Accomodation Hotel Information Ceap or High Rate such as Luxor Hotel Las Vegas

Las Vegas Hotel: Tips on Choosing Hotel for Accommodation

2011-08-28T02:21:00.000-07:00

While Las Vegas has become the choice of your visit, the next step is to determine the hotel where you will pass most of the time while you are there. Many hotels in Las Vegas offers almost similar. Cheap rooms, sparkling night life and casino, or the bustle of downtown and shopping area, but that makes you experience so different is the variety of facilities offered by the hotel where you stay. Remember, most likely you will be more active in the room than outdoors.

Here are tips on choosing hotel for accommodation in Las Vegas, Nevada:

1. Select the location of the hotel. Like that on the edge of the desert or a city center? Or in mountainous areas are quiet and cool? If you can already determine the location, the search can be further narrowed.

2. How much money will you spend? Think carefully before making a choice because you will get a lot of hotels are perfect and fit the budget. Consider how long you will stay and how many dollars are able to spend per night in a hotel.

3. Think of the hotel as to what you want to stay. Hotels can vary greatly from the particular to the couple, adult, public, large or small, or exotics like the famous Luxor Hotel with its Egyptian pyramid design.

4. Room or suite that had a kind of what you imagine to be enjoyed?

5. Facilities. Hotel expenses will typically increase along with accompanying facilities. If you intend to spend the days outside the hotel such as shopping, entertainment, enjoying views of the various places there will be some features that you do not need at the hotel. But if you intend to spend more time at the hotel, the facility is the key that helps to success. Here are the list of facilities is important to consider:

- Room service 24 hour
- Bar
- Nursery
- Fitness center
- Hot tub, Jacuzzi
- Live entertainment
- Night club
- Swimming pool
- Restaurants
- Spa

Once you understand all the steps that must be lived, start hunting the hotel that suits your style. Try for immediate resevation after you read this Hotel Reservation Tips.

Hotel Rooms in Las Vegas

2011-08-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas is not what it was first discovered several centuries ago. Desert barren and almost devoid of life that has now turned into a paradise world that is very glamorous and very famous around the world with the purpose of tourism destinations. Casino, culinary, hotels, Suites, Dining, entertainment, Nikki beach, shopping, spa, meetings and parties are some of the facilities is the reason why Las Vegas is able manarik visitors every time.

Most hotels in Las Vegas designed and managed like a magnificent palace that gave perfect service for guests. Hotel rooms in Las Vegas is famous for its service and luxurious amenities. Hotel rooms in Las Vegas is always open to special guests from around the world. Stay at select, what hotel you are looking for based on location and amenities you want.

In a luxury hotel in Las Vegas usually also equipped with casino facilities, even some whose architecture resembles the Egyptian pyramid Luxor Hotel. It's as if you were in the middle east with the western world style facilities. Some other hotel no less vigorous in pampering guests for various purposes.

Some of the online facility to get service while in Las Vegas can be obtained easily. Search and browse information you need during their stay in Las Vegas with ease on the internet, you will get easy as a wink.

Luxor Hotel Las Vegas Night

2011-06-27T23:17:00.000-07:00

Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas has a great view in night. It is the time when lighten night at Las Vegas environment very good and Luxor Hotel looks very amazing from all positions. There is a laser lamp in the top pole of the hotel and shoot straight to the sky. Ambience dark of all side the piramid enlighten by the hotel, wonderful!

Inside the hotel, you may spent your time to enjoy Las Vegas night. I'm sure you have knewn what kind night activities in the La Vegas. Unforgettable is what a special thing which is offered to you. This is the city that brings modern Egypt piramid to you in spectacular hotel concept. It is Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas.

Fine Dining In Las Vegas

2011-05-01T02:38:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas is famous to glitter of the world night in every corner of town. Star luxury hotels are everywhere, the average is facilitated with a casino. That's what most people know about the city of Las Vegas. However, in addition to luxury hotel facilities, casino and glitter of the night in Las Vegas, what else do you think the most interesting place to visit? If I may argue, culinary tourism is also something interesting in there. You have not fully enjoy the beauty of Las Vegas if not enjoy your dinner in Las Vegas restaurants. As it grew into the world of entertainment and accommodation facilities are complete, fine dining Las Vegas as culinary business is also growing rapidly.

If you are in Las Vegas today, have no plans to get fine dining tonight? Do not get wrong, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in this city with the same dignity you enjoy your night sleeping in luxury hotels are scattered there. Great taste and friendly services are waiting for you at every restaurant. Please select and please book your dinner table right now. Most existing online sites, so you can feel comfortable booking from the hotel room or wherever you are. So, don’t wait anymore, get your fine dining Las Vegas tonight.

Luxor Hotel and Casino of Las Vegas

2010-03-20T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Luxor hotel has a lot of tourist sights and experiences, like the casino, a copy of Tut-An-Kamons grave, spa, pool, dining, shopping, shows etc. Which is all good and well, but remember that most of the hotels have similar stuff, so don't forget to check out the other ones. Luxur has indoor airconditioned walkways to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur, which I highly recomend because of the heat. Also there is a monorail but you have to wait outside in the sizzeling sun for it, so we prefered the walkways. Also remember to try the steakhouse restaurant at Luxor, it is great!

The Luxor hotel was amazing everything about it was themed, from the giant statues leading up to the hotel to the sphinx that was the monorail. There were plenty of café’s and restaurants to choose from McDonald, pyramid café, bistro, backstage deli and the cathouse. I was in heaven because there was three Starbucks within the hotel.

Luxor has 4,408 rooms with a 120,000 square feet Casino
Entertainment may consist of The Atrium Showroom feature of Carrot Top and Fantasy.
Nightlife consist of Cat House Loungerie, LAX, Flight and Noir Bar.
Attractions are a two-story arcade, Games of the Gods.
BODIES...The Exhibition, which showcases real full-bodies and organs, provides a detailed, three-dimensional vision of the human form and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, the 25,000-square-foot exhibit features numerous items from the Titanic.

In-room internet access. In-room high-speed internet access available for a fee.
Has wheelchair accessible rooms
No Pets allowed
No RV parking
Two story Parking garage
Amenities are Air conditioning, clock radios, remote-controlled cable TV, electronic door locks, hair dryer (on request), iron and ironing board (on request), pay-per-view movies, telephone and voice mail.
Hotel amenities: Beauty salon, currency exchange, laundry and luggage services, maid service, safety deposit boxes, wake-up calls, valet parking
Walkway to Mandalay Bay (located adjacent to the Luxor Theater) and a walkway to the Excalibur (located in the west tower).
Check-in time: 3 p.m.
Check-out time: 11 a.m.

That all about hotel Luxor and casino in Las Vegas, America. Will you stay there?

Hilton Hotels Network in Glance

2010-03-15T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hilton Hotel is more famous than the Luxor hotel because the Hilton hotel has a lot of networks around the world. Hilton is one of the oldest hotel network in the world and has a five-star facilities are very lux. Aristocrats, celebrities, wealthy businessmen and world leaders would refer this hotel for their accommodation when traveling. Knowing the history of this hotel can be found at wikipedia or the like which I quote below.

Hilton Hotels is an international chain of full-service hotels and resorts founded by Conrad Hilton and now owned by the Hilton Worldwide. Hilton Hotels are either owned, managed, or franchised to independent operators by the Hilton Hotels Corporation. As of 2008 there are 533 Hilton branded hotels across the world. Hilton Hotels became the first coast-to-coast hotel chain of the United States in 1943. The original price for an overnight stay in 1943 was around $20. The company places marketing emphasis on business travel, but owns and operates a number of resorts and leisure-oriented hotels as well. The company's Hilton Honors guest loyalty program has partnerships with airlines and car rental companies.

The Hilton one of the brand was re-united internationally after more than 40 years in February 2006, when United States-based Hilton Hotels Corporation purchased the hotels division of United Kingdom-based Hilton Group plc, which had acquired Hilton's international operations in 1987 (the companies had been severed originally in 1966).

Has a ubiquitous network is a typical Hilton hotel. One of the Hilton hotel in India has also been the target of terrorist attacks several years ago. Besides the news, Hilton not only has a great name for a hotel network, but there is also Paris Hilton, Hilton descent who currently popular as a sensational artist. Will the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas can match the Hilton hotel?
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Luxor Hotel Casino

2009-07-29T02:58:00.000-07:00

A guide of About.com wrote about Luxor hotel casino. Read here:

The Luxor has become an unmistakable icon on the Strip, with its distinctive pyramid design, giant Sphinx standing guard outside, and a spotlight from the top that is the brightest beam in the entire world. The atrium is the largest in the world, and the hotel itself is the second largest in Las Vegas.

Luxor Hotel Casino: Guest Rooms
Guest rooms in the pyramid are reached by "Inclinators" traveling at a 39-degree angle; the outside wall of guest rooms are slanted.

Luxor Hotel Casino: Activities and Amenities

Older children will love this pyramid housing high-tech entertainment and elevators that travel at a 39-degree angle. One entire floor of the Luxor is dedicated to entertainment of the non-gambling variety such as IMAX movies, video games and virtual reality rides. The Luxor has four swimming pools and a hot tub. Hours are seasonal; call or check the web site for dates and times. Cabanas are available for daily rental and include a refrigerator with drinks, cushioned lounge chairs, misters, a ceiling fan, two complimentary raft rentals and a TV. Restore is an adults-only VIP pool with private cabanas, hammocks, iced towels, chilled fruit, alcoholic popsicles and misters.

More About Luxor Hotel Casino
Pictures of Luxor Hotel Casino

Luxor Hotel Casino is located: On the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. There is a tram to Mandalay Bay and Excalibur.
3900 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119 USA
Phone: (702) 262-4100; Reservations: (888) 777-0188
Web site: Luxor Hotel Casino
See Luxor Hotel Casino on a map of Strip Hotels

Source: About.Com

Las Vegas Luxor - A Piece of Ancient Egypt Right on the Las Vegas Strip

2009-06-20T02:07:00.000-07:00

It isn't something you would normally expect to see - even in Las Vegas. But there it is standing tall on the strip, a giant pyramid. The Las Vegas Luxor was one of the city's first themed mega-resorts. But it's the ancient Egyptian design that truly sets it apart as one of the most unique hotels in the world.

You'll find the Luxor located at the end of the strip closest to the airport. Other major hotels nearby are Mandalay Bay and the Excalibur. But the Luxor is strikingly different from anything else on the Vegas strip and is truly a visual spectacle and an engineering marvel. When the Luxor opened in 1993, it was the tallest structure on the strip. But the continuous growth and expansion of Las Vegas meant that the Luxor was soon dwarfed by other mega-hotels.

Today the Luxor Las Vegas can accommodate more than 4,400 guests. Its rooms are located on the outer walls of the pyramid and are accessible to guests by "inclinators" that move up and down the inner surface of the pyramid at a 39-degree angle. Open hallways leading to the rooms overlook the vast atrium, which is the largest in the world at 29 million cubic feet.

Another distinctive mark of the Luxor is the massive light beam that shoots straight up from the pyramid into the night sky. The total light output is rated at 41.5 gigacandelas (A common candle emits light with a luminous intensity of approximately one candela) and each hour that it runs burns up approximately the same amount of energy as the average American household uses in two weeks.

There's a tram that connects the Luxor to the Mandalay Bay and Excalibur hotels and after a day of exploring Vegas it's a most welcome ride.

Illusionist Criss Angel tapes episodes of his TV series "Mindfreak" at the Luxor hotel. Angel also starred in a magic-themed Cirque du Soleil production at the Luxor.

Another interesting attraction here is the "Bodies... The Exhibition" show which features 13 whole body specimens and 260 organs and partial specimens. It offers the kind of view of the human body most of us never see. You get an up close look at the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and circulatory systems, with unforgettable visuals of damaged organs from overeating, lack of exercise and smoking. It's something you won't ever forget.

The spa at the Luxor offers massages, body treatments, makeup and more. LAX and Cathouse nightclubs offer Vegas-style nightlife until the wee hours. For your dining pleasure, there are a variety of options from fresh deli-style sandwiches to mouth-watering steak and lobster. And don't forget the bustling Luxor casino.

All in all, the Luxor Las Vegas is a wonderful place to stay. If you are staying at another hotel, the Luxor is a must-see for its unique style and design.

Isn't it time you enjoyed an outstanding vacation in fabulous Las Vegas? When choosing your hotel, consider the Luxor Las Vegas. Check out my web site for more information and to make the most of your visit: http://www.HaveFunInVegas.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kylie_Crosby

Luxor Hotel Las Vegas is Unique

2009-05-20T03:13:00.000-07:00

The Luxor Hotel is situated on the clean in Las Vegas. It isn’t bran-new just it has not been in that location absolute agelong. It sits at near the end of the strip and is across the street from the Excalibur Hotel. The Luxor Hotel is unusual in its form. It is a pyramid with the really top having a bright light that goes up for a long way. It has an Egyptian theme and is beautiful inside and out.

There is even an Egyptian canal that runs through it. As people walk in from the front lobby they will see the casino floor straight ahead. After being checked in the people can go up to their hotel room. The rooms are spacious and decorated with the same Egyptian theme.

Suite at the Luxor Hotel aren’t cheap but there are sometimes deals that can be accepted during midweekly. The hotel besides has eating place* and night clubs that folks can expend their money on. The gambling casino areas are well lit and they experience open admitting easily movement without experiencing closed in.

Luxor Las Vegas Hotel Inside Picture

2009-01-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Come and see one of the most spectacular hotels of Las Vegas, The Luxor. The Luxor spared no expense in presenting a grand vision of the spirit of ancient Egypt. From its towering statues to the finest details of carvings and hieroglyphics on its walls, The Luxor fascinates you with the artistry and grandeur of the timeless civilization on the Nile. The 52 pictures in this Luxor Las Vegas Screensaver present the exteriors and interiors of the perfect mixture of Egypt and Las Vegas, The Luxor Hotel.

The Luxor Hotel, Las Vegas. I stayed here. This is inside the pyramid, taken from outside our room.

Every great pyramid contained a secret chamber filled with riches beyond compare - and each was ravaged by daring opportunists who made off with vast fortunes. The same holds true for Luxor.

Inside our great pyramid, you'll discover an opulent casino gaming area that's as wide as the Nile, with everything your treasure-seeking heart desires. Slots. Video poker. Blackjack. Craps. Roulette. Baccarat. Pai Gow. Keno. A lavish poker room and a race and sports book that's fit for a pharaoh, with 17 giant-screen TVs and 128 individual monitors for your viewing pleasure. Luxor's casino floor features many of the newest slot machines available along with plenty of your old favorites. Enjoy playing reel slot and video machines with denominations ranging from one penny to $100.00. Two of the newest video slot machines include Star Wars and Men in Black. These multi-line video slots feature bonus rounds inspired by the hit movies. Try your luck with our traditional reel slots that include Triple Stars, Blazing 7's, and Top$.

Luxor Las Vegas Hotel Outside Picture

2009-01-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Luxor Hotel Las Vegas

Named after an ancient city in Egypt, Luxor Hotel is nestled in Paradise, Nevada, in the long Las Vegas Strip. At Luxor, indulgence is a byword. With all its splendid amenities, guests will definitely have a memorable stay.

Luxor was one of the city's first fully-themed megaresorts. It sports an Ancient Egyptian motif. Its 4,407 visually striking rooms and suites line the interior walls of a hollow pyramid encased in twin ziggurat towers. They are well-appointed with modern amenities to ensure convenience and comfort in its guests. The rooms soar 350 feet high into the desert sky catching the pulsating vibes of Vegas. A host of room and suite choices is available. Depending on your choice, you can have your very own spa just a few steps from your bed. Its floor-to-ceiling windows give a breathtaking view of the whole city.

If you are interested in getting a full spa treatment out of your room, you can visit Nurture, the Spa at Luxor and pamper yourself. You can have soothing massages and refreshing facials. Surely you'll be amazed at how rejuvenated you will be afterwards.

Famished? Not to worry if you're in Luxor. Its restaurants are always open to serve you 24/7. Have a feast of aged prime beef and other signature food products prepped by award winning chef KC Fazel. at the TENDER steak & seafood. Company American Bistro is another option with its carefully tailored menu that lets you eat as much or as little as you'd like. Your other options include T&T, Pyramid Cafe, Cathouse, Backstage Deli, MORE The Buffet at Luxor, the Food Court, Burger Bar, Fusia Luxor, or an in-room dining!

Las Vegas is not like other cities. No city in history has so explicitly valued the needs of visitors above those of its own population. All its growth has been fueled by tourism, but the tourists haven't spoiled the "real" city; there is no real city. Las Vegas doesn't have fascinating little-known neighborhoods, and it's not a place where visitors can go off the beaten track to have more authentic experiences. Instead, the whole thing is completely self-referential; the reason Las Vegas boasts the vast majority of the world's largest hotels is that around thirty-seven million tourists each year come to see the hotels themselves.

What to expect at the Luxor Hotel and Casino
If you have never been to Las Vegas the Luxor is the type of place where you can experience what Las Vegas has become. The minute you enter your room and its slanted walls you realize that rules do not apply here. If you spent an evening at RA the nightclub you begin to wish there were some rules. If you are looking for a big themed resort for an affordable price the Luxor might be right for you.

Luxor Las Vegas Hotel and Casino

2009-01-13T09:55:00.000-08:00

A marvel of modern architecture Luxor’s great onyx-hued pyramid has become the most distinctive landmark on the Las Vegas Strip. Rising 350 feet into the sky and crowned with the world's brightest beam of light Luxor guides you across the desert to experience the excitement and luxury of this Las Vegas oasis. Luxor features 3,957 deluxe rooms and 447 elegantly appointed suites for your pleasure.

Luxor Promo Codes :

View Offer From - $55.00! - One $25.00 Food and Beverage Credit – valid for use in Pyramid Cafe, MORE the Buffet at Luxor or Tender Steakhouse (based on availability)*, One $10.00 Beverage Credit – valid for use in Aurora, Flight, Liquidity or the Playbar*, One $25.00 Nurture Spa Credit towards any spa treatment, $10.00 in Free Slot Play (for first time Players Club members only)* Promotion Runs January 5, 2009 - June 29, 2009
(Exp June 29, 2009)

View Offer From - $65.00! - Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night free on select dates from September 11, 2008 through January 12, 2009. Only one complimentary night per stay. Promotion Runs January 5, 2009 - January 31, 2009
(Exp January 27, 2009)

View Offer From - $55! - One $30.00 Food Dining Credit for Fusia our Asian inspired restaurant*, One $20.00 Spa Credit for Nurture Spa services*, One 2 for 1 admission to Nurture The Spa at Luxor*, $10.00 in Free Slot Play for New Player Club Members.* Promotion Runs January 5, 2009 - March 28, 2009
(Exp March 27, 2009)

View Offer From - $55.00! - 25% off Criss Angel Believe™ Tickets (dark on Wednesday and Thursday\'s; beginning February 8th the show will be dark on Sunday and Monday\'s), 2 VIP admissions to LAX Nightclub (open Wednesday through Saturday evenings), Free Appetizer at Company American Bistro with purchase of an entrée Promotion Runs January 8, 2009 - July 31, 2009
(Exp January 22, 2009)

Guide to The Luxor Las Vegas

Accommodations

There are 4,408 guest rooms and 447 suits.
Luxor Pool - 5 pools grace this resort with palms, waterfalls.
Air conditioning, clock radios, remote-controlled cable TV, electronic door locks, hair dryer and iron and ironing board (both available on request), pay-per-view movies, telephone with voice mail.
All the rooms have internet access available for a fee.
The rooms range from the deluxe suits in the pyramid, the Jacuzzi rooms in the towers or the mini suit.

Amenities - Maid Services, Beauty Salon, Five Acre Pool, With Four Little Pools, Four Whirlpools, Twelve Private Cabanas, Laundry and Luggage Services, Valet Parking, Safety Deposit Boxes, 20,000 Square Feet for Conventions, Currency Exchange, Wake Up Calls, Spa, Body Treatments, Herbal Wraps, Steam Room, Facials, Tanning Sauna, Two Wedding Chapels, Fitness, Free Weights, Cardiovascular Equipment.

Gaming - 120,00 Square Foot Casino Floor, Poker Room, Roulette, Craps, Megabucks, Video Poker, Slots, Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, Keno, Pai Gow Poker

Shopping

Criss Angel MINDFREAK Store - Offers all merchandise related to Criss Angel and his hit TV show. The store has tee shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, hats, skateboards, stickers, jewelry, and much more all themed after MINDFREAK.
LX Fashions - Glitz and glam materialize in true fashion as LX Fashions features brands such as Ed Hardy, Baby Phat, Christine Alexander and more.
Vegas Store - Everything LAS VEGAS!
Vintage Vegas - Everything old Las Vegas with a new modern twist including tee shirts, hats, and glassware.

CASINO LEVEL STORES
Everything’s $10 Boutique - Luxury at $10. Everything is $10!
LX Luxor Logo - Everything Luxor!
Essentials and 24/7 - All the necessities including candy bars, soda, and alcohol.
THREADS - Great gifts for men including cufflink

Luxor Restaurants and Dining

Dinning

TENDER steak & seafood - Lobster, Steak, Chicken
Fusia Luxor - Oysters, Wraps, Seafood
T&T (Tacos & Tequila) - Mexican
Company American Bistro - Steak, Chicken, Seafood
CatHouse – Steak, Chicken, Seafood
Food Court - Coffee, Subs, Pizza
Backstage Deli - Patty Melts, Triple Decker Sandwich, Potato Pancakes
Pyramid Cafe - Wraps, Salads, Sandwich
MORE, the Buffet at Luxor - Dessert, Meat, Omelet

Luxor Las Vegas Shows and Attractions

Entertainment

CRISS Angel Belive - Cirque Du Soliel and Criss Angel create a one of kind experience.
Carrot Top - Comedian for Older Audiences
Fantasy - Talented Women Dancers
Bodies - The Exhibition.
Titanic - The Artifact Exhibition.

Luxor Nightclubs

Nightlife

LAX - offer posh VIP tables and upper-level ultra-VIP lofts for club goers looking for the latest in a nightlife experience.
CatHouse - Featuring a restaurant, lounge and performance acts.
Liquidity - An internationally recognized music mix creates a cool vibe that will energize the Pyramid. A premier cocktail selection along with bottle service will be offered.
Flight - 24 hour service bar with gaming tables.
Aurora - 24 hour service bar.

Las Vegas Trip Deals - Recommendations For a Worry-Free Adventure

2008-12-25T23:42:00.000-08:00

You can find some incredible deals for your upcoming Vegas trip -- for both families and individuals alike. You just need to know where to look. The first way to save your money and your sanity on a Vegas trip is by booking packages through travel agents. People may think they have gone the way of the dinosaur, but they are still able to find the best discounts. They also know all the ins and outs of traveling.

They can tell you which hotels offer the best accommodations and which give away the coolest stuff. If you prefer, you can find excellent deals yourself on hotel packages and airfare by simply going online and checking the hotel website directly. Some hotels offer their room packages with the airfare included for some great savings. For instance, the Luxor Hotel has packages starting at $250 for airfare and 2 nights.

The Mandalay and the Four Seasons offer similar deals for around $300. To head off the competition, the Luxor has added a $25 discount on food and drinks poolside. No doubt the other two hotels will soon be adding more value to their offers to compete with this. For those golfers out there, the JW Marriot Resort and Spa has an incredible course. They also have excellent deals that offer primetime golf discounts for him and spa discounts for her. They really know how to cover all their bases. If you're looking for something unique and can afford it, a Skyloft trip package can give you an absolutely exquisite view of Las Vegas.

This offer is not for the faint of heart, however you can get an incredible discount on these awesome high rise hotel rooms starting at $1550 a night. These rooms are perfect for honeymooners and businessmen alike, and guests are treated like royalty. The bottom line is simple. The less you have to worry about, the more you will enjoy your stay in Las Vegas.

These hotels and other places like them will take care of all of your travel worries... so you can do just that. There are a lot more Las Vegas trip deals available to you; find out more at http://www.travel26.com Be sure to pick up a $100,000 Las Vegas Discount Card before you leave for Vegas AND get several free travel gifts just for stopping by. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Shannon

Las Vegas Luxor Pyramid Laser Light

2008-12-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

One of the coolest things in Las Vegas is said to be the Luxor Pyramid Laser Light and recently a member of the ISS International Space Station mentioned he could see it, as it was a clear night. Many people who drive to Las Vegas or visit there drive down the Strip tonight and wonder if how far away it can be seen from the air.

Well personally I can remember traveling to Los Angeles LAX from Washington DC and could see it from 40,000 ASL (above sea level) and could see it very well and as far as 150-200 miles away too; a beacon in the night. My dad who was an airline pilot for Continental Airlines has made mention of it; he said a good four hundred miles not sure, though as I have never seen it like that. I have read in novels and they often mention it as well; authors such as Tom Clancy. Some tourists ask; “I was wondering just how far up it could be seen.”

Some say further than 40,000 feet, but that is the furthest I can remember seeing it. Now then the Space Shuttle Astronauts have reported it too and from the ISS. Wow! That means with a Wal-Mart Telescope you might be able to see it from the Moon? Think on this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Winslow

Cheap Hotel Accommodation In Central London

2008-12-10T04:46:00.000-08:00

London has a reputation for expensive hotel accommodation with very little cheap budget hotels. OK so what is cheap. For the purposes of this article lets define cheap as below 100$US per night, (60 pounds sterling in local currency) for a standard double/twin room with all taxes paid.

Most of the hotel accommodation in this bracket is termed 'bed and breakfast' hotels. This can be misleading to the unaware. No it’s not a cosy family owned guest house with personal attentive hosts, traditional English breakfasts and home-made offerings, commonly available outside London. The vast majority are small hotels with 20-50 rooms, staffed by immigrants on very low salaries with very simple rooms, seldom lifts and 'continental breakfasts'. That is not to say that these establishments should be avoided, but there are an awful lot of poor quality ones.

The main cheap hotel districts in London are Bayswater, Victoria and Kings Cross. Here you will see lots of these bed and breakfast hotels together in clusters. An ensuite double or twin room with breakfast in these areas is around 70-100$US

Kings Cross has a poor reputation, it used to be notorious for drugs, crime and prostitution. That is all largely behind it now and it’s a district on the up, the whole area is being rejuvenated and Eurostar Trains will terminate at Kings Cross station in 2007. The bed and breakfast hotels are all around a garden square immediately opposite Kings Cross Station. Kings Cross is no more than a mile from the West End, the central entertainment area of London, and there’s lots of public transport on your doorstep.
Bayswater is on the northern border of Hyde Park, London's biggest, and within a mile are Oxford Street, Kensington Palace and Paddington Station, (terminus for the Heathrow Express airport link. Bayswater is a traditional budget area and a great place to stay for the cost conscious traveller. Bayswater High Street (Queensway) is host to a great variety of economical restaurants and shops. Everyday supermarkets, launderettes etc are commonplace.

Victoria is very central, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye are all within walking distance. The cheap hotels are south of the railway station, stretching from the coach stations to Pimlico Underground. The area is pleasant and safe.

Room rates are highly variable. In the depths of winter, rooms may be discounted as low as 50 US$, but be warned these tend to be of the hotels of the worst kind. Most of the hotels will also discount less at the weekend.

Some of the better bed and breakfasts include the Montana Excel and Howard Winchester Hotels in Kings Cross, the Central Hotel in Victoria and the Blakemore and Annur Hotels in Bayswater. Some of these may be advertised as three star hotels - beware in small print you may notice the words 'self rated'.

A good starting point for your research on cheap bed and breakfast hotels in London are: Cheap Bed and Breakfasts in London or Bed and Breakfasts near London Victoria Station

Bob Handford is an expert about his city, London and is the owner of the website London Toolkit that aims to provide practical information for independent visitors to London. You can contact Bob direct at the web site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Handford
By Bob Handford

The Luxor Hotel And Casino In Las Vegas Is Not About Ancient Egypt Any Longer

2008-12-10T04:23:00.000-08:00

When the Luxor opened on October 15, 1993 the striking pyramid structure was the tallest building in Las Vegas. This was a time when the development of casinos in Las Vegas relied on themes to differentiate themselves from one another.

The Steve Wynn hotel, Treasure Island, was based on a pirate theme and second incarnation of MGM Grand (the original MGM Grand was what is now known as Bally's) was all about the movies, complete with a yellow brick road directing visitors through the center of the casino floor. The Luxor, as the name suggests, relied on the ancient Egypt theme to tantalize it's guests. The replica of the Sphinx in front of the hotel, which also doubles as the porte-cochere, greets visitors upon arrival. At one time there was even a Nile River ride, similar to what you might find in Epcot Center at Disneyworld.

Times and taste change very fast in Las Vegas and today the Luxor is going through a transformation that promises to bring a more contemporary flavor and erase any sign that the hotel and casino are 18 years old. This transformation began in 2006, with the refurbishment of the West Tower rooms, and will continue through 2008. All 4,047 rooms will be refurbished by the time the renovation is complete.

Gone is the RA Nightclub. RA was one of the first mega-nightclubs in Las Vegas. The Luxor is now home to the LAX Nightclub, a branch of the Los Angeles hot spot. LAX is a modern state-of-the-art nightclub covering two-stories and 26,000 square feet. Since the club was opened in August 2007 it has developed a reputation for being a celebrity hangout. There is also Noir Bar, a private reservation required bar located within the nightclub. An adjoining bistro will be opening soon so you can eat, drink and play in a singular destination.

Although the Nile River ride is no longer, the Luxor still has many entertainment offerings. The comedian Carrot Top offers his unique and somewhat twisted form of entertainment 6-nights a week. The adults-only revue, Fantasy, offers singing, dancing and of course, topless girls. Something the whole family can enjoy is the ventriloquist Ronn Lucas and his puppets who perform afternoon shows 6-days a week. In 2008 the Luxor will be home to yet another Cirque du Soleil production on the Las Vegas Strip. This production will be a collaboration with magician Criss Angel and will be housed in the theater formerly occupied by the Blue Man Group.

The Luxor's parent company, MGM MIRAGE is spending $300 million dollars in an effort to bring the hotel in line with the newer resorts and casinos on the Strip. As the transformation continues there will surely be new restaurants added, new bars and nightclubs and new entertainment options. And as the ancient Egypt theme slowly disappears during this renovation, it is beginning to look like the only reference to the old Luxor that will remain is it's signature 30-story Pyramid Tower.

Lance Taylor is a Las Vegas resident and writes for Las Vegas Vacation Spot the free and comprehensive source for everything Las Vegas has to offer! You'll find information on hotels and resorts, restaurants, shows, nightclubs and getting the best package deals in town! Visit: Las Vegas Vacation Spot and start planning your Las Vegas getaway today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lance_Taylor
By Lance Taylor

Las Vegas Hotel Casinos

2008-12-10T04:15:00.000-08:00

Las Vegas can rightfully boast of a number of high-class hotels, but those on the famous Las Vegas Strip are the most well known among them. Among the most popular are The Bellagio, The Luxor, The Venetian, Caesars Palace, New York New York and Treasure Island. The Westin and Hilton hotels are also located in this area.

As the hotels on the Strip mainly cater to the wealthy, it is difficult to find discount hotels in this locality. During off-seasons (usually December and January), however, many Strip hotels offer lower rates and discount deals. Some of the other most popular hotels in the city are Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, Excalibur Hotel and Casino, Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Circus Circus Hotel and Casino, Tropicana Resort and Casino, Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. It is wise to avoid weekends while staying at a hotel unless you want to burn a deep hole in your pocket or like to melt yourself in a wild party crowd.

For the not-so-rich, Las Vegas has a host of cheap hotels to offer. Some of them are Riviera, Villager-Flami, Orleans, Cancun Resort, La Quinta Las Vegas Convention Center, Sahara Hotel and Casino, Desert Paradise Resort, Hawthorn Suites, Boulder Station Hotel and Casino, Hampton Inn, Hampton Inn Nellis AFB, Royal Hotel and Casino, Golden Gate Hotel and Casino.

Let us now look at some of the leading hotel-casinos in Las Vegas, and when they opened for business: 1) El Rancho (April 3, 1941), 2) The New Frontier (October 30, 1942) first opening as the Pair O?Dice nightclub in 1930, 3) Flamingo Las Vegas (December 26, 1946) first opening as Flamingo, 4) Sahara (October 7, 1952) first opening as Club Bingo (July 24, 1947), 5) Thunderbird (September 2, 1948). 6) Desert Inn (April 24, 1950), 7) Venetian (May 3, 1999) first opening as the Sands (December 15, 1952), 8) Royal Nevada (April 19, 1955), 9) Riviera (April 20, 1955), 10) Bellagio (October 15, 1998) first opening as Dunes (May 23, 1955), 11) Mandalay Bay (March 2, 1999) first opening as Hacienda (June 1956), 12) Tropicana (April 4, 1957), 13) Stardust ( July 2, 1958), 14) The Mirage (November 22, 1989), 15) Aladdin (April 1, 1966), 16) Caesars Palace (August 15, 1966), 17) MGM Grand (December 18, 1993) first opening as Marina (1975) and 18) Harrah?s Las Vegas (April 1992) first opening as Holiday Casino (July 2, 1973).

Las Vegas Casinos provides detailed information on Las Vegas Casinos, Las Vegas Hotel Casinos, Las Vegas Casino Reviews, Las Vegas Casino Resorts and more. Las Vegas Casinos is affiliated with Las Vegas Real Estate.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Bailey
By: Jennifer Bailey

Hotel in central rome

2008-09-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

FIND YOUR CHEAP ACCOMMODATION IN ROME

ENJOY YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN ROME WITH ROME HOTEL SERVICE.

As with all holiday accommodation, the golden rule of 'cheaper out, nicer in' applies to Rome - That is to say, you can save a lot of money by choosing a hotel in central Rome, but it's much more fun to be staying right in the middle of the city - You catch more of the atmosphere that way.

However, public transport in Rome is incredibly cheap and quite efficient, so it's not such a hardship to 'commute' into central Rome from a hotel or 'pensione' (bed & breakfast) on the outskirts of the city. If you decide to do this, obviously you should make sure before you book that your hotel accommodation is situated close to a subway station or major bus route. By major, we mean one that goes straight to the heart of the city without you needing to change buses two or three times.
If you opt for an hotel located in central Rome, it is very well worth paying extra for a room with a view, at least four or five floors up, as, unlike many cities, Rome is devastatingly beautiful when seen in panorama from above, and this will add tremendously to the value of your holiday. Even if you can't get a room with a view, some hotels have roof gardens with spendid views across the city center of Rome.

Italian hotels and pensiones will require your passport when you check in, and they'll hang on to it for a day or two because they are required by law to register your presence with the police, in accordance with visitors and non-national residential laws. Eventually they'll give it back to you, but try to avoid needing your passport for anything else during your first 48 hours; (so, for example try to change your money or hire your car before you check in to your hotel).
Rome hotel service has a wide range of cheap accommodation in Rome and is at disposal of customers requiring detailed informations about the Eternal City.

See the Complete Listing of Rome Accommodation or choose by Area or Features: visit our website http://www.hotelsaroma.com and write us at info@romehotelservice.com and we'll find a cheap accommodation in Rome that is suitable to your needs.
So whatever the purpose of your journey, you can travel in comfort to Rome and find in this bustling city a place to stay which is ideal, just for you.

Visit http://www.hotelsaroma.com and write us at info@romehotelservice.com
Author: stefano sandano

Tips for choosing a hotel

2008-08-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you stay at a hotel occasionally for vacation or you are a road warrior business person who feels like you spend half of your life in hotels, here are 6 ways to make your stay at a hotel more enjoyable.

1. Before you go to sleep on the first night, make sure that the alarm clock is set for the time you want and that the television does not have an auto-on feature. People will sometimes set these for the middle of the night as a prank on the next person in the room, since the cleaning staff will rarely check them.

2. Bring your own refreshments since refreshments provided in the bar fridge found in the hotel room are often exorbitantly priced.

3. Bring any problems that you encounter to the attention of the front desk as soon as you see them so that they do not assume it was you that left the room in that condition. For example, if you are missing a towel, let them know right away so they don't think you stole it!

4. Hotels are charging for local calls now, and sometimes by the minute, so make sure to clarify upfront any potential telephone costs. Often, going down to the lobby and using the payphone there is much cheaper, even if it is not the most convenient.

5. It is okay to demand excellence from the hotel because you are paying good money to stay there. Just demand it in a polite and reasonable way and always with a smile.

6. A hotel, like a car-rental company or a video-rental store, has a fixed number of income producing units. These units are used by customers who are not always as accommodating to your schedule as you'd like them to be. If you get to the hotel and find that your room is not ready, relax! You'll find that by being patient and understanding, the hotel staff will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy; while, if you are abrupt and impatient, they will provide only the service that you're paying for, and they'll do so grudgingly. Remember, it is rarely the desk clerk's fault that your room is not ready for you. More often than not, it is because another customer was late leaving their room.

These six ideas will help you have a more enjoyable stay the next time you have to stay at a hotel.

About The Author:

Jeff Lakie is the founder of Hotel Resources a website providing information on Hotels This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_9025_29.html

Finding the Best Hotel Deals

2008-08-11T02:53:00.000-07:00

By: David Chandler

When it comes to hotels, things boil down to a tradeoff between low cost and convenient location. In many cases, especially when traveling to major cities and popular attractions, the closer the hotel to the city or attraction the more you can expect to pay. The best way to save money, particularly in large cities, is often to stay in the suburbs.

Of course, this means that you will spend more time getting to the places you want to visit, and this will mean spending additional money on gasoline, etc. It is important to compute all these costs to make sure that you will really be spending less on a less convenient hotel room.

There are of course a number of ways to save money on hotels and motels without compromising quality. For one thing, a membership in AAA or a similar auto club also entitles you to discounts on hotel rooms, as does military service and senior citizen status. When inquiring about a hotel room, always inquire about discounts that may be available.

In addition, shopping early for a hotel room can often yield the best deals. That is because hotels often reserve a block of low cost rooms, and when they are gone they are gone. Thus, the last room at a hotel may be much more costly than the first. Getting the best hotel room deal is often a matter of timing.

Of course getting a great deal on a hotel will mean nothing if the place is a dump. Shopping for a budget hotel should not mean settling for a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in an unsafe location.

Fortunately, finding a good budget hotel has been made much easier with the help of the internet. What used to take weeks or even months to research can now be done in a matter of hours or even minutes. Many hotels, even budget properties, feature pictures of the property and the surrounding area, so be sure to research the property you are considering if you have never stayed there before.

It is important to research the area in which the hotel is located as well. Be sure to check out things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Doing research on the area will help ensure you do not end up staying in a dangerous neighborhood just to save a couple of bucks.

The internet also provides a number of review sites where those who have stayed in various hotels share their experiences and their impressions of the hotel properties. These review sites can be very useful for travelers, particularly those traveling to a new location for the first time.

In addition, the internet hosts a number of comparison web sites where travelers can easily find and compare hotel properties for their individual dates of stay and destinations. These web sites offer a number of ways to search, including distance from a particular tourist attraction, price, star level and more. The only caveat to consider when using such a web site is its independence. Some comparison web sites feature only properties that pay an advertising fee, so using a comparison site does not necessarily guarantee the best price. It is best to use a number of such web sites to get a true picture of the lowest prices available.

For more information about securing cheap or discount hotel rates, visit these sites, Cheap Hotels and Discount Hotels

Kaanapali Beach Hotel

2008-07-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

By Teresa Plowright, About.com

Kaanapali Beach is on Maui's northwest coast, just north of Lahaina, in an area with many resorts on popular Kaanapali Beach.

The Ka'anapali Beach Hotel - with 430 low-rise rooms and suites, and 11 beachfront acres-- aims to be a "moderately priced first class hotel". It's been voted "#1 Best Value Hotel in Hawaii" in Travel & Leisure Magazine, and a "Best Place to Stay" by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine.

What's Special about the K'anapali Beach Hotel:

The Kaanapali bills itself as: Maui's Most Hawaiian Hotel", with Hawaiian quilt bedspreads, tropical furnishings, original art, lei-making, hula.

Other features include: airy lanai (balconies), ocean activities, complimentary Hawaiian activities, free kids program, nearby shopping, championship golf. See section on watersports, below.As for watersports, at the Kaanapali:

a popular snorkeling spot is nearby
excursions are available for snorkeling, diving, sailing
Scuba is available for ages 12 and up
surfing classes available too
beach activities include sandcastles, skim board, boogie board
whale watching season is December to May

What's special about the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel for families:

Aloha Passport for Kids: at check-in for the Kaanapali, kids receive a passport, which gets stamped when they participate in activities (hula classes, lei making, sand image classes, leaf-printing, etc.) Kids get a gift at each "destination", too.
kids 6 to 12 can experience 12 destinations; 3 to 5 year-olds have an eight-destination passport.
Parents can join in some of the activities; the program is free
little ones two and under get a sand pail of goodies to enjoy at the beach
rooms at the Kaanapali sleep up to four; kids 17 and under are free when staying with parent(s) in existing beds
restaurants are kid-friendly and affordable, including the Kaanapali Mixed Plate Restaurant with three all-you-can-eat buffets daily; kids 6 to12 eat at a reduced price, and 5 years or younger eat free with a paid adult

Packages at the Kaanapali Beach Hotel:

This property has frequent packages: check the "Specials" page at the Ka'anapali site for current promotions. Look for "Whale Encounter Package" during whale-watching season (Jan. to April.)

Find out more about the Kaanapali Beach Hotel:

take a virtual tour, with 360 degree views, at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
check visitors' comments at TripAdvisor.com
Check prices

This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person. Always check resort sites for updates.

Hamilton Island Holiday Properties Promotional Rates

2008-05-09T04:05:00.000-07:00

Overview
Hamilton Island Holiday Properties are scattered around the island. The hotel's accommodation includes 1 and 2 bedroom Resort-Side Apartments as well as Standard, Superior and Deluxe Villas and Luxury Villas. They are usually configured as a group of common-walled apartments or villas and share landscaped gardens and a swimming pool (except Pavillions). All apartment and villa packages come inclusive of a 4-seater golf buggy.

Room Facilities

Air Conditioning
Television
Telephone
Private Bathroom
Hair Dryer
Ceiling Fan
Microwave
Dishwasher
Iron and Ironing Board
Full Kitchen Facilities
Coffee/Tea Making Facilities
Internal Laundry

Hotel Facilities

Baby Cot (On Request)
Grocery Shop

Dining & Entertainment

6 Bars
10 Restaurants

Sports & Leisure

Spa (Charges Apply)
Gym (Charges Apply)
Sauna (Charges Apply)
Squash (Charges Apply)
Tennis Court (Charges Apply)
Walking Tracks
Swimming Pools
Catamaran
Snorkeling Equipment
Windsurfers
Paddle Ski

Check-in time 1400hrs
Check-out time 1000hrs

Ratings Three 1/2 Stars

Promotional Rates and Availability
Check Rates and Availability
http://www.holidaycity.com/apartmentsvillas-hamilton-island/index.htm

Cheap Hotel Accommodation In Central London

2008-04-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

A beginner’s guide to finding cheap accommodation (less than US$100) in Central London. Focusing on bed and breakfast accommodation and the main districts of London you will find them.

London has a reputation for expensive hotel accommodation with very little cheap budget hotels. OK so what is cheap. For the purposes of this article let’s define cheap as below US$100 per night, (60 pounds sterling in local currency) for a standard double/twin room with all taxes paid.

Most of the hotel accommodation in this bracket is termed 'bed and breakfast' hotels. This can be misleading to the unaware. No it’s not a cozy family owned guest house with personal attentive hosts, traditional English breakfasts and home-made offerings, commonly available outside London. The vast majority are small hotels with 20-50 rooms, staffed by immigrants on very low salaries with very simple rooms, seldom lifts and 'continental breakfasts'. That is not to say that these establishments should be avoided, but there are an awful lot of poor quality ones.

The main cheap hotel districts in London are Bayswater, Victoria and Kings Cross. Here you will see lots of these bed and breakfast hotels together in clusters. An ensuite double or twin room with breakfast in these areas is around 70-100$US

Kings Cross has a poor reputation, it used to be notorious for drugs, crime and prostitution. That is all largely behind it now and it’s a district on the up, the whole area is being rejuvenated and Eurostar Trains will terminate at Kings Cross station in 2007. The bed and breakfast hotels are all around a garden square immediately opposite Kings Cross Station. Kings Cross is no more than a mile from the West End, the central entertainment area of London, and there’s lots of public transport on your doorstep. Bayswater is on the northern border of Hyde Park, London's biggest, and within a mile are Oxford Street, Kensington Palace and Paddington Station, (terminus for the Heathrow Express airport link. Bayswater is a traditional budget area and a great place to stay for the cost conscious traveler. Bayswater High Street (Queensway) is host to a great variety of economical restaurants and shops. Everyday supermarkets, launderettes etc are commonplace.

Victoria is very central, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the London Eye are all within walking distance. The cheap hotels are south of the railway station, stretching from the coach stations to Pimlico Underground. The area is pleasant and safe.

Room rates are highly variable. In the depths of winter, rooms may be discounted as low as 50 US$, but be warned these tend to be of the hotels of the worst kind. Most of the hotels will also discount less at the weekend.

Some of the better bed and breakfasts include the Montana Excel and Howard Winchester Hotels in Kings Cross, the Central Hotel in Victoria and the Blakemore and Annur Hotels in Bayswater. Some of these may be advertised as three star hotels - beware in small print you may notice the words 'self rated'.

A good starting point for your research on cheap bed and breakfast hotels in London are: Cheap Bed and Breakfasts in London or Bed and Breakfasts Near Victoria Station

Bob Handford is an expert about his city, London and is the owner of the website London Travel Toolkit that aims to provide practical information for independent visitors to London. You can contact Bob direct at the web site.

By Robert Handford

Have Hotel Rooms Become a Commodity?

2008-02-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

Nowadays, more travel is sold over the Internet than any other consumer product. In the United States Internet-booked rooms is the fastest-growing segment of hotel reservations in part because the Internet is a perfect medium for selling travel as it brings a vast network of suppliers and a widely dispersed customer pool together into a centralized market place.

In fact, the travel marketplace is a global arena where millions of buyers (travel agents and the public) search for travel services and sellers (hotels, airlines, car rental companies, etc.) work together to exchange travel services on the world's global distribution systems and the Internet distribution systems.

However, any mention of the Internet as a distribution channel for travel needs to start with an understanding of the existing electronic distribution infrastructure, the Global Distribution System (GDS). The airline industry created the first GDS in the 1960s as a way to keep track of flight schedules, availability, and prices.

The GDS’s were actually among the first e-commerce companies in the world facilitating B2B electronic commerce as early as the mid 1970s, when SABRE (owned by American Airline) and Apollo (United) began installing their propriety internal reservations systems in travel agencies.

The legacy of these GDS’s, namely Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan, today provide the backbone to the Internet travel distribution system and additionally there are thousands of private label Web sites like Expedia and Orbitz, as well as hundreds of tour operators, corporate booking portals, and regional convention coordinators.

Yet although technology has given hoteliers so many ways to sell a room, it has become nearly impossible for a smaller hotel operator to understand, let alone intelligently manage the available channels for room sales. In fact if you are the average small hotel, many of these channels have an allotment of your rooms, and it is likely most are showing out of date rates and incorrect availability.

Communicating with all of these channels in order to keep them current on your inventory and rates, requires in some cases, daily manual intervention with multiple faxes and phone calls. More importantly, verifying the accuracy of each channel's current allotment and rate by the property is critical but rarely automated. Most times hotel operators do not know where or how their rooms are being sold or at what rate until the booking confirmation arrives.

The tangle of reservation channels is not likely to be simplified soon. But with regard to the easy accessibility of hotel reservations on the Internet directly booked from hotel websites with their own integrated reservations systems, the system is working.

Unfortunately even now, the overwhelming majority of small to medium sized hoteliers far from realizing and exploiting the Web's true potential are still accepting bookings by telephone, form and fax from their websites or selling their inventory at reduced rates or high commissions via Web-proficient online intermediaries.

As such, hoteliers, who want to broaden their room’s distribution intelligently, improve margins and maintain their brand identity in the face of on-line distributors that would turn hotel rooms into a lowest-price commodity should seriously consider integrating a real time reservations system into their own website for the ultimate benefit of their own hotel and visitors.

After all, commodities tend to look and taste the same. Do visitors want a box they will rent if the price is right or a room experience they will wish to revisit again and again?

- John Shenton

Source:http://www.imscart.com/hotel_reservation_software_article_2.htm

Luxor Las Vegas

2008-01-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

One of the most unique experiences in Las Vegas is visiting the Luxor hotel Las Vegas. The building, a 30 story tall pyramid, brings you into an Egyptian paradise with a mysterious air. Over the course of your stay, you will see awe-inspiring sights that will remain with you after you leave from your vacation. The Luxor Las Vegas is one of the well known hotel and casinos that help give Vegas such a shining reputation.

When you stay in the Luxor, you can expect to be in some of the classiest Eastern decor rooms available on the Strip. The large rooms make use of the Egyptian theme, further burying you within the sights, sounds and feel of the East. In each room, you will also find a variety of amenities designed to make your stay more enjoyable.

Room Features:
Air conditioning
clock radios
remote-controlled cable TV
electronic door locks
hair dryer (available on request)
iron and ironing board (available on request)
pay-per-view movies
telephone with voice mail

Luxor Casino

When you are staying at the Luxor, you will most likely end up visiting the 120,000 square foot casino. This casino keeps with the Egyptian theme, while remaining one of the largest and most elegant casinos in Las Vegas. There are a wide variety of games available for play, which allows everyone to find something of interest to them.

Local Attractions

When you stay at the Luxor, there are a wide variety of things to see and do. When you stay at the Luxor, you will want to make certain that you make enough time to visit all of these things before you leave.

The Tomb of Tutankhamun

This replica of the tomb discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter is a great sight to see if you are interested in the history and glamor of Egypt. It is open daily from 9 A.M. to 11 P.M. Admittance is $5.

In Search of the Obelisk

This motion simulator ride is one of the attractions many individuals visit the Luxor to see. Considered one of the best motion simulator rides in Las Vegas, it is well worth the $7.50 to ride. In order to be able to ride this ride, you will need to be over 42 inches tall.

Luxor IMAX

This 68 foot by 48 foot screen lets you see some of the most interesting shows on a huge screen that pulls you into the action. Admission fees to see the show is $9.95, and you should purchase your tickets at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the show.

With so much to see and do at the Luxor Las Vegas, you can have the perfect vacation you deserve in a beautiful atmosphere that will awe you throughout your entire stay.

Source: http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/nevada/las-vegas/the-pyramid.php

Hotel Reservation Tips

2008-01-20T19:35:00.000-08:00

By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

BASIC INFORMATION

Is the front desk staffed 24 hours a day?
Does the hotel offer non-smoking rooms?
Does the hotel allow pets? What size?
What is check in time? Check out time?
What is the policy for late check in?
What is the hotel's cancellation policy?
How much is the room tax?
What is the fee for local calls?

FINDING A DEAL

ask if they offer discounts (corporate, AAA, senior, etc.)
if lower advertised rate, ask for that rate
shop for internet discounts and web-only rates
travel agents can often get better deals
ask for extended stay discount for long trips

HOTEL AMENITIES

Does the hotel have a restaurant or cafe?
Is there a pool or other recreational facilities?
Is there a playground or other children's facilities?
Is there a phone in the room?
Does the room have a private bath?
Are there business facilities (fax, internet, copier, etc.)?

MAKING RESERVATIONS

make reservations with a credit card in case you have problems
travel insurance will protect you if trip cancelled
read travel insurance policies carefully for exclusions
check your confirmation for errors as soon as you receive it
give someone your itinerary -- arrival, departure, hotel
double check your reservations before leaving

SAFETY TIPS

find out what the neighborhood is like
research photos on the internet and in travel guides
stay away from hotels with numbers on the keys
ask for a room not on the first floor
make sure there is a deadbolt on all exterior doors
doors opening into interior hallways are safer
check the fire escape route upon arrival
use the hotel safe for valuables
use the hotel main entrance after dark
hang the "do not disturb" sign and leave TV on when gone

Ramona Creel is a Professional Organizer and the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com -- offering "a world of organizing solutions!" Visit www.onlineorganizing.com for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau, get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you, or get some help starting and running your own organizing business. You may contact Ramona at comments@onlineorganizing.com.

Source:http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=40

Making a hotel reservation? Use these tips to get a better deal

2008-01-19T00:09:00.000-08:00

by Tanisha A. Sykes

Whether you like to stay at the Four Seasons or the Hilton, get discounts that count! According to The Penny Pincher's Passport to Luxury Travel by Joel L. Widzer (Travelers' Tales Guides; $12.95), you don't have to be wealthy to enjoy luxury hotels. Of course, you can go online to www.hotels.com or www.expedia.com for discounts, or you can bundle your car, air, and hotel fares. But did you know there are other ways to get discounts on hotels? When booking your next hotel reservation, consider these tips:

A Join a frequent guest program.

"The hotel industry is a highly competitive business that is vulnerable to certain economic cycles," says Widzer, so frequent, guest programs were invented, Most of the major chains such as Marriott. Holiday Inn, and Westin offer such programs. And although more upscale places like the Ritz-Carlton "do not actively promote a frequent guest program, they do make special accommodations and upgrades available to their most loyal guests," he says.

B Get to know the hotel manager, reservations manager, and bell captain.

All businesses love repeat customers, so find out who's in charge and make friends--fast! These are the people who know the most about the hotel, from the best views re the best rates to the best times of the year to visit. Be sure to remind these key players how much you've enjoyed your stay and that you're a longtime customer, or let them know of your intention to revisit if it's your first time.

C Don't be afraid to tip an extra buck or two!

Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_10_35/ai_n13819880

Accomodation reservation system for southern Africa

2008-01-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

ResAfrica.com is an accommodation booking engine for South Africa hotels and other types of accommodation. Hotels, Guest Houses and B&Bs can manage their rates, rules and inventory. Travellers can search for accommodation and availability and can reserve rooms on RoomsForAfrica.com.

Why Book a Nepal Resort Holiday Today?

2008-01-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

By Peter I. Wilson

If you are looking to go on an adventure holiday which offers beautiful scenery and which will leave you wanting more then Nepal is certainly a destination that you should look into.

Often people have no idea where to go and Nepal is never usually the first destination which people consider. However it does attract thousands of tourists each and every single year and once you have been there, you will understand why.

Experiencing the Himalayan Mountains

When you travel to the Himalayan Mountains you will notice straight away, just how friendly the local people are. There is such a warm, inviting atmosphere in Nepal and the culture is absolutely fascinating. The people seem to remain stuck in their own traditions and it is simply a fascinating experience to witness their everyday lives.

One of the best activities to partake in whilst you visit Nepal, is camping. With miles upon miles of beautiful forests and lakes, camping is definitely one of the best activities that you can experience. Nothing but wildlife and the peaceful surroundings will help you to relax and have a restful holiday. An adventure holiday does not always have to be extreme - it can be incredibly relaxing and exciting at the same time. Just exploring somewhere new can be exciting and it can prove to be one of the best ways to spend any holiday.

If you do decide to go to the Himalayan Mountains then there are a number of things that you need to take with you. Things such as hiking boots, a first aid kit and a special jacket in case you get lost or get into trouble in the wilderness are all essentials that you should have. Nepal is an exciting adventure but as with all adventure holidays, when you do not know where you are going, s can occur. So it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

Trekking Through Nepal

One of the main activities that tourists love to experience in Nepal is trekking. As the country boasts some fantastic scenery and beautiful forests and lakes. It is always a good idea if you do want to experience trekking, that you go in groups. You should never attempt to go trekking alone as this can potentially be extremely dangerous; especially if you have no idea where you are going. So always make sure that you travel with either someone in your group or a fellow traveler in order to stay safe.

Overall it would definitely be a good idea to take a guide with you if you do plan on going trekking. There are many guides who can take you around the forests and lakes in Nepal and you can enquire about them at the resort where you are staying.

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Peter Wilson's reports can be encountered on large numbers of web pages related to bus times from Alicante to Malaga and how far away is Madrid from Alicanti. Recording his experience in detailed writings, the author proofed his deep knowledge on things relating to Alicante to Madrid and bus times from Alicante to Malaga.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_I._Wilson

Skip The Hotel And Stay In A Hostel

2008-01-14T22:52:00.000-08:00

By Lee Dobbins

Hostelling is a great way to travel if you are on a tight budget. Popular with college students who tour Europe, hostelling offers low budget and low luxury accommodations for those that don't mind bunking up and sharing with other travelers.

This method of travel can offer adventure and the chance to meet different people but is not for everyone. It's great for the solo traveler or group of young people but families with small children and couples who want a romantic vacation should spring for more private accommodation's.

Most hostels are set up as dormitory style rooms, with a number of bunk beds arranged throughout the room. The number of bunk beds in a single room varies, with the average from four to ten bunks per room. Each traveler is assigned a specific bunk upon check-in.

Almost all hostels in the United States divide their accommodations according to gender, with the female guests in one block of rooms and the male guests in another. In multi-floor hostels, each gender is often assigned a specific floor or group of floors.

In Europe and other locations throughout the world, you may find hostels with mixed gender rooms. If you don't feel comfortable bunking with members of the opposite sex, then make sure you inquire as to the arrangements before you settle in.

The bathroom accommodations at hostels vary as well, with some rooms containing a shared bathroom and shower, while other hostels will have shower and bathroom facilities located in the hallway. If this is an important consideration, you should make sure to ask about bathroom facilities when making the reservation.

Although hostelling is a very informal way to travel, you do need to make reservations especially during the summer. It used to be you could just drop in and be accommodated, but this method of travel is becoming more popular and some hostels can be booked for months during popular tourist seasons. Better to call ahead than to be left out in the cold!

The main appeal of staying at hostels, of course, is the price. The nightly rate for a hostel rarely rises above $25 or $30 per night, with most hostel accommodations costing far less. With the average hotel room hovering around $100 to $150 in many locations, it is easy to see why hostels are becoming so popular.

In addition, the staff at most hostels are extremely accommodating and knowledgeable about the local area. Unlike many staff members of some luxury hotels, who travel in from the suburbs and rarely see the city in which the live, hostel staff tend to live in their city, and they have an intimate knowledge of the local attractions, including which attractions are can’t miss and which ones are a waste of money.

In addition, hostels often have access to discounts and coupons for local area attractions and restaurants, and they can provide valuable information on the best, lowest priced restaurants in the area.

Hostel accommodation's won't please everyone and certainly aren't for every vacation but they can be great lodging for the budget minded tourist. If your main goal is to go out and seek new adventures and places to see and you care less about luxurious accommodation's then hostels will allow you to save money on lodging so that you can spend more on your travel destinations and experiences.

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Lee Dobbins writes for Travel Cents where you can read more articles about traveling on a budget.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lee_Dobbins

The Bahamas Are The Ideal Getaway

2008-01-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

By Michael Russell

As everyone knows, the Bahamas are one of the most sought out vacation areas to travel to. Thousands of people each year travel there for the warm climate, sandy beaches, and the many attractions the islands have to offer.

One of the main attractions that seems to draw a lot of visitors is the abundance of superior tailored hotels. Most of the more popular hotels, are located with ocean front views. Tourists seem to love to wake up in the morning, and see the ocean as their first vision of the day. Supposedly, it has some type of enlightenment on a person's nervous system. Some of the more highly prestigious hotels are the Abaco Beach Resort, and the Small Hope Bay Lodge.

The Abaco Beach Resort is located on the outer part of the islands. They provide all sorts of accomodation, dining, entertainment shows, along with local attractions, and special setup island events.

Another main feature they take pride in is setting up things like birthday parties and weddings. The whole resort covers around 52 acres in total area. It has around 82 fully pampered rooms, tennis courts, fitness rooms full of exercise equipment, a specially setup marina designed for fishing, a dive shop, pools, and many other extravagant features. It's the perfect place to go on a vacation if you really want to just kick back and relax. The total square footage of the place is around 7,500 sq. feet.

The Small Hope Bay Lodge has been a primary spot for scuba divers, lovers and friends to escape to. The dramatic features of the coral reefs and underwater activities of fish provide all sorts of entertainment for singles and families to enjoy. Other types of activities would include bonefishing, snorkeling, lounging around under a nice shady palm tree, or just strolling around the many private beaches. A lot of people get peace of mind just sitting on the beach and reading a favorite book. Whatever you like to do, the Small Hope Bay Lodge tries to enrich your experience.

Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, and it lies on the New Providence Island which is near Paradise Island. These two islands get a lot of the national celebrities' attention. Notably, lots of actors, actresses, musicians and politicians either own some type of residence or rent one for periods of time throughout the year in the Bahamas. Statistically the islands are one of the most sought out vacation spots in the world. The most highly sought out of any spot in the Bahamas would have to be Atlantis. Atlantis is located on Paradise Island and is referred to as the "Ideal Getaway". Cruises, hotels and tourist attractions, are just a few of the spectacular features Atlantis has to offer. Accommodation at places like the Royal Towers, or the Imperial Club, or the famous Coral Tower usually stay booked year round.

Beach Tower and Harborside Resort are just more examples of the plush hotels that reside within Atlantis. A four day package to Atlantis usually runs around $500. A lot of people consider that a very cheap price considering everything that is provided along with everything you receive during your stay.

One other notable resort is the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort located in the capital's Cabel Beach. They actually have 2 unique islands and they carry people from one to the other by a ferry boat. The ferry boat ride is one of the highly luxurious features that they take pride in.

One of the main attractions is the European built Five Diamond Award monument. It seems to attract a host of unique visitors to it each year. Local tours are provide between both of the islands each day. Some of the luxuries at the hotels would include pampered accommodation, fine dining, Red Lane Spa, scuba diving, and an enormous golf course. Weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays are all celebrated there year round. They also host a just couples resort designed for lovers and friends to spend private time alone with each other.

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Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to The Bahamas
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Passion Explored - Holiday Accommodation in Barcelona

2008-01-14T22:47:00.000-08:00

By Lulie Swanepoel

As small as Europe is in comparison to any other continent, the diversity of culture is something that really appeals to any traveller. As somebody who hasn’t travelled much, I was overwhelmed when choosing which European country I was going to visit on my long awaited holiday. But after looking through many brochures the answer came surprisingly easy. That very same day I booked my holiday to Barcelona.

Alluring Passion
The essence of Spain is passion. I could feel it as soon as I set my foot down at the airport. Everything the Spanish do is with passion. The way they walk, their language, their cooking style and even their flaring tempers are displayed with such passion that you can’t help but be inspired. It’s like a wild fire burning out of control.

On the way to my accommodation, my taxi driver enthusiastically gave me a rundown of things that I should do and see as a first time tourist. I felt like a kid in a candy store, not quite sure where to begin but wanting everything at once. And even after my long tiresome flight, the exhilarating feeling that I was in a city with so much to offer made me realise that the next two weeks were going to be beyond memorable.

My Apartment
Instead of booking into a hotel, I opted for my own Barcelonan flat. This wasn’t just going to be a holiday, this was going to be a life experience and I figured the best way to go about it would be to have my own place to call home. I was staying at the Vista Real. It was an apartment rented out specifically as a holiday accommodation for tourists who want to feel like they have their own safe haven. Quite a clever illusion I think. I had my very own place and I was ready to become a Spanish senõrita.

Park Guell
After my breakfast at the café across the road from Vista Real, I set off to the Guell park. Architecture in Barcelona in my opinion is quite haunting. Most of the buildings are designed in the gothic style and the major landmarks were done by Barcelona’s famous architect, Gaudi. The Guell Park is one such a landmark. With enormous stone structures, the entrance to to Guell Park is a brightly coloured tiled dragon. I was awestruck at the beauty and detail with which every inch was designed. It seemed like the magical world of a hypnotic fairytale. And it was drawing me into its spellbinding world.

Just a normal day
I spent the whole day at Geull Park before I eventually left to go back to my apartment. This was a typical day for me in Barcelona. Joining the locals for some breakfast and walking through the city of Barcelona. I left everything to the heat of the moment, and like a true Spanish senõrita passionately continued on my holiday.

Living in my own apartment, even for just two weeks, was one of the best things I could have done. And for me it has made the idea of staying at a hotel almost unbearable. Since then, I have travelled to Amsterdam and Paris, again staying only in holiday apartments. I have become a woman of the world.

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Author Bio:
WayToStay Apartment Rentals offers short-stay self catering accommodation in Barcelona, Amsterdam and Paris as the smarter alternative to hotels for leisure and business travellers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lulie_Swanepoel

Dubai Property for Rent - Searching for Accommodation

2008-01-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

By Ahmed Juma

Moving to a foreign country can be intimidating and finding the best place to rent can be daunting. Dubai's expatriate population is steadily increasing and demand for rental properties is high. Unfortunately for tenants, this has resulted in skyrocketing rents. Approximately half of UAE residents spend about 30% or more of their salary on accommodation expenses. Despite the costs, most expats, mainly in the UAE for short-term work contracts, opt to lease rather than invest in the real estate market. To the relief of many of those looking to rent property in Dubai, the government has imposed legislation stipulating that any rent increase shall not exceed 5% of the annual lease price. There are also several new property developments underway that should take some pressure off the market in the near future.

Housing allowances are typically part of the expat package. Although in the past companies would cover the bill for the entire rental amount, the trend now is for expats to be allocated a certain percentage of the total yearly accommodation cost, with the rest being paid for out of their salary. Other fees to bear in mind when renting include a security deposit (refundable at the end of tenancy if the rental is deemed to be in good condition by the landlord), possible car parking fees, monthly utilities, municipality charges (typically 5% of the lease), and a 5% commission fee if the services of a real estate agent are used. Maintenance and repairs of the property are covered by the landlord. Tenants are not allowed to make changes to the structure of the property inside or out without the permission of the landlord.

The lease will often be drawn up between the landlord and the tenant's company/sponsor. If an expat signs the lease himself he must have a residence visa or at least a letter from his employer stating that a visa is in process. The normal duration of a lease is one year. Unlike in many countries where rent is paid on a monthly basis, in Dubai the entire year's rent is paid upfront, most commonly with 2 or 3 checks. For example, in the case of bi-annual payment, the first 6 months of the lease are paid for immediately with a current dated check, while the remainder of the year is paid for with a post-dated check. (Short-term furnished monthly accommodation in Dubai is available but it is often more costly.) It is important to understand that once the lease is signed, the tenant is tied to the contract. In order to terminate the lease the tenant would need permission from the landlord. That being said, the rental laws in Dubai actually favor tenants. Landlords cannot force a renter to leave without a very good reason (such as wanting the property for their own personal use). Even if the lease is only for a year, as long as the tenants do not break any aspects of the contract, the lease is presumed to be renewable. The Municipality has a special section set up, the Dubai Rental Committee, to oversee any disputes between landlords and tenants.

After cost, location is probably the biggest factor in determining where to rent. Dubai is split in two by the Creek with Deira (or "Old Dubai") on one side and "New Dubai" on the other. The decision for where to rent is based on factors including accessibility to work, schools, shops and hospitals. Some of the most popular locations to rent include:

Garhoud: located near Dubai International Airport and offering low-rise apartments and townhouses at reasonable rents.

Mirdiff: a newer development consisting mainly of villas located past the airport.

Bur Dubai: located near Bur Juman Shopping Center and offering reasonably priced apartments.

Downtown Deira: reasonably priced low-rise apartments are readily available in this neighborhood, although if work or schools are located on the opposite side of the creek the traffic can be a nightmare.

Satwa: a nicely located area situated between Sheikh Zayed Road, Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, offering low-rise apartments and reasonably priced villas. It is believed that zoning regulations will change for Satwa in the near future allowing development of high-rise buildings.

Jumeirah / Umm Suqueim: ideally situated near the beach, parks, and schools, this is probably the most popular area for the European and Local communities, offering upscale villas and townhouses.

New Dubai Developments: including The Greens, Arabian Ranches, The Lakes, The Meadows, Emirates Hills, and Dubai Marina and located near Dubai Internet City. Many offer gated, family friendly communities with access to swimming pools and other recreational amenities.

Those searching for Dubai property for rent can find extensive listings in the local classifieds or direct from property developers such as Arenco Real Estate, Alpha Properties, Better Homes, Cluttons UAE, or Century 21. The search for the perfect place to lease can be time-consuming and may seem overwhelming. Understanding UAE rental laws, using only a reputable real estate agent, and investigating the best possible locations are all part of making the hunt for an apartment or villa in Dubai successful.

Ahmed Juma is a local UAE businessman who owns and manages several properties for rent in Dubai. He is also the owner of Emirates-Ads, a Dubai classifieds site with listings for Dubai apartments, villas and rooms for rent and property for sale as well as jobs, used cars, and items for sale.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ahmed_Juma

Deluxe Marriott In Thailand & resort in Phuket

2008-01-10T23:31:00.000-08:00

Source : Marriott International

The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove is the 11th hotel Marriott currently has under construction in Thailand and the fifth that it is developing with Destination Properties.

Marriott International, Inc. will introduce its upscale, deluxe Marriott lodging brand in Phuket in 2008 with a 202-room resort under a management agreement with Kamala Bay Terrace Co, Ltd., a subsidiary of Destination Properties.

The chic boutique-like, 202-room Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove is a conversion of the Kamala Terrace Resort which originally opened in 1993. The hotel was closed in 2005 and is currently undergoing a major renovation and expansion. Given its location south of Kamala Beach, the hotel will have easy access to the array of attractions offered by Phuket, arguably one of the world’s most appealing holiday destinations.

“We are thrilled by the rapid expansion of our lodging brands not only throughout Thailand, but specifically in Phuket,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging for Marriott. “Phuket is the largest and most-visited island in Thailand. When this resort opens, it will be our fifth property and third hotel brand on Phuket which positions us to offer travelers a lodging choice in the luxury, upscale and upper-moderate tiers. We are also delighted to be continuing our strong relationship with Destination Properties.”

“We are excited to be teaming up this property with Marriott under their full service, deluxe brand. The combination of the Resort’s chic boutique-like design, Marriott’s strong management capabilities and the fantastic location in Kamala Cove will make the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove one of Phuket’s most sought after vacation destinations,” said Gary Murray, chief executive officer of Destination Properties.

Marriott’s upscale, deluxe Marriott lodging brand is committed to providing travelers with an effortless, sophisticated and welcoming hotel stay so that they can accomplish as much as possible whether they are traveling on business or pleasure.

Located on a hill south of Kamala Beach, the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove will provide unobstructed, panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and will boast many rooms with large terraces, most of which will offer either a plunge pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi or a personal pool. Guest rooms will have Marriott’s renowned plush bed and bath linens, flat screen TVs, internet access and in-room safes.

For dining and entertainment, the resort will have two restaurants, one of which will be an all-day casual outlet offering a grand buffet and the other will offer specialty dining.

Additionally, the resort will have an open lobby lounge featuring elements of Marriott’s “Great Room” concept and a pool bar.

Recreational amenities will include the largest swimming pool in Phuket, a spa offering eight treatment rooms; a fitness center with a sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi; a lap pool and a children’s pool; a recreation pavilion with a library and games room. Other amenities will include a gift shop and a business center.

For social events and conferences, the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa at Kamala Cove will have 345 square meters of space comprised of the following: a 225-square meter ballroom which will be divisible into two section and three individual meeting rooms, each measuring 40 square meters.

Currently under construction in Thailand, and scheduled to open through 2010, are the following 10 Marriott International-branded properties:

• 195-unit Sathorn Vista, Bangkok—Marriott Executive Apartments (early 2008)
• 300-unit Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok—Marriott Executive Apartments (early 2008)
• 385-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Patong (mid-2008)
• 256-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Surin Beach (early-2008)
• 180-room Courtyard by Marriott Phuket at Kamala Beach (mid-2008)
• 243-room Courtyard by Marriott Hua Hin at Cha Am Beach (early-2008)
• 333-room Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel (late 2008)
• 310-room Renaissance Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel (early 2010)
• 92-unit Benshasiri Place, Bangkok—Marriott Executive Apartments (2010)
• 175-room Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa (2010)

The existing Marriott International portfolio in Thailand today consists of eight properties including its luxury JW Marriott brand, its deluxe Marriott and Renaissance brands, its upper-moderate-priced Courtyard by Marriott brand and its Marriott Executive Apartments properties for extended-stay travelers.

U.S. hotels could lose revenue

2008-01-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

Source : PKF Hospitality Research

A recently released analysis by PKF Hospitality Research found that if an economic recession were to occur in the United States during 2008 – 2009 - it would result in a 6.1 percent decline in rooms revenue for the U.S.

lodging industry through 2010. With all the rumblings of a potential decline in the nation’s economy, PKF-HR felt it important to conduct a special econometric analysis that measured the impact a hypothetical economic recession would have on U.S. hotels.

“We do not anticipate a near-term economic recession, but some industry participants are beginning to worry since times have been so good for so long,” said Mark Woodworth, president of PKF Hospitality Research. “Our current forecast without a recession calls for a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent in RevPAR for the typical U.S. hotel during the next three years.

However, should the unexpected happen and economic indicators such as gross domestic product, employment, and real personal income slow down or decline, then the average U.S. hotel is forecast to achieve annual RevPAR growth of just 2.0 percent through 2010.”

This special recession analysis was made in conjunction with the release of PKF-HR’s latest national Hotel Horizon forecast. Each quarter, PKF-HR produces Hotel Horizon reports for six national chain-scale segments and 50 major markets across the country. Each report contains a five-year econometric forecast of supply, demand, occupancy, ADR and RevPAR.

A Hypothetical Recession

“Since we are not forecasting a recession, we analyzed the economic indicators from the last two downturns to simulate a future economic recession,” Woodworth noted. The last two U.S. economic downturns occurred from 1990 to 1991 and 2000 to 2001. During these two periods, annual GDP change averaged 1.4 percent. Concurrently, employment declined 0.2 percent and real personal incomes increased 0.8 percent. For reference purposes, PKF-HR’s current outlook for the U.S. lodging industry is based on average annual GDP growth of 2.9 percent, employment gains of 3.0 percent, and real personal income increases of 1.1 percent from 2008 through 2010. PKF-HR uses Moody’s economy.com as its source for economic forecast data.

“Our analysis of the historical relationship between hotel performance and the nation’s economy found that lodging demand closely follows the downward movement of GDP during economic recessions,” observed Woodworth. Therefore, when we simulate an economic recession that has a trough in 2009, we foresee most of the fall off in lodging industry performance to occur that same year.”

What Will Likely Happen

Using the baseline economic forecast provided by Moody’s economy.com, which assumes no economic recession, PKF-HR is forecasting the U.S. lodging industry will achieve average annual RevPAR growth of 5.5 percent from 2007 through 2010. This is substantially greater than the long term annual average of 3.3 percent.

“Given where we are in the lodging industry cycle, it is not surprising that ADR growth will be the main driver of RevPAR growth the next few years,” said Woodworth. We continue to be impressed with the ability of hotel managers to raise the contract rates for their big corporate accounts, as well as take advantage of the negotiating leverage they possess with meeting planners.

“Many people are worrying about the record volume of new hotel projects in the development pipeline. However, given the current costs of construction, lending environment and investor expectations, we believe the growth in demand for hotel accommodations will absorb most of the new supply. Therefore, we are only forecasting slight declines in occupancy in 2007 and 2008.”

What May Happen

In the event of an economic recession that parallels the previous two national downturns, the U.S. lodging industry could lose an estimated 6.1 percent in revenue. This is the result of 2.2 percent fewer occupied rooms and the inability to raise room rates as aggressively because of more competitive market conditions. “Using our pessimistic economic assumptions, the hypothetical loss in lodging industry revenue would mostly be the result of a drop in occupancy, not a decline in ADR,” explained Woodworth.

“Prior to the industry recessions of the early 1990s and 2000s, we observed a big run up in supply,” noted John (Jack) B. Corgel, Ph.D., the Robert C. Baker Professor of Real Estate at the Cornell University Hotel School and senior advisor to PKF Hospitality Research. “Given the relatively slow growth in supply seen since 2002, plus the current disciplined financing environment, an economic recession would result in a slowdown of the progression of proposed hotel projects through the development pipeline.” Under PKF-HR’s recession scenario, an estimated 66,000 fewer rooms will be built during the next three years.

PKF-HR believes hotel management’s recent ability to practice yield management and drive room rates above expectations will bode them well through an upcoming recession. “During our recession scenario, we believe U.S. hotel room rates will continue to grow,” said Woodworth. “However, the growth will be less than the pace of inflation and roughly 2.6 percentage points less than our expected pace of ADR growth.”

An economic recession will have varying degrees of impact on the major segments of the lodging industry. Woodworth comments, “History has proven that the hotels that are most vulnerable to a decline in utilization are those that are already lagging in performance. Given the recent sub-par results of midscale with food and beverage properties, we would be most concerned about this chain-scale segment if a recession were to occur.

“It needs to be emphasized that PKF-HR is not forecasting an economic recession. However, we are always assisting our clients to prepare for possible future economic conditions.”

Who has the best hotel rewards program?

2008-01-10T23:27:00.000-08:00

Source : Marriott International hotels

Reward members can now earn miles for stays at international hotels but what are the details of this deal that make it a sure winner?

Marriott Rewards has been named “Best Hotel Rewards Program” by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Travel Savvy, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.

Marriott Rewards members can now earn Jet Airways Jet Privilege miles when they stay at over 2,700 Marriott International hotels in 65 countries. Marriott Rewards members now have 30 airline options.

Jet Airways currently operates a fleet of 68 aircraft, which includes 7 Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, 50 classic and next generation Boeing 737-400/700/800/900 aircraft, 4 Airbus A330-200 aircraft and 7 modern ATR 72-500 turboprop aircraft. With an average fleet age of 4.82 years, the airline has one of the youngest aircraft fleet in the world. Jet Airways operates over 350 flights daily.

Flights to 54 destinations span the length and breadth of India and beyond, including New York (JFK), New York (Newark), Toronto, Brussels, London Heathrow, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Bangkok and Kathmandu. The airline plans to extend its international operations to other cities in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia in phases with the introduction of wide-body aircraft into its fleet. Since its inception in May 1993 to end- October 2007, Jet Airways has flown over 81.8 million passengers.

Marriott Rewards points may be redeemed for hotel stays, frequent flyer miles, car rentals, theme park passes, retail merchandise and more. With more than 2,700 participating hotels in 65 countries, Marriott Rewards provides travelers the opportunity to earn free vacations at more resorts than any other hotel loyalty program.

Effective immediately, Marriott Rewards members who designate Jet Airways Jet Privilege miles as their earning preference will receive:

Two (2) miles per U.S. dollar spent at:

• Marriott Hotels & Resorts
• JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts
• Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
• Marriott Vacation Club International

Or one (1) mile per U.S. dollar spent (room rate only) at:

• Courtyard by Marriott
• Fairfield Inn by Marriott
• SpringHill Suites by Marriott
• Residence Inn by Marriott
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott
• Horizons by Marriott

In addition, Marriott Rewards members can convert their Marriott Rewards points into Jet Airways Jet Privilege miles at the following exchange rates:

10,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 1,500 miles
20,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 3,500 miles
30,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 7,000 miles
70,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 17,500 miles
125,000 Marriott Rewards Points = 35,000 miles

The Bench's Global Hotel Review

2008-01-10T23:25:00.000-08:00

Source : By James Chappell, Managing Director of The Bench

The Bench recently presented a review of 2007 Global Hotel Performance at two major hospitality events, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) - and the International Society of Hospitality Consultants' Annual Conference, both in the cosmopolitan and thriving city of Hong Kong.

The review presented by James included valuable insights into how the global hotel economy has fared over the year to
date. His presentation looked specifically at RevPAR growth in the key global markets of the US, UK, Europe and Asia
Pacific and also the principal sectors within those regions.

Some key conclusions and statistics shared by James included:

United Kingdom

RevPAR has continued to grow in 2007 after a strong performance in 2006 and is likely to continue into 2008
UK RevPAR growth for 2007 is currently 13.2%
The majority of the growth is confined to city centres such as London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester and Liverpool;
growth in the regional markets is much lower
This RevPAR growth is being driven predominately by Average Room Rate, 13%, whereas Occupancy is flat at .5%

Europe

RevPAR was down slightly on 2006 at 8.4% compared to 11.61% but still very positive
Germany has maintained the levels of Occupancy and ARR achieved during the World Cup, as a strong conference market supports demand
Like the UK, the growth is predominately in ARR, whilst Occupancy levels have remained static
Bedroom supply growth in Europe has remained static over the last year, growing by less than 1.5%.
Americas
US RevPAR was down slightly on 2006, from 7.5% to 5.5%, but business fundamentals remain strong
New September YTD data, however, shows RevPAR at 5.7%, indicating a trend towards our Year End forecast of 6%
US Luxury and 慤pper upscale?sectors have shown strong growth, with the Budget sector weakest
New York has been the strongest city in the US to date, with 12% RevPAR growth, caused by a combination of
decreased supply in the market and strong trading conditions
Supply growth in US markets started to spike in 2006, rising to over 2%
Strong RevPAR growth of 20% in South America, with the three cities San Paolo, Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires all above 12% growth year to date.

Asia

After a weak first quarter, the region shows a 4% RevPAR growth compared to 8% in 2006; Asia has surged to 11.3% year to date
Growth is strongest in India (29%), Singapore (34.6%) and the southeast Asia economies of Vietnam, Indonesia and Cambodia on 44%, 40% and 36% respectively
Growth in South East Asia has been caused by a perfect alignment of rate growth environment
China shows a negative growth to date of -2.8%, hampered not by decreased demand but rather by a large increase in hotel stock.

HICAP was also attended by Jonas Ogren, Sales Manager for The Bench in Asia Pacific, who was pleased to report that
the uptake of The Bench in the region continues to grow, mirroring the true business value of accurate and timely
management information upon which to base strategic revenue-critical decisions.

The Bench now has well over 750 properties participating in the region and more are being added by the day. All of the
major hotel groups are committed to The Bench and are increasingly being joined by local hotel groups and independent
hotels across the region.

The market overview presented by James Chappell at these key industry events was made possible by the performance
data held on The Bench ?global data entered daily by all Bench users, who themselves benefit from the fastest, most upto-date performance benchmarking analyses available, accessed via The Bench.

UK hotel bookings remain firm.

2008-01-10T23:24:00.000-08:00

Source : HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte

Scottish hotels show strongest UK performance.

Despite a reported softening in economic conditions, the UK hotel market has maintained strong growth in the last quarter.

The latest results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte show that across the UK revPAR (room revenue per available room) has increased 6.8% year-to-September, with five UK cities posting double-digit increases. However, the rate of growth is down on that seen in the six months to the end of June when revPAR had increased 8.3%.

Scotland saw the best hotel performance of the three countries in the United Kingdom with revPAR growth across the country of 8.9%. Aberdeen had the highest growth of any UK city, with revPAR increasing 18.6%. High room rates from corporate demand in the oil and gas industry means the average hotel room in Aberdeen now costs £74 a night. Glasgow also achieved revPAR growth of 13.1%.

London hotels have continued to experience high occupancy levels (82.7%), which have underpinned 9.9% growth in average room rates. The average hotel room in the capital now costs £126 a night, up from £114 in 2006. RevPAR as a result is up 10.4%.

Commenting, Marvin Rust, Hospitality Managing Partner at Deloitte said: “Fears of a slow down following this summer’s global financial crisis have not yet materialised in the UK hotel market. Whilst growth has slowed slightly from the 8.3% seen during the first six months of this year, we remain positive about the outlook for hotel performance.

“For the hotel industry, demand is driven by both the business and consumer markets. Most companies continue to generate profits and corporate bookings remain strong and consumer spending has not yet declined as unemployment levels remain low.

“Although the pound remained strong in the last three months, it did lose some value against most other major currencies which encouraged international visitors from countries in the Eurozone as well as from Asia. Visitors from these regions helped make up for the decline in US visitors.”

However Rust added a note of caution: “If the UK and other key economies do slowdown, any reduction in travel as a result of reduced consumer and company spending, could be as early as quarter two next year.”

UK City Performance - nine months to end September 2007
Source: HotelBenchmark™ Survey by Deloitte

Regional performance:

Cardiff: Strong hotel performance in September as a result of demand during the Rugby World Cup. RevPAR growth of 23% in September and a 15.3% increase in room rates during the month. Year-to-date revPAR growth was 2.2%.

Bournemouth: 10.8% increase in revPAR in September after hosting the Labour Party conference on the 23-27September. Bournemouth has seen modest year-to-September revPAR growth of 1.3%.

Sheffield: revPAR decreased 4.7% during September, contributing to a decrease of 1.7% since the beginning of the year. Rising competition, severe flooding over summer and fewer events are all blamed for the decline.

Manchester: revPAR decreased 7.3% in September, the biggest fall of any UK city. However, the decline is against a background of 4.0% growth in the year-to-date. Hoteliers in the region believe falling rates are partly the result of reduced weekend travellers than in the previous year.

Leeds: Year-to-date revPAR growth has fallen to 1.0% down from 3.9% in the six months to June). RevPAR decreased 3.1% in September due to an over supply of budget hotels.

Note: all analysis in UK£

Contact:
Tina Wanstall
HotelBenchmark
+44 (0) 20 7007 0981
Email: twanstall@deloitte.co.uk

HotelBenchmark and Lincoln University join forces.

2008-01-10T23:23:00.000-08:00

Source : HotelBenchmark

Working together under a new agreement they are able to provide more comprehensive information and analysis for the hotel industry in New Zealand next year.

Commenting on the announcement, Lorna Clarke, Executive Director of HotelBenchmark™ at Deloitte said: “We are delighted to work with Lincoln University and combine our research to provide the hotel industry with even more critical information to help them understand their performance and operating environment.

As we currently boast the largest independent operated survey in the region monitoring hotel performance - this is an exciting relationship and we are looking forward to developing reports to provide enhanced information in response to the changing needs of the industry”.

The HotelBenchmark™ Survey is the market leader in monitoring hotel performance tracking over 485 markets across 140 countries. The New Zealand edition of the survey currently reports on the monthly occupancy, average room rates and revenue per available room (revPAR) performance of 12 markets across the country.

Dr Anthony Brien, Senior Lecture in Hotel Management at Lincoln University added: “In addition to being committed to the hotel industry in terms of providing management education and qualifications – our research provides enormous benefits to all interested parties.

Our relationship with Deloitte will provide an efficient and effective tool for hotels to benchmark their performance in a variety of ways and we will now be able to extend our research and analysis by including other variables to provide a more complete picture of the New Zealand hotel industry.”

About the Lincoln University Commerce Division
The Commerce Division is the largest of the four divisions at Lincoln University, accounting for around 40 per cent of total student numbers. The Commerce Division provides teaching, research and professional services in the areas of Accounting, Business Management & Law, Economics, Finance, Marketing and Property.

It has an extremely active Postgraduate Programme with around including 50 PhDs. It also has an established Executive Development Programme (EDP) aimed at managers and professionals who are unable to study full time or on-campus of which there is a specialisation in Tourism and Hotel Management. www.lincoln.ac.nz

UK hotel industry achieves growth

2008-01-10T23:21:00.000-08:00

Source : Deloitte HotelBenchmark

Whilst 2007 produced positive outcomes - weakening economic situation threatens growth in 2008

2007 was a good year for the UK hotel industry with double–digit growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) in the capital and a healthy increase across the regions. Latest results from the HotelBenchmark Survey by Deloitte¹ show that during 2007 revPAR in London increased by 10.8%. Against this, the performance of the regional UK market was more muted at 4.4%, but this was still an increase in revenue and marks the fourth year of consecutive growth.

London’s 10.8% growth in revPAR came on top of growth of 16.8% in 2006. Average revPAR has increased from £99 to £110, to reach its highest level since the technology boom days of 2000.

Aberdeen retains the top spot with the fastest growing revPAR of any UK hotel market, enjoying impressive growth of 17.2% thanks to strong weekday business demand from the North Sea oil industry. However, with large oil producers saying they will be reducing North Sea oil production next year, growth in 2008 may be more restrained. Outside London, Glasgow follows with growth of 10.5%. However, the revPAR of both Glasgow and Aberdeen is still substantially lower than Edinburgh which, at £69, commands the highest rates outside London.

Marvin Rust, Hospitality Managing Partner at Deloitte said: “2007 has been another good year for the UK hotel market, with strong gains in many UK cities, despite a weakening economic environment in the last quarter. The question is how much longer double-digit growth can continue. So far, the UK hotel industry appears unscathed by troubles across the Atlantic and at home, but with an increasingly gloomy global outlook it would be a brave man to predict that 2008 will be as good as 2007.”

Roger Bootle, economic adviser to Deloitte agrees that next year is likely to be challenging. Commenting he said: “2008 is likely to be the year when the party ends. Consumer spending growth is likely to slow from around 3% last year to about 2% this year and corporations will not escape unscathed either. This will have a direct knock-on effect on the businesses that rely on the City for their trade, including hotels, bars and restaurants.”

Marvin Rust predicts the credit situation is unlikely to impact on new hotel developments: “Although the cost of financing new developments may have risen, with land scarce and hotel projects having long build times I expect these to continue largely unaffected. New supply will remain subdued and demand is strong with the increasing focus of the world on London as we head for 2012.”

Marketing Independent Hotels

2008-01-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

By Leora Lanz

The Director of Marketing is busy handling direct responsibilitie- We would never expect that the DOS /M has time to review guest service Standard Operating Procedures to insure we are making promises that are actually being delivered.

Today’s independent hotels, both full- and limited- service, find themselves working much harder to compete with the newer, branded properties that benefit from sales and marketing opportunities offered by their franchises. Ever-diligent sales and marketing professionals continue to reach out to clients, persistently pointing out their product redo’s and amenities.

So, while the investment has been made in the facility itself, and the marketing outreach is proactive and strong, what’s going on with service levels at these hotels? Is service keeping up with the product? Is it delivering on the promises that marketing is making?

When a sales director writes a marketing plan, the focus is on the competitive analysis, the sales action plans and budgets. The plan also includes vision and position statements, identifies new business generators and new markets, and even commits to new services and amenities.

The Director of Sales & Marketing (DOS) is busy enough handling direct responsibilities, and we would never expect him or her to have the time to review the guest service Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to insure we are making promises that are actually being delivered by operational staff.

Have we structured these SOPs so that job descriptions, training and even review processes are coordinated? In order to deliver the marketing promises we make and to grow our occupancy, why not consider the development and review of SOPs an important part of the marketing mix?

This is a very different approach. Service is key, but if service is disappointing, marketing has just shot itself in the foot. For independent hotels that may not have the benefit of a “corporate” or “brand standard” for service, the time is now to execute this effort and launch 2008 with a focused service and marketing initiative.

How can this be accomplished? HVS Marketing Communications has experience working with hotel executives to serve marketing in this capacity, and guiding professionals in property-level human resources and training to support the marketing vision.

Here are some elements that comprise our Five-Step Program:

I. Meet with hotel ownership and the executive committee

HVS can effectively serve as the facilitator to encourage the conversation, keep the discussion focused, and pull out specific messages to use for the hotel’s brand standards.

Brainstorm the emotions and experiences projected by the hotel. Who is the customer? Why do they come here? What do they expect of us? Use these responses and begin composing the hotel’s Brand Standards which include service and operational expectations, and expectations for service recovery.

Brainstorm with this group to understand the hotel’s vision. What do we want people to say about us at the end of the year? In five years? In 10 years?

Have this same group read reviews about the hotel posted on websites. What do these comments say about us? Where do we excel? Where do we disappoint? Understand how easy it is for someone to share his or her experience at our hotel – and with the world! Ask the group to write their own reviews and see how inconsistent or similar they can be.

Now ask this group to begin to write the creed – the pledge they would be willing to make as an employee of the hotel and as management. What does the management of the hotel promise to deliver to its employees? To its guests? What do the employees pledge to deliver to management? And to guests?

II. Meet with hotel department heads and key management
HVS Marketing Communications knows how important all departments are to the sales and marketing effort, and can effectively serve as the mediator and program coordinator for these sessions.

With this group, review the Brand Standards started by the executive committee for input, changes and discussion. The pleasant surprise for all will be the willingness of staff to contribute and share ideas. The key is to facilitate this neutrally and encourage positive input rather than finger pointing.

This group will also review, modify and contribute to the vision and creed. It’s important that there is a buy-in at all levels, including line staff, so that everyone will be willing to sign the pledge at the concluding ceremony.

Begin the process of documenting departmental tasks. It’s important that each department’s task list be shared and read among all; Many, if not most of the hotel tasks involve at least one other department. All departments must understand how other departments regard their input into a particular activity. This vocal and interactive conversation is an opportunity for service and operational efficiencies to result.

III. Meet with the staff of each hotel department
Having extensive on-site and corporate level experience, the HVS Marketing Communications team knows how to respectfully speak with all staff – line and management – to encourage contribution, discussion, resolution and agreement.

Now, each department can begin the process of documenting the policies and procedures for each task. This step can be tedious and tiresome, but it’s important to have policies, procedures and service issues spelled out. Remember, we’re talking about the service areas that directly touch the guest, as this is what affects the sales and marketing.

It’s important that meetings and discussions to document policies are facilitated so that they, in fact, do occur, and when necessary, for policies to be translated into languages spoken by the line staff who directly impact the guests. It is also critical that all staff participate so they understand their contribution to the department and can buy-in to the goal: pledging the ultimate in guest service so marketing can deliver on its promise.

This process takes time. Realistically, it can be accomplished in about three months, as long as the facilitator remains on top of the plan. The SOPs can also be used in the future for job descriptions and even performance reviews. Now that they’ve been shared with every individual working at the hotel for their understanding and commitment, the SOPs should be regarded as the backbone of the service process. And, of course, continued training of the SOPs and the special nuances which make this independent hotel distinct from its competition are necessary to keep brand standards alive and fresh.

HVS Marketing Communications can assist you with researching, writing and organizing a realistic and successful marketing plan. We can also help with the entire process of developing and reviewing your SOPs to insure that the service you offer supports the promises made by your sales and marketing team.

Hotel Masterpieces Of A Design Spirit

2008-01-10T07:31:00.000-08:00

By Iuri Tarabanov

The basic function of a hotel is to offer lodging for the night and food, if possible, to a traveler, but there are hotels that represent more than that- they became veritable art creations. The Forbes magazine published the list of world’s best “design” hotels.

Marques de Riscal (Rioho, Spain)
This is a 43 room hotel, situated in the wine producing region of Spain, and was created according to the project of the architect Frank Gary (the author of Guggenheim Museum in Balboa).

The roof of the hotel is decorated with pink, silver and golden plates. Its interior executed in beige and golden tones outlines due to minimalism, and the two wings of the building are connected by a glass passing.

Winvian (Lchilfield hills, Connecticut, USA)
This hotel occupies an area of 113 acres, where 18 thematic cottages, created by 15 different architects, are situated. One of the most unusual cottages is named”The helicopter”. There even is a helicopter in it (35 feet long and 17000 pounds in weight), that was used for the shooting of “Top Gun”. There is a wooden tree house at the altitude of 35 feet for the kids.

The Keating (San-Diego California, USA)
The Pininfarnia Company that is in charge of the appearance of Ferrari’s and Maserati’s cars was dealing with the design of this hotel. The singularity of this hotel begins with its hall with red lacquered walls and high ceiling. In the hotel there are 35 rooms with red brick walls, round windows, plasma TV sets and electronics form Bang & Olufsen.

Inn at price Tower (Bartlesville Oklahoma, USA)
The design of this hotel’s room 21 was created according to the project of Wendy Evan Joseph, the architect of Holocaust Museum in Washington (Columbia district). The 7floor building itself made of concrete and coppers is the creation of the famous Frank Lloyd Right- the person who influenced the most the development of western architecture during first half of XX century. There are windows as big as the walls and furniture with copper pieces in every room.

Faena Hotel and Universe (Buenos-Aires, Argentina)
A granary in past, nowadays this building turn into a hotel (the project of Fillip Stark and the fashionable Argentinean designer Allan Faen). Its entrance is framed by a curtain, behind which the El Bistro restaurant and the drawing room, decorated with antic lamps, are located. Among the elements of 110 rooms’ design are the red velvet pillows, velvet curtains and XIXth century chandeliers.

Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa (Napa Valley, California, USA)
This hotel, created by Mickey Meningom, amazes immediately – its entrance is decorated by an unusual writhed steel canopy. Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa is na eco-hotel and its name is translated from Greek as “mother land”. There are 133 rooms in the hotel with internet connection, cable television, a fridge and a microwave. The hotel is located in the Napa village, well-known fro its vineyards.

New Majestic Hotel (Singapore)
Entering the lobby of the hotel, the guests see the absolutely white walls, the spiral Compton fans and the ceiling covered with cooper. Local painters were dealing with the design of the 30 rooms. In some of them there is a bath right in the center and the beds are suspended to the ceiling. The atmosphere is completed by the old-fashion furniture made of pop-art fresco. The hotel is situated in Chinatown that is the historical region of Singapore.

The Setai (Miami, Florida)
Created by a Malaysian architect- Jan Michel Gati , this hotel that is located on the coast embodies the Shanghai style of Ar Deco. The hotel’s facade is absolutely white, but inside the guests may see all the shades of grey, black columns with bronze mosaic and the floor made of Shanghai marble. There are 125 rooms with a bathroom and teak floor. The Hotel’s inner yard is sloshed by the orange color.

Granados 83(Barcelona, Spain)
This avanguard Hotel was created for the adventure’s amateurs and the fans of good cuisine. It occupies the former building of a hospital. The original columns are covered with steel, red marble, glass and iron. White and black rock tiles were used for the floor. Such materials as leather, brick and marble were used for furnishing the 77 rooms. The furniture is covered with a fluorescent iron casing.

Small Gem In The Heart of Manhattan - Hotel Mela

2008-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

By Carlos Giraldo

The Hotel Mela is a departure from your ordinary New York City hotel. This unique boutique hotel combines both the rich history of New York with the fine art of Italian living. The hotel is also the first new construction in the famed "Hotel and University Club Row" in over 20 years. While you are staying at this hotel, you will be charmed by its "At-Home Sophistication" and superb service.

When you walk in the door of Hotel Mela you will be embraced by its at-home ambiance. Red mohair sofas and white faux-leather banquettes bring sophistication and warmth, while the black-trimmed marble flooring against Venetian plaster walls effortlessly fuse style and comfort. Guests will notice the artwork depicting landmark buildings and historic districts of New York City on its plastered walls. Hotel Mela's hospitality doesn't stop at the lobby, walk into any one of its 235 rooms and you will understand why people return to this hotel.

Enjoy specialty pillows, throws, Egyptian cotton duvet covers, 400-thread count sheets, and spa amenities like Turkish Cotton towels and H20 Bath products. Besides is luxurious linens and toiletries, the rooms are elegantly designed in rich mahogany and mohair-covered sitting chairs with overstuffed pillows beckon guests to lounge and relax. Other in-room features include complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, 26" flat-screen LCD TVs, CD/Alarm clock with MP3 connection, mini-bars, and ergonomic seating and desks.

Located on 44th Street between Broadway Avenue and 6th Avenue, you will be within a few blocks of some of New York's most popular attractions. Hotel Mela is only one block away from Times Square, less than two blocks from Fifth Avenue shopping, within five blocks of Rockefeller Center and less than a 15 minute walk from Central Park and the Museum of Modern Art. At this New York hotel, you are ideally located to explore the Big Apple. Take a stroll around Times Square underneath its brilliant lights, or catch a play just a few blocks away in the Theater District. All of the hot spots are at your fingertips.

CRSHotels wants to put you in the center of all the action with this New York City property and it delivers.
CRSHotels.com offers travelers popular, well-located hotels in New York City at great rates. At the Hotel Mela you can experience the comforts of home within steps of the world famous, widely-recognized Times Square. For an ideal location, great service and charming at-home feel, visit Hotel Mela

Career Choices - Hotel Management May be for You

2008-01-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

By John Groth

If you enjoy being in charge and are good at leading people maybe a career in hotel management may be for you. In any management job if you can lead, inspire and motivate you will be successful. One of the overlooked and better management fields is hotel management. Combined with management skills you need to be effective providing customer service. Here is an overview about a hospitality career in hotel management.

In a lot of management careers, all you need is good leadership skills. Although this is definitely needed in a hotel management career, there are other abilities that you will need as well.

Most importantly, this kind of job requires a lot of customer service. If you aren't good at dealing with customers or you don't like to go by the motto, 'the customer is always right,' then you should probably consider managing something that doesn't have to do with customers. If you do like working with customers, and resolving their concerns, then you would be perfect for a hotel management career.

Making quick positive decisions is another requirement for this type of position. Many times you will not have someone else to rely on or you will only have the barest of information but a decision must be made now. This many times is the nature of the business, the pace is fast and when today is done there is no tomorrow. But the customer want the answer now, or you have to give the employee instructions now, or the event planner needs a decision now, so it's a prime requirement of a good hotel manger to be able to deal with this type of pace.

Another thing that you should know is that, depending on the size of the hotel and how they organize their staff, you may end up with the responsibilities of managing a much larger group of people than you normally would. When you work for a computer company for example, you may only manage a group of five to ten people. When you have a hotel management career, you may end up managing up to one hundred people or more, and with staff on duty 24 hours.

After all, there is a lot of staff involved in running and maintaining a hotel. Some hotel managers are in charge of the whole staff. Other times, there are lower level managers that have control over only certain kinds of staff members, such as housekeeping staff or the front desk. You should know how well you manage groups of people before you start a hotel management career.

If you are fine managing larger groups of people, then don't hesitate to strive for the management position that controls the whole hotel's staff. Hotel management can be a rewarding career, with a fast pace and something new to be resolved every day. If this fits the type of career you're interested in a hotel management position should be considered.

John Groth is a Career Coach and former HR executive. On his site find Career Planning Ideas ,valuable articles and a Free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at his guide on Searching for a Job all to assist you in advancing and managing your career.

In This e-World - How The Hotel Reservation System Can Help

2008-01-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

By Joseph Ramdoss

Hotel Reservation System is one of the online wonders that Internet has introduced to make traveling simplified and more fun. It is simply a system to cater to the needs of online booking. If you are going to visit hotels Barcelona or hotels Rome for your business or pleasure trip and you have a specific requirement for your accommodation, what should you do? Take heart, you can take the help of a reliable hotel reservation system provider to minimize your hassles.

Generally, a hotel reservation system is very simple and intuitive. It needs to be user friendly otherwise; it will scare away the prospective customers. It generally has an easy to use GUI that is quite comfortable for a layman also. It also has the scope for personalization and encrypted security.

On 1 January 1993, Package Travel Regulations came into effect. It imposed certain kind of restrictions on tour operators on providing package holidays. Each year the rule became more stringent and the companies needed to imply to those rules and regulations to stay in the business.

Many websites offer you hotel reservation system solution. Therefore, you are looking to get the maximum quality to fit your budget. Now, what should you do? The brightest choice for you would be to compare the facilities given by all the websites. Some hotels can offer you unique customer satisfaction and guarantee.

You should be doing the research on the Hotel Reservation System solution providers, look for their financial stability and the amount of time they are in the business. They need to be full bonded tour operator and should be an AOTL licensee. AOTL license is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, so the Government stamp is there for the taking.

If you see hundreds of hotels operating in the area you are looking for a visit then you must be very confused. It is not possible to check in to all the hotels and test the facility by yourself. The best in the business offers the perfect solution for you. In addition, some of them are personally mentioned by the service provider, which makes it possible for you to take the best decision. Alternatively, they can also provide you with all the hotels' address but listening to their tips and tricks saves you money and peace of mind.

Many providers promise you of 24 x 7 services, only a few provides. Those who are reliable stick to their word. Therefore, you need to check on this aspect also. Another single most aspect is the price factor. You are looking for Hotels Barcelona, hotels Rome then you need to have your idea on the estimated budget also. If a hotel, featuring in the ABTA member's website or brochure, has offered a lesser price than the one provided by your service provider in your visited place - like hotels Barcelona, hotels Rome - then you can ask for the refund of the price difference. The trusted ones would genuinely refund you the money.

Author is a freelance software programmer with 8 years programming experience in database management and also has a 5 years experience in Hotel Management System. For more information on booking the right hotel using the hotel reservation system, he recommends you to visit http://www.cityhotelsdirect.co.uk/

Finding a Hotel When You Need Pampering

2008-01-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

By Clinton N. Maxwell

Sometimes, you are just ready to be pampered. When planning vacations, many choose to start with the best hotel they can find and plan the rest of the vacation from there. The United States has plenty of beautiful hotels and vacation deals for the road-weary traveler. Here are five of the best, one of which you may find to be perfect for you.

1. If Jackson Hole, Wyoming doesn't scream luxury to you, think again. It happens to be home to the fabulous Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, one of the best resorts around. The hotel is lodging and a themed vacation all rolled into one. In the autumn and spring, guests can experience elk, wolf and grizzly safari that tours through the surrounding Yellowstone National Park. If getting close to wild animals is not your idea of fun, you can go golfing or even whitewater rafting. Or, treat yourself to a day at the Body Sage Spa. Finish any activity by dining sumptuously in the hotel restaurant.

2. Way down deep in the Smoky Mountains is the Blackberry Farm, a gem of hospitable accommodation. Spanning an astounding 4,200 acres, the grounds include gorgeous mountain views that you can enjoy just by looking out your window. Pamper yourself at the Farmhouse Spa, which offers all the amenities you would expect from a five star resort. Close by is the Clinch River, where fly fishing enthusiasts can enjoy some of the best fishing east of the Rockies. Hop in one of the hotel's Lexus cars and get yourself to any number of exciting activities: hiking, horseback riding or canoeing. The resort also offers comprehensive child care.

3. When looking for some good old fashioned fun by the lake, look no further than the Point Resort of Saranac Lake, New York. Choose a room from one of four beautiful buildings and enjoy meals in the resort's acclaimed dining room, which caters to the dietary restrictions of each guest. And, of course, be sure to spend plenty of time on the lake, swimming, skiing and fishing. If you are staying during the winter months, know that the skiing around nearby Adirondack Mountains is fantastic.

4. If you are ready to receive the movie star treatment, book your stay at The Peninsula. Located among the expansive mansions of Beverly Hills, California, this resort is the place to experience modern luxury. When you are not enjoying a massage, aromatic bath or intensive body scrub, see the sights around Los Angeles and visit the unparalleled Rodeo Drive and shop till you drop.

5. Travel north from the hustle and bustle of Beverly Hills and see the other California. The Post Ranch Inn, situated in beautiful Big Sur is over three hundred miles away from Los Angeles. Perched on cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the resort is as well known for its hospitality as it is for its beautiful scenery. Relax in the resort's lodge-like atmosphere and, of course, unwind at the spa. The resort is also known for its Yoga instruction and nature centered activities that allow the guest to experience the best of California's holistic culture.

Being especially interested in luxury hotels in Benidorm area and 5 star hotels in Benidorm, Clinton Maxwell was writing lots of summaries on the topic. You can see his abstracts on Benidorm hotel and 5 star hotels in Benidorm at http://www.alicante-spain.com