Luxury Hotels

Staying in hotels is normally something people do when they travel abroad on holiday; however the price luxury hotels can be as much as the airplane ticket! This is unfortunate for those who want to get a real taste of the luxurious life when on holiday. However, there are small pockets of areas in the Caribbean whereby people can enjoy the lap of luxury without having to spend out on an extortionate amount in a five star hotel.

The last thing you want to do when spending out on a luxury holiday is to spend out lots of money on luxury hotels, leaving you with very little to spend on for the actual holiday. The Caribbean islands have been renowned for its warm temperate weather, its abundance of white soft sands, its deep blue sea and of course the warm friendly locals. It is no wonder that people refer to the islands as paradise itself, with thousands of tourists visiting each year.

Some of the areas that have been a more popular amongst families and couples are places like Barbados, Saint Lucia, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas and The Dominican Republic. These have also been a favourite hot spot for holding special events and occasions, such as weddings, anniversaries and other such events. The setting is almost always guaranteed to have good weather conditions and provide a very appealing backdrop to all pictures that will be taken on the day.

The luxury hotels that are offered to tourists visiting the Caribbean Islands tend to make an extra addition to the events and a perfect location for people wanting to entertain a large number of guests in a chosen venue. Some of the hotels that are of luxury standard are offered to holiday-makers at a cheaper price, the trick is to research the ones that are offered at certain times of the year. Off-peak seasons are the best times to travel on a budget, where you may find that the offers include three nights for the price of two, or 50% off on upgrades or even discounts for group bookings.

The internet is the best place to find these deals and to get in first with booking them. Online bookings tend to be less expensive and give the customer the opportunity to make the bookings early. These are usually booked using a credit or debit and would need to be booked within a specific time frame. Furthermore, some deals and discounts may only apply to weekday bookings rather than weekend long breaks, therefore it is important to read up on the offers and not confuse them for offers made on other days.

By: Gino Hitshopi

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Many of the airport hotels that exist have been forced into making radical adjustments in the way they are run in order to compete with the luxury hotels. It was estimated that the industry as a whole spent about $5.5 billion in 2007 on capital and the airport hotels ranked second to luxury hotels.

The way these airport hotels have started to fight back is by offering more competitive prices. When customers look for cheap hotels, the airport rates appear alongside those of the luxury hotels. There are better rates and deals available recently and this means that the airport hotels can compete again. The airport hotels main selling point is that you do not have to go far once you have landed, this is especially important if you have just been on a long-haul flight when the last thing you want is more travelling.

The main customer segment for the hotel airports are the frequent flyers, however, in the past some said that they would rather sleep on the sofas in the business lounge than stay in the airport hotel but all this has changed now the quality of these hotels has increased immensely. The question is; can airport hotels attract other segments?

Luxury hotels are usually ideally placed for customers to get the most out of their holidays, normally located in or around the centre of city’s they are the usual choice for customers. As the airport hotels fight back, the luxury hotels should be able to offer better deals, simply because they have more capital to do so.

There is another option for customers that, although not as big in the market, still attracts a considerable amount of people and they are holiday cottages. These cottages offer the customers something different and are normally located out of the centres and around the more picturesque places. All 3 types are thriving and it will be interesting to see whether they can maintain this growth.

By: Karl Bantleman

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There are a number of destinations that are truly arcane and mystical, but none of which can come even remotely close to India. This country has a lot to offer for its travelers; depending on what exactly it is that they are looking for. Once they do reach this destination, they might be amazed at all of the different things that one can do here. In terms of hospitality, India luxury hotels are right there, at the top. It is the presence of these hotels that make it a very comfortable destination to reach.

There are many different kinds of luxury hotels in the country, which is dependent on the location that you might want to go to. If it is spirituality that you are seeking for, then you might want to head down south and check out some of the Kerala luxury hotels. These are the kind of high end hotels that are extremely tranquil to be in and essentially the best thing that you can think of if you want to be close to nature and be draped in total luxury at the same time. Many tourists who come here to get rejuvenated and relaxed are often extremely happy with the levels of service that they receive at these hotels.

However, while the hotels down south deal with offering tranquility and relaxation, head up a little north and the scene complete changes with Goa luxury hotels. Here, the high end hotels want their customers to get the best of the Goan spirit and want them to indulge in this seaside state. Most of the high end hotels here are dotted along the coastline and offer spectacular views of the beach and are truly a mesmerizing site, and one that cannot be missed at any cost. The elegant sun setting on the Arabian Sea is a sight that is bound to be etched in the minds of anyone who sees it.

Additionally, hotels like Kerala luxury hotels have some amenities that you might never get to enjoy in other parts of the world. The backwater house boat rides as well as over a hundred different kinds of massages are something that is difficult to match no matter where you are in the world. It is because of all these reasons that this state has seen a sharp rise in its total number of visitors. As more people tend to discover what this state has to offer, they are surely going to bring along more people with them to discover the state further.

From the seaside Goa luxury hotels to the awesome tourist hotels up north, India is replete and can excite any traveler, regardless of what they are there for. The only thing that you need to be aware about India luxury hotels is that you have to book in advance if you want to truly have a memorable experience. The travel season sees peak demand and might make it difficult for you to get the rooms at that time.

By: Seif Sel

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For the last few years, I have worked as a traveling sales representative, serving as a liaison between the heads of different regions. In many ways, it is a terrible job. To say that it has put a strain on my relationships is putting it mildly. It has ruined more than one relationship. I simply can’t devote enough energy to keeping things going when I am gone three weeks out of four! Nevertheless, it does have some perks. I get to meet interesting people from all over the world, I make great money, and best of all I get to enjoy amazing accommodations.

If you have never stayed at luxury hotels before, you really don’t know what you are missing. As a matter of fact, before I stayed at luxury resort hotels, I didn’t know there was anything to it. Even though I had enough money to afford staying somewhere nice, I usually would keep it pretty simple. A clean room, a bed to sleep on, and maybe a continental breakfast were enough for me. My business trips changed all that. The first trip, I got to stay on a luxury beach hotel in Mali! I had the ocean right outside my front window, and every day I got to watch the sunrise over the waves. There was a pool, spa, and even a free massage included! Before I stayed in that luxury hotel, I didn’t know what living well was.

Nowadays, when I am traveling on my own during the few weeks of the year when I don’t have anything business-related to attend to, I still usually stay at luxury hotels. I won’t necessarily choose one of those great four-star luxury hotels that my company usually puts us up in, but I still feel like I should stay somewhere nice. I guess I have gotten a little bit spoiled, to tell you the truth. The money is great, but being treated like royalty by the hotel staff is even better. Luxury hotels inflate your sense of ego until you really can’t travel without them.

Nonetheless, some trips I long to not stay at some luxury resort. Everything feels so stuffy and formal and everyone tries so hard to make you happy. As a sales representative, I am never allowed to be anonymous and just do my job. Either I am trying to impress someone, or someone is trying to impress me.

By: Tony Pang

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A spa’s main purpose is to heal and nourish mind, body, and spirit, so accordingly, the adoption of holistic spa principles can enhance the long-term success of a Spa Resort. Today the luxury traveler is seeking new life structures that are authentic and life-enriching experiences with a shift from fundamental needs, to higher needs and wants. This means that the demand for restorative and healing services provided by spas is likely to continue to grow exponentially.

As hotel spas move into the wellness arena, a unique, authentic program that can address the travelers whole being and extend the spa experience to a personal in room atmosphere must encompass their need to de-stress, relax and feel a change evidenced by a good night sleep. A successful resort spa visit therefore, should include fitness, health, and relaxation and address some spiritual component.”Beauty is almost a given,” according to International Spa Association “But it is superficial. It is external. We say what is internal is as important as the beauty aspect.”

Spa-goers want more than a massage that feels good for 20 minutes. They want advice on skin care and diet; products to recreate the spa experience at home; and techniques they can use on their own to relax and stay fit, from exercise yoga to aromatherapy.

Wellness programs need to include information on how to create and maintain a long-term healthy and balanced lifestyle. Consumers are no longer content with short term pampering but want to extend their healthy programs into a daily routine, turning the spa experience into a lifetime program.

A blend of mainstream and spiritual treatment, which include classic spa treatments such as massage, reflexology, yoga and other healing and relaxing programs with more esoteric practices such as meditation and Reiki, to cater to the growing demand in spiritual as well as physical restoration and balance. Along with its range of classic treatments, many spa hotels now offer the option of Reiki and classes on yoga with ‘Sun salutations’ meditation.

In addition, spiritual practices such as meditation and yoga are more likely to appeal in the future as part of a standard spa menu. The avoidance of gimmicks, over-commercialization, and poorly trained therapists is important to avoid turning off the new luxury spa customer seeking an authentic experience.

Surveys show that hotel’ spa department profits will grow by approximately 50% and that high-end spas generate revenues in the region of $30-40 per occupied room. In general hotel spa guests are not very price sensitive and adding a spa often means more guests, who spend more money and are more likely to return. And of course a quality spa facility helps enhance a hotel overall competitiveness by distinguishing it from the competition.

Many luxury destination hotel spas have even begun to combine medical care, nutrition and fitness with relaxation and pampering. Some have collaborated with health wellness organizations like The Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, or a renowned psychologists like Dr. Dale V. Atkins to dispense lifestyle advice.

All of these hotels are moving to design a complete spa experience and extend it to an in room atmosphere. This attracts repeat clients with an environment of total health and wellness which includes weight control, stress management and spirituality.

An example of this value proposition is the Westin Fitness Heavenly renewal program which even includes a wellness basket delivered to the guest complete with flowers, spa CD, aromatherapy, and dark chocolate.

An in room custom Hotel & Spa promotion extends the value proposition for spa amenities with free to guest or pay for view fitness channel programming. Over 3000 hotels the likes of Hyatt Hotels, Four Seasons, Marriott, Hilton, Sheraton, W, Ritz Carlton, Le Meridian, and others offer on command (OCV) programming with pay for view yoga and fitness videos which cater to the specific needs of travelers and those on the go. Artfully rendered, high-quality in-room yoga videos are usually available in three primary categories-Fitness, Stress Reduction and Mental Focus. These videos are purchased for $20.00 online and also on CD in some hotel spa or gift stores.

“With all the delays and long hours that come with modern travel, it is no surprise that frequent travelers have a hard time sticking to their fitness routines,” “For many hotel guests, the on site fitness center is not an option. In room fitness programs are ideal for this audience.”

Not only are the workouts among the most widely practiced and popular programs, but they are also specifically designed to be performed in the guest room using things like a towel, a bed, and a chair – items found in every hotel. It really is like having a personal yoga teacher in the room.

There are many options to stay stress free while traveling for business or pleasure.

By: Satori Ebedes

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There are a number of luxury hotels in Austin. They offer exclusive deals to their customers. The city of Austin has a number of upscale luxury hotels run by some of the leading hotel chains. What makes them luxurious is not just their carefully selected location but also fresh flowers, champagne bottles, stunning rooms, soaring ceilings, historic buildings and mesmerizing views. Most of the luxury hotels here also provide facilities for conferences and conventions. Their restaurants have a wide variety of cuisine, and many hotels also offer golfing facilities.

These luxury hotels also have exclusive suites which are very spacious and elegant. Some of the luxury hotels offer occasional discounts. One can take advantage of that to realize their dream of staying in a luxury hotel. Generally these luxury hotels offer free parking and free shuttles to and from the airport.

If you are planning to stay in one of them it is advisable to get your reservation well in advance. You can do it through your travel agent, over the telephone or online. Do not expect too many freebies in these hotels, though they do offer world-class services.

If you want to bring a pet, bear in mind there are some hotels which do not allow pets. You can check these rules and regulations online. Also, there might be extra charges for valet parking even though self-parking is not free, either. But don’t forget to look out for rebates and discounts, as many of them might be offering some.

By: Kevin Stith

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With an economic growth of over 10% annually, Bangalore is a major economic hub and the fastest growing Tier I city in India.

The city is home to the headquarters of several PSUs such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), and Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT). It is also the home base of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), major airline headquarters, telecommunications companies and defense organizations.

It is little wonder then that business travelers abound in this Silicon Valley of India; one would rub shoulders with corporate honchos, business tycoons and international celebrities at luxury hotels in Bangalore all year long.

While short listing the best business hotels in Bangalore, some points to be taken into consideration are proximity, in-room services offered and conferencing facilities.

The Bengaluru International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country. Besides, Bangalore is well connected to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways. So the hotel’s proximity to either one is highly desirable if you want to save on precious commute time.

Additionally, a five-star hotel in Bangalore that is close to places of tourist interest like Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park and Vishweshwaraya Museum, will be an added advantage if you wish to drop in for a quick visit in between meetings.

Most Bangalore hotels offer a good blend of tradition and comfort. For a businessperson on the move, a comfortable room with Internet, fax and international calling facilities can be most helpful.

Hotels with elegant banquet halls and meeting rooms are high on the preference list as they offer an appropriate place with tasteful decor and superior service to conduct important meetings and negotiations.
For those of you who prefer power lunches, a good, quiet restaurant or an all-day cafe may be added to the checklist.

Finally, pick a hotel that offers the right combination of the above factors without stretching your budget, and get ready to enter the commercial realm of Bangalore in a truly international setting.

By: Lisa D Thomas

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The exciting, lively New York City is one of the international centres of finance, politics, communications, and culture. New York is divided into five districts, with Manhattan and Brooklyn housing numerous first-class accommodations, plenty of sights, attractions and landmarks, and much entertainment.

Brooklyn is the most highly populated borough in New York, famous for its artists, music, beaches and Coney Island. Brooklyn has plenty of luxurious hotels, many of which are located near the Brooklyn Bridge, like the Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. There are numerous attractions here, like the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Coney Island, and many more. There are places for great high-end shopping, like Downtown Brooklyn and Fifth Avenue.

Neighbouring Brooklyn is Manhattan – a fantastic place for an extravagant, glamorous city holiday, with numerous upscale districts and shopping areas, as well as first-class restaurants and luxurious hotels. There are many high-end accommodations all over Manhattan, like the world-renowned The St. Regis New York on Fifth Avenue (different from Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue), The Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue, and many others.

There are plenty of things to see and do around Manhattan. Lower Manhattan is the departure point for ferries to the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other islands. There is also the famous Central Park, another icon of New York. On the eastside of Central Park lies the Metropolitan Museum of Art – famously known as the Met. Other famous sights and areas include the Empire State Building, Times Square and Rockefeller Centre, these being only a few amongst many other museums, sights, buildings and centres.

Amongst the many activities you can do in Manhattan is shopping. With numerous trendy, high-end areas, upscale shopping here is certainly a fulfilling one. Fifth Avenue is one of the most premier shopping streets in the world, packed with luxury stores of all kinds. Other areas great for high-end shopping is Madison Avenue, which is well-known for its fashion designers, jewellers and salons; 57th Street; SoHo, with its very fashionable neighbourhood; and others.

Manhattan is also a great place for a luxurious holiday or business stay with its many upscale restaurants, serving top-quality cuisine and first-class services. Another great thing about staying around Manhattan is its public transport. It is quite easy for tourists to use the subway system in New York, with most of the stops covering many of the main tourist sights and attractions.

By: Julian Khoo

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I moved to Italy ten years ago. Since moving to Italy I have organized and been involved in many conferences and events in some of the finest hotels and villas that Italy can offer. It is as a result of this experience that I am qualified to give an unbiased view on which of these place are the best. Naturally it is to a degree subjective but in my opinion these are the clear winners:

1) The Hotel Cipriani in Venice – A magnificent hotel. The Dogaressa Suite is particularly splendid. No other hotel in Venice and indeed few on earth can match the splendor of this luxury hotel.

2) The Hotel Danieli in Venice – Located in a magnificently restored 14th century palace right on the doorstep of St Marks. Marble, chandeliers and elegant gold leaf columns are the order of the day.

3) The San Maurizio near Alba – This 5 star hotel and spa was once a monastery and the setting is breathtakingly beautiful – located in the heart of Italy’s most beautiful wine route. Every guest at this luxurious oasis is treated as royalty. Expect no less than the most sublime treatments at the hotel and the enchanting spas. A Michelin starred restaurant rounds of the experience.

4) Ca Marcello in Veneto – Exclusive and spacious accommodation in a historic, authentic Venetian villa. The XVI century building is furnished with period furniture and valuable artworks and paintings.

5) Hotel Splendido Porto Fino – Recommended by Harpers & Queen. This hotel has it all, a magnificent setting in one of the most beautiful places in Europe and an unsurpassed degree of elegance and refinement. The exceptional hotel restaurants are amongst the best in Italy.

For photos, more information and some of my other choices visit:

By: Andrew J Smith

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Thailand offers you two very different experiences all in one place: a very vibrant city life, as well as a soothing, luxurious holiday. There are numerous first-class hotels all over Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, so it all boils down to which area you want to stay in. Thailand is especially popular for its beautiful natural scenery and beaches, and its vast cultural feel. The country is also known for its very vibrant night and city life.

If you are looking for a city holiday, places like Bangkok and Surat Thani are perfect. Bangkok is especially known for its very lively city life, especially at night – with some naughty acts, bustling clubs and bars. Surat Thani is a little more unique: while being a commercial hub, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery and sights.

Being the capital city of Thailand, there are many luxurious hotels here like the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, The Sukhothai Bangkok and many more. Some of the city’s most upscale hotels are located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Bangkok is also a great place for looking for great shopping areas. Here, you can find things from international branded items, to precious, unique antiques.

For a city-seaside holiday, there are places like Pattaya, Hua Hin and Cha-Am. Pattaya is a coastal city, and has some great luxury hotels here like the Pattaya Marriott and amny more. Other than having a vibrant nightlife, great food, shopping and sightseeing, Pattaya has some great beaches and recreational activities available. Hua Hin and Cha-Am are just a short distance away from Bangkok, and also have some great hotels. You can visit historical sites, go shopping, or relax at the beach.

Places popular mainly for their breathtaking scenery and stunning seaside include Phuket, Krabi, Koh Chang island, and Koh Samui island. While these places boast their beautiful sceneries and attractions, all of them are equipped with a happening night life, recreational activities and shopping. These areas would be great, if you are looking for a relaxing, luxurious holiday by the seaside. Koh Chang island has some great temples and sights; while Krabi is known for its beautiful limestone caves, waterfalls and exotic wildlife.

For those looking for a more cultural feel, but near a city, there is Chiang Mai. This area is famous for its spectacular mountains and hills. But other than its very beautiful natural scenery, Chiang Mai is great for shopping for handicrafts and such, as well as its vibrant nightlife.

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By: Julian Khoo

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