When traveling or visiting new places, many travelers commonly use hotels as an establishment to provide lodging on a short term basis. Hotels can provide a number of additional services to make their guest's stay more enjoyable including services such as a restaurant, a swimming pool, childcare services and entertainment facilities. Some hotels offer conference and meeting rooms, which encourage groups of people to hold conventions or meetings at these locations.
As a result of these services and entertainment facilities offered by hotels, many people use hotels as an imperative influence on the type of holiday they choose to take. Often hotels leave guests feeling like they have enjoyed a little luxury away from home. Many guests visit hotels and seek this luxury along with an adventurous and exciting holiday, or perhaps they require certain comforts and services while on business trips. The cost and quality of the hotel is usually indicative of the range of services available to guests. Today there are many hotels, and tourism has increased worldwide - this has led to standards of hotels, and similar establishments, improving considerably. Now guests can compare hotels using a rating system with one to five stars.
There are many different hotel types for guests to choose from, depending on their type of holiday or visit. A Motel is generally aimed at motorists. This type of hotel is located on or near to a good road network, so that the guest does not need to deal with town traffic. These motels provide a quick access for guests to the outside world and their parked cars. Guests staying at motels need not enter through a reception area and the general layout of the motel is built around the car park area. Often motels are suited to those business people who need fast, easy access to their hotel room and the convenience of coming and going at will. Motels are also well priced, where if the traveler is looking to save money on accommodation expenses they can find motels well suited to their needs.
The word hotel is derived from the French word, Hôtel, which refers to a French version of a townhouse or a building seeing frequent visitors. A Boutique hotel differentiates itself from larger chain or branded hotels by providing an exceptional and personalised level of services, accommodation and facilities. Boutique hotels are usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. These hotels are furnished in a themed, stylish manner. The Boutique hotel is generally smaller than mainstream hotels and offers luxuries such as telephone and wi-fi Internet connections, mini bars and satellite TV. With Boutique hotels, guests can expect to be attended by 24 hour hotel staff and other small personalized and often character services.
These hotels are often not directed by seasonal changes; the guests are often corporate travelers and discerning travelers who place a very high importance on privacy and luxury along with personalised service. Often travelers staying at Boutique hotels leave with a relaxed and satisfied feeling that created an enriching back-drop to an otherwise wonderful holiday, adventure or work commitment.
There are many other types of hotels, namely famous hotels that sit in the subconscious of many of the population due to media hype or other influences. These hotels are often desired destinations for many curious travelers. To name a few: The Ritz in London, Hotel Chelsea in New York, Beverly Hills Hotel, Hotel Bel-Air, and more.
Then there are hotels that are unusual either in appearance or location. These hotels are wonderful for those travelers interested in a new and unique experience. For example, Ice hotels, Snow hotels, Tree House hotels, Underwater hotels, and more.
Certainly there are many hotels for the traveler to choose from. From the motel to the Boutique hotel, you are assured of finding the accommodation to suit your style, holiday and purpose of visit.
The W Hotel Miami South Beach Florida condo residences are one of numerous Starwood hotel resort properties. It is presented by the Ziebert Reality Group in conjunction with Tri Star Capital and Related Urban Group. The W Hotel South Beach was designed by architects Yabu Pushelberg and Anna Busta who are known for their award winning designs, and some of the deluxe rooms were designed by Costas Kondylis of Kondylis & Partners. The photography and artwork displayed throughout the rooms and hotel was designed by Grammy nominee Danny Clinch. It was, if not the most sought out South Beach hotel project ever to hit the 33139 zip code, especially towards the end of its pre construction phase.
These W Hotel Miami reviews of the amenities and hotel features should give the reader some deeper insight about this hotel and condo and why the lasts few months my clients have been requesting to book rooms using my W Hotel discount rates. As travel agent I have negotiated premium hotel rates given to me by Starwood for same rooms in the same hotel but my clients pay several hundred dollars less than what the general public pays to stay inside W Hotel Miami. These discount reservations combined with the quality of luxury you will receive is why some of my clients are booking rooms multiple times throughout the year to this condo complex which makes up some of the best waterfront luxury that exists. My contact details will be provided to you if you would like to use my W Hotel discounts in Miami for your future reservations if you wish after you finish these reviews of this beautiful South Beach hotel with greater depths.
Building and construction was complete in 2008. The unique interior and vivid design were built so that every room and condo was angled just right so it could have its very own beach and ocean view with its own private glass balcony. This luxury accommodation is unique because one can book however many nights they want to stay, but the main goal of the W Hotel Miami is to sell every single condo and acquire new residences buyers until it reaches full occupancy. You can expect more buyers, and more residence occupancy, therefore the less hotel rooms will be available for the general public, concluding in the result less W Hotel discounts in Miami.
The room amenities services in South Beach hotel starts with the wonderful multilingual staff who will take care of any of your needs as well as any currency exchange you might need. Daily housekeeping is provided, along with your own W personalized wake-up service which is available upon request. If you have valuables, the W Hotel Miami allows you to store your belongings inside their safety deposit boxes at no extra cost. Cribs are available upon request for parental needs. Full laundry services are provided that the hotel charges to operate. Smoke detectors and fire alarms throughout all floors and every unit to ensure everyone is safe as well as the hotels during the case of an emergency. Pet, wheelchair accessibility, and disability services are all available upon request. Starwood stresses planning services request by giving them enough time and notice before your arrival date so make sure to have your travel agent or the reservations manager working inside the W Hotel Miami adds them to you reservation during or after you have booked your room. There are 19 stories and about 400 guestrooms, as well as outdoor plunge pools, and 5 bungalows that are each 1350 sq feet along with some penthouses that piece this luxurious piece together. The residencies are made up units that consist of studios that are 600 sq feet, one bedroom suites that range from 800 to 1100 sq feet, and two bedrooms that stands proud with 1200 sq feet.
Once you enter one of these breathtaking hotel rooms, notice the doors are metal studded and the ceilings hover 9 feet tall. It is quite noticeable that all furniture has been custom designed to sure excellence. There is an iron and ironing board as well as full lengths mirrors so there are no excuses not you look your best in the night out in South Beach Miami. The bathrooms have Bliss Spa sinks along with spa-ready showers with full size soaking bath tubs that are prepared for ones relaxation. After showering or soaking in the nice warm bath you can dry of with your own hair drier then slip into your own W Signature Waffle Bath Robes that have terry lining and slippers that the hotel provides. White porcelain ceramic tiles mixed with wood grain finishing make up the floors to ceilings. Opaque & clear acrylics have been slapped onto squares in the living rooms as well. The bedrooms allows one to rejuvenate over night, while falling asleep on the soft, comfortable signature W bed that is made up of 350 thread count and 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. If you are traveling with some friends, request to see if connecting rooms are available before your purchase or notify the hotel so they can update your reservation.
The technology inside the W Hotel in South Beach Miami have accommodations have gadgets that consists two flat screens that come with in-room use of the CD/DVD library as well as the use of movies on demand with cable television. The full service kitchens and kitchenettes allow one to cook up their favorite dish if they decide that want to stay the night in. In-room dining areas come with its own microwave bar, bottled water, and coffee maker. Do not rip open the munchies box or the mini bar just yet unless you going to pay for it like always. The entertainment provided is at its highest degree. Be sure to place your laptop on the work desk so you can plug online using the high speed Internet access but turn off your computer on when you leave because it costs every minute to connect to the Internet. Clock radios along with IPod docking station is provided along with your own cordless phone that gives you access to voice mail.
Now that we have gone over the reviews of the descriptions of all the services the W Hotel Miami provides along with their basic standard amenities they offer in ever unit, this is where the fun begins as we dive further into the reviews of the different types of units and upgraded special features they provide. Let us start with the Wonderful Studio that ranges from 564 to 574 sq feet with its own private glass balcony that offers unparalleled views of Miami Beach. Perfect for couples and just right if one wants some extended luxury to themselves. One of the flat screen televisions can be found on the bedroom wall with one reflecting right below the mirror that has framed lighting feature in front of the crocodile skin headboard. There are automatic drawers that close by themselves which has great effect. The walk-in shower is quite spacious and has cubes that illuminate shine beautifully off of the over sized mirror. The Spectacular Studio ranges from 550 to 574 sq feet and offers an upgrade with an expanded private glass balcony that is located on the high floors of the glorious W Hotel South Beach the offer spectacular of the beach and ocean. At night time the glass offers a reflection of the waters that shine off the reflection of the moon or the beautiful lighting in downtown Miami. There are not too many different features from the Wonderful Studio other than being on higher floors with an extended balcony. The Fabulous Studio is quite spacious and overrides all expectations and thoughts of the typical loft. The full-service kitchenette is equipped with state of the art appliances and has costumed designed Italian cabinets. The features include from the others is that it has an outdoor rain shower. The actual size of the studio is the upgrade itself. When you tie in all the basic features and amenities the W Hotel Miami provides, you realize that this Fabulous Studio is no joke so relax on the arm chair or sprawl out on the sofa because this is oceanfront luxury living at it best.
Now let us upgrade deeper into the W South Beach Hotel & Residencies luxury suites where we end up in The Fantastic Suite, and it is just like it sounds. Ranging from 635 to 1,129 square feet this one bedroom suite has all the basic and upgraded features we have already listed earlier but the square footage is what is really separating the studios from the one bedroom suites as it keeps getting bigger. The Marvelous Suite is an extra large one bedroom suite that is equipped with two 37'' flat screen TVs and one 42" flat screen TV and signature W King Beds. The units range anywhere from 793 to 917 square feet and contains all the standard amenities and features. Sit in the living room in not one but two arm chairs and enjoy the 42" flat screen wall mounted plasma TV. Invite your friend and let them wash up and get ready in their own guest bedroom and guest bathroom and if their clothes get dirt let them use the washer and drier because that is what it is there for.
As we dive into the more exotic units of the W Hotel Miami, the Mega Suite also offers ranges from 793 to 971 sq ft offers and extra large studio which makes this thing enormous. Enjoy the outdoor BBQ set up if you decide you want to cook on the balcony. The standard basic amenities of the W Hotel Miami just do not stop as you cram everything up in this Mega Suite. Feel free exercise and sweat with the Swoosh and Swing basketball and tennis courts while you are at it, and then cool down in the plunge pool when you when you are ready to cool down. Brace yourself as we enter the two-bedroom suite on the high floors called the Sanctuary Suite that sits at 1,287 square feet and also offers you own living room and guest bathroom. Now we are really getting somewhere. The full size bathrooms and full size mirrors really reflect the massive size of this South Beach hotel room. The Oasis Suite is another two bedroom suite that offers full oceans views from the bedroom. There are three 42 inch flat screen televisions and media room with a queen size sofa sleeper. Combining all the features the Oasis Suite has to offer we end up with 1,151, square feet of pure luxury. The Cool Corner Suite stands at 1,350 square feet which offers three 42" flat screens and one 37 inch flat screen with two-bedrooms. This corner suite glistens with full ocean panoramic views that wrap around the balcony which is quite unique from the other units. The WOW Suite is a sophisticated jaw dropping two-bedroom suite masterpiece that ties 1,054 square foot rooms together with all the basic amenities including four flat screen TVs this time. Picture this, one 50 inch, two 42 inch, and one 37 inch TVs come with this South Beach hotel room. The media room has one queen sofa bed and is equipped with a guest bathroom and a full kitchen with stove range and stacking washer and drier. The WOW Suite is awesome but don't get too excited because the E-WOW Suite is the mother of luxury suites at the W Hotel Miami. This 2,954 square foot three bedroom suite consists of just about every feature the W Hotel Miami offers. The E-WOW is almost too big to classify as a suite when it is compared to the reviews of the other units.
Stepping it up at the highest levels of luxury in the W Hotel Miami we take the elevators the 20th floor to indulge into the two and three bedroom penthouse suites that dominate all units. The two bedroom penthouse has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with Japanese soaking tubs as well as all the basic features of the units and more. Take a dip in the private outdoor plunge pool and but do not walk too far because this 2,056 to 2,428 square foot penthouse might make you run out of breath by the time you get to the other side. The Three-Bedroom Penthouse falls nothings short of sure perfection in oceanfront luxury living. The three-bedroom, three bathroom Extreme WOW suite Penthouse is the largest suites in the W Hotel Miami with a panoramic roof top view of the city and ocean that range from 2354 to 2965 square feet. Last but not least if you are heading form the WET pool into the plunge poll you might want to fire up some BBQ in the Bungalows that consist of two bedrooms and two bathrooms. They are equipped with a 48" and 40" inch flat screen TVs and stretch three stories tall with a full outdoor kitchen and stove so you can get the party started. This concludes this article of the W Hotel Miami reviews.
Imagine heading off on your dream trip but then not being able to spend money on anything else because the Hotel room is SO expensive! It's something we've all had to face, do I spend more on the hotel room and have less to spend on activities or do I spend less on the hotel room and stay somewhere undesirable? What if there was a way to spend less and still stay well? If you read on you'll see some great tips that can save you money on your next trip!
Know What You Want
Before you can save money, you need to know what you want from a hotel room. Do you want to have a luxurious place to stretch out and relax, or a cheap, modest room to quickly change clothes before you head out to see the sights? You can also narrow down your search by knowing what amenities you must have, such as a pool, or internet hookup, or a restaurant on site. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down the search so you can find cheap hotel rates.
Beware of Packages
Sometimes you can find cheap hotels by looking for packages that combine two services, such as hotel and your flight, or hotel and care hire. Sometimes you can find yourself actually paying quite a bit more by booking your airfare and hotel rooms at the same time.
At one package booking agent, you might be persuaded to book a flight from Sydney to the Big Apple (New York City, USA), and a seven night hotel stay at the Pennsylvania (near the Empire State Building), priced at $5,480. However, if you went to Qantas Airlines (Quantas.au.com) and the Hotel Pennsylvania (hotelpenn.com) and booked your flight and room separately, you'd pay $4,770. This isn't always the case, of course, but sometimes packages aren't all they're cracked up to be.
Make sure you check the rates, or you'll think you're getting a good deal while the booking site laughs all the way to the bank. The very same hotel stay can be the same price or even more expensive through a "discount" agency than if you booked through the hotel directly.
The moral of the story? Do your research! Make sure you know how much a night at a hotel is alone and then compare with your package rate to ensure you're getting the savings you deserve.
Good Package Deals
Not all package deals are bad, as long as you know what you're looking for. For example, your car rental agency may offer a free night at a participating hotel. The deal may be a third night free after a two-night stay, but if you're planning on staying several days anyway, it's a good deal.
Online Bookings to the Rescue
Some sites are just worth their weight in gold when trying to book cheap hotel rooms, and here are two that are priceless.
Wotif: (Wotif.com) This is a great online site to visit to get cheap hotel rates in Australia and abroad. You can book your cheap hotel room last minute or up to twenty-eight days in advance. Whether your holiday is in Australia, Scotland or Fiji, Wotif can help you book discount hotel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or apartments in thirty-five countries.
One great feature is that you can enter your travel information and compare hotels, apartments, and bed and breakfasts side by side. If you don't have set travel plans, you can see which dates are cheaper and book accordingly. You can also advance your search by entering in different amenities you'd like, such as pool or a kitchenette.
A sampling of hotels around the world showed that indeed, Wotif provides cheap rates. Want to visit Walt Disney World? The Raddison Resort Orlando, FLA USA is a stone's throw from this world-renowned family destination. For $100 a night ($185 a night full rate) you get a gorgeous room with two double beds, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, exercise facility and a restaurant on site. The best part-kids stay and eat for free as long as they are accompanied by one paying parent.
Want to stay in a Scottish castle for your holiday? The four-star Dalhousie House Castle and Spa in Edinburgh, Scotland offers a luxurious holiday experience that will make you feel like royalty. Standard castle room: $302 ($500 full price) and includes a double occupancy room in this 13th century fortress. For a little more ($350) you could stay in a themed castle room. Both have their own bath and other comforts.
Or perhaps you'd rather experience a decadent South Pacific holiday on Fiji. For $300 ($350 full rate) a night you can stay in the four-star Sonaisali Island Resort. Enjoy a restful holiday on a small island across the lagoon from mainland Fiji, with a health spa, tennis courts and a child minding program that includes sandcastle building. Children stay free of charge.
Smarter Travel: (Smartertravel.com) This is an awesome site to review if you want hotel, flight and car hire information. They have a page with links to assorted deals, such as booking a night at the Hilton in NYC and receiving free breakfast or free parking. If you've ever tried to park in Manhattan, you'll realize what a bargain this is!
Plus you can't beat the advice. In the Hotel section, the editor posts his/her favorite deal links which takes you to a detailed page that outlines the fine print (like having to stay for three nights, one being a weekend night). There are also sponsor deals to choose from.
The great thing about this site is that they aren't doing the booking-they link you to the hotel or sponsor in charge of the deal they advertise.
Check with Your Credit Card
This may sound silly, but checking with your credit card could result in cheap hotel rates. Sometimes the major credit card companies will link up with a hotel chain to promote travel and business in a specific area, giving discounts if the consumer uses their credit card.
For example, the Hilton Latin America and Visa have teamed up to give travelers a discounted rate on a stay at the Hilton hotels across Latin America if using a Visa card to pay. You'll also get a continental breakfast and a generous credit toward food and beverage. Of course, there are conditions and limitations, such as a three-night stay, but if you're traveling to somewhere as gorgeous as Buenos Aries, you're going to want to stay for a long holiday.
Check Directly with the Hotel or Hotel Chain
Sometimes you can get a great deal by calling the hotel directly and asking about cheap hotel rooms. If you're calling a chain, such as the Hilton, call the hotel in the town you're staying in, as calling the main line will often get you an operator that's located somewhere else. He/she may not know of the deals that particular hotel branch has to offer.
You can also check online for deals. You'll find that a lot of different hotel chains will actually be able to beat the discount travel websites on a nightly price if you book direct with them.
In Conclusion
A holiday doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg in hotel fares alone. By doing some research, comparing rates and contacting companies you wouldn't typically think of, you can definitely find a cheap hotel room. Then you can sit back and relax on that well-deserved holiday trip, knowing you didn't have to pay top dollar.
One of the famous reasons of the booming tourism industry of the city of Amsterdam is its friendly people. Moreover, the natives of this European city, regardless of age, are also known to speak good English. To accommodate the growing number of people who come to Amsterdam to spend their vacation, around four hundred registered hotels can be found in the city of Amsterdam. These establishments have mushroomed catering to all tourists with diverse preferences and financial considerations. Almost half of the hotels in the city are tagged as four- or five- star hotels. Among the more prominent luxury hotels are Hotel Okura, Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel, Hotel Ambassade, Victoria Hotel Amsterdam and Hotel Pulitzer.
The location of a hotel is one factor that a lot of tourists consider when choosing a hotel. The ideal temporary home should be one that is most suitable to the itinerary of the tourist during his or her brief stay. Most of these hotels are located somewhere in the center of the city. The Victoria Hotel Amsterdam, in particular, is conveniently situated right across the Centraal Train Station. This historic four-star deluxe hotel was built way back in 1890. The ACH Leidse Square Hotel Amsterdam, like the Victoria Hotel Amsterdam also boasts of a great location. Many interesting shops, famous museums, the Vondel Park and the Concert Hall can be found just a few blocks from this hotel. Near the Victoria Hotel Amsterdam is the Amstel Hotel Amsterdam, a modern five-star hotel that is just three minutes away from the train station.
Unlike the Victoria Hotel Amsterdam, some luxury hotels are found in less strategic locations. Hotel Okura, for example, is considerably far from the central station. A client would still have to travel by tram for approximately fifteen minutes before he or she will reach the train station. In the end, most of its clients take the cabs if they go around the city.
It may not always be easy to book a hotel room especially during the peak months of July and August. Because this is the case, all would-be Amsterdam tourists are advised to book their hotel accommodation in advance. A travel agency or a reservation center can do this in behalf of the customer. For those who want to book hotel rooms by themselves, they can just go online to do this. Many websites like the http://www.europe-cities.com provide online assistance to customers for hotel reservations. Using special search engines, a tourist will be given the chance to choose from cheap Amsterdam hotels to luxurious hotels like the Victoria Hotel Amsterdam. Special hotel deals are also offered through these online reservation sites. Once the hotel booking has been confirmed, a confirmation email will be sent.
Moreover, the Internet also provides another tool that a tourist can use before deciding a suitable hotel for him or her. People who have already stayed in a specific hotel post hotel reviews online. These reviews may be positive or negative depending on the kind of hotel experience that the reviewer has had.
Having a widely varied cultural life, the Capital city of Norway holds many attractions and has a lot to offer to all its visitors. Oslo, like many other popular cities, offers the best possible services to all its tourists. Your holiday will surely be one to remember when it's spent in Oslo. From hiking in the hills to chatting over coffee in any sidewalk cafe, Oslo brings everything to life. However, the best way to enjoy what this city has to offer is by enjoying its hospitality in any of its classified hotels. Oslo hotels are categorized from luxury or 5 star hotels to cheap and economical hotels, including 1 star and 2 star hotels, providing all the amenities to make your trip comfortable and memorable.
5 star Luxury Hotels: These luxurious hotels have a lot to offer with their outstanding facilities and services, including all the basic amenities. Facilities at these luxury five star hotels make them some of the most prestigious hotels in Oslo. These five star hotels are best suited for the status conscious, or the business traveler, or those looking for a romantic luxury break.
4 star hotels: Four star hotels in Oslo also cover all the basic facilities needed for stay and also include advanced facilities which make them a good choice for those who are traveling in style and comfort. 4 star hotels are also known as Superior hotels and most of them match with the services offered by 5 star luxury hotels.
3 star hotels: Providing a high standard of accommodation with their facilities and services, 3 star Hotels are best suited for the budget conscious traveler. Comfort and ease along with pleasant decoration and presentation are their priorities. Most of the 3 star hotels in Oslo provide luxury and facilities you will find at any other 4 star or 5 star hotel; at much affordable rates.
2 star hotels: Economical and comfortable 2 star hotels provide easy and relaxed accommodation for many of the cost-conscious travelers. They might not have the luxury of a 5 star hotel but their airy and homely environment is all that's needed to put you at ease. Have a look at some 2 star cheap hotels in Oslo.
1 star hotels: One Star hotels all the basic amenities to guarantee a comfortable and relaxing trip when you visit Oslo. These hotels provide all necessary facilities and services at affordable rates for the traveler looking for a cheap and affordable place to stay.
Oslo Hotels range from a wide variety and you will find just the right accommodation you are looking for in this beautiful city with ease. The best thing about these hotels is that they are located very close to some of the most popular tourist attractions and market places in Oslo. The hotels also have transportation facilities nearby which make it easy for the tourists to travel to and from these hotels with ease.
During the spring of 1954, Walt Disney approached the Texas oil wildcatter and television pioneer Jack Wrather concerning the possibility of building accommodations for the many guests that Walt hoped would flock to his innovative "theme park," then under construction in Anaheim, California. Since the "imagineering" and building of Disneyland was taking nearly every penny that he had, Walt approached Jack, hoping that his long-time friend would be willing to take such a huge risk. Wrather was the producer of Lassie, The Lone Ranger, and Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, popular 1950s television programs.
Originally, Walt had approached Hilton executives and other well-known hotel chains, hoping to convince them to finance the construction of a first-class hotel next to Disneyland. However, the general consensus was that such a venture was too risky. No one was certain that what was quickly becoming known as "Disney's folly" would be successful.
In 1954, Anaheim was a little-known community, largely consisting of orange groves. The entire city had only seven small motels and hotels, accommodating only a total of 87 guests. Wrather admitted at the time that he was somewhat skeptical about building in such a small community (of approximately 30,000), next to an experimental and yet unfinished theme park. His doubts were further increased by the fact that the risky venture had already been turned down by more than one major hotel chain.
Wrather spent several days with Walt Disney, looking into the area's potential for expansion. Legend has it that Walt had tears in his eyes while describing his dream of Disneyland to Wrather. With a sense of adventure, Wrather became convinced that the idea just might be a success. Also, with Walt showing such emotion for and dedication to his project, how could Wrather have resisted?
One of the first discussions between the two friends was where the hotel should be located. Wrather first talked of locating it near the entrance to Disneyland. Walt said, "Jack, our guests aren't going to be thinking about a hotel when they begin their visit to Disneyland. They'll start looking for a room when they leave the park. The best place to build your Hotel is near the Disneyland exit." Wrather agreed with Walt's logic and leased 60 acres of Disney-owned land on West Street directly across from the Disneyland exit. There he built what was to become known as the "Official Hotel of the Magic Kingdom."
On March 18, 1955, Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather (his wife), and Anaheim Mayor Charles Pearson, using a three-handled shovel, officiated at the groundbreaking for the Disneyland Hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel opened on October 5, 1955, nearly three months after Disneyland's live televised grand opening on July 17, 1955. The first guests registered at a hotel having only 104 guest rooms located in five two-story complexes, built at the southeast corner of the leased property. These were the South Garden rooms, later to be known as the Oriental Gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnone of Inglewood, California were to be the first guests at the newly opened hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel was the first major resort to be built in Southern California since the early 1940's. However, the number of available rooms quickly proved to be insufficient for the unexpected demand, and 96 more units of the same type were added the following year on the property's northeast section. Built by Hodges and Vergrift Construction Company, this new addition was called the North Garden rooms, later renamed the Garden Villas.
During the first year, room rates ranged from $9 for a standard room to $22 for deluxe quarters. Rooms were advertised as accommodating four people. For an additional adult, there was a $3 charge.
At the same time that construction had begun on the additional garden rooms at the northeastern corner of the property, construction was under way on the Administration Building, which would house a lobby, restaurants, shops, and meeting rooms. The Gourmet Restaurant was opened in a converted ranch house on the property, redesigned by C. Tony Pereira. This converted ranch house had been the original Disneyland administration building.
The original hotel design, by the architectural firm of Pereira and Luckman, called for 300 motel and hotel rooms, suites and garden apartments. Also included were plans for three swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, cocktail lounges, and four restaurants. The original blueprints designated a total of 10 buildings in the South Garden or Oriental Garden section. However, only five buildings were actually built.
The opening of the Administration Building (which would later become the Travelport), and the "official" grand opening for the hotel was on August 25, 1956. It was a star-studded grand opening celebration that resembled a Hollywood movie premiere. Celebrities in attendance included Walt Disney, Art Linkletter, William Bendix, Alan Ladd, Sue Caroll, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Jeanne Crain. Also in attendance were as many as three hundred enthusiasts, observing the ribbon-cutting and taking a grand tour of the facilities.
By 1956, there were 204 guest rooms and suites at the Disneyland Hotel. As an added attraction, each garden patio had its own orange tree, a reminder of what the original property had been only a few short years earlier. This had been a part of the original plans when the grounds were being cleared to build the hotel. An additional amenity at this time was the Coral Club which included a huge 45-foot by 75-foot completely tiled and heated swimming pool, wading pools for children of all ages, fountains, sandlots, and a cabana area. The pools were surrounded by lounge furniture for guests' relaxation and so that they might acquire a Southern California tan. One-day laundry and dry cleaning services were available, and a physician and nurse were on call. An 18-hole putting greens and shuffleboard courts were also early inclusions at the Disneyland Hotel.
Guests were able to register for a hotel room from their car or they could go into the lobby for a more traditional method of registration. There were parking spaces for 1000 cars, and parking was free. Also, limo and bus service was provided. Richfield Oil (also the Disneyland sponsor of Autopia) offered full automotive care. Even in the 1950s, every room was equipped with a television set and air conditioning.
During these early years, the attendance at Disneyland was beyond the most optimistic expectations. Even Walt had to be amazed by the overwhelming success of his dream. As a result, the City Council of Anaheim began reviewing plans for other motels and restaurants. Disneyland had proven all the skeptics to be wrong, and Disneyland was destined to bring major changes to what once had been a sleepy, orange grove community.
From the beginning, the Disneyland Hotel was one of the outstanding showplaces of Orange County. Celebrities such as Jack Benny, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Billy Graham, and Cary Grant were often spotted at the hotel. These and other celebrities enjoyed bringing their families for a stay at the hotel and for a trip to Walt's park. Also attracted were business people, coming for luncheons, meetings, and conventions. The Disneyland Hotel quickly had become the place to see and the place to be seen.
Room rates in 1957 were advertised from $10 to $19. SuitesÊwent for between $22 and $25. The hotel's brochures boasted of an assortment of shops, air conditioned rooms, television in every room, pools of all sizes, restaurant and cocktail facilities. Also touted was tram service to Disneyland every five minutes, transportation via a Disneyland station wagon, playgrounds, childcare facilities, barber and beauty shops. Doctor, nurse and even dental facilities were available on the grounds. The brochures further emphasized a private sundeck or patio for every room. Best of all, the Disneyland Hotel was billed as the only hotel right at the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. Also in the late 1950s, the concept of "seasonal" and "non-seasonal" rates first appeared. Typically, it would cost a dollar or two more for a room during the holidays and summer months (late May through mid September).
By 1959, over 25 hotels and motels had crowded around Disneyland to take advantage of the Park's spectacular drawing power. By 1960, Anaheim had established itself as Orange County's largest city, with a population in excess of 100,000. People were traveling from all areas of the world to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth." Indeed, Anaheim had magically grown from a quiet, small agricultural community into a mecca of tourism, and the boom had only begun. As Walt had promised on opening day, the park continued adding attractions (the Monorail, the Submarine Voyage, and the Matterhorn all opening in 1959); and the hotel continued to grow, having more than 300 rooms by 1960. A 13,000-square foot convention center was also added at that time.
Rates for rooms in 1960 ranged from $10 to $26 a night during the off-season and from $16 to $29 in season, the holidays and the summer months.
At a press conference held in 1960, Jack Wrather and Walt Disney announced plans for the extension of the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System to link the park to the hotel. Walt had long envisioned a rapid transit system for major U.S. cities, and this addition to the Monorail would provide a working model. Dick Nunis, who worked his way up from a summer job in 1955 to become the president of Disneyland in 1980, stated that Walt saw the Monorail as more than just an attraction; Walt saw it as aÊworkable transportation system. He wanted to demonstrate its potential as urban rapid transit, and so he envisioned the monorail's extension to the hotel.
The park's monorail was closed for construction on April 10, 1961. Disneyland also had to closed Autopia to facilitate the installation of new pylons through its grounds. The original 8/10th-of-a-mile track would be extended by 12,300 feet, making it nearly a two-and-a-half mile round-trip journey between the park to the hotel. The cost of the extension was $1.9 million ($500,000 more than the original cost of the Monorail when it was installed at Disneyland less than two years earlier). The construction required more than 118,000 hours of labor, 10,760 tons of sand, 66,700 bags of cement and 702 tons of steel. New style Mark II trains were introduced for the extended Monorail including a new gold colored train. The Monorail, with its extension to the Disneyland Hotel, reopened on June 1, 1961.
Other major expansions were planned for the hotel in the early 1960s. They included a new golf complex featuring an 18-hole, par-three course, a 50-tee driving range, and a miniature golf course with the individual holes named after Disneyland attractions. One of the course favorites was hole #5, which featured a mini replica of the Matterhorn Mountain. Also added at this time was a helicopter landing pad, linking Los Angeles International Airport with Disneyland and the Disneyland Hotel. The new facility provided an efficient transportation link for both business people and tourists. Soon, LAA Airways was operating an average of 12 flights per day to and from the airport in its 28-passenger, turbo-jet copter liners.
In 1961, the Wrather Corporation went public, offering 350,000 shares of common stock. President and Chairman of the Board Jack Wrather and the Wrather Corporation had grown to include four major divisions: Television and motion pictures, the Disneyland Hotel, the Muzak Corporation (the often satirized elevator music), and Stephen's Marine, Inc. The company also was involved in management services for various other marine based businesses.
The Anaheim skyline was also about to undergo a major change in 1961 when the concept of "building up" replaced the concept of "building out." At the Disneyland Hotel, an 11-story, high-rise tower was built. This added 150 new guest rooms to the hotel complex. At that time, it was the county's tallest building and the nation's tallest building constructed utilizing the post-tension, lift-slab method. Another exciting innovation was an external, glass elevator, one of only a handful constructed at the time in this country. Its designer, architect Kurt Weber, recalled that the glass elevator offered a dramatic view of the growing community of Anaheim. It also took guests to the Top of the Park Lounge, which featured breathtaking views of Disneyland. The Lounge offered alcoholic beverages and nightly entertainment in a decidedly blues motif. Constructed for the less adventurous was the Monorail Lounge which was located next to the Monorail station on the second floor level. Ground had been broken for the new tower building in October of 1961. The project was completed less than a year later in September of 1962. At that time, two additional Garden structures were also added to the hotel.
In 1962, rates ranged from $17 for a room with a twin bed to $53 for two deluxe and medium adjoining rooms during vacation and holiday seasons, $10 to $47 during off-season. There were new rates for the tower building. A twin-bedded room was priced from $24 vacation rate up to $35 for a room with two double beds. Off-season, tower rooms were priced from $20 to $26.
Orange County celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1964. At a press conference held at the Disneyland Hotel, the announcement was made that Major League Baseball was coming to Anaheim. The Angels would continue to play in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium until their new Anaheim stadium was constructed in approximately two years. During their first year in Anaheim, the Angels would lead the American League in attendance, attracting over one million fans.
By 1964, during vacation and holiday season, room rates were $17 for a single room, $53 for an adjoining deluxe room with a medium room, and $30 for a deluxe room alone. Winter rates were advertised from $10 for a single small room to $49 for an adjoining deluxe with medium room. The Tower rooms were priced from $24 to $35 during peak-season and $20 to $28 during off- season. Peak-season now was being defined as from June 1 to September 15, December 11 to January 3, and April 9 to April 24.
Both the Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland celebrating their "Tencennials," 10-years of successful operations, in 1965. The hotel announced plans for the Tower Annex, an expansion to the existing tower, which would now give the hotel 616 guest rooms. An additional six conference rooms (bringing the total to 28) would be added to the complex. These conference rooms would be designed to hold from 15 people to two thousand people.
A new shopping plaza building was also constructed on the hotel grounds. It was described as having glass walls and graceful grillwork, gleaming in a lush garden setting. It was further described as resembling a necklace on green velvet,Êcontaining the beautiful and unusual in a score of smart, avant-garde specialty shops. Here one could buy aromatic tobaccos from Turkey, candles from Mexico, leathers from London, toys from the U.S., Germany and Japan, and here one could select from fashions inspired in Paris, Rome and Carnaby Street. The Plaza also featured a beauty shop, a travel agency, and a dental facility. Both the Tower Annex and the Plaza Shopping Center cost $5.5 million as part of the Hotel Expansion Program. At Disneyland, "it's a small world" was added after its successful run at the New York World's Fair.
Rates in 1966 for what was billed as wintertime ranged from $15 for a queen-sized bed up to $30 for a deluxe room. During vacation times, the rates were $20 and $35 for the same rooms. The Tower now had a North and South designation, with the South side being the more expensive. The North side rates were priced from $20 for a queen-sized bed up to $28 for two double beds. The South side went for $22 to $30 for the same bed types.
By 1966, Orange County had become the tourist hub of America, producing tourist income greater than any other U.S. county. Anaheim now had 125 hotels and motels and a population of over 150,000. Sadly on December 15, 1966, Walt Disney, one of the most influential men in Anaheim's history, passed away. Walt had been a lifelong smoker and had developed lung cancer. It was reported that Jack and Bonita Wrather were devastated upon hearing news of Walt's passing. Half of the two pioneers of tourism in Southern California was now gone. These two had plotted a course in the 1950s for the future of tourism and conventions in Orange County, thereby forever changing Anaheim's destiny. Jack Wrather would also succumb to cancer in 1984.
Shortly after Walt's death, the Walt Disney Company began numerous attempts to purchase control of the hotel. Finally in 1988, 33 years after the original groundbreaking, the Disneyland Hotel would become a portion of the empire that Walt had founded.
In just a little over 11 years, the Disneyland Hotel had grown from 104 guest rooms and a smattering of amenities into a major tourist facility with 616 guest rooms, ample dining and shopping facilities, a full golf complex, and a full range of convention and meeting facilities. The hotel also helped introduce a futuristic mode of rapid transit in the form of the Monorail, and the hotel was instrumental in changing the previous agricultural economy of Anaheim into the major tourist destination that it is today. What appeared to be a questionable area for development in the early fifties turned into one of the most dynamic areas in the country. A large portion of this change and growth had been stimulated by a man with a mouse and a Texas oil wildcatter.
Sources:
Kaleidoscope: The In-Room Magazine of Disneyland Hotel and Inn at the Park: Spring 1980, summer 1980, and fall 1980.
Disneyland Holiday Magazine: various issues from 1957 and 1958.
Disneyland Vacationland Magazine: various issues from 1958 to 1966.
Disneyland Line: Vol. 22, No. 40, October 5, 1990.
The Disneyland Hotel Employee's Handbook, 1989.
Disneyland Hotel advertising brochures: 1955, 1957, 1960, 1962, and 1966.
Disneyland Guidebooks: 1955 to 1965.
Disneyland Hotel Postcards: 1955 to 1964.
The Handbook of Texas Online: The Jack Wrather obituary.
Dreams to Reality by Bret Colson and Geoff Black. A brief history of modern day Anaheim, 1997.
Disneylander: The magazine for Disneyland employees, various issues from 1959 to 1961.
Check In Magazine: Various editions from 1965 to 1967.
All sources came from my personal collection of Disneyland Hotel items with the exception of the Jack Wrather obituary and the book Dreams to Reality. The wonderful Kaleidoscope magazines and several articles from Holiday and Vacationland magazines came from other collectors. All photos also came from my personal collection except where noted. I requested access to the Disney Archives for research purposed but was denied access.
Everybody is looking for cheap motels everywhere. They are welcomed when you are on the road and extremely tired, in need for a place to catch a few hours of sleep. Cheap motels can be found usually along the roads or at rest stops. They are not always the best places, but when it comes to falling asleep at the wheel one can crash anyplace.
The cheap rooms will not always catch your eye, because they usually have not so new furniture, all the things will seem like they are used, and the bathroom will not be in a good shape either. Nothing cheap is of good quality, so do not be surprised when you'll see the conditions. Cheap motels are usually run by owners working at the reception desk and you will most likely not get a pleasant welcome all of the times you want to rent a cheap room.
In a business like this there is not much profit so even the staff will probably not be in a good mood and smiling like they do in the expensive hotels. The difference is that an expensive hotel is probably owned by someone rich and powerful, and that particular hotel is not the only business he has. It probably is a part of a chain of hotels.
If we compare the expensive hotels and the cheap motels only one thing comes into mind and that is money. Expensive hotels cannot be found anywhere along the road, they are strategically placed in places with a lot of tourists or in the center of big cities, capitals. These places are usually frequented by rich people who travel or they simply need a place to live for a while. We cannot compare the conditions either.
Unlike the cheap rooms from motels, expensive hotels have impressive furniture and all objects will be new or almost new, if it is a luxurious hotel, than everything will probably be new. The staff will be extremely polite and smiling all of the time, but they also require fat tips, so that means money again. Your luggage is carried and your laundry is taken care of by the cleaning staff on a daily basis. There is no doubt you will be eating the most glamorous meals and will be drinking expensive champagne. These places usually have glamorous living rooms where you can spend time during the day, and where you can socialize with other guests.
The bottom line is both cheap motels and expensive hotels have their purpose and you really cannot compare them. It all depends on ones social status. If you have money than cheap rooms are not for you, if you do not have money than expensive hotels are not an option for you.
You cannot really compare cheap rooms in motels and expensive hotels. Expensive hotels are for the wealthy people, the cheap motels are suitable for the middle class.
The hugely popular Brooklands hotel, located in the heart of the beautiful town of Scarborough in North Yorkshire is truly picturesque and bursting with vibrant character. It's just a stone's throw away from the stunning South Bay and Spa complex and nearby to a range of famous sites of historical and architectural importance.
The beautiful hotel is centred around the tree lined Esplanade Gardens, which can also be admired from the atmospheric restaurant. It has a traditional Yorkshire stone frontage and classic bay windows, with picturesque Victorian terracing. The restaurant food is exquisite, and the waiters are very friendly and professional. For dinner, they boast a luxury Table d'hote menu with a selection of superb signature wines and other beverages. In the evenings, the bar and ballroom bursts into life, with entertaining live acts on a daily basis.
The stunning town of Scarborough is bursting with character, with so much to see and do for all the family. You can stroll along the beautiful sands in the Bay, walk along the harbour, visit famous historical sites such as Castle Howard, Scarborough Castle and Whitby Abbey or visit the breathe-taking gardens of Peasholm Park. If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore further afield, you can always hop on a train to Leeds, York or Sheffield- they are all under an hour away.
A two night stay for two people is usually £435, a remarkably good price for the great location and high quality of the accommodation. But I've found an even better offer- if you log onto the new UK daily deal website Who Pays Full Price within the next 4 days, you can purchase a stay in the Brooklands hotelfor a ridiculous £159- what a bargain! This amazing deal includes a two night stay for two people in a spacious deluxe room, with included breakfast, dinner and a complimentary bottle of wine! I haven't seen such a good deal on a top hotel in a long while! Each room has ensuite facilities, with all the modern amenities; a hairdryer, a direct dial telephone, a flat plasma screen TV with Freeview channels, and a special welcome tray!
Check it out as soon as possible, before the deal closes! It will make the perfect break for you and your partner or best friend to get away from the stresses of everyday life. Enjoy some fresh air, explore somewhere new, relax in luxury accommodation, indulge in delicious food and drink, and truly unwind!
Can you put a price tag on your vacation? Or do you believe that the total experience of a 5-star vacation in priceless; something that you want to and deserve to splurge on because you've worked so hard since your last vacation? Well, if that's the case, then allow us to present to you a true, picture perfect dream vacation that will give you the most magical vacation memories of your lifetime!
The Dominican Republic is home to one of the most exclusive and very luxurious boutique hotels in the world - Tortuga Bay Hotel. This fine gem of the Caribbean has been adorned with awards that testify to the high quality of the hotel. If you're looking for a very private getaway, this would be a good place to go.
Arriving at Tortuga Bay Hotel is like coming home to the place you've always dreamed of. The friendliness of the staff at the small reception and the impeccable service provided throughout the hotel only adds to the overall charm of the place.
Your Tortuga Bay experience begins the moment you touch down at Punta Cana International Airport. Here, you will be greeted by a special airport concierge who will escort you directly from the plane, though customs and immigration (no standing in line) to a private car that is waiting for your arrival. The hotel is located just a few short minutes from the airport and upon arrival; you will be greeted by your personal villa manager who will check you in at the villa designated to you and your family/friends. Whatever you need during your stay at Tortuga Bay, your villa manager can provide for you - all you have to do is ask. You will be assigned a private golf touring cart for swift and convenient travel within the Puntacana Resort & Club where Tortuga Bay Hotel is located.
Your villa is located directly on the beach - either with stunning ocean view or directly ocean front! Step out of your villa and onto the smooth, white sand and into the Caribbean Sea. It doesn't get much better than that.
If you have heard of the famous designer, Oscar de la Renta, then you will probably gasp a little when we tell you that his house is right next door at the private "Corales" residential area...right next to Julio Iglesias' house. Oscar de la Renta, who is a native Dominican, has designed each villa at Tortuga Bay and infused his Dominican heritage and unparalleled elegance and style into each little detail of your villa.
The atmosphere at Tortuga Bay is as it should be - exclusive, calm, peaceful, stress free. The hotel has one restaurant on the property and the whole Puntacana Resort & Club has 8 more which you will have easy access to. We recommend an exquisite dinner at La Yola restaurant located at the marina where you can enjoy fresh seafood and that grilled lobster which you simply must try when you're in the Caribbean!
The beach is... well, breathtaking. It speaks for itself and it speaks loud and clear. THIS is heaven on earth, if there ever was one. The fine, white sand... the green, swaying palm trees... the calm, turquoise ocean... it's beyond words. You will see for yourself once you're there.
Treat yourself to a visit at the Six Senses Spa - preferably shortly after your arrival and a few times more during your stay and let the professional therapists work their magic so that you can completely relax and rejuvenate.
If you like to be a bit more active during your vacation, you could go for a round or two at one of the spectacular Oceanside golf courses located within the Puntacana Resort & Club. At La Cana golf course, you'll be playing a P.B. Dye design with 4 holes along the ocean and 14 holes with ocean view...and that famous island green on 12th. At Corales golf course, you're in for a treat designed by Tom Fazio. This championship golf course has 6 holes directly on the ocean and 8 with ocean view. The last 3 holes are symbolically names "The Devil's Elbow" and are arguably three of golf's most scenic but sternest tests. The 18th hole was very properly named "The Mother of All Holes" - you'll see you for yourself when you're standing on the 18th tee with the words "good Lord" passing through your mind. If you don't know how to play golf or it's been a while and you need to brush up on your swing, lessons and excellent practice facilities are available at both courses.
If you are a tennis player, or have always dreamt of becoming one Puntacana Resort may just be the place where your tennis career will begin in the hands of the Dominican and US certified tennis professional onsite and ready to show you the moves of the game.
Have you ever dreamt of trying out your kite surfing skills? At Playa Blanca which is a cozy beach restaurant, bar and lounge at the Puntacana Resort, there is a water sports center offering cool activities and experiences such as kite surfing with IKO certified instructors, scuba diving with certified PADI instructors, and more.
If you're more into other land based activities there's also horseback riding along the beach or Segway tours. Don't know what a Segway is? A Segway is a cool and fun self-balancing personal transporter on two wheels which is controlled by your body movement. You can speed up, slow down and rotate on this motorized vehicle as you and cruise along the beaches, private estate residential areas, golf courses, ecological reserve, etc. The Segway is a 100% eco friendly tour for you to enjoy with good conscience.
Another very special activity, which you must not miss out on, is a visit to the Ecological Foundation at Puntacana Resort & Club. The entire resort and one of the predominant core values behind it is caring for the environment and preserving the natural resources which give us such wonderful pleasures and experiences in life. At the "Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park Reserve" you can explore and enjoy 1,500 acres of forest preserve which is part of a lowland subtropical forest with 11 freshwater lagoons. You are welcome to walk through the forest on your own and take a refreshing swim in the lagoons or you can take a guided tour to learn more about the area and the more than 500 species of plants that grow. The tour will culminate in a cooling dip in one of the lagoons. The reserve is open daily from sunrise to sunset exclusively for guests and residents at the Puntacana Resort & Club.
So there you have it. World class luxury, quality and service for the most private and exclusive vacation combined with wonderful activities of your choice.
Before you embark on your New York journey read about the hotels that will make your stay a memorable one.
The Library Hotel is more 'literati' than 'glitterati': more private club than hotel. Each of the ten guestrooms is dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts and Religion. Each of the sixty rooms is individually designed with a collection of art and books relevant to one distinctive topic within the category of floor it belongs to. Guests may request their room based on their personal interests. The Writer's Den with its skyline views and the Poetry Garden, a sparkling green house, are perfect places to relax and absorb this culture.
Tips:
Access to the hotel's video library of the American Film Institutes top 100 films -- Monday through Saturday there's a complimentary wine and cheese reception -- For the night time players, magical nights await you at the Bookmarks Lounge on the 14th floor, which serve signature cocktails like the Great Gatsby and the Capote.
Sofitel New York in the Manhattan area
The contemporary 30-story Sofitel New York, represents the French art of living through its décor. Art work of old Paris and New York fill this space. Traditional French fare is served at the French brasserie, Gaby Restaurant and even the staff uniforms are designed by renowned designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac. Guests will enjoy the hotel's evening turndown services, which include Evian water and a fresh cut rose. The Art Deco sitting room is the perfect place for some downtime as well as viewing the extensive collection of contemporary art that adorns the walls. The hotel's award winning design surrounds a 30-story curved tower bordered by two 20-story wings, which overlooks the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
Tips:
Don't leave New York without sampling the inventive French cuisine with Asian influences, served up at the Art Deco inspired, Gaby Restaurant -- The Petit Bijou gift shop is an exquisite emporium with items imported from France.
The Hudson Hotel is a brand new offering from hotelier extraordinaire, Ian Schrager. It is said to be the hippest hotel on the block with stunning views across the Hudson River. Designer, Phillipe Starke has created a fantastical world where flawless design dances with daredevil technology in a perfect combination of light, sound and shape. There's an exhibition kitchen restaurant, a lobby bar, and library bar with billiards, indoor and outdoor private park, and a ceiling fresco by renowned painter Francesco Clemente, 18.000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space and a business centre. The design was inspired by ocean travel romance and the setting of a private cabin on an upscale yacht. Vogue Magazine describes the hotel as "surreal chic, brilliantly designed, and gorgeous." Tips:
Hudson Sky Terrace located on the 15th floor is a large private landscaped terrace where you can enjoy cocktails and sweeping city and Hudson River views -- For your sleeping pleasure, Hudson beds have Egyptian cotton sheets with 300 thread count.
The Dream Hotel in the Midtown area
The Dream Hotel in New York was opened by socialite-hotelier Vikram Chatwal in 2004. The décor includes a copper statue of Catherine the Great, Neptune and Madonna with child, all surrounded by mismatched armchairs. The design theme is best described as haute couture meets Alice in Wonderland 'whimsical'. This luxury playground has all the latest technology and three lounges each offering their own delights: Subconcious is subterranean lounge with a Labyrinth of Alcoves, the Epernay and Lobby Bar is a vibrant space designed by architect Mark Zeff and AVA, named after movie star Ava Gardner is the Dream Hotel's penthouse lounge which offers cocktails and stunning views of Time Square.
Tips:
The Chopra Center which is devoted to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing science studied by founder Deepak Chopra is situated below ground. A glass elevator transports guests to this world of exclusive pampering - A feast of sublime Northern Italian cuisine awaits you at the Fellini-inspired restaurant, Serafina, designed by the Rockwell Group.
The 60 Thompson in the SoHo District
100 room luxury-driven lifestyle hotel by famed designer, Thomas O'Brien is a favorite with the trendy downtown scene. The breathtaking rooftop "members" lounge, and Kittichai restaurant complement the modern and chic sensibility of 60 Thompson. This luxury hotel is set back from the street behind a courtyard of birch trees. The interior features photographs by Laura Resen and a roof garden that has a 360 degree view of Manhattan's skyline. This hotel was selected as "One of the World's Hottest Hotels" by Conde Nast Traveler and Entertainment Weekly named it the "It Hotel" for entertainment's elite.
Tips:
Indulge your senses at chic Thai restaurant Kittichai on the ground floor with patio dining and a gold-suffused bar -- Feel like a princess in swanky marble-swathed bathrooms with mosaic tile floors, and Philosophy bath products.
Trump International Hotel & Tower in the Manhattan area
Location, location... this hotel certainly is prime real estate: situated at the foot of Central Park, and just across Columbus Circle from the Time Warner Center. Opening in 1997, the contemporary 52-story tower hotel was designed by renowned architects Philip Johnson and Costas Kondylis. Today, Trump International Hotel & Tower is one of only four properties in North America to hold the prestigious Mobil five-star rating for both the hotel and its in-house restaurant, Jean Georges. With a host of unique innovations and complimentary amenities there is no doubt you're residing in the world of the super-rich, Donald Trump. The rooms have ten-foot high ceilings with nine-foot floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can have the pleasure of all-round views of Manhattan.
Tips:
A 6,000-square-foot health club with 55-foot indoor lap pool and a full-service spa -- For guests its business as usual at the 383 square feet Executive Boardroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Broadway and Lincoln Center -- Each guest receives personalized stationery and business cards along with a cellular phone on request.
Hotel Plaza Athénée in the Manhattan area
Located on the fashionable Upper East Side of Manhattan, this hotel brings a bit of Europe to the finest streets of New York. Renovated in 2003, and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Hotel Plaza Athénée is without a doubt one of New York's finest hotels. This European-style boutique hotel with its 152 rooms is located on a tree-lined residential street that offers a peaceful and home-like atmosphere. All of the rooms and suites have French fabrics, period furniture, artwork, and rose aurora marble bathrooms and suites. Earth tones and smoking rooms bring back a bit of old-world charm.
Tips:
Serious shoppers paradise: walking distance to Madison Avenue with Georgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany's, Barney's, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman Department stores - - Don't leave New York without having a cocktail at the Seine and Arabelle Bars where Carrie Bradshaw sat and drank when they filmed Sex in the City.
The 70 Park Avenue Hotel in Midtown Manhattan
One of New York's most revered midtown hotels is situated near Grand Central Station, right on famous Park Avenue. The 70 Park Avenue Hotel recently went through an extensive multi-million dollar renovation under the direction of renowned residential designer Jeffrey Bilhuber, who has worked with celebrities such as David Bowie, Iman and Hubert de Givenchy. The hotel is decorated in warm earth tones and rich dark woods and the lobby living room features a 14-foot limestone and sandstone fireplace. The 188 newly decorated guest rooms including 6 parlors and 3 penthouse suites are bright and spacious with stylish neo classical décor and luxurious comforts.
Tips:
Leisure guests will find convenience in the walking distance from Fifth Avenue boutiques; the city's finest arts and cultural centers, which include the Museum of Modern Art, Empire State Building, United Nations, Broadway and Times Square - - The 2,000 square-foot Penthouse Suite with wrap-around balcony and great views from its 17th floor perch is ideal for swanky social events or parties.
The Benjamin in the Midtown area
Originally opened in 1927 as The Hotel Beverly it was considered one of world-renowned architect Emery Roth's most successful creations. The hotel was purchased and renovated to its original grandeur in 1999 by Affinia Hospitality and named after its founder, Benjamin J. Denihan, Sr. Today, this sophisticated, boutique style hotel has lavish marble bathrooms, rich mahogany-finished furnishings and a personal well-equipped business area, attracting both business and leisure guests. The Benjamin is famous for its custom-made mattresses adorned with Frette linens and down filled duvets. It's probably the only hotel in the world that offers a menu of ten different pillows! One block from Park Avenue businesses, near the Empire State Building, the United Nations, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue shopping.
Tips:
One of only four Five-Globe ECOTEL, certified properties in the world, this eco-friendly hotel's core philosophy, encompasses every aspect of hotel operation and guest service -- The Affinia Wellness Spa is a holistic experience that will transform your mind, body and spirit.
The SoHo Grand Hotel in the SoHo area
Built in 1996 as the first hotel in SoHo in more than a century; the SoHo Grand Hotel was designed by Bill Sofield and architected by David Helpern. This 17-story hotel is a favorite of the fashion and entertainment industries. The Grand Bar & Lounge, also known as "SoHo's living room", has recently been redesigned by renowned designer, William Sofield. Famous guests Kevin Spacey, Spike Lee and Naomi Campbell have stayed here. Pets have stayed here too. In fact dogs are offered their own toothbrush and toothpaste. A total of 367 custom designed rooms, 16-foot windows draped with 900-pound velvet curtains and a ceiling fashioned out of handmade mercury mirror glass embedded with chicken wire all make it the most fantastical place on earth.
Tips:
Near chic galleries, theaters, restaurants and shops: you'll definitely run into someone famous in the TriBeCa, Greenwich Village and meatpacking district -- Speaking of famous, the hotel's Gallery and Grand Bar & Lounge features the new 'out there' American cuisine like Maple Barbecued Quail and chocolate-dipped homemade graham crackers with brûléed meringue. Welcome to America!
If you are planning on going to Italy, you're probably going to stop in Rome. If that is the case, stay at the luxurious and beautiful Sheraton Roma hotel. The Sheraton Roma Hotel is one of the largest hotels in the city. It is often said to be the best. The Roma hotel is also conveniently located and offers various amenities.
The Roma Hotel is located between The Fiamicino/Leonardo Davinci International Airport and the historical city center. There are many attractions near the Roma Hotel for those of you touring Rome. The Coliseum, Vatican City, and the Sistine Chapel are all just 4 miles away from the Roma Hotel. There are a total of 6 museums located within 5 miles of the Roma Hotel as well. For those of you with kids, there is an amusement park less right across from the Roma Hotel.
The Roma Hotel has a whopping 634 rooms. Each room at the Roma Hotel comes with the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. The Roma Hotel even includes hi speed internet in its rooms. The Roma Hotel offers three kinds of rooms: Classic, Club, and Superior. Each type of room has a varying level of price and extra amenities offered by the Roma Hotel. Some include free newspapers, robes, and slippers! The staff at the Roma Hotel does their best to make sure all guests are treated like royalty. The Roma Hotel Even has a 24 hour service desk.
The Roma Hotel also offers 2 restaurants and 2 lounges. The Roma Hotel even has a seasonal poolside bar! The restaurants are very superb. They serve Italian and Mediterranean gourmet cuisine The Roma Hotel also has a shopping gallery that offers limousine service, car rental, men's and women's accessories, and a souvenir shop. Lastly, the Roma Hotel has a full size gym, a pool, 2 squash courts, and a jogging track.
The Roma Hotel is also a great place to host meetings and conferences. In fact, the Roma Hotel is widely used for this. The Roma Hotel has over 24 meeting rooms. The largest meeting room seats a stunning 1800 people! The Roma hotel does its best to make sure that your meetings are hi tech. All tables have hi speed internet incorporated right in them. There is also a touch screen global remote control system for the audio and visual equipment. There is even a projector available. For all of your conference or meeting needs, the Roma Hotel has it.
At the Sheraton Roma Hotel, you know you will feel like royalty. Reading about the Roma Hotel hardly does it justice. To truly see how beautiful the Roma Hotel is, you must see for yourself. It is quite breathtaking to look at.
A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The provision of basic accommodation, in times past, consisting only of a room with a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with modern facilities, including en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning or climate control. Additional common features found in hotel rooms are a telephone, an alarm clock, a television, and Internet connectivity; snack foods and drinks may be supplied in a mini-bar, and facilities for making hot drinks. Larger hotels may provide a number of additional guest facilities such as a restaurant, a swimming pool or childcare, and have conference and social function services. Some hotels offer meals as part of a room and board arrangement. In the United Kingdom, a hotel is required by law to serve food and drinks to all guests within certain stated hours; to avoid this requirement it is not uncommon to come across private hotels which are not subject to this requirement In Japan, capsule hotels provide a minimized amount of room space and shared facilities. In Australia, Canada and Ireland, the word may also refer to a pub or bar and might not offer accommodation. In India, the word may also refer to a restaurant since the best restaurants were always situated next to a good hotel. Etymology
Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal, Budapest, Hungary
The word hotel is derived from the French hôtel (coming from hôte meaning host), which referred to a French version of a townhouse or any other building seeing frequent visitors, rather than a place offering accommodation. In contemporary French usage, hôtel now has the same meaning as the English term, and hôtel particulier is used for the old meaning. The French spelling, with the circumflex, was also used in English, but is now rare. The circumflex replaces the 's' found in the earlier hostel spelling, which over time took on a new, but closely related meaning. Grammatically, hotels usually take the definite article - hence "The Astoria Hotel" or simply "The Astoria".
Classification
A budget hotel in Malaysia
The cost and quality of hotels are usually indicative of the range and type of services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide during the last decades of the 20th century, standards, especially those of smaller establishments, have improved considerablyFor the sake of greater comparability, rating systems have been introduced, with the one to five stars classification being most common[citation needed] and with higher star ratings indicating more luxury. Hotels are independently assessed in traditional systems and these rely heavily on the facilities provided.[citation needed] Some consider this disadvantageous to smaller hotels whose quality of accommodation could fall into one class but the lack of an item such as an elevator would prevent it from reaching a higher categorization.[citation needed] In some countries, there is an official body with standard criteria for classifying hotels, but in many others there is none. There have been attempts at unifying the classification system so that it becomes an internationally recognized and reliable standardbut large differences exist in the quality of the accommodation and the food within one category of hotel, sometimes even in the same country. The American Automobile Association (AAA) and their affiliated bodies use diamonds instead of stars to express hotel and restaurant ratings levels
Historic hotels
Hotel Astoria and a statue of Tsar Nicholas I of Russia in front, in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Some hotels have gained their renown through tradition, by hosting significant events or persons, such as Schloss Cecilienhof in Potsdam, Germany, which derives its fame from the Potsdam Conference of the World War II allies Winston Churchill, Harry Truman and Joseph Stalin in 1945. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai is one of India's most famous and historic hotels because of its association with the Indian independence movement. Some establishments have given name to a particular meal or beverage, as is the case with the Waldorf Astoria in New York City, United States where the Waldorf Salad was first created or the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, Austria, home of the Sachertorte. Others have achieved fame by association with dishes or cocktails created on their premises, such as the Hotel de Paris where the crêpe Suzette was invented or the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, where the Singapore Sling cocktail was devised.
Hôtel Ritz in Paris, France
A number of hotels have entered the public consciousness through popular culture, such as the Ritz Hotel in London, United Kingdom, through its association with Irving Berlin's song, 'Puttin' on the Ritz'. The Algonquin Hotel in New York City is famed as the meeting place of the literary group, the Algonquin Round Table, and Hotel Chelsea, also in New York City, has been the subject of a number of songs and the scene of the stabbing of Nancy Spungen (allegedly by her boyfriend Sid Vicious). The Waldorf Astoria and Statler hotels in New York City are also immortalized in the names of Muppets Statler and Waldorf.
The luxurious Grand Hotel Europe in Saint Petersburg, Russia achieved fame with its inclusion in the James Bond film GoldenEye.
Unusual hotels
U.S. City Chicago's Magnificent Mile has hosted many skyscraper hotels such as the Allerton Hotel.
Many hotels can be considered destinations in themselves, by dint of unusual features of the lodging or its immediate environment:
Treehouse hotels
Some hotels are built with living trees as structural elements, for example the Costa Rica Tree House in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica; the Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park, Kenya; the Ariau Towers near Manaus, Brazil, on the Rio Negro in the Amazon; and Bayram's Tree Houses in Olympos, Turkey.
Cave hotels
Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy, South Australia and the Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (named after the author) in Guadix, Spain, as well as several hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey, are notable for being built into natural cave formations, some with rooms underground. Capsule hotels
Capsule hotels are a type of economical hotel that are found in Japan.
Ice and snow hotels
Main article: Ice hotel
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and the Hotel de Glace in Duschenay, Canada, melt every spring and are rebuilt each winter; the Mammut Snow Hotel in Finland is located within the walls of the Kemi snow castle; and the Lainio Snow Hotel is part of a snow village near Ylläs, Finland.
Garden hotels
Garden hotels, famous for their gardens before they became hotels, include Gravetye Manor, the home of garden designer William Robinson, and Cliveden, designed by Charles Barry with a rose garden by Geoffrey Jellicoe.
Underwater hotels
Some hotels have accommodation underwater, such as Utter Inn in Lake Mälaren, Sweden. Hydropolis, project cancelled 2004 in Dubai, will have suites on the bottom of the Persian Gulf, and Jules Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida requires scuba diving to access its rooms.
Other unusual hotels
* The Library Hotel in New York City, United States is unique in that each of its ten floors are assigned one category from the Dewey Decimal System.
* The Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, built on an artificial island, is structured in the shape of a boat's sail.
* The former ocean liner RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach, California, United States uses its first-class staterooms as a hotel.
* The Jailhotel Löwengraben in Lucerne, Switzerland is a converted prison now used as a hotel.
* The Luxor, a hotel and casino on The Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, United States due to its pyramidal structure.
* The Liberty Hotel in Boston, United States used to be the Charles Street Jail.
Resort hotels
The Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, United States, a resort hotel serving an attached casino.
Some hotels are built specifically to create a captive trade, example at casinos and holiday resorts. Though of course hotels have always been built in popular desinations, the defining characteristic of a resort hotel is that it exists purely to serve another attraction, the two having the same owners.
In Las Vegas, Nevada there is a tradition of one-upmanship with extravagant themed hotels in a concentrated area known as the Las Vegas Strip. This trend now has extended to other resorts worldwide, but the concentration in Las Vegas is still the world's highest: nineteen of the world's twenty-five largest hotels by room count are on the Strip, with a total of over 67,000 rooms.[1]
In Europe Center Parcs might be considered a chain of resort hotels, since the sites are largely man-made (though set in natural surroundings such as country parks) with captive trade, whereas holiday camps such as Butlins and Pontin's are probably not considered as resort hotels, since they are set at traditional holiday destinations which existed before the camps.
Railway hotels
Frequently, expanding railway companies built grand hotels at their termini, such as the Midland Hotel, Manchester above St Pancras railway station, the Chiltern Court Hotel above Baker Street tube station and Canada's grand railway hotels. They are mostly, but not exclusively, used by those travelling by rail.
World record setting hotels
Largest
In 2006, Guinness World Records listed the First World Hotel in Genting Highlands, Malaysia as the world's largest hotel with a total of 6,118 rooms
Oldest
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest hotel still in operation is the Hoshi Ryokan, in the Awazu Onsen area of Komatsu, Japan which opened in 717.
Tallest
Burj Al Arab in United Arab Emirates is the tallest building used exclusively as a hotel However, the Rose Tower, also in Dubai, which has already topped Burj Al Arab's height at 333 m (1,090 ft), will take away this title upon its opening.
