Saskatoon Hotels - Find the Best With the Right Features and Amenities

Finding the Right Saskatoon Hotels
Visiting Saskatoon is much more enjoyable if you find the right hotel. As travellers, the first thing we think of when vacationing is to find and book a hotel room. Too often vacationers book a room based only on price and forget the role the hotel will have in their vacation experience. If you've travelled extensively, you know the hotel can play a big role in whether your trip was enjoyable and the refreshing experience you needed. A bad hotel stay can ruin your trip so it's wise to consider what you need in a good Saskatoon hotel.
Hotels are paying more attention to the features that their customers are seeking. That feedback is pivotal to not only their marketing efforts but to ensuring all hotels are competing and improving their rooms, restaurants and services.
The key features people want in a hotel are: low prices, good location, clean rooms, comfortable beds, safety, televisions, Internet connection, hot tub, Jacuzzi, pool, spa, exercise/fitness centre, business services, meeting facilities, room service, refrigerators, clothing irons, game consoles, free parking, hotel architecture and ambience, and friendly staff. Some of these amenities won't matter to specific travellers and the traveller should take a closer look at each feature and weigh its merits. If you have time to relax, the hotel's pool, gardens, lobby areas, and beds may be worth focusing on. Hotels are proficient at portraying their properties as better than they actually are leaving some travellers with a sour experience.
Every hotel offers its own blend of features to appeal to its targeted customers. Ratings provided by independent organizations such as the CAA are one way you can review a hotels quality and amenities. Tripadvisor and Frommers are two additional online resources.
Let's take a look at some of the hotels in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and what ambiance, amenities and services you might expect. Some are modern while others offer a little bit of Saskatchewan history. A few are impressive structures with expansive grounds and gardens with great views of the South Saskatchewan River. Others are lower priced accommodations that are okay for a night and quick access to local pubs and downtown shops. Sometimes, it is necessary to phone hotels to ask about the beds themselves. People often complain about the condition of the bed itself and how it disturbed their sleep.
The popular Hotels and Accommodations in Saskatoon are: Delta Bessborough, Saskatoon Inn, Patricia Hotel, Hotel Senator, Parktown Hotel, Country Inn Suites Saskatoon, Radisson Hotel Saskatoon, and the Quality Hotel Downtown.
Hotel Senator
The Hotel Senator is another older European style building built in 1908 with lots of craftsmanship in the detailing of the lobby and elevator areas. This downtown Saskatoon boutique hotel is right above the Winston Pub if you want to be close to the crowd for a brew. There are 38 rooms and in room spa service is available.
The Delta Bessborough
The Delta Bessborough is a four star quality, 10 story, traditional chateau-style hotel that overlooks the south-Saskatchewan River. It is a historically significant building, constructed in 1938 by the Canadian Pacific Railroad and currently offers 225 spacious rooms. A Japanese style restaurant and Garden Court Café that overlooks the river valley and the huge hotel grounds, provide all the leisurely dining you'll need during your stay. There is a fitness area and indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, steamroom, along with hi speed internet connection. Delta Bessborough caters to the business traveller and luxury market yet the prices are affordable for most travellers.
Saskatoon Inn
A sprawling complex located 6 km outside of Saskatoon, The Saskatoon Innoffers 250 contemporary rooms with a restaurant, business centre, botanical gardens, spacious lobby and ATM machines. The hotel caters to sports teams and weddings.
The Patricia Hotel
Another boutique hotel in downtown Saskatoon, the Patricia Hoteloffers boiler heating for its 35 hostel rooms and hotel rooms. The Pub next door is a big attraction for many customers.
Radisson Hotel Saskatoon
The Radisson Hotelis a busy corporate and convention hotel offering 291 rooms. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, lounge, indoor pool, fitness center, Jacuzzi, sauna, bike rental, room service and same-day dry cleaning.
Parktown Hotel
1958, the Park Town Hotelgraces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail. It offers rooms, a restaurant with a view, an Irish Pub, Comedy Club and a lounge. It also has an indoor pool, hot tubs and internet connection. 173 guest rooms have oak panelling, full length mirrors, hair dryers, and refrigerators.
Country Inn Suites Saskatoon
The Country Inn & Suites Saskatoon is located near the International airport and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere for business and leisure travelers. The hotel's 76 cozy country-style décor rooms offer hi speed internet, cable TV, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron/ironing board and a refrigerator.
Quality Hotel Downtown - Hilton Garden Inn
The Quality Hotel is the closest Saskatoon hotel to Midtown Plaza and Centennial Auditorium. It offers 85 rooms providing air conditioning, cable TV, and movie selections. There is an indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna.
The hotels listed above are the more popular ones, obviously catering to different types of business and leisure travellers. Explore the features, reviews and prices to see which is best for your next trip to Saskatoon.

Saskatoon Saskatchewan is a wonderful place to visit, yet vacationers need more information on the attractions, services, Saskatoon hotels, activities and attractions. Gord Collins' Toronto marketing firm provides travel-related information on the web to help consumers make better choices about Saskatoon travel destinations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1263866

By Gord Collins

Cork City Hotels Guide

Cork city centre hotels...
The Gresham Metropole Hotel is one of the most stylish hotels in Cork city centre and it's got a fantastic location on MacCurtain Street in the heart of the city. This 3 star Cork city hotel has a superb restaurant and bar, a leisure centre and complimentary car parking for its guests. The hotel is just a short walk from Cork's theatres, bars, pubs, clubs, shops and business district, making it the ideal choice whether you're here on business or leisure.
Hotel Isaacs is another excellent 3 star Cork city hotel which is located on the same street as the Gresham. You're sure to enjoy a comfortable stay in this hotel, which is renowned for its high standard of accommodation and hospitality.
If you're in Cork on business why not stay in Cork's main financial and business district - the South Mall. Among the banks and offices that you'll find on this tree-lined street, is the Imperial Hotel, which remains to be one of the best Cork hotels.
The Ambassador Hotel is also located on South Mall and is a popular choice for either the business or leisure customer who seeks comfort and high quality accommodation. These Cork hotels are just a few minutes walk from Patrick Street - Cork's main thoroughfare.
Jury's Inn on Western Road is about a 10 minute walk from Patrick Street. This luxury hotel has a stunning riverside location and is within walking distance of University College Cork and St. Finbarr's Cathedral. This newly renovated hotel has everything you'd expect from a top quality hotel like a superb swimming pool and leisure centre, a contemporary style bar and bistro and complimentary car parking.
Looking for cheap hotels in Cork? If you're on a budget then check into The Victoria Hotel, a cheap and cheerful 2 star Cork hotel that has probably the best location in the city! It's located on Patrick Street right in the heart of the city, so you'll have Cork's bars, clubs, restaurants, shops and attractions all on your doorstep.
Other city centre hotels in Cork include the popular Ashley Hotel located on Coburg Street, which is just a 5 minute walk from Cork's Patrick Street. The Quality Hotel and Leisure Club is also just a 5 minute walk from the city's main thoroughfare. Or stay at the Jury's Inn on Anderson's Quay and you'll also be a few minutes walk from Patrick Street. This hotel is also really close to the city's bus and rail station.
Cork hotels outside the city centre...
The Rochestown Park Hotel is an elegant 4 star hotel located in the Cork suburb of Douglas. Ideally located close to the south link road, there's easy access in and out of the hotel to all roads including those to Kerry, West Cork, the airport or the city centre.
Set overlooking the Lee, the Silver Springs Moran Hotel is a delightful 4 star Cork hotel located in Tivoli, just north of the city. The 2 star IBIS Hotel can also be found in this picturesque area. When you stay here, head to nearby Glanmire and drive through its quaint woodlands.
The Montenotte Hotel and Leisure Club is located in Montenotte, Cork's most exclusive neighbourhood. Located on an elevated site, wonderful views of Cork city can be seen from here - especially at night!
Luxury Cork city Hotels
Coming to Cork to celebrate a special occasion or perhaps you just want a romantic weekend? Take a look at our luxury Cork hotels.
The Clarion Hotel is a 4 star hotel located right in the heart of Cork city. This water front hotel has everything you could ask for and more - its stunning glass front is the first glimpse you'll get of its contemporary design. You can relax in the hotel's bar or why not head into the city and get a taste of Cork's nightlife.
Located just a 10 minutes drive from the city centre; you'll feel like you're in a whole different world when you stay in Little Island's Radisson SAS Hotel and Spa. Renowned for its stylish accommodation, this hotel is suitable for the business or leisure customer. If it's pleasure you seek, why not head to the hotels spa for a day of total relaxation. This Cork hotel is close to beaches and golf courses and from here you can also take the chance to visit historical Cobh and Ireland's gourmet capital, Kinsale.
If you're looking for top-notch Cork hotel accommodation in exclusive surroundings, then we suggest you check into the Hayfield Manor Hotel a stunning 5 star hotel in Cork city. This charming hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind as it's tucked away on its own grounds and gardens just about a 10 minute walk from the city centre.
Cork Airport Hotels
With a growing number of travellers passing through the gates of Cork Airport on a daily basis, more and more people are opting to stay in a Cork airport hotel! A shuttle bus to and from the airport services all hotels. But if you've to catch an early flight then why not stay at one of our airport hotels.
The Radisson SAS Hotel is superbly located in the airport complex. It's a modern and comfortable hotel with plenty of car parking, a bar, restaurant, superb guestrooms and it's only about a 15 minute drive from the city centre!
Another Cork Airport hotel option is the Travelodge Cork Airport. This hotel offers complimentary car parking, spacious, well equipped guestrooms and an on site American style diner!
Hope this guide helps you choose a Cork hotel. Remember no matter where you stay you'll be well connected to all the county's top attractions with the city's efficient bus service. If you book a hotel in Cork city centre you'll have no need for transport.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1131550

By Patrick J Kelly

Boutique Hotels on the Rise

Traveling has always been one of the most important parts of our lives and keeping this in mind the hotel industry has changed the whole concept of hotels very rapidly in the past few years. Now hotels are no longer a place where one goes because he has no immediate accommodation in that city but these hotels have become more than just a place to stay. These hotels now provide many other integrated services and luxuries like restaurants, swimming pools, gymnasiums, spas and many others.
In the last one decade the rise of boutique hotels has made a huge impression on the hotel industry and is still making it. These boutique hotels are now operating in every major or small city whether it is New York, London, San Francisco and or any part of the world. This concept of boutique hotels basically existed from 1980s. Initially, these boutique hotels were also known as "designer" or "lifestyle" hotels. Morgan hotel of New York was the first to get this label of "boutique hotel". Now days, everyone is trying to call their hotel a boutique hotel but generally, a boutique hotel is one which is comparatively smaller, and constructed with the purpose of serving their personal customers rather than others. The definition of boutique hotel as per most of the travel and tour agents and websites of this type is, it is a hotel which do not have more than 50 rooms and the aim of this hotel is to make your stay as pleasant as possible. The blast in the numbers of boutique hotels has brought confusion as more and more internal hotel owners are opening their own chain of boutique hotels. Most famous are Starwood and resorts hotels.
After the huge popularity of New York's Morgan hotel, many boutique hotels have come into existence all across the world especially in the cities that are hotspots in terms of tourism or around them. Let's take London as an example. Till some time back, it was very hard to find one boutique hotel there but now boutique hotels are seen in every second street and what's more, bigger hotels are also converting themselves into a boutique hotel. These big boutique hotels are gaining more popularity there as the rents are high and small boutique hotels are not workable often. In last five years or so, many boutique hotels have gained huge popularity in London and some of them are Guest houses in Notting Hill, Baglioni Hotel and the Soho Hotel in Soho.
In our second example, Paris, every type of boutique hotel can promise you a big success. Probably, this is the reason why there is a huge variety and quantity of boutique hotels to choose from. One of the Paris's oldest boutique hotels is called Montalembert and it is situated on the left bank. The hotels that have been inducted as boutique hotel very recently are Hotel De Sers situated at Avenue Pierre and Hotel Sezz located very near to Eiffel Tower.
The interesting fact about boutique hotels is that the boutique hotels of North America are slightly bigger than the boutique hotels all around the world and this is because of the fact that rents are higher there. But still the boutique hotels are very famous in America.
It is estimated that as the tourism sector will grow the hotel industry especially the boutique hotel industry will also grow and also the fact that the big hoteliers have initiated their expression of interest in boutique hotels, will help this industry flourish for many years to come.

Kobrun Vidisdottir is the Managing Director of the 101 Hotel which is one of the premier Boutique Hotels in Reykjavik, Iceland. For more information please visit www.101hotel.is

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/771277

By Kobrun Vidisdottir

Online Hotel Bookings Service

The internet has seen a revolution for hotel booking services. Online hotel bookings can make planning your business trip, vacation or weekend away both easier and more affordable. Online hotel bookings make it easy to select a suitable hotel, and are ideal for both the customer and the hotel management. While it once required effort to locate and select a hotel far away from home, the internet has dramatically simplified that process with online hotel bookings. Online hotel bookings enable you to choose a hotel with the features you desire, whether you need a simple and affordable place to stay or a luxurious retreat from day to day life.
It is now possible to find a hotel and book within minutes any time of the day - from anywhere in the world. Convenience is one of the most significant benefits of online hotel bookings. Browse hotels in the area you require at your leisure, comparing features and rates easily. When you have chosen the hotel you prefer, simply complete your hotel booking online at a time convenient to you. Many hotels even allow same day online hotel bookings, great for that last minute weekend away, for example taking in a show in the West End of London.
Pricing is very competitive as it's so easy to compare one hotel to another. Some services even allow you to conveniently compare multiple hotels when choosing your online hotel bookings. If pricing is your first priority, you may find one of the larger online hotel bookings services ideal. While some such services do not allow you to choose your hotel, but rather to only select location and quality of the hotel, substantial discounts on hotels may be available. If you are willing to allow the online hotel bookings service to select your flight or hotel, the discounts are typically much greater.
Customers may find that online hotel bookings can also offer savings on airline flights, car services, and even entertainment. By packaging your vacation needs, you may save a substantial amount and have additional funds to enjoy on your weekend away or longer vacation. When planning a trip, take advantage of online booking services to find the best prices on hotels, airfares and more. These services are ideal for both short and long trips, and may even be a convenient option if you need to book a hotel for visiting guests.
It's great for hotels as there is so little admin involved and the booking software can be linked usually via aggregators. To remain competitive in today's travel market, it is critical that hotels offer online hotel bookings. Customers at all levels expect to be able to easily and conveniently book their hotel online. Hotels can choose to manage their own online booking software, and will find that they can affordably purchase such options, or can arrange online hotel bookings through a larger service. Whichever option is chosen, offering online hotel bookings will benefit all hotels, both small and large.
Online hotel bookings are ideal for customers and hotels. Hotels will find that rooms are more consistently filled if they offer online hotel bookings. Online hotel bookings can also reduce expenses and employee time for the hotel. Customers enjoy the convenience and ease of online hotel bookings, as well as the ability to compare prices and features of various hotels. Planning a weekend away has never been easier, or more affordable than it is now with the accessibility of online hotel bookings. Convenience, competitive pricing, and easy comparison shopping make online hotel bookings popular with nearly every customer, from those planning a long vacation to those in need of an affordable weekend away.

Overnight UK for an online hotel booking service in Great Britain.
Feel free to republish article as long as bio remains with working hyperlink.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/525588

By Carolyn Clayton

Good Hotels in Nairobi Kenya: Top & Medium Hotels in Nairobi

Kenya Comfort Nairobi Kenya Hotel
The Nairobi’s Kenya comfort hotel is an excellent addition to an otherwise restricted Nairobi accommodation scene. The Kenya comfort hotel is located on Muindi Mbingu Street and is painted a striking light blue hue.
This Nairobi Kenya Hotel is kept in top shape and has a wide selection of modern tiled rooms and a lift for easy access. There is a popular 24hr bar-restaurant called Sokoni.
Breakfast is at Usd 5. The Nairobi hotel also offers conference facilities in its top fifth floor. The price range for this Nairobi hotel is US$26-36 for single, USD 32-42 for a double and US$42-45 for a triple room accommodation.
Middle level Nairobi Kenya hotels. Mid level of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and midrange hotels in Nairobi
Down Town Nairobi Kenya Hotel
Down town Nairobi Kenya is further on the road to the popular terminal. Where else terminals reputation overshadows most other midrange Nairobi accommodation, down town plays its part too. Their price ranges from Kshs 1200/1500 for s/d room accommodation.
Relaxing Nairobi Kenya hotels. Safe and secure Nairobi Kenya hotels. Top and middle hotels in Nairobi
Meridian court Nairobi Kenya Hotel
With grey concrete blocks above the lobby, the meridian Nairobi assumes a dull outlook save for its monstrous lobby area. You can get a suite here for the price of a normal standard room... So you know better than to mouth it.
There are no flairs here but the hotels facilities make it worthwhile. The pricing is Kshs 2950/3650 for s/d room accommodation.
Family Nairobi Kenya hotels. Getaway and comfortable Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and middle hotels in Nairobi
Park side Nairobi Kenya Hotel
The Nairobi Kenya hotel is located right outside the lavish Jevanjee gardens. The Nairobi Kenya mid range hotel is modest but decent but decent enough value. The location of the hotel has managed to keep out the pervading and annoying Nairobi traffic and town noise.
Breakfast in the rather nicely quiet and organised downstairs restaurant will make a damage of Kshs 300 to your wallet. The price range of the park side Nairobi hotel is Kshs 1300/1700/ 2200 for s/d/ tr room accommodation.
Cheap Nairobi Kenya hotels. Price range and standards of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and best hotels in Nairobi
Ambassadeur Nairobi Kenya Hotel
Believe it or not this hotel once belonged to the Sarova chain of hotels. The grand structure has not changed although not the same can be said of the interior finesse. In a central location but dead on the Street Boundary between budget and top range hotels.
Breakfast here costs Usd 10 meant for the triples and quadruples as opposed to singles. Price ranges here are from usd35/45/65 for s/d/tr room accommodation.
Location of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Prices and standards of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and middle hotels in Nairobi
Nairobi Kenya Hotel Greton
This is a big block of hotel in the heart of the budget district. It has a balcony restaurant overlooking the street. Hotel Rooms here are spacious and comfortable.
The Nairobi Kenya hotel boasts a saloon and gym. The overall effect is that you will tend to Greton due to the extras since the rest of the budgets do not have such.
Their price ranges from Kshs 950/1200/1700 for s/d/tr room accommodation.
Low priced Nairobi Kenya hotels. Ambience and standards of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and middle hotels in Nairobi
Grand Holiday Nairobi Kenya Hotel
The Nairobi hotel is located on Tsavo road. White faces seem to be a novelty here telling from the whisperings of the staff. It’s a favoured place by Kenyan business men. They have large hotel rooms fitted with TVs, huge beds and spacious red-hued bathrooms. The price range here is at Kshs 1050/2000/2200 for d/tr/ste room accommodation.
Cheap Medium Nairobi Kenya hotels. Facilities and standards of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and middle hotels in Nairobi
Oakwood Nairobi Kenya Hotel
It’s hard to find a justification for these prices but my guess is its central location and possibly chain ownership. The Oakwood hotel however does offer a bit of character with a lot of wood fittings and a lift so old-school it could possibly draw a pension.
The same chain runs other hotels in Kenya and Uganda and also operates balloon safaris in the Masai Mara. Prices here are Usd 60/75/85 for s/d/tr hotel room accommodation.
Reasonable, Medium Nairobi Kenya hotels. Services and structures of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and within your means hotels in Nairobi
Oriental Palace Nairobi Kenya Hotel
Unlikely what Kubla Khan had in mind, this hotels foyer does at least try to live up to the name. They have put faux ivory structures and a lot of Indian touches. The rooms are more of the Western brown retro feel.
The Oak wood Nairobi Kenya hotel is however comfortable enough if you were to ignore the slight air of neglect at the corridors. The prices are Kshs 2790/3260 for s/d room accommodation.
Nice Nairobi Kenya hotels. Food and rooms of Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and affordable hotels in Nairobi
Six eighty Nairobi Kenya Hotel
This is a huge slightly thread bear Nairobi hotel located dead in the central business district. The Nairobi Kenya Hotel caters for the local and international business people. Facilities are good; it’s in a secure location. There is however little inspired about the place.
Logically it has Wi-fi internet connectivity. The price ranges from Kshs 4000/5600/7200 for the s/d/tr room accommodation.
Disabled access facilities Nairobi Kenya hotels. With Children offers in Nairobi Kenya hotels. Good and top hotels in Nairobi

Robert is degreed in Tourism management. A travel consultant with Landmark Safaris, he has authored over 500 Kenya East Africa travel articles. For more FREE information on Nairobi Kenya Budget hotels fill in the accommodation planner @: http://www.landmarksafaris.com/hotel/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/459882

By Robert Muhoho

Hotels Guide - Part 4 of 4

Advance payments of hotel reservations
a) The hotel owner will be able to subordinate the acceptance of the order of hotel booking, to the imposition of an advance amount (guarantee or cause deposit).
This advance amount will always have the character of guarantee deposit, except for the case in which the hotel owner has specified that it's a guarantee.
If the hotel owner has requested an advance payment, the conclusion of the hotel contract won't be definitive until the imposition of the amount is not made or demonstrated the evidence of the payment.
b) The hotel owner will make acknowledgement of receipt of the advance payment of the hotel booking no later than 24 hours after receiving it.
c) the amount o be paid of the advance payment of hotel reservations is usually the price of the ordered services (room, foods, etc.) for a one-night lodging in low season and three nights in high season.
Documents of the hotel booking
1) Principle of voucher acceptance: The hotel owner is entitled to either request the prepayment or a partial advance payment.
If he refuses to such power, he agrees to accept the voucher.
The travel agent recognizes the voucher as a payment guarantee that must be paid according to conventional norms and terms.
2) The simple voucher.
The benefits that should appear in detail, especially the arrival and departure dates, they can comprise only the normal services (room and foods).
3) Voucher "full credit".
The emission of this voucher can convey an extension of the normal hotel services, should be subordinated to a specific agreement between the hotel owner and the travel agent.
Payment due to the hotel owner
The prices fixed by the hotel owner to the travel agent for the services making object of the hotel contract, will not be, in any case, higher to those of the hotel rate applied to direct clients, when the invoice is paid by the agent or liquidated directly by the traveler.
When the hotel owner has agreed the special prices in the phases of the hotel reservations, he won't be able to demand greater retribution than the agreed rate.
The hotel owner agrees to respect the prices suited in the contract.
In the event of any modification of prices, a 30-day adjustment term is foreseen for the application of new prices.
This price modification won't be applied to the hotel reservations already confirmed.
The benefits the travel agent will pay are those that appear in the reservation document directed to the hotel owner.
a) Except in case it's been agreed that the invoice be paid directly by the traveler, is the travel agent who has concluded the hotel contract the one who should debit the invoice.
b) The payment of the invoice will be made by the agreed terms or, in absence of a contractual stipulation, within a 30-day frame after receiving the invoice. After the 30 days, the due sums will be increased with an interest fixed to the percentages for every month of delay.
The opening amount of the debit will be increased with the 5% for recovery expenses.
c) For long duration lodgings, the hotel one will be able to request the travel agent, to pay in the course of lodging, the parts of services already given.
d) In the event of hotel booking made by the travel agent for services whose payment will be executed directly by the client, the hotel owner agrees to guarantee the agent's commission.
For such reason the hotel owner can refuse to accept the payment by means of a credit card.
Glossary of terms used in hotels booking
- Travel Agent: Each person or qualified society according to legal dispositions of the same country or for the national associations or for the interested International Federation and which particularly has as an specific activity to make the hotel reservation of rooms and other services in hotels to settle travelers.
- Hotel: Are considered all those facilities that offer vacancies and are affiliated to the AIH, either directly through a national Association and those that classify according to the legal orders of the country where they are located.
- Advance: according to the will of the parts, the amount of the advance payment requested by the hotel can be worth as guarantee deposit to the act of hotels booking.
- Low season: defined according to local customs, subject to particular contracts according to the conditions of the local market.
- Hotel contract: Contract with which a hotel agrees with a travel agent to give hotel services - followed by a hotel reservation - to a costumer of the aforementioned agent.
- Guarantee deposit: advance imposition of the travel agent to the hotel owner, at the moment of the hotel reservation, a part of the price that will be presumed from the total amount of the invoice or should be refunded in the event of the hotels booking.
- Hotel tariffs: lists of the prices on the different services given by the hotel, separately or together, officially published for travelers' use.
- Individual travelers: clients who are not benefited by special rates of group.
- Group Travelers: amount of people traveling together, considered by the travel agent and the hotel owner as an unique entity which obtains from the hotel owner during the hotel reservation, special conditions and rates fixed contractually.
- Voucher: a voucher is a document issued by a travel agent with which he agrees to pay the hotel owner for the benefits to the agency's costumer.
These benefits or their top value will be mentioned in the voucher.
In the event of non-use of all the hotel benefits mentioned in the voucher, the agent's agreement is limited according to the conditions mentioned in item 42 of the convention.
The copy of a voucher can also work as confirmation.

This guide is brought to you by en.OfferteHotel.com [http://en.OfferteHotel.com] and http://www.HostelsPrice.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/404520

 By Cesare Ambrosi

Condo Hotels - The Most Economical Choice in Secondary & Vacation Homes

In a condo hotel, a buyer makes a fee simple purchase of a deeded condominium unit/guestroom. When not occupying the room, the owner may make the unit available to guests at the hotel through a rental management or leaseback program. Any room revenue generated through the program is shared between the unit owner and the developer/managing partner. This scenario provides a host of tangible benefits for the condominium owner, including a deed to a physical room, access to all hotel amenities and the ability to take advantage of a 1031 tax-deferred exchange. Condo hotels differ from other vacation home models in a variety of ways.
The condo hotel concept has numerous advantages over other vacation models, including greater product consistency, fewer ownership conflicts and hassle-free rental opportunities.
Seldom-used vacation homes take time and money to oversee and maintain. With a condo hotel, you get the services and flexibility without the time commitment. The on-site management company takes care of all maintenance, finds renters and takes care of renters' needs on-site.
You have full ownership of your condo hotel unit and may sell it at any time.
When you're not using your unit, you may place it in the hotel's rental management program and share the revenue it generates.
A condo hotel unit is an asset that you may sell at any time, and, you keep 100% of the profits.
Standardized furniture packages are often incorporated into the price, or at minimum, your turnkey unit should look like all the other units in the hotel
Units rented to hotel guests suffer wear and tear. Expect special Furniture, Fixture, and Equipment (FF&E) assessments to replace worn carpet, drapes, furniture, etc.
The rental program allows condo hotel owners to earn rental income and provides access to hotel services and amenities
Potential for tax breaks associated with mortgages and depreciation.
Maintenance free ownership because property managers handle all maintenance.
Ability to take advantage of a 1031 tax-deferred exchange.
To assure room availability for visitors and tourism, local governments may limit the amount of time owners may use their unit.
Financing can be more costly than for a primary residence - usually +1%.
If the owner wants to use the unit, they should notify the hotel in advance.
Owner should pay additional fees if they want to utilize housekeeping and other services.
Income from rental may fluctuate if there is a decline in travel, desirability of the unit, or based on hotel rental rates.
Condo Hotel Owners may need to purchase additional insurance riders to protect against liability claims and damage or loss.
Condo Hotel Owners will pay monthly Condominium Association Fee's
Should a condo hotel owner decide to participate in a rental agreement, they should determine if the property has a static "hotel room" inventory. Commercial unit "rental preferences" over privately owned units could affect rental opportunities, check rental agreement language to insure fair and equitable distribution of rooms among both commercial hotel rooms and participating privately owned condo hotel units.
Additional particulars pertaining to the successful operation of condo-hotels are highlighted as follows:
- Rental contract term is typically 6 months to one year.
- Check owner's intent to occupy notification requirements, necessary to guarantee availability for
individual owners.
- Unit owners should receive quarterly statements showing a detailed breakdown of all unit and account
activity.
- A rotational booking program should be used to ensure that units in the rental program enjoy a fair and
equitable distribution of rooms sold.
- If there is an unusual or extraordinary event, the hotel guest may be charged for damage to the owner's
unit. Normal wear and tear is anticipated and is the responsibility of the unit's FF&E reserve account.
In order to place a unit in a rental program, a management and rental agreement is first signed between the unit owner and the hotel management company. This agreement provides for a number of variables, primarily:
- A portion of the revenues received from the nightly sales of rental program units flows through to the condo hotel owner. This is typically a 50-50 split after a 7-11% Marketing Fee and a 7-10% FF&E Capital Reserve are deducted. The hotel management company/operator retains the remaining portion of the rental revenue stream.
- A Usage Agreement is implemented between the condo hotel owner and the management
company/operator, providing for the implementation of an FF&E reserve.
- The FF&E furnishing packages should meet certain standards. Failure to comply with such standards may either require immediate refurbishment at the unit owners' expense, or the expulsion of non-conforming condos from the rental program.
- Responsibility for the maintenance and repairs of common space is allocated among condominium hotel unit owners, based on their pro-rata shares. A Homeowners' Association (HOA) is usually set up to retain ownership of such areas and oversee the collection of dues from condo hotel unit owners. These dues typically cover reserves, common area maintenance, property insurance and utilities expenses. Property taxes are usually paid for directly by each condo hotel owner, and the hotel manager pays for any operations costs including salaries and other direct hotel expenses.
Developers create projects by building or converting resorts and sell units through sales and marketing programs. Marketing costs can run as much as 11% - 15% of the unit selling price, and are rolled into the price of the unit.
Much of the actual law governing the sale of condo hotels is established by the property's municipality and state. State laws cover most aspects of condo hotel documentation, but there are important federal laws that should be considered. The sale of a condo hotel unit, coupled with certain other elements, classifies the offering as a security.
In 1973, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) determined that selling resort condominiums through a sales effort that emphasized economic benefits (such as rent-programming, mandatory rental program participation and use restriction) made the sale an investment contract and not a real estate contract. This section outlines the key differences between these two transactions.
Security offerings should be registered with the United States Federal Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and should also meet state level securities registration requirements.
The SEC states that:
- The sale can be marketed as an investment as long as it includes information about anticipated rates of
return.
- A seller can represent a condominium hotel unit as an investment (including mandatory participation in
the rental program and potential appreciation in the value of the unit) and can program rents and
expenses among unit owners.
- All sales materials should have the necessary warnings and disclaimers typical of a prospectus.
- Large projects should file periodic disclosure reports with the SEC, similar to publicly traded companies.
If the securities are not registered and not publicly traded, then there are the following limits on resale:
- Sale is limited to accredited investors (who should have certain income/asset levels)
- General advertisement is prohibited
- Sale or resale requires the use of registered securities broker dealers
This first model is the most prevalent type of fee simple real estate transaction. It separately deeds the commercial area of the operating hotel from the guest room areas. It then turns the guest rooms into condominium units which are sold. The hotel's remaining commercial units are retained and operated separately from the Condominium Association. The hotel offers rental agreements to individual condo unit owners; enabling them to take advantage of rental income while at the same time supporting ongoing hotel operations.
In order to place a unit in a rental program, a management and rental agreement is first signed between the unit owner and the hotel management company. This agreement provides for a number of variables, primarily:
A portion of the revenues received from the nightly sales of rental program units flows through to the condo owner. This is typically a 50-50 split after a 7-11% Management Fee and a 5-10% FF&E Capital Reserve are deducted. The hotel management company/operator retains the remaining portion of the rental revenue stream.
A Usage Agreement is implemented between the condo owner and the management company/operator, providing for the implementation of an FF&E reserve.
The FF&E furnishing packages should meet certain standards. Failure to comply with such standards may either require immediate refurbishment at the unit owners' expense, or the suspension or expulsion of non-conforming condos from the rental program.
Responsibility for the maintenance and repairs of common space is allocated among condominium unit owners, based on their pro-rata shares. A Homeowners' Association (HOA) is usually set up to retain ownership of such areas and oversee the collection of dues from unit owners.
This second model deeds the guest rooms into individual condominium units including ownership of the hotel's operating components such as public areas, meeting facilities, and services.
The unit buyers are automatically part of a Condominium Association and hire a third-party to manage operations and assets. The condominium association shares 100% of the economics of the operating hotel.
This second model is less prevalent because Home Owner and Condominium Associations are typically not allowed to execute contracts for periods in excess of a year. While some credible hotel management companies are willing to operate property's on a year to year basis, it is more difficult to negotiate these terms with hotel brand companies.
A fee simple real estate transaction is not considered a security offering (investment) and does not require SEC registration. In order for a property/development to be considered a fee simple real estate transaction, and therefore exempt from SEC registration, it should meet the following criteria as described in the SEC's series of "no-action" letters:
- No emphasis on economic benefits from the efforts of a third party.
- There is a record and timeline of the sales process and the subsequent sale of the rental program.
- No representations may be made regarding economic or tax benefits of ownership.
- Rental services may not be advertised in the materials offering the unit for sale.
*The rental program is not used as an inducement to purchase.
- Prospective purchasers are provided with materials containing publicly available information regarding
*comparable developments. These may not include forward looking estimates or projections or
speculative information.
- No contract for rental or management of the purchased unit may be entered into before a commitment to purchase the unit (non-refundable deposit should be received and the contract should have no unsatisfied contingencies).
- No rental income pooling, accounts must be maintained separately by unit.
- No limits on occupancy by the owner in the sale documents other than those established by generally applicable zoning laws (can have limitations later under the rental program agreement).
- Fairly access all owners, participating or not participating in rental program
*The use and disclosure of such materials (in advance) of purchase may require registration as a
security, check with your counsel.
See the Intrawest No Action Letter
Utilization of The National Association of Condo Hotel Owners, NACHO http://www.nacho.us> advisory, rating & evaluation services to accomplish the by the National Association of Condo Hotel Owners, through the utilization of association guidance into the overall forging of the condo hotel program warranting resulting approval.
No representations made that infer that the purchase represents an investment and instead purely as real-estate and extension of lifestyle.
The rental program may be listed as one of many privileges of ownership.
Response to inquiry during sales process: The rental program does not pay a mortgage but depending on participation, can compensate for a portion of the annual cost of ownership. We are proud members of the National Association of Condo Hotel Owners, we have been "approved" by our evaluation, the results of the evaluation can be found at http://www.nacho.us
With continued buyer questioning on rental program...I apologize but current guidelines require that this sale be made as real-estate and prohibit me from providing any information that may be interrupted as an investment. In advance of your decision to purchase, you are welcome to log onto http://www.nacho.us become a member and see the results of the independent evaluation including resources and tools to help you understand our property and this purchase.
Sharing the details of the rental program in advance of the purchase decision could be interpreted as an inducement to purchase and require refunds and SEC registration.
No contract for rental or management of the purchased unit may be entered into before a commitment to purchase the unit (non-refundable deposit should be received and the contract should have no unsatisfied contingencies)
There is a record and timeline of the sales process and the subsequent sale of the rental program.
The rental program and management agreement is provided following the execution of a purchase and sale agreement and non-refundable deposit.
No rental income pooling, accounts must be maintained separately by unit.
No limits on occupancy by the owner in the sale documents other than those established by generally applicable zoning laws (can have limitations later under the rental program agreement).
Creating disincentives for parties not participating in rental program
Creating disincentives for parties not participating in rental program
Fairly access all owners, participating or not participating in rental program

Dante Alexander is the President & Chief Executive Officer to the National Association of Condo Hotel Owners
Dante Alexander brings more than 20 years of senior leadership experience in the hospitality industry, including the areas of finance, operations, and development to the National Association of Condo Hotel Owners. His strong leadership skills are linked to his broad range of experience with Starwood Hotel & Resorts Worldwide gained over the course of his eight year tenure, where he is credited with enabling the company’s explosive growth from 33 hotels in 1996 to one the worlds leading companies. Most recently he founded Hybrid Lodging, the only asset/property management and development firm solely focused on and committed to blended lodging applications in mixed use, condo/hotels, and integrated vertical lodging high rises and, as such, is an expert in this segment. With the firm’s national presence as one of the nation’s leading lodging companies in this area, he also brings tremendous confidence and commitment to the condo-hotel segment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/399298

By Dante Alexander

Luxury Hotels And Condo Hotels Around The World

There are many gorgeous Luxury Hotels and Condo hotels worldwide. Because most condo hotels are or were luxury hotels, you get outstanding amenities and spectacular views in wonderful locations.
The most recent innovations in the second home industry are the introduction and rapidly increasing popularity of luxury fractional real estate and the condominium hotel, two of the fastest growing segments of the real estate industry today. It has been noted that the luxury fractional or private residence club concept has become attractive because property values in popular resort areas has skyrocketed out of reach for all but the wealthiest buyers. Buyers benefit by owning a property in a luxury resort that they can use for themselves, and take advantage of the high level amenities.
Think of all those amenities you have when you go to a luxury resort. You get daily housekeeping as you would in a luxury hotel. Another factor to keep in mind, if you are buying the condo hotel as an investment, is that when you are reselling a condo hotel unit, you're selling not only the actual unit but also the luxury lifestyle that comes with an amenity-filled, high-service property.
What could be more perfect that owning a luxury vacation home at a landmark resort and receiving rent revenue whenever you're not using it? The properties are usually large, high-rise, luxury hotels operated by big names like Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Sonesta, Starwood or Hilton.
After all, you have worked for an entire year, just to be able to afford a week of luxury and serenity. Most people do not mind splurging on a luxury villa, if they know that they can get everything else for a bargain.
If you plan on taking your pet with you, luxury hotels like the Ritz Carlton and Onyx will treat your pet like a king. First class service is the forte of a luxury hotel, so go ahead and indulge your senses.
Some of the luxury hotels in Boston are named as the most exclusive hotels in the world. A little farther away but within a ten-mile radius are The Hampton Inn, The Westin Hotel, Boston Harbor Hotel, Copley Plaza hotel, Radisson Hotel and The Ritz Carlton, one of the best known luxury hotels in Boston. So, when you want to live in the lap of luxury or in a relatively cheaper but comfortable accommodation, you will have a wide choice when choosing a hotel near Boston College.
There are many gorgeous Luxury Hotels and Condo hotels worldwide. Because most condo hotels are or were luxury hotels, you get outstanding amenities and spectacular views in wonderful locations.
The most recent innovations in the second home industry are the introduction and rapidly increasing popularity of luxury fractional real estate and the condominium hotel, two of the fastest growing segments of the real estate industry today. It has been noted that the luxury fractional or private residence club concept has become attractive because property values in popular resort areas has skyrocketed out of reach for all but the wealthiest buyers. Buyers benefit by owning a property in a luxury resort that they can use for themselves, and take advantage of the high level amenities.
Think of all those amenities you have when you go to a luxury resort. You get daily housekeeping as you would in a luxury hotel. Another factor to keep in mind, if you are buying the condo hotel as an investment, is that when you are reselling a condo hotel unit, you're selling not only the actual unit but also the luxury lifestyle that comes with an amenity-filled, high-service property.
What could be more perfect that owning a luxury vacation home at a landmark resort and receiving rent revenue whenever you're not using it? The properties are usually large, high-rise, luxury hotels operated by big names like Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Sonesta, Starwood or Hilton.
After all, you have worked for an entire year, just to be able to afford a week of luxury and serenity. Most people do not mind splurging on a luxury villa, if they know that they can get everything else for a bargain.
If you plan on taking your pet with you, luxury hotels like the Ritz Carlton and Onyx will treat your pet like a king. First class service is the forte of a luxury hotel, so go ahead and indulge your senses.
Some of the luxury hotels in Boston are named as the most exclusive hotels in the world. A little farther away but within a ten-mile radius are The Hampton Inn, The Westin Hotel, Boston Harbor Hotel, Copley Plaza hotel, Radisson Hotel and The Ritz Carlton, one of the best known luxury hotels in Boston. So, when you want to live in the lap of luxury or in a relatively cheaper but comfortable accommodation, you will have a wide choice when choosing a hotel near Boston College.
A beautiful luxury hotel near Agra (the site of the Taj Mahal) is ideal for weddings. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotel to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lake...everywhere you look there is pink...the color of romance. If you are on a tour and are on the look out for unadulterated luxury, there are many hotels in India from which you can pick and choose.
There are also luxury accommodations in Blackpool, a coastal destination in the United Kingdom, for those looking for a fancier vacation. But book this early; they receive 4 million visitors yearly. One of them is a four star hotel in Blackpool overlooking the sea, Courtney's of Gynn Square is a fine Victorian building amidst the beauty of Gynn Gardens, 20 minutes walk from the Tower and just 400 yards from Gynn Square tram stop. This lovely hotel still retains the glory of its past and offers all the modern facilities; Courtney's is all you would expect from a hotel of this class.
When it's time for your next vacation try out a Luxury Hotel, or if it's time to make an investment in a property, think about the Condo Hotel for years of enjoyment and a source of income.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Travel. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruiseGold.com You can read more of her articles at http://www.ArticleBazaar.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/375699

By Mary Hanna

Knowledgeable Hotel Booking Service

A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging, usually on a short-term basis. Hotels often provide a number of additional guest services such as a restaurant, a swimming pool or childcare. Some hotels have conference services and meeting rooms and encourage groups to hold conventions and meetings at their location. Hotels differ from motels in that most motels have drive-up, exterior entrances to the rooms, while hotels tend to have interior entrances to the rooms, which may increase guests' safety and present a more upmarket image. Basic accommodation of a room with only a bed, a cupboard, a small table and a washstand has largely been replaced by rooms with en-suite bathrooms and climate control. Other features found may be a telephone, an alarm clock, a TV, and broadband Internet connectivity. Food and drink may be supplied by a mini-bar (which often includes a small refrigerator) containing snacks and drinks (to be paid for on departure), and tea and coffee making facilities (cups, spoons, an electric kettle and sachets containing instant coffee, tea bags, sugar, and creamer or milk).
In the United Kingdom a hotel is required by law to serve food and drinks to all comers within certain stated hours; to avoid this requirement it is not uncommon to come across "private hotels" which are not subject to this requirement. However, in Japan the capsule hotel supplies minimal facilities and room space. The cost and quality of hotels are usually indicative of the range and type of services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide during the last decades of the 20th century, standards, especially those of smaller establishments, have improved considerably. For the sake of greater comparability, rating systems have been introduced, with the one to five stars classification being most common.
"Boutique Hotel" is a term originating in North America to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain or branded hotels by providing an exceptional and personalized level of accommodation, services and facilities. Boutique hotels are furnished in a themed, stylish and/or aspirational manner. Although usually considerably smaller than a mainstream hotel (ranging from 3 to 100 guest rooms) boutique hotels are generally fitted with telephone and wi-fi Internet connections, honesty bars and often cable/pay TV. Guest services are attended to by 24 hour hotel staff. Many boutique hotels have on site dining facilities, and the majority offer bars and lounges which may also be open to the general public. Of the total travel market a small percentage are discerning travelers, who place a high importance on privacy, luxury and service delivery.
As this market is typically corporate travelers, the market segment is non-seasonal, high-yielding and repeat, and therefore one which boutique hotel operators target as their primary source of income. A number of hotels have entered the public consciousness through popular culture, such as the Ritz Hotel in London, UK ('Putting on The Ritz') and Hotel Chelsea in New York City, subject of a number of songs and also the scene of the alleged stabbing of Nancy Spungen by her boyfriend Sid Vicious. Hotels that enter folklore like these two are also often frequented by celebrities, as is the case both with the Ritz and the Chelsea. Other famous hotels include the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air and the Chateau Marmont, in California, USA, Watergate complex in Washington DC ,the Hotel Astoria in Saint Petersburg, Russia, the Hotel George V and Hôtel Ritz in Paris, Palazzo Versace hotel on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, Hotel Hermitage and Hotel de Paris in Monaco (in the French Riviera) and Hotel Leningradskaya in Moscow. Many hotels can be considered destinations in themselves, by dent of unusual features of the lodging and/or its immediate environment.
Treehouse hotels Some hotels, such as the Costa Rica Tree House in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, Costa Rica, or Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park, Kenya, are built with living trees as structural elements, making them treehouses. The Ariau Towers near Manaus, Brazil is in the middle of the Amazon, on the Rio Negro. Bill Gates even invested and had a suite built there with satellite internet/phone. Another hotel with treehouse units is Bayram's Tree Houses in Olympos, Turkey Cave hotels Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy, South Australia and the Cuevas Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (named after the author) in Guadix, Spain, as well as several hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey, are notable for being built into natural cave formations, some with rooms underground.
Capsule hotels Capsule hotels are a type of economical hotels that are quite common in Japan. Ice hotels, such as the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, melt every spring and are rebuilt out of ice and snow each winter. Snow hotels The Mammut Snow Hotel in Finland is located within the walls of the Kemi snow castle, which is the biggest in the world. It includes The Mammut Snow Hotel, The Castle Courtyard, The Snow Restaurant and a chapel for weddings, etc. Its furnishings and its decorations, such as sculptures, are made of snow and ice. There is snow accommodation also in Lainio Snow Hotel in Lapland (near Ylläs), Finland. Garden hotels Garden hotels, famous for their gardens before they became hotels, includes Gravetye Manor, the home of William Robinson and Cliveden, designed by Charles Barry with a rose garden by Geoffrey Jellicoe.
Underwater hotels As of 2005, the only hotel with an underwater room that can be reached without Scuba diving is Utter Inn in Lake Mälaren, Sweden. It only has one room, however, and Jules' Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida, which requires scuba diving, is not much bigger. Hydropolis is an ambitious project to build a luxury hotel in Dubai, UAE, with 220 suites, all on the bottom of the Persian Gulf, 20 meters (66 feet) below the surface. Its architecture will feature two domes that break the surface and an underwater train tunnel, all made of transparent materials such as glass and acrylic. Other unusual hotels The Library Hotel in New York City is unique in that its ten floors are arranged according to the Dewey Decimal System. The Rogers Centre, formerly SkyDome, in Toronto, Canada is the only stadium to have a hotel connected to it, with 70 rooms overlooking the field. The Burj al-Arab hotel in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, built on an artificial island, is structured in the shape of a sail of a boat.

Free Venue Finding Service UK & Worldwide + 44 (0)8700 490000 FREE call back service Free Hotel Accommodation Booking Service UK & Worldwide + 44 (0)8707 520433 FREE call back service

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/360793

 By Mandy Chagger

Kenya Hotels: Kenya Hotel Quality Review - Compare Hotel Standards

Kenya's capital boasts top hotels and many furnished apartments. These are rated according to international standards and offer similar service that rival many other destinations in Africa. Here we try to review some of the luxury and budget Kenya hotels that you can stay in.
The Hilton Hotel
The Kenya Hilton Hotel is part of the global Hilton chain and offers all the facilities you need for your Kenyan vacation. The Hilton offers airport transfer service to and from the Kenya based hotel, a limousine serve, club lounge and executive floors including meeting and banqueting services. The rooms are serviced 24 hours and are connected to satellite television. They also offer a health club and a heated swimming pool. Also available is a business centre with internet access and electronic safes in your room.
The Kenya hotel is centrally located within town and offers easy walking access to shopping and the business district and other entertainment joints.
The Yaya fully furnished apartments
The Yaya apartments are located adjacent to Nairobi's premier mall-the Yaya center. The fully furnished apartments offer very secure and spacious 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms. They also have a business service with high speed internet connection, satellite television, flood lit tennis courts, a full equipped gym including other finer luxuries. They will offer airport transfers on request.
The 680 Hotel
The six eighty hotel is in the center of the CBD and is a budget accommodation facility. They offer standard services and are well located for business and pleasure in the central business district of Nairobi. The Kenyatta Conference and exhibition center is only 5 minutes walk and the famous Kenyatta Avenue and Central Park are nearby. This Nairobi-Kenya hotel is famous with budget travelers and mid-level business people.
The Grand Regency Hotel
The grand regency Nairobi-Kenya hotel is situated along the Uhuru Highway and opposite the central park. The hotel offers 5 star deluxe accommodations and is popular with dignitaries visiting for business or pleasure. The Nairobi-Kenya hotel offers 194 deluxe rooms and 1 presidential suite. Food service includes fine dining, buffet and snacks and a coffee shop. They also offer banqueting and conference services. They also offer airport transfer service in either the hotel van or limo. The regency also offers an exclusive health and recreation club and a sun screened pool. The hotel recently opened a very popular in-house casino and also offers an exclusive shopping arcade, beauty parlour, and an airport VIP desk. This is one of the finest hotels in Kenya with all the extras of luxury.
The Mimosa Court furnished and serviced Apartments
The mimosa court apartments are set is a serene and quiet environment away 15 minutes away from the CBD. This is a modern complex of beautifully furnished, fully serviced, and totally secure apartments with short and long-term lets on offer. They offer airport transfers on request.
The apartments are accessible conveniently located within close proximity of popular upmarket shopping malls. Nestled away in peaceful, idyllic surroundings and set in beautiful landscaped tropical gardens all apartments are beautifully appointed. The apartments enjoy a host of value added facilities on site like the pool, a fully equipped gymnasium and health spa and a conference room.
The Jacaranda Hotel
This is a 4 star Nairobi-Kenya hotel set within 4 acres of beautifully landscaped lawns surrounded by lush gardens and jacaranda trees. The serene settings welcome you to jacaranda hotel set 10 minutes from the CBD. The hotel is adjacent to major businesses and next door to a popular shopping mall in westlands, an offshoot satellite business centre from the CBD. The hotel offers airport transfer services. The hotel is popular with business and most safari travelers on their 1 night prior to a wildlife safari. The service is good and moderate ambience.
The Kenya Comfort Hotel
This is another budget hotel in the CBD and offers superior quality budget accommodation. The Kenya based hotel offers single and double accommodation in clean and well laid out rooms. It also offers conference facilities and internet connectivity. The hotel is popular with visiting student and volunteer groups as well as budget safari groups. See site for a full range of affordable Kenya rates for budget and luxury, hotel, lodge and apartments.
The Serena Hotel
This is a five star Kenyan hotel is set next to the Central park of Nairobi. The hotel is heavily rich in ambience and service is perfect. The food ranges from continental to western, Indian and Chinese cuisine. The hotel offers high standard accommodation with spacious rooms, a satellite TV, minibar in rooms. There is also business centre and internet connectivity in the cyber café. They have 2 indoor bars, a pool and bar, a fully equipped gym and aerobics studio and well manicured grounds for banqueting and airport transfers. Its conferencing facilities are also of high quality with well furnished conference halls and arranged private meetings in rooms. The Nairobi Serena is popular with high-end business and safari travelers.
The Nairobi Safari Club Hotel
This is a Nairobi-Kenya hotel located in periphery of the CBD and next to the Nairobi University. The Kenya based hotel's maize cob architecture is unique and gives it a towering resemblance to the Malaysian tower. The hotel is an all en-suite and is very popular with family groups traveling for safari with their children. The service is standard and food is good. It also has a members club, a swimming pool and health and fitness centre and offers airport transfers. The business centre offers internet connectivity and beauty parlour.
The Norfolk Hotel and furnished apartments
This former colonial bastion has a rich history and was a preserve of the colonialists. The 5- star Nairobi-Kenya hotel is set on the outskirts of the CBD and opposite the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the Nairobi University. It is set in a quite serene environment and yet a 5 minute walks from the CBD. The hotel offers spacious rooms fronting well manicured lawns strewn with colonial and world war relics and gunship (defunct though).
The ambience is British in style and offers fine dining and has several well serviced conference rooms. The hotel has undergone heavy refurbishment that has brought a modern aura while retaining the historical touch. It is famous with high end business and safari travelers mainly from Europe. The service is excellent and reflective of its 5-star rating. Airport transfers offered.
The Norfolk Kenya apartments are high-end fully furnished and serviced apartments for short and long-term stay. The five-star apartments are located next to the hotel and are popular with expatriate clients working in Kenya for 2 weeks or more. They have well manicured lawns and are well serviced. The security is good and in quiet.
The Intercontinental Hotel
The hotel is set next to Kenya's seat of government-the parliament buildings and opposite the Kenyatta national monument. The 5-star Nairobi-Kenya hotel is also opposite the central park and offers a quiet atmosphere easily accessible from the CBD. Service is impeccable and ambience is mainly American up market and convenience. The hotel rooms are spacious and overlooking the power bastions of the Kenyan government. It also offers airport transfers. It has high security ratings owing to its location in well guarded government establishments. The hotel is popular with business travelers and up market safari tourists. The American market easily identifies with the Intercontinental since it's the only chain of American hotel in Nairobi Kenya.
The Boulevard hotel
The Kenyan based boulevard hotel is located in an evergreen quiet location a few yards from the Norfolk hotel. The hotel rooms are surrounded by trees and fronting the Nairobi river. The hotel's quiet environment offers the silence for private parties and informal meetings. The hotel also offers airport transfers. The hotel ambience is standard and service is good. Security is good despite being tucked in a forested environ.
The Safari Park Hotel
The Kenya based hotel is a 5-star facility. The buildings are well camouflaged by shingle tiling. It is located about 20 minutes from the CBD along one of the main highways to Mt. Kenya. The hotel is set on an expansive compound with well manicured lawns and a spacious parking lot. The hotel is surrounded by huge thorn trees that provide an excellent cover from the tropical sun. The rooms are large, air conditioned and serviced with satellite TV and minibar. Service is impeccable and the ambience African. It also offers airport transfers. It is a popular entertainment theatre with large conference facilities. It hosts a lot of conference groups and business travelers. Hoping you enjoy your stay at a Kenyan hotel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/347243

By Robert Muhoho

The Boutique Hotel: A Unique Experience

Although travel has always been an ancient pastime, the rapid development of the aeroplane in the twentieth century has changed the way ordinary people travel for good. As a result, the modern notion of the "hotel" has changed considerably; hotels are no longer places where the holiday maker simply seeks temporary respite, or where the author retreats to writs his masterpiece. Hotels now provide comprehensive services, often luxury, such as award-winning restaurants, swimming pools, gym facilities, beauty spas and sometimes childcare services.
Recently, the development of the boutique hotel has made a dramatic impact on hotel culture. Originating in major cities, like New York, London and San Francisco in the 1980s, boutique hotels are also known as "design" or "lifestyle" hotels. New York's Morgans Hotel was the first to be awarded the title in 1984 and, though the term tends to be overused these days, the boutique hotel is generally a type of hotel that is usually quite small and is established with the aim of becoming a destination in its own right, rather than serving tourists in a particular locality. The take-off of boutique hotels since the 1980s, however has led to some confusion regarding the term, with many international hotel chains launching their own boutique hotels, most famously Starwood Hotels and Resorts' W Hotels.
Most travel agents and websites, however, will define the boutique hotel as a hotel of fewer than 50 rooms which seeks to make your stay an experience unique to that particular hotel. Since the establishment of the Morgans Hotel, a host of other boutique hotels have sprung up across the world in varying conglomerations. In London, for example, boutique hotels have been difficult to find in the past, with the city's more exciting hotels verging towards the larger varieties. Since London rents are so high, small boutique hotels are not always economically viable. However, a number of boutique hotels have opened there in recent years. These include Guesthouse West in Notting Hill (described as "Notting Hill boutique sensibility meets bed and breakfast"), Baglioni Hotel London in Kensington, and The Soho Hotel in Soho.
On the other hand, Paris is packed with a variety of boutique hotels from which to choose; one of the first was the Montalembert on the Left Bank, and more recent boutique hotels have included Hotel de Sers on avenue Pierre and Hotel Sezz near the Eiffel Tower. Conversely, boutique hotels in Rome are hard to come by, the most notable being the Hotel Russie (not even a boutique hotel in the strictest terms, but an excellent design hotel), and the Hotel Art, a former chapel on the picturesque street of Via Margutta.
New York's boutique hotels are generally larger than in the rest of the world, partly due to the extremely high rents, but also owing somewhat to the American meaning of the boutique hotel, which emphasises atmosphere and experience over size. Its healthy boutique hotel culture includes the SoHo Grand and 60 Thompson, both in SoHo, as well as W Times Square and the City Club Hotel in Midtown West. As boutique hotel culture grows, more travel companies are expanding their selection of boutique hotels to their customers. Travel Intelligence boutique hotels, for example, combines experienced user reviews and professional know-how to provide customers with a comprehensive list of the world's most dazzling boutique hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/322562

By Michael Hanna

10 Tips for a Hotel Stay in New York City

Before you embark on your New York journey read about the hotels that will make your stay a memorable one.
The Library in Midtown Manhattan
The Library Hotel is more 'literati' than 'glitterati': more private club than hotel. Each of the ten guestrooms is dedicated to one of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System: Social Sciences, Literature, Languages, History, Math & Science, General Knowledge, Technology, Philosophy, The Arts and Religion. Each of the sixty rooms is individually designed with a collection of art and books relevant to one distinctive topic within the category of floor it belongs to. Guests may request their room based on their personal interests. The Writer's Den with its skyline views and the Poetry Garden, a sparkling green house, are perfect places to relax and absorb this culture.
Tips:
Access to the hotel's video library of the American Film Institutes top 100 films -- Monday through Saturday there's a complimentary wine and cheese reception -- For the night time players, magical nights await you at the Bookmarks Lounge on the 14th floor, which serve signature cocktails like the Great Gatsby and the Capote.
Sofitel New York in the Manhattan area
The contemporary 30-story Sofitel New York, represents the French art of living through its décor. Art work of old Paris and New York fill this space. Traditional French fare is served at the French brasserie, Gaby Restaurant and even the staff uniforms are designed by renowned designer Jean Charles de Castelbajac. Guests will enjoy the hotel's evening turndown services, which include Evian water and a fresh cut rose. The Art Deco sitting room is the perfect place for some downtime as well as viewing the extensive collection of contemporary art that adorns the walls. The hotel's award winning design surrounds a 30-story curved tower bordered by two 20-story wings, which overlooks the Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building.
Tips:
Don't leave New York without sampling the inventive French cuisine with Asian influences, served up at the Art Deco inspired, Gaby Restaurant -- The Petit Bijou gift shop is an exquisite emporium with items imported from France.
The Hudson Hotel in the Midtown area
The Hudson Hotel is a brand new offering from hotelier extraordinaire, Ian Schrager. It is said to be the hippest hotel on the block with stunning views across the Hudson River. Designer, Phillipe Starke has created a fantastical world where flawless design dances with daredevil technology in a perfect combination of light, sound and shape. There's an exhibition kitchen restaurant, a lobby bar, and library bar with billiards, indoor and outdoor private park, and a ceiling fresco by renowned painter Francesco Clemente, 18.000 square feet of indoor/outdoor event space and a business centre. The design was inspired by ocean travel romance and the setting of a private cabin on an upscale yacht. Vogue Magazine describes the hotel as "surreal chic, brilliantly designed, and gorgeous."
Tips:
Hudson Sky Terrace located on the 15th floor is a large private landscaped terrace where you can enjoy cocktails and sweeping city and Hudson River views -- For your sleeping pleasure, Hudson beds have Egyptian cotton sheets with 300 thread count.
The Dream Hotel in the Midtown area
The Dream Hotel in New York was opened by socialite-hotelier Vikram Chatwal in 2004. The décor includes a copper statue of Catherine the Great, Neptune and Madonna with child, all surrounded by mismatched armchairs. The design theme is best described as haute couture meets Alice in Wonderland 'whimsical'. This luxury playground has all the latest technology and three lounges each offering their own delights: Subconcious is subterranean lounge with a Labyrinth of Alcoves, the Epernay and Lobby Bar is a vibrant space designed by architect Mark Zeff and AVA, named after movie star Ava Gardner is the Dream Hotel's penthouse lounge which offers cocktails and stunning views of Time Square.
Tips:
The Chopra Center which is devoted to Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing science studied by founder Deepak Chopra is situated below ground. A glass elevator transports guests to this world of exclusive pampering - A feast of sublime Northern Italian cuisine awaits you at the Fellini-inspired restaurant, Serafina, designed by the Rockwell Group.
The 60 Thompson in the SoHo District
100 room luxury-driven lifestyle hotel by famed designer, Thomas
O'Brien is a favorite with the trendy downtown scene. The breathtaking rooftop "members" lounge, and Kittichai restaurant complement the modern and chic sensibility of 60 Thompson. This luxury hotel is set back from the street behind a courtyard of birch trees. The interior features photographs by Laura Resen and a roof garden that has a 360 degree view of Manhattan's skyline. This hotel was selected as "One of the World's Hottest Hotels" by Conde Nast Traveler and Entertainment Weekly named it the "It Hotel" for entertainment's elite.
Tips:
Indulge your senses at chic Thai restaurant Kittichai on the ground floor with patio dining and a gold-suffused bar -- Feel like a princess in swanky marble-swathed bathrooms with mosaic tile floors, and Philosophy bath products.
Trump International Hotel & Tower in the Manhattan area
Location, location... this hotel certainly is prime real estate: situated at the foot of Central Park, and just across Columbus Circle from the Time Warner Center. Opening in 1997, the contemporary 52-story tower hotel was designed by renowned architects Philip Johnson and Costas Kondylis. Today, Trump International Hotel & Tower is one of only four properties in North America to hold the prestigious Mobil five-star rating for both the hotel and its in-house restaurant, Jean Georges. With a host of unique innovations and complimentary amenities there is no doubt you're residing in the world of the super-rich, Donald Trump. The rooms have ten-foot high ceilings with nine-foot floor-to-ceiling windows so guests can have the pleasure of all-round views of Manhattan.
Tips:
A 6,000-square-foot health club with 55-foot indoor lap pool and a full-service spa -- For guests its business as usual at the 383 square feet Executive Boardroom with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Broadway and Lincoln Center -- Each guest receives personalized stationery and business cards along with a cellular phone on request.
Hotel Plaza Athénée in the Manhattan area
Located on the fashionable Upper East Side of Manhattan, this hotel brings a bit of Europe to the finest streets of New York. Renovated in 2003, and a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Hotel Plaza Athénée is without a doubt one of New York's finest hotels. This European-style boutique hotel with its 152 rooms is located on a tree-lined residential street that offers a peaceful and home-like atmosphere. All of the rooms and suites have French fabrics, period furniture, artwork, and rose aurora marble bathrooms and suites. Earth tones and smoking rooms bring back a bit of old-world charm.
Tips:
Serious shoppers paradise: walking distance to Madison Avenue with Georgio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany's, Barney's, Bloomingdales and Bergdorf Goodman Department stores - - Don't leave New York without having a cocktail at the Seine and Arabelle Bars where Carrie Bradshaw sat and drank when they filmed Sex in the City.
The 70 Park Avenue Hotel in Midtown Manhattan
One of New York's most revered midtown hotels is situated near Grand Central Station, right on famous Park Avenue. The 70 Park Avenue Hotel recently went through an extensive multi-million dollar renovation under the direction of renowned residential designer Jeffrey Bilhuber, who has worked with celebrities such as David Bowie, Iman and Hubert de Givenchy. The hotel is decorated in warm earth tones and rich dark woods and the lobby living room features a 14-foot limestone and sandstone fireplace. The 188 newly decorated guest rooms including 6 parlors and 3 penthouse suites are bright and spacious with stylish neo classical décor and luxurious comforts.
Tips:
Leisure guests will find convenience in the walking distance from Fifth Avenue boutiques; the city's finest arts and cultural centers, which include the Museum of Modern Art, Empire State Building, United Nations, Broadway and Times Square - - The 2,000 square-foot Penthouse Suite with wrap-around balcony and great views from its 17th floor perch is ideal for swanky social events or parties.
The Benjamin in the Midtown area
Originally opened in 1927 as The Hotel Beverly it was considered one of world-renowned architect Emery Roth's most successful creations. The hotel was purchased and renovated to its original grandeur in 1999 by Affinia Hospitality and named after its founder, Benjamin J. Denihan, Sr. Today, this sophisticated, boutique style hotel has lavish marble bathrooms, rich mahogany-finished furnishings and a personal well-equipped business area, attracting both business and leisure guests. The Benjamin is famous for its custom-made mattresses adorned with Frette linens and down filled duvets. It's probably the only hotel in the world that offers a menu of ten different pillows! One block from Park Avenue businesses, near the Empire State Building, the United Nations, Rockefeller Center and Fifth Avenue shopping.
Tips:
One of only four Five-Globe ECOTEL, certified properties in the world, this eco-friendly hotel's core philosophy, encompasses every aspect of hotel operation and guest service -- The Affinia Wellness Spa is a holistic experience that will transform your mind, body and spirit.
The SoHo Grand Hotel in the SoHo area
Built in 1996 as the first hotel in SoHo in more than a century; the SoHo Grand Hotel was designed by Bill Sofield and architected by David Helpern. This 17-story hotel is a favorite of the fashion and entertainment industries. The Grand Bar & Lounge, also known as "SoHo's living room", has recently been redesigned by renowned designer, William Sofield. Famous guests Kevin Spacey, Spike Lee and Naomi Campbell have stayed here. Pets have stayed here too. In fact dogs are offered their own toothbrush and toothpaste. A total of 367 custom designed rooms, 16-foot windows draped with 900-pound velvet curtains and a ceiling fashioned out of handmade mercury mirror glass embedded with chicken wire all make it the most fantastical place on earth.
Tips:
Near chic galleries, theaters, restaurants and shops: you'll definitely run into someone famous in the TriBeCa, Greenwich Village and meatpacking district --
Speaking of famous, the hotel's Gallery and Grand Bar & Lounge features the new 'out there' American cuisine like Maple Barbecued Quail and chocolate-dipped homemade graham crackers with brûléed meringue. Welcome to America!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/281540

By Bronwen Elisabeth Roberts

An Introduction To Hong Kong Hotels

Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist destinations today. Every year, millions of tourists visit Hong Kong, which primarily consists of the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula, the New Territories and 260 other islands. Hong Kong is also one of the biggest business destinations in Asia, and thus attracts a lot of business visitors.
There are hundreds of hotels in Hong Kong, including several high-class ones. Most of the hotels are located in Tsimshatsui, which is the place for shopping, food, and entertainment. Causeway Bay, North Point, and the new territories also have some very good hotels. Central, Admiralty and Wanchai, which are the financial districts, also have fantastic hotels.
Hotels in Hong Kong are top class, with world-class facilities and comforts. There are hotels that cater to all classes of tourists, with all budgets and various needs. Rents of rooms start from $100 to $200 on average and may go up to $600 per day. There are also some hotels where the prices of rooms start from less than $100 and they come in the budget category. Some of the most popular hotels under the $100 are the City Garden Hong Kong, Wharney Hotel, South Pacific Hong Kong, Majestic Hotel Hong Kong, Kimberley Hotel, Park Hotel Hong Kong, Royal Pacific Hotel, and New World Renaissance Hong Kong.
Hotel rooms in the range of $100-$150 include: Marco Polo Gateway Hotel Hong Kong, Marco Polo Prince Hotel, Regal Hong Kong Airport Hotel, Novotel Century Hong Kong, Harbour Plaza Hotel, Marco Polo Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Hyatt Regency Hotel, Excelsior Hong Kong, Holiday Inn Hong Kong Golden Mile, and Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel. Then there some more hotels such as the Renaissance Harbour View, Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong, JW Marriott Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Hotel, Inter-Continental Hotel (formerly The Regent), Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and Peninsula Hotel, which have rooms priced at over $200.
However, the most premium hotels are the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Panda Hotel, Emperor Happy Valley Hotel, The Charterhouse, Kowloon Hotel, Dorsett Olympic Hotel, Cosmo Hotel, Guangdong Hotel, and the Dorsett Sea view hotel, among many others. Room rents for these hotels are in the range of $700-$1,000 or more per day, for a standard room. The different kinds of hotel rooms are generally the standard rooms, deluxe rooms, deluxe courtyard room, grand deluxe view room, and suites like the superior suite, deluxe suite and others.
Most of the Hong Kong hotels offer excellent cuisine consisting of fresh seafood, which is one of the specialties of Hong Kong. They also offer sightseeing services, cruises and night tours, airport transfer services, and host several indoor facilities such as: restaurants, bars, saloons, pools, gardens, spas, conference rooms, champagne bars, fitness facilities, and heated pools, massage treatments, and even Tai Chi and Yoga classes. The rooms are huge and offer high-speed Internet connectivity, television with cable, mini bars, massage showerheads, and others.

Hong Kong Hotels provides detailed information on Hong Kong Hotels, Luxury Hong Kong Hotels, Discount Hong Kong Hotels, Hong Kong Hotel Reservations and more. Hong Kong Hotels is affiliated with Cheap Singapore Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/253966

By Elizabeth Morgan

Condo Hotels Offer Innovative Way to Own a Vacation Home

Many people dream of owning a vacation home. But often concerns about maintaining it, renting it out in the off-season, or even justifying the expense when it's only to be used for a couple weeks of the year keep them from making the dream a reality.
Now condo hotels, an innovative type of vacation home ownership, provide a welcome solution to all these problems. Also known as condotels or aparthotels, condo hotels have been growing in popularity as a hassle-free approach to owning a luxurious second home in a great vacation destination like Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, the Caribbean and Dubai.
Condo hotel buyers purchase an actual condominium unit in an upscale hotel or resort. The property functions as a full-service hotel, and owners have access to all facilities, amenities and services just like hotel guests.
They receive a deed to their unit and can use their vacation home when they want. When not in residence, they can place their unit into the hotel's rental program and share in the revenue it generates. Like most real estate investments, the owner can also sell his condo hotel unit at any time and may make a profit on its appreciated value.
Young professionals, baby boomers and seniors alike are just beginning to discover the benefits of owning a condo hotel unit. They appreciate the hassle-free nature of condo hotels as a second home in which a professional management company handles everything from property maintenance to finding hotel guests to rent the units. They also consider condo hotels a means to diversify their investments.
Condo hotels differ from timeshares in a number of ways. With timeshares, buyers pay only for the right to use the property for a set amount of time each year, usually a single week. They don't own the title to the property, and they do not receive any rent revenue for the weeks they're not in residence.
Condo hotel owners can use their condos when they want throughout the year, within the guidelines of the individual development. They receive a percentage of any revenue their unit generates when they're not there and the unit is rented out to hotel guests.
Timeshares traditionally diminish in value over time, rather than appreciate. While the history of condo hotel resales is rather limited, they are seen as an appreciating asset.
How do condo hotels differ from owning a traditional single family house or condominium? Consumers who purchase a regular condominium pay property taxes, insurance and maintenance fees, but typically don't have access to hotel-type amenities.
Condo hotels, on the other hand, are not your standard second home. They are beautifully furnished suites in some of the most prestigious hotels and resorts around the world.
The properties often feature four- or five-star amenities, ranging from full-service spas and fitness centers to fully-equipped business centers and fine-dining restaurants. They also come with exceptional hotel services like concierge, valet and room service.
With condo hotels, owners reap the rewards of condo ownership while enjoying the privileges of a full-service hotel.
Most condo hotels are operated by big-brand management companies such as Hyatt, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Starwood, Hilton, Trump, InterContinental and Rosewood. Typically they are luxury hotels located on prime land, overlooking the ocean or a golf course, near popular theme parks, or in the heart of a booming downtown.
Condo hotel units range from studios and full-size apartments to luxurious penthouses and villas. Prices for these homes range from $250,000 to over one million for top properties.
What makes the condo hotel concept so appealing? When owners are not using their condo hotel unit, they have the option of placing it into the hotel's rental program. They receive 40%-60% of the revenue their unit generates (it varies by property), with the balance going to the hotel operator. The revenue generated helps offset the costs of owning a holiday home.
While many hotel operators don't guarantee the rental of the condo, by capitalizing on the hotel's brand name, strong sales and marketing capabilities, centralized reservation system and management expertise, owners typically receive a higher level of rental income than they would from a traditional vacation home.
More importantly, ownership is 100 percent hassle-free, as the hotel operator takes care of finding hotel guests and maintaining the unit as well as managing the property's many facilities.
How are the ownership expenses split? As part of the rental agreement, the hotel pays for most operating expenses such as housekeeping, administration, sales and marketing. The condo hotel owner typically pays for real estate taxes, insurance and capital improvements. The rental revenue that owners receive helps defray these expenses and, in some cases, provides additional income.
While developers primarily sell their condo hotel units as a lifestyle and vacation home alternative, many buyers see merit in the condo hotel concept as an investment tool. They say it gives them the best of both worlds. They can enjoy all of the benefits of vacationing in a first-class hotel or resort while they own a property that has potential to appreciate. It's the ultimate second home and real estate investment combined into one!

Joel Greene is the President of Condo Hotel Center, a Miami-based real estate firm that specializes in the sale of condo hotels worldwide. For further information about condo hotels and to see property listings, photographs and prices for over 120 exciting condo hotel opportunities available around the world, visit http://www.CondoHotelCenter.com and http://www.CondoHotelsDubai.com. Be sure to sign up for the FREE Property Alert newsletter to learn about new properties coming on the market and to receive a complimentary copy of the Condo Hotel Report.
Condo Hotel Center can be contacted at info@CondoHotelCenter.com or 305-944-3090.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/217609

By Joel Greene

Disneyland Hotel

During the spring of 1954, Walt Disney approached the Texas oil wildcatter and television pioneer Jack Wrather concerning the possibility of building accommodations for the many guests that Walt hoped would flock to his innovative "theme park," then under construction in Anaheim, California. Since the "imagineering" and building of Disneyland was taking nearly every penny that he had, Walt approached Jack, hoping that his long-time friend would be willing to take such a huge risk. Wrather was the producer of Lassie, The Lone Ranger, and Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, popular 1950s television programs.
Originally, Walt had approached Hilton executives and other well-known hotel chains, hoping to convince them to finance the construction of a first-class hotel next to Disneyland. However, the general consensus was that such a venture was too risky. No one was certain that what was quickly becoming known as "Disney's folly" would be successful.
In 1954, Anaheim was a little-known community, largely consisting of orange groves. The entire city had only seven small motels and hotels, accommodating only a total of 87 guests. Wrather admitted at the time that he was somewhat skeptical about building in such a small community (of approximately 30,000), next to an experimental and yet unfinished theme park. His doubts were further increased by the fact that the risky venture had already been turned down by more than one major hotel chain.
Wrather spent several days with Walt Disney, looking into the area's potential for expansion. Legend has it that Walt had tears in his eyes while describing his dream of Disneyland to Wrather. With a sense of adventure, Wrather became convinced that the idea just might be a success. Also, with Walt showing such emotion for and dedication to his project, how could Wrather have resisted?
One of the first discussions between the two friends was where the hotel should be located. Wrather first talked of locating it near the entrance to Disneyland. Walt said, "Jack, our guests aren't going to be thinking about a hotel when they begin their visit to Disneyland. They'll start looking for a room when they leave the park. The best place to build your Hotel is near the Disneyland exit." Wrather agreed with Walt's logic and leased 60 acres of Disney-owned land on West Street directly across from the Disneyland exit. There he built what was to become known as the "Official Hotel of the Magic Kingdom."
On March 18, 1955, Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather (his wife), and Anaheim Mayor Charles Pearson, using a three-handled shovel, officiated at the groundbreaking for the Disneyland Hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel opened on October 5, 1955, nearly three months after Disneyland's live televised grand opening on July 17, 1955. The first guests registered at a hotel having only 104 guest rooms located in five two-story complexes, built at the southeast corner of the leased property. These were the South Garden rooms, later to be known as the Oriental Gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnone of Inglewood, California were to be the first guests at the newly opened hotel.
The Disneyland Hotel was the first major resort to be built in Southern California since the early 1940's. However, the number of available rooms quickly proved to be insufficient for the unexpected demand, and 96 more units of the same type were added the following year on the property's northeast section. Built by Hodges and Vergrift Construction Company, this new addition was called the North Garden rooms, later renamed the Garden Villas.
During the first year, room rates ranged from $9 for a standard room to $22 for deluxe quarters. Rooms were advertised as accommodating four people. For an additional adult, there was a $3 charge.
At the same time that construction had begun on the additional garden rooms at the northeastern corner of the property, construction was under way on the Administration Building, which would house a lobby, restaurants, shops, and meeting rooms. The Gourmet Restaurant was opened in a converted ranch house on the property, redesigned by C. Tony Pereira. This converted ranch house had been the original Disneyland administration building.
The original hotel design, by the architectural firm of Pereira and Luckman, called for 300 motel and hotel rooms, suites and garden apartments. Also included were plans for three swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, cocktail lounges, and four restaurants. The original blueprints designated a total of 10 buildings in the South Garden or Oriental Garden section. However, only five buildings were actually built.
The opening of the Administration Building (which would later become the Travelport), and the "official" grand opening for the hotel was on August 25, 1956. It was a star-studded grand opening celebration that resembled a Hollywood movie premiere. Celebrities in attendance included Walt Disney, Art Linkletter, William Bendix, Alan Ladd, Sue Caroll, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Jeanne Crain. Also in attendance were as many as three hundred enthusiasts, observing the ribbon-cutting and taking a grand tour of the facilities.
By 1956, there were 204 guest rooms and suites at the Disneyland Hotel. As an added attraction, each garden patio had its own orange tree, a reminder of what the original property had been only a few short years earlier. This had been a part of the original plans when the grounds were being cleared to build the hotel. An additional amenity at this time was the Coral Club which included a huge 45-foot by 75-foot completely tiled and heated swimming pool, wading pools for children of all ages, fountains, sandlots, and a cabana area. The pools were surrounded by lounge furniture for guests' relaxation and so that they might acquire a Southern California tan. One-day laundry and dry cleaning services were available, and a physician and nurse were on call. An 18-hole putting greens and shuffleboard courts were also early inclusions at the Disneyland Hotel.
Guests were able to register for a hotel room from their car or they could go into the lobby for a more traditional method of registration. There were parking spaces for 1000 cars, and parking was free. Also, limo and bus service was provided. Richfield Oil (also the Disneyland sponsor of Autopia) offered full automotive care. Even in the 1950s, every room was equipped with a television set and air conditioning.
During these early years, the attendance at Disneyland was beyond the most optimistic expectations. Even Walt had to be amazed by the overwhelming success of his dream. As a result, the City Council of Anaheim began reviewing plans for other motels and restaurants. Disneyland had proven all the skeptics to be wrong, and Disneyland was destined to bring major changes to what once had been a sleepy, orange grove community.
From the beginning, the Disneyland Hotel was one of the outstanding showplaces of Orange County. Celebrities such as Jack Benny, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Billy Graham, and Cary Grant were often spotted at the hotel. These and other celebrities enjoyed bringing their families for a stay at the hotel and for a trip to Walt's park. Also attracted were business people, coming for luncheons, meetings, and conventions. The Disneyland Hotel quickly had become the place to see and the place to be seen.
Room rates in 1957 were advertised from $10 to $19. SuitesÊwent for between $22 and $25. The hotel's brochures boasted of an assortment of shops, air conditioned rooms, television in every room, pools of all sizes, restaurant and cocktail facilities. Also touted was tram service to Disneyland every five minutes, transportation via a Disneyland station wagon, playgrounds, childcare facilities, barber and beauty shops. Doctor, nurse and even dental facilities were available on the grounds. The brochures further emphasized a private sundeck or patio for every room. Best of all, the Disneyland Hotel was billed as the only hotel right at the Magic Kingdom of Disneyland. Also in the late 1950s, the concept of "seasonal" and "non-seasonal" rates first appeared. Typically, it would cost a dollar or two more for a room during the holidays and summer months (late May through mid September).
By 1959, over 25 hotels and motels had crowded around Disneyland to take advantage of the Park's spectacular drawing power. By 1960, Anaheim had established itself as Orange County's largest city, with a population in excess of 100,000. People were traveling from all areas of the world to visit the "Happiest Place on Earth." Indeed, Anaheim had magically grown from a quiet, small agricultural community into a mecca of tourism, and the boom had only begun. As Walt had promised on opening day, the park continued adding attractions (the Monorail, the Submarine Voyage, and the Matterhorn all opening in 1959); and the hotel continued to grow, having more than 300 rooms by 1960. A 13,000-square foot convention center was also added at that time.
Rates for rooms in 1960 ranged from $10 to $26 a night during the off-season and from $16 to $29 in season, the holidays and the summer months.
At a press conference held in 1960, Jack Wrather and Walt Disney announced plans for the extension of the Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System to link the park to the hotel. Walt had long envisioned a rapid transit system for major U.S. cities, and this addition to the Monorail would provide a working model. Dick Nunis, who worked his way up from a summer job in 1955 to become the president of Disneyland in 1980, stated that Walt saw the Monorail as more than just an attraction; Walt saw it as aÊworkable transportation system. He wanted to demonstrate its potential as urban rapid transit, and so he envisioned the monorail's extension to the hotel.
The park's monorail was closed for construction on April 10, 1961. Disneyland also had to closed Autopia to facilitate the installation of new pylons through its grounds. The original 8/10th-of-a-mile track would be extended by 12,300 feet, making it nearly a two-and-a-half mile round-trip journey between the park to the hotel. The cost of the extension was $1.9 million ($500,000 more than the original cost of the Monorail when it was installed at Disneyland less than two years earlier). The construction required more than 118,000 hours of labor, 10,760 tons of sand, 66,700 bags of cement and 702 tons of steel. New style Mark II trains were introduced for the extended Monorail including a new gold colored train. The Monorail, with its extension to the Disneyland Hotel, reopened on June 1, 1961.
Other major expansions were planned for the hotel in the early 1960s. They included a new golf complex featuring an 18-hole, par-three course, a 50-tee driving range, and a miniature golf course with the individual holes named after Disneyland attractions. One of the course favorites was hole #5, which featured a mini replica of the Matterhorn Mountain. Also added at this time was a helicopter landing pad, linking Los Angeles International Airport with Disneyland and the Disneyland Hotel. The new facility provided an efficient transportation link for both business people and tourists. Soon, LAA Airways was operating an average of 12 flights per day to and from the airport in its 28-passenger, turbo-jet copter liners.
In 1961, the Wrather Corporation went public, offering 350,000 shares of common stock. President and Chairman of the Board Jack Wrather and the Wrather Corporation had grown to include four major divisions: Television and motion pictures, the Disneyland Hotel, the Muzak Corporation (the often satirized elevator music), and Stephen's Marine, Inc. The company also was involved in management services for various other marine based businesses.
The Anaheim skyline was also about to undergo a major change in 1961 when the concept of "building up" replaced the concept of "building out." At the Disneyland Hotel, an 11-story, high-rise tower was built. This added 150 new guest rooms to the hotel complex. At that time, it was the county's tallest building and the nation's tallest building constructed utilizing the post-tension, lift-slab method. Another exciting innovation was an external, glass elevator, one of only a handful constructed at the time in this country. Its designer, architect Kurt Weber, recalled that the glass elevator offered a dramatic view of the growing community of Anaheim. It also took guests to the Top of the Park Lounge, which featured breathtaking views of Disneyland. The Lounge offered alcoholic beverages and nightly entertainment in a decidedly blues motif. Constructed for the less adventurous was the Monorail Lounge which was located next to the Monorail station on the second floor level. Ground had been broken for the new tower building in October of 1961. The project was completed less than a year later in September of 1962. At that time, two additional Garden structures were also added to the hotel.
In 1962, rates ranged from $17 for a room with a twin bed to $53 for two deluxe and medium adjoining rooms during vacation and holiday seasons, $10 to $47 during off-season. There were new rates for the tower building. A twin-bedded room was priced from $24 vacation rate up to $35 for a room with two double beds. Off-season, tower rooms were priced from $20 to $26.
Orange County celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1964. At a press conference held at the Disneyland Hotel, the announcement was made that Major League Baseball was coming to Anaheim. The Angels would continue to play in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium until their new Anaheim stadium was constructed in approximately two years. During their first year in Anaheim, the Angels would lead the American League in attendance, attracting over one million fans.
By 1964, during vacation and holiday season, room rates were $17 for a single room, $53 for an adjoining deluxe room with a medium room, and $30 for a deluxe room alone. Winter rates were advertised from $10 for a single small room to $49 for an adjoining deluxe with medium room. The Tower rooms were priced from $24 to $35 during peak-season and $20 to $28 during off- season. Peak-season now was being defined as from June 1 to September 15, December 11 to January 3, and April 9 to April 24.
Both the Disneyland Hotel and Disneyland celebrating their "Tencennials," 10-years of successful operations, in 1965. The hotel announced plans for the Tower Annex, an expansion to the existing tower, which would now give the hotel 616 guest rooms. An additional six conference rooms (bringing the total to 28) would be added to the complex. These conference rooms would be designed to hold from 15 people to two thousand people.
A new shopping plaza building was also constructed on the hotel grounds. It was described as having glass walls and graceful grillwork, gleaming in a lush garden setting. It was further described as resembling a necklace on green velvet,Êcontaining the beautiful and unusual in a score of smart, avant-garde specialty shops. Here one could buy aromatic tobaccos from Turkey, candles from Mexico, leathers from London, toys from the U.S., Germany and Japan, and here one could select from fashions inspired in Paris, Rome and Carnaby Street. The Plaza also featured a beauty shop, a travel agency, and a dental facility. Both the Tower Annex and the Plaza Shopping Center cost $5.5 million as part of the Hotel Expansion Program. At Disneyland, "it's a small world" was added after its successful run at the New York World's Fair.
Rates in 1966 for what was billed as wintertime ranged from $15 for a queen-sized bed up to $30 for a deluxe room. During vacation times, the rates were $20 and $35 for the same rooms. The Tower now had a North and South designation, with the South side being the more expensive. The North side rates were priced from $20 for a queen-sized bed up to $28 for two double beds. The South side went for $22 to $30 for the same bed types.
By 1966, Orange County had become the tourist hub of America, producing tourist income greater than any other U.S. county. Anaheim now had 125 hotels and motels and a population of over 150,000. Sadly on December 15, 1966, Walt Disney, one of the most influential men in Anaheim's history, passed away. Walt had been a lifelong smoker and had developed lung cancer. It was reported that Jack and Bonita Wrather were devastated upon hearing news of Walt's passing. Half of the two pioneers of tourism in Southern California was now gone. These two had plotted a course in the 1950s for the future of tourism and conventions in Orange County, thereby forever changing Anaheim's destiny. Jack Wrather would also succumb to cancer in 1984.
Shortly after Walt's death, the Walt Disney Company began numerous attempts to purchase control of the hotel. Finally in 1988, 33 years after the original groundbreaking, the Disneyland Hotel would become a portion of the empire that Walt had founded.
In just a little over 11 years, the Disneyland Hotel had grown from 104 guest rooms and a smattering of amenities into a major tourist facility with 616 guest rooms, ample dining and shopping facilities, a full golf complex, and a full range of convention and meeting facilities. The hotel also helped introduce a futuristic mode of rapid transit in the form of the Monorail, and the hotel was instrumental in changing the previous agricultural economy of Anaheim into the major tourist destination that it is today. What appeared to be a questionable area for development in the early fifties turned into one of the most dynamic areas in the country. A large portion of this change and growth had been stimulated by a man with a mouse and a Texas oil wildcatter.
Sources:
Kaleidoscope: The In-Room Magazine of Disneyland Hotel and Inn at the Park: Spring 1980, summer 1980, and fall 1980.
Disneyland Holiday Magazine: various issues from 1957 and 1958.
Disneyland Vacationland Magazine: various issues from 1958 to 1966.
Disneyland Line: Vol. 22, No. 40, October 5, 1990.
The Disneyland Hotel Employee's Handbook, 1989.
Disneyland Hotel advertising brochures: 1955, 1957, 1960, 1962, and 1966.
Disneyland Guidebooks: 1955 to 1965.
Disneyland Hotel Postcards: 1955 to 1964.
The Handbook of Texas Online: The Jack Wrather obituary.
Dreams to Reality by Bret Colson and Geoff Black. A brief history of modern day Anaheim, 1997.
Disneylander: The magazine for Disneyland employees, various issues from 1959 to 1961.
Check In Magazine: Various editions from 1965 to 1967.
All sources came from my personal collection of Disneyland Hotel items with the exception of the Jack Wrather obituary and the book Dreams to Reality. The wonderful Kaleidoscope magazines and several articles from Holiday and Vacationland magazines came from other collectors. All photos also came from my personal collection except where noted. I requested access to the Disney Archives for research purposed but was denied access.

Donald W. Ballard lives in Northern California with his wife and children. He first became interested in the Disneyland® Hotel in the late 1970’s. He never considered a trip to Disneyland® complete without a stay at the Disneyland® Hotel. The Hotel was an adventure and experience in itself to him aside from the joys of Disneyland®.
By 1998, he decided to start documenting the Disneyland® Hotel’s history. He began compiling many vintage paper items, photographs, magazines and souvenirs from the Hotel’s rich history. What first started as a short article for a Southern California travel magazine eventually became this book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/201799
By Don Ballard