LLC, which owns the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas.

El-Ad says a Clark County District Court jury sided with them because of federal trademarks that allow El-Ad to use the brand throughout the United States.

The new Plaza complex is expected to be built on the former site of the New Frontier casino-hotel, which was demolished by implosion in November 2007.

Goldman Sachs analyst cuts hotel sector estimates

2008-10-07T12:54:00.000-07:00

Goldman Sachs analyst lowers hotel sector estimates on supply growth, economic uncertainty

NEW YORK (Associated Press) - A Goldman Sachs analyst lowered his 2009 and 2010 estimates for the hotel sector late Monday, citing broad economic uncertainty, projected supply growth and weakening business travel trends.

There were more than 650,000 hotel rooms in development, planning or construction in the U.S. in August 2008, a 16.9 percent increase over August 2007, according to a report produced by Torto Wheaton Research, Dodge Construction and Smith Travel Research.

While analysts predict that the credit crisis will lead to some cancellations, most developments already under construction are likely to be completed.

"Simply put, the majority of supply will hit the U.S. market just as demand is weakening," said Goldman Sachs analyst Steven Kent.

Kent expects hotels to generally meet third-quarter projections but provide a dim outlook for 2009 due to the uncertain economy and concerns about business travel. "Business travel is one of the first expenses to be cut in a downturn and one of the last to recover," he said.

Kent predicted that revenue per available room will drop 4 percent in the U.S. market during 2009 and dip 1 percent in 2010. Revenue per available room, or revpar, is considered a key gauge of a hotelier's performance.

The analyst cut his 2009 earnings-per-share estimates for the sector by 30 percent on average _ well below the consensus forecast. For 2010, he lowered his estimates by 40 percent on average.

Shares of major hotel companies fluctuated with the broader market on Monday morning. Investors got some early encouragement from a new Federal Reserve plan to buy massive amounts of corporate debt, but continued to grapple with fears about the clogged credit markets.

In morning trading, shares of Marriott International Inc. fell $1.01, or 4.7 percent, to $20.63. The stock has traded between $20.27 and $43.13 during the past 52 weeks.

Shares of Intercontinental Hotels Group PLC jumped 37 cents, or 3.5 percent, to $11.02. The stock has traded between $10.30 and $23.42 during the past year.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.'s stock fell 87 cents, or 3.6 percent, to $23.01.

Best Geek Hotels in the World

2008-05-07T01:34:00.000-07:00

We've been to plenty of hotels where the TV hardly worked and the Internet connection was spotty. But some properties are on the other end of the spectrum: true Geek Hotels. What does it take to be a Geeky Hotel? Way more than just free WiFi, that's for sure. Being geek is a cultural endeavour, so after searching every henhouse, outhouse, and boathouse around the world we have put together our list of the world's top geek hotels. From artificial intelligence, to high end gadgetry, to geek service, and geek movie worship, the hotels on this list have a certain je ne sais quoi de geek.

HOTELCHATTER'S BEST GEEK HOTELS IN THE WORLD LIST

1. THE TRIBECA GRAND, NEW YORK

True, the Tribeca Grand tries its hardest to emit uber-hip downtown cool. But the hotel's geeky side comes out in the iStudio. It's a room stuffed to the hilt with Apple gizmos and gadgets, the likes of which you can't stuff in your laptop bag. We're talking photo, video and sound editing software, cameras and wireless peripherals. An enterprising guest could even make their own in-room hotel sex tape.

A Bose SoundDock stands at the ready for your iPod, or if you somehow forgot yours, the hotel has an iPod ready and waiting with preloaded tracks from Ratatat to Cat Power. But of course, you can set up your own playlist, too.

Ask for a room number ending in 06 or 16. The hotel will set up other rooms with older computers, but the G5's reside in the 06 and 16 rooms. If you run into any tech problems, which you shouldn't, front desk manager Rob Stone is the resident Mac guru. Or you could ping him at Tribeca Concierge on AIM--no joke.

Click here for a bonus Tribeca Grand iStudio Suite Photoshoot.

2. HOTEL @ MIT, BOSTON

The Hotel @ MIT. C'mon that one was obvious, right? (Major geek points ring up when a hotel uses an "@" in its official name.) Still, it was a no-brainer when we found out the hotel promotes itself with info like this:

With historically significant robots from the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab displayed in our lobby, to high-tech detailed décor, to complimentary wireless and high-speed Internet access in each of our Guest Rooms and public areas - be assured your visit will be comfortable and productive.

Inside the hotel's rooms, you'll find a digital safe big enough for your top-secret-info-carrying laptop. All 210 rooms also have access to a networked laser printer, so no reason to tote your portable ink jet along. Free WiFi is present, but the in room, superfast, T1 line is where the hard core engineers hunker down. And it's not just the in-room technology that sets the Hotel @ MIT apart: it's the decor.

Patents behind the concierge desk, vintage photos from "Intro to Mechanical Engineering Classes", equations on the blankets, chemistry cartoons in the bathrooms, this place tricked out geek from top to bottom.

3. WOODLYN PARK, NEW ZEALAND

The whole New Zealand/Lord of the Rings tourism thing gets plenty of play, but that's usually all about driving through the geeky--but lovely--countryside. Where do you change into your hobbit costume before touring the filming locations? Might we suggest Woodlyn Park?

The hotel's two units burrow underground and have round windows straight out of the film. The furniture is a little modern for Middle Earth, but it seems to get the job done:

Very tastefully furnished with big beds so you feel like a small hobbit! There's one double bed in the main lounge/dining/kitchen area and two bunks in a separate bedroom

This hotel is less than five minutes from Waitomo Caves where you can go blackwater rafting in the glow worm caves.

Matamata is the closest LOTR site, home to--no real surprise here--Hobbiton.

[Photo: Maruba]

4. FAENA HOTEL + UNIVERSE, BUENOS AIRES

Faena Hotel + Universe is a Buenos Aires design hotel that reeks of chic geek. Each room boasts an appropriately placed flat screen (read: glare was taken into consideration) and the entire property comes complete with a strong internet connection, 802.11 is present throughout, and there is decent throughput--our spy ran a bandwidth test well into the megs. The connection can easily be used for VOIP sessions, poolside, which allows you to live quite decadently while you are on a conference call with someone in the Valley.

Furthermore, while you are poolside not only can you use all your devices as you kick back in a chaise and breathe in the hip, but also expect staffers to offer you charging coils for your devices--nice touch. The coup de grâce? The water is positioned to create the illusion that things on the other side of the pool are floating, nice illusion.

5. SIDI DRISS, TUNISIA

Nothing reeks of geek more than traveling to Tunisia just to spend the night in the real Tatouine, yes it is a real town near Hotel Sidi Driss. Located in Matmata, Tunisia, (weird, how closely the spelling matches the LOTR town) Sidi Driss is essentially a five-pit dwelling of "underground labyrinths and vaulted rooms." As we wrote back in 2005:

Parts of the Star Wars set still exist in the hotel, but mostly it's just a giant Berber cave, indistinguishable from the hundreds around town - half sunken into the desert.

Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru's on screen home has been left virtually untouched since 1977, and thirty years later plenty of Star Wars aficionados make it a point to stop by Sidi Driss. If you go, just try to stay the night without saying "But I was going into Tashi Station to pick up some power converters" in full screamy, vintage Mark Hamill whine.

Best of all, you don't have to have to cash in your Google stock to pay for a room as it only costs 16 Tunisian dollars a night.

[Photo: Declan McCullagh]

6. WYNN LAS VEGAS

On the surface, Wynn may not look like a top geek hotel. C'mon, you've got toilet king Herb Kohler at the craps table, a fake mountain in the backyard and gigantic floor lamps lighting the hotel's entryway.

But you know the uber-wealthy love their toys and Steve Wynn is no exception. For starters, there's high-definition TVs in every room (plus in poolside cabanas) with On Demand HD movies (including HD porn selections, much to the chagrin of some viewers, and bashful porn stars everywhere). Second, every room sports motorized drapes and lighting that you control with your own remote because pulley systems to raise curtains are so last century. Third, the entire hotel's phone system operates off VOIP from Avaya and your name and room number pops up into other hotel phone's caller ID. And vice versa.

Lastly, the hotel's Red Card serves as your all-access pass to the resort. It's your key card, your player's club card, your reservations card and your shopping card, so long as you are on the Wynn resort. And unlike other hotel key cards, this Red Card's RFID is definitely storing all your personal data. Hell, those casino bosses probably know about that pack of gum you swiped from a five and dime when you were 8-years-old.

The only downside as one reviewer noted when the hotel first opened is that the red card operates on Windows XP and all systems are connected. So if the slot machine crashes (which it did) then your red card won't open your hotel room. The upside, if you are worth your geek cred you should be able to hack into this system, which should mean hacking into the slot machines...you get the picture. Anyone else sensing another MIT club forming around this concept? Bringing Down the House II, perhaps?

Top 10: Hotels Worldwide

2008-05-07T00:04:00.001-07:00

10. The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
Perhaps the only five-star and five-diamond hotel in the Southwest, The Mansion on Turtle Creek offers extremely succulent dining and reinforces it with legendary southern service and charm. The name alone shouts Texas.

9. The Ritz, Paris

The Ritz's most recent brush with notoriety occurred on the night of Princess Diana's fatal car accident. Crystal chandeliers, silk and tapestries perfectly symbolize France in 1896. Partiers, celebrities and royalty seem to value and cherish the staff's discretion.

8. Crillon, Paris

One of Paris' many palatial hotels, Le Crillon consists of two 18th-century town houses on Place de la Concorde. What really makes the hotel stand out is its sheer amount of marble. The hotel's storied past is reflected by its status as a national treasure. The rooms do reflect the over-indulgent French cultural traits of the 18th-century, but that is to be expected wit zee French .

7. The Oriental, Bangkok

If it's true that a hotel is as famous as the guests that grace it, then the Oriental has a considerable head start. The original building has been revamped and its restaurants are renowned. If you don't like what the restaurants have to offer, then stroll by the nightly barbecue.

6. Dorchester, London

Few establishments manage to blend luxury with charm. Established in the early-1930s, the Dorchester is a throwback to the days of England's wealth and prestige as 1,500 square meters of gold and 1,100 of marble take guests' breath away.

5. Regent, Hong Kong

The elegant and modern Regent provides guests with luxurious rooms and spectacular views. The hotel offers practically everything, of note: a lovely Jacuzzi, spa and massage center. Its signature restaurant is a testament to Hong Kong's storied past as the gateway of Westerners into Eastern culture. If you enjoy the atmosphere of Shanghai nightclubs at the turn of the century, just stroll by their bar.

4. The Four Seasons, Chicago

If you like to be treated like royalty, then this is the spot for you. This Four Seasons is blessed with Chicago's breathtaking panoramic views. Somehow, it manages to create an ambience more reminiscent of traditional houses than Chicago's numerous sky rises. In all fairness to other prestigious Four Seasons Hotels, several others could have ended up on this list, notably the New York City and Hong Kong ones.

3. Amstel Inter-Continental, Netherlands

If you ever visit the Netherlands for something other than its Red Light District, you might want to hobnob with royalty and celebrities who seem to appreciate the hotel's emphasis on customer service. The 125-year-old hotel offers the most spacious rooms in the city, blending Dutch atmosphere with European style.

2. The Peninsula, Hong Kong

The breathtaking lobby sets the stage for The Peninsula: mixing traditional charm -- with its fleet of Rolls Royces -- with modern amenities such as their beautiful pool and scenic gym. Some of the guestrooms are even furnished with telescopes to accommodate guests with the amazing view.

1. The Hotel Bel-Air, California

Do you light your cigars with dead presidents? If you do, then the bright, Mediterranean style Bel-Air has your name on it. Legend has it that many of its guests fail to leave once graced with the hotel's nature trails and health spa.

World's Best Hotels

2008-05-06T23:56:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for best deals on hotels in major cities and tourist destinations across the world, you've found the right website. Travour.com offers detailed information and online booking for a wide range of hotels in cities around the world. You can search for all relevant information on thousands of hotels in USA, Europe, Asia, Australia, Caribbean, South America and the Middle East with Travour.

We have detailed information on best 5-star luxury hotels and resorts, business hotels, boutique hotels, heritage hotels, and innumerable cheap budget hotels and apartments for hundreds of cities and tourist destinations all over the world. Whether you're a business corporate or a leisure traveler, we'll help you search and book for best hotels in the world, all at the click of the mouse.

Travour.com brings to you online information on hotels in USA, Europe, Australia, Asia, Caribbean and all other major world destinations. Search for information on a wide range of hotels across the world from our database, containing relevant and useful information on thousands of hotels. What's more, you can search for hotels of your choice either by destination or your favorite hotel groups with us. If you're looking for best deals on hotels, then look no further. Go ahead and find your favorite hotels and make online hotel booking at best available prices on the Internet with Travour.

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Searching for best hotels - Besthotelsearchsite.com can help you

2008-04-22T01:00:00.001-07:00

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Hot Hotel Tips

2008-03-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

I don’t think much of the big airlines and the way they run their businesses. But, generally speaking, I like hotels. A lot.

Compared with the do-it-our-way airlines, hotels offer a panoply of choices. There seems to be a style of hotel for every $5 on the nightly-rate scale. Everyone from the janitor to the general manager seems empowered to fix something when a problem arises. Unlike the airlines, hotels don’t move in infuriating lockstep on prices or policies. No bellman ever lost my bag. I’ve never arrived at a hotel, reservation in hand, and been told that the property won’t be operating that evening. Best of all, if I don’t like the service I’m getting, I can check out and move to another hotel. Airlines really discourage midflight decisions to leave the aircraft.

But as with every other facet of life on the road, you can make your hotel stays better, cheaper, more comfortable, and more productive if you know how to work the system. Here’s the best of what I’ve learned in three decades of doing just that.

Status Matters
It took hotel chains almost a decade to successfully adopt and adapt airlinelike loyalty programs. But once they caught up in the early 1990s, hotel plans blossomed. Now, I value my elite status in frequent-stay programs more than my frequent-flyer credentials. That’s because status still matters in the hotel game and pays off with frequent room upgrades, lavish freebies (including rooms), and other perks, like the Oreos that one chain leaves on my nightstand.

Another great thing about hotel programs is that you don’t have to be loyal to any one brand or lodging type. All the major chains now have “families” of brands that cover everything from side-of-the-road motels to deluxe pleasure palaces—and every stay at any property counts toward your elite status with the chain. Align your lodging preferences with one family—Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, and InterContinental have the most hotels across the most lodging segments, closely followed by Hyatt—and you’ll quickly become a high-status player at hundreds of hotels around the world.

Introduce Yourself
Most of the hotels at the apex of the lodging hierarchy—think Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental—don’t have frequency programs with membership cards, points, and monthly account statements. But they do have sophisticated computerized systems that track your personal preferences. Ask for a special type of pillow at the Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland and you’ll likely find the same waiting on your bed at the Ritz-Carlton in Istanbul. Request a particular wine at one Four Seasons hotel and it follows you around the Four Seasons universe.

But don’t rely on computers. At the best hotel groups, introduce yourself around, especially to the general manager. If you intend to be a regular, let him know. Give him your business card and write him a thank-you note after your stay. When you’re headed to the next property, call and ask him whom to contact. He’ll do the work for you and alert the next hotel’s G.M., who will likely want to meet you when you arrive. In no time, you’ll know the boss at great hotels around the world and they’ll ply you with room upgrades and a dazzling array of extra services. These guys—most G.M’.s at deluxe hotels are guys—know a good customer when they meet one.

World Hotel Information

2008-03-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

Slip effortlessly from the sand to the ski slopes with Chile’s splendid Andean Mountain Range in your sights. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is the perfect venue to take in the history and admire the natural beauty of this geographically gifted place.

Strategically located in one of the Chilean capital city’s most prestigious neighborhoods, El Golf, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago offers:

205 guest rooms including 49 Club Level rooms, 3 Club Suites, 12 Executive Suites, and a Presidential Suite
7,440 square-foot Health and Fitness Center overlooking the Andes Mountains and the city
Over 9,207 square feet of meeting and conference space
Indoor pool and Jacuzzi

The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
Guest Room Features & Amenities
Property Features & Amenities
Business Services
Hotel Policies
Awards and Honors

Guest Room Features & Amenities

Dazzling views of the city
Classic decor
King-sized beds
In-room safe
AM/FM clock radio
High-speed Internet access
Computer and fax connections
Multi-line speakerphones with voice mail
Honor bar
24-hour in-room dining
Non-smoking rooms available

Property Features & Amenities

7,440 square-foot Health and Fitness Center
Heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Andes Mountains and the city
Four exceptional restaurants and lounges
Over 9,207 square feet of meeting and conference space

Business Services

Business Center featuring one meeting room with capacity for up to 10 persons
Work stations with personal computers, printers and high-speed Internet connection
Photocopy, facsimile, secretarial and translation services
Newspapers and magazines

Hotel Policies

Check-in 3 p.m.

Check-out: Noon

Awards and Honors

Since its creation in June 2003, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago has received all the major awards the local and international hospitality industry and leading consumer organizations can confer. The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is the first and only Chilean hotel to be named the number one hotel of Mexico, Central and South America by the prestigious Travel+Leisure Magazine. The following is a list of the principal awards and honors the hotel has received:

Travel+Leisure Magazine

- “Number 1 in South America” (2007)

- “Number 1 Hotel in Mexico, Central & South America and Number 25 in the World” (2006)

- “World’s Best Service, Mexico, Central & South America” (2006)

Condé Nast Traveler Magazine

- “100 Best New Hotel in the World" (2004)

- “Second Best Hotel in South America” and “55 of the 100 Best Hotels in the World” (2004)

The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

- The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. (1992 & 1999)

The Robb Report

- “Best of the Best” (2004)

Local Awards

- “Best Hotel Restaurant, Adra” by El Mercurio Newspaper (2006)

- “Best Restaurant Service for Adra & Wine 365” by National Food Critics Circle (2006)

- “Best New Menu for Adra”, by Que Pasa Magazine (2006)

The world's best hotel bars

2008-03-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Belly-up at the best watering holes in town

A decade ago, while walking through the lobby of a posh five-star hotel in Hamburg, a jet-setting executive wondered whether or not the lifeless hotel bar was actually closed. The space was filled with threadbare furnishings, frayed oriental rugs and a creepy flickering antediluvian lamp, giving it “the eerie air of a funeral parlor,” he recalls, many years later. “Plus, the bartender looked like a holdover from the Depression Era. It was horrible.”

The bleak bar, of course, wasn’t closed. But it should’ve been, insists the high-flying executive who never returned to the stodgy property. It’s a make-it or break-it scenario shared by many in his coterie, for whom a drink, a meet-and-greet or just solitary reflection in an atmospheric space is as central to their on-the-go lives as their Blackberrys.

Which is exactly why, in the past few years, hotel bars have undergone a slow but steady broad-based transformation. Says Bjorn Hanson, a hospitality consultant and researcher with PricewaterhouseCoopers, “Hotels have already done flat-screen TVs and improved beddings, so the new frontier is the creative and competitive element of bars.”

The best hotels in the world

2008-03-24T22:39:00.001-07:00

Chicago Tribune

The best hotels in the world, from Travel + Leisure's 2007 readers' poll:

1. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

2. Singita Sabi Sand/Kruger National Park, South Africa

3. The Oriental, Bangkok

4. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

5. The Milestone, London

6. Relais Il Falconiere, Cortona, Italy

7. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa

8. Mandarin Oriental, Munich

9. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

10. Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India

Looking for the best travel deals and hotels in Mexico? You've found them.

2008-03-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Here at Different World we've done all the hard work for you. We travel Mexico looking for the very best hotels for vacation travelers, from luxury hotels to simple beachfront cabanas. And because we stay at each hotel before we offer it, you can be sure that the information we provide is accurate, up-to-date and unbiased.

We're very selective about the hotels we include. Our quality goal is simple: if we wouldn't stay there ourselves, we won't offer it to you. And we revisit our hotels regularly to make sure that our standards are maintained.

No single page hotel descriptions here! Instead you'll find detailed information about each hotel, with lots of photos, plus travel tips and hints about what to see and do during your stay. And if you have any questions, our travel experts are just an email or phone call away.

We're confident that whatever you choose, whether one of our 5 star luxury hotels on the Caribbean or in Acapulco, an all inclusive in Cabo San Lucas Baja, or a hip hotel in Mexico City, you'll be enjoying the very best accommodation that Mexico has to offer. Have a great vacation!

Hotel Palmilla

2008-03-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

One of the Grande Dames of Mexico, this magnificent resort was originally built in 1956 as a private hideaway for International sportfishermen, and was frequented by Bing Crosby, Dwight Eisenhower, John Wayne, and Desi Arnaz. The only way in and out was by yacht, or private plane.

The Hotel Palmilla is surrounded by 900 acres of resort property on the eastern side of the Baja California peninsula on Palmilla Bay.

All rooms are air-conditioned and include phone, TV, and mini bar.

The cuisine is American, Continental, and Mexican (with live Mariachi music on the weekends). For shopping trips, San Jose del Cabo is 5 miles north, and Cabo san Lucas is 15 miles south.

The Palmilla Golf Club, opened in December of 1992, is Latin America's first Jack Nicklaus signature course. Palmilla offers golfers spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez from nearly every hole as it winds through centuries old cardon cacti and rugged desert mountain terrain, making each hole a memorable experience for golfers of every skill level. The 27-hole course is divided into the Arroyo Nine, the Mountain Nine and the Ocean Nine. The five sets of staggered tee boxes ensure golfers, from beginners to professionals, an exciting game. The course has received accolades from around the world.

Los Cabos is less than a two-hour flight from Los Angeles. The Los Cabos area is served by the San Jose del Cabo International Airport, a 20-minute drive from Palmilla. There are approximately 25 flights daily to Los Cabos.

The Palmilla area, perched high atop a promontory overlooking the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez, was designed and built in 1956 by Abelardo Rodriguez, son of a former president of Mexico. Accessible then only by private plane or yacht, Palmilla became a retreat for dignitaries and celebrities.

Los Cabos offers some great places to ride. Ride along the beach at sunset or go up into the hills and view Cabo from an angle most people never get to see. Recreation includes; an 27-hole, Jack Nicklaus Golf Course, fitness center, tennis, world class sportfishing, scuba/snorkeling excursions, and whale watching trips.

Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveler Readers

2008-03-16T23:01:00.000-07:00

Award supports trend for life changing travel experiences, not just quick getaways.

October 24, 2005, Soufriere, St. Lucia, West Indies - In a surprise double victory, Condé Nast Traveler readers have voted Ladera not only the "Best Hotel In Vegas," but gave it the highest sc or e of any hotel in the world, ranking it the "Best of the Best" in the overall hotel category. The honor marks the first time in the 18 year history of the awards that a Caribbean hotel has appeared on the "Best of the Best" list. The awards are featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler , available on newsstands tomorrow, October 25th .

When an intimate, 25-room, open-air hotel overlooking the St. Lucian rainforest and Caribbean Sea is rated the number one property in the world, it is a confirmation that the current trend toward life changing travel experiences, and not just quick getaways, is here to stay.

"We are honored to be recognized by an opinion leader like Condé Nast Traveler and their readers, whom we consider the most discriminating and informed group of travel consumers," said Robert Stewart, General Manager of Ladera. "Considering the competition, not only in the Caribbean, but worldwide, we are at once humbled and very, very proud."

Ladera opened in 1992. It is located in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean and uniquely situated on a ridge at 1,100 feet overlooking the volcanic Piton mountains, the Caribbean Sea and the Soufriere valley. Ladera is known f or its distinctive eco-lodge architecture, built with Caribbean timbers and modeled on luxury tree-house living and a relaxed, barefoot lifestyle. Guestrooms were intentionally built without a fourth wall, yet were designed to be both sheltered and completely private. The design aff or ds spectacular sunset views and unobstructed star gazing at night.

Dasheene, Ladera's restaurant, is noted throughout the Caribbean for its innovative kitchen and creative renderings of island cuisine. Unlike many island resort restaurants, Dasheene's menu is based on native ingredients and relies on the local bounty for its fresh, innovative take on West Indian dishes. The produce is grown exclusively for the resor t by island farmers and neighboring plantations. Fish is caught daily in the nearby waters and the spices are harvested from indigenous St. Lucian plants. Ladera has been at the forefront of St. Lucia 's "sustainable cooking" movement to encourage other local restaurants to use their native produce and products and to claim Caribbean cooking's rightful place in World Cuisine.

World's Best Hotels

2008-03-16T22:58:00.000-07:00

Travour.com brings to you online information on hotels in USA, Europe, Australia, Asia, Caribbean and all other major world destinations. Search for information on a wide range of hotels across the world from our database, containing relevant and useful information on thousands of hotels. What's more, you can search for hotels of your choice either by destination or your favorite hotel groups with us. If you're looking for best deals on hotels, then look no further. Go ahead and find your favorite hotels and make Best Hotel Search at best available prices on the Internet with Travour.

Turkish Hotels In Best Hotels List Of Thomas Cook

2008-03-16T22:57:00.000-07:00

ANKARA - Thomas Cook, one of giant tour operators in the world, included two Turkish hotels in its list of top ten hotels in the world.

Trendy Hotels Aspendos Beach and Hotel Paradise Side Beach in the Mediterranean province of Antalya received best hotel awards of Thomas Cook.

The tour operator chose five-star Erlebnishotel Colesseo in Germany as the best hotel in the world. Trendy Hotels Aspendos Beach is the second best hotel in the world, and Beach Resort in Greece is the third.

Hotel Paradise Side Beach of Turkey is at the list of the top ten hotels.

Paloma Hotels Grida Village, Paloma Hotels Side Beach, Paloma Perissia, Royal Wings, Kumkoy Beach, Alba Resort and Club Voyage Sorgun Select are the other Turkish hotels in the best 100 hotels in the world list of Thomas Cook.

World's Best Hotel Bars

2008-03-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

Hotel bars are the business traveler's friend. They serve as impromptu meeting rooms, social clubs, stress reducers and winner's circles.

But not all hotel bars are created alike. Some, in fact, barely exist: a mere architectural afterthought tacked on to a dining room or lobby. Other places are, frankly, a little too brutally hip for their--and the traveler's--own good. Sure, they may attract a swinging crowd that keeps the place going until the sun comes up, but it's pretty hard discussing business strategy over house music pumped out at liver-quivering volumes.

The best bars are ones that provide enough solitude for when you need it, but also can conjure up a festive atmosphere when the occasions demands. It's hard to impress a client when you're the only people in the room and the waitress is snapping gum in the corner out of sheer boredom. These bars should stock the most popular super-premium liquors--and even a few that aren't so popular because, hey, you never know who's going to order Cinzano. The bartender should be knowledgeable, entertaining, a first-class mixologist and someone who knows how to make out-of-towners feel welcome.

To compile our list of the best hotel bars, we looked in 26 cities around the globe. We left off some cities (sorry Rome!), not because they don't have excellent hotels or hotel bars, but because they are not prime business-travel locations or major urban centers. In many cases, we simply selected one city per country, which explains why we chose Zurich, for example, over Geneva, although both are cosmopolitan areas that are home to many large and small companies.

The downside is that these top hotels bars are usually pretty expensive. But so what? Just sign for it and send the receipt to accounting!

The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, the Best Hotel in the World!

2008-03-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah resort in Dubai, is acknowledged as the best hotel in the world. So how does a hotel earn such bragging rights?

The stellar customer service starts the moment you land in Dubai, with a chauffeur picking you up in the Rolls Royce that will be yours for the duration of your stay. When you arrive at the breathtaking hotel which stands 321 meters tall in the shape of a sail, you are taken directly to one of the 202 suites where you are checked in, a service that guarantees your privacy. Each sprawling suite is two levels, and has floor to ceiling windows providing breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Some of the listed in room features are, a private elevator, private cinema, a rotating four-post canopy bed,a separate butler entrance and a study area with a library. Should you venture out of your palace, activities made available to guests include hot air ballooning, horse back riding, golf at the world class Montgomerie Golf Course, desert safari day trips, chartered yacht trips and helicopter tours. After working up and appetite you are invited to dine at one of the hotels award winning restaurants. The signature restaurant, 'Al Mahara is frequently listed as one of the top ten restaurants in the world and offers the finest seafood and Mediterranean cuisine in an underwater setting, complete with a mock submarine ride. Unparalleled luxury, set in paradise... truly a once in a lifetime experience, especially when you consider the prices. An evening at the Burj Al Arab will cost you between $3,000 and $5,000 per night!

Transport for London

2008-03-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

There are more than 10 modes of transportation available for you to move around London. You can drive, cycle, walk, and travel by Tube, by rail, by bus, by DLR, by river boat, by trams, by coaches, by taxis or even minicabs.

Which one should you choose?
You have to decide where you want to visit before you choose your transportation. Here are some information that help you to make you decision.

There are many pre-planned route provided by London Walking Forum, a partnership of professionals from all the organizations in and around London. Uniform signage and leaflets are put up around the routes. These are some of the popular routes: Capital Ring, Green Chain, Jubilee Walkway, Lea Valley Walk, London Loop, and Thames Path.

Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was developed to provide transportation to Isle of Dogs which today is an Enterprise Zone. The development has transformed the skyline of East London into two worlds exist side by side : one of old streets, churches and pubs, of post-war flats and maisonettes, and one of modern offices, fashionable bars and luxury apartments.

Trams are not new to the Corydon area, which is a London borough in South London, England and part of Outer London. The trams were discontinued from 1951 to make room for buses and cars. The new trams run by Tramlink system have been fully operational in Corydon since May 2000. If you are visiting South London you must try the trams service.

Riverboat services are popular with visitors and commuters alike, it is a great way of beating the traffic and enjoying fantastic skyline of the Thames river banks. There are also special cruises offering dancing, music and fine dining. Visit London River information site, it provides a good source of information about all the river activities.

The London Underground or ‘the Tube’ as it is universally known to Londoners, is normally the quickest and easiest way of getting round London. As a general rule
of thumb, if you are visiting central London, London underground tube is the best transportation. There is always a tube near the destination that you want to visit.
The 10 most popular tube stations are: King’s Cross, Victoria, Waterloo, Euston, Paddington, Piccadilly Circus, London Bridge, Oxford Circus and Covent Garden.

Greater London is served by 12 Tube lines, along with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and an interconnected local train network. You can get a free map and guides produced by Transport for London to help you get around.

The best hotels in the world

2008-03-16T22:51:00.000-07:00

The best hotels in the world, from Travel + Leisure's 2007 readers' poll:

1. Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India

2. Singita Sabi Sand/Kruger National Park, South Africa

3. The Oriental, Bangkok

4. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

5. The Milestone, London

6. Relais Il Falconiere, Cortona, Italy

7. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa

8. Mandarin Oriental, Munich

9. Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Hawaii

10. Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India

COMMENTS

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Best Geek Hotels in the World

2008-03-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

True, the Tribeca Grand tries its hardest to emit uber-hip downtown cool. But the hotel's geeky side comes out in the iStudio. It's a room stuffed to the hilt with Apple gizmos and gadgets, the likes of which you can't stuff in your laptop bag. We're talking photo, video and sound editing software, cameras and wireless peripherals. An enterprising guest could even make their own in-room hotel sex tape.

2. HOTEL @ MIT, BOSTON

The Hotel @ MIT. C'mon that one was obvious, right? (Major geek points ring up when a hotel uses an "@" in its official name.) Still, it was a no-brainer when we found out the hotel promotes itself with info like this:

With historically significant robots from the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab displayed in our lobby, to high-tech detailed décor, to complimentary wireless and high-speed Internet access in each of our Guest Rooms and public areas - be assured your visit will be comfortable and productive.

3. WOODLYN PARK, NEW ZEALAND

The hotel's two units burrow underground and have round windows straight out of the film. The furniture is a little modern for Middle Earth, but it seems to get the job done:

Very tastefully furnished with big beds so you feel like a small hobbit! There's one double bed in the main lounge/dining/kitchen area and two bunks in a separate bedroom

This hotel is less than five minutes from Waitomo Caves where you can go blackwater rafting in the glow worm caves.

Matamata is the closest LOTR site, home to--no real surprise here--Hobbiton.

4. FAENA HOTEL + UNIVERSE, BUENOS AIRES

Welcome to Paris

2008-03-16T22:42:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. Steps from the Champs-Elysées, with private terraces that command all Paris; 17th-century tapestries, lovingly restored; and a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces, Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury service in the City of Light.

"The George V is one of the hotel greats, a super-smart, marble-clad temple of Parisian chic - the ultimate setting for a romantic mini-break fuelled by decadent diners in its Michelin-starred restaurant and one hundred-year old Armagnac from the cellars."

Looking for the best travel deals and hotels in Mexico?

2008-03-16T22:37:00.000-07:00