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Showing posts with label Hotel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotel. Show all posts

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Can a Holiday Improve Your Life? If the Destination is Florence Italy, You Bet!

English: Florenace, Italy at night, seen from ...
English: Florenace, Italy at night, seen from Michelangelo's Piazza. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The equestrian statue to Cosimo I de' Medici, ...
The equestrian statue to Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, by Giambologna, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Statue of Benvenuto Cellini, Piazzale degli Uf...
Statue of Benvenuto Cellini, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Florence, Italy. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
English: Donatello's genius made him an import...
English: Donatello's genius made him an important figure in the early Italian Renaissance period. His works include St John the Baptist as a Youth, his Marzocco (the Florentine heraldic lion) and his famous mature work of the bronze David. This is located in the Bargello Palace and Museum. Français : Sculpture de David en bronze, réalisée par Donatello entre 1430 et 1432. Elle est conservée au palais du Bargello de Florence. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Glenn Aitelli
Florence Italy is in the Tuscany region about midway between Milan to the north and Rome to the South. Florence is much more than a tourist attraction. It has been Italy's center of art and politics dating back to the renaissance period and continues to make an important contribution to global culture.

Florence Italy is our favorite European city to relax and enjoy the beauty of a special city. It is a city with a combination of qualities that allows you to do everything or nothing. You will have as much fun enjoying an espresso and people watching at a Trattoria in Piazza della Republicca as you would strolling through the Bargello museum!

Travelers can enjoy all of Tuscany while staying in one place. Florence is perfectly located to be your home base while traveling to multiple towns. You are just two short hours from Rome and 1 1/2 hours from beautiful Siena. With the large number of small towns near Florence, you could easily fill up a month vacation without ever going to the same place twice!

The best time to visit Florence:

*Spring or Fall which are called the "shoulder" seasons. April and May and October and November will not only give you great weather but will also be easier on your wallet.

*The weather in the Summer months is extremely hot and the lines for all the attractions are gigantic.

*Try to avoid traveling to Florence in August, most Italians take their vacations in August and who wants to go to Italy to be surrounded by Americans?

Walking in Florence Italy enables you to see the city on a more personal level and it's also a good way to work off the excellent Florentine food! Walking through the lesser known and spooky areas of the city may be enough to make your hair stand on its end. How brave are you? Walk daily though the narrow, cobble-stoned streets lined with palaces and churches built by the architectural geniuses of the Middle ages and the Renaissance. View sculptures adorning outdoor walls and standing in the loggias of the grand piazzas.

Florence Italy is unique in that even small alleyways and courtyards are like museums with statues and frescos. Sometimes the best thing to do is put down the guide book for a day and just start walking. Just when you realize you're lost, you will discover some new piazza or neighborhood that you would never have found in a tour guide. I always ask locals where they go to eat or where they go to hear music to see how the Florentines live

Soggiorno Battistero is a charming Hotel in the heart of Florence, directly across from the Baptistery and Duomo. The hotel has simple, comfortable and large rooms at a price that even your accountant would approve of. You will get breakfast daily with the price of your room and the staff is very helpful and can assist you with restaurant reservations and advice on things to see. Hotels just next door are three times the price and don't offer the view or service that Soggiorno Battistero does. Florence is one of the greatest cities in the world and you will fall in love and long to come back again and again! http://www.Travel-To-Florence.com is owned and operated by Glenn and Jeanne Aitelli. We have traveled extensively throughout Europe but our passion is Italy. Both of us are graduates of the International Tour Management Institute in San Francisco and we are both certified Tour Directors. It is our hope that this site will not only help you plan your trip but enhance it.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Can-a-Holiday-Improve-Your-Life?-If-the-Destination-is-Florence-Italy,-You-Bet!&id=2675916] Can a Holiday Improve Your Life? If the Destination is Florence Italy, You Bet!
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Thursday, November 15, 2012

3 Top Cities in Europe and 3 Favourite Luxury Hotels

Deutsch: Paris: Eiffelturm und Marsfeld
Deutsch: Paris: Eiffelturm und Marsfeld (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Alexander Brey
European cities offer a rich culture, history and experience which the rest of the world can only envy. Cheap to fly to and easy to get around, a city break at one of these top luxury hotels is guaranteed to make your stay memorable for all the right reasons.

Paris
Cosmopolitan, chic and romantic, that's Paris! It has a reputation as one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world and there are some fabulous luxury hotels in Paris to complete your stay. Shopping in Printemps, dinner overlooking the city in one of the many Michelin starred restaurants, contemplating great artworks in the Louvre and cruising on the Seine all adds to the appeal. With great architecture, world-class museums and icons such as the Eiffel Tower, Paris cannot fail as a great destination.

Where to stay in Paris
This great location should be enjoyed from one of the centrally located luxury hotels in Paris, such as the Classic Four Season George V. With a gallery of awards and accolades this lovely luxury hotel in just one block from the Champs-Elysees.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Travel Tips: Best Five-Star Hotels in Berlin, Germany

'Schlosshotel im Grunewald', accommodation of ...
'Schlosshotel im Grunewald', accommodation of the German World-Cup football team 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By []Brian Willett
With a vast trove of cultural treasures, awe-inspiring architecture, museums of all kinds, historical landmarks and other displays of German heritage, Berlin is a must-see destination in Germany. Berlin is the nation's capital and in many ways seems to be the nations' cultural capital, given the rich history and modern entertainment, from shops to theaters to spas. It would be impossible to take in all that is Berlin in one day, so staying the night is a must. Thankfully, Berlin has no shortage of fine hotels, which offer the utmost in German service and comfort.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

5 Great Luxury Hotels in Florence

English: Savoy, Via Roma (Florence)
English: Savoy, Via Roma (Florence) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

By Alexander Brey
Some cities are best explored on foot and Florence is certainly one of them. It is therefore important to choose one of the luxury hotels in Florence which is within easy walking distance of the sights. Florence is a monument to the Renaissance, the cultural awakening during the 15th century, making this one of the greatest artistic cities to visit in the world. The wealthy patrons and influential families such as the Medici drew the best talent in Italy to create the legacy we can enjoy today. Marvel at the sights of Florence, and enjoy your stay in one of these centrally located, hand-picked luxury hotels in Florence.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Luxury Hotels in Rome - The Top 5

The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna in Rome.The Spanish Steps in Piazza di Spagna in Rome. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)



By Alexander Brey


What do you look for in a luxury hotel? Location is important, along with value for money. It is not the cost which matters, but whether you feel you got what you paid for. Chandeliers in the foyer and original wall art not may not be enough to enhance your vacation, but thoughtful additional services, a comfortable room which is sound-proofed, drinks and snacks immediately to hand and an unpacking and pressing service may be exactly what you are looking for. Rome has hundreds of hotels, from budget B&Bs to well located business hotels. We help you narrow down the choice, and spell out exactly the pros and cons of 5 of the most popular luxury hotels in the Eternal City.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Day Trips to Take From Prague Hotels

Deutsch: Blick auf den Hradschin (Hradčany, Bu...Image via WikipediaDay Trips to Take From <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=50.0833333333,14.4166666667&spn=0.1,0.1&q=50.0833333333,14.4166666667%20%28Prague%29&t=h" title="Prague" rel="geolocation">Prague</a> Hotels
By Emily EM Collins


If you've stayed in Prague before and on this visit you're looking to get out of the medieval city and visit some of its surrounding areas, then these scenic day-trips are likely to be just what you're looking for. None of the journeys should take longer than three hours, which means that you should be back at your Prague hotels by nightfall:
Karlovy Vary

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Best Budget Hotels - Paris

ParisImage via Wikipedia

By Mike Leverency


Paris is known for its delicious food, luxurious hotels and all round decadence. But you do not have to break the bank to stay in luxury, here are the top five budget hotels in Paris:

Friday, July 29, 2011

Traveling Through Europe With Style - A Trendy European Hotel for Every Destination

A panorama of 4 segments of an Amsterdam Canal...Image via Wikipedia
By Edo Jansen


If you're planning a trip around Europe, you most likely want to soak in as much of the culture as possible. No doubt you've got a long list of things you'd like to do and see upon your travels, but don't overlook your hotel stay as an important cultural experience. In every European city, there are a few hotel gems that truly capture the nuances of the city and make for a more culturally rich experience. We've searched though thousands of hotels, poured through visitor comments, and finally compiled a list of unique, stylistic European hotels that are certain to enhance the quality of your travel adventure.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Paris - Visit the Champs-Elysees

Champs-ÉlyséesImage via Wikipedia


By Roberta Stuart


Many visitors to France decide to stay in a Paris boutique hotel in order to see the famous city's sights and visit its iconic attractions. Whether it's climbing to the top of the Eiffel Tower, or strolling through the grounds of the Sorbonne, Paris is full of remarkable experiences; but taking time for a walk down the Champs-Élysées ranks as one of the most enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon in the city. It's known in Paris as 'La plus belle avenue du monde' - the most beautiful avenue in the world. The avenue is a piece of the city's history, having been a focal point for Parisian life since it was first developed, as a series of fields and market gardens in 1616. The name itself is the French translation of 'Elysian Fields', the home of the dead in Greek mythology.

Friday, May 13, 2011

The Best Mountain Hotels in Spain

View from the hotel VielhaImage via Wikipedia
Author: Alan Marker

Sightseeing in Spain is incomplete without visiting the beautiful mountains that spread from the Bay of Biscay to the Mediterranean Sea. However, moist city dwellers cannot stay without the comforts typically available in the cities. So here is a list of some mountain hotels in Spain with all the modern amenities.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Is Spring The Best Season To Spend A Month Or More In Paris?

The Eiffel tower at sunrise, taken from the Pl...Image via Wikipedia



"April in Paris" is a ballad that probably inspired more spring vacations in the City of Light than any advertising campaign ever did, with its lyrical descriptions of "chestnuts in blossom" and "holiday tables under the trees." The fact is, April in Paris is generally chilly and rainy, and although the fabled chestnut trees are indeed blooming, along with lilacs and wisteria, one would probably rather avoid lunching under dripping trees.


Thursday, March 10, 2011

The Gardens of Rome

Cappella di Villa Doria PamphiliImage via WikipediaBy Roberta Stuart

When you imagine Rome, what iconic images spring to mind? Is it the towering Colosseum? The Pantheon? Vatican City? While you'd be correct in imagining all of these things as symbolic of Rome, many people don't notice a hidden aspect to Rome all around them. While the historical sites and buildings are impressive, and indeed might be all you can see from a window in your hotel, Rome centre is filled with parks and gardens every bit as impressive as its architecture. With a large number of landscaped gardens sculpted by the 19th century Italian aristocracy, the city actually has one of the largest areas of green space amongst European capitals. Here are a few of the biggest, best, and brightest gardens in Rome.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

10 Famous Streets in London

Savile Row, a shopping street in LondonImage via Wikipedia
By James Riches
Just as London is famed for its many landmarks and attractions, so too is it home to a number of streets whose names are known across the globe. Whether it's because of their renowned shopping opportunities, illustrious theatres or even their use as a setting in an historic work of fiction, there are certain streets that will always attract visitors who come to London.
1, The Mall
As you might expect, some of London's most famous streets are those that lead to their most well-known attractions. The Mall is the stretch of road that leads from Trafalgar Square all the way to the world famous Buckingham Palace. Originally built to commemorate Lord Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, these days The Mall is most famous as the finishing line of the London Marathon, as well as the site of the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony.
2, Whitehall
Leading up to the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, Whitehall is truly an iconic stretch of road. Home to the thought-provoking Cenotaph monument, which forms the centrepiece of Britain's yearly Remembrance Day services each November, it also leads onto an even more prominent street.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Some Tips And Ideas That Will Help When Choosing The Perfect Apartment To Rent In Paris

Typical Parisian architecture in the 7th arron...Image via WikipediaFor a family or couple that is planning an extended vacation or simply visiting Paris for a couple of weeks, apartment rental in Paris may be one of the best options. Renting an apartment gives one greater freedom to come and go as well as offers greater savings over most hotel prices. It also makes it possible for a couple or family to have more space, cook their own food and enjoy a homier atmosphere than most hotels can provide. Apartments that are offered for vacation rental may be rented on a two week, one month or three month basis, as needed.



If you are not familiar with apartment hunting in Paris, you can take advantage of internet websites that specialize in offering apartments for rent. When looking at apartment options, it is important to not only check what the rental price is, but also to see what services and amenities are offered along with the apartment for rent. For instance, some apartment complexes will provide free clean sheets and towels for the tenants. Some vacation apartment complexes will also clean the apartments after you leave instead of requiring that you do so while on vacation. These small amenities, while not necessarily deal breakers, will make your stay in Paris more relaxing and enjoyable.




Even more important than noting what amenities are offered is finding out whether items that break or malfunction during your stay will be repaired in a quick and efficient manner. If the hot water stops working or the toilet is clogged up, it should be taken care of by either the landlord/landlady or the rental agency. This information should be noted clearly on the rental contract.



Those who have a limited budget should not rent an apartment in a touristy area. Renting a beach front apartment or an apartment right next to a tourist hot spot will be expensive. Instead, try to rent an apartment that is not in the most popular area of town but is near a metro so that you can get where you want to go quickly and easily.



There are a number of factors to consider when planning a stay in Paris. Renting an apartment is a good option for those who want to save money and enjoy a comfortable place to stay in. Be sure to look into all aspects of the apartment and ensure that the contract is clear with no room for misunderstandings.



Why not book your paris apartment rentals short stay right now.
Be sure to do that now here: paris short term apartment rental
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Bountiful Barcelona Hotels

By Chris L D Brown


With the warmth of the sun well and truly over, we are faced with a rather strong shift in temperatures, and it's got to that time of year when we have to wrap up with scarves, winter jackets and lets not forget the wellington boots. If us Brits took a second to notice the situation in Barcelona, then we might see a light at the end of this dismal tunnel. Temperatures stay higher for longer in this Spanish city, making the colder months that little bit more bearable. There is a grand selection of Barcelona hotels, so you won't find it hard to find the perfect place.
There is so much to see in Barcelona, you would be quite astounded. Cultural events, which include eclectic displays of music, art and fashion are set up all year round, giving you even more of a reason to visit this beautiful city. A cultural exploration is just what you need to keep your blood pumping, and if you think about it, a holiday is a holiday no matter what time of year you go. You could always pick one of the Barcelona hotels that have a bit more comfort if you want to be cosy and pampered during your trip away. For a bit more indulgence why not stay in a five-star hotel? You could watch the various musical displays and then retreat to the heat of your lusciously luxurious hotel and spoil yourself with a sauna and a spa treatment.

The Princesa Sofia Gran Hotel is a great place to visit if you want to relax to the max. Located in the financial district of Barcelona, this hotel is close to all major amenities. Not that you'll need them though, as this hotel caters with everything in mind. It has an indoor pool, which is perfect if visiting in the winter, and offers spa and hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, beauty services and massages. This is perfect is your looking for a bit of peace and quiet away from manic Britain. The hotel also has 500 climate controlled, sound proofed guestrooms, which are decorated with soft tones and dark wooden furnishings.
Alternatively, for an equally as indulgent and divine setting why not pick the Omm, one of the more modern and boutique Barcelona hotels set in the heart of the city? Here, there are 91 spacious and luminous rooms decorated with warm materials with wooden floors and handmade carpets. There are two restaurants with an extensive wine list and a delicious menu that is constantly on rotation. There's an outdoor pool terrace overlooking the Casa Mila and the Sagrada Familia, making it even more stunning. There is also a spa with aromatherapy (100% natural products), massage service and a heated pool that overlooks the garden, another great addition for your winter break away. You can also enjoy the private garden and library. Five-star living is the ultimate experience to have out of all the Barcelona hotels.
Chris Brown writes articles on top travel destinations and hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_L_D_Brown


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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Boutique Hotels in London Are Viable Options

The Natural History Museum. This is a panorama...Image via Wikipedia
By Soobash Badal



The boutique hotels are a class apart and offer a different and exclusive range of services. You should not overlook the boutique hotels as an option, as they are a tempting choice for the discerning travellers. There are numerous boutique hotels in the vibrating city of London. A few of the best boutique London's hotels are given below.





The K West Hotel and Spa is situated in a prime location near the Harrods and the Natural History Museum. Those who are staying there can enjoy the food offered in the Kanteen Restaurant as their taste buds would certainly enjoy it. The lounge is a place to relax with a soothing ambiance. The beds in the hotel rooms are deep and comfortable that you won't feel like leaving them. You can even rejuvenate yourself with a reiki treatment or with a massage in the spa located in the hotel. It is really an exceptional hotel meant for tourists who are in London to relax and enjoy themselves.

Those who are in London for a holiday and want to be pampered can choose to stay in one of the boutiques London's hotels like the San Domenico House Hotel in Chelsea. It provides for personalized service that would make your business or pleasure trip really memorable. The hotel rooms are individually themed and the guests would certainly enjoy staying in any of them. The rooms have original artifacts from the 18th century, and the marble bathrooms are a pleasure to have a bath in with heated towel racks. You would feel pampered if you are staying in this hotel.

The Hazlitts situated at Soho is also a luxury boutique hotel that has genuine antique articles for decoration. The hospitality of the hotel is warm. The rooms are luxuriously fitted. Located in the prime location near Bond Street, Covent Garden and Piccadilly very close to it, Hazlitts is a perfect place to stay.

There are many boutique hotels in London and one such hotel is the Bingham Hotel located in the Richmond. It is an enchanting London boutique hotel set on the banks of River Thames. The modern elegance and style of the hotel are based on the vintage Georgian architecture. You can enjoy sensuous contentment in the lavish whirlpool bath and relax in the serenity of the hotel rooms. You can also savour your meals while having a view of the Thames River in the Bingham Restaurant and bar.

The international tourists have become very demanding and discerning. They want value for money, and this value can be obtained from the boutique hotels. The boutique hotels provide not only luxurious lodgings, but also other facilities and services to make you feel at home. The staffs offer a cordial welcome and treat you like a family member. You can stay in these luxury hotels with all your needs attended to. In this huge city, a little pampering comes at the right moment, and if you are planning to make a visit to London, choosing one of the London's boutique hotels will make your trip a memorable one.

Author is a marketing specialist having great knowledge on Travel and Tourism. To find out cheap hotel deals visit best boutique London hotels and luxury boutique hotel


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Soobash_Badal

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Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Parisian Romance at the Parc Monceau

La roseraie du parc Monceau en Automne, Paris,...Image via Wikipedia
Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe


Paris is well known for its romantic atmosphere; classical structures, churches, the Seine, food and vine, the arty culture which all depict its romance. Most visitors to Paris come in search of ‘d'amour', and will find that as promised the city is really very enchanting and that at every turn and at every nook the main theme will be romance.
Discovering Paris will definitely take a lot of your time. So in order make the most of your visit, its best to priorities and plan ahead. And, categorising key interests will help any traveller narrow down the key areas targeted during the Paris visit. For travellers who prefer to take things easy and enjoy the many parks and gardens afforded by the romantic Parisian culture, one will find that the city is home to some of the most enchanting parks in the world.


The Parc Monceau is one such public garden affording relaxation and romantic setting for the Parisians as well as to the visitors to Paris. Initiated by the Duke of Orleans in the 18th century, the park, with its flower gardens and collection of adorning statues, is one of the prettiest parks in Paris and a much sought after park by those seeking relaxation and romance.
Originally designed by Louis Carrogis Carmontelle, the idea behind the park was to create an English style garden, or to be less formal compared to conventional French garden. And even today, it is this unique factor that sets apart the Parc Monceau from other public parks and gardens in Paris.
So explore the exotic attractions Paris has to offer and dwell in its amorous parks - for travellers searching for Paris hotel rooms the city boasts the most amazing range of lodging options to suit any budget. Choose from a range of hotels, hostels and apartments, all of which boast the romantic atmosphere of the city. For a serene atmosphere try the Millennium Hotel Paris Charles de Gaulle. Located close to the Paris city centre as well as the international Charles de Gaulle airport, this hotel is one of the cosiest Paris airport hotels.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/parisian-romance-at-the-parc-monceau-3726646.html

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About the Author

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
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Monday, November 29, 2010

Paris in the Winter

This panorama is made from 8 photos. Hugin and...Image via Wikipedia
By: Peter Merifield
Every body has heard of "Paris in Spring" and "Paris in Fall", but Paris in the winter? The fact that everyone has heard of Paris in the Spring ought to give a clue as to why it might be smart to visit the city during the off-season winter months. There are fantastic deals on hotel rooms that make luxurious Paris accommodations affordable even for the budget-minded. The winter is the perfect time to splurge on a Parisian holiday at rates that won't put too much strain on your bank account.



It's true that the weather can be dismal in Paris, but that won't keep you from enjoying fine dining, shopping, or visits to the famous art museums and other indoor attractions. There are sunny days and temperatures rarely go below freezing, but it's important to bring appropriate clothing for windy, rainy days. One good reason to visit Paris in the winter is for the state-regulated sales in stores that the government only allows two times per year, once in January and once in the summer.

Many people don't realize that Paris is on vacation in August, with much of the population taking their holidays elsewhere, leaving many hotels and restaurants closed for the month. The spring months are over-flowing with tourists, reservations are at a premium and prices are high. It makes good sense to visit Paris at least once in good weather, but there's plenty to come back again and again for, so why not take advantage of the bad weather and the good prices and do all the things that don't require sun to enjoy? You'll feel less like a tourist and you'll get to see the daily life of Paris as it really is.

There are dozens of hotels in the heart of the city offering deals this winter. Check with your travel agent or look online to find great deals and packages at some of the places you might not have thought you could afford. You can stay in the heart of the city at one of the grand hotels or for convenience's sake you could stay at the Hilton Hotel Charles de Gaulle, located in the airport. It's easy to get to the city from the airport and if you stay at the Hotel CDG you won't have to haul your luggage all the way into the city and back.
About the Author
Peter Merifield is a London-based freelance journalist with a mission to make you a better and happier human being. Drawing attention to the peculiarities of life in the modern age is all part of the package.Check out his other articles for everything you need to know about Hotel Charles de Gaulle
(ArticlesBase SC #3746989)
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Paris in the Winter
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Saturday, September 4, 2010

Top Tips to See Rome on a Budget

fotografia de la Fontana di Trevi por la nocheImage via WikipediaBy Fabio Carrozi Platinum Quality Author
Rome isn't exactly renowned for being the cheapest of cities to take a holiday in. Unfortunately, despite the imminent recession the credit crunch hasn't dampened people's desire to visit this expensive city. Help is at hand: I've been a Rome shuttle driver for more years than I care to remember, and have picked up a great deal of insider knowledge that should help you get by on - well, if not a shoestring budget, then at least significantly cheaper than you'd expect to pay.
I won't go into details of booking flights - that's not really my area of expertise - but do shop around, and make sure you get the best deal possible. Once you get there, there's plenty of ways to save money:

Don't be Fussy About When You Go

Every bit of budget travel advice mentions this, but in Rome it seems to be particularly relevant. When you travel makes a huge difference as to how much it will all cost. If you head out to Rome in August, for example, you'll find hotel rates slashed. True, this is offset against many restaurants and galleries being closed for the season, but there's still plenty to see and do.

If you absolutely must go in peak season (if you need to match the school holidays, for example) then do remember that weekends are usually more expensive, so you can still save a few Euros here and there.

The other advantage of going in the off-season is how much less crowded it is - from your Rome airport transfer to the city's famous highlights.

Don't Pay Top Dollar for Your Room

It always amazes me that people are willing to pay so much for a hotel room, when the chances are they'll spend next to no time in there! Spend plenty on your house, sure - but a temporary place to sleep? Sounds like a premium place to cut costs to me.

There are a number of decent cheap hotels I can recommend. They are basic (and it's best to check there is air conditioning in the heat of summer - some will charge extra), but they're safe and clean. Hotel Luzzatti, Hotel Romano and Hotel Principe Eugenio are all 2 stars, but offer excellent locations at a competitive price, while Hotel Igea is a 3 star hotel with budget prices, conveniently located just two blocks from Rome's main railway station.

Know Which Attractions are Free or Cheap

There's loads to see in Rome that's either free or very cheap. On the free end of the scale you have The Roman Forum, The Bocca della Verita, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Pick of the freebies is the Vatican museums if you're there at the right time: on the last Sunday of every month, they're free of charge!

As for very cheap, the Archeobus is pushing it at 7.75 Euros, but few could argue that at 2.5 Euros the Museum of the Walls is exceptional value for money.

Skip on the Hire Car

Rome is a big city, but you don't need to hire your own car. Taxis too are an expense you don't need - consider using the public transport and walking around the place to seeing the best bits. As for getting your luggage to the hotel, I may be a little biased, but for me taking a Rome airport transfer really is the way forward. It's cheap, reliable and from someone knowledgeable about the city. And when it's time to head back to the airport, a Rome airport transfer is sure to get you there on time, so you can concentrate on relaxing rather than getting your timings right.

Know Where the Best Cheap Eats Can be Found

The worst offenders in terms of overpriced, substandard food tend to be the tourist eateries, as in any city. Follow the locals for cheap eats - some of the best are Da Baffetto (arrive before 7, because the lines are huge!), Brek (a chain that offers a decent hot meal for under 10 Euros) and Antica Osteria da Giovanni (a bit of a walk, but half the prices of those in the city centre).

The final tip I can give is to ask around, and follow the lead of people who actually live there. Shop around and ask for recommendations from your Rome shuttle driver - they may have some tips that I've managed to miss!

Fabio Carrozi is a Rome shuttle driver for Shuttle Direct. They provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don't miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Fabio_Carrozi



 
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Have a Perfect Vacation Today without Breaking the Bank!

Facade of The Pierre, New YorkImage via Wikipedia

These days with the world still coming out from a global recession, there are quite a number of things one can do to have a great inexpensive vacation. Especially with the hotel and hospitality industry, which were affected by the economic slow down, there are many bargains and deals that are available. Here are some of the things one can do when searching for the perfect vacation without breaking the bank:

- Go online to search for great deals on hotels. The internet is still the initial place to go to when looking for deals for staying in hotels. Sometimes, all you have to do is to email some of the places and see if they offer great rates. Cardiff Bay Hotels may have weekend rates that are great for local residences and offer substantial discounts on weekends for the locals. Cardiff is a bustling trading city especially when it comes to the maritime industry. On weekends, business slows down as businessmen who are there on the weekdays go home to their families. By asking around, you can probably find a couple of posh hotels willing to give great rates on their rooms or services offered.

- Plan ahead. By planning your vacation ahead of time, you can get good prices on airfares, room rates and other items as well. Airplane fares purchased a month in advance can be low as 50% off the regular rate, and booking hotels ahead of time, you can ask for a better rate. Even renting cars ahead of time will get you better packages as well. By booking ahead of time, you assure the host a guaranteed income and they can respond to you by giving ample discounts or upgrading the services that will make your vacation worthwhile.

- Make an itinerary of the trip. By managing your time on your vacation, you will be able to optimize that vacation to your particulars. A vacation may not necessarily be full of activities but being able to plan some does help. Some people though wish to not do anything during their vacation but get ample rest and downtime with their significant other and that is fine. But for those with families, especially young children in tow, then being able to plan things, especially going to theme and amusement parks need to be planned well. Such planning includes giving directions on where to meet or what to do when they get lost of separated. It may happen so preparing for it is good.
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