Bridge Cottage in Scotland

If you’re over the usual holiday of driving, staying in a motel, the obligatory tourist attractions and tired kids, then rethink your next holiday plans. Try booking holiday cottages for your accommodation, and watch the whole family relax. For the busy mum, there are cottages available with enclosed gardens so you don’t have to worry about the kids wandering off – although some are equipped with games rooms, negating the need to roam. Fully fenced yards are also great for the family that travel with their pets, making it easier for furry family members to have their own safe place to play. So mum can take a break, too, there’s cooking facilities so the rest of the family can prepare meals and the laundry means you can pack less and wash as you go.

If it’s a romantic weekend you’re planning, then choose from a seaside cottage replete with thatched roof and cosy restaurants close by. Take a virtual tour of the accommodation before you get there, to see if it’s to your liking. And surprise her with a welcome package on the pillow of chocolates and champagne, and a CD of her favourite songs.

Maybe you need to celebrate and party hard – in that case a city cottage within walking distance to pubs and night life is ideal. Book a place big enough for several other friends and split the costs; being close to the action also means less in taxi fares after the big night out! Larger holiday cottages are also perfect for family reunions. Get the entire family together and spend a weekend under the one roof – renew old relationships and form ones with the newest members of your family.

Holiday cottages are the perfect way to combine the best of home living with holidaying – at a fraction of the cost.

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Puerto del Carmen

Lanzarote has been welcoming tourists for well over forty years. Ever since the country was opened up to the package holiday industry by General Franco in the 1970´s when he sought to attract much needed foreign currency to his ailing economy.

On Lanzarote the development of this new industry was carefully controlled. Thanks to the influence of a local artist called César Manrique. Manrique feared that his beloved birthplace might suffer the same sort of fate as some of the Spanish Costas, which were being buried beneath a sea of concrete during the late 1960´s.

Manrique successfully secured an outright ban on all high rise buildings on the island whilst also sowing the seeds for a coherent development plan, which was designed to ensure that the bulk of Lanzarote remained untouched by tourism. So ensuring that the three main resorts on the island were also built in a carefully self contained fashion to lessen their impact on the island’s unique volcanic terrain.

Puerto del Carmen
Puerto del Carmen is the oldest and largest resort on Lanzarote. This is the spot where the first package tourists stayed in apartments located in the Old Town harbour area. But since these early beginnings the resort has expanded enormously and now stretches some 8km in the direction of the airport at Arrecife. Largely absorbing the neighbouring resorts of Los Pocillos and Matagorda into the bargain.

Puerto del Carmen today still revolves around the organic hub of the Old Town harbour, which is now home to a wealth of restaurants and bars. Whilst the best beaches can be found in the New Town, which essentially runs parallel with the largest of these stretches of sand, the aptly named Playa Grande, along the main thoroughfare of the Avenida de las Playas.

Despite its size and popularity Puerto del Carmen is only serviced by two four star hotels. As the bulk of the accommodation is comprised of budget holiday apartments and holiday villas.

Over the last year the local authorities have pumped around €16 million into revitalising the resort and improving the overall tourist offering. Creating a new marina in the Old Town harbour and a much improved beachfront promenade.

Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca lies at the southern tip of the island and was just sleepy little fishing village whilst Puerto del Carmen was expanding. All that has changed over the last decade as Playa Blanca has emerged to become the second most popular destination on the island. Aided by its clement microclimate and beautiful beaches and widely regarded as the best on Lanzarote.

Playa Blanca essentially comprises three small bays set within a larger cove and as such is very sheltered. With the whole resort united by a delightful seafront promenade.

Thanks to the fact that many of the hotels and villas in Playa Blanca have been built in just the last decade the facilities and amenities here are all virtually as good as new. Making it the ideal choice for families and couples seeking a good value break.

Costa Teguise
Costa Teguise is located towards the north of the island and was largely developed under the aegis of César Manrique in the 1980´s. As he sought to create a coastal sister resort to the former capital of Teguise located around 5km inland.

Costa Teguise was initially designed to be the upmarket relation to Puerto del Carmen. Anchored by the impressive five star Gran Melia Salinas hotel. And whilst initially this strategy paid off – with the resort attracting well heeled visitors from across Northern Europe – its appeal has faded a little in recent years. Not least as this part of the island can experience clouds and grey skies during the winter months whilst the south of the island is basking in sunshine.

This guest post was written by Nick Ball. Nick is the editor of Lanzarote Guidebook, the in-depth island information guide. Visit the site to download a free 96 page guidebook to the island and to book hotels, villas and apartments in Lanzarote.

Photo: World Marine Guide

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Hotel Bavaria is a popular cheap hotel that is located in the city center of Munich

Bavaria’s capital, Munich, is a beautiful 800 year old city that is located in southern Germany. Munich is one of Germany’s most popular tourist destinations and offers its visitors a travel experience that will not be forgotten. From festivals and sightseeing to shopping and restaurants, Munich has it all! So, whether you are looking for a cheap hotel for the world-famous Oktoberfest or maybe budget hotel for a city break, you will find cheap accommodation from our list of the best cheap hotels in Munich.

Golden Leaf Hotel Perlach Allee
Located in a quiet and safe residential neighbourhood, about 15 minutes on the Metro from the city center, the Golden Leaf Hotel Perlach Allee Hof is an excellent choice for a cheap hotel in Munich. The Hotel Perlach Allee Hof has 57 clean and comfortable rooms that offer bathrooms, heating, telephone, satellite TV and high speed internet connection.

Hotel Deutsches Theater
Located in the center of Munich, the Hotel Deutsches Theater is a great budget option suited to both leisure and business travelers. All rooms are nicely furnished and feature modern amenities. Hotel facilities include disabled facilities, wireless Internet connection, 24-hour reception, multilingual staff, luggage room and tourist information.

Hotel Mercure München Schwabing
Perfect for business and leisure travelers, the Hotel Mercure München Schwabing offers guests clean and quiet modern rooms equipped with wireless Internet, satellite and pay TV and direct dial telephone. This pet friendly hotel has a gym and also offers guests a currency exchange.

GHOTEL München-Nymphenburg
Located in München-Neuhausen, a short train ride from the center of Munich, The GHOTEL hotel & living München-Nymphenburg offers excellent facilities in a great cosmopolitan location. All rooms feature private bathrooms and offer modern amenities including heating, telephone, wireless internet, pay TV, safe and ironing facilities. Rooms are equipped with a kitchenette for cooking.

Helvetia Hotel Munich City Center
The Helvetia Hotel Munich is a cheap hotel located in the Munich city center. The hotel is within walking distance of the main train station, the best shopping and restaurant locations and also close to Theresienwiese, which is the location of Oktoberfest. Guest rooms offer comfortable king size beds, en-suite bathrooms, direct dial telephone, internet access and flat screen TVs.

Hotel Bavaria
Hotel Bavaria is a very popular cheap hotel that offers clean and comfortable rooms and friendly staff. The property is located in Oktoberfestwiese, which is close to the city center of Munich. Guest rooms are nicely furnished and offer modern amenities. This pet friendly Munich hotel offers room service, laundry service, luggage room, multilingual staff, tourist information and wireless Internet. Take of advantage of the excellent breakfast buffet.

Have you stayed in a cheap hotel in Munich? Where did you stay? Was the hotel good or bad? Make a comment and let us know.

The marvellous Colosseum in Rome, Italy

Rome is known as the Eternal City and is one the most fascinating cities in the world. An ancient place full of historical glamour and modern chic.  The Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Tivoli, Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are just a few of the highlights that keep tourists flocking to Rome year after year.

With so much to see and do in Rome, there is plenty of accommodation available. The city is at it’s busiest between June and August, Easter and at Christmas. It’s always advisable to book a hotel in advance especially at these busy times.

So, whether you are looking for a 3 star hotel in Rome for a short sightseeing trip or maybe a luxury 5 star hotel for the vacation in Italy that you have always dreamt about, you will find that perfect hotel from our list of highly recommended 3, 4 and 5 star Rome hotels.

3 Star Hotels

Hotel Milani
The recently refurbished Hotel Milani is centrally located near Rome’s Termini train station and offers guests easy access to all of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. The comfortable single, double and triple rooms include private bathroom, air conditioning, heating, satellite TV, desk, direct dial telephone and wireless Internet connection.

Hotel Amadeus
Close to bars, restaurants, shops and Rome’s best sightseeing, Hotel Amadeus is a clean and comfortable budget hotel. Conveniently located, Hotel Amadeus offers a mix of soundproof rooms that are equipped with modern amenities including wireless Internet and satellite TV. Access for the disabled, air conditioning, 24-hour front desk and much more are available at Hotel Amadeus.

Hotel Cananda
Hotel Canada is a friendly and relaxed hotel located in the Castro Pretorio district and is within a short walking distance of Termini train station. This very popular Rome hotel offers well decorated rooms that are equipped with modern amenities. Request a room on the upper floors for a great view over Rome. Hotel facilities include multilingual staff, air conditioning, luggage storage and tourist information.

4 Star Hotels

Hotel Quirinale
Located in the heart of Rome, Hotel Quirinale is a elegant four star hotel that is close to the Roman Forum, Colosseum and the Vatican. Rooms have air conditioning, mini bar, satellite television, Pay TV, private safe and 24 hour room service. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, internet access, and laundry service. Pets are allowed in Hotel Quirinale.

Hotel Grand Palatino
Hotel Grand Palatino is a perfect four star hotel for families, business travellers and tourists looking for comfortable accommodation in the centre of Rome.  The hotel offers 208 single, double, twin and triple bedrooms that are soundproof and are equipped with modern amenities. The hotel features two restaurants, a bar, a congress centre, laundry service and Internet access.

Hotel Britannia
Hotel Britannia is a boutique hotel located close to Rome’s Trevi Fountain. Housed in an elegant palazetto building, Hotel Britannia features beautiful interiors and luxurious furnishings. All 33 spacious rooms feature marble bathrooms and offer modern amenities including air conditioning, satelitte TV, electronic safe and wireless Internet connection. A delicious American breakfast buffet is served from 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

5 Star Hotels

Hotel Splendide Royal
Housed in a historic palace that was built in 1880, Hotel Splendide Royal is an amazing luxury Rome hotel located in Rome’s historical centre. The 68 lavishly appointed rooms are equipped with modern amenities and many rooms feature a private balcony with memorable views. Enjoy a meal at Mirabelle, the hotels Michelin-star winning restaurant. Hotel Splendide Royal is one of Rome’s most exclusive luxury hotels and is highly recommended.

The St. Regis Grand Hotel
Part of the Starwood Hotels Group, and built in 1894 as the first 5 star deluxe hotel in Rome, the St. Regis Grand Hotel regularly hosts international dignitaries, heads of state and celebrities. All 161 rooms are lavishly appointed in an combination of Empire, Regency and Louis XV styles. Property facilities are what you would expect from one of the best hotels in the world. A butler is available to all guests 24 hours a day.

The exterior of the renowned Hotel Scribe, Paris

Paris is one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals and is visited by millions of tourists every year. When visiting Paris you can be assured you will experience the best in top gastronomy, high end fashion, chic cafes and luxury hotels.

With over 70,000 hotel rooms and over 1500 hotels, finding that perfect luxury hotel in Paris can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.  So, whether you are looking for a luxury hotel in Paris for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or maybe just because you are worth it, you will find that perfect Paris hotel from our list of researched selections of the best and most popular luxury hotels in Paris.

Hotel De Vendome

A suite at Hotel De Vendome, Paris

Hotel De Vendome is situated in the heart of Paris, and offers its guests outstanding comfort and luxury in one of Paris’ most exclusive neighborhoods.  The Opera and the Louvre Museum, as well as other major Paris landmarks are also close to Hotel De Vendome, together with Paris’ most exclusive haute couture, jewelry shops and antique dealers.

All of the 19 rooms and 10 suites offer unique decor , antique furniture and bathrooms are entirely made of rare marble. Rooms all fully equipped with the latest amenities including air conditioning, heating, anti vapor mirrors, hairdryer, direct dial phone, wireless Internet connection, LCD flat screen TV,  Satellite TV, DVD players and electronic safe. Rooms at Hotel De Vendome are soundproof and non-smoking rooms are available on request.

Hotel facilties include 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, personal waiter and concierge. Credit cards are accepted and currency exchange is available as well  as city tours, city guides and maps . Hotel De Vendome also offers a secured car park, baby sitting services and has access for disabled guests.