Thursday, November 3, 2011

Makati Hotels



Before you start your search for Makati hotels to determine the best deals you need to take certain things into consideration first. The major points that we want to consider here are the quality of accommodation you want and how much you can afford to spend on your stay. Plus of course other things you will need to make your stay at the hotel as enjoyable and comfortable as you possibly can.

Below are suggested tips when looking for a hotel:

1. Before you start to look online for hotels in Makati it is a good idea to list down the things that you would need your hotel to provide you with. Then you can use these to compare what each hotel has to offer before you finally end up booking the hotel that meets these the best. For example, many Makati hotels provide business center requirements, self-service laundry facilities and a 24-hour convenience store. Citadel Inn in P.Burgos Street for example offers a 24-hour car service at very reasonable costs and their friendly car drivers can even double as your tour guide.


2. If the price of your hotel accommodation is going to be a major factor when arranging, then Makati Prime Tower Suites could be a good choice for you as it offers rooms at very affordable rates usually at a minimum of 2,120 pesos or $46 USD at the time of writing this. Tiara Oriental Hotel on the other hand offers an average room rate of USD $20 to $40 per night compared to USD $150 to $200 of other expensive hotels in Makati. Of course you can use online search engines to help you find acceptable deals possible. But this is not the only thing you can do. It may also be worth visiting the hotels website directly to see if they can offer the same or a better deal. In a lot of cases many hotels will be willing to negotiate a better deal with you directly to avoid offering a commission to a third party for arranging the booking.


3. Although the price you may pay for your accommodation may be an important factor in deciding which of the many Makati hotels you stay in. It is also important to take into consideration where the hotel is situated. For example, getting a hotel room in Perea Street, Dela Rosa Street, Makati Avenue and Ayala Avenue puts you close to banks, 24 hour mini marts, shopping centers, and entertainment establishments. If you are looking for a hotel room close to transport links, then you can get one located near Glorietta area where the main rail transit system is located. If you are unsure as to exactly where the hotel is located in relation to other important things in the city such as transport links then don't be afraid to use Google Maps to help you. What you will find with this particular online service is that not only does it show you the street where the hotel is located but other major attractions that you may want to consider visiting that are nearby.



4. When looking for Makati hotels, a simple search in Google will help you. Make sure to read any reviews or comments that have been posted online. Don't just rely on the information that the hotel websites provide but look through other travel websites to see if they have any comments regarding them.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas



Because I am an experienced traveler, among the most important things I deliberate prior to traveling is the hotel where I will be staying. I can rightly conclude that the many stays in hotels around the globe have made me into some sort of hotel connoisseur. One of my favorite destinations is Las vegas, and the legendary casinos is not the only reason, but for the dazzling nightlife, cuisine and excellent cordiality as well.

For me, a vacation to Sin city is not fulfilled without staying at Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas. The hotel is situated at the Northern section of the renowned strip. Stratosphere has 6 restaurants, a splendid casino as well as all-night entertainment.


There exist a number of explanations why I find it hard staying any other place else other than the Stratosphere hotel. To begin with, the coziness and decor of the rooms is way above average, for Sin city too. This makes up for the reality that Stratosphere is somehow remote from the famous strip not to mention a large number of other Sin city attractions. The distance has its merits too; I discovered that after spending an entire day and may be a part of the night hustling and bustling in Sin city, the Stratosphere hotel is the best place to spend the night for the reason that its discrete ambiance.

In addition, the hotel presents an extraordinary but inexpensive dining experience and it's rooms are quite spacious. The gymnasium is among my favorite spots because it has the most advanced fitness equipment and skilled and helpful gym trainers.


An extra great characteristic of this hotel is the freestanding observation tower that is actually the tallest tower west of Mississippi. There are both outdoor and indoor decks for observation, giving you a wonderful panoramic scene in Las Vegas. If you could do with a little bit of excitement, the track for the roller coaster bolted on the side of the deck as well as the tower should provide you a breathtaking spin to summarize a wonderful day. One may also catch an additional view of Sin city from the mobile restaurant located at top of the tower. I love ending my day here, with the view of the city as nigh approaches, enjoying an exquisite meal, or just sipping wine.


Mark Winston is a very long time fan of Las vegas, and skilled traveler as well. If his preferred location to stay is Stratosphere Hotel Las Vegas, there is good chance that anybody will like it. However it's always best to check for yourself: Stratosphere Hotel Insanity

Rome Hotels



Rome is divided in two by the River Tiber. The city is more commonly divided up into different areas for example to the left of the river lies the Vatican and the Trastevere, while the 'Centro Storico' historical centre, Termini, Repubblica, Porta Pia, the Colosseum and the Univerisity area are some of the more popular areas on the right of the river.

The one thing to remember about booking a hotel in Rome is that no matter where you choose to stay you'll never be convenient to all attractions, unless that is, you love walking. Of course this is the best way to see the city, but do remember to wear flat shoes (lots of cobbled streets!) and find yourself a really good street map. Actually you'll have no choice but to walk in the historical centre of the city as cars are not allowed (unless they have a valid permit).

Rome hotels near Termini...
If you're not up for that much walking, you should base yourself near Termini Station (Stazione Termini). Termini Station is the main railway and metro station in the city. From here you can get a train connection to almost any city in Italy. This station is also the point at where the red metro Line A and blue metro Line B meet, as Rome has only two metro lines which cross the city in the shape of an 'X'. From Termini Station you can take the red Line A over to the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain or to the Basilica de San Giovanni in Laterano. Or you can take the blue Line B to the Colosseum or Circo Massimo.


More city centre hotels in Rome...
There are lots of hotels in the historical centre of Rome close to top attractions. There are Rome hotels close to the Trevi Fountain and a short walk of the world famous Colosseum and if you want to be based close to the Pantheon, right in the heart of the historical centre, there are actually some Rome hotels which actually occupy the same piazza (square) as the temple!

If you're only a short while in the city and want to make the most of it then choose a hotel in the Centro Storico (Historic centre) which is the heart of the city. The Pantheon can be found in the historic centre of the city in the Piazza della Rotonda. There are lots of lovely winding streets and piazzas to explore in this ancient part of the city like Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori.

Other well located Rome hotels can be found close to Porta Pia, north of Termini Station. Porta Pia has excellent bus connections with the city centre.

For shopping why not choose one of the Rome hotels located in a prime location on a street called Via Nazionale and is just a short walk from Repubblica metro station.

Rome hotels near the Vatican...
If you want to stay near the Vatican you'll have to book your accommodation well in advance as the Vatican is a year round mecca for pilgrims. And although it's always a busy area it's relatively quiet at night compared with other parts of the city centre. There are many Rome hotels within walking distance of the Vatican.


Other Rome hotels...
There are lots of Rome hotels scattered outside the city centre which are perfect if you prefer to be apart from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. You can choose from hotels in the city suburbs like EUR (9km from city) and Nuovo Salario (25 minutes from city centre) or even the coastal destination of Ostia (about half an hour west of Rome).

With such a good transport network (made up of buses and the metro) you won't need a car in this city, but if you do hire a car to discover the wonderful Lazio region you'll want to be located close to Rome's Grande Raccordo Anulare (GRA), the major motorway which orbits the city. There are also some Rome hotels located within a few minutes drive of this ring road.


Rome is a year round destination so it's important to book your hotel well in advance especially if you're coming for a major religious festival (Easter or Christmas). The months of July and August can be uncomfortably hot, which can make visiting attractions and queuing in the heat a chore. It's also worth bearing in mind that if you do decide to come in August, especially around the 15th - don't be surprised if you see a lot of shops and restaurants closed - particularly if you're staying outside the historic centre. This is an annual holiday (the Romans call it Ferragosto) where the local people close their businesses and go on holidays to the coast, as the city can be very hot during this period.

And if you're hiring a car (check out our sister website Novacarhire.com for Car Hire Rome) it's advisable to check with your accommodation first with regards to parking. Onsite parking and even street parking is very rare but most Rome hotels will be able to direct you to a private garage close by.

Hotels in Rome range from 1 star to 5 star. If you're looking for cheap hotels in Rome, choose a 1 or 2 star hotel and try to locate your hotel outside the historic city centre.

70 Park Ave Hotel, New York City

70 Park Avenue Hotel New York

They managed to bring a spectacular product, this time in the heart of Manhattan, the 70 Park Ave Hotel in New York City.

The location is ideal, only a few blocks away from Times Square, Grand Central Station, the Empire State Building, 5th Avenue and more.

Your first impression is as if the management wants to create a full sensory experience, and they certainly did it right; the music ambiance, the decor, the flavored water in all public areas, the smell, is designed to welcome you to a home away from home. Even the treats and water for your pet makes it homier, and by the way, not only the hotels is pet-friendly, there are no extra charges or deposits for your cat or dog, no matter the size.

The rooms are quite bigger than your average hotel room in Manhattan, and the decor is very modern, a lot of straight lines, black and white, very well kept.



The hotel offers a wine hour every evening from 5 to 6, and is quite enjoyable, I happened to mingle with other guests and made it a nice mini-social event.

The wifi connection is complementary as long as you are a member of Kimpton's loyalty program, which one may sign up for free.

I enjoyed their breakfast at the hotel restaurant, the Silverleaf Tavern, at a reasonable price but for dinner I felt to go eat out and I walked to the nearby Keens Steakhouse, a little pricey but well worth it.

I don't always comment about a hotel marketing strategy, but I have to commend the 70 Park Ave for their packages: They offer Family Packages that include milk, cookies and one in-room movie, Party Packages that include beer and a 2 PM late check out, Date Night Packages with champagne and strawberries, and some more imaginative initiatives to attract more business.
Of course I have to comment about their customer service, and I have to say is excellent. Every staff member I interacted with has been very attentive, well knowledgeable of the hotel features and services, they seemed very warm and well trained. I've had a little issue with my desk lamp and they resolved it immediately and with a great attitude.
The management makes sure that the guests notice that this is a eco-friendly hotel, making us aware of their recycling practices, conscious purchasing, energy efficiency programs and other green practices they have in place, in my book this is a great plus.
I have to say this is a great property to stay, whether is for business or leisure, at a reasonable price.


New Delhi Hotel



The national capital of India, Delhi is primarily segregated into New and Old Delhi. Designed by British architect Edwin Lutyens, New Delhi includes the central administrative area of the city and has several impressive government buildings such as Rashtrapati Bhawan, Janpath, India Gate, Connaught Place, Secretariat Building and much more. New Delhi hotels are renowned for their flamboyant expression and state-of-the-art amenities. A part of this busy capital, these hotels are sprouted all across the region and can be easily located. To book your perfect hotel in New Delhi pick from a variety of categories this includes lavish luxury to budget friendly economy class properties. Busy business class travelers can opt for properties close to the airport or can pick one situated in the business district of New Delhi.


Leela Palace: A brand new property, The Leela Palace is studded with a total of 260 flamboyant rooms in the exclusive Diplomatic Enclave of New Delhi. This spectacular 5 star hotel in Delhi is strategically located in close proximity to many of tourist attractions in the city and is laced with all state-of-the-art amenities. Each room is furbished in contemporary style with splendid décor and offers perfect services. Grande Deluxe Rooms, Royal Premiere Rooms, Royal Club Rooms, Junior Suite, Executive Suites, Luxury Suites, Grande Suites with Pool, Royal Suite with pool and Maharaja Suite choose from 260 plush rooms for a memorable stay.


Le Meridien: The list of A-class luxury hotels in New Delhi always include Le Meridien is situated in close proximity to the famous business and shopping destination, Connaught Place in the city. Guest rooms in the hotel are laced with all contemporary amenities and avails efficient services to the visitors. The list of room amenities include air-conditioner, wake-up service, fax machine, in-room safe, television, 24 hour in-room dining, mini bar, refrigerator and more. Treat yourself with a variety of Indian and international delicacies at the in-house eateries in the hotel which includes, The One, Monsoon, Caffee e Chocol Art, Le Belvedere, Henri's Bar and Nero.


Shangri La: Centrally located amidst landscaped gardens Shangri-La is surrounded by beauteous landscaped gardens. This oasis of luxury is located in the heart of a bustling metropolis. This is where one can indulge in sheer luxury and enjoys care of an excellent range of facilities that include selection of dining options, Spa, Health Club, leisurely stroll across hotel's private art gallery and much more. Hotel also possesses a well-equipped Business Center with 24X7 services to assist the corporate travelers. One can avail variety of amenities here which includes Internet service, printers, overhead projector, computers on hire, LCD projector, secretarial services and more.


The best part about staying in a hotel in New Delhi is that it is always surrounded by the most immaculate settings and is well-connected with all the major business, commercial and entertainment districts of the city. These are highly professional properties where visitors are pampered with top-notch services to provide them good value for the money they spend.

Hotel California



The Eagles is one of the most famous rock bands in the history of music in the United States. This band, which formed in Los Angeles in 1971, is composed of Glenn Frey, Randy Meisner, Bernie Leadon, and Don Henley. Over its life in the limelight, it has reached five number one singles, won six Grammy awards, and topped six albums. The band is among the most successful recording artists during the era of the 1970s.

Its most popular song is undeniably, Hotel California. This song ranks 37th in the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time by Rolling Stones Magazine. Over 16 million copies of this song were sold in the United States alone. The song was written by Don Felder, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey. The original recording featured Henley as the lead vocals.

The lyrics of the song tell about a luxury hotel where one can check out any time but can never leave. Literally, it is about a troubled traveler who gets trapped inside a horrible hotel that at first appeared to be warm and irresistible. But the song, according to writer Don Henley, is actually a metaphorical interpretation of lifestyle in Los Angeles.
Because of the symbolic nature of the song's lyrics, varied interpretations emerged over the years. The most controversial of which is the claim of Christian evangelists that the Hotel California referred to a San Francisco hotel that was transformed into a Church of Satan. Others, meanwhile, alleged that the Hotel California referred to the Camarillo State Mental Hospital. The bands denied all these claims.


Other hit songs of the Eagles include New Kind in Town, Life in the Fast Lane, The Last Resort, Wasted Time, Victim of Love, and so many more.
Pollux Parker is an adventurer who loves discovering secret island getaways in each country he visits. Pollux also likes to collect US Flags and buy inexpensive US Flags.