December 23, 2009
SA Coast
Posted by Pierre under Eastern Cape, South Africa, Western Cape | Tags: coast, sea |1 Comment
December 23, 2009
trivago TV Spot (Dec 2009)
Posted by Pierre under Europe, General | Tags: hotels, prices, trivago |Leave a Comment
more about “trivago TV Spot (Dec 2009)“, posted with vodpod
tHPI December: Hotel rates continue to fall in December
European hotel prices are eight percent less than December 2008. In comparison to the previous month, overnight accommodation prices have decreased by four percent. In the United Kingdom hotel prices have decreased by 21 percent in Manchester and by 15 percent in Edinburgh in comparison to the previous year.
These are the findings of the trivago Hotel Price Index (tHPI) which is published monthly by the hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk.
London, 9th December 2009. The price for a standard double room continues to decrease in the majority of popular European cities. The current tHPI for December shows the average price for a hotel is four percent less than the previous month and eight percent less than this time last year. Copenhagen goes against the trend; average hotel prices have increased by 21 percent in comparison to November 2009, due to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in December.
September 4, 2009
Top 10 Hotels with Extraordinary Pools
Posted by Pierre under General, Top 10 | Tags: hotel, travel, unusual |1 Comment
A pool is not always just a pool. trivago has researched the top hotel pools that offer much more than just water. Whether located with a panoramic view of the Alps, in close proximity to dolphins or with a view of the Hong Kong skyline, the top 10 pool hotels offer their guests an unforgettable holiday experience.
These are the most popular hotels on www.trivago.co.uk with the most spectacular swimming pools:
At the Intercontinental Hotel, guests experience a breathtaking view over Hong Kong. The infinity pool on the roof of the hotel makes for a perfect experience: The lowered edge of the pool gives the illusion that it goes on for eternity. This five star hotel spoils its guests with five restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre. The world famous daily “Symphony of Lights” show can be viewed from almost all the hotel rooms. A trip to the highest mountain on the island of Hong Kong, The Peak is recommended. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline. To get to the top of The Peak travellers have to use the legendary Peak Tram; a ride that takes passengers up the steep 373 metre climb to the top.
The Alder Dolomiti offers its guests multiple wellness and nature baths. Located in Grödnertal in the north of Saint Ulrich, this five star resort offers a unique experience in the middle of the Dolomites. In Aguana guests can relax in the 35 degrees warm saltwater pool, enjoy the large outside swimming area and hot whirlpool, which includes a panoramic view of the Alps. Inside the hotel the water fun continues: A saltwater pool, an indoor pool with crystal water and an aromatic steam bath are available for guests. The hotel also has a lot to offer; stylish architecture, luxurious rooms and local cuisine make a mountain vacation in the Adler Dolomiti an unforgettable experience.
At the Ubud Hanging Gardens on Bali numerous pools extend over multiple levels like hanging gardens. Hotel guests do not only bathe in impressive surroundings; each room has access to its own private pool. This resort that consists of private luxury villas is located in the exotic Ubud gardens, in the artistic centre of Bali. From the rooms and terraces of the resort, guests have a magnificent view of the surrounding nature. A private aerial ropeway grants guests access to the luxury resort. Holidaymakers experience a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu culture everywhere on the Indonesian island: In the south-west of the island the Hindu temple Pura Tanah Lot can be found on a petruding rock in the sea and at 950 metres the mother temple of all Balinese temples “the Pura Besakih” can be found on the volcano Gunung Agung.
The infinity pool at the Gran Hotels La Florida high above Barcelona has amazing views far across the touristic Spanish metropolis. In the 37 metre long pool made entirely out of pure metal guests can relax in the highest located hotel in Barcelona. The five star hotel lies on the mountain Tibidabo 500 metres above the city. After an eventful day in the city this is the perfect spot to relax in the evenings. A Buddhist spa, the restaurant L’Orangerie as well as its exclusive design make the hotel a high-class destination. The original building from 1925 has undergone a complete renovation. Behind the historical walls, a new modern design with contemporary art now awaits guests.
The five star Cavo Tagoo on Mykonos captivates travellers with its white interior and luxurious atmosphere. At the lounge deck by the pool, guests are under the illusion that the pool merges with the horizon. Holidaymakers are able to relax to the sounds of lounge music on sun loungers at the edge of the pool or float on wooden blocks on the surface of the water. At night minimalistic lighting effects set the scene. Guests can then enjoy a cocktail at the pool bar and admire the fish in the integrated aquarium. The architecture and the colour palette of the hotel reflect the typical construction style of the island. The buildings on the Greek island are illuminated in white.
Two springs feed the thermal springs of the hotel Rogner Bad Blumau in the Steiermark. Inspired by the artist Hundertwasser the hotel is a piece of art by itself. Its colourful design is noticeable right away. In between this, hotel guests can relax in the warm water of the thermal spring. The spa invites guests to relax in the salt cove, enjoy a rose pack or decide for a more active approach to relaxation such as an ayurvedic cooking course. The Steiermark is not only famous for its healing thermal springs, but the Austrian state also offers vast amounts of hiking and trekking paths, as well as wild water rapids. Also golfers get to practice their swing on a glorious 25 hole golf course. The old town of Graz invites for romantic walks.
Rio Calma is located on the sandy beach of Costa Calma. The hotel which has been built in a colonial style matches the dune landscape and offers 384 cozy rooms and suites. On the extensive grounds of the four star hotel, guests do not only find an amazing pool, but also a saltwater lagoon. When sunbathing at the beach in the lagoon guests have the impression of being able to swim across the Atlantic to the horizon. The white beaches of the peninsula Jandia go on for miles and different types of water activities are offered for every taste. Fuerteventura is also a popular destination for surfers.
Guests at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas experience a different kind of adventure: The waterslide goes through the middle of the aquarium “The Tank” past sharks and other marine life. Only a glass wall separates the swimming pool from the sharks that watch the holidaymakers. The hotel is located in downtown Las Vegas, in the old district of the city Nevada. There is a showdown every night: The Freemont Street Experience consists of twelve million LEDs that transform the Golden Nugget and the surrounding buildings into an ocean of lights. Las Vegas is not only known for the innumerable amount of casinos but also for the large number of wedding chapels, that many vacationers use for a quick wedding in Vegas.
The Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa in Nevada lies in the midst of spectacular Red Rocks. The architecture matches the smoothness of the Boynton Canyon Mountains, as the small bungalows look like caves spread around the area. In the centre of the resort the bathing oasis with panoramic views of the historic rocks can be found. At Mii Amo Spa guests do not only experience some of the finest wellness treatments, but can even get a glimpse of the their own future: “Connect with Spirit” is a highlight of the hotel where tarot cards tell guests more about their aura. Guests are located in their own small house including a kitchen, Haciendas, Casitas or Junior Suites with a living area and king size bed.
The flagship of the hotels on the artificially made island The Palm in Dubai is The Atlantis with a water park, dolphin bay and aquarium. A signature of the resort is the waterslide that plummets 28 metres into the water. At dolphin bay guests can get up close with the popular sea creatures: Dolphin fans can swim with dolphins for 30 minutes. In the lost chambers guests will understand where the hotel got its name – the real Atlantis which according to legend sank more than twelve thousand years ago. 65 thousand marine creatures in an underground aquarium make for a spectacular scene. The water attractions at the Atlantis are not only available for hotel guests; special daily offers are available for the general public.
The ranking is based on the top rated hotels in August 2009 with the most extraordinary hotel swimming pools on www.trivago.co.uk.
About trivago:
Travellers find the ideal hotel for the best rate on trivago. The online service compares the hotel rates on over 40 booking sites for 400,000 hotels worldwide. Additionally trivago has integrated over 15 million hotel reviews and shows the overall rating for each hotel. trivago does not just compare the prices of online hotel booking sites, but also the rates. Users can see whether breakfast is included and if cancellation and payment by credit card is possible. trivago has the first “Freestyle” meta search: travellers are able to search by holiday region, city or hotel name. trivago with its headquarters in Dusseldorf, Germany was founded in 2005 and currently operates 18 international country platforms.
(Courtesy of trivago, republished from ehotelier.com)
July 27, 2009
MyWorld: Cape Town Sightseeing Tour
Posted by Pierre under South Africa, Western Cape | Tags: Cape Town, destination, sightseeing, South Africa |[4] Comments
The sightseeing bus tour offers two itineraries viz. the so-called Red Route and the Blue Route. Discounted tickets for persons taking both tours are available and, being reasonably priced at approximately 18 Euro for both itineraries, I consider this the most hassle free method of gaining a brief overview of the most popular tourist spots. Buses run at intervals of approximately 30 minutes and each route offers a selection of 13 stops.
Castle of Good Hope
Being able to hop-on and hop-off, one can decide whether you wish to not explore a specific sight more closely or to remain behind and spend more time there until the next bus arrives. Please note that the tour price does not include entrance to the various attractions, although a booklet of coupons with discounts is provided.
View of Camps Bay
A word of caution: the Cape sun can be a scorcher and, if you’ intend sitting on the open upper deck (which, I must admit, offers the very best views), come prepared with plenty of sunscreen. I didn’t and, even being used to the climate as a local, ended up looking and feeling like a parboiled Xmas turkey!
The Red Route focuses on such sights as local museums, the Castle of Good Hope and naturally the Table Mountain Cableway. During my trip the queue at the Cableway would have meant a wait of at least two hours and I therefore opted not to disembark and visit the top cable station.
Included in both routes is a trip through Camps Bay and Sea Point, with the final stop being at the Two Oceans Aquarium in the V&A Waterfront, which is also the starting point of the tours. This allows one ample opportunities to indulge in exploring the Waterfront either before or after the tour e.g visit the Aquarium, browse the mall or, as in my case, set off on a sunset champagne cruise to Clifton as the ultimate ending to a great day of sightseeing.
The Blue Route heads out of Cape Town proper and offers the chance to undertake a township tour in Kronendal near Hout Bay. This itinerary also includes a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as well as the enchanting World of Birds, which is one of the stops I opted to explore more closely. As there are also a selection of kiosks and eateries at the World of Birds, it was possible to relax and have a beverage in its tranquil surroundings whilst waiting for the next bus to arrive.
Hout Bay
The next stop was the Mariners Wharf in Hout Bay which, being located directly at the beach, is ideal for those who want to take a quick splash in the sea. They also serve a variety of seafood and arguably the best fish & chips in the Cape, so I settled there for lunch with views of the beach and harbor. Time allowing, one can naturally also opt to rather disembark at Camps Bay beach and end the day by exploring its varied fine dining restaurants, quaint shops and the Theatre on the Bay.
Visit MyWorld Tuesday and enjoy some amazing photographs from all over the World!
Table Mountain
July 20, 2009
MyWorld : Northern Cape
Posted by Pierre under South Africa | Tags: museum, South Africa |[13] Comments
Visit MyWorld Tuesday and enjoy some amazing photographs from all over the World!
This week I would like to share some historical modes of transport and a rather unusual “billboard” from the Northern Cape.
The Northern Cape is also home to the Boegoeberg Dam which was created in 1929 by the construction of a 10.7m high weir which spans approximately 622m of the Orange River. It is located about 35km from Groblershoop by gravel road and is named for the medicinal Boegoe (Buchu) plants which grow in the region. The area is also known for its quiver trees (kokerbome) and the dam is often used for angling and watersports.
