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:

  1. Intercontinental, Hong Kong
The Intercontinental Hotel's infinity pool - situated on the roof of the building - offers breathtaking views over Hong Kong. The five-star hotel also boasts five restaurants, a spa and a fitness centre.

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.

  1. Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort, St. Ulrich (Southern Tirol)
This five-star resort in the middle of the Dolomites features a 35°C saltwater pool, a large outside swimming area and a hot whirlpool with a panoramic view of the Alps.

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.

  1. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Ubud (Bali)
The Ubud Hanging Gardens resort - accessed via a private aerial ropeway - has several pools extending over multiple levels while each room has access to its own private pool.

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.

  1. Gran Hotel La Florida, Barcelona
The 37-metre pool at the Gran Hotels La Florida offers stunning views of Barcelona from 500 metres above the city.

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.

  1. Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos

Guests at the Cavo Tagoo on Mykonos can enjoy cocktails and Mediterranean views from the comfort of this gorgeous infinity pool. Designer lighting provides further atmosphere after dark

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.

  1. Rogner Bad Blumau, Steiermark
The draw of this Austrian hotel is its thermal springs, which provide an ideal opportunity to recover from a day's trekking in the surrounding countryside.

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.

  1. Rio Calma, Fuerteventura
Located on the sandy beach of Costa Calma, the Rio Calma hotel features a huge pool and saltwater lagoon with a perfect view of the Atlantic.

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.

  1. Golden Nugget, Las Vegas
Where else could you find an integrated swimming pool and shark aquarium? Only a glass wall separates the big fish on display and visitors to the Golden Nugget Hotel.

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.

  1. Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo Spa, Sedona (Arizona)
Lying among Arizona's spectacular Red Rock State Park, the Enchantment Resort offers panoramic mountain views and cave-like accommodation.

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.

  1. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Featuring a 28-metre waterslide and a zone where guests can share the water with dolphins, the swimming pool at the Atlantis Resort in Dubai is typically outrageous. Its underwater aquarium also features 65,000 species of marine creatures.

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)

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

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

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

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

Table Mountain

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.


This week I would like to share some of the landmark Cape Town buildings:

City Hall1
City Hall2
The Cape Central Library is situated in the City Hall, the last major Victorian building to be erected in Cape Town in 1905. The tower, which is often referred to as a miniature of Big Ben, also houses the only carillon on the African continent. The premises are shared with the Cape Town Symphony Orchestra and feature marble staircases, stained glass windows which commemorate King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and an organ with 3165 pipes.

Library 1
library 2
Situated adjacent to the Company Gardens and St George’s Cathedral, the National Library serves as a repository for all works published in South Africa, whether it be old manuscripts, government notices, microfilm or audio-visual material. Besides a collection of foreign official publications, there are also special collections which encompass newspapers and periodicals, photographs, maps and much more.

parliament
parliament 2
Houses of Parliament

St Georges 1
St Georges 2
St Georges 3
Located at the corner of Wale Street and Adderley Street, the main road of Cape Town, the St George’s Cathedral has also been known as the “The People’s Cathedral” for the role it played during the apartheid era. Archbishop Desmond Tutu presided at the Cathedral, which features many stained glass windows and a labyrinth. Eight of the ten bells in the Bell Tower date from 1834. Visitors may tour the building and regular services are still maintained. The premises also include a grammar school and souvenir shop.

Visit MyWorld Tuesday and enjoy some amazing photographs from all over the World!

European hotel prices are seven percent cheaper in comparison to July 2008. These are the findings of the tHPI (trivago Hotel Price Index) which is published monthly by the hotel price comparison site www.trivago.co.uk. Travellers can currently find cheap hotel deals in the major Spanish and Italian tourist destinations. In top European cities prices have decreased up to 25 percent in comparison to the previous year.

London, July 6th 2009. The trivago hotel price index shows that accommodation prices in Europe are seven percent less than the previous year. A standard double room in one of the top European cities costs 90 pounds in July 2009, compared to 97 pounds in July 2008. In 38 of the 50 cities hotel prices have decreased or remained the same.

Cheap hotel prices in Southern Europe
There has been a substantial drop in prices in the most popular holiday destinations. In Rome, the price of a standard double room is 102 pounds in July, seven percent less than last year. In Milan hotel prices are seven percent less (93 pounds). Prices are also plunging in Spanish cities: a room in Madrid is 74 pounds, 31 percent less than the previous year (107 pounds). In Barcelona the average hotel price is 94 pounds, 28 percent less than July 2008. Other Southern European cities such as Turin (84 pounds), Palermo (81 pounds), Lisbon (75 pounds) and Bologna (73 pounds) have also seen a considerable decrease in prices.

Bargains also in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom
Sweden and Norway are usually consistently expensive countries to visit, however this July prices are also more favourable. Overnight accommodation prices in Stockholm (101 pounds) and Oslo (111 pounds) are at their lowest level this year. These cities are 20 percent less than last month and over

10 percent less than last year. Also in the United Kingdom there are good deals this July in comparison to the previous year. A room in Brighton this July is 14 percent cheaper at 110 pounds. Accommodation prices in Birmingham are 20 percent less (74 pounds); an overnight stay in Manchester is 17 percent less than July 2008. Hotel prices in the English capital have risen by two percent to 134 pounds and Geneva remains the most expensive European city at 194 pounds.

The www.trivago.co.uk hotel price index shows the average overnight accommodation prices for the most popular European cities on trivago. The average prices for a standard double room are calculated on the basis of 40,000 daily price inquiries for overnight hotel stay generated through the trivago hotel price comparison. trivago stores all hotel enquiries for each month and therefore gives an overview of hotel accommodation prices for the upcoming month.

The difference in price for the top 25 European cities in comparison to July 2008 can be found here:
http://imgpe.trivago.com/contentimages/press/images/price_july08_july09.jpg
The difference in price for the top 25 European cities in comparison to June 2009 can be found here:
http://imgpe.trivago.com/contentimages/press/images/price_june09_july09.jpg
Subscribe for the monthly trivago price index by emailing: thpi@trivago.com.

Press Contact: Sian Williams
Tel: +44 (20) 30025995
E-Mail: sian.williams@trivago.co.uk

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