Save Your Hotel http://saveyourhotel.com Traveling the World visiting Hotels Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:46:39 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Hotel http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-2/ http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-2/#comments Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:46:39 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-2/ Hotel

OscarÂ(r) nominee* Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas) delivers a deliciously disturbing, erotically charged thriller fueled by standout performances from his all-star cast: Saffron Burrows, Salma Hayek, Rhys Ifans, Lucy Liu, Burt Reynolds and David Schwimmer!A slick Hollywood film crew has just descended upon a mysterious, crumbling Venetian hotel to create a cinematic masterpiece. But, unbeknownst to them, there are malevolent forces at work in the hotel, and soon the production is beset by a series of strange incidents, dragging the guests on a terrifying journey into the dark catacombs of desire, madness and death!*1995: Director and Adapted Screenplay, Leaving Las Vegas

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]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-2/feed/ 0 Oman’s Luxury Hotels http://saveyourhotel.com/omans-luxury-hotels/ http://saveyourhotel.com/omans-luxury-hotels/#comments Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:08:34 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/omans-luxury-hotels/ You might be surprised by the style and opulence of Oman luxury hotels. Oman is a relatively new destination for holidays, and it has luxury resorts which can show you the meaning of life.

Al Husn

Al Husn, which translates as ‘the castle’ is designed to resemble a royal Arabian palace. This is an exclusive venue to take your Oman holidays set in a new luxury resort called Shangri La Barr Al Jissah. This could be one of the most luxurious of Oman’s luxury hotels, with ornate tiled courtyards and a private beach nestled between sandstone headlands forming a small bay that gives it a secretive feel. This serenity won’t be spoiled by the shouts of children around the pool, because this peaceful hotel is reserved for adults.

 

Al Bandar

You’ll find the Al Bandar not far away in the same Oman luxury resort.

This is a larger hotel with a lobby that has a palatial look to it and a bar lit like an aquarium. Outside there’s a curved, lagoon-style pool including a ‘lazy river’ to drift along peacefully.

 

The luxury hotels of Oman’s Shangri-la La Barr Al Jissah are close to a nesting site for Greenback and Hawksbill turtles, which you may be able to see in the first half of the year. There will be a local expert on hand who can tell you where to look. You might even be lucky enough to see the newborn turtles making their debut journey into the sea.

 

The rest of the time, it should be you taking to the water, with a PADI accredited SCUBA centre just five minutes away from this Oman luxury resort. From here you can explore the Arabian Sea with its untouched reefs and sizeable fish.

You could encounter a variety of rays as well as turtles, moray eels, sea horses and possibly sharks.

 

The Chedi Muscat

About ten kilometres to the north is the Chedi Muscat, one of the Oman luxury hotels located in the country’s capital city. The hotel, which is recognized for its spa treatments, has a great view from its beachfront of the Arabian Sea, with the view in the opposite direction monopolised by the grand Muscat mountain range.

 

The Chedi Muscat is a model of stylish boutique minimalism. The uncluttered colour schemes begin in the bedrooms, with high ceilings and marble floors keeping you cool when you return after a day in the sizzling Arabian sun. During your Oman holidays, you’ll want to soak up some of that sun at the Serai pool area, which is arranged in a calming symmetry of parallel awnings and shades, matching the array of sun loungers and the rows of surrounding palm trees.

 

The Intercontinental Muscat

In contrast, the size and excitement of the swimming pools are part of the appeal of the Intercontinental Muscat. As well as a children’s pool, and one with channels that circle beneath small bridges, there’s also a covered pool for the serious business of swimming lengths.

 

This is an Omani luxury hotel that is true to its intercontinental name. The British influences are apparent in the inclusion of a cricket pitch, football pitch and an English style pub that hosts quiz nights. The hotel also has one of the best gyms in Oman. This luxury hotel’s intercontinental appeal shows in its four restaurants that serve cuisines originating from Asia, England, Mexico and the Mediterranean.

 

Wherever you choose to base your Oman holidays you are sure to be impressed by the splendour of the luxury hotels in Oman.

 

Luxury Hotel

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]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/omans-luxury-hotels/feed/ 0 Hotel Vendome: A Novel http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-vendome-a-novel/ http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-vendome-a-novel/#comments Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:56:58 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-vendome-a-novel/ Hotel Vendome: A Novel

Danielle Steel’s dazzling new novel invites readers into the ultra-glamorous world of a five-star New York hotel, and brings to vivid life the man who builds it as his dream, the girl who grows up in its loving embrace, and the colorful guests and staff who make its magic complete.
 
HOTEL VENDÔME
 
The hotel was old, run-down. But to Swiss-born Hugues Martin, a young, ambitious hotelier trained in the most illustrious European traditions, it is a rough diamond, tucked away on a quiet, perfectly situated Manhattan street. After begging and borrowing every penny he can scrape together, Hugues purchases the building—and transforms it into one of the world’s finest luxury hotels.

Under Hugues’s tireless, exacting

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]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel-vendome-a-novel/feed/ 0 The Ultimate Vacation Collection (National Lampoon’s Vacation / Vegas Vacation / European Vacation / Christmas Vacation) http://saveyourhotel.com/the-ultimate-vacation-collection-national-lampoons-vacation-vegas-vacation-european-vacation-christmas-vacation/ http://saveyourhotel.com/the-ultimate-vacation-collection-national-lampoons-vacation-vegas-vacation-european-vacation-christmas-vacation/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 15:54:34 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/the-ultimate-vacation-collection-national-lampoons-vacation-vegas-vacation-european-vacation-christmas-vacation/ The Ultimate Vacation Collection (National Lampoon’s Vacation / Vegas Vacation / European Vacation / Christmas Vacation)

  • Condition: New
  • Format: DVD
  • Color; DVD; Widescreen; NTSC

National Lampoons Vacation: The Griswold family drives cross-country with an awesome tankful of laughter thanks to three comedy pros: star Chevy Chase, writer John Hughes and director Harold Ramis.

National Lampoons European Vacation: Europe wont survive Chevy Chase and American family vacationers. Howl as they trigger chaos all over a continent in a gutbusting sequel matching the original in both high and low humor.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation: Make merry as the Griswolds including a pack of rib-tickling relatives played by an ensemble of comedy favorites strive to gift-wrap the “perfect Christmas” in the series most successful and enduring entry.

Vegas Vacation: Hit the comedy jackpot with th

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]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/the-ultimate-vacation-collection-national-lampoons-vacation-vegas-vacation-european-vacation-christmas-vacation/feed/ 0 Magical Ajijic in Lake Chapala, Mexico http://saveyourhotel.com/magical-ajijic-in-lake-chapala-mexico/ http://saveyourhotel.com/magical-ajijic-in-lake-chapala-mexico/#comments Sat, 18 Feb 2012 06:38:51 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/magical-ajijic-in-lake-chapala-mexico/ Just 45 minutes away from busy Guadalajara, Mexico’s second largest city, lies the largest lake in Mexico: Lake Chapala. The lake is 40km wide and 80 km long at its widest and longest points, and is the main source of drinking water for Jalisco’s capital city. Yet despite the huge role it plays as the water provider for millions of people its real popularity lies in the fact that it is the perfect big city weekend getaway that, surprisingly, has not become such.

ajijic chapala

The are has not remained unknown though as expats discovered it decades ago and the towns of Chapala and, particularly Ajijic, are now called home by one of the largest expatriate communities in all Mexico, if not the largest.

Despite this Ajiji has remained mostly untouched, and thus decided to spend a weekend in Ajijic exploring what the area has to offer and find out if it really is as charming as it is.

We got there late at night on Friday, it was raining but our hopes were high as we were in the middle of the dry season (mid February). But alas, luck was not on our side and the rain did not stop during the whole weekend. Not only were we surprised but locals mentioned too that rain during this time of the year is very unusual and they could not remember it having happened in at least two decades.

ajijic street

Ajijic has plenty of hotels to choose from, but the easy going lifestyle and cobbled streets that lead to the lake make it the ideal village where to stay in a guesthouse or B&B. We chose Angel Flores Guest House, hosted by Skip and Felipe. The place is tastefully decorated and ideally located too, and one of the btter priced in town. At 50USD/nigh you get a spotless private room with a full bathroom and access to a common kitchen area, several roof tops from which to enjoy the views and lounge areas where to to strike casual conversations with other travelers and visitors (chek out my soon to come video review).

church ajijic

Ajijic is a quite town who’s main attraction is the lake. There are a few boat tours that will take you to a couple of islands and other lakeside towns, yet the constant rain kept us from joining one. The short promenade along the lake is perfect for an afternoon stroll, and you can also rent kayaks or bicycles if you want to keep yourself active. Make sure you also drive to neighboring Chapala, a slightly larger town with a picture perfect lakeside promenade spotted with great restaurants where to eat, and the thermal water baths in San Juan de Cosala might also be appealing.

Angel flores guesthouse

Angel Flores guest house

Food-wise, you will not be disappointed as there are many excellent restaurants to choose from, offering Thai food, Argentinian cuisine and of course and excellent array of Mexican dishes.

food ajijic

After walking around town and exploring nearby places of interest we decided to call it a day by enjoying a fantastic massage at Viriginia Moreno Massage Parlor on Colon 51 right in front of Lloyd Real Estate. The parlor had just opened a month ago and is simply yet tastefully decorated, making it very affordable (250 pesos for a 1 hour massage). Liza and I enjoyed the session and I highly recommend you visit Virgina and Katy if you have a chance. You won’t regret it!

kids ajijic

Ajijic is a great town where to enjoy a weekend or even more days not only of you want to escape Guadalajara’s traffic and noise, but simply want to relax and enjoy some time of your own. The town is far from being overdeveloped (yet) and when the weather is good it is a great location where to enjoy the outdoors. I must also say that I usually dislike towns that have been become expat settlements because of the transformation that they endure, but I have to admit that Ajijic is just as charming, if not more, than what it could have been a few decades ago.

Have you visited Ajijic? Did you even know that Mexico has a lake this big? What other small lakeside towns around Mexico or the world do you know of you highly recommend? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below and this post too if you liked it!

[Photo credit @ Flickr : sunset picture by nick farnhill]

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Via maitravelsite.com

]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/magical-ajijic-in-lake-chapala-mexico/feed/ 0 Luxury Hotels Greece http://saveyourhotel.com/luxury-hotels-greece/ http://saveyourhotel.com/luxury-hotels-greece/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:05:10 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/luxury-hotels-greece/ Luxury Hotel

Luxury Hotels Greece Make It A Premier Tourist Attraction
Greece is a leading tourist attraction and one main factor that amalgamates its popularity amongst travelers is the luxury hotels present here. Whether one decides to visit Greece for a refreshing holiday or spending some love dipped time with ones spouse, luxury hotels Greece promise complete comfort and excellence. The hotels present in Greece are known for their unmatched hospitality and highest level of guest service and this is what brings in tourists here again and again.
Finest Hotels Of The World Greet You In Greece
All those who are on the hunt of that unsurpassed indulgence into dignified style and elegance; need to know that luxury hotels in Greece will send them back pleased. One thing that is known about all the prominent luxury hotels in Greece is that they provide the travelers with best possible comfort and that too without compromising a zilch with the quality. Luxury hotels are known for their architectural splendor as these possess a graceful amalgamation of craftsmanship and traditional architecture.
Most of the luxury hotels have retained that elegance appeal and at the same time have fitted themselves with the latest feature set. One can find a refreshing spa, a classy gym and a style rich pool side in any of the luxury hotels Greece.
General Facilities Available At Luxury Hotels Greece
Guests here at luxury hotels Greece are treated with complete comfort made up of planned arrangements that assure endless hours of enjoyment while on stay. A large number of recreational facilities here are incorporated with a comfy rich stay. Some facilities that every luxury hotel in Greece is known for are:
Private beach area with sun beds and umbrellas
A fully equipped spa that includes steam bath, Jacuzzi, beauty treatments and a heated pool.
A sea facing restaurant area
A theater bar
A mini club for children
Water sport facilities accessible in the beach zone
A private parking area
Most of the luxury hotels Greece have several big sized halls that can be used for different purposes such as meetings, conferences and other social or business events. The business facilities available in the renowned Greece hotels are LCD projector connection, microphone consoles, flipcharts and speakers.
Apart from the luxurious facilities, the general services that are accessible to all staying in a luxury hotel Greece are car rental service, special nights planning and excursion planning.
It can be undoubtedly said that the luxury hotels Greece dont leave any area untouched when it comes to pleasing the travelers to the core. So, all those who intent to visit Greece in prospect, need to make reservations in advance in any of the luxury hotels Greece.

Luxury Hotel

]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/luxury-hotels-greece/feed/ 0 Hotel http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel/ http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel/#comments Fri, 17 Feb 2012 04:55:16 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel/ Hotel

Another bestseller from Arthur Hailey (Airport, Wheels, The Moneychangers) comes to pulsating life in this grand, multi-storied feature film that explodes the secrets of a dozen private lives. Through the doors of the St. Gregory, a posh, aging luxury hotel in the lusty New Orleans French Quarter, pass the powerful, the proud and the predatory. Among them are bigoted, blustery owner Melvyn Douglas, tough-minded general manager Rod Taylor, Merle Oberon as an arrogant Duchess who dominates her weak-willed diplomat husband (Michael Rennie), Kevin McCarthy as a Bible-thumping business tycoon who’ll invoke any means to add the St. Gregory to his conformity-stamped hotel chain, Richard Conte as a duplicitous detective and Karl Malden as the thief

List Price: $ 26.99

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]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/hotel/feed/ 0 Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, Natural, One Size http://saveyourhotel.com/rick-steves-silk-money-belt-natural-one-size/ http://saveyourhotel.com/rick-steves-silk-money-belt-natural-one-size/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:54:45 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/rick-steves-silk-money-belt-natural-one-size/ Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, Natural, One Size

  • Made from comfortable spun silk
  • This sturdy, ultra-light under-the-pants money belt is your best guarantee against pickpocket theft
  • Features a main zippered compartment and 2 other easy access compartments
  • Soft elastic strap adjusts to your body
  • Strong buckle makes it easy to clip on and off

Made from comfortable spun silk, our sturdy, ultra-light under-the-pants moneybelt is your best guarantee against pickpocket theft. Its soft elastic strap/neck cord adjusts to your unique abdominal circumference and the slim, strong buckle makes it easy to clip on and off. The main zippered compartment features a moisture-barrier liner, perfect for deep storing your airline ticket, rail pass and passport. A second, opposing zipper reveals two easy access compartmentsone for your cash, and one for your debit/credit cards.Two front pocketsElastic strap

List Price: $ 12.95

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]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/rick-steves-silk-money-belt-natural-one-size/feed/ 0 Save on Travel Insurance—Buy Annuals. http://saveyourhotel.com/save-on-travel-insurance-buy-annuals/ http://saveyourhotel.com/save-on-travel-insurance-buy-annuals/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:32:34 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/save-on-travel-insurance-buy-annuals/ If you travel out of the country more than twice a year, you can save a pile of money by buying an annual, multi-trip travel insurance plan. And not only is it cheaper, it saves you the hassle of applying, filling in forms, and handing over your credit number again and again.

Here’s how annual plans work. They come in different denominations—7 day, 15, 30, 60, 90—or some other number—depending on the insurer’s line of products. If you buy a 15-day annual plan, you can travel up to 15 days any number of times throughout the year and you only pay once. The only condition is that you must return to your home province for at least one day before you begin your next segment. .

You don’t have to tell your insurer when you’re leaving on your next trip, you just go. And if you need to supplement one of those segments—say with an extra five or 10 days—you call your insurer and they can top you up for that one trip. Of course you’ll pay extra for those additional days.

How does this save you money? Instead of buying four or five single-trip plans of say, seven days each over the course of the year, you only pay for one seven-day trip and you re-cycle it.  So long as you don’t generate a claim on any of those segments, your annual payment covers you.  If you do generate a claim—you must tell your insurer and they will re-calibrate your rates for the remainder of the year.

How do you prove you haven’t overstayed your 7 or 15 or 30-day trip threshold? You won’t have to unless you have a claim, and then you will have to prove that you have not exceeded your trip length, usually by showing receipts, credit card charges, etc. In effect, you’ll have to prove where you were before and after the emergency: that’s easy. But remember that you must be in your home province, not just in Canada, for at least one day between trip segments.

Also, if you generate a claim on one of your trip segments, the condition causing the claim may be considered a pre-existing condition for your remaining segments, so tell your insurer of your claim and be sure you understand the pre-existing condition limitations for your remaining trip segments. But if you don’t have a claim, you don’t have to worry about those things.

The concept works because insurers base their rates on per diem exposure.  If you plan on being out of the country for 180 consecutive days, you’re going to pay more per day than if you are going to be out for 60 days. If you’re a golfer, your chances of being struck by lightning are far greater if you play every day, than if you play only 10. That’s called risk assessment.

Save money. Hold on to your flexibility. Cut out multiple application hassles. Annual plans are the perfect vehicle for today’s frequent travellers.

All travel insurers advertising on this site meet TravelinsuranceFile’s acceptability criteria for out-of-country health benefits for Canadian residents. All offer annual, multi-tri plans of varying trip durations. You can also complete your applications and buy online.

 

Via travelinsurancefile.com

]]> http://saveyourhotel.com/save-on-travel-insurance-buy-annuals/feed/ 0 Florence City Break Guide http://saveyourhotel.com/florence-city-break-guide/ http://saveyourhotel.com/florence-city-break-guide/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:24:39 +0000 Hotel Traveler http://saveyourhotel.com/?p=130 The terms ‘historic’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘cultural’ are often used in relation to major European cities, but there are few places on earth where they more relevant than to the magnificent city of Florence. The birthplace of the Renaissance, the Age of Discovery and Opera, Florence is one of the most historically important places in Europe.

There are so many things to do in Florence that for those enjoying a city break weekend it will be difficult to choose. Don’t expect to do it all in one go because you will be disappointed, but whatever you do get around to will be both fascinating and enriching. From art to museums, architecture to fine food, Florence is the epitome of cultural sophistication.

Florence Italy City Breaks

The Santa Maria del Fiore, sometimes known as Duomo di Firenze (cathedral of Florence), is one of the most-visited buildings in Florence. The huge dome of the cathedral is one of the city’s landmark sights.

Just next to the Duomo is a bell tower, often referred to as Giotto’s Tower. Climbing its 414 steps to the top can be a dizzying affair but well worth it for the views of the Cathedral, the city and its environs.

Close to the Piazza Duomo is the St. John Baptistery, one of the very oldest buildings in Florence. The Baptistery was built in the 11th century and the exterior is made of green and white marble. Visitors are able to go inside and see the zodiac pavement and amazing mosaics.

Although much of Florence’s architecture hails from the Renaissance, you might want to look for some earlier constructions as well. The Ponte Vecchio, or Old Bridge, dates from 1345 and is still home to a number of jewellery stores that have been selling their wares there since medieval times.

Florence is full of many elegant and beautiful squares. The most famous is probably the Piazza Della Signoria. This square is home to a sculpture exhibition and the historic town hall. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy a gelato while watching the people go about their daily lives.

The chefs of Florence take as much pride in their dishes as the architects of the Renaissance did in their buildings. The food served represents the cuisine of the whole Tuscan area and highlights include bistecca alla fiorentina (steak), ribolitta soup, trippa alla fiorentina and the local tipple, Chianti.

Florence is home to nine Michelin-starred restaurants, so it’s easy to find somewhere fantastic to eat. However, the quality of the lower-budget eateries is still very high and delicious food can be found on stalls and takeaway stands throughout the city.

There are so many museums and art galleries in Florence that it’s almost overwhelming to have to choose between them. The biggest and most well-known is probably the Uffizi Museum. It has displays of hundreds of works of art, including pieces from antiquity and many Renaissance items.

One of the most famous dynasties was the Medici family, who reigned in Florence during much of the Renaissance. Their former residence, the Pitti Palace, is now a museum and gallery displaying the family’s extensive art collection and treasures.

If you only have two days in Florence, one thing you really must see is Michelangelo’s David. Replicas exist throughout the world, but there is nothing like the real thing. This most famous of statues can be found at the Accademia Gallery, but check in advance that it is on display.

Florence does art, sculpture and architecture like no other city on earth. But if you fancy something different, you might want to take a look at the Institute and Museum of the History of Science. The museum houses historical scientific equipment as well as a cartographic collection and a dedicated Galileo room.

Having explored everything Florence has to offer, you may want to pay homage to the great historical figures that helped it to flourish. The Santa Croce church is home to the tombs of many of the greats, including Machiavelli, Dante, Galileo and Michelangelo.

Whether you are visiting Florence because you love history, art, architecture, food or culture, you will not be disappointed. With such a huge range of museums, galleries and historic buildings to choose from, you should make a list of the places you definitely want to visit before you go.

The beauty of Florence is often experienced by simply walking around some of its lovely gardens or by eating a pasta meal outside a small café. Even if you only have two or three days to explore this amazing place during your holidays in Italy, you will never regret the visit.

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