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mexico hotel news

When Beaches get Boring - Visiting Cancun Mexico

11 09 2007

When in Cancun, there are a number of fun activities you can pursue. Beaches and other water activities can get boring, so instead of banking on spending your entire vacation by the ocean, plan a few interesting day trips as well. This can include shopping, tours, and even classes. By planning a few daytime activities, you can keep your Cancun adventure fun and exciting for you and the group with which you are traveling, whether it is friends or family. All age groups can get involved with Cancun activities.

Some of the most breathtaking sites in the Cancun area are the ancient Mayan ruins. Hundreds of sites in and around Cancun are preserved, and visitors are attracted to them due to their unique history. You can plan a guided tour to one of these sites, but often times the visitor’s information booth can provide you with enough information to tour the ruins on your own. It is usually free or very inexpensive to see these old ruins, and some of them, such as El Rey, are very close to the hotel zone or downtown Cancun. You can take a bus to the larger and farther away sites. Check with your hotel-many offer discounted tickets to tour for these special locations. You literally have countless choices if you are a history buff and want to see some ancient Mayan ruins.

If history is not your favorite topic, try delving into nature instead. The Interactive Aquarium in Cancun offers fun activities such as swimming with the dolphins and feeding the sharks. You could also visit one of Mexico’s reserves, which are like national parks. Here you can see animals in their natural habitats.

For those who would rather have a shopping experience, there are many places in Cancun and the surrounding areas to enjoy this activity. Instead of heading for a shopping mall (of which there are many), try instead a market. Haggling with vendors over hand-made items can be fun and entertaining, even if you do not purchase anything.

You can also check with your hotel about activities planned for day trips. Some offer buses that take you to Mexico’s best spas. Others host classes like landscape painting and traditional Mexican dancing. Most have activities for kids that go beyond watching them run around the beach all day. Be sure to plan ample time for beach and water fun, but also consider other activities as well. Cancun is a place where you can explore ancient civilizations, learn new things, and do many other interesting activities.

mexico hotel news

Is An All Inclusive Resort Right For You?

31 08 2007

Destinations such as Aruba, Cancun, St. Thomas, and Bahamas have an infrastructure that is well suited to all-inclusive and not all inclusive resorts because there is a wide election of restaurants and amenities for tourism. Jamaica and the Dominican Republic on the other hand don’t have the tourism infrastructure in place and are best suited for all inclusive vacations.

You’ll want to consider carefully before choosing an all inclusive resort. Resorts do vary — some are designed for couples, some for singles, some for gays and some for families. Some cater to a younger or older crowd. There are also some that offer clothing-optional activities. For obvious reasons, most of those don’t allow children under 18.

The resorts come in all shapes and sizes. Some include airfare and hotel. Some include airfare, hotel, transfers, and some meals. Others include all meals and activities, but not airfare. Often, purchasing airfare as part of the package can be a better deal than doing so separately, unless you are using frequent flier miles.

Many all inclusives have, as part of their program, child-care facilities that are often a resort-within-the-resort for children, a “day camp” that is special and that kids look forward to attending. And many all-inclusive resorts give incredible price breaks to children (they don’t drink liquor, after all,) while some even have no charge for children up to 17 sharing their parents’ room.

What are the advantages of all-inclusive vacation resorts?

The security of knowing that one price covers everything, with none of those nasty surprises that can blast a hole in any family’s travel budget. All meals, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally included in one price. You can forget your worries about carrying lots of extra cash for expenses, and just sit back and enjoy your vacation.

Who should check out an all inclusive?

Travelers who are: on a tight budget, traveling with the kids, receiving the trip as a wedding gifts or getting married on the honeymoon.

So, is an all inclusive resort right for you?

If you are the type of traveler that enjoys sampling all of the local fare, then spending all of your time at an all-inclusive resort is probably not for you. If you like to go somewhere just to relax and not worry about taking out your wallet every couple of hours to pay for food, drinks, or activities, then there’s probably an all-inclusive resort that’s just right for you.

If you like to stay up all night partying and drinking, if you want to take advantage of all the included watersports and activities, if you want to have food and snacks available all day and if you don’t want to have to worry about the final bill when you check out, an all-inclusive is definitely a viable option. Some resorts even boast 24-hour room service.

All-inclusive resorts can be costly. On the other hand, they can also provide great value. If you are going to a destination where the cost of meals, snacks, liquor and activities are expensive, and your hotel or resort is high-quality with an expensive nightly rate, an all inclusive might end up saving you money.

If, on the other hand, you don’t drink much, you enjoy lazing on the beach and getting an early nights sleep, you are dieting and choose simple salads for your meals, you would probably be overspending for an all-inclusive resort. Bear in mind the drinks are only the cheap local which are not very strong.

On the down side of all-inclusive vacations, some folks get a bit weary of dining in the same restaurant night after night. The resort rooms may be smaller than standard hotel rooms. Some, not all of the all-inclusive resorts provide shows. And some of them have different show every night.

Some resorts have kids clubs for the little ones. Kids clubs begin at any hotel at 4 years of age. Nannies or babysitters are extra costs not included in the all-inclusive package. Almost all the allinclusives have activities from beach volleyball to bingo and other games.

It’s a good idea if you want a cashless vacation in a secured environment, if you are satisfied that the dining options offered will be suitable for your tastes, if you take advantage of the watersports, child-care and bars.

If you are adventurous and want to spend your days exploring the country you are visiting and your evenings trying in-town dining options, you would be better off choosing a resort that offers that kind of flexibility instead of an all inclusive.

What is usually included in all inclusive vacation package?

All meals and drinks, beer, wine, premium liquor and tipping, government taxes, gratuities, entertainment, activities and sports, as well as airfare and accommodations, are generally included in one price.

Airfare and hotel transfers are optional when buying all inclusive package. Tipping is not allowed. One benefit of the all-inclusive resort is that the single up-front price covers unlimited activities.

Phone calls and items purchased at the gift shop are included. The more expensive all-inclusive resorts is going to have the nice sit-down restaurants. The next step down will have all buffet dining.

Tennis and squash courts may be free and often night-lit courts at no charge, but bring your rackets, as you’ll probably have to pay to rent them. Most packages do not include golfing fees. In most cases you have to rent a golf cart, but compared to the price of play on most courses, that cost is negligible. Sailing craft are free as often as not. Snorkels, masks and fins are usually free, but may have a time limit (note: bring masks from home if you can, keeping in mind that the one-size-fits-all variety is often useless on little faces, leaving kids to snorkel miserably with a face-full of salt water). On-property snorkeling is free, but the most interesting underwater sights are usually somewhere else. The latter will cost you, if not for the snorkeling itself, then for the transportation to get there and back. With motorized sports costs can climb upwards of $60 an hour. Parasailing is another costly venture. Divers, too, might find an all-inclusive cost-effective. Tanks have to be paid for separately, but diving excursions are included in some of these resorts. If you are not certified, most resorts offer a “resort certification” which will allow you to go on closely supervised guided dives. A resort certification is a great introduction to the sport. If, however, you are already a certified diver, some resorts, such as Sandals, Beaches, and Gala Resorts, offer one or two tank dives a day in their all-inclusive packages.

Many all inclusive resorts offer spa treatments as part of their packages, with the option of paying for more intensive therapies.

Do not forget to budget extra cash for some excursions that weren’t included in all inclusive package. A swim with the dolphins, for example, runs about $100 per person — more than small change if you’re traveling with a family of four.

Consider carefully these additional factors before purchasing an all inclusive vacation package.

Price is often relative to quality. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. However, sometimes it’s possible to get an amazing and legitimate deal, as long as you’re looking in the right places - Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, TNT Vacations and numerous smaller wholesalers.

Look for deals. Check websites for details. Check to see what’s included in the price, so you don’t incur any additional costs that you’re not prepared to pay for.

Organize any visas and travel insurance policies well in advance. Your tour operator and travel agent should advise you on all of these but you should also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting for information about visas.

It is important that you speak with your doctor about the necessary immunizations for the areas you are traveling to. When you’re traveling in Mexico, you must take extra care when it comes to drinking water, or fresh beverages that may have tap water added to them. Check ice also - ask if it was made with tap water - it is unlikely that your ice will have been made with tap water; but its worth asking in more rustic establishments and rural areas. Salads can also be dangerous if they have been rinsed with tap water. The rule is - if in doubt, ask first! All main hotels and good restaurants use purified water throughout

In order to be eligible for special honeymoon offers and discounts, it’s wise to take a copy of your marriage certificate with you as proof that you are on honeymoon.

If you are a single parent, or if your partner will not be traveling with you and your children for whatever reason, you must get a notarized letter from the absent parent, giving consent for the child or children to be traveling with one parent absent.

If you are estranged from your partner, and you are the legal guardian of your child/children, you can take a copy of the court order (note: original only - no copies!) with you and this will suffice to get your child or children with you.

If you are a widow or widower, you will need to write a letter to explain this and get it, and a copy of the death certificate, notarized and carry both of these documents with you when you travel.

If you are under 18 and want to travel without your parents, you will need to carry with you a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents.

If you are a lone parent or will be traveling with your children but without your partner, or under 18 traveling alone, get the required paperwork together before you leave. Airlines are now refusing to board lone parents and children and children traveling unaccompanied without this notarized letter of consent.

Many hotels in Mexico set age restrictions during spring break. Here’s an example of many hotel Spring Break policy:

Hotel will accept individual and student group bookings.

A refundable deposit of $200 per person and credit card are required at time of check in.

Any credit cards used must be issued in guest’s name.

Guests may be required to sign an agreement/list of rules at check in.

At least one person per room must satisfy the minimum age requirement for check in for individual student bookings.

At least one adult for every 20 students is required for student group bookings.

If you or someone in your party is confined to a wheelchair, you’ll want to explore accessibility issues very carefully. Ask your travel agent specific questions that may concern you.

Always have a way out. Ask about cancellation policies, and look into travel insurance, especially if you are booking through an online agency. Choose wisely and make sure the resort’s amenities and programs fit your lifestyle and character, and you’ll have the time of your life!

mexico hotel news

Why an Algarve Vacation?

31 08 2007

If a vacation, as defined by a dictionary is: ‘leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure’, then one taken in Algarve must be the epitome of that term.

The southern-most region of Portugal, Algarve is a holiday-maker’s dream. Wonderful year-round weather, great beaches, fabulous scenery and - best of all - the local people!

Algarveans are a tolerant, laid-back lot, who have seen much change in the several decades since their region started to become a tourist magnet. Some of the age-old ways of life (such as small-scale fishing) continue undisturbed by the leisure-seeking visitors who are drawn to this lovely area.

Most who sample the attractions of Algarve become converted enthusiasts. If you love warm places, sand and sea and generally relaxed holidays, then Algarve is your dream destination.

It’s a compact area, only some 90 miles by 30 miles at its furthest extremities - but it’s home to over 100 miles of gorgeous sandy beaches.

While, for those who don’t mind leaving the coast behind for a while, the region is steeped in history, and has much to delight the visitor’s eye. Much of the Algarve’s heritage has been preserved, especially in the profusion of Moorish-influenced architecture on show. And the contrasts, between coast and mountains, sand and greenery, modernity and history, offer visitors many choices of how to spend an Algarve vacation.

The region’s ancient past is positively celebrated, and most sizeable towns boast a local museum that shows relics from Roman times - and even earlier.

Algarveans are proud of their distinct culture and some of the diversion on offer to the holiday-maker is even free (concerts and gallery admissions spring to mind from my last visit). Whatever the month of year, there’s usually a Saint’s day that gives rise to a colourful festival, in which the locals take a whole-hearted part.

Public transport within the region is efficient and cheap, which serves to keep the tourist dollars and Euros circulating, while allowing holiday-makers to sample more than just the tourist areas.

Even a tour of either the western or eastern halves of Algarve can be undertaken within a single day (though it helps to have your itinerary sorted before you set out). And a meal at an inland restaurant during the return journey to your holiday accommodation will likely prove cheaper than one taken in the tourist-populated coastal areas (a bonus for the more adventurous tourist!).

Am I keen to get back there soon? You bet!

mexico hotel news

Beaches and Weather in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya Mexico

31 08 2007

Millions of people a year flock to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, to escape cold weather, get a reprieve from work pressures, and take time off for serious rest and relaxation. The major attractions to the area are the white sandy beaches, the amazing crystalline waters, the laid back Caribbean attitude, and the warm tropical weather.

The climate in the Riviera Maya is semi-tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 80° degrees Fahrenheit (26 ° Celsius), which can rise to 100° degrees Fahrenheit (37.7° Celsius) in the hot summer months. June first is official start of hurricane season and ends on November 30th. From November to April, which is considered high season here;it is hot and sunny during the day and cool and breezy at night.

* February to May February, March, April, and May are beautiful in The Rivera Maya. The Caribbean Sea is calm and clear and as summer approaches the water temperatures gradually rise. With warmer waters by May this is usually the time that the jelly fish, or “agua mala” come to our shores. So May is a perfect time of year to go cenote hunting! Nights can still be cool, but a sweater is rarely needed.
* June to August During the summer months Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya are hot, hot, hot! The humidity rises so afternoons are steamy and hot. We highly recommend you stay close to a water source. The Caribbean is so warm you can float the day away, and the cenotes stay at an even 78 degrees (25.5C) which is always refreshing. There is some rainfall in the afternoon and evenings, but it never lasts very long. The nights do not get much cooler so for a truly good night sleep air-conditioning and a good fan are highly recommended.
* September and October September and October are considered the height of the hurricane and tropical storm season. We also can get a fair amount of rain during these months, however it doesn’t rain everyday. It is still hot and humid with days and evenings registering similar temperatures.
* November to January These are the coolest months in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas, which means it is warm and sunny during the day and cool and breezy in the evenings. Rain is very rare during this time of year, but evenings can bring temps in the high 60’s (15.5C) so a sweater is recommended.

Warm weather wear: Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya’s weather does not fluctuate that significantly though out the year. It is the tropics so lightweight cotton clothing, beach wraps (pareos),, and bathing suits are what you spend the majority of your time in. During the day, the climate is hot and light clothing, such as shorts and tank tops, are recommended. During the evenings you may need a light sweater or jacket depending on the time of year. For trips into the jungle, you should wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes in order to fend off mosquitoes and other insect bites. Sturdy shoes should always be worn if you plan on going to see any archeological sights to keep you sure footed and able to explore.

Beaches and Beach Clubs in Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya

Nuddy Beach Club and Bar: Located both in Playa del Carmen and in Tulum, Nuddy beach, pronounced nudie, is the quintessential beach club with lounger beds, bathing beauties, trendy tunes, and buckets of beers. Located just south of Mamitas Beach in Playa del Carmen, and about a mile south of the ruins in Tulum, it is a great place to people watch and enjoy everything the Mayan Rivera has to offer.

Mamitas Beach: Located in Playa del Carmen, Mamitas Beach and Beach Club has been around for years, but after being severely damaged by Hurricane Wilma, it has received a major facelift, and it is a favorite beach spot for both locals and visitors. It has beautiful covered beach beds, beach volleyball, excellent beach access, great tunes, and a restaurant and bar on site. It is also the annual host for the fashion show produced by Fashion TV. The best way to get to Mamitas is by the access road on Avenue First South between 28th and 30th Streets.

Tukan Beach: Tukan Beach and Beach Club is located directly between Mamitas and Nuddy Beach. Recently it also had a major face lift similar to Mamitas. Actually Tukan and Mamitas kind of just meld together to create the ultimate beach experience. Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, yummy food, water sports, and premiere lounging spots, you will not be disappointed.

Coco Beach: Considered as the northern beach this is a bit of a jaunt from Playa Mamitas and Playa Tukan, Coco Beach is considered to be more laid back and less trendy then its sister beaches to the south. But keep in mind that it is getting developed and there is a beach club in the works for the upcoming season.

Xpu-ha Beach: Located just south of Puerto Aventuras you can access this amazing stretch of beach by a sign that reads “La Playa” on your left hand side. If you miss the turn you can go a bit further south and there is a very small access road just north of the Copacabana Resort. This stretch of beach is a true slice of heaven with palm trees sprinkled along the shoreline, excellent snorkeling, and various cafes and bars that you can grab a bite to eat or a cold beer. Although there are a few resorts that have access to this beach that have yet to take over completely and you can definitely while away an afternoon relaxing, and enjoying this quiet and tranquil Caribbean beach.

Tulum Beach and Playa Paraiso: Just to the south of the Tulum ruins there is an incredible stretch of beach even less populated then Xpu Ha. There are small palapa style hotelitos and cabanas along this beach that you can stay in that are relatively inexpensive. At the same time there are also trendy and chic beach resorts such as Mezzanine that will pamper you silly. Tulum is a very popular spot for kite boarding so you are likely to see the skyline peppered with colorful kites on a windy day. Overall this is one of our favorite beach spots that is in our area.

Topless beaches in Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya: Although it is actually illegal to sunbathe nude or topless on Mexico beaches, in Playa del Carmen and the Rivera Maya, it is tolerated. Due to the major European influences in the area most beaches you will see topless sun worshippers trying to get as much sun on their bare bodies. There are also clothing optional resorts and spas that cater to couples who want to vacation in the buff. Some remote area beaches you can strip down and bare it all. Keep in mind that Mexican Nationals are a conservative bunch so respect the locals, and if you are in a remote area keep a beach wrap close by. In addition women should always practice caution and safely if sunbathing nude or topless in a tucked away location or low traffic area.

mexico hotel news

serivce desk in mexico hotel

30 08 2007

Hotels Mexico: hotel information Mexico, room prices, special offers, late deals and cheap holiday packages for short breaks. Every accommodation in Mexico can be booked on-line. You make your reservations direct at the hotel in Mexico, without any reservation costs. You pay our cheap internet rates when you check out after your stay in Mexico, at the hotel’s reception. Below all cities in Mexico with accommodations are listed.

mexico hotel news

Compare prices for hotels in Mexico City

30 08 2007

Hotels in Mexico City can be booked online through our discount hotel reservation system: you pay cheap internet rates for every hotel in Mexico City, from a room in a cheap budget hotel or bed and breakfast to a suite or apartment in a luxury resort. There’s also a list with 119 hotels in Mexico City. 90 hotels have Save Rates: guaranteed the lowest price you’ll find on the internet!

There are 3 more providers of cheap hotels in Mexico City. Compare prices and also check these 3 extra hotel reservation systems to get the best hotel deal in Mexico City.

mexico hotel news

On-line reservations for Hotel in Mexico

30 08 2007

Hotel Monte Real is a complete property located in Mexico City centre, few steps from the most important sights, such as the Catedral Metropolitana Cathedral, the Palacio de Bellas Artes Palace, the Monumento de la Revolución Monument, the Plaza de las Artesanías Square, the Museo del Templo Mayor and the Museo de Antropología Museums and the Basílica de Guadalupe Basilica, among others. The property features the perfect location for leisure and business travelers alike, and offers a wide variety of services. On-site amenities include a laundry service, a room service 24 hours, a reception open all day long, two fully equipped meeting and conference rooms with a capacity of up to 200 people, an Internet Point, a bar, a restaurant and a private parking.

mexico hotel news

The best rent a car deals in Mexico City, Mexico

30 08 2007

Cars for Less offers rent a car deals with the best rates and service in Mexico City! We will beat any major competitor’s rate that offers rental cars in Mexico City with comparable service, vehicles, location, terms, and surcharges. Just check our discounted rates of the day!

How we do it? Cars for Less online car rent & auto hire Mexico City offers discounted car rental services with leading rental car companies. By only working with the best Mexico City car rental suppliers we are able to offer great rates for rental cars in Mexico City with the guaranteed best service.

There never is a fee for cancelling or changing bookings of cheap rental cars in Mexico City made through the Mexico City car search form above. Car rental reservations in Mexico City are fully refundable at any time.

mexico hotel news

Mexican hotel tries to throw out Nobel Peace Prize winner Menchu

30 08 2007

Cancun, Mexico - Nobel Peace Prize winner and current Guatemalan presidential candidate Rigoberta Menchu was on Tuesday the victim of discrimination at a hotel in the Mexican seaside resort Cancun, Quintana Roo state radio reported.

Newsreader David Romero said he himself was present when the hotel’s security personnel tried to get Menchu out of the lobby of the five-star hotel.

Romero - who was there to interview the woman awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992 - added that the expulsion was prevented by people who recognized the activist for the rights of indigenous peoples.

Menchu was in Cancun at the invitation of Mexican President Felipe Calderon, to take part in an assembly of the National Association of Drinking Water and sanitation.

mexico hotel news

Film Festival in San

30 08 2007

The magical cities of San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato were the hosts for a new edition of the international cinematographic showcase “Expresión en Corto”, considered as the most important short film festival in Latin America.
During the festival, important celebrities of the film industry were honored, like the legendary Mexican director Gabriel Figueroa in his 100 birthday. A special guest of the festival was American film director Tim Burton, who shared with the audience his most intimate secrets of filmmaking.
The festival offered a great opportunity to young talented filmmakers who participated in a contest of shortcuts and documentaries to win scholarships to continue their film studies. Prestigious judges evaluated their work and exhibited their film pieces during the festival.

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