Friday, November 27, 2009

Puerto Vallarta Luxury Hotels

Puerto Vallarta Luxury Hotels

Puerto Vallarta is a scenic city of 350,000 people on the Caribbean Sea in Mexico. People have been vacationing in the region for decades to enjoy the white sand beaches, professional golf courses, and world class hotels. Puerto Vallarta luxury hotels have the ability to keep guests entertained for days with their spas, pools, and excursions to Mayan ruins and nearby archaeological sites. The best hotels in Puerto Vallarta are the ones situated on the beach. Most beachside resorts in Puerto Vallarta have snorkeling equipment and offer introductory diving lessons or fishing excursions. Resorts in Puerto Vallarta are known to fill up fast in winter, when the temperatures are ideal, so be sure to reserve your hotels far in advance, but if you don"t mind the heat, looking for reservations in the summer can save you money.

Some Puerto Vallarta luxury hotels are geared toward adults and honeymooners. The Casa Velas is an adult-only all inclusive boutique hotel located next to the Marina Vallarta golf course in Puerto Vallarta. It offers a gourmet restaurant that serves light Mexican fare and Asian food, a luxury spa, several plunge pools, and well-appointed guest rooms. A state-of-the-art fitness center has all the latest free weight and cardio equipment. The hotel is also located on a private beach where you can rent snorkel equipment and kayaks.

Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa is located on Banderas Bay, which is where some of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta are located. The Villa Premiere is just a few minutes away from Malecón, a boardwalk in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Each room of the 83-room hotel is air conditioned and has a balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Standard amenities include complimentary wireless internet access, satellite TV, and a minibar. Guests can choose between all inclusive plans that include all drinks and meals, or they can pay separately for lodging and dining. This gives guests the option of staying at the hotel to eat or trying one of the restaurants in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Outside of the hotel, you’ll find a pool with a bar and a 40-yard-long beach. Guests of this all exclusive hotel have access to kayaks and snorkeling gear without an additional charge.

Another option for resorts in Puerto Vallarta is the Villa La Estancia Nuevo Vallarta Beach Resort and Spa. Located on Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, the hotel is a one-mile stroll from Bucerias, or “Place of the Divers.” Bucerias is a five-mile stretch of beach that is lined with outdoor marketplaces and cafes. It is also a short walk from some of the best hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Like other Puerto Vallarta luxury hotels, the La Estancia Nuevo has its own private beach as well as several swimming pools and Jacuzzis. Guest rooms are decorated with marble accents and floors and have plasma TVs and furnished balconies.

There are so many options for luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta, from small, yet luxurious boutique hotels to all inclusive hotels on some of the best beaches in Mexico. No matter which hotel you choose, you"ll never run out of things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Warsaw's Luxury Hotels

Not so long ago, Warsaw's luxury hotel scene consisted of a couple of cockroach-ridden establishments that seemed straight out of a John Le Carre Cold War thriller. To say that things have changed since 1990 would be something of a gross understatement. Out went the bugs - both the insect and the intelligence kind - and in came the spas, the swimming pools and the underfloor heating.

As the capital of Poland, Warsaw immediately took the lead over Cracow as a business hub. A cluster of smart hotels sprung up, complemented by a clutch of cosmopolitan restaurants. Yet although Cracow seemed to have the edge as a tourist destination, something changed around 2005, when trendy travel journalists were suddenly leaping to dub Warsaw as the peak of hip.

These days, Warsaw's luxury hotels come in all shapes and sizes. You can set yourself up in an exquisitely restored pre-war classic that's steeped in history, or bask in boutique bliss at one of the city's more diminutive exclusive hotels.

Above: The swimming pool of Le Regina, one of Warsaw's most popular luxury hotels

Top of many traveller's lists will be the Hotel Rialto. Art Deco rules the roost here, and fittingly so. The Rialto is an affectionate tribute to the era when Warsaw was one of Europe's chicest cities. During the 20's and 30's, Poland produced a galaxy of Art Deco wonders following her triumph at the Paris Exhibition of 1925. With its svelte, jazz age style, Hotel Rialto seems tailor-made for vampish film stars brandishing voguish cigarette holders - the place would have fitted in perfectly in Peter Jackson's King Kong. This is the hotel to book for a weekend of fun.

Another boutique style beauty is Le Regina. Winning top marks for luxury, this hotel has made its home in the laid back New Town. We say new, but this part of Warsaw was originally christened the New Town in 1402. Its cobbled streets were amongst the first to be revitalised after the Second World War, and today it's one of Warsaw's most picturesque spots. Le Regina has set up shop in a former nobleman's palace, but there's nothing remotely fusty about the place. Expect cool modern interiors in creamy shades, complemented by a host of quirky furniture. There's a hint of Scandinavian chic about the place, with smooth-finished wooden surfaces and elegant yet unfussy fabrics. Le Regina was voted Poland's most prestigious hotel by Forbes Magazine, and its five stars are well-merited.

Staying in five star territory, but moving to a more traditional incarnation of the luxury hotel, the Bristol Royal Meridien deserves a special mention. This neoclassical belter is one of the historic hotels of Europe, immaculately renovated in 1991. Previous guests have included Charles de Gaulle, Marlene Dietrich, Douglas Fairbanks, Bill Clinton and pantomime favourite Maggie Thatcher. With its home on the Royal Way, the hotel has location, location, location - guests can step right out into the buzzing heart of Warsaw. This is the grandest hotel in the capital, and it has some presidential suites to match.

Changing the tune again, but remaining in the luxury hotels bracket, there are a number of business style hotels that are also worth a look. The Sheraton offers the first class standards that you'd expect. The Intercontinental also has plenty of appeal. One of its winning features is a swimming pool right up on the 42nd floor. The view is square on the Palace of Culture. In other words, absolutely unforgettable. Another popular choice is the Westin, famed for its space age lift. Next door is the Radisson SAS, another reliable venue for business travellers. Both these hotels boast a handy central location, and travellers with time to spare can discover the Nozyk synagogue just over the road - Warsaw's oldest surviving example.

Given the exhilarating pace of change these days, travellers can count on more luxury hotels in Warsaw popping up soon. So watch this space for news of new additions. Meanwhile you can click on to link to book the finest Warsaw hotels of the moment!

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Hydropolis A self-acclaimed 10-star underwater hotel



Location: Dubai
Designer: Joachim Hauser, Crescent Hydropolis Resorts
Estimated project cost: $500-million

The Hydropolis Undersea Resort, especially designed keeping in mind that we?re around 60% water, endeavors to deliver the serene beauty of the ocean in its true colors. The one of its kind resort will encompass a whopping 1.1-million-square-foot of area offering shopping mall, ballroom, island villas, restaurant, high-tech cinema and surprisingly, a missile-defense system for your security 60-feet underwater.

Tourists can enjoy their stay in 220 theme suites within the submarine leisure complex. It is one of the largest contemporary construction projects in the world, covering an area of 260 hectares, about the size of London?s Hyde Park.

The resort is designed with a petal-like retracting roof to organize open-sky events.

Around 150 firms are involved in the project, which is expected to complete this year if all technical, land, and financial challenges are met, but it?s delayed as per the latest reports. Following the line and determined of the success of the Hydropolis, Crescent-Hydropolis is now planning a chain of underwater hotels around the world.

Waterworld


Location: Songjiang, China
Designer: Atkin?s Architecture Group
Status: Concept

This spectacular design by Atkin?s Architecture Group deservedly won the first prize award last year in an international design competition. The 400-bed resort hotel features underwater public areas, guest rooms, cafes, and restaurants. The major attraction is the extreme sporting facilities including a luxurious swimming pool, rock climbing and bungee jumping.

What more to say, the pictures are screaming BLISS. (Photo Credit: TheCoolHunter)

The Hotel Burj al-Arab


Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designer: Tom Wright (WS Atkins PLC), Khuan Chew
Status: Complete
Estimated project cost: $650 million
Cost per person: $1,000 to over $28,000 per night, $75 to have a glimpse from inside

Considered, unofficially, the world?s first and only 7-star hotel, the Burj al-Arab is a truly the most luxurious hotel imaginable and hence we couldn?t help including it in this list of futuristic hotels, which also perhaps triggered architects around the world to look beyond the fence.

The tallest, 321-metres (1,053 ft), hotel, designed as a sail of a dhow, is constructed on an artificial island 280-metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach. The hotel boasts of the world?s tallest atrium, which is 180-meters (590 feet) tall.

The suspended helipad on the top adds to the grandeur of the hotel. The lavish interior skillfully mingles the best of design ethics from both the east and the west. The 8,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marbles give the hotel an enigmatic touch.

The 28 double-story floors of the hotel accommodate 202 luxury suites with prices ranging from $1,000 to over $28,000 per night (for the Royal Suite). The hotel also features 8 restaurants, including bars and lounges, latest business, conferencing, fitness and recreational facilities. Carved in the midst of white beaches and the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab is a dream come true.

The Hotel Burj al-Arab


Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Designer: Tom Wright (WS Atkins PLC), Khuan Chew
Status: Complete
Estimated project cost: $650 million
Cost per person: $1,000 to over $28,000 per night, $75 to have a glimpse from inside

Considered, unofficially, the world?s first and only 7-star hotel, the Burj al-Arab is a truly the most luxurious hotel imaginable and hence we couldn?t help including it in this list of futuristic hotels, which also perhaps triggered architects around the world to look beyond the fence.

The tallest, 321-metres (1,053 ft), hotel, designed as a sail of a dhow, is constructed on an artificial island 280-metres (919 ft) out from Jumeirah beach. The hotel boasts of the world?s tallest atrium, which is 180-meters (590 feet) tall.

The suspended helipad on the top adds to the grandeur of the hotel. The lavish interior skillfully mingles the best of design ethics from both the east and the west. The 8,000 square meters of 22-carat gold leaf and 24,000 square meters of 30 different types of marbles give the hotel an enigmatic touch.

The 28 double-story floors of the hotel accommodate 202 luxury suites with prices ranging from $1,000 to over $28,000 per night (for the Royal Suite). The hotel also features 8 restaurants, including bars and lounges, latest business, conferencing, fitness and recreational facilities. Carved in the midst of white beaches and the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the Burj Al Arab is a dream come true.

The Apeiron Island Hotel


Designer:
Sybarite
  • Status: Concept
  • Estimated project cost: $500million
The ?Apeiron? island hotel is a seven star resort with a total floor area of 200,000m. It is 185-m high and boasts of over 350 luxury apartment suites.
The hi-tech futuristic hotel screams of luxury and comfort with its own private lagoon, beaches, restaurants, cinemas, retail shopping, art gallery, spas and conference facilities. Its out of the world design is magnetic enough to deliver a spell-bounded experience to visitors. (Photo Credit: Sybarite)

One last cool hotel to mention is the Diamond Ring hotel which is just a concept right now but looks impressive!

Five-star Hotels, Budapest

Pick the best luxury hotel in Budapest for your priorities based on our comprehensive description of five star hotels in Budapest Hungary. What triggers you as a luxury traveler? Spa baths, massages, ergonomic business environment, romantic palaces? Be informed to plan your luxury vacation, getaway, business travel, family trip or honeymoon in Budapest Hungary for a real five-star stay. Besides the one-page luxury hotel overviews, you can read a short balanced summary of customer reviews based on Trip Advisor, Expedia, Frommer's, Fodor's, Yahoo Travel, Travel Intelligence, etc. followed by the original snippets of reviews.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Melbourne's own Westin Hotel wins Qantas Frequent Flyer award


The Westin Melbourne, the most decorated Westin property in the world has been recognised by frequent flyers as one of the best leisure and business hotels in Australia.

Last year, the Westin was named in Conde Nast traveller's gold list as one of the best places to stay in the world, alongside the best luxury hotel in the Victorian Tourism Awards hall of fame amongst others.

Now consumers who travel frequently have named the Westin Melbourne in their favourite category. Qantas Frequent Flyers were asked to vote for their favourite qantas.com hotels across destinations and categories such as comfiest bed, best room, best view and more. The results are now being showcased in a spectacular minisite that has been integrated into 'Hotels' on qantas.com. www.qantas.com/hotels

Anne Jamieson, Sales and Marketing Director, the Westin Melbourne said, "This is a great honour. Qantas frequent flyers are connoisseurs of the industry. As world travellers, their taste is most discerning. So to be voted as one of their favourite hotels is certainly flattering."

She said, "Our guests love the Westin because of its unrivalled location in the heart of Melbourne, the welcoming staff and the sleek chic ambiance which epitomises the hotel."

About Westin Hotels & Resorts

With a portfolio of more than 150 properties around the world, Westin Hotels & Resorts is in the midst of the most robust growth period in the brand's 77-year history. Westin Hotels is the fastest growing upper-upscale brand in the world with plans to expand to more than 250 hotels in the next five years. Westin Hotels & Resorts is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT). Starwood Hotels is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 940 properties in more than 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced AloftSM and ElementSM Hotels. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with more than 940 properties in approximately 97 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched AloftSM, and Element SM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Auberge Saint-Antoine Hotel

This article is about the Auberge Saint-Antoine. The stone-house style hotel is the best in all Canada. According to Travel and Leisure, the hotel is rated as No. 2 in Canada and one of the top 500 hotels in the world.

Auberge Saint-Antoine

The hotel is located in the “Old Fort,’ in Quebec City, Quebec. Moreover, the hotel has 95 rooms, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars. For a little on the hotel’s history, it was built sometime in the 19th century, on old Quebec City, and later became a hotel.

Badroom in Auberge Saint-Antoine

The hotel also has 6 conference rooms, where you and other guests can hold conferences and meetings.

Furthermore, the hotel’s in-room amenities include a large work desk, fine linens/bedding, free high-speed Internet access. a variety of magazines, safety boxes, a minibar, coffee maker, ironing board, voicemail, dual phone lines, A/C connection, large windows, no-fog mirrors, heated bathroom floors, and a Bose sound system.

Bathroom

For the outer area of the hotel, the amenities include concierge service, room/laundry service, baby-sitting services, auditorium, displays of archaeological artifacts, an all-around security system, exercise/gym room, message therapy/beauty salon center.
The outer room services include indoor/valet parking and car wash services.


If you want to enjoy a fine meal at one or both of the hotel’s restaurants, they offer French cuisines, which you will enjoy. They also offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages, where you have a meal for two, three, or four people. Do not forget about the fine wine the hotel serves its guests.


Of course, if you want to get away from the hotel, for a spell, there is the whole city to explore. Quebec City has plenty of shopping malls, live events, cinemas, sporting events, parks, museums, and other places of interest for you to see. Note that all the main signs in the city are written in both French and English.

Lastly, the nightly room rates for the hotel starts at $169 for classic rooms and go as high as $599 per night for a luxury suite (rates subject to change and depends on the type of room rented).

THE FAIRMONT HOTEL DUBAI






Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, across from the World Trade Centre, The Fairmont Dubai is a luxury hotel equipped for business and leisure travellers alike. Offers a large choice of restaurants and bars, a beautiful Roman style health club and spa. Located close to all the main shopping centres, movie theatres and a 15-minute drive to the beach.

The Fairmont Hotel Dubai  - Hotel View

The Fairmont Hotel Dubai - Hotel Facilities


Fairmont Rooms
Fairmont Rooms are the most popular type of accommodation boasting magnificent views. Located on our higher floors 21-30, Fairmont Rooms have a four-piece bathroom for your comfort and enjoyment.
Bed Type: King or 2 twins beds
Size: approx. 440 sq. ft
View: City (Sheikh Zayed Road, Abu Dhabi, Bur Dubai) or Pool view

Common Amenities

All guest rooms at The Fairmont Dubai offer the following amenities:
Air-conditioning with individual climate controls (windows do not open)

Sony CD Radio Alarm Clocks

Bose CD Radio Alarm Clock (Fairmont Gold & Penthouse Suites)

Bathrobes and Slippers

Bathroom Amenities including: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, Bath Gel, Bath Salts, Cotton Balls, QTips, and Loofah
Bedside Control Pad for Lights, Do Not Disturb and Make-Up Room

Bodum Coffee Pot & Bodum Tea Pot, Kettle with complimentary coffee and tea

Hair Dryer

Iron and Ironing Board

In room Magazines

Mini-bar
Complimentary Newspaper - National Newspapers or Local Newspapers (when National is not available)

In Room Safe - in which you can recharge your laptop while storing

Smart Maid Service' door panel

Interactive Television with Internet Access (Free Web Surfing)

Wake up call service

TV Audio in Washroom

Two dedicated phone lines

Guest Voice Mail

Data Port

Turndown Service in all rooms



The Fairmont Hotel Dubai  - Accommodation

The Fairmont Hotel Dubai  - Accommodation

The Fairmont Hotel Dubai  - Swimming Pool

The Fairmont Hotel Dubai  -  Spa

The Fairmont Hotel Dubai  -  Auditorium