The Luxury Hotels Specials

As the credit crunch bites, growing numbers of Britons are planning to save money by spending their summer holiday in the UK, but they may be in for nasty shock. Figures released last week reveal a big increase in European visitors to Britain, prompting fears of accommodation shortages and soaring prices.

Lastminute.com, which operates across Europe, reported a 20 per cent increase in foreign visitors booking UK holidays during July, August and September. The number of Germans booking trips to Edinburgh has almost doubled compared with last year, according to the company.

‘The UK is traditionally an expensive destination for European tourists, but its competitiveness has improved dramatically because of the fall of the pound against the euro,’ said John Bevan, Lastminute.com’s managing director. ‘This summer the UK appears to be the place to be for all of Europe’s nationalities.’

Budget airline Jet2, which flies into six UK airports, also reported an increase of 8 per cent in inbound bookings.

The result is that anyone who hasn’t yet booked their UK holiday may struggle to find accommodation. Hoseasons says it expects all its self-catering properties to be fully booked throughout the latter half of July and August. Bargains are likely to be thin on the ground too. Research by YouGov has already found that almost half of UK consumers find Britain too expensive compared with foreign destinations.

Ironically, despite the weak pound, fluctuations in demand mean that there are actually some good bargains to be had in Europe this summer. ‘Demand for our UK programme is up from both domestic clients and those in mainland Europe,’ says Ted Wake, sales and marketing director at Kirker Holidays, ‘but top-end hotels in Europe are suffering a lack of bookings. The Americans, who normally come to Europe during the summer, are staying away because of the weak dollar, which means there are deals now available that would normally be unheard of in the summer months.’

Many hotels are offering free nights: a four-night package to the elegant Villa San Michele in Florence now costs £1,589, a saving of £395, while a three-night break at the Hotel Eden in Rome now costs £689, a saving of £260. Both are five-star hotels, and prices include flights, transfers, and B&B accommodation through Kirker (020 7593 1899; kirkerholidays.com).

The Bauer Il Palazzo in Venice, Italy was awarded one of the world’s ten best romantic hotels by Five Star Alliance.

An intimate boutique hotel within the heart of Venice, Bauer Il Palazzo is a truly authentic, Venetian-style palazzo overlooking Venice’s Grand Canal. More like a sophisticated home than a hotel, it is both elegant and luxurious.

Bauer Il Palazzo, with its stunning Gothic facade, reflects Venetian opulence at its best, with lavish decor and furnishings designed for the ultimate in comfort for visitors to Venice.

Benefiting from the most spectacular vantage point in Venice, Bauer Il Palazzo is conveniently located just steps from St Mark’s Square, and is close to Venice’s finest shops, museums and sights.

With its own private boat dock on the Grand Canal, guests arriving at Bauer Il Palazzo are greeted by the hotel’s sumptuous lobby, decorated in wood paneling and antique veneered Venetian panels, a lasting impression that is reflected in the unique decor and attention to detail in each of the hotel’s guest rooms and suites.

Experience the real Venice in the most elegant, romantic, private Venetian palazzo at Bauer Il Palazzo. Full article

Source

Details of all the hotels in Marbella Andalucia in Spain. Luxury accommodation on the Costa del Sol. You can book each hotel directly.
The Costa del Sol is a region in the south of Spain, in the autonomous community of Andalusia, comprising the coastal towns and communities along the Mediterranean coastline of the Malaga province and the eastern edge of the Cadiz province.

The area is particularly famous for its towns like Marbella, which provides the Costa del Sol with its reputation for being a playground for its super-rich and famous visitors. Visitors seeking Marbella hotels can reserve 4 star and 5 star hotels on our website.

Marbella is one of the Mediterranean’s most representative tourist venues and a top favourite for travellers. What was once a small white village of fishermen is now one of the most cosmopolitan beach resorts on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia. Although a modern town, Marbella is full of history, its origins date back to 1600 BC so it’s fair to say there is a little part of history to be found in every corner of the old town, with its Moorish castle, and famous Orange Square. The historical old quarter with the Andalucian and Moorish mix can still be found with its flower filled balconies and narrow streets.

Time has transformed this small maritime village of humble homes into a splendid tourist city that every year opens its doors to hundreds of thousands of visitors attracted by the wonderful climate, the warmth of the people, and the renowned parties and nightlife. Marbella is the choice of the rich and famous.

The resort is large and stylish, with around 28 km of beaches. Set against the stunning backdrop of a mountain, Marbella is a mixture of old and new, with stylish apartments lining the seafront. The centre of the Jet-Set and Show Business offers beautiful boulevards, parks and gardens, as well as romantic narrow lanes full of boutiques and restaurants.

For those who like to see the sights, taxis are cheap enough and plentiful, though if travelling any distance, you would be advised to agree the fare in advance.

By: Intsub

Ellen Degeneres and her fiancée Portia De Rossi are on a romantic vacation in Rome at the moment and were spotted leaving Hotel Hassler yesterday through the back door to avoid paparazzi. The couple walked around in the city and looked at the Colosseum, Campidoglio and Gianicolo Hill where the view of Rome is fantastic. Portia and Ellen looked like they were having a great time together, holding hands and laughing all day, and when they grew tired of sightseeing they went for massages at a spa inside the Hotel De Russie!

source

4. Tea at the Ritz—This was our big splurge but it was totally worth it! Hayley and I got dressed up and headed to the exquisite Palm Court at the Ritz Hotel for high tea last Wednesday night. It was an experience I will remember forever and something I would do every time I visited London. I ordered rose congou tea which was wonderful. The warm scones with clotted cream and jam were marvelous, and the Ritz chocolate cake and other pastries were delightful. And as we were walking in, Bill Clinton was walking out…it was just a really memorable, and quite posh, experience =)

An fanastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Room Service Waiter/Waitress to join the In Room Dining Team at Brown’s Hotel, the five * deluxe Leading Hotel of the World situated in the heart of Mayfair.You will assist in all aspects of the Room Service function and be one of the main points of contact for our guests, contributing to a team who are determined to deliver an unrivalled product in London.

You will have at least 6 months experience at a four or five-star hotel, be confident, take initiative, be comfortable amongst high profile guests and have a passion for service delivery. Organisational skills, immaculate presentation and the ability to communicate effectively and confidently are also essential.

If you have the energy, enthusiasm and passion to deliver an unrivalled service, we welcome your application.

Brown’s is a hotel renowned to ensure comfort, privacy and understated service for its guests. The interiors are contemporary and have a real sense of style, whilst retaining much of their original quintessentially English elegance.

Brown’s Hotel is part of the luxury hotel collection of Rocco Forte Hotels.

In line with the requirements of the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. Documented evidence of the eligibility will be required from candidates

MILAN, Italy, June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/– Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in Italy is pleased to announce a limited time
offer with special rates to the legendary cities of Rome, Florence, Milan,
Asolo, Venice and the island of Sardinia. Guests will receive a 20% discount
on best available room rates including 20% off on food and beverage at the
following hotels and resorts amongst famous brands such as Westin, Sheraton,
Le Meridien, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis:
-- ROME: The St. Regis Grand Hotel; The Westin Excelsior Rome; Sheraton
   Roma Hotel & Conference Center and Hotel Eden (20% off food and
   beverage not applicable at Hotel Eden)
-- VENICE: Hotel Danieli; Hotel Gritti Palace; The Westin Europa & Regina;
   The Westin Excelsior Resort, Venice Lido; Hotel Des Bains, Venice Lido
   Resort
-- MILAN: The Westin Palace; Sheraton Diana Majestic and Le Meridian
   Gallia
-- ASOLO: Hotel Villa Cipriani
-- FLORENCE: The Westin Excelsior Florence and The Grand Hotel
– SARDINIA: Hotel Pitrizza, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Cervo Hotel and Hotel
   Romazzino
This online offer is valid for bookings made from now until July 31st 2008

for reservations up until October 31, 2008. Potential guests must visit

http://www.italiansummervacation08.com and book through the website. Payment

for reservations will be charged at time of booking. All reservations are non-

changeable and non-refundable. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Enjoy a wide choice of restaurants that offer diverse menus based on

Mediterranean cooking and regional specialties.  New to travelers are the

totally restyled h club>diana restaurant at the Sheraton Diana Majestic in

Milan and the Terrazza Danieli  Restaurant at the Hotel Danieli in Venice.
About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
The Luxury Collection brand counts 55 properties all over the world.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and

leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than

100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties.

Starwood(R) Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of

hotels and resorts with the following renowned brands: St. Regis(R), the

Luxury Collection(R), Sheraton(R), Westin(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton,

W(R), Le Meridien(R) and the recently announced aloft(SM) and ELEMENT(SM)

Hotels. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of

the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval

ownership resorts. For more information, please visit

http://www.starwoodhotels.com.
 For More Information:
 Paul Burditch/ Brian Garrido
 Burditch Marketing Communications, Inc
 Los Angeles/ San Francisco
 paul@burditchmc.com
 brian@burditchmc.com
 (415) 874-9696 PH (San Francisco)
 (323) 932-6262 (Los Angeles)

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080626/LATH077LOGO)

It is a contemporary hotel, but also a true luxury hotel in Europe, whose buildings are clear and unambiguous installed in the heart of a beautiful green park and trees. In the midst of Milan, adjacent to the Botanical Garden, the Bulgari hotel Milan offers a breath suddenly relaxing all travellers who come to stay. Nothing like the feeling of walking in the bustling city on the occasion of exhibitions of fashion or decoration and then let go a long reverie among European or tropical scents that abound in this space édenique. Even if the whole garden was designed recently, you have to know that some trees still dating the years 1700.

While the interior is surprising. But if one of the places that Italian luxury hotel is even more surprising it is the bar. Column rough concrete, red leather stool straight out of a Fellini film and rows of bottles lined up like a grocery luxury. The cocktails are fabulous and small snacks as well. The design of the rooms is a tribute that the famous jeweller Bulgari pay the world of luxury hospitality. Located in the most hype and mode of Milan, near the Via Montenapoleone and La Scala. All rooms have beautiful details avantgarde but six suites that particular luxury hotel have bathrooms using stone Turkish Bihara, rare and warm. The suites also have their own fireplace and a terrace dark teak which opens onto the garden.

source

Summer Savings and Fixed Dollar Rates at Two Paris Hotels

American travelers can rest assured that regardless of what the mighty euro does between now and August 31, Concorde Hotels & Resorts has locked in U.S. dollar rates at two of its premier Parisian hotels. From July 11 through August 31, American visitors to Paris can take advantage of fixed rates at either the Hotel Lutetia or Hotel du Louvre. The Hotel Lutetia is located in Saint-Germain-des-Pres on the West Bank, and within walking distance of the river Seine, the Musee d’Orsay, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Several guest rooms offer views of the nearby Eiffel Tower. The elegant boutique Hotel du Louvre is located near the Louvre Museum, the Opera Garnier, and the Place du Palais Royal. The fixed rate package begins at $300 per room, per night (based on one or two individuals). For more information and to book call 800 888 4747 or visit www.concorde-hotels.com/usdguaranteed.

source

We see celeb breakdowns everyday — in the tabloids, tv, the internet and, sometimes, if we’re lucky (or unlucky) enough, in person. Aside from rehab, (if Dracula Lives catch them!) the celebs like a little getaway from all the drama. They vanish for a week, before the next wardrobe malfunction, cat fight or custody battle. When they’re tired of being notorious / infamous, where do the stars sneak off to?

* Caribbean Islands (This includes the Bahamas, Barbados and the West Indies) - No self-respecting star would skip out on this one. A choice of any of the islands, each one offering opulent and frivolous amenities that only a select few will be able to enjoy? Stars such as Alicia Keys and Denise Richards have been reported to have been spotted Sandy Lane Beach. — And who could forget the reported rental of the Villa by none other than endowment sale Hilton right after she got out of jail?

* France - Who can evade the allure of the land where they have crepes instead of pancakes? Cote d’Azur has been a magnet for stars looking to have a relaxing break from controversy. From the beaches of Cannes, and the quirky ebullience of life in St. Tropez, (which is 3 hours away from another celebrity getaway venue, Italy, more on this later) the stars love taking a little break in this little slice of the Mediterranean. Hotel Byblos, situated smack-dab in the middle of St. Tropez attracts the most number of France-trotting celebs. Cannes may be well-known for its film festival, but year-round celebs flock to this area of the globe just to get away.

* Spain - Salamanca, the car insurance rate quotes town, is well-known for its old-world charm. With the bustling nightlife that includes all the pulchritudinous people (yes, even on weekdays, from Battlestar Galactica I hear) — would the stars want to be missing out in all that? The luxurylink/portfolio/por_property_detail.php?productId=896Westin Palace is a celeb-favorite in Madrid, and in Barcelona, Hotel Claris is the preferred celeb hang-out.

* Hawaii - To top off the list, the land of pineapples and spam musubi and the birthplace of surfer culture. When a lei is hung around a celeb’s neck two steps outside the plane, they know that it is ON. A tropical escape at its best, the lush vegetation and surf-friendly beaches provide the perfect cover for a star on a getaway. Stars like Jessica stay in either The Four Seasons in Maui, or in the Ritz-Carlton for that luxurious little stay.

There you have it, the “celeb breakdown getaway” list. These Thor the top spots for running away from that latest controversy. (Well now that this list has been posted, I’m guessing the stars better find new locations to getaway in. And if it’s not in this list, then most probably some celeb has found an outerspace, underwater, or underground resort.) For all the celebs though, just remember, wherever you go, most everyone has cameras these days, and, paparazzi or not, they’ll be waiting for you to commit that one eetsy-teeny-tiny little mistake — and they will take pictures!

Triska Mae loves to travel, read books, go on adventures that would only require a map, a day’s food stock, and a friend. More of her thoughts in her blog sassytraveller.multiplyGlobe Trotter

source