Travel and Leisure Articles

This article is a personal warning to anyone who thinks that overbooking is a good idea to ensure that they fill all their rooms in case of cancellations and what not. Hotels must always have at least a spare room or two at all times as a back up in case there is a problem with another room or an unexpected reservation that cannot be diverted. If you have ever had to live an overbooking problem like this one “in the flesh”, you will definitely know one thing that is never to be allowed!

Have you ever suddenly woken up in the middle of the night after a nightmare and realized that, “it’s only a dream”, and breathed a sigh of relief? I really wished that this was the case one summer.

THIS IS A TRUE STORY and just scratches the surface of what really happened and how my colleagues and I felt in the summer of 2006 in a hotel where I was working in the Canary Islands (name of hotel withheld).

Now imagine this:

It’s late July. You’re a receptionist in a hotel. There are 50 guests at the counter waiting for a room that does not exist. The incompetent head of reception has been fired for allowing the sale of 40 rooms that you do not have causing a massive overbooking problem; and you are the one taking his place. The hotel manager is hiding in his office and doesn’t help you face the problem. You have been working for over 15 hours that day and you don’t want to go home and leave your colleagues stranded with the ongoing problem. Some of the guests waiting have been there for well over 6 hours and these people are all jetlagged, angry and complaining. There are small children among the guests and some women and children are crying, because they don’t know where they are going to sleep that night. And to top it all off, you cannot think straight due to exhaustion.

To make things worse:

The hotel staff had been looking for rooms in other hotels for the past month to send the overflow of guests to and the only ones we could find in high season were in complexes that were inferior to ours, or in places that didn’t even have a licence to operate, so 80% of the guests we sent there were returning and demanding a proper hotel room to spend their holidays. We needed rest, so we would finally go home at 1 a.m. almost every night leaving a colleague in charge and hoping that some overnight miracle would happen. But the next day, there were still people there who had had no choice but to take what had been offered to them for the night and would come back the next day in hopes that we’d give them a proper hotel room, but there were also new arrivals every day. This situation lasted for over a month, with an average overbooking of 20-35 rooms, depending on the day.

Our mornings consisted of trying to calm down angry guests, making umpteen phone calls to any place that could spare a room, and begging the tour operators to help us by sending their clients elsewhere if possible. Some could sort out the guests for the duration of their stay, but others could only accommodate them for a night or two, then they would be back to haunt us. The overbooking situation finally dwindled down in early September and we were all finally able to get a good night’s rest.

Finding hotels, resorts, spas, and restaurants in and around the beaches of famed Maui Island while on a Hawaii vacation is not at all a difficult affair. But, you may hesitate entering some of the luxurious hotels located there owing to their expensive packages. No problem, if you are not able to enhance your budget, there exist numerous Maui moderately priced hotels to serve you on your own way. These hotels are no way less efficient in providing cost effective pleasant customer services than those of the nearby branded luxurious hotels.

Sometimes you may even find Maui moderately priced hotels are better equipped and highly flexible in dealing with varied customer needs within affordable prices. Most of these hotels follow set standards in offering ideal Hawaii vacation amenities and other associated services, which may include:

o Candle light dinner

o Coffee maker

o Cordless phones

o Dual line phones

o Hairdryer

o High speed Internet connectivity

o Individual air conditioning system

o In-house TV set

o In-room safe

o Iron/ironing board

o Maid services

o Mini-bar

o Newspaper

o Oceanfront Balcony

o Special working desk

o Video on demand

o Robes

Various luxurious hotels and resorts spread across the Maui Island may sometimes offer services equating with that of the Maui moderately priced hotels during off peak Hawaii vacation periods. However, few popular Maui moderately priced hotels are:

o Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

o Kaanapali Beach Hotel

o Sheraton Maui Resort

o Castle Kamaole Sands

o Lahaina Shores Beach Resort

o Ainanalu Resort

o Outrigger Royal Kahana

Few limited high-end customer services, such as expensive customized spas, sophisticated fitness centres, salons etc., you may find missing while staying in the ambiances of the Maui moderately priced hotels; but such special luxurious services you may not find essential in a hallucination Hawaii vacation, when seamless enjoyment of life without any aim in the lap of nature may be your vital aspiration.

The private spaces or rooms are carefully segmented to cater to the discerning tastes and requirements of both business and leisure travelers. 56 Deluxe rooms, with plush, elegant decor and modern facilities reflect the rich history of art and architecture of the city. 40 Luxury Premium rooms and 36 Luxury rooms boast of state-of-the-art luxury and private in-room features like 43″ Plasma TV, DVD players, in-room tea/coffee maker and relaxing rain showers. The Residence, the all suite deluxe floor, has 16 Deluxe suites and 1 Presidential suite. These luxurious designer suites provide special in room facilities like individual fax, DVD players and private jacuzzi. Personal butlers are in attendance all day long as well. Special benefits for all guests include private dining options, complimentary breakfast and happy hours at The Residence Lounge.

The public spaces offer a wide choice of innovative dining venues. From The Atrium Cafe, an all day restaurant, offering a gourmet international menu with a wide selection of teas and coffees to Zen, the contemporary Oriental specialty restaurant, highlighting the Jewels of the Orient with the city’s best selection of Japanese, Thai and Chinese cuisines. From Saffron, the Indian specialty restaurant, striking the perfect harmony between regional favourites representing the diverse cuisines of the country to The Street, a bright sunny café cum deli right at the entrance offering a choice of international fast foods, coffees, world wines, cheeses and specialty foods.

The exciting entertainment options range from Aqua, a glamorous al fresco bar and dining experience by the poolside to Someplace Else an English style pub with performances by the city’s best live bands everyday, promising different kinds of music with legendary guest performers. From Tantra, an international quality nightclub, offering the finest club experience with 2 bars and a pulsating dance floor, to Roxy, the cocktail bar that epitomizes the glamour and style of the 60s offering some of the finest cocktails, wines and cigars and innovative music and entertainment acts.

The state-of-the-art Banquet halls, spread over an area of 15,000 sq ft, combine technology and design to offer the latest facilities for prestigious conferencing, elaborate parties and lavish banquets. The newly launched international designer banqueting space,

And finally, Aura, the luxury day spa offers unique signature treatments with natural ingredients. The state of the art gymnasium, a beauty salon, soothing sauna and steam chambers, poolside juice bar and an outdoor all weather swimming pool and jacuzzi completes the innovative, international experience.

As one of the most exciting cities in the world, million tourists are attracted to come to Hong Kong each year. To provide a comfortable stay to tourists, Hong Kong has a wide variety of accommodation to suit every budget, from luxury six-star equivalent hotels to modest guesthouses and youth hostels. Most hotels and guesthouses are situated on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon, but you can also find a good selection in the New Territories (including the outlying islands). Most of the more expensive accommodation has views over Victoria Harbour.

One of the hotels that situated at the heart of the city is the Metropark Hotel Kowloon (Hong Kong). This Hong Kong hotel is located at Kowloon and provides easy access to Hong Kong’s major shopping areas. Airport shuttle and free hotel shuttle bus service are provided by this Hong Kong hotel. The hotel is near subway and railway stations within walking distance of around 10 minutes. Metropark Hotel Kowloon, Hong Kong is facilitated with hotel (Chinese & Western) restaurants, a bar, a rooftop swimming pool and Fitness Room for hotel visitors’ enjoyment. Free broadband Internet access with unlimited usage is available in all hotel rooms.

To capture the glamour of the ‘Gourmet Paradise’ in Hong Kong, tourists can visit the outlets of Metropark Hotel Kowloon (Hong Kong) where superb cuisines are presented by the award-winning chefs — House of Tang serves delicate Chinese dainties, whilst Palm Court is an ideal rendezvous for mouthwatering international delicacies. To revivify yourself, indulge in the exciting Sip Sip Bar. The philosophy of this Hong Kong hotel is combination of quality accommodations, upscale amenities, unique on-site Bar, complimentary high speed internet service, and a professional staff dedicated to going above and beyond in order to meet our tourists’ needs.

1. Sheraton Perth Hotel



Overlooking the Swan River, the Sheraton Perth Hotel is a luxurious and comfortable haven with a superb, strategic location that is close to various dining, shopping and entertainment centers and the city’s central business district. There are 338 rooms in all, 11 functions rooms for 20-40 people and a ballroom for 400-800 people. State-of-the-art audio visual equipment is available upon request. The Sheraton Perth Hotel offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, bureau de change, safe deposit, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, swimming pool, disabled access, internet access, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

2. Llama Leisure



Located high up in Perth hills, the Llama Leisure is an excellent bed and breakfast as well as a favourite venue for gourmet picnic tours guided by a llama. That’s right, a llama. There are over 20 llamas that live in Llama Leisure and a number of kangaroos. Established in 1992, the Llama Leisure is very popular for travelling families, especially those with small children. There are regular tours for groups of up to 10 guests, including the Peruvian Picnic, the Satchmo Tour and the Rooftop Supper Tour.

3. Duxton Hotel Perth



The Duxton Hotel Perth overlooks the Swan River and offers luxury and opulence from its main lobby to its elegant rooms, dining facilities, swimming pool and fitness center. There are 306 rooms, five function rooms, a ballroom and a boardroom. The hotel boasts of one of the best-equipped business centers in the city. The Duxton Hotel Perth offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, bureau de change, safe deposit, whirlpool, fitness club, swimming pool, disabled access, business facilities, car-hire facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

4. The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle



Following extensive renovations during the nineties, the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, once a 19th century landmark, has become an architectural wonder and one of the most visually arresting sights in Perth. It is a few meters from the Indian Ocean and a short distance to the Fremantle thoroughfare and its host of tourist attractions and dining, entertainment and shopping options. There are 259 rooms, 10 function rooms for 20-40 guests and a ballroom for 160 to 300 guests. The Esplanade Hotel Fremantle offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, bureau de change, safe deposit, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, swimming pool, business facilities, internet access, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

5. Rendezvous Observation City Hotel

Visible from practically any beach in Perth, the Rendezvous Observation City Hotel is the most popular landmark on the breath-taking Scarborough Beach, one of the city’s best beaches. Each of the hotel’s 333 rooms provides a spectacular view of beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean that will take your breath away. In addition, the hotel has 12 functions rooms and two large ballrooms that can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 1,000 guests. The latest audio visual equipment is available upon request, including television broadcasting facilities. The Rendezvous Observation City Hotel offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, bureau de change, safe deposit, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, swimming pool, business facilities, internet access, childcare facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

Once in Pattaya, travelers will get so many things to see and enjoy. There are modern skyscrapers, shopping centers and a range of hotels and resorts to stay in. There are also many attractive tourist sites to see and explore. Visitors can do a variety of things that will keep them engaged and make their holidays fun-filled. Pattaya is known world wide for its lovely beaches and vibrant nightlife. The Pattaya hotels feature wide range of A-one services and facilities to make holidays all the more memorable and nice.

The fine Royal Orchid Resort has earned a reputation for its warm hospitality, friendly services and privacy. The hotel is designed beautifully and is located within an easy reach from the major tourist attractions of the city. Royal Orchid Resort is yet known for another reason- The Kerala Ayurveda Spa. The Spa includes well-trained therapists from India who offer rejuvenating treatments and massages to guests.

The Nova Platinum Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Pattaya. This first class property offers excellent and international standards of facilities and services. Guests will get to see a lovely tropical garden and can enjoy a wide array of sports and recreational amenities. Another very comfortable place to stay in Thailand is the Pattaya Centre Hotel. Standing proudly on the Pattaya Bay, this luxury Pattaya Centre Hotel is well known for its elegance, style and friendly services. This hotel is situated at a prime position close to the shopping malls, night clubs and local cafes.

Among the other accommodation options in Pattaya, the name of Pattaya Discovery Beach Hotel needs to be mentioned. This 4-star hotel, founded in the year 2007 is ranked high among both the leisure and business travelers. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated and the hotel and security services deserve special mention.

Whether you visit Pattaya with your family, friends, or for doing business, there are hotels of every kind. Jomtien Thani provides travelers stunning views of the city and is indeed an ideal place to rest and relax. The Hillside Resort in Pattaya is a friendly private property, situated between the Jomtien Beach and downtown Pattaya. Tourists can also book rooms at the Sawasdee Pattaya. It is a nice place to stay, while you explore the surrounding region of Pattaya.

Baron Beach Hotel is one of the famous Pattaya accommodation options. This luxurious 3-star property is located on the Pattaya Beach Road, within a walking distance from the famous Pattaya Beach and major shopping complexes. Chaiyapoon Inn offers privacy and a cozy ambiance to relax. The guest rooms of this Inn are tastefully designed in a typical Thai style and the Inn offers a plethora of facilities and services. A warm welcome awaits you at the Chaiyapoon Inn.

Despite fears of a slowing market, London has remained on top in the UK and European hotel market for 2007 according to two independent surveys released by TRI Hospitality Consulting and Deloitte Consulting, respectively.

The survey by TRI Hospitality Consulting shows London enjoyed the highest occupancy levels and room sales in November, plus the second lowest payroll costs, resulting in the second highest profit per available room, as measured by income before fixed charges (IBFC). Although overall occupancy over the year dropped from 88.5% to 86.7%, the survey claimed London’s hotels had a profit growth of 7.9% to £82.19 per available room and an 8.9% increase in average room rates to £125.85.

The findings were consistent with those by professional services giant - Deloitte. According to information released on their Hotel Benchmark website and accompanying survey, 2007 was a good year for the UK hotel industry as a whole, with 10.8% growth in revenue per available room (revPAR) in the capital and a healthy 4.4% increase across the regions, marking the fourth year of consecutive growth. Average revPAR increased from £99 to £110, reaching its highest level since the tech-boom days of 2000.

As for the future, the general consensus is a positive outlook in the medium-to-long term, with slowing growth in 2008. According to a recent press-release on the Visit Britain website, the tourism board predicts a 2.5% increase in visitors to London for 2008, citing the weak dollar and deteriorating economic conditions in the US as significant contributors to this slowdown. Visits from Europe are expected to remain generally buoyant with the Euro’s recent appreciation against the pound helping to ensure a healthy flow of guests to hotels in London from the continent.

However, Roger Bootle, economic adviser to Deloitte suggested the growth may slow down in future, telling 4hoteliers.com: “2008 is likely to be the year when the party ends. Consumer spending growth is likely to slow from around 3% last year to about 2% this year and corporations will not escape unscathed either. This will have a direct knock-on effect on the businesses that rely on the City for their trade, including hotels, bars and restaurants.”

What is certain is following the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the handover to London will be a major focus for the capital. The China in London festival will commence in February, culminating in the arrival of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch in London on 6 April, and interest in London as a host city will peak at the handover to London on 24 August 2008. The increased focus on the capital will influence the strategies employed and will have a positive effect on the tourism industry as a whole, helping London stay firmly at the top of the hospitality industry.

Due to its reputation as foremost business center in Southeast Asia and an adored tourism destination, millions of tourists fly to Singapore every year. They come here for business purposes, leisure voyage as well as to enjoy the attraction of the country on a low budget.

The country offers one of the best tourism infrastructures around the globe. Here, you will be able to check-in an avant-garde luxury hotel and can also find a tourist bunker to enjoy local attractions on a much-diminished rate. If you are truly looking for economical hotels, you must not get worried, as there are numbers of budget hotels in Singapore.

Budget accommodations are generally available in two or three star hotels. These hotels in Singapore can be found on Town, Little India, Arab Street; famous Orchard Road shopping center also deals with such hotels. These budget hotels in Singapore ask for a fraction of amount that is paid for luxury accommodations in country, yet they offer all the facilities you are looking for. The basic facilities offered by cheap hotels in Singapore include clean rooms, comfortable beds in completely air-conditioned atmosphere, telephone, cable TV etc.

Singapore is known as shopper’s paradise; hence, people want to spend more on shopping instead of blowing bucks for five star accommodations. A check on some of the best hotels in Singapore for a beneficial deal -

Hotels at some area are supposed to be the synonym of budget hotels in Singapore. There are many cheap hotels in Singapore. Some of the most preferred are-

Hotels in Selegie - Situated close to two most singled out destinations of Singapore, Orchard Road and Mustafa Market, these hotels will not offer you the top class luxury but they will provide you an inexpensive commuting to both of the places, mentioned above. The facility offered at Selegie Hotels includes a combo of TV/DVD, broadband internet service, safety boxes, laundry service and a bonus service of rooftop swimming pool.

Among the cheapest accommodations in Singapore, these hotels are located only meters off to MRT station at place that is supposed to be one of the cheapest food centers in the area. Nonetheless, these hotels are set at a red-light area in Singapore but they experience a heavy influx of tourists.

(Note- They are not very costly as you can avail a room here much lower than your decided budget. This is not an apt destination for people, who are on a family getaway.)

Hotels in Geylong - These hotels are located at the Geylong area is Singapore. It is a working class district and close to the city center. Here rates are very lower and most of the times suitable for your pocket, yet they offer you every thing, what you can expect from budget hotels in Singapore. These are equipped with attached rest-room facility, tea-coffee making machine, cable TV, internet facilities etc.

Beautiful country of London is one of the most visited tourist spots in the world. Travelers who fly from one country to another frequently always have flair to visit London when they find time. There are tourists who plan for several years to make a visit to London at least once. To welcome these tourists and to make sure that they get easy accommodation, there are many London hotels.

Some hotels are very close to interesting tourist destinations in London. When you stay in these hotels, you can reach the tourist destinations easily. Some hotels provide you local tour packages using which you can visit places in London at a very low price.

London hotels provide accommodation for every type of traveler. You can choose to stay in hotels that are old and traditional. If you prefer, you can also stay in modern and unadulterated places. Family apartments are highly suitable for budget travelers because these apartments provide self catering facility. Restaurants in London serve multiple cuisines, but if you want to save money, you have to stay in family apartments with self catering facility. Cooking on your own in London using fresh fruits and vegetables from local groceries can be great fun.

Depending on your budget, you can choose to stay in one of the London hotels. If you prefer luxury holidays, spend your time in five star hotels and private villas. Affordable London hotels can be found for those who want enjoyment as well as money saving offers. Budget motels are also available in London for budget travelers. You have to find accommodation that is suitable for you when you are in London.

The quality of London hotels are not compromised at any cost. Even low cost ones are well furnished and well maintained. The rooms will be large enough to accommodate the number of people mentioned per room. If you choose to stay in hotels in the central area, you may have to pay more money. Alternatively, you can stay in hotels close to hubs and stations so that all places can be easily reached.

Buying your accommodation in London hotels is now very simple. Traditionally, you have to search hotels one after the other for accommodation. Now, you can use internet to book your rooms even before you visit London. You may get discounts and low rates when you visit London during off season. Many tour packages book your accommodation along with hotels. Such tour packages limit your choice for London hotels.

If you plan for a do it yourself tour, you can choose London hotels and touring facilities according to your own needs.

Depending on your choice of London hotels, you can get food and drinks based on your preference. You may be offered buffet meals and dinner in all inclusive hotels. Some even have an a la carte restaurant which caters to your own food choice. Night life in London hotels is entertaining, but to have more fun, you have to go to the British style pubs and clubs.

The Royal Palace. Heviz Lake. Eger Castle. The Danube Bend. These are just some of the tourist attractions in Hungary. Indeed, Hungary has many beautiful sights of its own. If you’re planning to spend holidays there, you shouldn’t have a hard time looking for a place to stay in, too, since there are many nice hotels in Hungary.

One of the most popular hotels in Hungary is the Rogner Hotel and Spa Lotus Therme, which is also one of the country’s few five-star hotels. Located in the heart of Heviz, the Rogner Hotel offers luxury accommodations for tourists looking forward to being pampered, as well as the best wellness facilities. Best of all, the Rogner Hotel is just a few minutes away from Heviz Lake, the largest thermal lake in Europe.

If you prefer to stay in Budapest, though, where most of Hungary’s tourist attractions are, you can stay at the Hotel Parlament. With 65 comfortable rooms and affordable rates, the Hotel Parlament is just several minutes away from the Parliament and the Buda Castle District, making it a truly great place to stay for tourists devoted to sightseeing.

Another great hotel in Budapest is the Fortuna Boat hotel. True, the Fortuna Boat hotel may be one of the three-star hotels in Hungary, but it certainly provides a unique experience at low rates. It provides a spectacular view of the Danube, too.

Speaking of views, you might want to consider staying at the Hotel Fagus, too, which provides stunning views of the Loverek forests. The Hotel Fagus is one of the best wellness hotels in Hungary, as well, offering relaxing jacuzzis, a salt cave, a solarium and a steam bath.

If the castles of Hungary are the reason for your trip, you might want to stay in one, particularly the Fried Castle Hotel. In spite of its medieval style, the Fried Castle Hotel has modern amenities and facilities, such as wireless internet access, a jacuzzi and a sauna. While staying there, you can go on a hot air balloon ride, too.

On the other hand, if you came to Hungary to sample its wines, a stay at the Hotel Sopron is recommended. Of all the hotels in Hungary, the Hotel Sopron is the only one with an authentic wine-cellar that holds the best assortment of wines from all the 21 Hungarian wine-countries. It also provides excellent Hungarian and Sopron cuisine.

Of course, you don’t have to stay in one of the hotels in Hungary during your holidays. You can also stay at hostels, farmhouses and guesthouses, or even rent a room, depending on your own preference and budget. After all, with all the sights that await you in Hungary, you’ll be spending most of your time out of bed and enjoying every bit of your vacation.