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.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
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.
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.
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