Are you planning your next vacation or business trip? If you travel frequently, you probably have a favorite hotel chain that you stay at. However, have you considered staying at a boutique hotel? Boutique hotels make your stay more enjoyable by providing luxurious amenities and distinct features that most large national chains lack.
What is a Boutique Hotel?
A boutique hotel typically differentiates itself from a standard hotel by offering a more intimate, luxurious environment. In comparison to larger chain hotels and motels, boutique hotels offer personalized services and facilities. Boutique hotels also differentiate themselves by offering guestrooms that have their own distinct style and décor--and the rooms tend to be decorated with quality furniture and artwork.
- Tip: Boutique hotels are also known as “lifestyle hotels” as an industry term. The public typically uses the phrase “boutique hotels” or “boutique luxury hotels.”
Boutique hotels offer many amenities.
Amenities and Services offered by Boutique Hotels may include:
- On-site dining facilities
- Bars and lounges
- Wi-Fi Internet
- 24-hour hotel staff
- Pet-friendly services such as grooming and doggie treats
- Flat screened TVs
- Grocery shopping
- Spa services
For example, if you are looking at luxury boutique hotels in Chicago, you may discover that amenities such as 24-hour room service, laundry, private wine reserves, wireless high speed internet and rain showerheads are available.
Boutique Hotels Have a Contemporary Atmosphere:
Boutique hotels also offer a unique atmosphere not found in most hotel chains. Many boutique hotels have European décor and have an intimate, warm and contemporary atmosphere.
Boutique hotels may also have a variety or hotel room options. For example, if you are looking at New York luxury boutique hotels, you may find one that offers suites in designs such as Chalet, Zen, Luna or Marquis.
Boutique Hotels are Business Friendly:
If you are travelling on a business trip or planning a conference, planning your stay at a boutique hotel can be ideal.
Many boutique hotels have meeting rooms that can be arranged for receptions, presentations, social events or parties. Many also have event coordinators that can assist with event planning, catering and managing the event.
Boutique hotels also offer amenities that are essential to the business traveler, such as high speed internet access and a large desk for working. Other amenities and services to look for include a business center, secretarial services, valet parking, complementary newspapers, complimentary coffee throughout the day and access to a fax and copier.
Boutique Hotels on a Budget:
Are you concerned that staying at a boutique hotel will be out of your price range? If so, think again. You can find online hotel specials by researching the internet for hotel deals.
Boutique hotels may also have special offers on their website. For example, one New York City boutique hotel has offers a discount for AAA members and another gives guest 15% off their stay for booking in advance.
In summary, there are many benefits of booking your next stay at a boutique hotel.
Benefits of Boutique Hotels:
- Boutique hotels can be business friendly
- Boutique hotels can be affordable (tip: look for online hotel specials)
- Boutique hotels can be pet friendly
- Boutique hotels can have customizable hotel room options
- Boutique hotels provide a fresh, contemporary vibe
Next time you travel, consider a boutique hotel. You may be pleasantly surprised and never stay at another hotel chain again.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Wonders of Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a major tourist destination with its blend of Chinese culture and western influences. Historically, Hong Kong has had a turbulent past with British rule, the Japanese invasion during the Second World War and most recently, the handover of Hong Kong from the British to China in 1997 when the 99 year lease expired.
Hong Kong’s population is predominantly Chinese with the vast majority practicing Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. There is also a sizeable Christian community as well as Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Festivals take place throughout the year and anyone visiting Hong Kong should check the festival calendar to make the most of his or her trip. Many festivals are very lively and colorful with the Chinese New Year being particularly spectacular.
Hong Kong has so many major attractions and tourists visiting for the first time may find it difficult to choose from the variety of attractions on offer if they are only visiting for a short time. To make the most of Hong Kong’s attractions, a week is usually enough to take in most of the major sights. Fortunately Hong Kong has a modern, clean and efficient transport system with its Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and Kowloon Canton Railways (KCR) allowing visitors to reach most of the main sights quickly and cheaply. The Star Ferry linking Tsim Sha Tsui, Central District and Wan Chai is a must see with its’ spectacular views of the harbour.
For families with children, Hong Kong has two huge amusement parks with Ocean Park lying in the southern district and Disneyland which is based on Lantau Island. Other visitor attractions include the panoramic views of Hong Kong and its’ harbour from Victoria Peak which can be reached by taking the peak tram. The views of the harbour at night time are particularly breathtaking. For shoppers, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise with its’ Ladies Market, Temple Street Market in Kowloon and Mongkok which is the largest shopping centre in Hong Kong. For people who want to sun bathe and relax, there are some beautiful beaches at Repulse Bay. Finally no visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to Lantau Island to see the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. The Buddha is the largest outdoor bronze statue in the world but visitors will have to walk up 260 steps to see the statue up close.
These are just some of the wonders of Hong Kong and anyone visiting for the first time will have their senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and tastes of this wonderful destination. Further information about Hong Kong can be found at gotravelhongkong.com. As with any other popular destination, Hong Kong is a very busy tourist destination throughout the year and it is always wise to book your hotel or arrange your travel plans in advance to avoid disappointment. For travellers or holiday makers lucky enough to stay in Hong Kong for longer periods than one week, the islands offer a wealth of entertainment, temples, historical sights, Chinese and international cuisine, festivals and breath-taking scenery to make your visit a memorable one.
Hong Kong’s population is predominantly Chinese with the vast majority practicing Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. There is also a sizeable Christian community as well as Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. Festivals take place throughout the year and anyone visiting Hong Kong should check the festival calendar to make the most of his or her trip. Many festivals are very lively and colorful with the Chinese New Year being particularly spectacular.
Hong Kong has so many major attractions and tourists visiting for the first time may find it difficult to choose from the variety of attractions on offer if they are only visiting for a short time. To make the most of Hong Kong’s attractions, a week is usually enough to take in most of the major sights. Fortunately Hong Kong has a modern, clean and efficient transport system with its Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and Kowloon Canton Railways (KCR) allowing visitors to reach most of the main sights quickly and cheaply. The Star Ferry linking Tsim Sha Tsui, Central District and Wan Chai is a must see with its’ spectacular views of the harbour.
For families with children, Hong Kong has two huge amusement parks with Ocean Park lying in the southern district and Disneyland which is based on Lantau Island. Other visitor attractions include the panoramic views of Hong Kong and its’ harbour from Victoria Peak which can be reached by taking the peak tram. The views of the harbour at night time are particularly breathtaking. For shoppers, Hong Kong is a shopping paradise with its’ Ladies Market, Temple Street Market in Kowloon and Mongkok which is the largest shopping centre in Hong Kong. For people who want to sun bathe and relax, there are some beautiful beaches at Repulse Bay. Finally no visit to Hong Kong would be complete without a visit to Lantau Island to see the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. The Buddha is the largest outdoor bronze statue in the world but visitors will have to walk up 260 steps to see the statue up close.
These are just some of the wonders of Hong Kong and anyone visiting for the first time will have their senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds and tastes of this wonderful destination. Further information about Hong Kong can be found at gotravelhongkong.com. As with any other popular destination, Hong Kong is a very busy tourist destination throughout the year and it is always wise to book your hotel or arrange your travel plans in advance to avoid disappointment. For travellers or holiday makers lucky enough to stay in Hong Kong for longer periods than one week, the islands offer a wealth of entertainment, temples, historical sights, Chinese and international cuisine, festivals and breath-taking scenery to make your visit a memorable one.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Fall In Love In Playa Del Carmen
Approximately forty miles south of Cancun, Mexico and overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Playa del Carmen has become a vacationer's dream, and rightfully so. The average temperature is 77 degrees and can reach as high as 95 degrees during the summer months. There is sunshine year-round, so bring your sunscreen and someone special along to help you keep your body covered in lotion. This is a vacation spot that you will never forget.
There is just no better way leave your world behind than a visit to beautiful Playa del Carmen. With so many activities to choose from, you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
Close your eyes and imagine: the sky above is the bluest you have ever seen and there's not a cloud in sight. Sitting next to you and holding a tropical drink is the person you love, who is seeing you in a whole new light, relaxed and at peace. The only big decision you'll have to make is whether you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef today or explore your wild side by participating in one of the many extreme sporting events available.
As the afternoon wears on, after you've seen the Great Barrier Reef, you and your better half head back to the room for a power nap or a little alone time. It's time to recharge your battery. The nightlife here in Playa Del Carmen doesn't begin until midnight.
It's dinner time and there are so many restaurants from which to choose. Are you in the mood for American? Italian? Mexican perhaps?
After dinner, a walk down the "strip" seems to be in order. The sun begins to set and you stroll hand in hand down Quinta Avenue. You stop at the shopping mall to pick up a few items for friends back home as well as a few items for yourself and something special for your significant other.
Nightclubs swing into action at midnight and it seems everyone is here. The atmosphere is electric, the music is powerful and the drinks are delicious. Your partner takes your hand and leads you to the dance floor where you both dance like you're teenagers. You're sweating and laughing and having the time of your lives: you only have eyes for each other. This has turned out to be much more than a vacation, it has been brought the fun back into your lives.
Morning arrives and with it, a new day of decisions: should you go diving or visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and Coba? There's always the Xaman-Ha Aviary with its exotic birds, or should you get on the ferry and make a quick trip to Cozumel? Or after a busy day yesterday, and a full night of dancing, maybe you should spend the day on the beach, enjoying the white sands, warm water, blue skies, and each other.
When your vacation has concluded, it is only a short 45 minute ride to the Cancun International Airport and the flight back to your hometown. You'll return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don't be surprised if you start counting the days until your next visit to Playa Del Carmen!
There is just no better way leave your world behind than a visit to beautiful Playa del Carmen. With so many activities to choose from, you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
Close your eyes and imagine: the sky above is the bluest you have ever seen and there's not a cloud in sight. Sitting next to you and holding a tropical drink is the person you love, who is seeing you in a whole new light, relaxed and at peace. The only big decision you'll have to make is whether you want to explore the Great Barrier Reef today or explore your wild side by participating in one of the many extreme sporting events available.
As the afternoon wears on, after you've seen the Great Barrier Reef, you and your better half head back to the room for a power nap or a little alone time. It's time to recharge your battery. The nightlife here in Playa Del Carmen doesn't begin until midnight.
It's dinner time and there are so many restaurants from which to choose. Are you in the mood for American? Italian? Mexican perhaps?
After dinner, a walk down the "strip" seems to be in order. The sun begins to set and you stroll hand in hand down Quinta Avenue. You stop at the shopping mall to pick up a few items for friends back home as well as a few items for yourself and something special for your significant other.
Nightclubs swing into action at midnight and it seems everyone is here. The atmosphere is electric, the music is powerful and the drinks are delicious. Your partner takes your hand and leads you to the dance floor where you both dance like you're teenagers. You're sweating and laughing and having the time of your lives: you only have eyes for each other. This has turned out to be much more than a vacation, it has been brought the fun back into your lives.
Morning arrives and with it, a new day of decisions: should you go diving or visit the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and Coba? There's always the Xaman-Ha Aviary with its exotic birds, or should you get on the ferry and make a quick trip to Cozumel? Or after a busy day yesterday, and a full night of dancing, maybe you should spend the day on the beach, enjoying the white sands, warm water, blue skies, and each other.
When your vacation has concluded, it is only a short 45 minute ride to the Cancun International Airport and the flight back to your hometown. You'll return feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don't be surprised if you start counting the days until your next visit to Playa Del Carmen!
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