Hotel price comparison and special offers
Archive for December, 2007
Saturnia Spa & Golf Resort in Tuscany, Italy
Dec 13th
Saturnia Spa & Golf resort is simply one of a kind. Set within the three thousand year old Tuscan countryside, this hotel is more than your everyday resort. It abounds in awe-inspiring features such as traces of history left by the Etruscan and Roman people in the small villages such as the classic medieval town Montemerano. The Tuscan countryside is known for its beauty and the Saturnia has the best spot to reside within the rolling hills that are filled with rushing waterfalls and wispy streams. Leave no stone unturned when you visit the Saturnia because a small piece of history lies beneath each one.
Affluent beauty aside, the resort brings the relaxation of the outdoors in with its upcrust spa. The spa maintains that each guest needs the fundamental elements of hydrotherapy, beauty, stress management, diet and fitness and strives to provide just that for each guests so they leave the Saturnia completely rejuvenated. Golf gurus will also take pleasure in the stunning all-seasons golf course, set amongst the gorgeous scenery surrounding the resort.
The Saturnia is perfect for those who don’t want a typical holiday Christmas get away. They are now offering a special Golf Offer package for the low cost of 540EUR per person. The offer includes 3 nights in a Junior Suite, buffet breakfast each morning, use of the thermal pool, Roman bath, sauna and steam room and of course, a covered 9 holes on the greens. Take the Saturnia up on this offer soon because it ends December 25, 2007. Believe us, the combination of the phenomenal surroundings and top notch spa will leave you in a tranquil mood for months to follow.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Aberotel Montparnasse, Paris
Dec 13th
The boutique hotel Aberotel Montparnasse, located in Paris, offers a unique mix of French country and Oriental décor. The mix fuses nicely into a no-fuss, artsy interior that provides a relaxing atmosphere for all guests, even with the hustle and bustle of the city several streets over.
The Aberotel dates back to the late 17th century and was once known as “Heather Lane.” It sits comfortably within the 15th arrondissement, located close by many fantastic attractions like the Eiffel Tower, the Latin Quarter and busy business centers in Montparnasse and Porte de Versailles.
Although this might sound like the typical Paris boutique hotel, the Aberotel has one thing many others haven’t got; affordable rates. Although they are not offering a special package, rate now they are offering a special promotional rate for the season. Single rooms go as low as 70EUR and only as high as 117EUR. For a 3 star hotel as fine as this, the rates don’t compare to anything else in the city!
So treat yourself this holiday to a beautiful Christmas in the city of lights. As Frank Sinatra once said “I love Paris every moment. Every moment of the year, I love Paris. Why, oh why do I love Paris? Because my love is here…” This time of year is certainly one of the most beautiful and we are sure you will agree with Mr. Sinatra whole heartedly by the time your stay rolls around.
Photo courtesy of Sletoh.com
Hotel Andreola Central in Milan, Italy
Dec 13th
The exquisite Hotel Andreola Central is just one of the many historic 4-star hotels in Milan that launched when the Central train station moved to its present location. The hotel’s prominent location in Via Scarletti, is set in the old station’s Galleria delle Carrozze. It is a prime local for those who want a stay in a magnificent setting with plenty of shopping right in their hotel. Many celebrated people agree, such as many Italian soccer stars, boxer Primo Carnera and bicyclist Faust Coppi, that Andreola is one of the best places to be in Milan.
Although the hotel has been open many years it just recently, as of 2000, went under the hammer for a complete makeover. It took nearly two years to complete, with extended efforts to keep the historic structural elements of the hotel intact. The wait was well worth it because the revamped hotel now features 85 spectacular rooms and 4 meeting rooms. The completely reorganized hotel also plays host to a restaurant of gastronomical delight, the Stradivari.
Andreola Central caters to tourists, locals and businessmen alike with ease. The hotel decidedly rose above many other 4 star hotels in Milan and customer service, along side the makeover, is some of the best in the city.
The lovely hotel, with its spraying fountains and vaulted glass ceilings is now featuring a special offer that differs from many other hotels same old-same old holiday offers. From now through January 6, 2008 guests can book a stay under the “Weekend a Milano to visit Poldi Pezzoli Museum” for a mere 180EUR. This low rate includes 2 nights stay, a delicious breakfast to jump start your day and two adult tickets to the best museum in Milan.
Photo courtesy of Sletoh.com
Eco-Friendly Ireland
Dec 10th
Since it’s recent dip in tourism, nearly 20%, Ireland has come up with a new strategy to try to reach the potential 50 million Euros that international tourism figures claim the country is missing out on.
What is this million dollar strategy you ask? Greenbox Company is the name of the game. They have launched their ground-breaking Ecotourism Labelling System at Failte Ireland’s National Tourism Conference, complete with the first ecotourism holiday and special short break packages.
How did they get to the launch? Over the course of a year, give or take a month or two, Greenbox studied Ireland’s tourism and implemented a set of criteria that would reflect the current ecotourism efforts in the region. The system will not only boost these already earth friendly programs but will continue to add start up programs alongside the existing ones.
The end result? Greenbox Company wants to “provide experiences for guests that are based in nature, providing interpretation and information, environmentally friendly, contributing to conservation and local communities, responsibly marketed and culturally respectful”. Criteria were also chosen that would reflect the uniqueness of the region, particularly in a cross border peace and reconciliation context.”
Good luck Ireland, we are rooting for you to help the earth and attain the economy boosting funds!
Physical and Mental Disrepair: A Deadly Combination for the French Hotel Industry
Dec 7th
After a recently released hotel industry committee report surfaced, nearly a quarter of 
French hotels have been given a bad name. Research shows that 25% of customers are unhappy with completely fixable items alone, like rude or inept service from staffers. Other reports state that nearly one out of every six hotels is beyond repair and should not be allowed to service guests according to visitor opinions. However, fixable or not, many of these problems stem from French traditionalism, poorly paid staff, lack of attention to cleanliness and a strong unwillingness to change regardless of shifting consumer habits of late.
“In a majority of hotels that are older than three years, the lack of maintenance of paintwork, furniture and fittings is perfectly visible… Marks made by shoes and suitcases on walls can stay for years with no sign of a sponge of paintbrush,” the committee said. Other complaints were in the realms of unpleasant smells and poor hygiene along with noise complaints. Although the noise in a busy city many not be as easily fixed, staff hygiene, stench and dirt can easily be replaced by simply using air fresheners and keeping up with daily cleaning routines.
Another 38% of consumers who dined at hotel restaurants complained of unwavering, unfriendly and/or completely unskilled staff. This, in part, is due to the minimum wage paycheck that majority of staffers in French hotels receive as well as far too conservative management who let these problems and situations eek by. Although you can never weed out all the bad seeds, with a little bit of a management boost, a new outlook on customer service and some staff training, these hotels could easily turn around.
However, the outlook is grim. According to this particular report, France, which is the world’s leading tourist destination, has lost nearly 1,500 hotels due do these simple and quite fixable problems over the last 10 years. With new laws on fire safety and handicap access, it is highly likely that another 1,500 will be lost over the following decade.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
Le Méridien Hotels, A Step Ahead
Dec 6th
Le Meridien has just announced a step in a rather unconventional direction. The hotel group has gathered a dozen international creators, known as the LM100. While other hotel groups are less worried about the consumer and more worried about appearance and renovation, this LM100 group is taking an avant-garde approach to Le Meridien hotels. All are of the chosen ones were hand picked by Le Meridien’s cultural curator Jerome Sans and are completely immersed in the world of art including fields such as art, architecture, cuisine, design and fashion.
The LM100 members will put their creativity to the test and develop an innovative, interactive agenda for Le Meridien guests worldwide including all of the chains European hotels. The first step of figuring out the new core values of the brand has already been taken care of. The values reflect what the new program is all about: CHIC, CULTURED, DISCOVERY. LM100 members will gently guide Le Meridien over the next few years in its transformation from ordinary hotels to inspired hubs. They want the hotel experience to make it easy for guests to have a chic stay in a cultured environment filled with enlightenment and discovery. This interesting concept will surely gain some attention and if all goes well, the innovative concept will take Le Meridien hotels far into the future.
Photo courtesy of Sletoh.com
Berlin’s Mercure Hotel Now Featuring Two Very Special Offers
Dec 5th
The Mercure Hotel company in Germany can make your holiday season unforgettable with its two featured premium holiday packages. Each comes wrapped up with a neat little bow and includes fantastic amenities. Let’s open the box and take a look inside each of Mercure Hotel’s gifts to all of its guests this season.
The Christmas package, which runs from December 23 – 26, allows travelers to rest their weary heads and hang up their hats in the beautiful German countryside. This relaxing retreat includes free entry to the wellness area including the pool and sauna, three nights stay in room of utmost comfort, 2 breakfasts and a brunch on Christmas Day, a small Christmas surprise in your room (as if the exclusive package weren’t enough!) and 3 delightful dinners in the restaurant. All of this holiday relaxation comes to you for 268EUR.
If you like to have fun when trying to unwind, rather than staying in the hushed countryside, opt for the Mercure Hotel’s “1000 and 1 night” Happy New Year package. This entertaining package features a 2 night stay in a comfy room, free entry to the wellness area, 1 breakfast buffet, New Years breakfast, 1 dinner and participation in the great New Year’s Eve party, complete with live music, a welcome drink, gala buffet which is all inclusive until 1am, after which a coffee and cake rendezvous will take place for those still partying the night away.
One of the two should suit your fancy, but you must hurry for these fantastic Berlin special offers will not last long!
Photo courtesy of Wikicommons.org
Mr. and Mrs. Smith Introduce SmithSki
Dec 4th
The exclusive Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the authority on the most excellent boutique hotel and luxury hotels in the world, has recently introduced Smith Ski to their impressive roster. Smith Ski might be the most perfect collection of ski chalets in Europe. These hand picked hotels have been scrutinized by the company and put to rigorous testing to ensure that only the finest hotels on the slopes made the cut.
The Smith Ski collection had a “self-catering” search. Travelers can either search by country and then by property. Or if you have specific needs there are plethora of other searches to help you find the pinnacle of luxury, thanks to the help of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. You can search by simple methods like how many a room sleeps or what type of facilities each hotel has such as children welcome, catering, swimming pool or fitness centers. You can also use the websites unique search engine “I like the sound of,” which features phrases like “getting away from it all,” “three hours from London,” “fabulous food” or “glorious grounds.”
Although the rates are lofty, Mr. and Mrs. Smith recommend Chalet Chamois as a favorite, which they categorize in their “slope-side sophistication” pile. Located in the French Alps, the Chalet asks for a minimum weekly stay with prices ranging from 18,500EUR to 25,500EUR. If you consider all that is involved, the pricetag for a heavenly one week stay that includes 7 bedrooms, child friendly atmosphere, taps to the chalet staff, instant access to the slopes, secluded getaway areas along with daily features like breakfast, afternoon tea, papers and fresh cut flowers, is well worth it. There are also many special offers throughout Europe for the upcoming holiday season that are worth looking into.
Photo of Chalet Chamois courtesy of Wikicommon.org
Best Western Christmas Specials
Dec 3rd
Nearly 150 Best Western Hotels all round the United Kingdom are participating in the chains Christmas Package Breaks and Christmas Getaway Deals this holiday season. Whether you want to take a vacation surrounded by the English countryside or want to participate in London’s merrymaking, there is a hotel that will make your holiday wishes come true. Finding your fit is easy. The Best Western Festive Brochure, which can be found on the company’s website, has a map with each region color coded. Or you may simply flip through the 41 page catalog until you see something that you like.
After you have chosen your hotel, you can pick your package. The Christmas and New Year Package Breaks include many special events such as visits from Santa Claus, top notch entertainment, Christmas meals and more. These are the perfect trip for the traveler who has little time to plan an itinerary but wants one upon arrival.
On the other side of the coin, the Christmas and New Year Getaway Breaks are perfect for those who don’t want an agenda but rather a simple, relaxing holiday. You can make your own festive plans, join in arranged plans or make no plans at all.
If you book your trip now you can enter to win a fine bottle of Champagne, although with the low package prices, you will probably be able to afford your own!
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org
