Belize Trip Reviews - New York, New Jersey, USA - March 2009

Dear Jungle Dome staff/friends (and pets!)

Thank you all for an absolutely wonderful experience! The trips, food and service were tip top quality - couldn’t have asked for more. All I have to say is: "Thank God for Trip Advisor for pointing us to the Jungle Dome!"
Hope to see you soon!

Emily Bennet, New York, New York, USA
March 8th, 2009

---

Where do I ever begin? Our trip to Belize has been absolutely amazing and we owe it all to the Jungle Dome staff! When we missed our connecting flights due to weather delays, I emailed Karen in a panic and she quickly called me back and explained that she would simply change our itinerary to accommodate the change. Karen managed to change our stressful situation into a very relaxing and comforting one.

We were greeted by David at the airport, who was very cheerful and told us great stories on our way to the Jungle Dome. Delicious meal and Amigo’s - Good recommendation!

We loved the serene setting here and enjoyed David’s signature Coconut drink : )

Our favourite excursion was the ATM cave, an absolute ‘must do’ while here! That’s not to say that any of the other trips were less than spectacular.



I definitely recommend the Blackhole Drop for the thrill seekers, cave tubing for families and zip-lining and kayaking for the adventurous...and when in doubt, the pool is great too!

The meals were great. Today’s brownie with cream cheese filling was just sinful. I hope you enjoy your trip as much as we did. Thanks again to Karen, David and the rest of the Jungle Dome staff for an unforgettable vacation!!

Stephanie Fine and Paul La Terra
Hoboken, New Jersey, USA

March 22nd, 2009

Calling for backup.

So, I am in Praiano, and my friend Deb joined me here on Sunday. The Amalfi coast is more beautiful than any place I have ever been. It's stunning. And stunningly steep. I thought the stairs of Vernazza kicked my ass, but this town is so steep that when I checked into this rental house, Mr. Tony got me all settled and then said, "When do you want to go to the market? I will send a car, you will shop, and they will bring you back home." It's so f'ing steep here that even restaurants will come pick you up for dinner because if you don't have a car or scooter, there is no way you can really get around.

So the downside is that it's not that easy to go get gelato. The upside is that the views are magnificent.

God bless Deb, because she brought her computer. So, this is the first German-glare-free internet moment I have had since I got to Italy. And today, right now, is the first time I have been able to use it because our wireless was broken until this morning, when Mr. Tony said he would call a guy to come fix it. And who shows up? The police. And frankly, I thought they were here to arrest us because we're very low on toilet paper and I vaguely remember Deb proudly showing me a fist full of TP swiped from the restaurant bathroom and after that bottle of wine I thought that was hilarious, but also awesome, because we really need it. And then I saw the policeman coming up and I thought, "They know. We're busted." But he was the internet guy. The police showed up to fix our internet. I suppose it only makes sense that a guy who can unstick notorious Amalfi coast traffic jams can also unstick the interwebs for the hopeless TP-thieving American girls up on the hill.

First of all...

I leave for 6 days and you guys let Henry Louis Gates, Jr get arrested at his OWN HOUSE? Seriously, guys. WTF?

Because I am paying like 80 billion euros a minute to be on this computer, I could only skim the details, but jesus h christ.

Anyway - that makes me angry just thinking about it, so I need to move on. Let's talk about me.

I was supposed to go to Lucca today, but the woman who rents her aparment to me, Louisa, shook her head disapprovingly at me and said in mostly Italian with enough hand gestures and serious looks for me to translate exactly what she meant to say, which was approximately, "Oh, but it's molto caldo (so hot!). The Lucca people, they come here now, to the sea. Too hot in Lucca. You go in May." And like the 3 nights before, I humbly ask if I can stay again and she smiles broadly as I produce my euros and she says, "Ah, si, va bene." And that is how Louisa gets me.

Louisa is living high on the hog now. MY HOG, I may add. The day I arrived tough winds blew apart a few of her potted plants. The next day she came to my (her) white-washed apartment and showed me a new cactus she bought to replace one of the old. She was beaming. And then the next night I saw her walking with her old friend, going to dinner. To dinner! With my fat euros in her pocket. And then yesterday she warned me that today she would be gone mezzo giorno and that she was getting her throat checked. After a long mutual mime-attempt at understanding one another, we managed to act out that she has lesions on her throat and would be heading to La Spezia to have it checked out. She would be getting "exams" and doing "exclusions" (ruling things out, I think she meant). Look at her. Flush with American money, she's splurging on exploratory surgery. The nerve.

Every time she comes to see me, she looks out the window with me, at the tower, and the pink and yellow and pastel green buildings with the laundry fluttering underneath windows and she beams, saying to me, "It's special here," like she needs to make sure that I understand just how great it is to be here, in this town, in this house.

I do.

Hot as balls.

I love that phrase. I don't even have balls, but I can certainly imagine the suffering of men who get those things stuck to their thighs in the hot, hot heat. It's not a nice thing to think about. And let me tell you this: It's hot as balls in Vernazza today, and everyone's junk is in a pinch. There's no avoiding it.

Despite some of you telling me that my luggage situation wouldn't work, I am delighted to report that this ain't my first time at the rodeo. It was a breeze and I made it through without checking bags.

Milan is a dump. I spent one night there and felt like clawing my way out. Get me ON THE TRAIN. A train to anywhere but here. You know that big famous duomo in Milan? It's gorgeous, but guess what everyone is cropping out of the pictures? A gigantic Times-Square-like LCD screen with ads running on it. Italy, I thought we talked about this... you're not supposed to modernize in garish ways... that's what Americans are supposed to do. You're supposed to stay the same and never change. Keep it classy, Italy.

Other questions I just saw require follow up. I have angry Germans staring at me while I type this at the internet cafe (to their credit they are in a LINE glaring at me, so that's one redeeming thing. Germans and Americans are the only ones who know how to get in a line. I am talking to YOU Italians and French at the Manarola boat today....)

Make up: Great Lash (of course), Nars lip gloss in... I dunno, actually, but it's the best. I will get the name later if you care. Small powder compact, blush, liquid eyeliner, Stila lipstick, MAC concealer. That's about it, but that's all I ever really wear.

The dresses. Yes, I know I brought 4 and they are all black. As I mentioned, it's hot as balls here and the dresses are perfect because they are both breezy, and they don't show stains, so I can sit on a dirty bench or dusty rocks while I wait for the boat, and it's no big deal. Today I am wearing cuffed up jeans and a white tunic with jingly-jangling gold bracelets and gold hoops. And I did the walk from Riomaggiore to Manarola in this get-up because, well, it's hot as balls and I am going to sweat in anything I could possibly wear, so why not. Once on the boat, it was so windy it was good to be wearing jeans, actually.

The BEST thing I packed so far, however, was this wispy-thin swim cover-up from anthropology. Good over a suit, and good over a tank. Just plain good. And it's not black. So, you know, bonus points for breaking the mold with that one.

Alright. The Germans are about to declare war on me, and you know how THAT goes.

More later.

Belize Trip Review - Sharples Family - Surrey, England - July 2009

The Jungle Dome and all the adventures it offered exceeded all our expectations. We had a magnificent week and any holiday from herein will be such a tough act to follow.



ATM and the Black Hole Drop will leave us all with lifetime memories as will the setting and adventure of the Jungle Dome.

We had a wonderful week with you all and Lucas and Aidan made Angus's holiday even more special.



Thanks to you all for your welcome and hospitality. All so magnificent.



Zahra, Nick and Angus Sharples,

Fetcham, Surrey, England

July 2009

The most expensive hotels in the world ( Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi: $12,251 a night ( £6,112 ) )

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi: $12,251 a night (£6,112)

Described on their website as your "private palace within the Palace", think acres of gold leaf and marble and Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and you'll get the picture. Now take a mental leap to imagine what the Princes suites, reserved for sheikhs, might feature.

The most expensive hotels in the world ( Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas: $40,000 a night (£19,842) )

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas: $40,000 a night (£19,842)

Located on the 34th floor in the Fantasy tower, the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa has everything you need for entertaining guests: Playboy artwork selected by Hugh himself, an outdoor cantilevered Jacuzzi — with Playboy bunny head logo — living room, media room and dining room and bar, and an eight foot round, rotating bed.

The most expensive hotel in the world ( Entrance to Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai: $6,800 a night ( £3,392 ) )

Entrance to Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai: $6,800 a night (£3,392)
The Royal Suite on the 25th floor positively screams luxury with its marble and gold staircase, leopard print tufted carpets and private cinema. The master bedroom has a rotating four-poster canopy bed. And if you really want to splash out, you can hire a helicopter – at extra cost.

The World's Most Expensive Hotel Rooms

Claridge's
The Brook Penthouse/The Davies Penthouse
$5,482 per night

The honor, or should we say honour, of the most expensive hotel room in London technically belongs to the three-bedroom Royal Suite of the Lanesborough Hotel, which is 4,500 pounds, or $6,407, a night. However, the suite is being renovated and will not be open until April 2002. So the winner by default is the penthouse suite of Claridge's (there are actually two), and both come with a personal butler.

The Davies Penthouse is a two-bedroom suite decorated in a traditional style, complete with fireplaces, marble fixtures and hardwood floors. The sitting room has a barrel-vaulted ceiling and is decorated in shades of yellow. The Davies Penthouse also has a terrace, and both bedrooms feature four-poster beds and separate dressing rooms.


The Brook Penthouse: Come out here and do your own version of the royal wave.

The Brook Penthouse is designed in an Art Deco style, with shades of mauve, pale oak floors and original 1930s fixtures. The sitting room has floor-to-ceiling French doors that open to a roof terrace, and the suite also has a dining room with its own cocktail bar and cloakroom. Both penthouses are £3,850 (approximately $5,482).

Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Transform intense anticipation into reality. Fontainebleau Miami Beach introduces a new culture. Following a 1 billion renovation and expansion, it is a spectacular blend of Miamis golden era and stylish modern luxury. Fontainebleau Miami Beach is located on Collins Avenue overlooing the Atlantic Ocean. The resort is on the beach, 3.7 miles from the Miami Beach Convention Center and 3 miles from South Beach. It is conveniently located near both Miami and Fort Lauderdale International Airports.The Lapis spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach harnesses the natural qualities of water to create a shared experience that is restorative and renewing and features 30 private treatment rooms. Fontainebleaus new poolscape boasts a large free form main pool, an exclusive European pool, multiple dipping pools, an interactive childrens waterscape pool area, 31 cabanas and additional function space.Many guest rooms have breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the twinkling necklace of lights that reveals Miami Beach at night. Rooms and suites are fully equipped with plasma screen TVs, iMac and ultra-luxurious amenities. Modern, sophisticated interior design creates an atmosphere of quiet and calm for effortless relaxation. The 22-acre ocean-front resort offers 11 dining and entertainment destinations of varying style and cuisine, each showcasing fresh, innovative flavors in warm, engaging environments and providing an ideal setting for visitors whether seeking sophisticated five-star cuisine or light, on-the-go fare.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach Features
On Beach
Pets accepted
Efficiencies
Dry Cleaning/Laundry
Meeting rooms
Non-smoking rooms
Restaurant
Business center
Wheelchair accessible
Resort
Data port
All suites
Fitness Center
Family rooms
Swimming pool
Fontainebleau Miami Beach Property Information:
Rooms: 1504
Floors: 37

Add the Belize Jungle Dome to your list of Tropical Vacation Destinations

Paradise awaits.
Thanks to Nick Sharples for these pictures. Nick and his family, Zara and Angus visited in July 2009.

Belize City Flights to Cancun, Mexico

Maya Island Air is now going regional in July 2009 with flights daily to Cancun Mexico, Guatemala City and San Pedro Sula Honduras.



TWO Return Daily Flights to Cancun starting on July 8th 2009 open up more access to Belize from Europe, as passengers can now fly into Cancun and take a direct flight to Belize City.

For more information visit the Maya Island Air website : www.mayaisland.net or contact Green Dragon Adventure Travel : http://www.greendragonbelize.com for the adventure of a lifetime.

Later, skaters.

Lots to do between now and Saturday. Goodbye for now. See you in a few weeks. (I turned on comment moderation while I am gone. I can't trust leaving you kids at home with my weed and that liquor cabinet, after all.)


While I am gone, I encourage you to visit:

The hilarious pop-culture commentary of Scented Glossy Magazines.
My beloved Isuwannee
Nick Olsen
MORE Nick Olsen
At Home At Home
The original palace of decor porn, Desire to Inspire
Habitually Chic
THIS poem.
THIS picture.
THIS hilarious advice column.
And my favorite blogger-who-doesn't-blog-enough-dammit, Brown Turtleneck Sweater.

"How in the world did you pack for 3 weeks in a carry on?"

"How in the world did you pack for three weeks using a carry on? Could you be very specific?


This is what Nikki asked me in the comments section of THIS post. (For those joining the program in progress, I am heading to Italy for 3 weeks on Saturday.)

So, to be specific, as requested, here was the packing gameplan:


Thank god it's summer. I didn't have to pack heavy things.

I bought a wheeled backpack. Already, I think this was a mistake because it was expensive and I will probably never use the backpack part except when hauling my stuff up stairs in Cinque Terre and in Praiano, but nevertheless, this seemed like the most versatile option. It also has an extra backpack that zips onto the actual wheeled luggage piece. Now, there is no way in hell I will actually be wearing the backpack in Italy, but the brilliant part is that it's extra storage and can be zipped off and put under my seat on the airplane, while reducing the size of the whole pack and allowing me to stow the main luggage piece in overhead compartments so I don't have to check my baggage. You with me so far? Good.

Next, here is what I packed:
1 pair of tiny flat jeweled leather sandals. Because someone has to compete with blinged-out Eurotrash while I am there. (Why do people get so intimidated dressing up for Italy. Have you SEEN europeans? There is just as much bad taste over there. There. I said it.)

1 pair of purple t-strap flat sandals.

1 pair black Havaianas. For the pool. For the beach. You know the drill.

1 pair of low-heeled black patent open-toed Prada sandals. For dinner and whatnot. When I need to look pulled together and not fall down on cobblestone streets.

1 pair of really light kickass Pumas in case I decide to hike anything.

1 pair of lightweight Lululemon sport yoga pant thingies. Also in case I decided to hike between Cinque Terra towns. I never wear this stuff unless I am actually doing something athletic (so rare, trust me). Can double as jammies. (I never sleep in the nude. I am a prude American.)

Bras and undies. Enough for a week.



1 big fuchsia cashmere scarf. I always bring it on the plane when I travel. It's a long flight. I will be cold on it.



1 of these THESE in black. Emergency blanket/scarf/sarong. So useful, so cheap, so light, so why not? My swim sarong.

1 pair of jeans. Because I am an American. If you Google "What should I wear in Italy?" people say, "Not jeans!" Well, they mean ugly-ass jeans people wear with white sneakers. These are cuffed-up Jackie-O-style jeans to go with a white tunic, gold necklace, nice sandals, and big sunglasses. A happy casual travel uniform.

4 lightweight black dresses. I live in these. Short, but not too short. Lightweight, dry quickly, perfect for a swim cover-up or going out to dinner. When I was in Argentina, someone told me, "You don't look like an American." I was wearing my favorite black dress then. It was a compliment. Why not pack an LBD? It's not like I am going to be walking all day. I don't need zip-off pants and Ex-Officio quick-dry buttoned-woven sexless shirts. Why do people pack for europe like it's adventure travel? It's not.



THIS. To ward off chill and cover up in churches. I know it looks very early-onset-Eileen Fisher, but it's super cute and the fabric is excellent.

Silver hoops.

Gold hoops.

Gold bangles.



Gold necklace (two, actually).

Fancy-ass blinged out diamond earrings (see Eurotrash comment above)

Basic black sunglasses.

Kindle, with a bunch of books loaded on to it.

1 swimsuit.

Toiletries. (Enough to get me started. I can always buy more stuff when I get there. It's not like it's a third-world country.)

Starter-euros, passport, and reservation information.

Travel books:
DK Top Ten Rome
The Luxe Guides to Rome, Venice, and Florence. (Have you read these? Oh, god. Bitchy and hilarious and smart. I highly recommend, although the hotel recommendations are too pricy for me.)
Rick Steves. I won't lie. He's geeky, but he's practical. Where other guides want to on about Michaelangelo, I just want to know how to get to the fucking train station. He's your guy for that.
Lonely Planet
DK Italian Phrase Book (with the companion CD loaded onto my IPod shuffle)
That's a lot of books, I know.

-iPhone
-iPod
-iPod shuffle

I feel gross owning all three, but I do. Oh, well. The shuffle has a ridiculously long battery life, the iPod had more music on it. The iPhone, well, it's my phone. Loaded with the ATT international phone plan with isn't really a great deal, but better than regular charges. Note to self: turn data OFF before I go, or prepare for a $1000 phone bill.

-Little Nikon digital camera. I love film and like to print, actually, but there is no way I can take better photos of Italy than have already been taken, so a point and shoot is all I need. I am not a big photo-nerd on vacations, anyway. The mind's eye is a better companion, after all.
-Cables to charge all this nonsense
-Power adapter

-Neutrogena 85 SPF sunscreen with Helioplex. I have good skin. I do not plan on fucking it up under the Tuscan sun, thank you very much.

-Three BAGGU for shopping, bringing things on the boat around Capri during our day trip, packing wet swimsuits, and whatnot

-White tunic

-White tank

-Hot-pink satin clutch

-Painkillers (My ankles are fusing together. I insist on walking. I refuse to wear sensible shoes. One thing leads to another.)

-Lanvin Hero shoulder bag. Because it's so very un-fanny pack.

Things I am going to try to cram on last-minute if at all possible:
-Miu Miu slingback platform sandals. Because they are tall without a lot of pitch. And I like tall.

-A lightweight coat with ridiculous sleeves and collar that would be nice to wear to dinner in Venice.

-My vintage fur stole for the plane, because I think that would be funny sitting in coach, but I am pretty sure this won't make the cut. (These are the things I think are funny while I blog drinking wine. Go figure.)


The key (I hope)? Wear simple things again and again and pack accessories. It's not a fashion show, so I don't mind repeating outfits. Week two I am renting a house, with a washing machine. In that regard, I really only have to pack for a week, and I get the middle week to do laundry as needed.

There you go. A lot of little stuff that all fits in my 22" wheeled bag.

Yay me. Yay Italy. Yay not wearing white sneakers in Italy. Go America!

I'll never be French.

Happened upon THIS book today, already a quarter through it. It's really charming, and very funny.

(Don't watch the video on Amazon. His real "voice" is nothing like his writerly voice. Don't spoil it for yourself.)

Expensive Luxury Hotel ( Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel — Luang Prabang, Laos )

Maison Souvannaphoum used to once be the residence of Prince Souvannaphouma. The small hotel is a boutique French-colonial inspired property that is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the local Laotian culture. A friendly, intimate service offers guests a chance to rest their bones with the knowledge they are being taken care off just like with close relatives. Visitors might be delighted to be located on the street for the daily early morning Buddhist monks’ rice offerings

London West Hollywood

While the official grand opening blowout isn't scheduled to go down until later this month, the NYT had a chance to pop into the London West Hollywood and, surprisingly, christened the hotel with a sparkling review -- a good bit of positive press after the "meh" reviews its much-hyped Gordon Ramsay restaurant has been receiving.
Though the hotel is still partially under construction (the reviewer mentioned the rooftop pool was a no-go zone), yesterday's Times "Check In, Check Out" feature gave props to the hotel's location, acknowledged the "disarmingly helpful" staff and gushed over the rooms:
All rooms have a balcony or terrace, and I woke up to a sweeping view over Beverly Hills. The décor by David Collins Studio is both flamboyant and muted. A wall was covered with parquet veneer and chairs had faux-alligator upholstering, but the colors were washed out, and the open-plan suite felt serene.
Sounds like a pretty sweet night to us, especially since the reviewer got to pass out after delivery from Chin Chin. Yum.
We're sure the night would have been topped off perfectly with a drink in the lobby bar -- but it's not open yet. But the Times promises us that "by fall, when the lobby bar opens, it'll be a scene." We'll wait.
The only guest experience problems mentioned in the piece were noise-related, as the hotel faces Sunset Boulevard (where the loud drunks are stumbling in and out of Whisky a Go Go). Get a room facing South.
We've gotta acknowledge what a great feat it is for a hotel to score a great review in the early stages of its existence (especially during that yucky working-out-the-kinks period after a soft opening). We remember when Thompson Beverly Hills opened and it still had some, uh, issues.
Right now, rooms at the London West Hollywood are starting at $299.

Luxury Dubai Hotel, Burjuman Rotana Dubai Suite Hotel

BurJuman Rotana is a new level of contemporary luxury, style, design and cuisine for leisure and business travellers. Set amid Dubai‘s exclusive areas and rich cultural attractions, the luxurious BurJuman Rotana is part of a multifunctional complex that includes upscale office tower, exquisite boutiques and an endless choice of restaurant and café within the BurJuman Centre. Everything is designed for comfort and enjoyment of the sensory kind.
To experience the height of luxurious comfort look no further than Rotana
*80 Classic one bedroom suite, 48 Deluxe one bedroom suite, 16 Premium one bedroom suite, 3 three bedroom Townhouses, 1 four bedroom Penthouse* Complimentary tea & coffee making facility Daily housekeeping service with evening turndown* High speed internet connection in all rooms* Laundry and dry cleaning service* 24-hour in-room dining and daily newspapers* Smart Kitchenette* IDD telephone with voice mail* Multi channel satellite television* Mini fridge* Personal in room safe* Bathrobes and hairdryer* Electronic monitoring system to enhance all comfort levels including temperature and state of the art security system

Hotel Caribe Royale

Situated on over 45 acres of stately palms and fragrant bougainvillea, the Caribe Royale Hotel is located minutes from Orlando's Walt Disney World, Disney Hollywood Studios, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.An elegant hideaway offering exceptional all-suite accommodation and unsurpassed hospitality to discerning business and leisure travellers, the hotel features a relaxed tropical setting boasting lush landscaping, cascading waterfalls and a super-sized outdoor pool.Exceptional guest amenities at this 4-star hotel in Orlando include a brand new state-of-the-art fitness facility, lighted tennis and basketball courts, extensive meeting/banquet space, two business centres, Wi-Fi Internet access, complimentary scheduled transportation to four theme parks, several dining options and 24-hour room service.Located in the main lobby, the Guest Services Desk is equipped to provide an array of services including advance purchase for attraction tickets and transportation arrangements.
The hotel complex Caribe Royale features 1218 designer one-bedroom suites with one king or two queen-size beds, a large bathroom and separate living room.Each suite offers an array of modern comforts including 37" flat screen TV in the bedroom and 42" flat screen TV in the living room, in-room movies, mini-fridge, coffee maker, microwave oven and iron & ironing board.Business travellers will appreciate a full work area complete with a work desk, high-speed Internet access, two telephones with voicemail and data ports.Plush mattresses and luxurious bedding ensure restful nights.

New Barbados Luxury Hotel

A new Barbados Luxury Hotel first phase opened in winter 2006, followed on by another 22 units in January 2008. This the Silver Point Villa Hotel situated on Silver Sands Beach Oceanfront, and this is a spectacular and remote Barbados Hideaway absolutely perfect for a romantic honeymoon getaway, always providing you can find it if you have a self drive hire car!!
It is situated on the south coast of Barbados, and is surrounded by quite rugged scenery reminiscent of the east coast with the coral outcrops and white sand beaches you will find on the west coast.
The views from almost everywhere in the hotel are spectacular.
Although the accommodation in both phases is excellent, try to get a room in the newer oceanfront complex which has the small road behind it, and you will be amazed by how roomy your accommodation is. There are double French doors opening towards the beach, giving spectacular views from the balcony which overlook the deck and the ocean. Everything from the bed, to the bed linen, the bathroom fittings, the bath products and the electrical devices are all of the best. A most delightful piece of Barbados Accommodation and well up to the standard you would hope for if this is to be your romantic honeymoon getaway. To be more specific we are talking about an iPod docking system,a large flat panel TV, DVD/VCR, and the shower in the bathroom has a rainfall shower head.
This newer part of the hotel has a larger pool than the older part, with a bar, and a first floor restaurant which is open for all three main mealsThe one thing that does ............

Hotel International Drive Lakefront, Ramada

Popular with business and leisure travellers alike, the Ramada Inn International Drive Lakefront hotel is conveniently located on Orlando's famous International Drive, only two blocks from Wet n Wild and two miles (3.2 km) from the Orange County Convention Center.All guestrooms overlook Sandy Lake and the beautiful city skyline.On-site guest amenities include a heated outdoor pool, complimentary wireless Internet throughout, guest laundry facilities and a business centre with free computer and printer access.
The twelve storey hotel offers 164 newly renovated, lakefront guestrooms, each boasting spectacular Orlando skyline views.Amenities in each room include complimentary wireless Internet, a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, 27-inch remote control cable TV with HBO, iron & ironing board, dual line phone with data port and hairdryer.Non smoking rooms and special-access rooms for disabled guests are available on request.

Luxury Dubai Hotels, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Vibrant and luxurious, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is Dubai's premier lifestyle destination, and has given itself completely to the pleasures of the life, and the senses of every guest who stays in the resort. Reinventing the hotel experience, Jumeirah Beach Hotel introduces a new lifestyle that integrates all the excitement and exhilaration designed for couples, families and friends.Set on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and built in a startling shape that mirrors a breaking wave, the award-winning Jumeirah Beach Hotel has its own private beach. For those seeking a little more exhilaration, the Wild Wadi Water Park next door is a delightful break for both the young and young at heart..

Hotel Royal Plaza

Ideally located in Orlando's Walt Disney World Resort, steps away from the Downtown Disney area, factory outlets and area shopping malls, the newly renovated Royal Plaza Hotel attracts family vacationers and business travellers alike.Guests stay in fully-appointed, oversized guestrooms, and enjoy outstanding on-site amenities including a heated courtyard swimming pool and poolside bar, a fitness centre, tennis courts and laundry facilities.Business amenities include a full service business centre, wireless Internet access and extensive meeting and events space.As an Official Walt Disney World Hotel, guests receive complimentary transportation to all Disney theme parks, priority seating for Disney dinner shows and theme park restaurants, and preferred tee times at Disney golf courses.

W Hotel San Francisco Features

Chic and Modern. Set in the heart of downtown San Francisco's "South of Market", W San Francisco stands out with the offbeat, yet sophisticated spirit of the city it calls home. Nearby the SF Museum of Modern Art, a five-block walk from Union Square, and a block away from The Metreon (the high-tech Sony entertainment center).The lobby at the SFW is an octagonal, three-story space with tinted solar glass and flowing curtains. The hotel is also home to the W Cafe and XYZ Restaurant, a bi-level eatery and wine bar serving French-inspired California cuisine. The hotel offers the use of cardiovascular fitness and weight rooms as well as an atrium pool, steam room and whirlpool.The modern Deluxe rooms feature framed black and white photos of San Francisco leaning on a picture rail, a glass water carafe by the bed, and an upholstered banquette for gazing out over the city. All rooms co
me with cable TV, VCRs, pay-per-view movies, WebTV, CD players, and two phones.

Regalia Residences Changning Shanghai

A member of The Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Regalia Residences offers self-catering apartments that comes with designer furniture and hotel services.Standing next to a subway station, Regalia Residences is easily linked to the city centre and various places of interest, such as The Bund. Besides being surrounded by shops, markets and restaurants, Regalia Residences is also conveniently close to the expressway. From Hongqiao Airport, it takes only 10 minutes to reach your apartment.


Regalia Residences provides guests with privacy and freedom with its excellent facilities and thoughtful services. You can choose to start your day with a free breakfast in the Lounge or prepare a tasty meal in your own kitchen. Hotel services include 24-hour reception, shuttle service and a fitness centre.The modern apartments come with flat-screen TVs and free wired internet access for your convenience. For guests staying for a longer period, Regalia Residences also provides self-service laundry facilities.
Hotel Rooms: 143.
Hotel Facilities
General
Restaurant, 24-Hour Front Desk, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Express Check-In/Check-Out, Safety Deposit Box, Heating, Luggage Storage, Airconditioning, Designated Smoking Area.
Activities
Fitness Centre.
Services
Room Service, Business Centre, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Currency Exchange, Car Rental, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying, Ticket Service, ATM/Cash Machine on site.
Internet
Internet via modem is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.AddressBlk2, Blk4, 338 Tianshan Road North, Shanghai, China, 200040 Shanghai

Expensive Luxury Hotel ( Four Seasons - Shanghai, China )

The Four Seasons offers a calm interior against the bustle of the outside world, with a high level of service. You can be assured of resting in comfort while your needs are being taken care off. Executive travellers accompanied with their kids can enjoy the range of suites with extra room for kids.

Expensive Luxury Hotel ( Four Seasons, Chiang Mai Thailand )

While this hotel is somewhat smaller in scale than the much more expansive Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi in Chiang Mai, the Four Seasons lures travellers with its understated sense of luxury. It encompasses an intimate air that has been compared to a Zen-like feel. To make you feel right at home, the Four Seasons staff are truly sincere and kind. Whatever your wishes, nothing seems too much or too hard. The added Four Season’s Kid’s Club offers families a luxury travel experience rarely found elsewhere. Hotel guests can also choose to partake in the heavenly Spa or cooking classes.

http://www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/

American Hotel ( Silken Puerta America )

The Silken Puerta America is a unique luxury hotel - a building that invites you to dream. Nineteen top architecture and design studios from around the world, from Jean Nouvel to Norman Foster, were each invited to design a floor of this hotel. The result is breathtaking, avant-garde rooms that combine luxury with true aestheticism. All the rooms use different materials, colours and shapes to create spaces that bring together the best in modern design and architecture. Simply by staying at the Silken Puerta America you are allowed a unique insight
into the world of European design, but for full immersion in the cultural life of this vibrant city don’t forget that the Prado Museum and the Exhibition Centre are easily accessible from the hotel and the exclusive shops of Serrano Street are within walking distance. When you feel the need to soothe your tired feet, relax at the top floor health spa which has spectacular views over the city, and offers a full range of beauty and massage treatments. The hotel Silken Puerta America puts you in the privileged position of being able to experience at first hand breakthrough modern art and design in Madrid.

RoomsAll of the 342 ultra-modern guestrooms on individually-designed floors have wireless Internet access. Room rates from EUR 175.
Leisure
The hotel spa has an indoor pool, sauna and solarium. After a workout in the fitness centre you can choose to relax on the terrace, or enjoy the tranquility of the hotel’s gardens.

DiningThe Lagrimas Negras, a stunning jewel of design in itself, offers traditional Spanish cuisine with an international touch. Madbreakfast is another restaurant for lighter meals. The chic Marmobar has a laidback vibe despite its noncomformity. You can also enjoy one of the most beautiful views of Madrid, whilst drinking a cocktail on the 13th floor of the Skynight Bar.

Meeting facilitiesFive meeting rooms accommodate up to 1,000 delegates.
Location5 minutes walk from the Avenida de America metro station, the hotel is close to many of Madrid’s tourist attractions. Madrid Barajas Airport is 10 km away.

Mardan Palace Opens As The Most Expensive Hotel In Europe

Mardan Palace looks like a dream and costs like one too. Touted as the most expensive hotel in Europe, this one serves a glass of champagne for £25. The decor is spectacular to say the least. Bathrooms have gold plated mirrors on the floor, toilets are remote controlled and the gorgeous private beach has been created from white sand imported from Egypt. By the way, it took 9,000 tons to fill up the area.
The inaugural party was held at the 800 million pounds worth luxury resort in Antalya, Turkey that had an opening party attended by the likes of Richard Gere, Sharon Stone and Mariah Carey. We even heard that Paris Hilton might have made a fleeting appearance. In other words, luxury resorts are always a hit with the Richie Richs.
Now, back to Mardan Palace. This one is decorated with 500,000 crystals and 23,000 square meters of Italian marble. It has 560 rooms that include two Royal Suites with private pools. By the by, you can enjoy a romantic gondola ride. Enjoy the delicious food served at the waterside Italian restaurant serves in £1.35 million worth of Hermes crockery.

$17,500 a night - Royal Armleder Suite, Le Richemond Geneva, Switzerland

Le Richemond’s Royal Armleder Suite reopened in 2007 after an extensive restoration of the hotel’s seventh floor, which the luxury suite occupies the entirety of. The suite is bedecked in gold, mosaics and parquet floors and has a 300 square-foot terrace with stunning views of Geneva and the nearby Alps.

Expensive Luxury Hotel Tawaraya Ryokan and Hiiragiya Ryokan (tie) - Kyoto, Japan

This hotel belong to the most famous Japanese ryokans (inns) in the historical city of Kyoto, and are located directly across the alley from each other. Since both of these represent the highest levels of service, it would be difficult to distinguish them from one another.
Both Tawaraya Ryokan and Hiiragaiya Ryokan successfully integrate the fine Japanese traditions and wabi-sabi philosophy we hear so much about in the Western world. Known to emphasize simplicity and purity, the added contemporary conveniences offered make for the perfect combination seasoned travelers expect. Both of these Ryokans also offer an optional Geiko or Maiko geisha dinner.

Mandarin Oriental, New York Rates : $995-$1092

Description:

A stunning fusion of modern design with stylish Oriental flair, Mandarin Oriental, New York features 248 elegant guestrooms and suites... more »
A stunning fusion of modern design with stylish Oriental flair, Mandarin Oriental, New York features 248 elegant guestrooms and suites — all with breathtaking views of Manhattan and Five-Star hospitality. Luxurious amenities include Asiate, the hotel’s elegant restaurant; MObar created by noted interior designer, Tony Chi; the Lobby Lounge with dramatic views of Central Park; a 14,500-square-foot, Five-Star Mandarin Oriental Spa; and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a 75-foot lap pool. Located in Columbus Circle’s Time Warner Center, Mandarin Oriental, New York is in an idyllic location just steps away from world-class dining, shopping and entertainment, including the Broadway Theater District, Lincoln Center, Central Park, and the Time Warner Center’s collection of upscale retail shops and restaurants. Mandarin Oriental, New York brings together an unprecedented combination of outstanding service, luxurious accommodations and prime location as the jewel of the Time Warner Center overlooking Central Park. The superbly appointed guestrooms and suites are located on Floor 38 through 54 and feature sophisticated technology such as Bose Sound Systems and flat panel televisions. Each floor offers a personal butler on hand to deliver gracious and attentive services 24 hours a day. The exciting, trend-setting restaurant will attract local food enthusiasts as well as guests. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental provides restorative treatments complemented by Asian-based rituals. A 75-foot naturally-lit lap pool and state-of-the-art sports and fitness center complete the unparalleled recreational opportunities.

Information :-80 Columbus Circle (Upper West Side) New York, NY 10023, United States

Number :- 212-805-8800

Hotel Tranzit

Holiday Inn Prague Airport (before Hotel Tranzit) lies just 300m from the departure hall of Terminal One, so is definitely very near to the Airport Terminals, providing a good option for transit passengers. Hotel telephones are also available in Terminal 2 (so you can contact the hotel directly from the airport). Due to the rules at the airport, the windows are unopenable, which makes the rooms absolutely quiet. A free non-stop shuttle bus will take you directly to the hotel. The hotel accepts all major credit cards.
Holiday Inn Prague Airport is a modern, 4 star hotel at Prague International Airport, situated approximately 300 meters from Terminal North. It is a fully air-conditioned, seven-storey building with access for disabled passengers. This transit hotel offers 70 spacious double rooms and five luxury suites with a total capacity of 160 beds. You can also enjoy a modern restaurant and bar including a summer garden, which offers a wide range of international and Czech cuisine. Thanks to its unique position it is an ideal option for both business and leisure visitors. Although most guests are business travellers and transit passengers, more and more people find it very convenient to stay in a fine quality hotel at the airport for a reasonable price while visiting Prague.
Internet access is available in the hotel rooms free of charge.
Price range: One night (24 hrs) from 125 EUR for a double room (1 or 2 pax occupancy). Also available for "day use" from 8:00am until 6:00pm. 8 hrs charge starts from 58 EUR and 5hrs from 40 EUR.

KUWAIT Hotel ( Al Manshar Rotana Hotel )

The glamorous Al Manshar Rotana Hotel is the newest five-star property from the multi-award winning Rotana family of hotels. Part of the Al Manshar shopping and entertainment complex, and adjacent to the Al Kout waterfront, the Al Manshar Rotana Hotel is spread over 19 f loors, with a commanding view of the city and ocean. This stylish and comfortable hotel is the masterpiece of a single designer. Everything about the Al Manshar Rotana Hotel is designed to fulfill your needs. The property offers spacious and stunning rooms all with their own fully-equipped kitchenette, while the health and fitness centre offers a massage room with a professional physiotherapist and sauna. For those looking to exercise, free weights and cardiovascular equipment are available, with a trained instructor if required. The pool is temperature-controlled to perfection on the hotel’s beautifully designed rooftop and provides spectacular views of glamorous Kuwait harbour and the Gulf, dazzling in the distance.

Rooms200 suites, most with direct views of the sea and city. High speed cable Internet access and fully-equipped kitchenettes are available. Rates start from KD 50.
Dining
Failaka is an all day dining restaurant, offering traditional favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. City Café is a 24-hour coffee shop in the lobby while Bay View beside the pool serves healthy, nutritious snacks.

Leisure
The hotel has a swimming pool, an indoor Jacuzzi and a well-equipped rooftop Bodylines Health and Fitness Centre.
Meeting facilities
The hotel offers ample meeting space to accommodate up to 200 business guests. The multipurpose ballroom and meeting rooms have state-of-the-art facilities such as video conferencing, while modern technology is at the fingertips of every corporate guest.
LocationThe hotel is located in the Fahaheel district. Kuwait International Airport is 38 km away.P O Box 47008, Kuwait Fahaheel, Kuwait City, 64021,KUWAIT

$33,000 a night - Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel

President Woodrow Wilson reportedly suffered from high blood pressure, so it’s safe to assume he would have appreciated a stress-free stay at President Wilson Hotel’s Royal Penthouse Suite. Consuming the entire top floor of the hotel, the four-bedroom suite can hold up to 40 guests in its cocktail lounge and is said to be the best digs for heads of state wanting to make an impression when they’re in town on United Nations business. [pic via guardian uk]

Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel

Hotel Info: [Map] Las Vegas Stratosphere Hotel and Casino 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. S Las Vegas, NV 89104 (702) 380-7777. At 1,149 feet, the Stratosphere Tower is the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States and the tallest building west of the Mississippi. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip and the surrounding valley and hills from the hotel’s observations decks, lounges and restaurants. Centrally located, the Stratosphere is only 1.3 miles from the Las Vegas Convention Center, the venue of the 2007 US Open Championships.
For Room Reservations: Call, 1-800-998-6937 and give the code, C/USAT7, to get the tournament discount rate of $49.00 mid-week and $ 80.00 for the weekend plus tax. Reservations must be made before June 3, 2007 in order for you to take advantage of this special rate.
Airport Transportation:Coach USA , or Greyline, provides shuttle bus service from the Las Vegas Airport to the Stratosphere Hotel. Go to Baggage Claim area and to the Coach USA booth where you can purchase a shuttle bus ticket. One way is $7.50; Round trip is $14.50. The shuttle bus is located outside of Doors 9 and 10 in the Baggage claim area. The trip between the airport and the hotel averages around 20 minutes. This service is much less expensive than Taxi service which rounds around $20 one way from the airport and vice a versa to the hotel.
Hotel to Convention Center: Free Shuttle Bus between the Stratosphere Hotel and the Las Vegas Convention Center during the US Open playing hours. Airport Shuttle Companies (information current as of 11/16/05) A company called, Airport Shuttle, 704-344-0744, provides transportation from the Charlotte Airport to downtown and the surrounding areas. One-way per person is $10; Round Trip per person is $15.00. The Airport Shuttle leaves the airport every 20-30 minutes during peak hours The Airport Shuttle leaves downtown Charlotte every hour during peak departure hours Company: Delta Transportation Contact: Ms. Amal Onasanya Phone: 704-398-1117 Fax: 704-398-9590 e-mail: delta@aol.com Company: Queens Transportation Contact: Mr. Ismail Anawar Phone: 704-752-9858 Fax: 704-643-6075 Company: Altos Transportation Contact: Ms. Sherry Reisinger Phone and Fax: 704-823-8999 e-mail: sherryreisinger@msn.com Taxi and Shuttle Information from Airport: Airport to Center City: $21.00 for 1 or 2 people; $2 for each additional person over 2 people. Shuttle rates from the three companies above range from $10 - $12 one way or $18 - $20 round trip, per person. Guests can access the shuttle in the Commercial Lane, just outside the airport. Rates to other areas of town from the airport, as well as from point to point anywhere else in the city are metered at $2.00 initial drop and $2.00 per mile. There is city taxi service from/to the airport which costs around $20 one way or you can access the three airport shuttle services which are available at the airport in the Commercial Lane. US Open special rates! Avis Car Rental is offering a special discount rate to USA Table Tennis players and friends. By mentioning the Avis World Discount (AWD) number: J994146, Avis will automatically give you a special rate for the car rental. For full details and to reserve a car, visit the Avis web site. -->
[top^]
Entertainment: The Top of the World Restaurant on the Roof of the Hotel Tower.Lots of Food and Fun! From dining elegance to casual comfort, the Stratosphere offers a variety of eating places to please everyone’s taste buds. The famous Top of The World elegant restaurant, the 50’s themed Roxy’s Diner and the Courtyard Buffet, along with other international food restaurants, and a fast food promenade, allow you to treat yourself to plenty of good food throughout your stay. Casino, Pool and Rides - Plenty of Fun in the Sun!The Stratosphere has an 80,000 square foot Casino featuring over 50 table games and more than 1,500 slots and video poker machines. If shows are what you like, the Stratosphere is within easy access to the many entertainment places and shows on the Las Vegas Strip. A Resort Swimming Pool with a 67,000 square foot deck is located on the 8th floor of the new tower. The deck features an oversize spa, the pool has a waterfall, and a workout room off the main deck areas faces the pool.X-TREME RIDES ON THE ROOFTOP OF THE STRATOSPHERE!!!Daring rides are open at the very top of the Tower for those not faint of heart. Restaurants from coffee house to elegant dining are easily accessible within the Stratosphere grounds.

Hotelicopter : The World’s First Flying Hotel

The owner of Hotelicopper has been trying to create the world’s largest helicopter as well as the world’s first flying hotel by modifying a Soviet-made Mil V-12 since 2004. This massive flying machine features everything from room service and private entertainment systems to extras like yoga classes, tea garden, spa treatment, gaming and many others that someone would anticipate from a 5-star hotel. With the length of 42m and 14m of height, this giant aircraft can fly with a maximum weight of 232,870 lb. Maximum speed of this flying hotel is 255 km/h and expected cruising speed is 237 km/h.

The most expensive hotel in the world ( Entrance to Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai: $6,800 a night ( £3,392 ) )

Entrance to Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai: $6,800 a night (£3,392)The Royal Suite on the 25th floor positively screams luxury with its marble and gold staircase, leopard print tufted carpets and private cinema. The master bedroom has a rotating four-poster canopy bed. And if you really want to splash out, you can hire a helicopter – at extra cost.