World's 10 Most Unusual Hotels

They say that travel is about the journey, not just the destination. But if you’ve ever arrived at your destination only to find out that your hotel room is dingy, dirty, and miles from all the action, it’s time to take matters into your own hands.An increasing number of hotels are positioning themselves to be more than just a place to sleep—they are the action.

You may have heard of the ice hotel in Sweden or even funky spots like the Dog Bark Park in Cottonwood, Idaho … but here are few more unusual hotels to inspire your next trip.

1. To the Lighthouse

Love all things nautical? Then try sleeping in a lighthouse.There are actually dozens of lighthouses around the world that welcome overnight guests, but at Brown’s Point Lighthouse in Tacoma, Washington, you get to be the lighthouse keeper.This 30-foot concrete structure is perched by Commencement Bay and the keeper’s dwelling (at right) was recently restored for overnight stays. Guest participate in the “keeper program,” in which they maintain the lighthouse and hold public tours. This job is designed for at least two people, and six maximum, making it a great educational experience for families. Rates range from $500-$700 per week.

2. Go Climb a Tree

If it seems like the days of kids clambering up trees and running around outdoors are a thing of the past, skip the sedentary vacations and force them out – and up.The Cedar Creek Treehouse is a private mountain retreat in the woods of Mt. Rainier, located 50 feet up in a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar tree.

Owner Bill Compher built the treehouse himself, making it large enough to accommodate up to five people.There’s a bathroom, kitchen and dining area, not to mention skylights and an observatory 100 feet up that offers great views from all around.Though it’s a safe climb up, kids under 10 are not allowed inside the treehouse. Rates are $250 for two people, and $25 for each additional guest.

3. All Aboard the Romance Train

To conjure up the romantic days of train travel, why not cozy up inside an actual train car for the night? The Northern Rail Traincar B&B in Two Harbors, Minnesota, is made up of connected rail cars with 18 guest rooms.The Porter Suite sleeps two and includes a dinette and a private bath for $109-$139. Located on 160 acres of forested land (about 25 minutes outside of Duluth), you have access to Lake Superior and Gooseberry Falls, plus outdoor activities like hiking and golfing.

4. Were You Raised in a Barn?

Located on the Puget Sound, just a ferry ride away from Seattle, is a quirky little spot designed for two. The Big Red Barn Getaway is a real barn built in the 1890s which has been renovated into a tiny inn.You’ll be surrounded by miles of unspoiled nature (and may even catch sight of a Bald Eagle). The historic Victorian seaport of Port Townsend is a 10-minute walk away, and Fort Worden State Park is only two minutes away, with gorgeous beaches and plenty of hiking trails.

5. How About a Yurt?

Ever slept in a yurt? Even know what a yurt is?These round, canvas dwellings were created by Mongolian nomads more than 2,000 years ago; it’s an ingenious structure that sits sturdily on the ground and often can fit several people at once.Treebones Resort in Big Sur, California, has 16 yurts along the ridge above the Pacific Ocean, four of which can fit families. You’ll have the best ocean-view room in town. Rates are $170-$270 for two to four people, including a waffle breakfast.

6. Batting Around in a Cave

You may not know that there are several underground hotels in Cappadocia, Turkey (a region in the middle of Turkey not too far from Ankara), but the most highly touted one of all is the Gamirasu Cave Hotel, which is located inside a restored, thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat. There are 18 exquisitely adorned rooms, some of which were actually monk cells, which are carved into the cave or built with volcanic rock.Don’t worry, there is running water. Room rates range from about $110 for a double room to about $500 for a deluxe suite.

7. Digging the Dug-Out

The Australian outback is filled with opal mines and dugouts galore—so dive in and experience one first-hand at the Desert Cave Hotel located within the sandstone of Coober Pedy.The hotel boasts 19 underground rooms, and about 30 rooms above ground for those who prefer not to live troglodyte-style. Also underground are casinos, shops featuring locally mined opals and Aboriginal arts and crafts. Rooms are about $150 a night, not including meals or a cave tour.

8. Sleeping in the Pipelines

If you ever wanted to brag that you slept in a drainpipe, read on … Daspark Hotel in Lintz, Austria consists of three concrete drainpipes in the middle of a park.Inside each one is a teensy room built for two, with a double bed, a lamp, a small storage space, and even power outlets. Food, toilets and showers are all located nearby.If you’re concerned about sleeping in a public park, rest assured that the drainpipes are all locked with a safety code. And best of all, you get to determine your own rates.

9. Sleeping with the Fishes

With both China and Dubai building underwater hotels called the Hydropolis, sleeping under water seems to the wave of the future. China is hoping to have its land-based HydroTower component open by the Olympics, but if you can’t wait until then, visit the Jules Verne Undersea Lodge.This underwater hotel is actually a research lab in Key Largo, Florida, but regular landlubbers are invited to spend the night. You’ll actually have to scuba dive your way into the hotel, but they’ll give you all the necessary training. An overnight visit costs about $475 and includes diving gear and unlimited dives if you’re certified.

10. Doing Time

The new Liberty Hotel in Boston has been making headlines as a former jail-turned-luxury-hotel. After a five-year renovation program that cost upward of $150 million, the Charles Street jail has maintained some precious features that pay homage to its history—such as a restaurant called Clink, and a bar called Alibi housed in the former “drunk tank.”But if you’re looking for a more, well, authentic prison experience, you’ll have to jet yourself over to Latvia to the Karosta Prison. Located in Liepaja (about three hours west of Riga), this former Soviet detention facility was once known as the “prison that nobody escaped from.”

Today, it welcomes (if that’s the right word) visitors to spend a night for about $16.Guests play the role of a prisoner, complete with ex-Soviet military guards berating and ordering you around, cold iron beds, and toilets that remain uncomfortably close to their original state.

Late Holiday Deals Can Result In Huge Savings!

There are 2 basic ways to plan your next holiday and the first way often seems a little unfair due to the costs and time restraints involved.The organized trip: This is suited mainly for families with young children or those tied to the work desk where they have to give notice of their main annual leave one year in advance. It may sound a little unfair but as we have what are called the 'peak' periods, it means that if there were no rules set down, many workplaces would be without staff, particularly during July and August.

The downside to pre-booked peak period vacations of course, is that you're not likely benefit from a late holiday deal.The unorganized trip: Perfect for youths, single folks, and those who can get away from work at a moments notice. When I was living the selfish life of a bachelor, I managed to experience some of the best and most memorable vacations of my life.

The buzz from not knowing quite where you might end up, or when, or for how long, is both exciting and adventurous. Other benefits for unorganized traveling means that your are available for grabbing that late holiday deal, plus the choice to keep away from peak holiday periods where all the popular places are packed beyond belief and overcharge for everything. So, the late holiday deal does not only gives you great discounts at the drop of a hat, but if you time it right, it's cheaper once you get there too, so the potential savings are huge depending where you go and for how long.Most folks though, begin to plan their summer holidays in the midst of winter, and their winter vacations mid summer.

If you really want to secure a particular place at a specific time, then panning ahead is a necessary evil. In 1997, I took the same holiday package as my sister to Thailand and it cost me half as much. I got to go during the Thai winter too (December/January) which guaranteed cloudless skies, warm sunshine, and almost zero humidity. But late holiday deals can still be had by many taking the mini breaks which are perhaps not as regimented as their main summer vacation. As most of you are aware, many airlines offer cheaper tickets the earlier you book, but if you're traveling off season, you can gamble and find much reduced fares just days before you are due to depart. Another late holiday deal trick, is to do as much of the arranging yourself as possible. Now, many folks don't need the hassle, but if you're looking to save a few bucks it really is worth the extra effort.

I always call a couple of hotels direct and ask if they have any promotions going on. I've been real lucky with this simple tactic. Actually, you might think it's a little cheeky or underhanded but I will get a brochure from a travel agency, and pick out a trip which interests me. I'll then break it down into transportation to and from airports, flights, accommodation, and insurance. I don't worry about excursions because they can be had for a song on arrival should I want them. I then do a little online pricing to see what savings can be had. Sometimes, the package deals are very well put together by the agents, and therefore hard to beat, but quite often, you can make your own late holiday deal at a great saving.But don't rule out the travel agents altogether.

There are a few in my town that have my personal contact details, and we have an arrangement where they call me whenever there is a late holiday deal available due to a last minute cancellation, or special promotion.

There's no obligation and it's nice to be informed.The best place to get practice with arranging your own late holiday deals is on the internet. Save a few of your favored airlines, hotels, and destinations to your favorite's folders and have yourself a little check list handy so that you can tot up as you go along.

It's quite good fun as an exercise even if you have to immediate plans to go anywhere.

How To Get The Best Online Travel Deals

Planning a vacation can be easy if you do it online, but like brick and mortar travel agencies, you have to ask yourself, are you getting the best deal? Most deals come as a package - you can get hotel reservations, flights, and car rentals all from one provider.

1. Do Your Homework

In order to get the biggest bang for your buck, be sure to do plenty of research well in advance. You will want to compare prices between competing companies. The internet can be quite an excellent tool to help you do this. But don't only compare prices, make sure you check out exactly what you're getting for that price. Visit the websites of the hotels that you're interested in and look at all the pictures. Read reviews of the hotels, to find out what other people have to say about them. Sometimes you can get a great deal on a fantastic hotel, but you have to do your research.

2. About Security Online

Identity theft is at an all time high, and you will want to protect your personal information if at all possible. If an online travel service asks you to make a username and password, make sure the password contains some letters and some numbers and isn't something that another person - or program - would be able to guess easily. Never use your birthday as a password. You will also want to make it such that you can remember it easily yourself.

3. Additional Security Tips

If you can, make sure the site you are visiting is a member of the Better Business Bureau and has security certificates from companies like VeriSign. A secure site will display in your web browser with a small lock icon in the address bar to let you know that it is a secure page.

4. Read the Fine Print

Many people find that on some websites prices can be deceiving because tickets are typically advertised at the prices prior to tax being applied. Furthermore, the prices you see may not be in your local currency and so look much lower.

5. Avoid Online Scams

Anyone and their dog can make a website that looks professional nowadays. Make sure that the website you are using is reputable and legitimate. Do not use a website you have never heard of before, stick to the more popular travel sites. The website will provide you with a web receipt or email receipt following your purchase. Be sure to print this out and keep it in case of any problems with your trip.

How To Find The Best Lodging

If you're planning your next vacation you'll need to make a decision about the type of lodging that you want. This will depend on where you're going for your vacation. No matter where you go you're going to want to find the best price possible for the lodging that you need. One of the best ways to find the cheapest lodging is to go online and check out the many travel sites that are available. Many of these travel sites will have special deals available for you for many of the features for your trip, including lodging discounts and special rates. If you can wait until the last minute to book your lodging you'll be able to get the best rates ever, as hotels and motels try to fill their rooms.

Most of us, however, can't wait until the last minute to make a choice for lodging. This means that you have to be a bit more creative in finding the best lodging deals.Many times you can get a package deal that includes your flight and your lodging for one low price. You may be limited in the choice of lodging that you have, but in most cases your choices will still be from hotels and motels that have a good reputation and are known around the world, such us Quality Inns.

Another way that you can get a good deal on your lodging is by consulting your travel agent. Many travel agents have special deals in place around the world with certain lodging and airline companies. This means that the savings are passed on to you and your travel agent will receive a bonus for recommending you. If you've traveled to a certain area of the world before, you may want to think about contacting the lodging where you stayed before to see if you can get a discount for being a repeat customer.

The important thing to remember is that you look around for lodging before you book with a hotel.

Cheap Motels - Online Booking Can Save You From Unwanted Hassles

Reserving a cheap motel online has many benefits. The most obvious one is the price because motels sell unreserved rooms to the online business at a drastically reduced rate and the service can then pass the savings on to you. Also, there maybe some perks or incentives that are not mentioned if you reserve the room via phone or in person. Another potential benefit to reserving a cheap motel online is being able to see pictures of the room before you actually decide to stay there. You will see the lobby and grounds as well.

That way, if you don't like the 'looks' of it, you don't have to mess with going to the room only to tell the clerk you don't want to stay. You can also compare the room to other hotels in the same area.When booking your motel online, be sure you check the location.

A cheap motel that looks nice and is the right price may not be close to were you want to be. Also, some cheap motels may cut out certain bells and whistles to save on the cost of the room. They do this realizing that it is going to be the businessman who is just looking for a clean place to sleep while he is on the road and doesn't necessarily want to pay for a pool that he will not use. Another reason is they can be closer to the attraction than the larger hotels and be at the same price, if not cheaper.The wrong motel can play havoc on your vacation or business trip. If you don't like the way a motel looks on the outside, it is usually a safe bet that you would not like it on the inside. After all, when was the last time you saw a house that was perfectly clean on the inside, but had a dead lawn and missing shingles on the outside? That's why it is so nice to be able to pick out your hotel online with pictures. Don't mistake a cheap motel for bottom of the barrel service. They cut some of the frills but keep the things that are essential to what you really need.

There is a bed, of course and a TV, usually with some type of movie channel options. Some will have a pool, an iron and a hairdryer. Some will also provide you with a small coffee maker with the necessary tools to make a fresh pot of coffee or tea in the morning.One thing to keep in mind when planning to travel and stay in a cheap motel is to bring some of your own things from home.

You may want to make sure you have shampoo and soap, along with a pillow that is comfortable for you. Because the motels are trying to save money, they may not replace pillows once they are broken down. Also, if you are traveling with a child, don't count on them having a port-a-crib available at the hotel. Bring a safe place for your little one to sleep.When choosing a cheap motel, be sure to take the time to compare the various cheap motels. While one may offer a couple more goodies, another may be a couple of miles closer to were you need to be in the morning.

Which one is more important to you? This one may offer a free night's stay after so many paid nights, that one may let the kids stay free, while yet another may offer a continental breakfast. You will need to take such things into consideration when making your final decision.

Summary:

The benefits of choosing a cheap motel online are numerous. You may have a chance to see what the motel looks like before you get there. You will almost certainly get the best price for your trip. Just be sure to decide what is more important to you, bells and whistles or a better location?

Is Hotel The Rich Cousin Of Motel?

No one can claim he/she has not stayed in a hotel at least once in life. For those traveling for business, pleasure or for that matter, any other reason, hotels have come to become home away from their homes. Why travelers prefer hotels over motels when all they provide are same? Well, motels by far differ from hotels in their functionality, additional services, and construction. Motels have their room doors opening to exteriors to their driveway while hotel rooms open to interiors. Apart from other regular guest services that hotels provide, you can also plan your business meetings, conferences or even large conventions in some hotels, which is a far cry at motels. What is more, even the locations of hotels are also conveniently located unlike the traditional motels, which invariably cater to highway travelers who just stay by night.
The word hotel has originated from French, which referred to townhouse before being known universally as it is today.

What Is Star Classification of Hotels?

The star classification of hotels indicates the type and quality of service available at any hotel. The enormous explosion of tourism in the last century has necessitated star classification for the benefit of discerning tourist public.

International and national tourism agencies along with respective governments rate and classify hotels on a scale of one to five stars. However, if you thought there is a standards body which classifies all the hotels of this world, here, you are in for a surprise. The attempts by interested industry captains have failed thus far and the standardization has been elusive till date.

What Do Star Ratings Mean?

Briefly the ratings mean this:One star: An inexpensive, low budget hotel which may not have maid or room service. Quite affordable by middle classTwo star: Marginally expensive and may have once a day maid serviceThree star: A budget hotel which boasts of maid and room service, internet and health club service in addition to having a swimming poolFour star: Expensive hotels by even middle class travelers; offers many luxury services in addition to afore mentioned servicesFive star: Stands testimony to final word in luxury and are very expensive anywhere in the world. They offer countless innovative extras. Some of them boast of private airports and golf courses.

If you thought this was all, sample this. There are some unusual hotels too?

Treehouse hotels
Underwater hotels

Cave hotels
Ice hotels etc

Why Pet Friendly Hotels Are Important While Traveling?

When you travel you can also take your pet along with you, as there are pet friendly hotels available almost at all places and at an affordable price. But before you travel you have to locate some pet friendly hotels, as some hotels do not allow pets for night stay. It is very important that you contact the hotels you have planned to stay and make sure whether pets are also allowed.

Pet friendly hotels are similar to normal hotels. You can choose bed and breakfast hotels or even a spa and enjoy your trip with your pet beside you. As pet friendly hotels are available in minimum numbers in all the destinations you have to do advance booking. As these hotel rooms are of great demand, they will be booked earlier than typical hotels. For this reason, you have to plan ahead in booking room for you early when you have decided to travel with your pet. Particularly when your travel with your pet is related to pet shows, then the rooms in the destination will be exceptionally booked and therefore ensure comfortable accommodation for your pet before all rooms in the pet friendly hotels are gone.

Many of the pet friendly hotels have specific rooms set aside in the hotel especially for pet owners. These special rooms allow other guests in the hotel to spend their time comfortably in the hotel free from pet dander and also avoiding hearing some other pet's noise. Some pet friendly hotels provide special place for pet dogs so that you can take your pet dog outside for some relief. Rarely some pet friendly hotels provide a few recreation areas like a dog park and this gives an opportunity for your dog for socialization with other pet dogs staying in the same hotel. The pet friendly hotels provide facilities keeping in mind the pets and they also provide pet friendly dining so that your pet deserves special dining service from the hotel. In such pet friendly hotels there will be an invitation often for your pet to do almost everything provided for pets and also additional activities are entertained for pets like dog camps. Such dog camps allow you to enjoy your trip with fun and by leaving the dog in this dog camp will entertain your dog also.

For all the services offered in a pet friendly hotel you need to spend some additional amount as they allow your pet to stay along with you with extra facilities. Though the pet friendly hotels allow pets, you always need additional supplements for your pet so that your pet enjoys staying along with you. The supplements offered by pet friendly hotels are not expensive as far as another persons staying in your room. The supplements will be a little bit expensive and the costs of the supplements depend on the type of hotel you have selected.

You need to do some research before you book in pet friendly hotels. You can get recommendations of pet friendly hotels from your friends and known persons who would have taken their pets to similar destinations earlier. Always do your bookings in advance, as the accommodation costs will be less expensive in advance bookings. Last minute bookings may cost you more and at times you may not be able to get a room.

Carrers In Hotel Management

Travel is a growing industry that offers many exciting careers. Lodging is one of the largest employers in the travel industry and offers many educational, internship and certification opportunities for professionals pursuing a career in hotels. Hotel employees can rise to management through formal education requiring degrees in management or through vocational training followed up by experience.

Hotel Management Programs

An AHM, associate degree in hotel management, takes around 18 months to complete from a standard hotel or motel management school. After completing this course successfully, graduates with an AHM degree are eligible to work with any large or small company around the world in an entry-level management post with hotels, motels, and restaurants. Hotel management students will have communications, general studies, and English as their combination subjects while taking up a business course in hotel management. Most hotel management schools also provide hands-on experience and practical projects for their students. 

A BHM, Bachelor of Hotel Management degree, can be ideal for those seeking advancement in their already established careers in hotel management. By obtaining a BHM, students will be prepared for moving towards the higher levels of the industry in specialized areas such as business accounting, food and beverage services, accommodations, marketing hospitality services, and human resources among others. 

An MHM, Master of Hotel and Motel Management degree, offers specialization in marketing, entrepreneurship, operations management, information systems management, and real estate and investment. The MHM degree in any of these areas can surely facilitate the students in appearing for and achieving higher-level positions in the hotel and motel management Industry. 

An MS, Master of Science Program, takes about 12 to 18 months to allow hospitality professionals to continue their careers in an academic or research setting.

The CTE courses in Hospitality Management, Hospitality Services and Hotel/Motel Marketing offer certification from National Occupational Competency Testing Institute and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Responsibilities

Managers are responsible for every aspect of the hotel, including customer service, food quality, catering, and hotel supplies. The manager also looks after the scheduling and conference planning, valet and transportation services and all other special services provided to the esteemed guests and visitors. Therefore, the manager has a key role and responsibility in keeping up to the name and reputation of the hotel or motel by managing the rest of the staff efficiently. The responsibility of hiring, training, and supervising other members of the staff is given to an assistant manager who co-ordinates with the general manager. He also schedules working shifts and assigns duties to his subordinates. Writing reports, negotiating with the vendors, and coordinating various events also come under the supervision of assistant managers. 

Facilities

Hotel and motel management professionals enjoy discount rates in travel and lodging amenities. This can be especially attractive for those who love traveling. Besides, though the initial stage may require a lot of struggle and hard work, once you have reached a higher position, you may earn a lot of money as perks excluding your regular salary. Additionally, the hotel industry is commonly associated with a lot of glamor, which also attracts many students to select hotel management as their career. The job itself involves some general facilities such as lodging, food, parking, laundry, and other services. Additionally, some hotels even provide educational assistance and profit sharing plans to their employees. 

Ranks & Salaries

The different managerial positions in a hotel or motel start from executive housekeepers to front office managers, food and beverage manager, and convention service manager. These are all ranks of an assistant manager who co-ordinates with the general manger. The salaries of the mangers depend on the responsibility and segment of the hotel they work for. Overall, it is quite a lucrative Industry with opportunities of earning up to 25% bonus on the basic salaries. 

Job Requirements

The initial phase of your career can be quite hectic, and you might need to clean dishes and do other similar chores. The job involves a lot of patience, energy, good communication skills, and quick wittedness to tackle difficult situations, and handling different customers. There is no specific work schedule as the hotel industry works around the clock.

 

Five Quick Tips For A Trouble-Free Hotel Stay

Like many travelers today, you probably spend time on Priceline and other online sites to get the best price for your hotel room.

But did you know that just a few minutes of your time could make the difference between whether you have a pleasant stay at your hotel -- or even whether you'll have the room you paid for on online? Here I'll give you five EASY tips that could make all the difference in your hotel experience.

1. Call the hotel

An ideal time to avoid hotel problems comes prior to check in.

Phone your hotel around an hour after making an online reservation. Have a printout of your confirmation available, while on the phone. Check if the hotel has the correct dates and room type (nonsmoking or smoking) in its records. At that time, you can also request a quiet location away from elevators and soda machines.

The few minutes this phone call takes could make a big difference in your comfort at the hotel. It resolves potential problems while the hotel still has alternatives available --unlike at check in when certain room types - or the entire hotel - may already be full.

If the hotel does not have a record of your online reservation, call the customer service number found on the printout of your confirmation.

2. Bring a printout of your hotel confirmation

Be prepared for possible human or computer error. Always take along a print out of your confirmation number and reservation specifics.

Without "proof" of your reservation, you may be helpless when dealing with a hotel that has no record of you.

Your discount hotel reservation made with Hotwire or another online site actually passes through a number of computer systems, which sometimes fail to communicate. Or, you may show up at an overbooked hotel, where your reservation somehow became "lost."

3. Check in early

Try to arrive before late evening. If you must arrive very late, call the hotel that day to confirm that you are on your way.

If your hotel overbooked and is now full, this is not a problem you want to deal with, especially at one o'clock in the morning.

If you show up too early, your room may not be ready, but at least you've claimed your reservation, and can leave your luggage while you go about your business.

By the way, never leave laptops and other valuables in your room when you're not there. It's best to ask the bell captain to lock these up.

4. Dress appropriately

Dress appropriately when checking in or otherwise dealing with hotel staff.

This doesn't necessarily mean business attire in New York City, but you should look as if you belong at your hotel. Like it or not, the people who watch over hotels and restaurants judge you by your appearance.

Why is dressing well important?

For one thing, check in is the best time to secure a free room upgrade.

On the phone, reservation clerks usually refuse to move you beyond a standard room when you are paying a standard rate. Standing in front of a desk clerk looking as if you deserve an upgrade puts you in a better position. It's harder to say "no" to someone in person-especially if he or she looks important.

I never demand an upgrade. Instead, I ask how much one, such as a lake view room, would cost. In some cases, the check in clerk will simply give it to you, especially if you've been polite and friendly.

It helps, I believe, to check in with a credit card that shows you travel a lot and, if you have one, with the frequent traveler card of the hotel chain where you are staying.

American Express and airline-sponsored MasterCard and Visa cards indicate someone who may be more likely to return.

5. Be friendly to hotel staff

Cultivate good relations with the hotel staff. Unfriendly and overly assertive hotel guests lose in the long run.

Better hotels have concierges whose job it is to help you have a pleasant stay. They resolve hotel problems and obtain hard-to-get concert tickets and other items. Use them when available.

However, all hotels have people on staff who'd love help you. Ask for restaurant and other suggestions. Take the time to learn what they enjoy most about their city. They'll help you whenever they can.

In summary, ensure a pleasant stay by:

-- Calling the hotel to make sure it has your correct reservation information after you've made an online booking,

-- Taking a print out of your online reservation on your trip,

-- Checking in early to avoid problems, such as overbooking,

-- Dressing appropriately so that your hotel will want to give you their best service, and

-- Greasing the wheels by being friendly and respectful.

These small efforts on your part can almost always give you a smooth hotel stay.

Choosing The Best Travel Accommodations

Most travelers spend more time in airline ticket reservations and bargains but less time in choosing the right accommodations. Thus they may end up on the wrong side of the bed during their stay.

To get the most out of your hotel accommodations, remember to book as early as possible and make your dates more flexible. Hotels that specialize business people will consider weekends as off season. Family vacationers could tap into these special packages during weekends. Primarily, you should choose your hotel based on name, amenities, features, price, packages and location.

Here are some considerations in choosing your best travel accommodations:

1. Accommodations should be family-friendly. Always ask if your hotel offers children activity areas with educational and fun activities supervised by duly-trained care-givers. 

2. Your hotel should provide a swimming pool for children, daycare service, crib rental and child-proof electrical outlets. 

3. Stay in a hotel that has electronic room-key cards and has a security viewer installed on their doors. 

4. Make it a priority to choose a room on the upper floor. 

5. If you're the one who likes to spend more time in your hotel room and the balcony, you should ask for the available amenities and the conditions of the surrounding environment.

6. Depending on whether you're on a private or business trip, ask your hotel about the availability of laundry service, hair dryers, coffee makers, newspapers, free meals, fax machine, bar, cable television, parking, shuttle service, internet connection, etc.

7. The hotel property layout and its location may speak more of its surrounding environment. Noisy locations such as construction on adjacent property, car traffic and noisy waterfalls are not specified on hotel flyers. So be sure to ask about it.

8. Beautifully landscaped surroundings with trees, flowers and inner courts also enhance your travel pleasure. Moreover, gift shops and restaurants all add up to a wonderful travel experience.

9. The location of your hotel with respect to main attraction is equally important. It could save you money on taxi and bus fare.

10. Make sure that the room service is provided 24 hours a day.

11. Check out the room itself. Is it brightly colored or classical? It sets the mood of your travel.

In order to get the most out of your travel, whether for business or family vacations, be sure to know everything about the hotel you are planning to check in to. Ask friends and relatives who have been there. Don't just depend on the hotel's webpage which is undoubtedly biased. Having to stay in a hotel which you don't like could ruin your trip.

Living On A House Boat

The popularity of houseboats is gaining strength as time goes by, especially in the United States. They have become a primary option for families and friends who would want to take a break from their daily routines and try something new. Some people would take the idea of living in a houseboat on a whole different level and turning it into a way of life.

Houseboats are basically boats which have been modified or have been designed to be able to accommodate individuals or families who would want to live afloat waters. A houseboat is (as the name implies) a combination of a boat and a house and is primarily used for the purposes of dwelling. There are houseboats which have motors and can be used to travel, while other houseboats are stationary, usually tied-up to a single place. 

Houseboats all over the world

All over the world, houseboats are being patronized. There are countless numbers of styles and functions of houseboats. Some houseboats are permanent places of residence by local people, such as in Southeast Asia, while some houseboats are rented as vacation hotels. Houseboats are also popular in Kerala, India, where dense populations live by the Dal Lake. One can find the most exquisite and expensive houseboats in Europe, particularly in the waters of Amsterdam in Netherlands. Amsterdam is home to a number of houseboat- hotels which have become favorites of visiting foreigners. Aside from these houseboat-hotels, there is an estimated 2,500 families are living in houseboats in Amsterdam.

Down south, in Australia, houseboats are also well-known, especially in the River of Murray. One can find houseboats of different functions and sizes in this river. There are motorized and stationary houseboats here, some of which serve as primary residence while some are used as holiday shacks.

In U.K., the narrow boats, which traverse the canals, also serve as a dwelling place for some. One can even rent one of these boats if he needs a place to stay in for the night.

In the United States, houseboats have gained a stronghold. During the 1940s, the activity that is "houseboating" emerged as people tried to find more ways of being able to interact with water more. The modern concept of houseboating in the United States is said to have come from the waters of Lake Cumberland, which is located in Kentucky. Lake Union in Seattle is also a haven for houseboats. 

Living on a houseboat

There are two main situations that come into play when thinking about living in a houseboat. The first one is that an individual or a family would like to live on a houseboat for good. The next one is that someone is thinking about living on a houseboat for a vacation. Well, if one is thinking about living on a houseboat for good, he might as well try it first to see whether he would really want to live on a houseboat permanently or not.

Living on a houseboat can be compared to a normal life in a subdivision or a rented apartment. The basic activity, which is "dwelling' basically stays the same in different locations. However, there are many factors that come into play when you live on a houseboat. Safety and security are two main things that one has to consider when looking at a houseboat. Another issue is space, a houseboat may not be as spacious as the normal house in a subdivision, if you know what I mean. Another important issue is access- when you live on a houseboat, you may have to transfer to a place which is far from other important places such as Wal-Mart or the convenience store. Other things like parking space, cost of transferring and the overall sturdiness o the houseboat should also be considered. 

One might need to go into a houseboat vacation to be able to appreciate the beauty of living in a houseboat and be able to make an objective assessment whether to live in one or not. There are many companies that are offering houseboats for vacation. Just make sure that you canvass as many companies as you can to be able to spend a nice time in the boat which you would prefer. 

Houseboats are nice. Living in a houseboat is also a nice thing to think about, however, it is not meant for all people. Think about it thoroughly until your mind and your heart agrees with a specific decision.

The Benefits Of Having A Hotel Rewards Credit Card

There are many benefits to be had from using a hotel rewards credit card if you travel extensively. This type of card can save you loads on your next trip. With most of these types of credit cards you will earn bonus points when you stay at a hotel, which is why they are such a great idea for frequent travelers. We will look at a couple of different hotel reward credit cards that are available and the benefits that they provide.

1. Choice Privileges

This is a combination of many hotels that are located in Mexico, Canada and the USA. The holders of such cards have the chance to win great rewards and these coupled with great hotel rates make them the ideal choice for those traveling on a regular basis.

They offer their customers an extremely competitive introductory rate for the first 6 months. But after this, cardholders can still take advantage of the low and affordable fixed rates of interest on any balance transfers or purchases that they have made.

Rewards on this card are based on purchases made using the card and will commence from the first purchase made. The card holder can earn up to 8,000 points which means that from your first purchase you have earned your very first free nights stay at any of the 1,000 Choice Privileges hotels. In addition, each time you make a purchase at a Choice Privileges hotel you will earn 15 points whilst all other purchases will earn you 2 points for every $1 spent. As you continue to earn points, you will be able to use these points to exchange for free nights stay at any of their participating hotels.

2. Citi Hilton HHonors

This credit card is from Visa, Citibank and the famous Hilton Family. It is the perfect way for anybody to earn points, which can then be put towards travel expenses to hundreds of different destinations. This particular card is accepted around the world.

Once you make a purchase within 60 days of getting your credit card you will be rewarded with 10,000 HHonors bonus points. Such points can also be easily earned on a regular basis. You will receive 2 points for every $1 that you spend on Internet purchases. In addition, you will earn 3 points for every dollar you spend at any Hilton Family Hotel. These points can then be used towards both hotel and airline rewards as well as redeemed for exotic vacations or cruises. You can even use them to purchase entertainment or merchandise from brand name companies such as Hilton, Coral by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Conrad, Hilton Grand Vacations Club, Hilton Garden Inn and many more.

As you can see there are many benefits to be had from having a hotel rewards credit card in your wallet. However, just like any other credit card, you should use it responsibly and not go on a shopping rampage just to accumulate reward points. If you are frequent traveler, you should consider getting one and it will save you a significant amount of money for hotel stays.

Hotels, Resorts, Timeshares - Which Best Suits Your Travel Needs

Where travelers settled after a long day wasn’t always that big a concern. Most were content as long as they had a bed and a shower. But times have changed and today’s travelers consider lodging just as important as the ultimate travel destination.

Fortunately, hotels and motels are no longer your only options. Now when you travel you can choose to spend your nights at big-chain hotels, budget motels, 5-star resorts, timeshares, guest houses, bed and breakfast inns, hostels and more. Here’s a closer look at the more popular travel lodging options.

Time for a Timeshare?

Timeshares offer travelers the best of both worlds. When you stay in a timeshare you get all the comforts of home even though you’re miles away from home. Fully-equipped kitchens, in-room washers and dryers, separate bedrooms, spacious accommodations, and lots of planned activities for children and adults are typical of most resort-style timeshare properties.

And where you once had to own a timeshare before you could trade it for other timeshare travel destinations, many properties have relaxed this requirement. So now even travelers who don’t own timeshares are taking full advantage of everything timeshares have to offer, including daily maid service!

The Old Favorites

Hotels and motels are still preferred by many and choosing is often driven by budget. Some travelers prefer to stick with familiar hotel chains. Others exchange accumulated credit card miles or rewards points so they lodge where their rewards programs allow. And of course, plenty of travelers still enjoy the bare basics found in many “mom-and-pop” motels.

Other Options

Hostels are popular among students and anyone looking for a “no-frills” adventure. Rates are cheap and accommodations stark, but generally are close to all the sights. Travelers looking for more intimate lodging often choose quaint bed-and-breakfast inns where they can snuggle up in front of a crackling fireplace with a favorite novel or companion.

If You Want to Avoid the Hassle

Don’t forget about the countless vacation packages tailored towards specific travel destinations. Vacation packages make travel planning easy because they include everything you need to make your trip a success: travel tickets, lodging, and even discounted or free attraction tickets.You’ll find plenty of allinclusive vacation packages for practically any travel destination around the world, especially the more popular ones. If you’re on a budget, discount vacation packages are definitely worth investigating.

You may not get a hotel with a glamorous view or granite countertops in the bathrooms but you’ll likely be near all the action. Just be sure to read the details so you know exactly what’s included in the vacation packages you’re considering.

There’s no doubt the Internet has made travel planning easier. So use it to learn everything you’d ever want to know – both good and bad – about the resorts, timeshares, hotels, vacation packages, and attraction tickets available at any travel destination you desire. And there’s no better place to start your search than right here at Vacation Packages To Go!

How To Find The Best Lodging

If you're planning your next vacation you'll need to make a decision about the type of lodging that you want. This will depend on where you're going for your vacation. No matter where you go you're going to want to find the best price possible for the lodging that you need. One of the best ways to find the cheapest lodging is to go online and check out the many travel sites that are available. Many of these travel sites will have special deals available for you for many of the features for your trip, including lodging discounts and special rates. If you can wait until the last minute to book your lodging you'll be able to get the best rates ever, as hotels and motels try to fill their rooms. Most of us, however, can't wait until the last minute to make a choice for lodging. This means that you have to be a bit more creative in finding the best lodging deals.

Many times you can get a package deal that includes your flight and your lodging for one low price. You may be limited in the choice of lodging that you have, but in most cases your choices will still be from hotels and motels that have a good reputation and are known around the world, such us Quality Inns. Another way that you can get a good deal on your lodging is by consulting your travel agent. Many travel agents have special deals in place around the world with certain lodging and airline companies. This means that the savings are passed on to you and your travel agent will receive a bonus for recommending you. If you've traveled to a certain area of the world before, you may want to think about contacting the lodging where you stayed before to see if you can get a discount for being a repeat customer. The important thing to remember is that you look around for lodging before you book with a hotel.

Choosing A Hotel For Vacations

When it comes to choosing a hotel there is certainly a lot to consider. From where you are going to stay, to how much you can afford to spend; careful planning and research are both vital elements.

Setting a Budget

When you are choosing a hotel, it is important that you set a budget before you start your search. Through setting a budget initially you can easily write off options that are too expensive before you become attached. When setting a budget it is also important that you take account of other related expenses. For example, some hotels will provide bed, breakfast and evening meals, whilst others will not account for this in their cost.

Choosing a Location

When opting for which hotel is right for you, it is important that you consider the location of the hotel. If you are going on vacation to visit particular attractions, then it would certainly be a good idea to consider the hotels proximity to these attractions. A simple way to do this is to go online and use a service where by you can enter the zip code of the hotel and the zip code of local attractions. The online service will then tell you the distance between the two. Another important reason to consider location is when you prefer to stay in a place that is quiet, or alternatively when you would rather stay in a place that is vibrant and full of life. Through failing to take this into consideration, it is possible you will not enjoy your holiday as much as you would have liked.

Doing Research

Before you stay at a hotel it is best that you research it before you place a booking. One good way to do research is online. It is often possible to find information from other people that have stayed at the hotel, which can be a great way to get a third party perspective. Another way to get information about a hotel is to phone the hotel directly and ask them a few questions. This will often allow you to get to grips with how friendly there staff are, as well as verifying how easy the hotel is to contact. Although their opinion may be somewhat tainted, a travel agent can also act as a great resource for giving you relevant information on a hotel.

Keeping Everyone Happy

When it comes to going away to a hotel, it is usually the case that more than one person will be traveling with your party. Therefore it is important to ensure that everyone is happy with the choice that you make. Although everyone canâ??t get what they want all of the time, it is possible that a compromise can be reached. If you have to you may choose to have a vote in order to come to a decision, but it is much better if everyone can agree among themselves; that way nobody will be too disappointed with the choice that is made.