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Thursday, May 3. 2007
 The first time I stepped foot on to Columbus Studios Hotel, I could smell the dinginess. Don't mistake me for an old coot who likes to carp about every single hotel I go to. I'm not even complaining about Columbus Studios hotel in NYC. I had imagined there have been far too many tourists and theater students who have come and gone and stained the sheets so it's pretty much understandable the way things smelled in the hotel.
Wednesday, May 2. 2007
We're talking about budget accommodations here, in the first place. So why look for anything that smells good on $45 per night? Non-Big Apple residents can't rent this budget hotel. Why, I don't know. It seems to me that the sole reason this hotel, along with West Side in the same vicinity, exist is the fact that it is reserved for transient students who frequent the Broadway at daytime and work in the New York restos at night. You can't stay in this hotel for far too long and revel at the chipping paint or the musty stairs.
Tuesday, May 1. 2007
But $45 per night is a fair price for anything that's established in New York. Don't let me reiterate how expensive this city is. I've been to Texas and I've rented a room for a few dollars in a budget hotel that didn't charge me the extra and the other service fees. The room smelled rustic too (if you know what I mean). If you're from elsewhere and are planning to have a tiny place to crash at night, the cheapest place is at Columbus Studios. Who knows, you might even get to share a bathroom with a future Marilyn Monroe.
Friday, March 16. 2007
Traveling to China can be quite disorienting at first but with an open mind, you would surely like this exotic and historic Asian country. This tourist destination has a thousand years of history and rich heritage that seem to be trying overnight to adapt to Western culture and lifestyle. Even though the China today is very much different from the ancient China that people have known, the modernized cities still retain a culture that is uniquely reminiscent of China's colorful history.
One of these famous modernized cities is Shanghai. When you are here, you can quickly consider this place as China's economic powerhouse, for this city is indeed the money-making juggernaut that fuels the Chinese economy today. However, apart from its business skyscrapers, its attractive tourist destinations are also gaining popularity among locals, backpackers, and regular tourists. There are lots of museums, historical landmarks, and shopping malls that can give you a wonderful oriental experience.
When you are here, the most affordable but elegant hotel to stay is the famous Peace Hotel. This hotel fuses Asian and Western motifs into their interior design. It has a wide array of facilities and services, and warm accommodations that are sure to delight you. If you are itching to visit China, you can book your accommodation in Peace Hotel via the internet and you would surely treasure the experience.
Friday, March 2. 2007
If you are planning to have an exotic Southeast Asian trip, number one on your list should be the splendid and paradise-like beach resort of Phuket in the unique country of Thailand. Situated in southern part of Thailand, Phuket stretches across the vast Andaman sea and is bounded by smaller 32 islands. So if you plan to go beach hopping, you can discover these other 32 magnificent islets.
Certainly a tourist-haven, Phuket boasts of its wonderful mountainous landscape. The province's name is derived from a Malaysian expression "bukit", which is literally translated as mountain. The white sands that flirt with the cool crystal clear water is truly panoramic to the eye. A visit to this alluring place also gives you a glimpse of the exotic Thai culture plus the fact that locals here are super tourist-friendly.
There are lots of inexpensive hotel and lodging accommodations that you can choose here but the most exquisite among them is the Thavorn Beach Village and Spa at Nakalay Bay Phuket. This holiday hideaway is really idyllic if you are tired to the hustles and bustles of urban life. The environment will really provide you a with delightful experience that is fit to your budget. Moreover, you will also come across with the local Thai tradition that will certainly take your breath away.
Monday, January 22. 2007
You do not need to spend lavishly to explore the European continent. To save money, there are affordable budget accommodations you can try. Budget accommodation does not necessarily mean poor quality of service. On the contrary, some budget accommodations offer quality services and amenities that are characteristics of European sophistication.
Perhaps the only difference of budget accommodations is their locations. Some budget accommodations are located in the suburbs or country sides. The most interesting budget accommodations are those with historic backgrounds such as magnificent medieval castles converted into hotels.
Borthwick Castle is one of the historic castles converted into a hotel. This castle is located twelve miles from Edinburgh. This castle majestically stands on the summit of a hill. The position of the castle gives it the vantage view of the scenic panorama of the surrounding. This castle was built in 1430. It served as a refuge of Queen Mary of Scotland. The great Oliver Cromwell besieged this castle in 1650. The original ambience of the castle’s historic and romantic past is carefully preserved in its interior design. Some still believe that this castle is still haunted by the ghost of Queen Mary. Nonetheless, this belief only enhances the interest of tourists.
Saturday, January 20. 2007
 Norway is among the most beautiful Scandinavian countries. It is an excellent ski destination in the European continent. Norway is the second richest country in the world when it comes to per capita income. This is not surprising because Norway has a very small population of 4.6 million.
New City has bigger population than the entire country of Norway. The Norwegian people are the first explorers of the American continent. It was a Norwegian Viking chieftain, Leif Erickson, who first discovered the American continent.
If you will be staying in Norway’s capital, Oslo, you can save money if you will stay in a budget accommodation hotel. The Clarion Collection Hotel Gabelshus is an affordable and classy hotel that you can book. This hotel was originally intended as a residential villa around 1912. It can be found in an exclusive residential area in Oslo. The original villa was converted into a lodging house after World War I. This hotel has a historic and home ambience. The management assures utmost quality service that can make guest feel comfortable. This hotel also features a library, lounges, and a garden.
Thursday, January 18. 2007
The historic Cologne City is the fourth largest city in Germany. It has more than twelve million residents. The city is located along the Rhine River. Some of the famous attractions in Cologne are the Cologne Cathedral, Cologne University, and the museums. The museum exhibits range from ancient Roman Empire archaeological artifacts to contemporary arts. The city of Cologne is the center of economy and culture of the Rhineland. This city is one of the liveliest cities in Europe in terms of business and cultural activities.
Cologne has recently become the focus of international attention when it hosted the 20th Catholic World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI and millions of participants. If you were one of the participants of the said event, you might have tried booking one of the affordable hotel accommodations in Cologne.
Dom Hotel Am Roemerbrunnen is one of these hotels. This hotel is located in the very heart of the city. It is only five minutes away from the main train station and the world-famous Cologne City Cathedral. All of the 14 rooms of the hotel are stylish and elegant. The rooms are equipped with ISDN telephone, cable TV, internet connection, and mini-bar.
Thursday, January 11. 2007
The city of Bonn is one of the historic German cities. The origin of this city can be traced back further than the Stone Age. Some archeological evidence point out to the fact that the area had been a human settlement some 12,000 years ago. The name Bonn was derived from the name of a Roman military fortress, Bonna. A Roman castle complex also once stood between the present location of the Rathaugasse and the St. Remigius-Kirchie church.
Some of the famous attractions in Bonn are the Beethoven House, Deutsches Museum, and the Fortress Godesburg. The Hotel Beethoven is one of the budget accommodations you can try booking. This hotel is strategically located for pleasure or business purposes. The hotel is within five to fifteen minutes access to the major attractions and congress halls. The hotel provides quality service and comfortable rooms with color TV, direct dial telephones, and free internet access for laptops.
The windows of the rooms are soundproof. This ensures tranquility during your sleep. Some rooms also enjoy the panoramic view of the Rhein valley. Breakfast meals are included in the hotel accommodation package.
Monday, January 8. 2007
 If you are a tourist in Spain who simply wants to visit the historical sites such as the magnificent Moorish Alhambra or the vestiges of the ancient Roman Empire, you should carefully plan your travel. There are many historical and interesting sites in Spain that an entire week or even month is not enough time to visit them all. Your budget may easily be exhausted if you do not carefully plan your tour.
Barcelona is an interesting city to visit. This city was once a walled city with Carthaginian origin. This city is one of the oldest cities in Spain. Barcelona was founded in 230 B.C. Some of the interesting sites to visit in Barcelona are the Sagrada Familia church and the modern sculptures on the roof of La Pedrera.
If you plan to stay for a while in Barcelona, you can book Pere Tarres Hostel, a budget accommodation. The average accommodation fee is 24 Euro per day. The hostel is a newly constructed building which is conveniently located near the shopping and financial district of Barcelona. The hostel has a restaurant, meeting rooms, and free internet.
Sunday, January 7. 2007
 Heidelberg is one of the famous and historic German cities. The city of Heidelberg is located in the Baden-Wurttemberg federal state, halfway between Stuttgart and Frankfurt. This city has a population of about 140,000 people. Heidelberg has always been a center of science and the arts. Today, many research institutions are located in the city. The most famous and oldest educational institution in the European continent, the University of Heidelberg, is also located in the city. The city is almost a seamless combination of the modern and traditional.
Hotel Kranich Heidelberg is one of the budget accommodations in the city of Heidelberg. The accommodation rate per day ranges from $28.80 to $56.35. If you want tranquility, this hotel is your best option.
The hotel is located in a peaceful neighborhood. The 27 rooms offer comfortable and friendly accommodation. Staying in one of these rooms will make you feel at ease and secured. Every room has cable TV and bathroom with bathtub, shower, and toilet. If you are the type of person who is passionate about the hippy and groovy era of 1970s, then the lounge bar of this hotel will impress you with its 70s motif.
Saturday, January 6. 2007
The latest Spielberg’s new movie, Munich, has drawn crowds, both history buffs and the action-suspense fans. Although the movie itself does not promote tourism in the historic Munich City, it will somehow inspire tourists to visit Munich just to see the exact site where the tragedy of the 1972 Olympics took place. Munich is a relatively small city. You can tour Munich and visit all of its interesting sites in just three hours. You may take a limousine service or opt for the more traditional coach-tour.
For a more extended stay in Munich, you may want to book Hotel Royal. This hotel is one of the most popular and affordable accommodations in central Munich. Hotel Royal is conveniently located near the vicinity of Munich’s main railway station. This hotel has a pleasant ambience that can make you feel more at home.
The main shopping areas, the Marienplatz, the Hofbrauhaus, and the Oktoberfest are just a few minutes’ walk from the Hotel Royale. The rooms are elegantly furnished and equipped with bathrooms, satellite TV, and direct dial telephones. The accommodation fee for single occupancy rooms ranges from 15 to 25 Euro per night.
Thursday, January 4. 2007
Northern Ireland is part of the Great Britain dominions. In fact, the flag of Great Britain is actually a combination of three crosses, symbolizing three kingdoms. These kingdoms are the Scottish kingdom, represented by the white on blue cross of St. Andrew, the red on white cross of St. George, and the smaller and diagonal red on white cross of St. Patrick.
If you plan to visit Northern Ireland, you may stop over in Belfast city. This city originated from a castle built by John the Courcy in 1177. Chimney Corner Hotel is an affordable accommodation in Belfast City. This hotel was built in the nineteenth century as a coaching house. This hotel is convenient to travelers because it is only fifteen minutes from Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Center.
If you prefer to travel by water, this hotel in Northern Ireland is also within the reach of ferry terminals. The hotel has 62 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms along. Direct dial telephone, television, trouser press, and coffee/tea making facilities are also present in every room. The hotel also features a restaurant, bar, sauna, walk in solarium, and nightclub.
Sunday, December 31. 2006
 If it is your first time to travel in France, you will hardly notice the vestiges of France bloody past such as the violent French Revolution of 1789 or the ruins wrought by the two world wars. France is as stylish and sophisticated as it was during the days of the monarchy. French gourmet food is still a world standard. The opulence and high-culture are present in almost all aspects of French society. The only constructive legacy of the French Revolution is the ideal of democracy that is now entrenched in French government and laws.
On the other hand, the elegant culture of the former French aristocracy still has a strong influence on French lifestyle. You do not need to stay in a luxury hotel to experience the culture of France. Hotel Baudelaire Bastille is an excellent choice for you if you are on a tight budget.
You can book rooms in this hotel at very reasonable price. The package includes breakfast. This hotel feature small rooms with bathrooms. This hotel may not be excellent if you want to spend your week, but this is a nice and quiet place to stay for a night.
Saturday, December 30. 2006
France is the acknowledged center of European art and culture. The sophisticated French lifestyle is the world standard of fine living. Even though France is now a republic, it still possesses the culture of its royal past. The violent French Revolution never erased the stylish sophistication of the French aristocrats.
The French people are well-known for their refined taste in fashion, art, literature, and gourmet food. French gourmet chefs are the most sought-after chefs. People are impressed not only by the delectable taste of French cuisines but also on how these cuisines are presented.
If you will be staying in France as a tourist, you do not need to book luxury hotels to be treated with utmost elegance. You can book relatively affordable hotel rooms and still expect stylish service. You may want to try booking Hotel Prince Albert Monceau. This hotel is located in a quiet residential area, in the heart of Paris. This hotel newly-renovated hotel is conveniently close to the famous Champs Elysees, the Opera, and the large department stores. Hotel Prince Albert Monceau is strategically located, making it an ideal base for visiting many of the nearby attractions in Paris.
Thursday, December 28. 2006
 The Great Britain Kingdom is actually a union of four kingdoms, namely, England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Great Britain or England was once the mother country of the present-day United States of America. However, the concept of absolute monarchy is alien to most Americans. Nonetheless, most Americans are fascinated by the history of absolute monarchy in England. It is not surprising that American tourists visit the British Isles to see castles, palaces, dungeons, and other relics of absolute monarchy.
If you are staying in London, you might want to try booking a room at the Henry VIII hotel. This hotel offers relatively affordable accommodation. A room costs about $59 a day, complete with breakfast, in-house movie, and television as well as direct dial telephone. This hotel has other facilities such as sauna, restaurant, and bar. This hotel was named after the most notorious absolute monarch of England. He was the leader of the Protestant Reformation in England. His leadership, however, was not based on moral or theological grounds, but on personal and immoral motives. He simply wanted to divorce his wife so he declared church independence from Rome.
Friday, December 22. 2006
 Traveling abroad requires a lot of preparations. Travel preparations may include airline ticket reservations as well as hotel bookings. If you are traveling to foreign countries such as sunny Spain or romantic France, you may need to be familiarized with the common phrases that could prove to be convenient while staying in that country. Knowing some common phrases can be useful especially if you like to ask for directions or purchase certain items. Knowledge in the most common foreign phrases is also very convenient when interacting with people.
Although most Europeans know how to speak the English language, it is still advantageous that you know some of the most common phrases. In getting a budget hotel accommodation, for example, you may need to make reservations via telephone conversations. Hotel clerks may give you better attention if you at least have the politeness to use their native tongue in your introduction. French people are particularly very nationalistic that they would prefer speaking in French than in any language. You may also browse the internet or the local yellow page in searching for budget hotel accommodations.
Friday, December 15. 2006
 Singapore is one of the finest countries in the world. It's actually a very small country that you can tour it in a day. But, even if it's a tad tiny compared to other countries, Singapore has proved to be one of the world's fashion capitals. The Orchard Road is just a fascinating retail road. It has all the shopping stores imaginable. From Louis Vuitton, Armani, Escada, Fendi, and all the other fabulous Italian designers, Orchard Road epitomizes fashion.
If you're planning to visit Singapore, you don't have to spend too much on your hotels. Don't you think it would be better to just spend your money on shopping? The YMCA in Singapore offers a comfortable and an affordable lodging. It's also located just near the Orchard Road and the Raffles' area. You wouldn't even notice that you're in a hostel. You may think that this hostel is only for students or youth travelers. But, The YMCA in Singapore accepts anyone who's traveling around the country. The YMCA offers complete room facilities. There's a television, a safety vault, air-conditioning, a fridge, and a tea and coffee maker. There's also a snooker room, a member's lounge, and a cyber cafe in the hotel. If you want to do some activities, there's a small cafe, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. So, you can stay in a cozy place and shop until you drop at the same time.
Saturday, December 9. 2006
Budget accommodations are hard to get on by especially at times where taxes, oil and all other market conditions are increasing its rate. The trick is to use the internet or the telephone directory to help you choose the best, affordable room for you.
Browse the internet for hotel rooms that offer the cheapest price. Make sure that you check on the facilities and services but do not expect too much. Remember that high-quality services and facilities require high amounts of money, so settle for something that will fit your budget and answer your very basic traveling needs.
The telephone directory is also a good place to start looking for that family member of yours that you haven't seen in along while. I know, family reunions are a hassle. Telling stories and trying to impress them will take an effort, just keep in mind that you are getting the better of it because you are saving money.
Budget accommodations can be easily get into if you know how to sacrifice. Pull a few tricks up your sleeve and you will have the time you want without spending too much.
Monday, November 27. 2006
 Proper travel preparation involves advance booking for accommodation, especially if you are visiting a particular country in its busiest time of the year. If you are among the faithful who traveled to Germany’s Cologne City during the recent World Youth Day, you probably have realized by now the importance of advance booking. Some World Youth Day participants have been contented to be accommodated in auditoriums or school grounds. Some even brought their camping equipment just to participate in this religious affair. Most of these participants are motivated by religious fervor that they did not mind the hardships of staying in relatively uncomfortable accommodations.
Traveling in a foreign land is very difficult if you are on a tight budget. Not unless you have relatives or friends that can accommodate you, traveling in a foreign land essentially require hotel accommodation. You do not need to stay in the presidential suits of the best hotels in the world to enjoy your travel. You can allocate most of your money in food and fare allowance if you stay in budget accommodations. For instance, if you will be visiting Cologne, Germany, you may try booking in the City Hotel Koeln am Neumarkt. Room options include single private with shared bathroom, single private ensuite and double private ensuite. The accommodation fee ranges from $42.82 to $60.82 per night per person.
Wednesday, August 23. 2006
A ryokan is a Japanese version of the country inn. These establishments are a great way to experience the Japanese way of doing things, as they are very different from anything a traveler from the West might encounter.
Take the entrance, for example. You will be expected to remove your shoes and wear the slippers provided as you follow the hostess to your room. And also before entering the room, you are also expected to remove these slippers as well. This is a big part of Japanese culture, so be sure to do your best!
Sleeping might be a new experience for some travelers, as they are to sleep on simple cushions, called futons, and not the beds they might be accustomed to in other accommodations. Speaking of which, it's a wise idea to check in early, as most front desks at many ryokans close early for the night, and reservations are almost always a must.
Sunday, August 13. 2006
The Candy Cane Inn, with its colorful name and with decor to match, seems tailor made to be part of Disneyland. Located just outside that world-famous theme park, the Candy Cane Inn boasts affordable accommodations for the traveling family, and with its 10 minute walk to the House of Mouse, makes it a highly recommended place to stay in Anaheim.
Boasting some of the most affordable rooms in the area ($82 and up) and excellent, kid-friendly service, the Candy Cane Inn deserves high marks for being such a great place to stay. The rooms come with refrigerators, coffee makers and queen beds with down comforters. For the prices they charge, these rooms are a real steal!
Friday, June 9. 2006
The Big Bear Lake Adventure Hostel located on 527 Knickerbocker Road, Big Bear Lake, California is a definitely cool place to go to, especially if you're on a budget. You'll meet a lot of great people, have a chance to do incredible things (some of which are offered by the hostel's owner himself) and essentially have a ton of fun. Guests can stay at private rooms, or if they're the more sociable type, bunk with fellow travelers in the dorm rooms.
One of Big Bear Lake's most attractive features is the land itself. A beautiful, sprawling landscape that beckons you to stay...And the Big Bear Lake Adventure hostel is the only place to stay in!
Thursday, May 18. 2006
Why are there hostels in the forest? Out on a highway or some run-down town I can understand, but why in a forest?
Don't get me wrong, but why go to a hostel in the woods if you're the outdoor type? Aren't you supposed to be roughing it out?
Why get a room (complete with all the modern necessities) when what you're supposed to be doing is getting in touch with nature? Isn't the point of being in the great outdoors to be OUTDOORS?
The upside to this, as far as I can see, is that the place might save you from a bear attack. I don't care if they haven't been seen in the area. Those bears are sneaky bastards.
Friday, May 12. 2006
Cheap hotel rooms are hard to find if you don't have the right tools.
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Hotel Room Comments
Fri, 13.10.2006 15:35
The grand and luxurious hotel reservation at the peninsula of Sinai are well-acclaimed for their contemporary hotel [...]
Fri, 13.10.2006 08:22
Part of my traveling escapades would be dining in various dining establishments in a particular area. For instance in [...]
Sun, 08.10.2006 16:08
When Ernesto "Che" Guevarra was twenty-three years old he decided to go on a trip with his friend, Alberto Granado to [...]
Sat, 07.10.2006 13:02
There are agents who take advantage of you and think you're some kind of a jetsetter.
Sat, 07.10.2006 12:54
I got privilege because of my government employee status. Yes, it's true you gotta be nice to your agent, she can save [...]
Thu, 28.09.2006 19:11
Actually, the hotels do not depend on their lobby WiFi connection. They have two separate WiFi networks , one for the [...]
Sun, 24.09.2006 16:56
We plan to go there this month. Good thing, I don't have to worry about our hotel.
Sun, 24.09.2006 16:56
I have seen the hotel and it's great. You will love your stay there.
Fri, 22.09.2006 13:30
Me and my wife always go to different resorts. It's one of relaxing and staying away from the noise of the city.
Fri, 22.09.2006 13:30
My dad always makes sure that our family spend time together. We usually do it in the dining table while eating [...]
Wed, 20.09.2006 15:38
I went there together with my husband last year and we we're very amazed. The place was so great and the Zorgvliet wines [...]
Wed, 20.09.2006 15:38
I haven't been to that hotel yet because I seldom visit Africa. But with the way you described it, I'm convinced.
Sat, 16.09.2006 14:49
If you're looking for a Mediterranean-inspired hotel, then this is the place to go.
Sat, 16.09.2006 14:49
I like the foods in that hotel. Definitely, there is no "stuffy" cooking there. It's very fresh.
Fri, 15.09.2006 15:15
While drinking a beer after our dinner, my daughter approached me and asked about Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky. I [...]