Archive for the 'mexico_hotel_reviews' Category

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The Best Resorts of Puerto Vallarta

7 09 2007

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular resort areas in Mexico, but most of its hotels are stamped from a similar mold. A few rise above the typical all-inclusive template, however, and deliver more.

At the luxury end of the scale, the Puerto Vallarta region has several world-class resorts that are fixtures on annual travel magazine best-of lists. Here are the top resorts in the region, according to the upscale review site Luxury Latin America.

Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Four Seasons Resort at Punta Mita has set the bar high, virtually unreachable by others, by building a hotel surrounded by one of Mexico’s best golf courses and a series of ultra–luxurious timeshares, deeded private villas and custom homes. The entire operation has earned Four Seasons its reputation as the premier resort of Mexico’s Pacific Coast. The free–form infinity pool and main restaurant look out on one of the most dramatic views you could long for, with no other hotel in site. With superior service, a highly regarded spa, and casitas furnished with the very best, this is the clear winner for those with plenty of money to burn.

Casa Las Brisas

This seven–room resort sits on a beautiful stretch of sand that puts most others in the area to shame, is just around the bend from the Four Seasons. Casa Las Brisas is made up of two large beach houses that were combined into a carefully planned inn, surrounded by homes rather than other hotels. With amazing views of the crashing waves and top-notch food and décor, this fine small hotel attracts discerning travelers who come once and end up making plans to return before checking out. The helpful staffers are always at the ready and the all-inclusive plan here is a far cry from the usual buffets and bottom-shelf cocktails.

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort

This resort has created a refreshing twist on the all–inclusive concept: a contemporary design, spacious rooms, consistently good restaurants, and premium liquor service set this distinctive resort apart from the rest. Even the smallest accommodations are junior suites with a nice–sized Jacuzzi. All rooms have balconies with panoramic views, marble décor, quality custom furniture, and come loaded with plenty of amenities. Popular among celebrities and sophisticated travelers, Nuevo Vallarta’s Grand Velas Grand Velas is an oasis of elegance, offering upscale style and superior service. This is the finest large all–inclusive resort in the Puerto Vallarta region.

Casa Velas Hotel Boutique

This 80-room resort, conveniently located one mile from the airport, is a small luxury hotel adjoining a golf course. It is a nice option if you’re seeking a serious golf getaway with only occasional beach time, minus the garish tourist extras that other all–inclusives often include. Despite the rotating ownership of this small hotel in the past, Casa Velas seems to be settling into its own quite nicely now, with an expanded spa and improved restaurant that is attracting plenty of couples looking for seclusion away from the big crowds.

Hacienda San Angel

This stellar boutique hotel provides impeccable attention to detail in both design and service, and may leave you breathless with its beauty and charm––if you arrive with an open mind. There are three tiled pool areas with cushioned lounges, fountains, tropical flowers, and tile work around every corner, touches that illustrate the owner’s obvious devotion to good design and aesthetics. A terrace hot tub allows you to soak under the stars with a view of the church’s lit bell tower. This is not a beach hotel; it is located in the historic center of Puerto Vallarta, with sweeping views of the city and bay. What it lacks in water access it more than makes up in superior aesthetics and sense of place.

Westin Resort & Spa

With a meandering shady pool complex, a hopping Nikki Beach bar, and well–equipped rooms, the Westin is the best beach pick for full–service style and comfort in the heart of Puerto Vallarta proper. The sprawling grounds and three towering pyramid buildings overlook the Marina area. The unique minimalist style of renowned architect Javier Sordo Madaleno evokes an atmosphere of surprises that stretches from the fancy cabanas to the imposing hallways. The biggest draw is the magnificent series of pools, complete with excellent shade coverage, comfortable wooden chaises, and several clever tile pool lounges built so you can catch rays while staying cool.

mexico_hotel_reviews

Vacation Rentals vs Hotels, Which Is Better?

5 09 2007

When you plan a vacation, you may automatically think of taking your family (or just yourself) and checking into a big hotel. With so many airplane + hotel + car rental packages out there, it’s easy to get sucked into that frame of thinking. And in the long run, you can often get the best vacation deals by going that way. Still, there are other lodging options you might wish to explore.

Vacation rentals, for instance, offer many amenities that the majority of hotels do not. Usually owned by regular folks (renting a vacation home means helping a “mom and pop” business instead of a big corporate-owned hotel), vacation rentals tend to give you full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. They’re available everywhere you might wish to stay too. You can find condominiums or houses (with detached homes you get the ultimate in privacy for your vacation) in any part of the world.

If you prefer to be surrounded by the hubbub, you can find rentals in the middle of the action (perhaps a condo on the Las Vegas strip or a cabin with ski-in-ski-out convenience tickles your fancy), but you can also find rentals that cater to peace and quiet. Many of these homes are set back from the busy streets and thoroughfares where hotels dominate (instead of a condo adjacent to Vegas casinos, maybe you’d prefer a house a few blocks away with a fenced yard and a private swimming pool).

What about families who travel with pets? Is a hotel or a vacation rental more likely to accommodate them? Well, I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen too many hotels that appreciate even well-mannered dogs waltzing through their lobbies (even on a leash). On the other hand, vacation rentals are often the way to go for pet owners, because many will accept dogs and cats (with an additional deposit). Do make sure you check on the place’s pet policy beforehand, though, since each owner sets his or her own rules.

The last thing I want to mention is the overall ambiance of vacation rentals versus hotels. With hotels (especially big chains), you get… pretty much the same thing no matter which part of the world you visit. This can be good for those who don’t like change, but if you want to stay somewhere that embraces the culture of the local area, you’re more likely to find that in a vacation rental. Many owners stay at their properties a few weeks a year themselves, so the homes often feel like, well, homes. They’re cozier and friendlier than the starkness of most hotel rooms.

Lest you think I have an agenda for promoting rentals over hotels (alas, I own neither), I must admit that there are a few downsides to vacation rentals. First off, finding just the right place can involve more internet research than simply booking through a web site that offers travel package deals. Second, because vacation rentals are usually privately owned affairs, it can be hit or miss with service. Not all rental owners have their own web sites, and it may take a while for the proprietors to get back to you if they don’t use a management company. Third, most vacation rentals don’t come with housekeeping. The premises will be clean when you arrive (in fact, you’ll often be charged a cleaning fee), but don’t expect anyone to come in and change your sheets every day. Lastly, rentals tend to be more expensive than hotels. You do usually get more square footage for your money (multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, separate living and dining rooms, etc.), but you pay for it. That’s why rentals are popular with families and friends who can share the costs.

As you can see, there are pros and cons for both hotels and vacation rentals. I’m a big fan of rentals myself (among the other reasons listed here, I really like supporting “mom and pop” businesses instead of faceless hotel chains), but each have their advantages depending on your preferences. Make sure you look around before deciding where you want to spend your vacation.

mexico_hotel_reviews

Experience The Best Vacations With Luxury Accommodations In Houston

5 09 2007

Houston is one of the most traditional cities with great culture and history and amazing art directories. The Theater function is an important characteristic of Houston’s excellent life, and it is relocated amongst beautiful elegant architecture from an urban afforest. Houston city is one of the main tourist places amongst Texas attractions, and provide all what you want in your trip. There is an array of global cuisine, recreational activities and a wonderful nightlife, large-association sports stadium and highly praised museums. In conditions of hotels too, there are ample of alternatives too, that consists an array of luxury and deluxe hotels.

Travelers of Houston will find a touch of European elegance in Luxury accommodations. These hotels varies from deluxe suits to multi-bedroom suites, they all consist non-smoky zones, split living, full kitchens, dining areas, spacious bathrooms and walk-in clandestine. Luxury and Deluxe hotels blend the amazing decorations and modern technology from Plasma TVs in the bedroom and living rooms to Wireless, high-speed internet access.

They all have fully residential comforts with top-notch amenities including well maintained conference rooms, Business center, outdoor/indoor pool, whirlpool, art galleries, and health and fitness center. Visitors can enjoy delicious breakfast, evening cocktails on the poolside. Room amenities comprises luxurious overstated robes for your stay throughout the day, iron board, large mirror, direct dial phone, high speed, wireless internet access, coffee maker, desk with chair, ottoman chair, DVD player with music, movies on demand and games, mini refrigerator.

Whether you are going for one day, or one week or a long trip, you’ll find all lavishness service on your hand. All staff is multilingual and well mannered who is ready for 24*7 in your service. World-class luxury hotels along with excellent service and hospitality offer a wonderful experience to each one. They offer each room you anticipate from a royal accommodation. Combine these characteristics with their reliable accent on better overhaul!!

mexico_hotel_reviews

When It Comes To Hotels, Paris Offers Some of the Best In the World

5 09 2007

Aside from being the capital city of France, Paris is also the largest city in France. It boasts of historic centers, monuments, and museums and is one of the most popular cities throughout the entire world. For this reason, authorities are faced with the overwhelming task of catering to a nonstop arrival of tourists. Hoteliers persistently do their best to give better than before hospitality. Certain Paris hotels pride themselves in having modern entertainment avenues, recreation and living options. Paris presents prides in having a wide variety of hotels travelers could choose from. These hotels may be star rated and can offer two/three/four bedroom accommodations, studios and suites. A number of these hotels are known timeshare accommodations. Depending upon the size and rating of a living quarter, hotel rates vary. Apart from the general information that is widely available, when deciding upon a particular Paris hotel it is wise for potential tourists to ask questions in order to secure a feasible deal.

Though Paris is a fashionable holiday destination all through the year, at times when hoteliers notice a slow period they offer discount rates. This enables tourists to make reservations at quality hotels and spend a fraction of the regular rates. Paris hotels are monitored and governed by a standard regulatory body, which ensures standard tariffs and taxes. If the hotel you’re interested in checking in is star rated, taxes and charges tend to be higher.

In choosing the hotels that best suit their needs and preferences, tourists may chose to make enquiries concerning airport shuttles, sightseeing and travel options that are offered by hotels. When deciding upon a hotel, people can choose to read guides reviews and travel plans. This helps compare and locate the best offers. Others may choose to ask friends and family members who have made similar trips. This helps gain first hand information regarding a particular Paris hotel. In case of families with young members, it is advisable to enquire about recreational activities and babysitting services. When choosing a Paris hotel, it is advisable to enquire whether the staff speaks English or not. Different Paris hotels offer varied payment plans and have individual guidelines regarding acceptance if credit cards and travelers checks.

In addition to the convenience and relaxing ambience inside Paris hotels, you can also enjoy the world-famous tourist spots nearby. These hotels are splendidly located all over Paris. Most are situated in lively districts like Gare St-Lazare, and along the world-famous business and tourism streets like Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. Most glamorous shops and prominent department stores such as Place Vendome, Galeries Lafayette, and Printemps, are within walking distance of the Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Opera and Louvres, Latin Quarter and Cite Internationale.

You can choose to stay in the hotels that offer fascinating views of the historical Parc Montsouris, the Eiffel Tower, Invalides Dome, and the typical Parisian square Place Pigalle, overlooking Saint German des Pres Church, Notre Dame Cathedral, Pantheon and the Sorbonne. Or, you can check in close to the artist and painter district that’s one of the most picturesque quarters of Paris, where Le Sacre Coeur and Butte Montmartre are found.

There are hotels that are just a few minutes away from Palais des Congres of Porte Maillot, Place des Vosges and the Cultural Center Georges Pompidou, the Opera Bastille, and many museums, from the Carnavalet to the Picasso. With just a stroll, you can get to Moulin Rouge and the most elegant restaurants, bars, clubs, and cafes like Café des Deux Magots and Café de Flore.

mexico_hotel_reviews

Booking Has Never Been Easier!

5 09 2007

Online Hotel Booking is the result of advancement in the internet field which has enabled us to book hotels anywhere in the world according to our travel needs. Hospitality field has gained importance and has seen rapid growth in the last five years. Finding a hotel manually after landing in the destination was expensive, tedious and sometimes caused dreadful delays in case of missing any special events planned earlier. Irrespective of the type of flyer you are - frequent flyers, vacation flyers or business flyers - everyone is satisfied with their needs by booking hotels in just few clicks either sitting in the office or at home.

The highlight of online hotel booking facility is that a hotel can be booked as per the convenience of the traveler, say even near a particular tourist attraction. Getting the clear picture of the hotels and the rooms that are to be booked is the highlight of online hotel booking. Reviews of the hotel and its services help the new bookers to get an idea about the hotel. Also, there is no need for hesitation if one does not like the hotel as there are thousands of hotels waiting for your booking online.

The variety of choice and easy user friendly navigation during the booking process has made online hotel booking so popular among people. Each and every online hotel booking sites have their online hotel reservation engine as their backbone. These engines allow people to retrieve the updated and current information on the available hotels in a particular city or place. With the help of the engines and with the supportive and informative web pages it is easy for people to analyze find the rooms of their exact match.

From everyone’s perspective, may be a business or a vacationer, each one is facilitated with number of choices and advantages. To conduct a meeting in a hotel, it is a must for a business to book rooms for the delegates in the same hotel where the conference or the meeting hall is fixed. So, surfing the net and finding hotels online and booking rooms and suits via online hotel booking feature eliminates the necessity to visit the hotels in person.

For vacations, people can just book the hotels near the tourist spots which can reduce their traveling expense. Even more, many tourist packages and guided trips are arranged by the hotel for its visitors. Also, special discounts are given for the ones who book rooms through online hotel booking service rendered by them. Visit online hotel booking (http://www.hotelbooking.bz/) for more information and online booking experience.

mexico_hotel_reviews

Tips For Planning Your Honeymoon & vacation with your’s family in mexico

5 09 2007

As they say the best holiday vacation a person can have in their life is the honeymoon. It’s the kind of holiday wherein you will first enjoy the company of that person that you married.

It is very important, just like planning that perfect wedding, to also plan that perfect honeymoon. Here are some great planning tips for that wonderful honeymoon.

Whatever the location of your honeymoon destination, bear in mind to get a room with a magnificent view of either the ocean or a scenic mountaintops or even a lively cityscapes that will bring you both closer to learning other cultures as well.

Going on a honeymoon means enjoying and having the time of your life; it’s a celebration of your union as husbands and wife. That’s why the most important thing in planning your honeymoon is not to fight with each other about choosing the perfect honeymoon place.

Here are some tips to make your honeymoon planning very easy

1. Plan ahead of schedule.

- Plan your honeymoon if possible months in advance; that way you can book the best available hotel rooms and it will also gives you the chance to search the internet of wonderful locations worldwide. In this time of modern age, booking flights, hotel and planning travel itineraries are conveniently done online.

2. Set a realistic budget

- To avoid financial problems later on, be sure to set aside a honeymoon budget that is enough to cover the whole period of your honeymoon. Remember getting married is the start of a long-term life with each other. Do not over spend on your honeymoon, as money can be use in other important things like mortgage and anniversary celebration.

3. Pick a wonderful location

- Don’t just pick a place at random, it is advised that you both study each places, cities and country that you are planning to spend your honeymoon. Make sure that the particular country’s culture and places to offer will both excite and interest both of your senses.

4. Study Reviews of Hotels

- To avoid the possibility of ruining a perfect honeymoon by sub standard hotel accommodation services, read among the vast hotel reviews written online and choose the perfect hotel that you think will satisfy both of your needs.

5. Make a list of restaurants

- Part of a wonderful honeymoon is the experience of dining out together and enjoying local cuisines, again you must study and choose from a wide selection of restaurants in your honeymoon location. Why not make a list of restaurants that you think you may like to eat at beforehand?

6. Have fun and worry about nothing

- Make sure that once you are both enjoying your honeymoon, make sure to leave all work related stress at home. Enjoy the time together and try hard to make this experience something both of you will remember for a long time.

Following these simple tips will make your honeymoon become a pleasant experience. Remember it’s the best holiday anyone can have in their life. Plan ahead and enjoy the whole experience.

mexico_hotel_reviews

How to Find Torrevieja Hotels

5 09 2007

Torrevieja is one of the most popular vacation hotspots on Spain’s Costa Blanca. It is part of the Alicante Province and located only thirty miles from the Alicante airport serving this popular region of Spain. Bus services from the airport can transport you easily to the city or some of the more expensive hotels in Torrevieja will provide transportation from the airport to the hotel.

Torrevieja offers hotels for every traveler. Luxury hotels are often closer to the local attractions and the coastline’s beaches, which will be a huge plus if you intend to spend a lot of time at the beach. Many luxury hotels have pools, spas, health clubs, babysitting service, dry cleaning service and its own restaurants and bars. As expected, these hotels are the more expensive choice in hotel accommodations. Smaller hotels in the area are generally located further away from the beach and attractions and do not offer as many amenities and additional services. However, even with the lack of amenities, these hotels are generally a good choice if you are looking for basic accommodations at a reasonable price.

If you are staying in Torrevieja for only a short time, you may want to splurge on a more luxurious hotel. A longer stay, however, may be best suited for a lower priced hotel if your vacation budget is somewhat limited. In addition to duration, the location of the hotel is important to consider. If you plan to spend most of your time at the beach, try to find the most hotel most convenient to the beach yet within your price range. Keep in mind, though, that hotels closer to the beach tend to be higher priced.

Finding Torrevieja hotels should not be difficult, as there are several ways to find the hotel that best fits your vacation needs and budget. A travel agent can provide a lot of information on Costa Blanca hotels. Booking your flight and hotel at the same time may result in a better deal. Be sure to call the travel agent in advance to get the best deal on the best hotel for you, especially during the summer months when accommodations book quickly.

If you already know the hotel in which you want to stay, just contact the hotel directly but be sure to still call in advance. You may find that the hotel is full if you wait until the last minute to make the reservation. If you do not know where to stay, hotel reviews are a good place to start. You can find reviews of various hotels on the internet, which typically use a standard rating. Good, basic hotels usually have a three start rating while luxury hotels have anywhere from four to five starts. Many travel sites offer descriptions of the hotel and its amenities as well as pictures. Finally, reading reviews by former guests is a great way to get an idea of the quality of the hotel from the guests themselves.

mexico_hotel_reviews

Mexico City - A Treasure Worth Discovering

10 08 2007

When we describe a city as having “style,” we are usually thinking in terms of its unique characteristics, the subtle specialties that set it apart and a particular charm that shines amongst the others. For some reason this definition is commonly reserved for the likes of Paris, London or New York, hardly beach cities in Mexico. Well, I think it’s time to broaden the scope because Puerto Vallarta definitely has style, and lots of it.
   The basic facts are undeniable. This is Mexico’s most popular Pacific Coast destination complete with crystal blue water, picture perfect sunsets, fabulous beaches and stunning world-class resorts. Keeping this in mind I, like most first-timers to Vallarta (as the locals call it), was only looking as far as a great tan and some margaritas. However, from the moment I glanced out the window as the plane approached the airport, I had a different perspective of what a Mexican resort town should be. And I would soon discover that it’s what lies beneath the surface here that makes Puerto Vallarta truly extraordinary.
   The overall lay of the land flying into Puerto Vallarta is the first surprise. From the air it’s possible to get a sweeping view and a sense of the magnitude of the natural environment that is such an intricate part of Vallarta’s history, culture and development. The lush tropical jungle landscape of the towering Sierra Madre Mountains as they roll to the shores of the colossal Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay) is breathtaking. Seeing all this comprehensively from above, it is also easy to understand how some of Vallarta’s most impressive beaches are only accessible by boat. Gazing down I was so taken by the visual beauty of the scenery that I had to refocus to find the hotels. And there they were, lining the seaside in all shapes and sizes just waiting for their guests to arrive.
   The airport is here is small, but the warm welcome will more than compensate for any lack of modernization. Usually the hotels send representatives to help you find your way, but the taxi drivers are equally helpful. The choices of lodging in Puerto Vallarta are virtually limitless. Whether it is a high rise on the beach, a big name favorite at the Marina Vallarta, a hillside villa, an all-inclusive at Nuevo Vallarta (New Vallarta) or a quaint Bed and Breakfast in Viejo Vallarta (Old Vallarta), you will find the kindness of the people overwhelming. When they began to explain all the things to do and see in Vallarta, I saw their faces brighten, I heard pride in their voices and I could actually feel the love they have for their city. All of a sudden sitting on the beach or by the pool at my hotel sipping my margarita held less appeal.  Sure it’s always a great idea on a Mexican vacation, but understanding the real magic of Puerto Vallarta and experiencing what it has to offer sounded like a much more enticing plan.
   My first stop was the downtown area known as Viejo Vallarta.  Much the same as it has been for hundreds of years, this bustling area is the focal point of the local culture, cuisine and nightlife. The Huichol Indians (indigenous to the area) still sell their wares in the colorful marketplaces and keep the spirit of the past alive. Mariachi music fills the ocean air and there is a deep sense of tradition.  Cobblestone streets and white washed buildings with red tile roofs are punctuated with bougainvillea and flower covered balconies. Romance and charm are everywhere. Marvelous art galleries and eclectic shops add to the mix and give Vallarta its own distinctive cultural flair.  I finally concluded this must be the San Francisco of Mexico!
   As I explored the city, I picked up as many brochures as I could find only to discover that it would take many more visits to Vallarta to even scratch the surface of the activities here. The geographic diversity of the region makes ecology here a key concern. In addition to the standard deep-sea fishing and scuba diving possibilities, I was intrigued by the idea of other not-so-obvious local adventures. The options are incredible from swimming with dolphins, hiking to a secluded jungle waterfall and mountain bike riding near tree-lined rivers to exotic birdwatching, observing nesting sea turtles*, and the wondrous experience of seeing hundreds of humpback whales as they make their winter home in Banderas Bay. From my perspective, Puerto Vallarta comes very close to being all things to all visitors.
   Thrilled by what I learned about my new favorite beach destination, I decided to have that margarita and contemplate my return trip. I took a stroll along the Malecon (the seaside walk) and found one of Vallarta’s many incredible restaurants and bars with an ideal view of the ocean. There is something inherently special about a Mexican sunset. Maybe it’s the brilliant contrast of the sand and the sea as the orange and yellow hue slip into the horizon. Maybe it’s just the sensation of complete relaxation. Either way, I will never get tired of the perfect end to a perfect day in a paradise like this. A sunset on the pacific coast of Mexico is without question one of life’s true pleasures. In fact, as it turns out, Puerto Vallarta is one of life’s true pleasures too.

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Omni Cancun - A Perfect Honeymoon

10 07 2007

We chose the Omni for our honeymoon first, because of the price we paid for it.We got the all-inclusive option (I recommend it) through Expedia and it was very reasonable compared to other pricces we had seen. Since we hadn’t paid an arm and a leg, we didn’t have very high expectations, but as soon as we set eyes on this place, we knew we were going to have an excellent honeymoon! The people at the front desk were courteous and friendly. However, we unknowingly were tricked into a timeshare presentation (just make sure to stay away from the people through the glass doors across from the lobby and the people working the table beside the front desk). We found the food to be excellent at the buffet and at the beachside restaraunt–we didn’t get a chance to eat at Da Vinci’s because my husband forgot to pack dress pants. The bartenders are great and the pool DJ was wonderful. They have a nice quiet, relaxed atmosphere at night, which was perfect for our honeymoon. Our room was spacious and very clean and had a wonderful view of the ocean. Besides our 2 excursions that we took, we barely left the hotel because we were that satisfied staying there. I would recommend this place to anyone, as there seemed to be people all kinds of people staying there–young, old, couples, singles, students, families.

By : Cleveland couple - http://www.paylessresorts.com