Luxury Laos - The Best Boutique Hotels

Laos conjures images of simple, rustic life, conical hats and misty temples, but it's increasingly catering to a more sophisticated boho crowd on the lookout for boutique hotels - getting down and dirty by day, reclining in Indochinese elegance by night.

Stylish boutique hotels in Laos are now blossoming, making some of those more intrepid trips seem tenable. Let's face it, after a day's trekking, who wants to sleep on a mat when you can be swallowed in Egyptian linen and goose feathers? Where better to escape to than a land of chic hotels, quirky guesthouses and cuisine that might have been swept off a Parisian table for a tenth of the price?

Beautiful Boutique Hotels

Inthira Hotel, Rue Annou, Thakhek: Converting a couple of colonial-era trading houses, Inthira has created the most fashionable haunt in town, the centrepiece of which is its New York-style bar and restaurant. Well placed too, with a street cafe opposite the handicraft night market.

Hotel Beau Rivage, Fa Gnum Rd, Vientiane:The place to stay for sophistication and escapism combined. Its fabulously bespoke rooms - decked in oriental screens, exposed brick and terrazzo floors - are beautiful, with riverside views and a sanctuary out back that is great for reading.

Three Nagas by Alila, Sakkaline Rd, Luang Prabang: With its wood-blade fans, elegant bar and ambient-lit restaurant, Three Nagas by Alila has long been the first word in style. The larger suites nearest the river are divinely chic with swallow-you-up four posters and Bedouin-style mosquito nets.

Shopping in Vientiane

In Laos' sleepy capital, even locals refer to the market off Rue Mahosot as the Morning Market though, in fact, it's open all day. Start here anyway, like diving in the deep end. Clean but rather toasty, the rows and rows of silk weavings are enough to drive even an aficionado dizzy.

Mixay Boutique, 053/55 Nokeokoummane Street, Ban Mixay: Stop by for adorable stuffed elephants and monkeys covered in Day-Glo antique textiles that little ones will love, plus easy-to-pack silk sleeping bags that make the perfect gift for the adventurous traveller who likes a little luxury.

Camacrafts, Nokeokoummane Street, Ban Mixay: The founder, Kommaly Chanthavong was nominated for a 2005 Nobel Prize for creating silk weaving opportunities in this struggling country, but the high quality items would be worth buying even without this tender tale. House wares abound, from simple potholders to festive holiday ornaments shaped like candy canes, but the most charming items are baby bibs that come in the shape of elephants, penguins and cuddly bunnies.

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Benefits of Online Booking Hotels

Most people across the world plan to visit London to spend a good holiday vacation. However, many refrain themselves for the fear of burning a hole in the pocket due to the exorbitant charges of top grade London hotels. One also needs to pay huge commissions to the travel agent. The solution to all these problems lies in online booking hotels.

Many hotels in London have their own websites that help a person to choose the particular types of rooms he likes. He can also have a virtual tour of the hotel rooms and its surroundings. One can compare the prices and facilities offered by different hotels and make reservation according to his budget. He does not need to walk miles to find a reliable travel agent any more. He can view the services and tariff offered by different hotels with just a click of the mouse from the comfort of his home. Based on specific preferences and budget, one can have an efficient and convenient solution to decide on the type of hotel he wants to book. Thanks to facility of online booking hotels, one does not have to go through the tiresome traditional process any more, that included writing or telephoning to the hotel and waiting for weeks or even months to get confirmation of booking. Nowadays, a person can make instant reservation by paying online through his debit or credit card. This method is much more faster and efficient. Moreover, the amenities and services offered by the hotel, location, pictures of rooms and many more are readily available in the website. One can also go through the feedback and reviews posted by different people who have already stayed in that hotel.

While booking online, one can also avail London hotel discounts. If a person opts for the last minute booking, he may get attractive rebates, because normally no hotel wants any of its room to go vacant. Hence, these hotels offer huge discounts to fill up the rooms at the last moment. Also, if a person visit London during the off-season, he will be able to get attractive deals. However, one should not wait for making the reservation of rooms at the last minute, because if it is a family trip then he will not be able to get much choices in selecting the rooms. Another advantage of online booking is that the websites also allow the hotels to implement full cancellation feature. Hence, one does not need to pay anything extra to the travel agent and save more.

There are many websites run by travel agents also. One can make reservations through these websites also and avail London hotel discounts. On the behalf of the customers, the agents negotiate with the hotels for discounts. This is because they want to attract customers to make reservation through their sites only. The customer on the other hand, enjoys this facility to save more.

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Hotel Booking Tips

Thinking of going on a vacation? Perhaps Paris sounds like a great destination for your getaway holiday. Some travelers may shun this destination because they perceive that the accommodation is expensive in Paris. That is not always true. Here are some tips on how to book cheap hotels in Paris.

Tip 1: Take advantage of the Internet. You can easily walk into a local travel agency and book everything on the spot. However, you risk having to pay higher fees as you have no means the compare the prices. In this day and age, you can easily compare prices on the Internet. If you are comfortable with the prices, you can even confirm the booking online. Using the Internet, you can check if rooms are available, and compare prices at the same time.

Tip 2: Take advantage of special promotions. There may be special promos being advertised on the Internet. Usually, such promos will give you a significant discount off the usual price.

Tip 3: Book hotels during off-peak. Compare prices between peak and off-peak periods. The off-peak periods are bound to be much cheaper compared to peak period pricing. If you can schedule your holidays properly, you can save a bundle off air fares and hotel bookings.

Tip 4: Selection of Hotel. Different hotels charge different rates according to their ratings. For instance, luxury hotels will certainly cost more than normal hotels. So if you are looking for a luxurious stay, be prepared to pay a little more. Otherwise, there are plenty of good hotels that offer competitive rates for you to choose from.

Of all the above tips, perhaps the most useful of all is to compare prices before confirming any bookings. Price comparison shopping is nothing new in today's digital age. Many businesses are turning to the Internet to attract customers, and that includes the hotel industry. For this reason, you can often find competitive rates and special discounts being offered on the Internet. Prices are all within a few mouse clicks away. So how can you make full use of technology to plan for your holidays?

Let's assume that you may wish to visit the Eiffel Tower, and you want to book a hotel near Eiffel Tower for the sake of convenience. The Eiffel Tower is one of the main attractions of Paris and it stands at a height of 325 meters. To date, the tower is still the tallest building in the world. The Eiffel Tower makes a great backdrop for taking travel photos. Whether you are traveling alone or with family and friends, the Tower offers many great opportunities for photo taking.

To book a hotel near the Eiffel Tower, simply select your district using a price comparison engine. A list of hotels will appear in the search results along with room pricing. Some price comparison engines even provide up to date user reviews. That makes it much easier to make an informed buying decision.

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Walt Disney World Resorts

The different Walt Disney World resorts are categorized into three types of accommodations. These are deluxe, moderate and value resorts. Here is a brief overview of each resort category and some bits of useful information to aid you choose which resort is most appropriate for you and your family.

Deluxe Resorts

These types of resorts are the most expensive, flashy accommodation. It is in a deluxe Walt Disney World hotel that you and your family can get first class treatment. For some, this is tantamount to the feel and ambience of their own luxurious home. For others, deluxe Walt Disney World Resorts complete the magical feel of being in Disney World.

Deluxe resorts per night stay range from 200 dollars and more. Suites are created to give that ostentatious feeling. Amenities like the swimming pool are all themed and built with whirlpools and playgrounds.

• Animal Kingdom Villa and Lodge- this resort is ideal for people who have a strong flair for animals and wildlife. It is designed to create the feel of an African wildlife reserve where guests can roam around and freely observe exotic animals.

• Contemporary Resort- this resort rests very close to the Magic Kingdom. It is designed to suit the modern architectural taste of the guests.

• Saratoga Resort Springs and Spa- this resort is created to match the beauty and wonder of the popular Saratoga Springs in New York. It is located right next to Disney with a Victorian-inspired architecture.

Moderate Resorts

These types of resorts are deemed to be not so cheap; and yet not so pricey. They offer amenities and entertainment better than value resorts. Basic per day room charging range from 150 dollars and higher. Their rooms can cater up to five people. Like deluxe resorts, they have swimming pools with added features although they are not as grand as those in deluxe resorts. However, one particular downside is that they do not have fitness spas and salon like those in the deluxe types.

• Port Orleans Riverside- this resort hotel is perfectly suited for families. It captures the feel of French Quarter and Southern charm.

• Coronado Springs Resort- this resort creates a setting in the lakeside with cabanas and huts that line the resort. They also have diverse food choices.

Value Resorts

These resorts, needless to say are the cheapest of all the Disney resorts. Although economical, you can still be sure that there will be well-themed Disney surroundings in the area. You will not have the luxuries of a deluxe setting, but the comfort is what they are most proud of.

• Pop Century Resort- This resort is perfectly suited for grown-ups and adults because of the modern pop culture feel it exudes.

• All Star Movies Resort- If you revel in Disney movies, then this resort is perfect for you and your whole family. They have decors that show Disney characters at its best.

If you are thinking of taking an adventurous or a romantic trip to Disney world, then choosing from a wide list of Walt Disney World hotels to stay in is inevitable. With all the choices in accommodations laid out for you, you can be sure to find an accommodation that is suited to fit your budget and preferences.

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A Luxurious Italy Vacation

One of the best ways to indulge in Italy's diverse culture is to explore its famous food and wine. In addition to the country's rich heritage of art and culture, food and wine also define Italy. Travel to this land and explore its world class produce and its age-old legacy of history and culture.

The Food

Italy offers a very diverse culinary variation producing an extensive array of food classes. Food taste, preparation and presentation vary widely from one region to another. As you go for an Italy travel, you might want to try out those tempting different cuisines and taste for yourself the unique Italian food which is a perfect blend of Roman, Gallic, Norman, Greek, Frank, Lombard, Turkish, Hebrew, Arab, Goth and Chinese cooking.

Italian cuisine is a balanced diet done with rich blend of ingredients. Moreover, they are easy to cook to maintain its healthiness and freshness. There is a significant difference between the Northern and Southern Italy in terms of food taste. Northern Italy uses more cream and butter while the southern part has more tomato and olive oil. An Italy travel to the coastal northern and central Italy will make you enjoy the delicious ravioli, prosciutto and tortellini. While inland northern and north-eastern regions are fond of fresh egg pasta, polenta, butter, cream, Parmigiano cheese, risotto, lasagna and mascarpone. Dried pasta, olive oil and cheese such as mozzarella, caciocavallo and pecorino are more prominent in Southern Italy.

The Italian Wine and Agriturismi

Wine production is also a way of living for most Italians. Significant amount of wines are consumed locally and yet Italy is known to be the largest wine producer in Europe. And not just wines but great wines. Rosso (red) and blanco (white) are two types of wines. Piedmont, Venetia and Tuscany are the three main Italian wine growing regions. Italian wine is not just produced for export but is also a part of a regular Italian meal. One can never separate Italian cuisine to Italian wine for these two come together as a perfect blend. So as you make the most of your Italy travel, make sure to have a delicious dinner under the moonlight with a sparkling Italian wine and a sumptuous Italian cuisine.

If you love wines and would like to make your Italy travel a "wine-adventure-vacation" then, "agriturismi" is a perfect option for you. You will find out that every region of the country produces wine. You can tour around the regions and taste wines which you will never find anywhere else in the world. Italian vacation farms or "agriturismi" welcome tourists and wine lovers with a very interesting experience. The farmhouse offers guestrooms and lots of information all about wine. You can stay for a couple of days as you discover how wine, olive oil and cheese are made. This extraordinary experience also allows you to take a deeper look on Italian's wonderful way of living. Wine cellars in each regions offer wine tasting and tours to interested travelers.

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US Hotel Booking

The USA being one of the most advanced nations has a number of hotels which are of all categories including of luxury, budget, and economy. Moreover, most of the cities in the country provide excellent range of accommodation facilities at attractively low tariff and enable travelers to do US hotel booking either online or directly at with the hotel agent. Some top notch hotels in USA including of Bellagio at Las Vegas, Benjamin Manhattan at New York, Caesars Palace at Las Vegas, etc. have been offering online hotel booking for ages.

Similarly, some other globally known luxury hotels in US such as Radisson Hotel at Miami, Reunion Resort and Club at Orlando, The Four Seasons at Chicago and the Regency at New York, etc. provide user-friendly hotel booking in USA. Today hotel booking is secure and safe as most of the hotels offer security and confidentiality of customer's data. Through SSL encryption the data furnished by travelers cannot be taken away by cyber criminals. Most of the hotels in the USA have online booking engines which can be used by travelers for easy and fast hotel booking.

Kind of credit cards accepted, step by step information on online booking, terms and conditions, refund in case of cancellation of room, etc. are mentioned on the website. Once the booking is confirmed the user can take printout of the booking page. Amount deducted and charges, etc. are shown in the receipt. Some major hotels in USA including of Peninsula at Chicago, Trump International Hotel and Tower at New York, the Rittenhouse Hotel at Philadelphia, and Westin Grand Bohemian at Orlando, etc. provide easy access to online hotel booking.

US hotel bookings are done a lot when it is peak time for travel and tourism in the country. People who are going for honeymoon trip can enjoy a lot traveling in the country as the country can be traveled round the year. Therefore, travelers should always be prepared with travel essentials such as valid Passport and a Visa to enter US as the country is ever ready to accept them. US hotel booking should be done in advanced so that any last minute hassle can be avoided and travel can be made pleasant.

Accommodation facilities in the USA are of international standard, hotels are kept clean clean, hotel staff are trained and hospitable and offer excellent service to travelers. As the USA can be traveled at period in a year, backpackers and students can avail attractive concessions on air ticket from airlines and hotel booking from hotels. Moreover, when it comes to offering vacation packages or tour packages, American travel agencies are quite liberal and provide comprehensive range of options and discounts to travelers.

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Fun Things to Do in Nashville With Kids

Nashville is a fun city for both kids and adults. There are several Nashville parks, playgrounds and museums that kids will love visiting. Kids are very active most of the time so they need to be able to burn some of their energy off. There are some great places for kids in Nashville to do that. Here are a few things for you to consider when visiting Nashville.

Feed the ducks at Centennial Park. The Nashville Parthenon is located in Centennial Park so you get a to see one of the famous Nashville tourist attractions as well. There is also a playground in the park. Be sure to take some bread or crackers for the ducks.

Take a scenic train ride on an old train. The Tennessee Central Railway Museum has train rides with themes. Sometimes they have a mystery or a train robbery. The Easter Bunny, Thomas the Train and Santa also visit the museum from time to time. It is important to plan this well in advanced because they only make about 20 train trips a year.

Visit one of the outdoor water parks in Nashville. It is a great way to cool down during the summer. Wave Country is a smaller water park and it is usually not as crowded as Nashville shores. Both water parks are a lot of fun.

Go to a Nashville Sounds baseball game. Baseball is always fun and kids can usually meet the team mascot, Ozzie after the game. Here is a tip for you. Plan an extra hour into the schedule. Greer Stadium is right next door to Fort Negley Park, a civil war battlefield and it is free to see. It will take about an hour unless you decide to watch the films about it then you better plan for two hours.

Kids and adults both will enjoy a trip to the Nashville Zoo. There is a petting zoo and a portion of the zoo that has farm animals. There is also a large playground. you can spend the whole day there and have a wonderful time.

During the fall months take the kids to a corn maze. These are seasonal events but they are lots of fun. Most of them have several activities for the kids. Usually there are hay mazes for the little ones and they get to pick out and paint a pumpkin at most of the cor mazes.

As you can see there plenty of fun things for kids and adults when you visit Nashville. Most of this is budget friendly as well. Plan your day out with the kids soon and have fun.

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The Best Family Holidays in South Africa

The best option for most families usually involves a combination of everything to keep your senses excited and your kids happy. The top place in the country for a family South Africa holiday would be the Cape and the famous Garden Route. If you want to spend some quality time relaxing on some of the areas many fantastic beaches, the ideal time to travel would be in South African summer (from mid-November to early March). Of course it's also worth bearing in mind December and January are the peak months of travel in South Africa, so book your holiday early to guarantee the best availability, or if you can delay till February, that's even better.

Most travellers will start their South Africa adventure in Cape Town, which is one of the world's most spectacular and accessible cities. Spend at least three nights here to take advantage of the many local attractions, the pick of the bunch being taking the cable-car up Table Mountain (choose a clear day), visiting Boulders Beach where you can swim with penguins, taking a drive to scenic Cape Point, or hitting the shops on the Victoria and Alfred waterfront.

Just outside the city limits lie the lush wine valleys where most of South Africa's famous vintages are grown and bottled. This may not be the most exciting stop for the children, so you could just make it a day trip on your way to towards the garden route and the rest of your South Africa holiday. As you move east you can choose to visit Hermanus for a chance to spot some of the whales that visit the coast year round (peak season is June to October). Moving further inland the quirky town of Oudtshoorn is definitely worth a stop, with the nearby Cango Caves and Cango wildlife ranch a great place to pet cheetahs and feed ostriches.

Knysna and Plettenberg will be next on most visitors' maps, which one you choose is up to you. If you prefer a more lively town with plentiful restaurant options and things going on, Knysna is the place for you. If you would like somewhere a little quieter with a great beach on your doorstep, Plett needs to be on your list. In the local area Tsitsikamma National Park is a rugged coastline wilderness with great walks and nearby Nature's Valley provides a spectacular lagoon and sandy beach.

On from there, Jeffrey's Bay makes a good stop for any budding surfers or body-boarders before you reach one of South Africa's top wildlife reserves in the Eastern Cape. The Addo Elephant National Park is the second biggest park in South Africa behind the Kruger, and gets its name from the huge herds of elephants that roam the area. The park is worth a visit on your South Africa holiday because it provides you with the opportunity to take safari drives in your own rental vehicle which can be a very exciting and rewarding experience.

To the north east of Port Elizabeth lie a number of smaller private parks that provide more luxurious safari options, if you are willing to fork out a little more of course. In the case of a South Africa safari however, you do get what you pay for, and it may be worth stretching your budget a little further to make it a trip of lifetime. What you will get is game drives with trained and experienced rangers, spectacular lodges and accommodation, and gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This will highly increase your chance of spotting some or all of the Big 5 while also learning all about the African bush. A great way to end a memorable family adventure holiday to South Africa.

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Online Hotel Price Comparison Sites

Travelling is usually very expensive and the largest expense is almost always the cost of accommodation. Hotels can range from quite cheap to very expensive but you usually get what you pay for. The best way to reduce the cost of a hotel is by doing a hotel price comparison. This used to be a difficult and time consuming task but the internet has changed all of that.

The internet has been a great benefit for people looking to save money when they are booking hotel rooms. Websites like Travelocity and Expedia can offer rates that are much lower than you could get by contacting the hotels on your own. Not only are they a great way to do a hotel price comparison by allowing you to see the rates for several different hotels at once, but they can also get better rates than would otherwise be available. They can do this because they have a lot of leverage with which to negotiate with the hotels. The last thing that any hotel wants is empty rooms and sites that can provide them with a lot of customers will be able to get better deals. Far and away the best way to get the cheapest room rate is to book through an online booking website.

Websites like Travelocity and Expedia are a great way to get a deal on a hotel because they are able to negotiate a lower price on your behalf. The problem is that there are now so many sites that offer this service it is hard to know which can get you the best deal. It used to be that you had to make a hotel price comparison between hotels, now you have to make the comparison between hotel booking websites. Fortunately the internet has come to the rescue again. There are now websites that will allow you to compare the rates that are being offered by all of the online booking sites. This is the best way to make sure that you get the best deal possible.

There is no secret to getting a good rate on a hotel room, it is simply a matter of making a comparison of hotel prices. The internet has greatly simplified this process but has also created new problems. There are now so many websites that promise the best hotel rates that it can be hard to know which one to choose. Fortunately a number of new websites have started appearing that can allow you to compare the rates of all the online booking sites and see who really does have the best rates.

Magnificent Memphis

The fun's always fresh and funky out here. Memphis is where you can expect to get thrilled at any time of the day. The birthplace of Rock n' Roll and home to the Blues, the city is an eclectic mix of many happy experiences and incredible moments. A thoroughly charming city located on the water, you are bound to run into something novel around every corner. A chosen vacation destination for many across the country as well as around the world, the city is ever evolving and you happen to see new things and make fresh memories every time you land in here. Look at any nook and cranny of the city, something new and something intriguing awaits you.

There are world-famous attractions, downtown sights and a quirky nightlife. Being a popular holiday city, coming to Memphis is no problem at all. The city is a perfect blend of everything that you can possibly desire. Inundating you with airfares galore, you can find your cheap flight to Memphis in a jiffy through online air travel portals. A colorful city whose heart beats in a thousand sounds and sights, Memphis' verve and vigor is quite unparalleled. You'll simply fall in love with its natural beauty, one that inspires much awe and amazement in one and all as well the urban scenery that'll have you mesmerized in no time.

Explore the city's past, go on a cultural expedition, taste the local foods and experience an authentic culinary, or take a walking tour of Memphis. Everything that you do and see out here is not short of pure excitement. Enjoy fully staged musicals like the Vienna Choir Boys, the U.S. Marine Band, the Canadian Brass and others, know about the city's regional cotton history through museums, book yourself an inexpensive yet completely fun-filled Mississippi riverboat tours, see goose bumps appearing on your skin at the voodoo shops, try astrology at a palm reader's place or have a great time at the Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in America. There's a lot to love about this city, courtesy the fact that it covered with attractions from head to toe. With a sea of interesting moments to be explored and wonderful encounters to be had.

Many pro-sport arenas, state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities, sporting events, film festivals, theatrical productions and opera nights, public and private art exhibits,varied attractions of the city. Add to this, the rather long list of intriguing things to do and you know it is wise to spend time here.and many more cultural celebrations, they all form part of the Memphis magnetism. The other part happens to be the fact that it is an ideal haven for all budget travelers alike. Cheap hotels are spread all over, happy hours are extended in restaurants. There are ethnic eateries and discounted group excursions of surrounding areas, sales that last the whole year round and much more; happy vacations don't cost much out here. And, given the live performances, musical concerts and many more entertainment avenues, you'll be spending most of your after-the-sunset-time in the city staying up through the night.

Facebook Into Your Travel Marketing Plan

In addition to your marketing Web site, your CVB or tourism bureau has the opportunity to be seen by more than 250 million people all over the world at any given time. This idea of increasing your Web traffic may seem complicated and time-consuming, but it is much easier than you may think.

According to Facebook's statistics, more than 120 million users log in each day, contributing to more than 5 billion minutes being spent each day worldwide on the site. Despite what you may think about Facebook being targeted for teens and young adults, the current fastest growing demographic is people ages 35 and older. Combine that with the Domestic Travel Market Report statistics that the average age of a domestic traveler is 46 (and that 75% of Americans travel for leisure) and you don't need another reason to join Facebook.

Other than the statistics, Facebook brings a lot to the table:

• A plethora of media devices at your fingertips. Uploading video, pictures, slideshows and easy posting makes sharing multimedia easy.
• The ability to generate discussions easily. Direct messaging capabilities, wall postings, group networking and creating fan pages give your CVB or tourism bureau a broad range of tourism and destination marketing tools at your fingertips.
• High SEO capabilities. Facebook can be placed high on Google results, especially if you customize your Facebook address (i.e. http://www.facebook.com/yourbusinesshere).
• High reachability. You have the ability to not only keep up with your clients, but give potential clients a taste of what they are missing. You have the ability to search for people who are interested in traveling, as well as the individual assets your destination has to offer, and you reach out to them directly.
• Networking. Become a fan of similar pages to gather a bigger following. In turn, they have the ability to link back to your site.

All of these capabilities for tourism advertising and destination branding are not just limited to your company's Web site. These services are available in addition to what you may already have in terms of Internet marketing.

Vacation Home Vs Hotel Room

If you are currently planning to go on a vacation right now and you are wondering where is the best place that you can stay at while you are out of town or out of the country, you might be debating by yourself on whether it is better to go to a vacation home instead of renting a room in a particular hotel. This article will try to convince you that choosing a particular home as the place where you can stay while away from hometown is the better option that you can take.

First of all, you must know that if you will decide to stay in a specific hotel room, you will not be able to control the things that you will eat. Yes, you will be able to order them from the room service, but you will not have the liberty to control how your food will be cooked or you will not even be assured if it will suit your taste buds. In addition to this concern, you must also know that this will just increase the amount of money that you need to spend while on vacation; ordering is definitely more expensive than cooking your own food. Aside from the limitations from the kitchen, you will also not feel convenient and comfortable enough with hotel rooms since you will only be given a single room with a couple of beds only. Compared to when you stay in a vacation home, you will surely be allowed to use as many rooms as you need; not to mention as many beds that you need to use for your entire family.

These homes will also allow each family member to feel more at home because they will be able to have their own privacy even though they are on the other side of the planet. Hotel rooms are definitely not convenient most especially for large families because you will have a hard time fitting all your luggage inside a single room while trying to get comfortable sleeping in together. One of the most common reasons why a lot of people are hesitating to just rent out a specific home for their vacation is because of the fact that they feel that this will cost them a lot of money. It would actually be a good idea for you to just rent a hotel room if you will be staying in a particular location for one or two days only; this will be more economical for you. However, if you are planning to stay in a particular location for a month or longer, it will be more economical if you find a home where you can bring your family along with you. In addition, you will also be able to ask the owner of the home to let you pay for a smaller amount most especially if you have already gained the trust of the owner; when you stay in a hotel, you will not be able to do this since their rates are always fixed.

Star Ratings of Hotels

How do you know that a particular hotel has the facilities you require? Of course it is star rating. It is not only hotels in India but also hotels across the world that are star-rated. A two star hotel will have fewer facilities compared to higher star hotels. And higher the rating, the more sophisticated and advanced will be the facilities and services. The tariff goes higher too. On an average, if you stay in any of the budget hotels in India that are low-starred, the tariff ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000. For four star or five star hotels in India encompassing hotels in New Delhi, hotels in Bangalore, and those of other cities, the tariff may go as high as Rs. 10,000 or even more. It all depends on which suite you prefer to book. The suites are more expensive than the rooms.

So, if you are looking for hotels in New Delhi or hotels in Bangalore, just go online and consider the star rating while searching online. You can even view the images and the strategic location. Well, there are no standardized star rating systems. The facilities offered in four star hotels may be almost equivalent to those offered in five star hotels. There are also hidden charges added to the tariff such as service tax, etc.

At counted few five star hotels in India including hotels in Bangalore and hotels in New Delhi, you may avail exclusive facilities such as private air carrier services, golf playing conveniences, facilities for playing tennis, and the list goes on. Common facilities offered include gymnasium, swimming pool, conference room, banquet halls, board rooms, in-house restaurants serving multi-cuisines, and more. Experiencing a stay in a home away from home is facilitated in such hotels that have maintained a track record of offering the same.

You may not easily get an accommodation in your preferred hotel if you go for current bookings. It will be wise on your part to book your hotel in advance. And you do gain a competitive advantage given the discounts that you will avail.

Best Hotels Manali

Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, being a popular tourist spot, sees tourists throughout the year. The place has an array of hotels catering to any person's budgetary needs. There are plenty of comfortable budget and luxury hotels here.

A lot of these hotels are strategically placed close to tourist spots like Rohtang Pass and Hadimba Temple, so it is a good idea to stay in these hotels and save on travelling costs. Some hotels also give you a great view of the valleys nearby, so you can enjoy the scenic landscapes even while resting after a long day of sightseeing.

You can book hotels for your Manali trip online, from the convenience of your home and can also avail discounts up to 20%. Hotels like Span Resorts at Manali start at about Rs 8000, but you can also find hotels like Heritage Village Resort for as low as Rs 1,800. There are also hotels that offer special honeymoon suites if you are travelling with your new significant other.

Some hotels are placed within the heart of the city, these might be more expensive as well, but you can often find hotels that are away from the city, and still offer beautiful views. Since more and more tourists visit Manali each year, the hotels are improving their services and becoming more affordable.

Most of these hotels also offer all modern conveniences like LCD TVs, Wi-Fi and electronic safes, to make sure your stay is a pleasant one. They also have lush lawns for cosy picnics.

Cheap Hotels in Bangkok

The Western tourist can come unstuck when looking for cheap hotels in Bangkok. Ideas of basic standards of accommodation vary according to where you come from. Hiram and Hettie from Houston may be expecting better facilities than Han from Hanoi - or even Henry and Hannah from Harrogate (UK). Let me guide you. To be sure of western-style luxury stay at one of the many familiar western chains. The only problem is that they can be very expensive. And, let's face it, stay in a Hilton or Marriott in Bangkok and you might as well be in New York, London or Cairo.

You want to stay in Bangkok, right? The good news is that there are plenty of independent hotels in Bangkok that offer reasonable standards of accommodation at bargain rates, Who needs a wardrobe, after all? Hangers are the important part - right?

You'll probably know that Bangkok is the capital, and primary city of Thailand. In Thai it's called Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (or Krung Thep for short, which means "city of angels"). Bangkok has a population of over six million. The dominant religion is Buddhism, practised by all but 5% of the city's population. The majority of what remains are Muslim with a scattering of Christians. Bangkok is choc-a-bloc with temples and gardens, plus (lest we forget) a thriving sex industry. One of Bangkok's strengths is its fascinating mix of old Thai culture with western-style capitalism.

This is my personal choice of the best Cheap Hotel (Bangkok):

New Siam River Side

21 Soi Chanasongkram Phra-A-Thit Road, Chanasongkram, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200.

Here is an upmarket guest-house with great views, located beside the Chaophaya River, very near to the Grand Palace. Fully air conditioned, it boasts a coffee bar, decent restaurant, and large swimming pool. As in most good Thai hotels, the beds are foam rubber. Every room is equipped with bedside control, cable TV, and refrigerator. High-Speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. All rooms no smoking..

Take care when booking because the New Siam River Side has two other "branches. Prices for rooms start at 1390 bahts (single). A non-air conditioned room with a fan in one of the other guest houses starts at only 590 bahts ($20).

Silom City Hotel

2 Soi Prachum (Silom 22), Silom Road, Bangkok 10500

Formerly called the Silom City Inn, this hotel can be found in the middle of Bangkok's business centre, close to every key shopping centre. The Silom City within a short walk of the major nightlife and shopping areas as well as Suan Lumpini Park, the Bangkok Railway Terminal, and the river. It has 70 guest rooms, all of which come with air-conditioning, a personal safe, connections for PC and fax, the in-house music system, colour TV with satellite, and en suite bathrooms. The advertised weekly rate starts at 1,150 baht a night (around $40) for a single room, but we are told it is possible to barter.

TakeANap

920-926 Rama4 Rd. (At Surawongse Junction, Opposite Red Cross Society), Silom District, Bangrak 10500,

The cutely named TakeANap is a family-run hotel that has its fanatical supporters. There is a mix of single, doubles and dorm-bedded rooms, starting at 350 baht a night ($12). Singles come in at approximately 1,000 baht ($34). Great for backpackers, not so good for business travellers or tourist families. The 30 single and double rooms are all decked out in different themes, most of them designed to give you a headache after too much beer! TakeANap is very central, just a few metres from the sky train (BTS) and subway (MRT). TakeaNap is also near to the nightclubs, city centre, and market area. Wardrobe freaks should note that rooms come sans their favourite furniture item, but with hangers and a rail. You'll also be very lucky to get a fridge,

Sivalai Place

168 Isaraphab Soi 33 Isaraphab rd Thra Pra Bangkok-Yai Bangkok 10600 Thailand

This apartment house offers tremendous value for anyone on a budget. Their smart studio apartments range in price from 1,450 baht a night (under $50) and double apartments come in at a mere 100 baht more. Expect queen-size beds and en suite bathrooms with shower panels equipped with six (count them) massage jets. The facilities are better than Bangkok's average, ranging from a fully-equipped karaoke room to tennis, restaurants, cafés and a gigantic swimming pool without chlorine, filtered instead by an eco-friendly 'O-zone' non-chemical filtering system. Then there's the sauna, the "good karma" library and a well-equipped games room. The Sivalai Palace comes highly recommended.

Those are my recommended cheap hotels Bangkok style. Have a brilliant time and let me know if you find any other gems.

Tips On Booking Your Hotel Room In Thailand

Whether you are traveling to Thailand or any other destination in the world, finding a suitable hotel room and paying the correct price for it is not as simple as we would like it to be. However, with careful research and tips on booking your hotel room in Thailand, you should be able to come up with something that is appropriate.

The first step in booking your hotel room in Thailand is to do careful search on any of the major search engines. Advancements in the Internet have made it possible for us to conduct this sort of search. The results will show you thousands of hotel booking sites. However, you should be looking for a website that belongs to the hotel.

When it comes to checking out a hotel, the best source to find out more information about the hotel and price is travel guides. Many people use travel guides to write reviews on hotels after their vacation and you can use these reviews as an aid in helping you find the perfect hotel for your stay in Thailand.

However, there are people who prefer to browse websites of each and every hotel before making up their mind. The best part about a hotel's website is that you can book your room online using the reservation form provided on the site. However, before doing this, make sure you compare rates of similar hotels in the same area before confirming your reservation. The good part about checking out hotel websites is that you will get the lowest possible room rate which travel agents may not be able to match.

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in traveling industry. She also offers top quality

Three Cheap Hotels in Alicante

Alicante is not only a great place where you can go sight seeing but also has plenty of great hotels, which suit your budget. It's difficult to look for budget accommodation and know that you are getting a good deal. So, at equal is going to keep you three exceptional cheap hotels in Alicante that come highly recommended. First off, let me say that there are many hotels in this city and the province which are inexpensive and many of them are situated very close to all of the major attractions that the city has to offer. Many of these hotels have great facilities and a praiseworthy customer service. In spite of the hotels excellent features, the prices are definitely affordable. This means you don't have to sacrifice comfort in order to save money. This is mostly due to the fact that the Euro goes a lot further in Spain than it does in other European countries.

For practical travelers who want the best value for their money, some of the old fashioned or quaint hotels are the ones to be looking out for. These hotels will give you a feel for Alicante's culture as well as a good night's sleep. More often than not, these hotels offer a free shuttle bus for you to be able to visit some of Alicante's charming places.

Hotel Melia, Plaza del Puerto, Alicante

One of the recommended hotels for people who simply love the sight of the stunning beaches of Alicante is Melia Hotel. This 4 star hotel also serves the finest local cuisines. Aside from being a perfect place for tourists, this hotel is also an ideal place for company meetings and conferences. The famous theme parks of Aqualandia, Terra Mitica and Mundomar Park are just a few kilometers away from the Melia Hotel. It is also very near to me historical city centre and Archaeological Museum. There is a total of 544 rooms that have sea views and the price of a room starts at around €90.

Hotel Sidi San Juan

The second cheap yet luxurious hotel in the city centre is the Sidi San Juan. This 4 star hotel features Racquet Club, gallery, pool, hotel garage, a playground for your kids to enjoy and a free shuttle bus. The best offers and discounted hotel rates are usually during the months of April and May. There are no extra charges for children aged 12 and below who are sharing a room with adults.

Hotel Castilla Alicante

The third cheap Hotel in Alicante that I would like to talk about is the Hotel Castilla. This hotel is located in the heart of the residential district, offering comfortable and neat accommodation with a very modern setting. Everything is within close walking distance of the Hotel lobby including abundant entertainment, dining, and shopping choices. Prices at this hotel start from around €60 per night.