If you are in the process of planning to take a cruise but not sure where to go? Hawaii has it all, from a peaceful tropical vacation destinations to an exciting trips filled with secluded, adventure and romantic getaways. Hawaii cruises are perfect for anyone, young or old, relaxed or adventures. If you take a Hawaii cruise in your life, you can’t forget beautiful scenery, golden sunsets, palm trees swaying in the warm gentle breeze, sun-drenched sands and diverse landscapes.
Hawaii cruise... One way of getting the most of your Hawaiian cruise is to know more about the destinations and different shore excursions offered. Hawaii is home to the ‘best island in the world’ and it will be a waste if you don’t find out why it is dubbed such. Hawaiian cruise destinations include Hilo and Kona (both on the mainland) Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Fanning Islands.
Hilo is the capital city of Hawaii and is home to the most active volcano in the world. Kilauea sightseeing is one of the offered shore excursions on Hilo. It is an active volcano which has been shooting up lava since 1983. The mix of colors and the danger of lava both provides for a thrilling excursion which will definitely entice any adventurous traveler. Either from a helicopter ride or land transport to 4,000 feet, you can marvel at the site of this volcano.
Kona is also on the mainland. However, the most featured Hawaiian cruise shore excursions in these parts are not found on land but under the sea. A traveler who likes underwater activities will love to go onboard the stylish Body Glove for a cruise to the Pawai Bay. This bay is a protected marine preserve so there are plenty of colorful coral reefs and underwater life forms to watch through snorkeling. But if you are the less adventurous type of traveler, then you should board one of the fishing boats from the Honokohau Harbor and be ready to catch priced ahi tuna or mahi-mahi.
Maui which is dubbed as the best island in the world is where you can do anything under the sun and on the beach. The island has the best surfing waves as well as well-maintained grass and landscape to play golf on. Then there are also the whale watching excursions. From the Ma’alaea Harbor, you can board a boat that heads for deep waters to watch majestic humpback whales and listen to their hypnotizing songs. At the end of the day, when the time comes for the sun to set, you can watch it transform from different shades of yellow to orange.
Oahu is where the cosmopolitan Honolulu is located and ideal for Hawaiian cruise passengers looking for classy dining and a place to shop. On the other hand, if you want to veer away from the sea and enjoy lush greens, Kauai Island is the best place to be. The main attraction here is Mt. Wai'ale'al which is said to be the wettest place on the globe for receiving an average of 485 inches of rainfall a year.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Portland Oregon a Treat
At home! That was the feeling as soon as I began walking the streets of Portland, Oregon. People here are some of the friendliest of any city I have visited. This is a town with a little of everything. Great restaurants, city parks, free public transportation downtown, the river, the river walk, and the view of the mountains. Portland has a little of everything.
There seems to be festivals happening every weekend. While we were there, the city had a beer festival and a maritime festival, side by side. The two Bs: beer and boats.
Not just any beer festival, but micro brewers from across the country. People came from all around. Sitting by the outside fireplace at our hotel, the couple across from us came from California just to attend the festival. If you can imagine a row of beer trailers with taps dispensing the best beer brewed, then you get an idea of the flavor of the event.
Located on the riverfront, it was accessible by walking. It was, I must admit a little farther from the hotel than I thought. But the walk helped burn off the calories consumed at the fest. If you became too tired to walk, there were always the bicycle taxis to carry you back.
Though we only stayed three nights, the city enchanted me. Probably the choice of hotels helped. A stay at the Hotel Modera is a treat. The décor is artistic, clean and European. The rooms are very comfortable and appointed with fine art and extremely comfortable beds. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We were always greeted with a smile. Collin at the front was a fountain of information on where to go and what to do around town.
The lobby is large and open, filled with art and spaces to relax and people to watch. This is easy to do with the floor to ceiling glass walls and glass doors. Just outside the lobby is a common area that contains a living wall. The wall is decorated with vegetation that grows on the side of the wall, across from which are the outdoor fire pits. It was a treat to sit by the fire, put up your feet, enjoy a cocktail and talk with fellow guests. A perfect ending to a perfect day. Hotel Modera http://www.hotelmodera.com/boutique-hotel-portland-oregon.aspx
Of course a visit to Portland would not be complete without a visit to wine country and the beaches. You can easily combine the trip. It takes about an hour and a half to drive to the coast, but it is worth the drive. It will take a little longer if you stop at the wineries for wine tasting. It would take a lifetime to sample from all the wineries, but what could be better.
Portland is a college town and it of course means inexpensive restaurants and great places. One that we visited was McMenamins Pub East 19th Street Café near the campus of the University of Oregon. It has a laid back atmosphere. While we were there we met fellow Floridians from Key West who own a condominium in Portland.
Getting around Portland’s downtown is free thanks to the trolleys and buses provided by the city. Coming from an area where either you drive or stay home, it was welcome thing to experience.
A trip to a different town would not be complete without eating at a landmark restaurant and Jake’s is just such a place. The menu is seafood and it is good. Though the tables were a little close together for my taste, we solved that by staying in the bar area. A better place to watch the people.
Ghosts and pizza! You get them both at Old Town Pizza in - you guessed it - the Old Town section of Portland. The rumor has it that Nina, a prostitute turned states informer, was found dead in what is now the pizzeria, thrown down the elevator shaft. There is a table in the shaft. It is said that Nina herself carved her name in the brick. Ask a waitress and she can point it out.
There seems to be festivals happening every weekend. While we were there, the city had a beer festival and a maritime festival, side by side. The two Bs: beer and boats.
Not just any beer festival, but micro brewers from across the country. People came from all around. Sitting by the outside fireplace at our hotel, the couple across from us came from California just to attend the festival. If you can imagine a row of beer trailers with taps dispensing the best beer brewed, then you get an idea of the flavor of the event.
Located on the riverfront, it was accessible by walking. It was, I must admit a little farther from the hotel than I thought. But the walk helped burn off the calories consumed at the fest. If you became too tired to walk, there were always the bicycle taxis to carry you back.
Though we only stayed three nights, the city enchanted me. Probably the choice of hotels helped. A stay at the Hotel Modera is a treat. The décor is artistic, clean and European. The rooms are very comfortable and appointed with fine art and extremely comfortable beds. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable. We were always greeted with a smile. Collin at the front was a fountain of information on where to go and what to do around town.
The lobby is large and open, filled with art and spaces to relax and people to watch. This is easy to do with the floor to ceiling glass walls and glass doors. Just outside the lobby is a common area that contains a living wall. The wall is decorated with vegetation that grows on the side of the wall, across from which are the outdoor fire pits. It was a treat to sit by the fire, put up your feet, enjoy a cocktail and talk with fellow guests. A perfect ending to a perfect day. Hotel Modera http://www.hotelmodera.com/boutique-hotel-portland-oregon.aspx
Of course a visit to Portland would not be complete without a visit to wine country and the beaches. You can easily combine the trip. It takes about an hour and a half to drive to the coast, but it is worth the drive. It will take a little longer if you stop at the wineries for wine tasting. It would take a lifetime to sample from all the wineries, but what could be better.
Portland is a college town and it of course means inexpensive restaurants and great places. One that we visited was McMenamins Pub East 19th Street Café near the campus of the University of Oregon. It has a laid back atmosphere. While we were there we met fellow Floridians from Key West who own a condominium in Portland.
Getting around Portland’s downtown is free thanks to the trolleys and buses provided by the city. Coming from an area where either you drive or stay home, it was welcome thing to experience.
A trip to a different town would not be complete without eating at a landmark restaurant and Jake’s is just such a place. The menu is seafood and it is good. Though the tables were a little close together for my taste, we solved that by staying in the bar area. A better place to watch the people.
Ghosts and pizza! You get them both at Old Town Pizza in - you guessed it - the Old Town section of Portland. The rumor has it that Nina, a prostitute turned states informer, was found dead in what is now the pizzeria, thrown down the elevator shaft. There is a table in the shaft. It is said that Nina herself carved her name in the brick. Ask a waitress and she can point it out.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Why Boutique Hotels Are so Popular
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)