Canada's Romantic Hotels-wonderful cosmopolitan areas

There is romance to be found in the great north. Canada is a country full of majestic scenery in its many lakes, and rivers, mountains and forests, and wonderful cosmopolitan areas. There are many hotels that stand out either for their history and beautiful surroundings, or for their luxurious accommodations and amenities in the midst urban sophistication. Either of these scenarios make these hotels a perfect setting for a romantic interlude to not be forgotten.

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, located on Vancouver's chic Robson Square, is a romantic European boutique-style hotel. Privately owned and operated, it is smaller and more intimate than some other local hotels. All of the 83 luxurious rooms at the Wedgewood feature private balconies and beautifully crafted plush furnishings. You can relax at the spa and fitness centre, which carries the renowned Epicuren cosmetic line. The Award-winning restaurant Bacchus offers outstanding dining with live entertainment nightly and is known for its exceptional weekend brunches and afternoon tea. The Wedgewood Hotel is close to many attractions in Vancouver, and there is no shortage of activities to choose from. Suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta

Discovery Travel voted Chateau Lake Louise as one of the ''World's Top 10 Honeymoon Hot Spots'' and did so for a very good reason. The scenery is breathtaking and the hotel is grandiose. Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded with snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks and secluded next to a legendary lake. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a full range of newly renovated rooms and elegant suites featuring either a mountain or lake view, with facilities befitting one of the world's finest mountain resorts: award-winning cuisine in eight restaurants and lounges, and a gallery of unique boutiques to shop at. Your adventure starts right outside the Chateau's doors. You can go hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing (depending on the season of course!). Or you can kick back and relax in the spa, indoor pool or hot tub.

Windsor Arms, Toronto, Ontario Step through the Gothic inspired doorways and you will find a luxurious, two-storey lounge, richly panelled in dark oak and offering 26 suites and two luxury rooms across four floors of this deluxe boutique hotel. Located centrally in Toronto in the upscale Yorkville area, this discreet small luxury hotel offers guests Toronto's only caviar and champagne lounge, a dance and live entertainment club, a luxury spa and an indoor pool, complete with poolside fireplace and gourmet restaurant. Traditional tea is served at 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily. Shopping and entertainment are only steps away.

The Marriot Niagra Falls Fallsview and Spa, Niagra Falls, Ontario

We all know that Niagra Falls is one of the honeymoon capitals of the world. Something about those majestic falls inspires the romantic side in couples. A room with a view is a must in this location and this new luxury property boasts that it's the closest hotel to Niagara Falls. The hotel has 427 Fallsview guestrooms overlooking Niagara Falls. The Deluxe Fallsview Fireplace and Whirlpool Suite is an intimate Suite featuring a King sized bed, a large 2-person Whirlpool and a fireplace. This suite is located on one of the hotel's higher floors, and offers an extraordinary view of both the Canadian and American Falls.

Chateau Montebello, Montebello, Quebec

Nestled in the midst of a private 65000 acre estate, Le Chateau Montebello is located on the shores of the Outaouais River, halfway between Ottawa and Montreal and is a great place to get away from it all. This resort opened in 1930 as a private club and became a hotel in 1971. A legendary log chateau, being the largest log-cabin in the world, the hotel is an idyllic four-season resort offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including: curling, cross country skiing, skating, dog-sledding, snow-shoeing, and sleigh rides in the winter and boating, fishing, jet-skiing, lawn games, outdoor swimming, tennis, and an 18 hole golf course. Jacuzzi suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec

This is a magnificent castle-like structure with copper turrets and stone towers, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is over 100 years old and a historic landmark of Quebec City. Situated on top of the Cap Diamant Cliffs in the heart of the old walled-in city, Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River and provides some great views. Romance packages are available for any of the beautifully furnished 618 guestrooms and suites. There are exquisite restaurants, an elegant, beautiful bar and a more casual veranda bar. The Chateau also has many upscale boutique shops, art galleries, a florist and hair salon. There is also an on-site indoor pool and fitness center. When do venture out, a stay at the Chateau Frontenac permits you easy walking access to all of the wonderful sites and romantic experiences that Old Quebec has to offer.

The Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Casino Nova Scotia is the only hotel located directly on the waterfront, in the heart of downtown Halifax. Guests enjoy convenient access via the walkway to Casino Nova Scotia, many boutiques, shops, restaurants, banks and entertainment hot spots. Casino Nova Scotia is located next door to the Hotel and offers you gaming, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel has two popular restaurants, with outdoor patios featuring a spectacular view of Halifax Harbour, offering an eclectic menu, two lounges, and an indoor heated swimming pool with a large modern fitness facility and full spa services. The rooms offer spectacular views of Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, the city, or of the courtyard. . The Casino Nova Scotia offers full Concierge services, where sightseeing tours, Harbour boat ours, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, golf and other activities can be arranged. One-bedroom suites or Luxury suites are available.

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Spain's Hotels -super selection of hotels

Spain has a super selection of hotels and you will surely discover something to suit all tastes and pockets.Whilst most visitors holidaying in Spain from abroad tend to stick to the stereo-typed hotel chains for their vacations, Paradores make a fantastic alternative. Quality accommodation and food guarantee a stay that is remembered for comfort, style and value for money. And, through them, you will gain a better and deeper knowledge of Spain.

Right from their beginnings in 1928, the aim of the state established Paradores Spain was to offer high standards, at reasonable prices, in a noteworthy building or location, and to help preserve the traditions of regional cooking, by serving the best of local cuisine in the Parador restaurants.Equally important objectives of the hotel chain were to help preserve the country´s national and artistic heritage and to promote tourism in areas which had been overlooked by the private sector.

Today, Paradores can be found in converted castles, palaces, fortresses, convents, monasteries and other traditional buildings throughout the mainland and its islands. The group has also built new hotels in unspoiled areas of the country in magnificent locations.

The origins of Paradores go back to 1910, when the Spanish Government assigned the Marquis de la Vega Inclán the task of creating a hotel infrastructure for vacations which would house travellers and improve Spain´s image abroad.In 1926, through the Royal Tourism Commission established in 1911, the Marquis de la Vega Inclán initiated the establishment of a hotel in the Gredos Mountains in Castilla La Mancha, making the wonders of the area´s landscape ccessible to tourism.

King Alfonso XIII of Spain was very enthusiastic about the idea and he, personally, chose the location. Construction began in August 1926 and was completed on the evening of 9 October 1928. The hotel was inaugurated that same day and became the first establishment of the future Paradores Spain network, the Parador de Gredos.

After the opening of the Parador de Gredos, the Board of Paradores and Inns was formed and efforts were channelled into perfecting the original idea and into making use of selected historical/artistic monuments and beautiful landscapes for the establishment of new Paradores Spain.

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Cheap Paris Hotels-great price in a big city like Paris

Finding a good hotel for a great price in a big city like Paris, France isn't quite as hard as finding a needle in a haystack, but it's not so easy! If you're lucky enough to have a friend who knows Paris well, or better yet, lives there and can recommend a good hotel in a nice Paris neighborhood, then by all means, get them to help you make your Paris hotel reservation. However, we are not all so lucky! For most of us, using the internet to find a hotel that offers an excellent value for the money is the best alternative and making the hotel reservation is a potentially rewarding adventure.

Finding a Paris hotel bargain is quite possible if you follow a few essential guidelines. First of all you need to know where you want to stay. Paris is a big and diverse city and the location of your hotel can make the difference between a vacation filled with magical memories and a nightmare made real. A link to a good map with descriptions of the Paris arrondissements (districts) is available at the end of this article.

Secondly, you'll need to decide what kinds of hotel services you'll need. Some people want everything from air conditioning to mini-bar to room service, with a four star restaurant on the premises. Others are content with a bed, a bathroom and a shower in a safe part of Paris.

The criteria for rating hotels vary from country to country, but in France, hotels are given a grade ranging from one to four stars based on the facilities that are available; but such ratings are not an indication of the quality of the accommodations. That means that the star rating will only give you a basic idea of what facilities a hotel has to offer. Two-star hotels must have an elevator (if appropriate), a telephone in every bedroom, and at least 40% of the rooms are required to have a bathroom in the room (en-suite). Three-star hotels must offer breakfast room service and 80% of the rooms must be en-suite, and four-star hotels are required to have a restaurant and all the rooms en-suite.

So once you've decided how many stars you need, you're ready to get started. Going to a travel agent will generally only give access to a limited number of hotels in Paris, and they won't be the cheapest hotels in their category. If a bargain is your objective, you'll be better off searching the web for Paris hotel reservation websites that are based in France and because of that are able to offer you on-line booking for a wide range of boutique hotels. Such hotels often offer great value for the money!

Don't forget that if a good price is your objective you should bear in mind that a moderate quality three-star hotel in Paris may be less expensive than the best two-star hotel. Similarly, a good two-star hotel in the Latin Quarter, Saint Germain, or the Marais, may cost the same or more than a three-star hotel in an out of the way corner of Paris.

Once you find the Paris hotel you're looking for you'll need to verify its availability for your desired dates and then make a booking. On most websites you'll either be able to instantly check for availability or you'll need to submit a form and wait for confirmation of availability. Either way, you'll generally be asked to provide credit card information. As long as the reservation is submitted via a secure, encrypted connection (website addresses beginning with "https" are secure), you won't have to worry about somebody intercepting your credit card information.

There's one more thing you'll need to pay attention to when making internet hotel reservations. Although some hotels don't ask for any advance payment, they will probably authorize your credit card, meaning that a certain sum will be blocked until you arrive or cancel your reservation. Other hotels may require payment of one night in advance, with this payment being refundable if the booking is canceled at least 24 hours before arrival. You'll have to look at each hotel's cancellation policy to know exactly how much flexibility you have. Either way, once you book your hotel, you'll probably no longer have access to a certain amount of funds!

So there you have it, a brief summary of the issues involved in booking a Paris hotel on the Internet. Following these simple guidelines will help you have a better chance of finding a good cheap hotel bargain in Paris and having an even more wonderful visit.

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Ensure That Your Stay is a Safe One-tayed in a hotel, motel, or a bed and breakfast establishment

Almost without exception, each of us has traveled away from our homes and stayed in a hotel, motel, or a bed and breakfast establishment. Oftentimes we become "relaxed" while away as we fail to make ourselves aware of the dangers a fire presents especially in an unfamiliar environment. Let's take a look at some of the things you should do to minimize your risks while away from home.

Even before embarking on a trip, fire fighting experts strongly suggest you research to find out if your hotel has a fire safety plan in place. Does the establishment have smoke detectors and a sprinkler system? In addition, you should pull together and pack a personal survival kit which includes a flashlight, a portable smoke detector, and a roll of wide duct tape. When traveling abroad you should learn the word for "fire" in the native language.

Promptly upon check in you should ask about the hotel's evacuation plan, find out where the fire alarms are located, and check to see if there are smoke detectors and a sprinkler system in your room. If the establishment is deficient in any of these areas, strongly consider staying somewhere else.

Once you are in your room check the windows to make sure they open and close properly (if they are not the sealed type). Identify at least two ways out of the room, if available, and learn how to unlock your door in the dark. Keep your room key and flashlight by your bed and remember where they are at all times.
Should a fire start in your room, leave immediately and bring your room key with you. Close the door and sound the fire alarm. Quickly walk to safety and do not use the elevator. Once you are on the ground floor, leave the building immediately.

If a fire begins elsewhere in the building take your key and a flashlight. Put the back of your hand against the door to see if it is hot and then check the hallway for smoke. If smoke has been detected, crawl low along the floor and exit by way of the first stairwell you see. Again, do not use the elevator.

If upon touching the door to your room you find it to be hot or if there's a great amount of smoke in the hallway, the fire is nearby and you will need stay in your room. Call for help, fill the bathtub with water, and cram the bottom of the door with wet towels or a throw rug. Tape the edges of the door and, if possible, hang a sheet from a window to signal for help. If your windows are sealed, attempt to smash them open with a chair or other blunt instrument. Finally, wait for the fire professionals to come to you and never attempt to jump from your room's window.

Do these preventative measures seem extreme to you? They may seem that way if you are not a frequent traveler. Many of the fire codes we take for granted in the USA are much lower -- if not at all existent -- in certain other countries. Take the necessary precautions before your trip to ensure that your stay at an establishment is a safe one.

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Hostels in Germany-most beautiful, most exciting and most unforgettable places

Would you like to spend nights at the most beautiful, most exciting and most unforgettable places?

Would you like to constantly receive TOP Insider Tips from natives, whose are really well versed - and this totally free of charge?

Would you like to save 50 to 80% of your usual overnight expenses?

If you answered one or all above questions with "YES", read on :

Did you know that the youth hostels were "invented" in the year 1909 by Richard Schirrmann, Germany?

Did you further know that ever more adult and "smart" people firmly build hostels into their travel planning to get hold of the benefit from advantages which they would not receive with usual hotels?

The hostels in Germany offer far more to you than a low-priced accommodation.

Getting to know each other and intercultural meetings are motivating again and again not only grades, groups of children and young people, but also families, seminar organizers and many interested single travellers to consciously experience their spare time in a youth hostel.

Tolerance towards the other one, the helpfulness, open dialogue, and a strong environmental awareness make the hostels in Germany for its guests an unusual and experience-rich destination.

Beside small cosy old buildings or the experience in castles and residences you also find many houses in scenic delightful environments as well as in large cities.

At first sight it has even the appearance at some, that it would be a 5-star luxury hotel. But after all if you ask for the conditions you experience that you have been landed in a fantastically beautiful youth hostel and will feel at ease in the time of your stay.

Whatever you are looking for - whether conference atmosphere, sport possibilities, school experiences without classroom, or a particularly for families coordinated equipment - with the hostels in Germany you'll find the fitting for you.

By the way, between youth hostels and schools exists a long active tradition.

Anyhow, it is important for them that they do not only offer touristic attractions. The youth hostels above all attach also importance to obtain conscious travel. The social, economic and ecological consequences of a blind mass tourism are very conscious to them. Therefore, you will still get expert consultation and insider knowledge, and all this free of charge. Fits somehow to my website concept ;-)

Good. Most hostels in Germany are located at places, from which you can discover a lot of beautiful things. Whether it is on a mountain from which you have a fantastic view, or in the country, where you can get to know the very German life, or in the middle of a city, where you can admire the attractive and historical points of interest.

There are even youth hostels with extensive wellness supply! By some I am inclined to call them Secret Resorts. (More about Secret Resorts and how to find them in my specific 4-part article or on my website)

If you however attach great importance to comfort, you should better book your accommodation in a hotel. In the youth hostels often no or little service is offered. Service you usually get in hotels.

Moreover, in Bavaria are lodgings which offer overnight stays only for humans up to 26 years. That is, they proverbially concentrate on the youth. You will find however sufficient others in which is also offered a cosy bed to adults.

Today we have youth hostels in the whole world (I even had the time of my life in the hostel of New York City!). You will however see, feel, and smell that the origin of hostels was developed in Germany.

Now still a few numbers of Germany Hostels: world-wide there are more than 4,000 youth hostels in 65 countries, whereby more than 600 alone in Germany. You need a membership card in order to be able to stay overnight there, which costs only 20 EUR per year and is world-wide valid! More than half of the 1.7 million members in Germany are adults. The average cost per night is somehow between 10 and 25 EUR. So you save a lot of money, don't you?

However, I wish you a lot of fun on your journeys!

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Hotels In India-major world tourist in the world

With India being a major world tourist in the world, availability of hotels is not such a problem. However, every tourist in India, local or foreign, would do well to plan his trip in advance to enable him to find a hotel that most suits his needs.

There are a number of questions to be answered before finding the right choice of hotel for your India trip: What are your individual interests and inclinations? Are you looking for a relaxed holiday in India, maybe on a beach or hill station where you can recharge your batteries? Or is your holiday incomplete without the adrenaline that accompanies rushing off cliffs and plunging into raging torrents? Are creature comforts of the hotel paramount to you or do you dig the seclusion of a log cabin in the woods, with all the hardships that it entails? Again, are you one who falls for five star glitters or is an elegant hotel with old world charm more to your taste.

An important consideration while choosing your hotel is budget. Are you prepared to spend a premium for style to match or are you 'doing' India on a shoestring?

While planning your India trip, consider where your hotel will be situated. As they say, it's all about "location, location location." For instance, if you have specific interest in India, say a wildlife reserve, it makes sense to stay as close as possible to it rather than book a hotel at a distance and spend time and energy commuting. Again, does your itinerary demand a central location or would you prefer a hotel in a choice setting with fabulous views?

These are some of the hotel options that might be available to you in India.

Five Star Hotels in India: Often owned by prestigious names in the Indian Hotel industry such as the Taj or Oberoi, these offer the ultimate in terms of comfort and excellence in service. While most of the important chains do have hotels in major Indian destinations, hospitality here does come at a price.

Heritage Hotels in India: These were originally former palaces or mansions belonging to India's erstwhile princes or nobility that have now been converted into hotels. For a price, tourists can experience a slice of the history and romance of India's former royalty. Rajasthan, Mysore, Hyderabad are some of the Indian states where heritage hotels are located.

Eco friendly Hotels in India: These hotels offer you a close communion with nature during your stay. Most of them are located in scenic locations, around forest reserves, hill stations or ecologically sensitive zones. While many such hotels in India are committed to the preservation of natural resources, with others it is often just a sales gimmick.

Wellenss Centres or Spas in India: India being home to the holistic science of Ayurveda, these hotels provide you with massages, detoxification and fitness routines to rejuvenate the body and soul. Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Rishikesh and Rajasthan are some of the places where these are found.

Budget Hotels in India: While many budget hotels do offer decent accommodation and excellent food, the same cannot be said for all. Again while some have pleasant surroundings set in plum locales others maybe no more than congested hotels.

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Ice Hotel the Ultimate in Cool Destinations

The demand for a stay in an ice hotel has never been greater. The first hotel made of ice opened in Jukkasjarvi, a Lapland town in the north of Sweden, in1990. The Ice Hotel concept has gripped the world's imagination since then.

Sweden remains the world's main venue for buildings made of ice. By exploring Sweden you might expect to find ice galleries, ice restaurants and ice bars as well as the ice hotels. But Sweden is not alone - the other Scandinavian countries have launched their own versions of the Ice Hotel concept. Even Alaska and upstate Quebec in Canada have built an ice hotel in the last few years.

The real adventure of an ice hotel is in staying overnight but many visitors simply arrive for the day to dine in the restaurant or to drink in an Ice Bar. There is nothing quite so warming as a shot of pure vodka served from a glass made entirely of ice.

If your hands are not too numb at the time then you can "tie the knot" in the coolest manner imaginable. Ice hotel weddings have become so popular that the Scandinavian ice hotels can't keep up with the demand.
The original ice hotel in Sweden is only in existence for around four months each year before it (quite literally) melts away to nothing but it's remarkably busy during its short season. Fifteen thousand guests stayed last year and this year's Ice Hotel has eighty-eight bedrooms - thirty of them specially decorated suites created by local ice artists.

All of the ice hotels offer daytime activities and excursions such as ice-carving classes, snowmobile excursions, reindeer rides and dog sledging. The original Ice Hotel in Sweden also has a four hundred-seat theatre where guests can enjoy rock music, opera and other theatrical performances in the evenings. You can purchase Ice Hotel souvenirs and merchandise in the Ice Hotel shop and the concept has spread beyond Sweden. The original Ice Hotel company now run two permanent Ice Bars where the cool citizens of Milan and Stockholm can gather for an evening of "chilling."

If you're planning a visit to an Ice Hotel then follow these top tips on how to sleep well when the temperature in your bedroom never rises above minus five degrees.

Try to take part in an evening activity so that you're already tired when you go to bed.

Avoid the obvious temptation and don't drink too much - getting up to the toilet in the middle of the night is not much fun when it's minus five degrees in your bedroom!

Do make sure that your sleeping bag fits you snugly and wear socks, thermal underwear and a woolly hat in bed. Sexy it ain't! But definitely essential to a comfortable night.

Whatever happens you're sure to have a unique experience and are not likely to quickly forget the night you spent in an Ice Hotel.

Gary Hill is a travel writer based near Edinburgh in Scotland. He thinks his own bedroom is more than cold enough at times but the Ice Hotel concept seems to attract many thousands each year!

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Puerto Banus in Marbella, Southern Spain

Puerto Banus in Marbella, Southern Spain is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world but there are only five Hotels that are actually in Puerto Banus itself.

Fair enough, there are plenty of Hotels throughout Marbella to cater for all tastes and budgets but if you want to stay in Puerto Banus, right in the heart of the place, what choices do you have and what are the names of the Hotels?

First of a brief description of Puerto Banus, Puerto Banus is all about the Marina which contains yachts and motor boats, large and small. The Marina in Puerto Banus is lined with pavement cafes and restaurants that serve a mixture of traditional Spanish food and the more typical modern cuisine that we are now used to and expect.

Until ten years ago that was basically it but now the resort stretches back from "the port" and engulfs 2 large shopping squares, Marina Banus indoor shopping complex and the five storey department store, El Corte Ingles.

You can also find shops such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Luis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior all within this small but select area.

So where to stay...

The 3 star Benabola Hotel in Puerto Banus is actually an Aparthotel where you can rent self contained apartments, studios, one bed, 2 bed and 3 bedrooms but with all the facilities of a Hotel, such as daily sheet changes etc. Each apartment comes with a small kitchenette. The Benabola is in an ideal location between one end of the port and the popular Plaza Beach.

The Pyr Hotel in Puerto Banus is another Aparthotel offering a selection of Studio and 1 bedroom apartments with their own kitchenette. The Hotel offers all the usual things, Pool, café etc and is in a good location, just back from the Port and right by the shops, but if you are unlucky you could end up with a room that has road noise from the main N340 that runs behind the hotel. Make sure you book your room with this in mind.

The largest Hotel is the 4 star Andalucia Plaza Hotel, a 390 room residence with both an indoor and outdoor pool that is great for the summer and winter. Together with a gym and one of only 3 Casinos on the whole Costa del Sol. Again you could get a room with a bit of road noise but the Hotel is in an ideal location just on the edge of town. It's around a 7 minute walk to the port and under 5 minutes to the beach.

Located directly next to the beach is the 4 Star Hotel Dinamar in Puerto Banus, like the Andalucia Plaza this hotel is on the edge of town but close enough to be within walking distance of everything. The Dinamar Hotel offers excellent facilities and is adjacent to the main sea front promenade that connects Puerto Banus to Marbella.

The only remaining Hotel is the 4 star Park Plaza Suites. Located overlooking both the Port and Plaza Beach this Hotel is ideal for those who literally want everything on their doorstep. Plaza Beach is also on your doorstep and over the peak summer season Plaza Beach has lively beach parties with top DJs and Dancers on a Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening.

For many people looking to book their Holidays the Hotels in Puerto Banus seem like an expensive option when you can find slightly cheaper Hotels within a fifteen minute drive but please bear in mind that as most people spend every evening in the Port area the costs of Car Hire, parking and or Taxis every night could exceed the extra that one might pay to stay right in the heart of Puerto Banus.

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Puerto Banus, Marbella, Spain -most exclusive resorts in the world

Puerto Banus in Marbella, Southern Spain is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world but there are only five Hotels that are actually in Puerto Banus itself.

Fair enough, there are plenty of Hotels throughout Marbella to cater for all tastes and budgets but if you want to stay in Puerto Banus, right in the heart of the place, what choices do you have and what are the names of the Hotels?

First of a brief description of Puerto Banus, Puerto Banus is all about the Marina which contains yachts and motor boats, large and small. The Marina in Puerto Banus is lined with pavement cafes and restaurants that serve a mixture of traditional Spanish food and the more typical modern cuisine that we are now used to and expect.

Until ten years ago that was basically it but now the resort stretches back from "the port" and engulfs 2 large shopping squares, Marina Banus indoor shopping complex and the five storey department store, El Corte Ingles.

You can also find shops such as Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Luis Vuitton, Hermes and Dior all within this small but select area.

So where to stay.

The 3 star Benabola Hotel in Puerto Banus is actually an Aparthotel where you can rent self contained apartments, studios, one bed, 2 bed and 3 bedrooms but with all the facilities of a Hotel, such as daily sheet changes etc. Each apartment comes with a small kitchenette. The Benabola is in an ideal location between one end of the port and the popular Plaza Beach.

The Pyr Hotel in Puerto Banus is another Aparthotel offering a selection of Studio and 1 bedroom apartments with their own kitchenette. The Hotel offers all the usual things, Pool, café etc and is in a good location, just back from the Port and right by the shops, but if you are unlucky you could end up with a room that has road noise from the main N340 that runs behind the hotel. Make sure you book your room with this in mind.

The largest Hotel is the 4 star Andalucia Plaza Hotel, a 390 room residence with both an indoor and outdoor pool that is great for the summer and winter. Together with a gym and one of only 3 Casinos on the whole Costa del Sol. Again you could get a room with a bit of road noise but the Hotel is in an ideal location just on the edge of town. It's around a 7 minute walk to the port and under 5 minutes to the beach.

Located directly next to the beach is the 4 Star Hotel Dinamar in Puerto Banus, like the Andalucia Plaza this hotel is on the edge of town but close enough to be within walking distance of everything. The Dinamar Hotel offers excellent facilities and is adjacent to the main sea front promenade that connects Puerto Banus to Marbella.

The only remaining Hotel is the 4 star Park Plaza Suites. Located overlooking both the Port and Plaza Beach this Hotel is ideal for those who literally want everything on their doorstep. Plaza Beach is also on your doorstep and over the peak summer season Plaza Beach has lively beach parties with top DJs and Dancers on a Sunday afternoon and Thursday evening.

For many people looking to book their Holidays the Hotels in Puerto Banus seem like an expensive option when you can find slightly cheaper Hotels within a fifteen minute drive but please bear in mind that as most people spend every evening in the Port area the costs of Car Hire, parking and or Taxis every night could exceed the extra that one might pay to stay right in the heart of Puerto Banus.

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Hotels Of India -tour to India

When I started on a five month long tour to India, I had no idea what was in store for me. I was not even sure why I planned on a tour to India. May be I was just too fascinated by the lifestyles of the Indian Maharaja's and wanted to see and experience for myself their lives and their palaces. My interest in Indian palaces and forts developed by reading books like 'India Style' by 'Monisha Bharadwaj', 'The Indian Princes and their States' by 'Barbara N. Ramusack', 'The Indian Subcontinent' by 'Alison Arnold' and 'Indian temples and palaces' by Michael Edwardes.

The palaces of the Indian Maharajas

India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. Almost every western traveler is sure to get a culture shock on visiting India; so it is recommended to do some travel reading before embarking on the tour.

History of India is rich and tells us of many brave kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdoms. These kings used to rule over vast kingdoms and lived extraordinarily lavish lives in their exotic and divine forts and palaces. With the passage of time most of these palaces were destroyed by invading troops; the remnants are today converted into hotels by the government of India and some others by private organizations.

Exotic Indian palaces that are converted to hotels

One of my major objectives of visiting India was to stay in one of the many palace hotels and experience the life of the maharajas (kings). I have discussed below some hotels in which I stayed and those that I cherish the most.

The Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore

My trip to Mysore was to reflect on my travel itinerary that needed that I visit those places that had a rich heritage and culture. The most famous palace hotel in Mysore is the 'Lalitha Mahal Palace'. This palace was built way back in 1921 by a king named 'Wodeyar Krishna' and was designed by 'E W Fritchley' who was a famous English architect.

Today this palace is maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation and they have done a good job with it. The outside looks show white where as the interiors are almost as good as new. All rooms of this palace over look the beautiful Chamundi hills and give the visitor a breathtaking view of Mysore city.

The palace offers all facilities that one can expect from a five star hotel that include swimming pools, golf grounds, health club, lounges and a shopping arcade.

Fern Hill Palace in Ooty

Ooty located in southern India is India's well known tourist destination. When in Ooty I decided to stay in the Fern Hill palace hotel that has a history dating back to 1840. Back then it was used by the British as their summer resort. This palace hotel has more than 50 rooms that also include hotel rooms and cottages. Although the palace is quite old, it is well maintained and has everything that can make anyone feel like a maharaja.

This exotic palace coupled with the chilly atmosphere of the hill station gave me something that I could cherish for life.

Bolghatty Palace in Cochin

Cochin in southern India is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean and lives very much to its reputation. When in Cochin I decided to stay in Bolghatty Palace which was used as a British governor's residence when India was colonized by the British. The kerala tourism development corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture bringing it back to all its glory.

The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully, not to destroy their essence. It almost looks as if time stood still in the palace since it was built way back in 1744.

Lake Palace in Udaipur

My next destination was Udaipur in Rajasthan situated in the western part of India. The Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most exotic hotels that I ever stayed. The hotel is located in the middle of the blue waters of lake Pichola and practically looks floating in water from a near by fort.

Built way back in 1754 by Maharana Jagat singh, the palace is today maintained by the Taj group of hotels and offers the prefect ambiance for a romantic stay. The palace has 85 beautiful rooms along with special suites and fascinates everyone with its lustrous marble pillars, ancient paintings and unbelievable works of arts including glasswork. I almost felt like staying in a fantasy island with my room overlooking a refreshing lily pond.

Udaipur also has many other palace hotels but none can be compared to the Lake Palace. I was also fascinated by the 'Laxmi Vilas Palace' which was once a guest house to serve British guests.

Bikaner house (Bharatpur House) In Mount Abu

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is another hill station that fascinated me. Mount Abu has a host of palace hotels as this was a favorite hill station for the Maharajas. I decided to stay in the Bikaner House palace which is located in one of the most scenic locations in Mount Abu. This palace built in 1893 was used as a summer residence for the ancient kings.

The palace is well maintained and has spacious rooms that have ancient paintings and art work. The rooms overlook mystic hills that look so much in peace with them-selves. It almost gave me a heaven on earth kind of an experience.

One more palace hotel which fascinated me in Mount Abu was the Sunrise palace which is situated in one its highest points. This palace hotel was built somewhere in the year 1920, and is quite popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar

My objective of visiting Bhavnagar, a relatively lesser known tourist destination in western India was to stay in the famous Nilambagh Palace. Built by Maharaja Bhavsinghji in the year 1723 this palace looks like a piece of architecture in itself. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and has 18 AC rooms and 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and offer an extremely luxurious stay.

Other attractions in the palace include belgain mirrors, antique furniture, ancient chandeliers and a swimming pool that is designed like a Roman bath with marble steps and white walkways.

The palace on Wheels

The palace on Wheels is not a hotel or palace but a maharaja style train that is run by the government of India for tourism purposes. . I was recommended to make this train journey by a fellow traveler and was I glad I took his advice.

This train was designed for the purpose of giving its voyagers a taste of ancient India. The train covers all major destinations and heritage spots in Agra and Uttar Pradesh in a seven day journey. The interiors of the train look no less than a five star palace hotel. The rooms are comfy, include attached bath and takes you to a completely different world. The food is exotic and is served by waiters dressed in ancient Indian clothing.

When boarding my plane back home, there was a strange nostalgic feeling that had crept over me. But I was glad of one thing; I had lived out my dream of living like an Indian Maharaja

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Cheap Hotels-consideration every time you travel

Hotels are a constant consideration every time you travel, wherever it may be in the world. Aside from that, you will also be in a dilemma if whether you are going to stay in a luxury hotel or on a cheap hotel. It can be even more confusing when both kinds of hotel are present in a specific area on where you are planning to travel. There are advantages on staying in either, but if you are having a hard time deciding, this article will give you reason why staying in a cheap hotel may be the best choice.

* The most glaring advantage of a cheap hotel is in the name itself. It would be more affordable for any travellers, especially the ones who are on a tight budget. If you have a family that is planning to travel, then staying on a cheap hotel would free some resources that you can spend on other things.

* Another reason that cheap hotels are advisable is because they may be cheap, but most of them cover the basic amenities that you really need. Now if you compare it to a luxury hotel, of course the amenities cannot compare. But if you look closely, the absence of those amenities does not necessarily make your whole trip a bad one. On top of that, if you have lots of plans on moving around and visiting the tourist spots, then the more reason for you to book on a cheaper hotel, since you will only be using the hotel as a place to sleep and rest.

* One reason that most people would like to think why luxury hotels are better because they are located to the nice tourist spots on the area. Though this may be true, but you have to realize that there are cheap hotels that have the same accessibility to the major tourist spots. If you book on them, then not only you are located near to the tourist attractions, but also you saved more money to spend on souvenirs or tourist activities.

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England, London & Surrounding Areas

England is a great country to visit especially if you go on a day when it is not raining and the skies are clear (which is not always easy as it rains so much). In England you can visit London where many tourist visits every day and there are plenty of top sites to see such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and many more.

Away from London there are some great places that offer a much greater insight to Old English culture such as Stratton upon Avon which is referred to as Shakespeare's Town where you can visit old English buildings. The town itself is a beautiful town which really will impress any foreign visitor with its very historical appeal.

The hotels in England are plentiful and vary in budget depending on what you are after. If you do look for accommodation in Stratton upon Avon then be sure to stay in an Old English hotel as this is an experience that you will really enjoy.

Germany, Berlin

This is the Capital City of Germany which is coated in history, shopping and culture which makes it an ideal destination for any visitor from Europe or anywhere in the world. The city itself is extremely liberal and so it makes it a very popular destination for the performing arts people and artists all over the world.

Finding a good place to stay is easy enough, as any big city offers accommodation ranging from cheap hotels to expensive luxurious hotels. Berlin is definitely a place that you will want to see if you are looking at visiting Europe with its fantastic shopping and exciting nightlife that it offers.

Spain, Majorca

Spain is where many people go to visit every year due to the lovely climate that it has in the summer months of June, July and August. This makes it a very popular destination for mainland Spain however it also makes it a very popular destination for the surrounding Spanish islands such as Majorca.

Majorca is a very popular island to visit and it caters for all types of holidays from wild parties to relaxing beach breaks to shopping trips to historical culture. It all depends what you want from your holiday but whatever you want you can normally guarantee that the weather will be excellent.

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Luxury Romantic Hotels Yorkshire

The good part of a travel plan is always dependent on the choice of hotels that you make during it. There are various standards and intrinsic qualities of hotels not apparently known and therefore it is important to make a thorough search of all the relevant aspects before finalizing on the accommodation facilities.

Travel to UK

The United Kingdom presents a galore of opportunities for every kind of traveler. Thus, each there is millions of travelers from across the globe that travels to the country for reasons of business as well as travel. Thousands of tourists from different countries of the world travel to this place.

There is also a wide range of choice that you shall have in matters of accommodation in the UK. There are multiple ranges of hotels that provide a plethora of different facilities and services well known as some of the best in the world.

About Yorkshire

This is the largest county in England. It has a heritage of a historical past along with a rich reserve of natural beauty and the English countryside that you would long to see. There is a unique and picturesque blend of all the natural elements that lends it some of the best views in whole England.

This is also perhaps the reason that Yorkshire is one of the most romantic places in the country that is often frequented by tourists to be able to spend time between them. There are a few national parks too that have been added to its beauty and as a place of conservation.

There is also the seaside resort of Scarborough in Yorkshire along with a few others that completes the appeal of the place with its wonderful beaches to offer as well.

Hotels in Yorkshire

There are a large number of tourists who come to travel in this part of the country each year from all over the UK as well as other parts of the world. To be able to accommodate these travelers there is a large number of hotels that cater to the requirements for excellent facilities and arrangements at different price ranges.

Luxury Romantic Hotels Yorkshire

There are hotel accommodations in Yorkshire that have the finest assimilation of facilities and luxurious living arrangements for its guests. The additional advantage that it offers is the rich bounty of natural lush green environs that makes the stay here more romantic than ever especially for couple do in love.

Among popular names of luxury romantic Yorkshire hotels there is Grange Hotel, Hotel du vin York, Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa, Whitley Hall and The Frenchgate Restaurant and Hotel to name a few. Many others that have a high standard of facilities and standards set for a delightful experience of their guests.

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Caribbean Rentals-equired to get Caribbean rentals

Getting on a travel to the islands that you like could be very adventurous but it could also mean that you are required to get Caribbean rentals. Renting at the area of Dominican Republic is the latest trend of today's Caribbean vacationers. And a lot of people are getting the full advantage of getting the most out of Caribbean apartment for rent and Caribbean condos for rent. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars. All you have to do is be wise and learn some of the basic things that affect the rentals of any properties within the area of the Dominican Republic.

You will definitely discover that to rent for a room is a necessity. But before you engage or decide to get rentals within the premises of this fantastic place, you need to consider and know your budget. It would be very frustrating if you have budget deficit while on a vacation. You have to be aware on the things that you can afford and on the things that you cannot.

A lot of the Caribbean islands bear a vast range of prices which can mean that you have to spend. There can be some rental properties that can be very expensive. For you to save most out of your vacation, you can check on some group rates or other special packages that you can avail. And with regards to the prices of properties and rooms that you can rent, you also have to consider the specified time that you are to stay based on the amount you paid. A certain amount of payment for a particular room includes a specified time that you can stay. You may have paid for a whole month stay or just for a couple of weeks. You need to have a clear and understandable transaction with the owner of the property or room that you are renting. Rates of rentals may vary depending on the current situation of the season because there are times that rooms or houses can be rented with affordable prices. The size and ambiance of the property or the house also affects the amount of the rent. But it does not mean that the best properties with the most favorable ambiance and environment always come in high rentals. You must also be aware about some amenities. These amenities may include as being located on the beach or near on a very big shopping area. With these amenities, you can expect that you can get increased rentals. Appliances and some digital gadgets also affect the amount of the rental. This is because gadgets and some other appliances require energy consumption.

Getting the most out of your stay at the coast of Caribbean is not that difficult. You just need to be wise and skeptical. You just have to be particular of the cost specially on getting rentals. You no longer have to take the burden of having budget deficit because of ignorance. You just have to learn how to budget to get the most out of your travel.

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Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE

Dubai is one of the seven emirates of the UAE. It is a fast growing city and has become a very popular holiday destination in a short span of time. There are a lot of tourists who visit this city every year from all over the world. There are a lot of places to visit and a lot of activities to enjoy in Dubai that have made this place really popular among tourists. This city is making developments at a real fast pace. The main source of revenue of Dubai is tourism industry. There are a lot of hotels in Dubai that are offering services to the tourists; you may find cheap hotels in the city as well as the most luxurious hotels also here. There are a lot of options to choose from and you can select the one according to your budget.

These hotels provide different kinds of services and amenities to their customers. The price ranges varies accordingly. The most famous hotel of Dubai is the Burj Al Arab hotel. It is the tallest building of the world in the present times as well as the most luxurious hotel of the world. This is also called as the first as well as the only seven star hotel of the world. This hotel is built over a man made island and it is situated at a distance of a few meters from the Jumeriah beach hotel of Dubai. This hotel is a real piece of extreme luxury and elegance and the prices are exceptionally high beyond imagination. It is the only hotel of its kind that offers only suites to its customers. The amenities that are provided in this hotel are all luxurious decorated such as banquet hall, pool, bar, spa, restaurant, heath and others. The various luxurious that this hotel provides and the beautiful architect of this hotel makes it unique.

The Jumeriah beach hotel of Dubai is also very famous. This hotel is so designed so as to target every kind of visitor that may be couple, executive or families. There are about 20 restaurants in this hotel catering to the different tastes of the world. There is a site theatre as well as a souk for shopping. This hotel has in fact got every kind of facilities within it.

The Park Hyatt hotel is the branded property of the Hyatt. It is their first premium property in the Middle East. It is situated in the heart of the city with a distance of just five minutes from the airport. Its design is a blend of Arabian and African style. This is comparatively different in design as compared to the common skyscraper designs in Dubai.

Emirates Towers hotel of Dubai is also very famous. It is most popular among the business executives. The services are really good in this hotel and it has a beautiful design with classical touch.

The Ritz Carlton hotel of Dubai is situated at a beautiful beach front island. Its European style dining is very popular. You can enjoy both your dining as well as your shopping here. The nightlife is also very enjoyable.

In addition to these there are many more good hotels in Dubai such as Le Meridian, Shangri-la Dubai, and JW Marriot etc.

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Cheap and Luxury Airport Hotel Bookings

Cedar Rapids is the second largest city in the United States' state of Iowa. It is one of the few cities in the world with governmental offices on a municipal island. Like other states in the United States they also have attractions to visit. The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art and the Paramount Theatre are just some of them.

In line with tourist attractions, there should be a place to stay after a long day of exploring the city.

Heartland Inn

Heartland Inn provides 18 convenient Iowa lodging accommodations in Iowa's top cities. This cheap hotel in City offers a 100% smoke free hotel, breakfast and evening snacks, Serta King or Queen pillow-top beds in every room, wireless Internet access in all rooms and many more. This cheap hotel provides convenient lodging accommodations off I-380 near the Eastern Iowa Airport. If you want to experience airport shuttle service, Park n Fly packages are available through calling these numbers for reservations - 319-362-9012, 319-362-9694 (fax) and 800-334-3277 code 17.

Fairfield Inn Cedar Rapids

At Fairfield Inn, you can enjoy quality accommodations and world-famous hospitality at very low prices. This cheap hotel feature floors with interior and exterior corridor entrance, all rooms are spacious, fresh and of the highest quality standard.

Guest rooms have well-lit work desks, 20 inch TV with cable and high speed Internet connections among others. They also provide complimentary expanded continental breakfast and guest laundry facilities with same day laundry service.Complimentary coffee is available 24 hours and wireless high speed Internet access in the lobby. If you want cheap but quality accommodation near the airport, call them at 1-319-364-2000 or at 1-319-364-4620.

Country Inns & Suites

Country Inns & Suites is located near the Cedar Rapids Airport and downtown. It provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It will definitely please business and leisure travelers.

Their spacious guest rooms and suites at this hotel feature a cozy country-style décor, to make guests feel right at home. This cheap hotel offers free wireless high-speed Internet access, cable TV, coffeemakers, hairdryers and irons with ironing boards.

If you need to relax, guests can enjoy an indoor heated swimming pool, whirlpool and fitness center. Other amenities at the hotel include guest laundry facilities and complimentary weekday morning newspaper as well as airport shuttle services. This cheap Cedar Rapids hotel offers flexible, meeting spaces for up to 80 people.

The hotel helps guests start the day right with a free hot breakfast. Buffet featuring waffles, pastries, hot and cold cereals, fresh fruit, juices, coffee, tea and other choices greet guests with a smile. For lunch and dinner, the hotel is close to a selection of restaurants, including Bistro on First and El Rancho Mexican Restaurant.

This cheap hotel in Cedar Rapids is located just five miles from downtown Cedar Rapids. It is close to golf, tennis and shopping venues. They provide shuttle services to and from Eastern Iowa Cedar Rapids Airport. It is within a 10 mile radius of the hotel. They can also arrange shuttle services for corporate or leisure groups. It is definitely the closest hotel to the Cedar Rapids Eastern Iowa Airport. For reservations, you can reach them at 319-363-3789 or at 319- 363-3781.

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Cheap Boutique Hotels in Athens

"Boutique hotel" is a term popularized in the United Kingdom and North America to describe warm, luxurious or original hotel environments. Boutique hotels differ themselves from larger chain or branded hotels to motels and providing personalized accommodations as well as services or facilities.

Magna Grecia

Magna Grecia boutique hotel in Athens is a member of the great small hotels in the world. This boutique hotel in Athens was originally designed by the German Architect Ernest Schiller in 1898. The architectural philosophy of that era reflected after its renovations, showcasing high ceilings and wooden floors tinted with original paintings.

These renovations seem to have merged all the amenities and the comforts that modern travelers are expecting. The hotel's warm hospitality and attentive services will definitely make your business or leisure stay in Athens extremely satisfying.

Some of the amenities that the hotel offers are a mini bar, complimentary breakfast with views of the Acropolis. Rooms have safe boxes, color televisions, private DVD players, wireless Internet access and many more.

To make reservations in this fine unique boutique hotel in Athens, simply dial +30 210 3240314-5. You can also send a fax at +30 210 3240317.

Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel

This boutique hotel in Athens combines high quality services with its location in one of the finest parts of Athens. Housed in a classical building which was completely renovated in 2007, it features 22 charming rooms divided into 3 floors. It is situated just a few steps away from the Acropolis. It is also adjacent to the Acropolis museum.

The hotel's reception desk can assist you with city maps and guides, tourist information and even give suggestions for exploring the historic area of Athens. With only a handful of rooms, definitely, the staff's attention to your every need and desire will make you feel pampered and relaxed. Acropolis Museum staff will make sure that everything is taken cared of for you, especially when it comes to your travel arrangements to and from the airport. They also provide organized sight-seeing, transportation arrangements, restaurant recommendations and reservations.

Making a reservation on this boutique hotel in Athens is surely one way to experience a great accommodation and warm hospitality. To do it, contact +30 210 9249050 - 1 or send a fax at +30 210 9249052.

Athens Art Hotel

Athens Art Hotel is 4-star well-designed boutique hotel in service. It is a renovated neo-classical building of the 1930s. It is located in the center of Athens. This boutique hotel in Athens is a few steps away from the national archaeological museum and Omonoia square. Along with its convenient location, it is very easily accessible to various means of public transportation.

The main floor of the hotel has a huge lobby. It has a cafeteria, restaurant and bar which is elegantly furnished and decorated. The stylish combination of modern furniture design with precious antiques and original paintings create elegance which is one of a kind.

The 30 suites and guest rooms are designed and furnished one by one. The design depends on the room shape, traffic flow and the lighting. Various colors, unique paintings on the walls and materials like wood and Greek white marble dominate inside the rooms. The bathroom provides a sense of 'modern eclectic' style.

Rooms are equipped with individually adjustable temperature control. It also has cable TV, mini bar, electronic safe deposit box, radio, digital phone system with voice mail, ISDN lines, Internet access, and Jacuzzi (in the suites). To make your reservations on this fine boutique hotel in Athens and experience a classical modern ambiance, dial +30 210 5240501 or fax +30 2105243384.

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London comes alive at Christmas;

The annual sound of jingle bells is nearly upon us as Christmas time draws near. The festive season is a lot of people's favourite time of year but who really likes all the Christmas shopping? This year why not visit a nearby city such as London, Paris or Dublin and enjoy a mini break along with your shopping responsibilities? London hotels are inexpensive and superbly located in the heart of the city centre.

London

London comes alive at Christmas; from the lights adorning Oxford Street to the stalls in Covent Garden. Department stores such as Selfridges and Harrods are always exciting at this times of year and should not be missed.

London's Christmas markets are hugely popular and are a long standing tradition in the city. The Southbank Centre proudly hosts the Cologne Christmas Market from the 19th of November right until the 23rd of December; find beautifully hand crafted toys and jewellery.

Paris

Paris is famous for many things including romance and fashion; it is also an amazing place to your your Christmas shopping, so why not book a weekend in Paris to explore its many wonders and do your shopping in style. As well as department stores such as Printemps, Paris also has traditional Christmas markets during December.

The choice of affordable Paris hotels is very impressive. The Murat Hotel is located just minutes away from the banks of the Seine and a stones throw away from plenty of bars and restaurants. This three-star establishment has comfortable facilities and friendly staff.

Dublin

All Dublin hotels are restful and make a great base for Christmas shoppers. Best Sheldon Park Hotel is a three-star establishment only 15minutes away from Dublin's city centre. Imagine a contemporary design blended with a classic elegance.

Dublin's Docklands will proudly host a traditional German Christmas market this year which is being brought to the city by a German events organisation. This market will be authentic and magical offering a beautiful decorations, painted chalets, handmade arts and crafts, live music and delicious culinary delights - certainly not to be missed! Dublin has plenty of affordable places to eat and drink after our a long day shopping and you wont be far from a great hotel to drop off your purchases - just remember to take your scarves and gloves to wrap up warm!

Emily Collins works in the travel industry and writes articles based on the world's top destinations and the latest holiday offers.

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