Cancun Hotel and Resorts - Paylessresorts

As with most real estate transactions, those who get in early, get the most benefit. Once a luxury 4 and 5 star condo hotel has been completed and is fully operational, resale prices have generally appreciated in the double digits. All of this occurs in the course of only 18 to 24 months. This has happened time and time again and it’s a major reason many investors have purchased multiple premium condo hotels in the pre-construction phase.

The most common cliché regarding preconstruction real estate is “You get to secure your purchase of tomorrow’s real estate at today’s prices.” And while that statement may be passed around a little too often, it does capture the very definition of preconstruction. You do get to buy the properties of the future at present day pricing.

Your opportunity to purchase a condo hotel in the preconstruction phase is quite good. Nearly all condo hotels are sold at preconstruction. In fact, the very best condo hotels tend to sell out 100% of their inventory in the preconstruction stage. Savvy real estate investors know that preconstruction pricing can be a bargain and that the property can sell for a great deal more once it is completed and fully operational.

Some developers will space the release of their inventory over the course of two or three phases. Pricing tends to be progressively higher each phase. On some of the higher end condo hotels, you can see a price jump of 10% between phase 1 and phase 2. And, of course, the difference between phase 2 and phase 3 can be equally substantial. This is why you’ll often find the most savvy real estate investors who own several condo hotels making their purchases in the very first phase of the preconstruction development.

However, one should be very careful and incredibly selective when considering the purchase of a condo hotel. In the last few years many pseudo investors have lost money by purchasing condo hotels with the idea of turning a quick buck in mind. Not all condo hotels are the same. If the condo hotel does not have a major brand associated with it, one should be quite weary. The possibility of a Trump or a Ritz Carlton losing value is much less likely than a no name condo hotel. In fact, many real estate investors make it their number one rule of never owning a non-branded condo hotel.

In addition, if the condo hotel is being built in a region that is saturated with condo hotels, be particularly weary. This problem of saturation has afflicted the Las Vegas market in recent years and many condo hotel owners ended up purchasing a property that is worth less now than when they originally bought it. The theory of supply and demand holds true for condo hotels, as well. If there is a glut in the market place of condo hotels, you might want to think twice about purchasing.

Todd Peterson is the President and founder of the popular real estate site, PremiumCondoHotels.com

During the hot summer months, people worldwide tend to flock to different holiday destinations in order to escape their normal every day lives. It may be the perfect chance to get away with friends and family and the best thing is that there is an endless choice of places to go.

The problem is however, that it can be a tough choice when it comes to finding a travel destination to suit you. A lot of the time, people are set on choosing a beach location and there are certainly many different places to choose from!

Choosing the Best Beach Vacation for you

The beach is certainly a hotspot when it comes to holiday vacations. This is because nearly everyone loves spending hot summer days on the sand sunning themselves and even taking a swim in the sea. There are some great advantages as well as disadvantages, when it comes to going to some of the most popular beaches around.

The advantages of going to a popular beach are that it is beautiful, sunny and incredibly relaxing, but the disadvantage can be that it will be extremely busy and at times overcrowded. There may be thousands of people at one of the popular beaches. So it is a good idea to have a look around at some of the available beaches to see if there are any quieter ones if you would like to relax more.

There are many holiday makers out there that believe that the coastal locations are the only places that have a beach, but this is simply not the case. Shorelines and rivers can be transformed into a beach and these beaches are known as inland beaches. However, the problem with these beaches is that people are often worried about the lack of accommodation that is available. There are quite a few places to stay at around inland beaches and although they do not usually include hotels, there is still a great selection of private cottage rentals around.

Why Should You Choose a Private Holiday Cottage?

You can find holiday cottages and cabins situated around some of the inland beaches and some of them are situated right on the shoreline, giving you great views and amazing surroundings. A lot of these cottages and cabins have been modernised and they are even compared to some houses because of the way that they have been decorated. Most of these holiday homes come fully furnished with a great selection of bedrooms as well as other essential rooms.

These homes always continue to rise in popularity, with one of the main reasons being due to their proximity to the water. This means that any shoreline that is in front of your holiday home will be exclusively yours whilst you are staying there.

It is easy to understand why Paris is often described as one of the most romantic cities in the world. The awe-inspiring architecture, beautiful boulevards, exciting cafes and museums all have an enchanting effect on any visitor. There is so much to see and do in Paris; you can never get tired of this beautiful city of lights. Whether you are into art, architecture, fashion, culture or adventure Paris has something for everyone. Parijs Hotels reflect the sophisticated style and elegance that is the trademark of Paris.

Booking a Smaller Paris Hotel

All Parijs Hotels have their own distinct flair and personality. Before booking any of the Paris Hotels you need to decide what kind of hotel suits you best.

All France Hotels are given rankings which are based on rigid criteria including minor details such as shutters on windows and number of electrical outlets. Smaller hotels have found protection in the strict building codes of Paris and offer perfectly adequate accommodation at budget prices. Though lacking in the facilities and amenities provided by luxurious five star hotels, these smaller Parijs Hotels offer lots by way of Parisian charm and flavor.

These hotels are different from standardized Europe hotel rooms that you would find elsewhere, so be prepared for many surprises. Before booking into any one of the smaller Paris Hotels, it is best to ask beforehand what is and what isn’t included in the room rate. You may find that many hotels do not believe in ‘kids sleep free in parents room’ and you are expected to pay room-rent by the bed. Also many rooms are not air-conditioned. Another thing you would want to find out before booking smaller, privately-owned Parijs Hotels is if any staff speaks English at the hotel.

If you are the type who needs American sized rooms and bathrooms, these hotels are not for you. Better to stick to the more familiar and reputed hotel chains such as the Hilton and Sofitel.

Finding a Paris Hotel

The best way of looking for Parijs hotels is by doing an internet search and making your bookings much you arrive. You will find the cheaper accommodation is all booked up months in advance. However the Aeroport de Paris operates an Information Stand for all visitors to Paris who arrive here without room reservations. A word of caution though, you may not get your preferred choice of hotel and may end up having to stay in a hotel that is more expensive than your budget may allow.

If you are planning to visit Disneyland Paris, you can check out all the hotels available and book any Disneyland Paris Hotel online. One advantage of booking hotels online is you can read the reviews of previous customers who have stayed there. This is very important in helping you assess the quality of the hotel and what to expect, especially if you are a first time visitor.

There are several choices of France hotels to choose from if you are planning on visiting the famous vineyards and champagne regions of France.

I slipped on a pair of loose-fitting cotton shorts, and stepped out of my beachfront hotel room for the evening. Within a few steps, I was in the middle of a folkloric dance group.

Women in white embroidered dresses were whirling around their male partners, at the same time, producing a slight breeze in the humid, seaside air.

This is typical of Colombia, a country that takes the art of dancing and beauty pageants seriously. Combine this with the natural, explosive rhythms of Afro-Colombians who heavily populate the coastal areas, and you’ve got one continuous street party.

Although their Spanish conquerors have long left, Colombians continue to emit a flamenco-like atmosphere.

Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena served as a shipping route and storage space for emeralds and gold that was later shipped to Spain.

This picturesque city on the Caribbean coast was once the main entry port of African slaves to the Americas; now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Colombia’s favorite tourist destination.

Cartagena was attacked many times throughout history. The British and French stormed the city in search of cached treasures. Pirates also navigated its waters in search of other hidden riches.

One of the most notable assaults came from Sir Francis Drake, who in 1586, arrived under the cover of darkness with a large group of men. By daylight, they forced most of the city to flee. Before leaving eight months later, they torched homes, businesses, and extorted local government officials out of enormous sums of money, and stole valuable jewels.

The final major attack took place in 1741, when British Commander, Edward Vernon, and George Washington’s half brother, arrived with over 25,000 troops and a battle group of 186 ships. Although the Spaniards and African slaves were outnumbered seven to one, they withheld the onslaught and mounted a counterattack which forced Commander Vernon to withdraw his troops. Unfortunately for him, not before he lost nearly half of his men, and most of his battleships.

Today, Cartagena is a city which continues to hold much of its old Spanish splendor. Scattered throughout the older barrios are balconied colonial buildings, painted in a multitude of colors.

The old, central part of Cartagena is reinforced by 14 miles of stone walls, and other fortifications. Many locals still believe the material used to hold together these stones, was mixed with the blood of African slaves. Whether that is true or not, many slaves died here while helping to fortify the city against pirates.

The Castle of San Felipe de Barajas was built between 1536 and 1657. The same fortress that withstood the onslaught of Commander Vernon and his troops still towers over Cartagena. One glance and it’s obvious why it couldn’t be penetrated.

Modern day Cartagena is conquered routinely by a steady flow of Colombian, and foreign tourists. Most of their focus is on the old city, where they fan out down narrow cobblestone streets in search of historic landmarks.

As you enter Plaza de los Coches (Coach Square), directly beneath the city’s famous clock, you face a huge statue of Pedro de Heredia, who founded the city in 1533. Just to the left of the statue, pastel colored colonial buildings fill the Plaza’s landscape.

In the daytime, women line the sidewalk with their candy stands, selling traditional sweets. People relax on the benches and enjoy traditional music and dancing, street comedy performances and even an occasional sermon from a curbside preacher.

At dusk, horse-drawn carriages line up here, ready to take tourists on a lantern lit tour through the heart of downtown. It’s possible to close your eyes and go back in time as the horse’s hooves resonate off the tight cobbled streets.

At the end of the plaza (about 100 feet), is an open square with a Christopher Columbus monument. This is Plaza de la Aduana (Customs Plaza), and represents a dark side of Cartagena’s past.

In 1564, Cartagena became the gateway to the Americas for many African slaves. Those who survived the treacherous passage got off the ships, and were then lined up in Customs Plaza, paraded around, and auctioned like livestock to the highest bidders.

Directly behind Plaza de la Aduana, is the Plaza San Pedro Claver. Named after the Saint Peter Claver, who was warmly nicknamed “slave to the slaves,” this tiny square houses a cathedral that bears his name.

Father Claver showed compassion for the slaves who arrived. He greeted most of them when they were off loaded, and immediately blessed the dying children and the sick. He spent many years providing medical care for injured and ill slaves, and baptized hundreds of thousands during his lifetime.

Five minutes walk outside the walled city, and you’re standing in front of Castle San Felipe. It’s worth the short climb up the steep hill to reach its doors. You can explore the castle’s massive grounds, touch the original cannons, and peer through the portals. You can also gaze over the walls, and view the panorama of the city.

About 20 nautical miles off Cartagena are the Rosario Islands. This archipelago consists of 27 ecologically diverse islands which have been chosen as a National Park by the Colombian government. If you are looking for the perfect place to unwind, it’s here. Good snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking and hiking are available. The outdoor aquarium and dolphin shows are always a hit with traveling families.

Several boats depart early in the morning from the downtown pier, and glide over the calm waters to the islands in about 45 minutes. The last boats of the day return to Cartagena around four p.m. So, you can pack a lunch and make it a day outing, or spend a few tranquil nights on the islands.

Throughout most of the barrios in the city, you often sense that you’re in a smaller village. During the day, sellers walk the neighborhoods hawking everything from ripe papayas and fresh fish, to pots and pans, and lottery tickets.

Anywhere in the city, you can find makeshift soccer fields where many young boys play, soccer in the blazing sun (and sometimes in monsoon rain) kicking goals like professionals, hoping to be the next Carlos Valderrama, or Ronaldinho.

After watching the dance performance, I wandered down some backstreets and stumbled on some couples nursing cold drinks near an open pit grill. The waft of barbecued chicken filled the muggy night air. The menu looked appetizing, as well.

Cartagena cuisine is a variation of genuine Caribbean and Creole, although you can find a wide range of food and drinks. Outdoor meals usually come with the sounds of Vallenato, Reggaeton, Champeta, or Salsa music, usually thumping from tall speakers, but occasionally live.

Overall, Colombia is an ideal gateway to South America for first-time travelers; whether they’re backpackers, cruise ship passengers, or even those on a family trip.

From the grandeur of the walled city, to scenic beaches, to informal street parties, Cartagena is a destination you will always remember.

Where to stay:

If you’re on a shoestring budget, hotel accommodation in Cartagena can cost as little as $5-10 a night in the Getsemaní area. However, for that price, expect a simple bed, fan, with a shared bathroom and shower. Add another $15 and you can find comfortable rooms in this historic section of town, which happens to be the oldest neighborhood in Cartagena.

The Bocagrande area has the most hotels in Cartagena. Here, you’ll find many hotels on the beach. From small family hotels to 5-Star, there is a price range for everyone.

If you want to be pampered, try the Charleston Hotel. Not only does it offer 5-Star services, it’s cleverly hidden between the city’s ancient walls, and it sits near many tourist attractions in the old city.

The Charleston includes a breathtaking rooftop pool and restaurant area. Here, you get a bird’s-eye view of the Caribbean, Cartagena Bay and the magnificent old city.

Getting there:

Copa Airlines has direct flights from Miami and Panama City, Panama.

AirMadrid has direct flights from Madrid and Barcelona, Spain.

Visa:

American tourists traveling to Colombia need to have a valid U.S. passport, but not a visa. This allows you to stay up to 90 days. This can be extended for another 90 days at the Immigration office (DAS).

Mexico is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating countries in the northern hemisphere of the western world. Its history, culture, food and collage of ethnic groups and their languages make an astounding study. One region in particular bears repeated mention; the state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah – ha – ka). The capitol city is also called Oaxaca. So it’s Oaxaca, Oaxaca City and state like New York, New York. About an eight hour trip by land east of Mexico City, you’ll need several days to get around and do the area any justice. It’s a definite “must” on your travel tour list of Mexico. I’ve singled out these two day trips in particular, as essential during your time in this region.

A Day Trip to “El Tule”

A Jewish carpenter named Joseph helped his pregnant wife Mary onto a mule for the long trip to Bethlehem, where their first child, known as Jesus would be born. At the same time, a seedling of the Ahuehuete tree (a type of Cypress) was growing on the other side of the world. Now known as the “Tree of Tule”, this massive growth is located in a 17th century churchyard about 10 kilometers outside of Oaxaca in the small town of Tule.

Claimed to more than 2000 years old and to have the largest diameter of any tree in the Americas, it is more than 176 feet (58 meters) around and 126 feet (42 meters) tall. To encircle the Tree of Tule takes nearly 20 people with their arms outstretched. There is a small fee to enter the churchyard to view both the 17th century church and the fence-protected tree. Gnarled sections of bark on the tree suggest the faces of people or shapes of animals while scores of birds circle and play in its massive branches.

Frequent buses and tours go to Tule so you’ll have no trouble visiting this impressive site. Costs range from 10 pesos on up depending on the bus company or tour which will have other sites included on a typical day trip. Buses from the second class bus station in Oaxaca also go to Tule, but the risks may not be worth it. Check around and at the tourist information office before you go.

A Day Trip to Monte Alban

It would be unthinkable to visit the city and state of Oaxaca, Oaxaca and not go on THE day trip of the area: The Zapotec capitol city ruins on the flattened hilltop called Monte Alban. With absolutely stunning views of the city of Oaxaca along with the surrounding hills and valleys for many kilometers around, a trip here is a must no matter how many other sites you’ve already seen. A well-planned museum (complete with English language bookstore and cafeteria) with local guides available and an extensive number of buildings restored to near-original status grace this once proud city. To get there: Go to the Hotel Rivera del Angel at Mina No. 518. The ticket office of Autobuses Turisticos is in the lobby. Buses (16 pesos round trip) leave every half hour from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The museum entrance fee is 30 pesos (about $3 U.S. dollars).

After a day of exploring, learning, and photos, buses will return to the city from the tree-lined parking lot entrance where you were dropped off. Workers on the archeological site also take these buses, so you can have some pretty interesting conversations if you speak even passable Spanish. A minimum of three hours or so should be planned to really get the most from this world-famous site. Do be careful, however, of buying “artifacts” from locals, as they may be stolen and illegal to remove from the country or copies of very poor quality.

Take one day trip or try them both. Either way you’ll be in privileged company as any dignitary visiting the region is assured of being taken to both of these sites, often on the same day. Each makes an interesting, informative trip on its own. Visiting each site on different days allows greater freedom to soak up the local ambience and choose days on which the crowds are thinnest. This will often depend on the time of year. “El Tule”, you should note, is virtually unapproachable around Christmas time. Enjoy!

What a wonderful experience! Second time staying at the JW. Last November and now! Everything is way beyond expectations!

Hotel is beautiful. Staff is sensational. Service was outstanding!

Craving the bear claws from the pastry shop! Ate at LaCapilla next door. Best filet we ever had! Enjoyed everything! Had the “Kids under 12 eat free” . This was a good choice since they don’t eat much like most kids. Breakfast buffet was over the top!! Even had “Smoothies” to drink! Family members had a grand time and we can’t wait to go back. Why would anyone want to stay somewhere else? Daughter and I were offered a 10 min. free massage by the pool! All I can say is….Keep up the good work! Best place I have ever stayed.

Ola, My gf and I stayed in Cancun the week of 7/16 and this was our first time in Cancun. I’m a researcher and believe in knowing as much as I can b4 booking my place of travel. My gf is strict when it comes to her staying in nice hotels, so I wanted to ensure I got something that wasn’t too classy, but yet elegant. I was booked at the Gran Melia at first, but begin to read mixed comments about it, so I immediately changed (3 days b4 our travel date) and went with the JW Marriott (my first choice, but Gran Melia offered a better pckg through AAA). I’m soooo glad I changed. The JW was perfect! Our flt fm the states was good. Once we got to the airport, the comment about Time Share people trying to offer u packages is correct. They come at you after the baggage area like they are trying to help you find your transportation. We stopped for a while not realizing the guys in uniforms were TS agents, but quickly went on to the AMEX counter after taking his brochure. Luckily we had a arrange for transportation to the hotel by AMEX (travel agency), so we immediately were taken care of and off to the hotel. No waiting. Got to the hotel and believe it or not, it was the best looking one fm the street. The bellmans were alert and ready to greet with a “Welcome Home!” Check-in was a breeze and we were escorted to our room by a bellman who gave us a tour as we walked through the hotel explaining all the details and ammenities of the facilities. We had an oceanview room and it was a nice view. The room stayed clean. Loved the turn-down service (where the maid [same one throughout the time stayed] comes into the room during the evening and pull back your sheets, fluff up your pillows, change out all the towels and turn on the flat screen to a soothing tune for your arrival back to the room). Spa was good. My gf and I got the couples massage and liked the access to the spa facilitiy afterwards. Food was a bit pricey at the hotel, so we ate out most of the time. Out in town the food wasn’t so good (def. not what we are accustomed to in the states) and it was pricey as well. We kept close to the hotel area zone and venture out a few times downtown. Oh yeah, they have a Walmart dwntwn which was great for buying snacks and a jug of water. Even their Walmart was a bit pricey than the states. We couldn’t believe the people of Cancun only made on an average of $400 a month (according to a bellman we caught on the local bus - showed us around downtown). i could go on telling u guys about the trip…. JW made it worth while! Everyone knows your name and address you properly with a smile EVERYTIME! The hotel is clean, elegant, not too classy to take away fm the fun, but if u or looking for this type of place, JW is the spot! I recommend and told them I would! If I ever go back, JW will be the place. Don’t have my pic’s on my now, but will upload to show. I have video too!

I picked the JW Marriott after reading the reviews on trip advisor……….I couldn’t have picked a better hotel. I would absolutely stay there again. I liked the little touches such as when the staff would open the door for you and offer you a cool towel for your face. I thought the decor inside was very nice and on the upscale side. The service was impeccable. The staff was very friendly and they always had a smile. I am very picky about the rooms being clean. The rooms and bathrooms were spotless. The beds and pillows were very comfy and I felt as though the bed linens were truly clean!!

Simply Seafood had exellent food as well as the Grill. I liked the way you could order lunch and drinks on the beach and they delivered it in a timely manner.

The gym had high quality equipment with great views. The spa facilities were very, very nice. I had one of the best massages ever from “Valentine”, she was from Russia.

“Can’t wait to go back”!!!!!

My mom and I stayed at the JW Marriott Cancun from 8/2/07 - 8/7/07. It was truly a wonderful experience. The hotel was beautiful and very well maintained. Arrived right at checkin 4:00pm and had no problems. Received the exact type of room we booked through the hotel’s website. Received the 5th night free and a $100 food & beverage credit. Requested airport transportation on their website, and a rep called to finalize the arrangements. $14 per person, one way. Walked out of the airport and straight ahead to find the Marriott Rep.

ROOM: Our room was awesome! Deluxe Ocean View on the 10th floor facing the main pool area. Great view of the ocean and hotel zone. Request a room ending in odd number to face the main pool area. The lower the number, the closer to the ocean. Rooms ending in even numbers face Casa Magna Marriott, which is still a good view facing the private pool area with swimup bar. All rooms have a private balcony and great views of the pool, ocean and hotel zone. Bathroom was very spacious with double sinks and a separate shower. Button on side of the toilet was a little hard to flush! Housekeeping and turndown service was great.

POOLS: Pool is great and big! There are plenty of cushioned lounge chairs and umbrellas if you need shade. Get to the pool early (7am) to pick out your chairs. Pool Concierge will help move umbrellas, chairs and bring extra towels, etc. Plenty of waiters to order drinks and food. Great infinity edge pool to hang out and watch people on the beach. Neat shallow platforms in the water to layout. No music and very relaxing to hear the ocean waves. There are a couple of areas around the pool for oceanview massages. Ate chicken quesadillas poolside for lunch from Beachwalk Cafe’ and were very tasty. Marriott cheeseburger is huge and good. If you want a refreshing cocktail, try the Frozen Monkey! There is another pool on the Casa Magna side with a swimup bar and waterfall.

BEACH: The azul waters are beautiful! Truly breathtaking. Sun is bright so wear plenty of sunblock! Beach area is great and clean. Plenty of lounge chairs, palapa huts and a beach bar. Water is a little rough at times but there were always people swimming. We enjoyed the waves. Very salty. No rocks.

BREAKFAST: Ate the breakfast buffet at Simply Seafood. $22 USD. It has everything you can imagine and then some. Omelette station, Mexican food items, variety of fruit juices, fresh fruit, pastries and much more. The waiters will carry your plates to your table. Great service. The orange juice was a little bitter for me and did not taste well with food.

LOBSTER/PRIME RIB BUFFET at Simply Seafood: It was good. $50 USD. Must make reservations. Wed, Fri and Sun nites. They will bring as many lobsters as you can eat. Great service. Variety of salads, vegetables, bread, baked potatoes, desserts and much more.

ACTIVITIES:

1. Rode the Skyrider. Booked onsite through Aquaworld at the towel station. Similar to parasailing but you sit in a seat rather than dangle from a harness. Great way to see the hotel zone and take pictures of your hotel from the sky. It is not scary. You just float in the air. Rode a waverunner from the beach to the boat and the waves were big. Fun! Bring a water camera and money for tips. Aquaworld staff was great.

2. Stopped at Carlos ‘n Charlies to relax and have a drink after a long walk. Beware! This place is a huge party! Great margaritas, plenty of shots, fun music, audience participation, dancing in bar stools, more shots, then dancing ON the bar! We met some great people and had a lot of fun, until the shots caught up with us. My recommendation is stay away from the shots, especially tequila shots! Seriously. You will thank me the next day. Carlitos was a great bartender!

3. Took a taxi downtown to Puerto Juarez ($22 USD) and rode a ferry to Isla Mujeres. About 20 minutes. Go on your own rather than a guided tour so you can go at your own pace. Rented a golf cart across the street from ferry. $45 all day until 5pm or $30 for 2 hours. They will need your driver’s license. Rode around exploring the island. On the southwest end in the hotel zone (very secluded area), we stumbled upon Zama, an open air Lounge & Spa with pool, open to the public. It was a neat place to relax and enjoy the beautiful view. Rode back to North Beach where everything is happening. Open-air dining, shops and a public beach. It is very hot in August so drink plenty of water. The only relief we found from the heat was the breeze when riding the golf cart. Ate lunch at Miramar, toes in sand. Ate chicken fajitas and grilled shrimp and were fresh and tasty. Miserably hot though and sweating while eating. Couldn’t wait to get back to Cancun and cool down at the hotel.

RESTAURANTS: Outside the hotel, we only ate at La Madonna, Italian/Martini Lounge, in La Isla Mall. It has a neat, swanky atmosphere with music to match. Service was great. Food was a little expensive but good. The decor gives you plenty to look at.

CELL PHONES: Prior to vacation, I signed up for International Dialing through Verizon and had no problems calling and receiving calls from the US as well as sending and receiving text messages.

Overall, we had a great time in Cancun and an amazing experience at the JW Marriott. The hotel was very clean and the staff was truly “at your service” the entire stay. Everything was beautiful. We loved our room, breakfast, and relaxing at the pool. I will definitely stay at the JW Marriott Cancun again in the future! You will not be disappointed with this 5 star resort!

You’ve got your money saved up for a dream vacation to Spain. Madrid, Spain’s beautiful and historic capital city will be your primary destination with possibly a few days excursion to Barcelona. You know where you want to go, but do you know which hotel in Madrid to book for room reservations? How about Barcelona hotels? Some people’s first thought would be to go online and try out one of the faceless, generic travel websites. However, that is not the way to go if you want to really experience Spain. So put down that computer mouse and think about the things you want to do on your dream vacation. Let your itinerary be your guide to choosing from one of the hotels in Madrid and Barcelona.

First of all, why choose Spain? Consider all the reasons why you want to spend your hard earned vacation in Spain. Are you a history buff and plan to take several walking tours around Madrid and see the Prado Museum and Royal Palace? Will you want to see Plaza Major and Puerta del Sol? Does a wine excursion for a day sound like heaven? Think about the different places in the general area you want to go then book one of the Madrid hotels in the area. By choosing a central location to the activities you want to partake in, you are maximizing your time to spend on vacation pursuits and less time in the back of a taxi or bus traveling to various destinations.

Accommodations run amok from discount hotels in Madrid, Spain to luxury hotels with high star ratings. Once you determine some of the things you want to do in Madrid, then you can decide what your budget will allow in regards to a Madrid hotel. If you basically just need a place to lay your head at night, there are two star hotels available or you can get great deals sometimes with cheap luxury hotels.

Another thing to think about in regards to your vacation is whether or not you will have more than one destination. Madrid is a popular stop on a Spanish vacation and many people put it first on their travel itinerary. If you plan another place to visit like Barcelona, you have to take that into account when staying at a hotel in Madrid. Sometimes, you can get discounts if you stay a certain amount of days, so you will want to plan accordingly.

While Barcelona is a few hours away from Madrid, the city has its own charm and share of beautiful sights to see. Like the lodging in Madrid, you will find a host of accommodations in Barcelona from the luxury hotels to the unassuming two star hotels. And again, your itinerary will be your guide as to the best place to stay. You want to be in a central location, close to all the things you want to do.

Another few thoughts to ponder in your quest for accommodations in Madrid or Barcelona are the time of year you want to visit and if you are planning a solo adventure or one for the whole family. The most popular times to travel in Spain are the months of May through September. These are the warmest times of year. They are also the most popular in terms of hotels in Madrid and Barcelona. Prices can be at a premium, so traveling with family can be more than you can afford. However, the off season months in Spain will bring lower rates in Barcelona and Madrid hotels and less crowded tourist sites. Traveling with a family during the off-season might be perfect for the budget conscious traveler.

In review, there are several things to be aware of when choosing hotels in Madrid and Barcelona. First, determine the places you want to see and the activities you want to do. Secondly, decide on the budget you can afford. And third, based on the first two answers, determine if traveling in the off-season might be more beneficial when shopping for Barcelona and Madrid hotels.