Southend-On-Sea City Guide, Including Hotels

Southend-on-Sea is Essex?s largest town and its close proximity to London makes it a popular tourist destination year after year. Better still, it is located in the south east of the country in an area widely regarded as the driest part of Britain.

The town is chock-full of interesting attractions which are aimed at all the family, whether you?re looking for local history, the arts and culture, or family-oriented activities to keep you occupied. Some of Southend-on-Sea?s most popular attractions are:

Southend Pier. Measuring in at 1.33 miles, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the entire world! Built in 1830, it has recently been refurbished and hosts an RNLI lifeboat station and an exclusive Pier train. Nowhere will you experience better sights of the beautiful coastline of the Thames Estuary.

Central Museum and Planetarium. If you?ve never visited a planetarium then now?s your chance; there are live presentations throughout the day. Meanwhile, the museum reveals plenty of secrets about Southend?s eventful history.

Jubilee Beach. This sand and shingle beach stretches from the Pier to Thorpe Bay; there are also regular pleasure boat trips available.

Southend Cliffs. If you appreciate the beauty of nature, you?ll love these ornamental gardens, which also offer amazing views of the south east coast.

Prittlewell Priory. An excellent museum with the focus on educational activities, housed in the remains of a 12th century priory.

When you arrive in Southend-on-Sea you?ll discover a myriad of activities and things to do, just waiting to be discovered. The town is packed with a mixture of shops, making it one of the most popular shopping areas in the entire southeast, and there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants where you can rest your legs and take a break. Just a few of the things to do include:

Shopping at The Royals Shopping Centre. Overhead, you?ll see a beautiful glass dome, which protects from the elements whilst letting the sun in. Down below, you?ll find shops ranging from Debenhams to Ottakars, Evans, Sarah Beth and more.

Visiting Adventure Island. This exciting theme park is host to more than forty rides and attractions that will appeal to the kids, as well as the inner child in all of us. Not only that, but the low rates make it one of the best value theme parks in the country.

Checking out Kursaal on the Eastern Esplanade. Here you?ll find an astonishing thirty lanes of ten-pin bowling, many themed restaurants and bars and a unique Mardi Gras play area. Better still, admission is free!

Taking a trip to the Sealife Centre. Lovers of nature will be in their element when visiting this marine centre, which offers an authentic voyage beneath the ocean, where you can glimpse colourful and spectacular marine life in a huge aquarium.

Take part in the Carnival! If your visit coincides with the month of August, you?ll find the annual Carnival in full swing. Events include special processions, fancy dress competitions, fairs, arts festivals, fireworks and more.

As you?d expect, Southend-on-Sea boasts a wide variety of places to eat. The scale ranges from the simplest caf?, where you can sit down with a sandwich and a cup of coffee, to the finest restaurant establishment, where you can enjoy a range of courses. There are also plenty of takeaways enabling you to grab a bite to eat and enjoy it as you stroll down the beach. Here are just a few of the choices:

The Waterfront Caf?. Choose from a wide selection of favourite English food ? fish and chips, roast dinners, or steak. Fish is freshly prepared on the premises and is cooked to order. Many other choices of meal are available, including scampi and lasagne.

The Golden Lion. Plenty of traditional English fare is on offer in this friendly pub, which also caters for special diets.

Camelia Restaurant. Offers French, Italian and English meals with a range of different specials every day. Fresh fish is a speciality; the restaurant also offers pleasant sea views to take in whilst you eat.

Mr Ping. This Chinese restaurant offers two options, eat-in or takeaway. In 2003, it was a ?Restaurant of the Year? finalist.

The Grapevine of Tuscany. An Italian restaurant serving up a la carte menus, pizzas and pasta. You?ll get a choice of eating in or a take-away; fresh homemade pasta is The Grapevine?s speciality.

As Southend-on-Sea is such a popular tourist destination, there are lots of hotels and guesthouses located in and around the town, with many of the finest quality. The good news for the visitor is that all the hotels are vying with each other to offer the most competitive rates, which means you can guarantee quality and value in equal measure. Alternative accommodation ranges from campsites and caravan parks to self-catering cottages, traditional inns and plenty more besides.

Essex County Hotel
The Gleneagles Hotel
The Westcliff Hotel
Ilfracombe House Hotel
Camelia Hotel
Tower Hotel

Southend-on-Sea has plenty of entertainment going on, meaning you?ll never get bored. The town is packed with pubs and nightclubs, enabling you to while away the long twilight hours. For the family, the Odeon Cinema is a massive multiplex that shows all the latest Hollywood blockbusters. Meanwhile, if your tastes are of a theatrical nature, then you?ll no doubt enjoy the Palace Theatre, which consists of a modernised Edwardian building hosting professional shows and entertainment. Alternatively, if you enjoy big spectacle, then the Cliffs Pavilion will be for you; this massive theatre has a huge programme of concerts, ballet, performance artists, musicals and more.

Visitors flock to Southend-on-Sea all year round and it?s easy to see why. With hundreds of things to do, ranging from numerous attractions, family-focused fun and more, it?s impossible to find yourself at a loose end. Alternatively, the town itself is close to places like Leigh-on-Sea, which offer quieter fare, so if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can explore the surrounding villages and countryside. No matter what your tastes, age or needs, Southend-on-Sea is sure to provide exactly what you?re looking for as a tourist destination.

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Sleep UK are an online hotel booking engine for uk hotels

Southampton City Guide, Including Hotels

Introduction:

Set on the coast of Hampshire, south of Winchester, this is a place that abounds with a fascinating heritage. The Romans, who established it as a seaport, founded Southampton approximately 2,000 years ago. This was the port from which the ill-fated Titanic had set sail on her maiden voyage in 1912. Even though the place was affected during the Second World War, Southampton has grown sturdy with huge docks built for the cruise industry. The core of the modern city is now based around the City Centre.

Places of Interest:

Southampton is famous for ports, art galleries and museums. The place has a story to tell everywhere you visit.

Museum of Archaeology - This museum recount?s Southampton?s history with displays from prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and medieval times.

Medieval Merchants? House-This is one of the earliest surviving merchants? homes in the UK. Tourists can take in a glimpse and see how life was 700 years ago thanks to the authentically recreated furniture and overall ambience.

Solent Sky ? Solent Sky, where the world?s first seaplane was built. It is also the place where the Spitfire fighter plane, used heavily in the Second World War, was born.

Southampton City Art Gallery - Situated in the heart of the Cultural Quarter, it contains over 3,500 works of art spanning six centuries of European culture. The 20th century British art remains the main attraction here.

Things to do:

Southampton is a great place to shop and dine. Be it enjoying the nightlife or being a part of special events, this city has always had lots to offer.

Shopping - The West Quay complex on West Quay Road offers shoppers a good selection of high street retailers, designer boutiques and traditional shops. The West Quay Retail Park brims with the choicest of retailers that are normally found on the outskirts of towns. Other good shopping areas include the Marlands Mall, Portland Terrace and the Bargate Centre, off the High Street on East Street.

Restaurants - There are many restaurants offering an eclectic mix of cuisines. The rates are competitive and the price range for a three course meal for one, including a half bottle of house wine or equivalent (where available) is:

**** (over ?40)

*** (?30 to ?40)

** (?20 to ?30)

* (up to ?20)

Tipping of around 10% for a three-course meal with wine is given customarily in up market eating places. During weekends most restaurants require prior booking.

Transport - The airport is situated 7km (4 miles) northeast of Southampton on the outskirts of the city. A good rail network links Southampton with the main rail station in the city. The National Express operates regular coach services connecting Southampton with various destinations in the UK. The National Express terminal is located in the centre of the city on Western Esplanade within a stone?s throw from the Central Railway Station. Taxis can be hailed on the street or at ranks at the railway and bus stations. First Southampton is a company that operates a comprehensive network of buses linking all parts of the city. Bus no. 12 operates between the city centre and International airport.

Nightlife - From conventional old alehouses to stylish bars and nightclubs, Southampton has a flourishing nightlife with a huge chioce. The Red Lion, 55 High Street, or The Duke of Wellington, 36 Bugle Street; are two of the traditional old alehouses having a decent bar menu.

Special events - There are events like Titanic Memorial (Sep 4), the Southampton Boat Show (Sep 16-25) and Trafalgar Day with trips on the SS Shieldhall on the Solent (Oct 21), which are specific to Southampton. In Euroblade, October, Southampton?s city streets are closed off and turned into a track for inline skating. The event is not a race and is open to skaters of all ages and abilities. It assumes dimensions of a festival atmosphere with wigs, crash helmets and fancy dress.

Food and Drink:

Langley?s Bistro and Garden Room Caf? -This is a non-smoking restaurant that serves the best of food and wine. The ambience as well as the great customer service is worth writing and raving about.

Kuti?s Brasserie - Situated in the centre of the town, Kuti?s is also a place that has great ambience and offers authentic Indian and Bangladeshi food.

La Cantina - With dishes like fajitas, tacos and fiery chilies, this place makes for a good party environment.

Olive Tree - It offers a selection of the best European dishes.

The Woodlands Lodge Hotel - A 15-minute drive away from the city centre, this place gives you the choicest food in the most scenic of surroundings.

Hotels and Accommodation:

Southampton, being an important sea port, receives visitors by the ferry-load, which means there is no shortage of places to choose from. The hotels given below are categorized into four different pricing categories and are based on the cost of a double room per night with breakfast and including all taxes:

**** (over ?120)

*** (?80 to ?120)

** (?40 to ?80)

* (up to ?40)

The services offered by the larger hotels will usually include a gym, pool and extensive business and conference facilities.

The Star Hotel
Southampton Park Hotel
Dormy House Hotel
Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Initial Style Conferences
GRAND HARBOUR
Express By Holiday Inn Southampton - M27, JCT7
Novotel Southampton
Chilworth Manor Classic Hotel
Dolphin Hotel
Jurys Inn Southampton

Entertainment:

The Mayflower Theatre on Commercial Road is the largest theatre in southern England. Another good venue for live comedy is the Jongleurs Comedy Club, 2-4a High Street. There is normally a disco after the comedy acts. There are two multiplex cinemas UGC and Odeon, which play the latest movies.

The strategic maritime importance has played a noteworthy part in how Southampton developed over the years. Today the port is synonymous with the city. Tourists love to flock to this place, which is growing every year with several development projects in the pipeline, like a ?162 million project to create a huge entertainment arena at West Quay.

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Sleep UK are an online hotel booking engine for uk hotels

Sheffield City Guide, Including Hotels

Sheffield is a city that is steeped with the history of steelmaking in England. Take a look at any knife and fork and see the inevitable ?Made in Sheffield? sign. Most of the tourists come here especially to be the part of the scenic beauty that surrounds Sheffield. The city is located towards the centre of England in the county of South Yorkshire.

The city was actually the country?s first National City of Sport in 1995. That year triggered an interest of the populace towards sports. Since then the city has an excellent reputation of being one of the prime cities for sport and sporting venues. Be it sports research, sports medicine and sports related engineering, the city has endeavoured to keep no stone unturned in the world of games and sporting expertise.

An estimate of seven million people reside here, within an hour?s drive. All in all it is a modern multicultural city with a prosperous heritage and a diverse culture. Every day is a day for the city to pave the road to further progress.

Places of interest:

Sheffield is a popular UK destination - a tourist?s paradise. If you are passionate about arts, someone who likes diversity in culture or someone who swears by exciting nightlife, then you ought to have Sheffield in your mind. Combine these things with excellent shopping locales and eye-soothing scenery and you know you are in the right place.


Chatsworth House - This is one of the treasure houses of England. Chatsworth House is located right at the border of Sheffield and in the heart of the Peak District National Park. It is one place that should never be missed. The spectacular woodland adventure playground, the scenic farmyard or the 105-acre garden with its cascading fountains and maze are breathtaking.

Millennium Galleries - This is just the place where intricate art meets exquisite design. Situated in the heart of the city centre, it has an outstanding impressive metalwork gallery, attracting immense and grand exhibitions from national galleries. It has beautiful works in traditional craftsmanship and contemporary examples. It links directly to the stunning winter garden, which is Europe?s biggest city centre temperate glasshouse.

Hardwick Hall - Hardwick Hall is a spectacular National Trust Elizabethan home with more glass than wall. You will love the embroideries and tapestries put on display here. Of course, this place has no dearth of gardens and scintillating parkland walks.

Magna - Magna, the UK?s first science adventure centre, is an awe-inspiring day out for the family. It is a tribute to the powerful elements of earth, wind, fire and water. You can take controls of a JCB digger, blast water cannons at human targets and also feel the heat of a fire tornado.

Trans-Pennine Trail - You can walk and bike on this regional trail that spans east to west and breezes through Derbyshire and Yorkshire locations.

Things to do:

Hailed as the safe city, you can rest assured that you will feel secure in this city. In fact the city has undertaken a lot of initiatives to keep crime and anti-social behaviour at bay. You can shop till you drop and enjoy the exciting local events.

Shopping - Sheffield is a shopper's resort. The retail outlets have a lot of variety in the products they offer. The indoor and outdoor markets are always bustling with lively activity. There are trendy shops as well as those that specialize in selling designer brands. Fargate is a famous pedestrian shopping area right in the heart of the city with an emphasis on fashion and trends. The Moor is another broad and famed tree-lined thoroughfare, having over 100 shopping outlets, banks, department stores, caf?s and restaurants. It is also famous for its open-air market.

Transport- Sheffield is wonderfully connected to the rest of Britain by road and rail. There is a comprehensive bus network and the efficient Supertram system in the city also. This place is also remarkably close to most of England?s major airports. Leeds Bradford, Nottingham East Midlands, Manchester, Humberside and Birmingham International airports all within about an hour and a half by road. The Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport was the first full-service international airport to be built in the last thirty years. It has flights to major European cities and resorts like Rome, Rhodes, Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Belfast. The Supertram, silent and sleek as they come, constitutes one of the most successful urban transport systems in the whole of Europe. The Supertram network is 29 kilometres long. Each tram can carry 250 passengers.

The Nightlife - The nightlife is pretty hep here with the best of DJs and big name artists thronging this city. The place is a regular clubbing haunt. The late-night venues for music and pubbing would be Leadmill and the renowned Gatecrasher One. Those looking for live music could head to Eleven jazz club, Ruskins ? a contemporary wine bar adjacent to Sheffield?s Theatres, The Leadmill, The Boardwalk or Trippets Wine Bar to listen to popular live music and bands.

Special events - A city full of vibrant arts, passion for music and literature has a lot of festivals in honour of these pursuits. There is a much acclaimed Children?s Festival, a five-week event involving more than 135 schools, colleges and community groups. There is Lord Mayor?s Carnival Parade each July, which sparks off a party mood in the minds of the general public. You will see hundreds of people moving their way through the city streets carrying spectacular carnival structures and donning colourful costumes. There is a literature festival called Off the Shelf Literature Festival that has prominent literary figures pouring to the city. One cannot forget Europe Week, a celebration event which grows better with every passing year! It is comprised of a chain of events celebrating Sheffield?s role as a major European city. The events include the European Youth Parliament, the Taste of Europe continental food market, European Question Time and Opportunity Europe for Business. The famous Lovebytes Digital Arts festival, the longest running event of its kind for celebrating digital innovation in photography and culture, is also celebrated here with grandeur.

Food & Drink:

Sheffield is an incredible place to dine. You can get a sumptous variety of food from all over the world here. There?s the best of Indian, Italian, Cuban, Chinese and seafood restaurants to choose from. There is also no dearth of bars, bistros, caf?s, and of course, pubs.

Rutland Arms?- Rutland Arms? is a beautifully painted award-winning beer joint.

Gastro Pub - Gastro Pub merges the best of a traditional pub with contemporary dining and a wide selection of drinks.

Marco at Milanos in Millhouses ? Marco has been ranked one of Britain?s top 10 Italian Restaurants in the Observer Food Monthly magazine in June 2004.

Rafters - This is recommended in most of the food guides in the UK, offering the best of European menu.

The Old Vicarage at Ridgeway - Is the restaurant owned by the award-winning TV chef Tessa Bramley. You can expect to get an innovative mix and taste of modern British dishes.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Whether you want to come here for a long weekend, a business trip, or even spend your honeymoon, you will find that the choice of where to stay may be a difficult one. The hotels and accommodation could be bed and breakfasts, discount hotels, guesthouses, four or five-star luxury hotels and accommodations, etc. The benefits in most of them multi-functional rooms, swimming pools, gyms, saunas, Jacuzzis, and Internet access at a good price.

Hotel Bristol
Rutland Hotel
Cutlers Hotel
Holiday Inn Sheffield
Sheffield Park Hotel
Carlton Park Hotel
The Beauchief Hotel
Staindrop Classic Hotel
Grosvenor House Hotel
Novotel Sheffield
DAYS INN HOTEL Sheffield South
Macdonald St. Paul's Hotel
The Red Lion Inn

Entertainment:

A ten-minute tram ride from the city centre is Valley Centertainment. This extremely popular development includes a multi-screen cinema, stylised American-type restaurants, a bowling alley, and amusements with the latest video and arcade games. The Valley Centertainment is surrounded by a host of leisure venues including Don Valley Stadium, English Institute of Sport Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam FM Arena, iceSheffield, and Don Valley Bowl. Sheffield is always on the map for any major UK music tour. Major bands as well as the upcoming ones always love to perform in this city. The 2000 seater City Hall accomodates the biggest names in world entertainment like Beyonce and Justin Timberlake.

Sheffield?s people are some of the friendliest and most tolerant people in the UK. It is a vibrant city that sends positive vibes to the people and tourists visiting the place. It is a multicultural city as potrayed by the innumerable festivals, variety of cuisines and cultures on display here. Come to Sheffield and get the tour of your life.

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Sleep UK are an online hotel booking engine for uk hotels

Portsmouth City Guide, Including Hotels

Introduction:

Portsmouth is located on the south coast of the scenic county of Hampshire. The city has a long established historic naval presence. The city of Portsmouth was established in the year 1623, being a community that swears by its influence to world history. As well as being an important naval town, Portsmouth has a nostalgic feel with it?s cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, museums and famous historic buildings. Boasting over one hundred restaurants, antique shops and a huge music hall called the Portsmouth Music Hall. You will fall in love with the ambience that this historic city offers as well as the coastal aspect of the place.

Places of Interest:

A place of historic significance, you can explore Lord Nelson?s flagship, HMS Victory and visit Queen Victoria?s battleship, HMS Warrior 1860. You could also have a look at Henry Vlll?s Mary Rose and retrace the history of the Royal Navy at the Royal Naval Museum. Other attractions include Charles Dickens? birthplace, the D-Day Museum featuring the Overlord Embroidery, Southsea Castle, the Royal Marines Museum, and Portsmouth Cathedral.

Royal Marines Museum: This is a grand museum situated in a former officers' mess with sweeping stairways, chandeliers and fine paintings. There are also beautiful grounds in which you can relax and enjoy a quiet picnic with your friends. The Exhibition gallery features a talking head of Hannah Snell, audiovisual shows, interactive games, and a collection of over 7,000 medals.

Eastney Beam Engine House Industrial Archaeology: This museum contains a pair of magnificent James Watt beam engines, stationed in their original high Victorian engine house of 1887. There are also a variety of other pumping engines on display here.

Natural History Museum: In this museum you can see the geology of the Portsmouth area and a full-size reconstruction of Dinosaur ?Iguanodon? and other fossil remains. You can enter here through the Riverbank scene with a fresh water aquarium and have a look at the different kinds of fish on display. You can also see the ?Ice Age? displays and early mammals and birds here.
The Spinnaker Tower: This is one wonder which is absolutely breath-taking.You can experience the stunning views from this unique 170m tower, visible from miles around. This is the newest landmark which is change the skyline of Portsmouth!

Aspex Gallery: Here, tourists can experience the most creative and contemporary visual arts; locally, nationally and internationally. There are programs of solo, grouped and themed exhibitions mostly centred on the work of younger or emerging artists.

The 1642 Living History Village, Historic Site, Gosport: This is a representational Hampshire village set in the year 1642. You could go back in time and experience this replica of how it used to be with timber and thatched buildings. Occupants dress and speak in 17th century style.

Things to do:

Portsmouth is also called the Waterfront city. It has a fantastic range of restaurants, bars and caf?s to soothe your thirst and satisfy your taste buds. Of course, it will suit your budget too. As far as shops are concerned, the choice is huge.


Shopping: The Southsea, this major shopping complex has two department stores as well as a range of boutique shops. There are florists, diamond merchants and antique dealers; even interior decorators to cater to your every shopping need. Of course, the cafes, restaurants and bars are numerous too. There is Gunwharf Quays with 80 outlets that sell big brand names for a discount prices. It is open seven days a week. The City Centre is famous for it?s branded and trendy stores. The shopping precinct on Commercial Road, the indoor mall at Cascades, and the street markets on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are very popular and well worth a visit.

Eating and drinking: There are restaurants and small bistro?s that offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian, Turkish to Thai. If you want to meet with friends or enjoy your weekend, there is always a themed location to drink and socialize.

Special Events: Two of Portsmouth's most renowned personalities have events to commemorate their lives in 2006. ?Brunel 200 Portsmouth? will celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was born in Portsmouth on 9th of April 1806.The famous author Richard Lancelyn Green will be releasing his wonderful collection of Conan Doyle-related books, papers and assorted memorabilia in the later half of 2006.

Transport: Portsmouth has regular bus routes connecting the main visitor areas. In fact, a new pilot bus service for all you night owls has been inaugurated and is operational on Friday and Saturday nights. The Nightrunner will start services from South Parade Pier at 1.25am and 2.25 am and at Winston Churchill Avenue at 1.30am and 2.30am. There are currently 234 licensed taxis working in the city providing 24-hour service.

Food and Drink:

Indian Palace: Indian Palace in Gunwharf Quays is famous for authentic and traditional spicy and tasty Indian and moghlai dishes.

Arbuckles: This small and friendly restaurant is famous for chicken and vegetarian burgers. Booking is required.

A fistful of Tacos: This place at South Sea serves authentic sea food and vegeterian dishes as well.
Caf? Citrus is a popular caf? bar in Albert Road, Southsea. It is perfect for a romantic rendevous or a friendly get-together.

Hotels and Accomodation:

Whether you are looking for a short stay or a longer holiday, Portsmouth offers a comprehensive range of accommodation from small, private bed and breakfasts to the plusher four-star hotels. It is always better if you reserve your accommodation in advance. The tarrif?s for hotels, accomodations and guest houses are generally quoted as per person, based on a couple sharing, and include VAT (17.5%). All prices for self-catering units are quoted as per unit per week inclusive of VAT (17.5%).

Inn Lodge Portsmouth
Royal Beach Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Portsmouth
Tulip Inn Portsmouth
Beaufort Hotel
Best Western Queens Hotel
Seacrest Hotel

Entertainment:

The city of Portsmouth is abuzz with entertainment and activity around the clock. Catering for all diverse tastes such as comedy, film, football, live music, bowling, literature and arts. At Gunwharf Quays there is a bowling arena and a state of the art 12 screen cinema, with a further 9 screen cinema at Port Solent. The Kings Theatre Trust Limited at Albert Road, Portsmouth is famous for live music and theatrical events. No 6 Independent Cinema and Vue Cinemas are two of the 4 major cinema houses here.

All in all, Portsmouth is a city on the sea packed with a beautiful mix of history and heritage. Add to it the variety on offer with it?s bars and restaurants as well as a comprehensive program of events, you know that you have discovered the right city to spend your holiday or short stay. Being situated on the coast is a huge bonus too!.

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Sleep UK are an online hotel booking engine for uk hotels

Scarborough City Guide, Including Hotels

Scarborough is one of Britain?s favourite seaside resorts and has been for more than four centuries. Located on the east coast of Yorkshire, Scarborough has always attracted visitors thanks to its beautiful and lengthy sandy beaches, picturesque cliff tops and family-oriented attractions. The location offers spectacular views of the North Sea but is also far more than just another seaside town; there are numerous things to see and do, making it an ideal place to take a break.

When you arrive in Scarborough, you?ll discover a whole treasure trove of things to see and do during your stay. Whatever your interest, be it history, heritage, sport, nature or art, you?ll find that Scarborough has it covered. Here are just a few of the places you can visit:

The Rotunda Museum. Suitable for all the family, including young children, this museum has Scarborough?s past completely covered. Come here to find out about the Victorian spa, the fishing port and prehistoric burial sites.

Eden Camp at Malton. It?s worth taking the short journey from Scarborough to visit this exciting recreation of wartime Britain. Scenes from the past are reconstructed through a combination of sound, smell, movement and lighting.

Scarborough Light House. Located on Vincent Pier, this lighthouse has been guarding the coast for two hundred years and is known and loved by visitors and town-dwellers alike.

Church of St. Martin-on-the-Hill. This beautiful Victorian church boasts splendid, pre-Raphaelite stained glass, colourful interior decoration and extravagant architecture.

North Bay Miniature Railway. Enjoy the whimsical British phenomenon of the miniature railway as you explore this one from the 1930s, which has tracks of almost a mile in length.

As well as all the places of interest to visit in Scarborough, there are also many different types of things you can do. Scarborough is host to a whole selection of special events and activities all the year round, so you never know what might be on when you come and visit. Some of the things you might choose to do include:

Go shopping! At the Brunswick Shopping Centre, you?ll discover shops selling many different kinds of goods and products, whether you?re looking for children?s clothing or the ideal wedding present.
Take a trip along the coast with Scarborough Pleasure Steamers. Enjoy the finest views of the picturesque Yorkshire coast by travelling on the Regal Lady and Coronia. Trips run whatever the weather.

Enjoy the spectacle of the Water Ski Circus. You?d be cruel to deny your kids the pleasure of a trip to this exhibit, which sees your favourite TV & film characters performing on water skis. Watch out for Batman, Bart Simpson, the Tellytubbies and more.

Go boating at Peasholm Park & Island. Choose from canoes, pedalos or boat trips and enjoy this beautiful park on a relaxing afternoon. Also choose from mini golf, tree walks, and a water ski circus.

Scarborough offers a wide variety of places to eat, each serving its own type of distinctive food. Venues range from that ever-popular Yorkshire speciality, fish and chip shops, to high-class restaurants, plus all the cafes you could wish for. Here is just a selection of some of Scarborough?s quality eateries:

The Red Lea Hotel. Located on the Prince of Wales Terrace, this hotel has a five-star restaurant offering three course meals that change every day. Take your pick from beef, salmon or vegetarian platters, or try something refined like the roast pheasant.

The Magpie Caf?. This caf? offers a variety of tasty meals, but is especially renowned for its fish and chips. The reason? The fish is always straight from the harbour at Scarborough, meaning you?ll be in for a fresh-tasting treat.

Mother Hubbard?s Restaurant. A family-owned eatery for many years, this restaurant also serves up its own special brand of fish and chips, earning it the title of ?Fish and Chip Shop of the Year? on several occasions.

The Hungry Horse. A wide choice of dishes is on offer here, ranging from delicious steaks to bulging burgers, light bites and yummy desserts. You also have the opportunity to wash down your food down with an ice-cold Greene King beer.

The Pizza Place. If you?re looking for takeaway food, then this is the place to come. Choose from a variety of pizzas, all served with your own choice of toppings.

If you?re looking for somewhere to stay, then you?ll find yourself spoiled for choice when you come to Scarborough. Every type of accommodation is available in the town, whether you?re looking for bed and breakfasts, hotels, inns, or guest houses; there are also many caravans and campsites available for booking. Finally, there are even holiday cottages up for rent if you want total privacy, peace and quiet. Many of the hotels in the town are located on cliff-tops, offering views of the sandy beaches and open sea; others come complete with their own golf courses. Additionally, many of the hotels and guesthouses offer facilities such as swimming pools, television, bars and in-house restaurants.

The Gresham Hotel
The Victoria Hotel
Hotel St Nicholas
Royal Classic Hotel
Granville Lodge Hotel
Chatsworth Hotel
The Crown Spa Hotel
Ashburton Hotel
The Lincoln Hotel
The Skikero Hotel
The Grand Scarborough
Mansion House Hotel

Scarborough has plenty of entertainment up on offer, most of it geared towards the family. One of the town?s biggest venues is the Olympia Leisure Family Entertainment Centre, which has everything from fruit machines to children?s adventure play areas, laser dodgems, simulators and the ever-favourite 2p machines. If you?re stuck for something to do in an evening, then Scarborough Spa Theatre provides a variety of family entertainment. Alternatively, if you?re looking for something that little bit different, Cotton Dale Shooting Ground is on hand if you?ve always fancied having a go at clay pigeon shooting. Finally, if you?re a movie fan, then a trip to the Hollywood Plaza Cinema is a must, as it shows all the latest blockbusters.

As one of Britain?s best-loved seaside towns, Scarborough has plenty to offer the visitor and tourist. With plenty of attractions and things to do, no matter what the weather, Scarborough is the perfect holiday destination all year round.

Maria Williams, Occupation: Traveller, Website: http://www.sleepuk.com Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in the UK as comfortable as possible.

Six Great Vegas Hotels

Looking for tips on good places to stay on your Vegas vacation? There are a lot of great hotels in Las Vegas, but these six definitely stand out.

Wynn Hotel
The newest masterpiece by Vegas hotel legend Steve Wynn, the 50-story Wynn Hotel opened in 2004 with 2,716 rooms, an 18-hole golf course, 19 restaurants, and 54 private spa treatment rooms. His namesake hotel displays his amazing art collection, offers incredible shopping right on site, and has a posh private lobby for VIPs. And of course, there's an awesome state-of-the-art casino at it's heart.

Bellagio
Built by Steve Wynn in 1998, the lavish Bellagio has excellent rooms, awesome service, and an amazing water fountain show. In December 2004, just before the Wynn Hotel opened, the Bellagio added a special 928-room Spa Tower, boosting total capacity to 3,933 rooms. The Bellagio is so ritzy that they offer a 50-minute body bronzing treatment with real gold dust.

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay
This all-suite exclusive hotel within the larger Mandalay Bay hotel has 1,117 rooms that aim for a more cosmopolitan clientele than it's namesake parent. Each suite is 725 square feet of luxury with three flat-screen televisions, including one in the mega-swank bathrooms.

Four Seasons
Another swank luxury hotel within the larger Mandalay Bay property, the Four Seasons occupies floors 35-39 and has rates much higher than the standard $119-$349 of its parent. Four Seasons guests have their own elevator and entrance, plus pools, spa, and restaurants in an adjacent building.

Ritz Carlton at Lake Las Vegas
The Ritz Carlton hotel is a half-hour's drive from the Strip, but it's renowned for it's golfing and outdoor activities. It nestles against manmade Lake Las Vegas where the water offers a refreshing alternative to the summertime heat. This three-year-old Tuscan-themed resort still maintains a touch of the glitz: Guests can stay on a special bridge with suites built to recreate Florence's legendary Ponte Vecchio (Bridge of Gold).

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino
Located near the Wynn, this 4,027-suite hotel is part of the Sands Hotel group. Rooms are luxuriously appointed and the casino is magnificent. Coming this summer is a new theater hosting Andrew Lloyd Webber's smash hit musical, the "Phantom of the Opera."

So, there you have it. Six great Vegas hotels that will never fail to dazzle and are guaranteed to impress even the most jaded repeat visitor. Just be sure to book ahead to get the best discounts on room rates and snag hard-to-get show tickets in advance.

Mike Rogers writes articles about Las Vegas hotels, casinos, and other attractions for Las Vegas Vacation Tips.

Hotels in Central London: History and Luxury

Central London is where everything is: the history, the culture, the center of the UK's government, and the night life. For about a three-mile stretch between the Tower of London and Hyde Park, you'll find most of the London you're looking for: Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben, St. Paul's, London Bridge, Westminster, Trafalgar Square. It only makes sense, therefore, to find a great hotel to stay in that area. You can do this for a reasonably-inexpensive rate, or you can splurge and be treated like the Queen. The most important thing, though, is to reserve your spot as early as you can; rooms, especially the inexpensive rooms, go quickly. If you're arriving by midday, many places will hold your spot without a deposit. Others can be expensive if you're forced to cancel.

Bed and Breakfasts

In the streets behind Victoria Station, you'll find colonies of budget Bed and Breakfasts. It's a nice area, not at all touristy, and you can get a cheap ?50 room (expect what you pay for, of course) or a nicer ?80 room, with atmosphere and a nice British breakfast. You can possibly save a little money by arriving later in the day without a reservation and looking for a bargain. Competition is fierce here, and you can probably strike a deal, particularly in the off-season, and particularly with a multiple night stay. In Warwick Way hotels, request a quiet back room.

Woodville House at 105 Elbury St. offers inexpensive rooms. You'll share a bathroom down the hall and you may end up next to the noisy street, but the atmosphere is great, the proprietor friendly and endlessly informative, and you can save even more money by bunking 3-5 in a room with friends.

Or you can try a more expensive place like Lime Tree Hotel, with thoughtfully decorated public areas and spacious guest rooms; the breakfast room is even attached to a nice traditional garden.

Wherever you stay, a bed and breakfast will give you a traditional taste of London.

Modern Hotels

For the cheapest rates, you can stay at one of the Travel Inn hotels. The rooms are cookie-cutter and dull and the restaurants and bars are ordinary, even somewhat tacky, but if you're planning to stay out in the city most of the time, you can't find a better deal. They have locations near Big Ben, the British Library, and further off at Putney Bridge.

Classy, Trendy Hotels

If you don't need to cut corners and would like to stay in an area so classy they don't allow tacky things like hotel signs on the street, you probably want to stay in South Kensington. The shops are great - Harrods is in walking distance - and you can find budget and nice restaurants of all descriptions lining the streets nearby.

Aster House Hotel has excellent rooms with televisions, phones, and a refrigerator. You can have breakfast in the Orangerie, a Victorian greenhouse and lounge in the back garden; or you can walk a short distance to have your meals in town.

5 Sumner Place Hotel has been voted the best small hotel in London. Chandeliers decorate the Victorian-style conservatory, a greenhouse decorated in blues, where you'll have breakfast. The hotel is in a 150-year-old building, and each room is decorated with period furnishings. It can be expensive, but if you're looking for atmosphere, this is where to find it.

If you don't quite have as much money to spend, you can try 16 Sumner Place up the road, or Kensington Juries Hotel. Either is popular and close to attractions, with excellent furnishings, informative and friendly management, and loads of class and comfort.

Wherever you stay in this neighborhood, you'll be certain of atmosphere, walking-distance attractions, and friendly service.

The Cheapest Place Ever

If you're a young woman or a man with a Norwegian passport, you can get a room at the Norwegian YWCA for half the price you'd spend anywhere else in London; all rooms are smoke free, and, other than singles, have their own showers; if you're willing to share a quad room with strangers, you can get a room for as little as ?18 in the off-season, breakfast included. And believe it or not, it's a really nice place to stay, with atmosphere and comfort.

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk/london-central.html offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout London and the rest of the world.

Finding The Best Cheap Hotels For Your Travels

Finding cheap hotels for your travels can be easy if you know where to look for them. In every town there are cheap hotels that a make vacationing a reality for those with even the modest of incomes. The best way to find cheap hotels is to simply start looking.

If you have friends or business associates that have traveled to your destination recently it might be a good idea to inquire with them about how expensive their trip was, and where they stayed. While it might be rude to ask for an itemized pound for pound account of what they spend during their travels, most people will be willing to share with you how expensive their hotel was, and what that price included. If the hotel they visited is a little out of your price range, find out if they looked at any other locations before settling on that one, and if they knew what the cheapest hotel in the area would be, or where one of the less expensive hotels would be located.

It's important to realize that the cost of staying in a hotel will vary depending on what point in the year you decide to make your trip. A winter trip to a popular summer destination will be exceptionally cheaper than if you made the same trip during the summer months and visa versa. Cheap hotels can have their moments as expensive ones depending on when you decide to travel.

Trips on the weekend are often a little more expensive than trips that you would take in the middle of the week to the same hotel as well. If possible try to book your vacation during the week, and at the very beginning of the season that the area is particularly known for. Depending on what you plan on doing on your trip, you may want to visit the area completely off season to make sure you get the absolute best rates possible.

If your friends could not supply you with the name of a suitable hotel, then begin a search on your own for the perfect accommodations. If you have the dates for your trip in mind, call around to several different hotels within the area and ask them how much a reservation would cost for those particular dates. The Internet can also be a very valuable resource. You can use the Internet to look up hotels contact information, and on some occasions the hotels will have offers available to Internet users that are not available to those who call or simply walk in to the hotel to make reservations.

The earlier you make any reservation wither through the Internet, or in person the less expensive your stay will ultimately be. Even cheap hotels will often make their prices more expensive as they begin to book up. The less rooms available in a particular area, the more expensive the available rooms are going t be. For that reason, as soon as you know that you are going to want to travel to a particular location, and you know the dates of you travels try to go ahead and find a hotel and make reservations. That way you can ensure that you are getting the best rate possible for your trip.

Cheap hotels are not that difficult to locate as long as you are looking for them. Do your research before making any reservation, and you can be sure that you have gotten the best hotel possible for the cheapest rate you can, and are sure to have excellent accommodations for your trip.

Smooth Hound http://www.smoothhound.co.uk offers affordable hotel, guest house and bed & breakfast accommodation throughout the London and the rest of the world.

London Sightseeing and Hotels

London is a world class city that has a long and prosperous history. It is a city which is known for its entertainment and attractions, and is a mixture of both new and old. If you are looking for an older city which offers many sites and sounds, this is the city for you.

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom, and produces approximately 17% of the nation's gross domestic product. It is a major political, business, and cultural city, and along with New York, Tokyo, and Paris, is a city of global proportions. Over 300 languages are spoken in the city, and residents are known as "Londoners."

It was founded by the Romans around AD 43, and they called it "Londinium." The language originally spoken in London was Latin with a nice blend of Greek. Since that time, it has become one of the largest cities in the European Union, with a population of over 7 million.

When it comes to tourism, London is a city which is great to travel to year round. Tourist attractions do not close their doors in winter, though summer is generally the best time to go. If you enjoy riding on boats, you can hire a boat and travel on the Serpentine near Hyde park for a couple of hours.

Cycling is great in London, though you may want to avoid riding with traffic. Cycling is excellent when riding through parks. If you enjoy horseback riding, you can have a taste of nobility by riding horses through Hyde park. Horses can be hired by the hour.

When it comes to hotels, if you're looking for top of the line you could stay at the Blakes Hotel in South Kensington. If you're on a budget, you may want to stay at the Hampstead Village Guesthouse, which is a nice Victorian house.

When traveling to this city, it is best to bring lots of money. London is known for being extremely expensive, and will put a drain on your bank account. If you stay at a hotel and eat meals in restaurants expect to spend at least 65 Euros a day.

All transactions can be made using credit cards or pounds. Most restaurants add a service charge to your bill, and those that don't expect you to pay at least 10 to 15% tips. The same is true for taxi cab drivers. Travelers cheques can easily be changed into pounds at the many banks in the city.

Rohit Goel is an avid traveller and likes to visit cities around the world. More information about London can be found at London Hotels

Amsterdam Sightseeing and Hotels

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is one of the largest historic cities in Europe. The city lies near two bodies of water, the Amstel river and the IJ bay. For many tourists, Amsterdam is a city which is well known and praised for its entertainment and culture. The city at this time has a population of over 700,000.

Amsterdam is a city, which had very humble beginnings. It was founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village, but didn't begin to gain recognition until the 17th century, during the Golden Age of The Netherlands. A series of canals have been built around the older part of the city, and many luxurious mansions and homes lie near these canals.

If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, do not expect to be bored. For those who love art, Amsterdam is well known for its many museums. The Rijksmuseum showcases art from the Golden Age, and the Van Gogh Museum along with the Rembrandt House Museum are places every art lover should visit.

Those who enjoy history may want to visit the Anne Frank House, and anyone with a love of classical music should visit the world class Concertgebouworkest. Amsterdam is also known for its red light district, called de Wallen, and the many coffee shops, some of which sell cannabis.

Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone. If you are traveling there, it is important to get accomodations at excellent hotels. Although you can find nice hotels on a budget, Amsterdam is an upscale city. Budget travelers and backpackers may find themselves spending a little more than in other European cities.

When it comes to money, Visa or Eurocard are widely accepted. Most large purchases will require use of a credit card. For everything else, just keep fifty dollars handy. Changing your currency in Amsterdam is easy. Any post office or bank will exchange currencies for you, often at good exchange rates.

The restaurants available in Amsterdam have a very international flavour. Traditional Dutch food is fairly simple, with meats and potatoes. There are restaurants for those on a budget as well as those wanting to eat in luxury.

Restaurants in Amsterdam usually charge service fees and taxes along with the prices you pay for your meal, and tipping is always welcomed. When it comes to traveling, Amsterdam is bicycle friendly. Buses also travel heavily throughout the city, and you can always catch a taxi cab. Due to the many types of transportation available, getting around in Amsterdam is fairly cheap.

Rahul viz recommends Sightseeing and hotels in amsterdam.

Are Condo Hotels Investments?

Heard all the buzz about condo hotels? Ready to explore this type of vacation home product? Then be sure you understand what?s involved.

While many people see condo hotels as investment tools, developers, in accordance with Securities Exchange Commission regulations, sell them only as real estate. They suggest that you focus on the benefits of owning a luxury home that usually comes complete with four-star or higher hotel services and is located in a highly desirable vacation destination.

Rent Revenue Offsets Your Costs

While it?s true that one of the key benefits of owning a condo hotel unit versus a traditional condo or vacation home is that you?ll receive some rent revenue when you?re not using your unit, cash flow should not be the main reason to buy. To set realistic expectations, think of the revenue generated by your condo hotel unit in the rental program as helping to offset your costs.

Buy in Pre-construction to Maximize Appreciation Potential

As for potential appreciation, like any real estate, if you buy at the right time in the right location, you can make money. In the case of a condo hotel unit, buy in early pre-construction stages and you have the best chance of realizing appreciation when you eventually sell.

That?s because as the condo hotel is being built, developers implement planned price increases at various stages of the selling process. Plus, real estate in great locations has historically appreciated over time.

Keep in mind that your actual profit, of course, depends on the general market conditions, interest rates and competition.

Is Flipping Allowed?

Can you sell before closing? While flipping was a common practice a few years ago, today most condo hotel developers do not allow investors to sell before closing on their unit and clearly state this item in their contracts. They don?t want to compete with you to sell their remaining units.

Nonetheless, if you buy a quality property in a good location, you could end up with not only a great second home but a real estate investment that appreciates with time and will net you a profit when you sell.

Joel Greene is the President of Condo Hotel Center located in Miami Florida, which specializes in the sale of condo hotels. Visit his web site, http://www.CondoHotelCenter.com to see condo hotel listings, photos and prices. You can also sign up for his free Property Alert newsletter to be notified when new condo hotels come on the market.

Why It?s Best To Buy Condo Hotels In Pre-Construction

Hassle-free Vacation Homes

Interested in getting in on the condo hotel trend? Perhaps you?ve heard about this new type of vacation home ownership, and it sounds right for you. After all, a condo hotel unit is typically located in a great vacation destination.

It?s in a three-star or higher property. And a management company takes care of all the hassles typically associated with ownership, including finding renters when you?re not using your condo hotel unit.

Buy Condo Hotels in Pre-construction Phase

With many new condo hotel properties coming on the market, when is the best time to buy? The answer is easy. In pre-construction. That?s right, most condo hotels begin selling their units long before the property is built, and often before even the first shovel-full of dirt is overturned.

A Deposit Holds Your Condo Hotel Unit

In some cases, you simply place a reservation with a deposit of usually 10% to 20%. The deposit goes into an escrow account of the developer.

The funds are invested in a low-interest passbook account, and any interest paid on the account (usually minimal) is applied to the purchase price.

You can expect to go to contract once the developer has sold enough units to meet lender requirements (usually about 50% of the total number of units?) and has applied for his construction loan.

At that time, your reservation will be converted into a hard contract, a binding agreement. Depending on the recission period of the individual state in which the property is located, you?ll typically have 7 to 15 days to decide whether you want to proceed with the purchase or cancel.

The Construction Process

How long does it take to build a condo hotel? Well that depends on a number of factors such as whether the property is to be built new or whether it?s a conversion of an existing hotel or resort, the weather and the permitting process. Generally, for a new property, it takes close to two years to build; conversions take six months to a year.

Appreciation Makes Pre-construction Appealing

Some people wonder why they should buy in pre-construction. After all, your deposit monies are tied up for one to two years. The answer is you get in on the ground floor when prices are lowest and unit selection is greatest.

As the condo hotel is being built, it is gradually appreciating. Developers implement planned price increases at various stages of the selling process. If you purchase your unit at a pre-construction price, it potentially could be worth significantly more at completion. When you sell, that translates into a higher profit for you. The actual profit of course depends on the general market conditions, interest rates and competition.

Subscribe to a Condo Hotel Newsletter

If buying a condo hotel unit in the early pre-construction phase is best, how you do you find out about projects? After all, it?s not as if there?s a building structure to catch your eye as you drive by.

Your best bet is to find a realtor who specializes in condo hotels or to sign up for a condo hotel newsletter, one that will keep you apprised of new condo hotels coming on the market, as well as building trends and hot developers.
Joel Greene is the President of Condo Hotel Center located in Miami Florida, which specializes in the sale of condo hotels. Visit his web site, http://www.CondoHotelCenter.com to see condo hotel listings, photos and prices. You can also sign up for his free Property Alert newsletter to be notified when new condo hotels come on the market.

The 5 Most Expensive Hotels In Barcelona, Spain

The Arts Barcelona

The Arts Barcelona, or to give it its full name the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Arts Barcelona, overlooks the magnificent Port Olimpic and is an incredible sight in itself. With 5 different dining areas ranging from the 'Chic informal' Bites to the 'Jacket and Tie' Enoteca there is something for everyone's tastes. Full housekeeping twice a day, babysitting on request and a complimentary overnight shoeshine and morning paper give the Arts an air of extravagance and the terraced gardens, outdoor swimming pool and numerous bars combine to make this a reassuringly expensive hotel to stay in during your trip to the beautiful Barcelona.

The Barcelona Hilton

The Barcelona Hilton seems mainly geared towards business and business meetings and is a modern looking 11 floor building situated right in the middle of Barcelona giving superb access to the businesses and tourist areas associated with Barcelona. The advantages that the Hilton boast are very business orientated with computer and Internet points in every room, a work desk and chair and voice mail messaging are standard in every room. The vast array of meeting floors, executive rooms and executive lounges make it ideal for the travelling businessman.

The Claris

The Claris is a very luxurious hotel and is aimed at guests who like the finer things in life, in particular fine art. Various superb examples of exquisite art are littered around the hallways of this converted palace and also in the rooms. Booking is almost impossible without years of notice but the sculptures aged from the 2nd through to the 7th century as well as 300 year old furniture make this a truly lavish hotel for lavish wallets.

The Ritz

What city in the world would be complete without a Ritz adorning one of its more exclusive streets. By staying at the Ritz you know that you are in for a real treat and the Ritz in Barcelona is no exception. Now called the Palace Hotel, it features Scotch bars, beauty halls and boutiques so the only reason to leave your hotel is because you are in Barcelona and there's just as much to see outside the four luxurious walls of the Ritz hotel. It also features a business centre that is more than lavish enough to hold executive business meetings in.

Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel

A grand name for a grand building. An incredible combination of modern interior design and architecture you will be enthralled before you've even set foot in your room. The 8 floor building housed on Barcelona sea front features incredible works of art and you will be met by a massive piece just behind reception as you walk in. With a large and impressive collection of art the Grand Marina is another hotel designed for people with a love for fine arts. The 278 rooms offer probably the cheapest of these hotels in no small part due to the fact that the Grand Marina was only founded in 2002. While a relative newcomer to the market though, the Grand Marina has a more than slightly impressive list of top class services to offer its discerning guests. Make the most of the more affordable price tag because it is sure to increase in time as the rooms are already nearly always full.

Matt Goldman is a freelance writer who has been living in Barcelona with his wife and three daughters for the past 8 years. To read more about Barcelona accommodation possibilities, visit http://www.holiday-apartments-barcelona.com to which Matt contributes from time to time.

City Breaks in Prague with cheap Hotels and Flights

Nowadays short, weekend and city breaks have rapidly become one of the most popular holiday choices for travelers. Cities such as Lisbon, Prague and Berlin are filled throughout the year by tourists enjoying a short break.

A visit to Prague is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. When you travel to the Czech Republic there are so many things to see and do so make sure that you plan your trip in advance. Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic and lies on the banks of the Vltava River. Its medieval centre is dominated by the 1100-year-old castle of Prazsky Hrad. A short holiday gives visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty and magic of Prague, wander the old winding streets and bridges of this wonderful city. This breathtaking city combines the very best in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance styles. At every turn, there is something to take your breath away. For great value city breaks Prague is unrivalled, and with the cost of living so low your holiday money goes much further.

Bustling with life in summer and beautiful in winter, Prague entices visitors throughout the year. Visit galleries both modern and traditional and sample the delights of long established beer halls and fashionable cocktail bars. We are pleased to offer a range of Prague city breaks featuring a wide selection of hotel options.

For an alternative summer holiday destination, look to the beautiful city of Prague known as the city of a hundred spires, Prague contains a number of architecturally important buildings remarkably unscathed by war or conflict. Prague castle, built in the 9th century, is possibly the city's most remarkable attraction. Another of Prague's most famous architectural structures is Charles Bridge. Prague also has a thriving social scene, complete with first rate beer. Visitors will find much to enjoy in this vibrant ever evolving city.

Pawanraj is working as freelance article writer for various categories like Tour And Travels.For more information, visit these sites: http://www.myprague.net

Jacksonville Beach Hotels: Oceanfront Lodging at its Best

Travelers to Jacksonville Florida have many options for lodging in the area. If you are traveling to Jacksonville on business or pleasure and need a place to stay, don't overlook the Jacksonville Beach hotels. Located about a half hour from downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach has more hotels than any of the other local beaches, and most of them are oceanfront - serving up our beautiful wide sandy beaches as your playground away from home. All of the Jax Beach hotels are within walking distance, or a short $5 cab drive from some of the best restaurants and nightlife Jacksonville has to offer.

From Beach Blvd. north to 16th Ave, 1st Street is the place to be for hotels, dining and dancing, shopping, and just hanging out in general. For the traveler, Jacksonville Beach hotels include such well knowns as Quality Suites, Best Western, the Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, and the Fairfield by Marriot. For the adventurous, a vanishing breed of mom and pop hotels still exist, for now, on the strip. Paradise Alley and the Surfside Inn offer somewhat cheaper lodging than the big boys, and also seem to have less of a corporate feel.

Join me as we review the Jacksonville Beach hotels one by one, and you'll see the variety of lodging possibilities the Jacksonville hotel scene has to offer. Jax Beach: oceanfront lodging at it's best!

With 143 rooms, the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort at Jax Beach is one of the larger hotels in the area. Recognizable by the huge whale and tropical sunset murals facing 1st Street, the Sunspree is a full service family resort, with the "Windows on the Ocean" restaurant offering oceanfront dining for breakfast and dinner. There is the "Marketessant" in the lobby that offers snacks and souvenirs, and the Reef Lounge is a favorite of locals to come in and shoot some pool. The large swimming pool is just in front of the lounge, and a few steps down and you're on the beach! As a Sunspree resort, during the summer months there is an activities program for the kids. This Jacksonville Beach hotel landmark is at the top of our tour, located between 15th and 16th Avenues North.

Just behind the Holiday Inn, and owned by the same Shaner Hotel Group, is the Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites. Not being on the ocean, the Fairfield caters to the traveling business person. Equipped with high speed internet access in the rooms and lobby, there are also several Jacuzzi Suites available to help you relax after a hard days work. A swimming pool and hot tub outside, the Fairfield and Holiday Inn encourage their guests to share their amenities.

Next door is the Comfort Inn, best known for its huge faux rock waterfall swimming pool. Plenty of fun for the kids, the Comfort Inn Oceanfront also caters to adults, with the famous Kokomo's lounge, for shooting pool and weekly Karaoke. Out of towners can really get to know the locals here. The Tiki Bar and deck, between Kokomo's and the sand dunes, is a great place to hang out in the sun with your favorite cold beverage. Summer weekends commence with live local bands outside, accompanied by plenty of dancing beach goers on the deck.

Continuing south down 1st Street we come to a pink one story "motel" type building called Paradise Alley, on 8th Ave N. A mom & pop establishment, the Paradise is owned by a lady that refuses to sell out. The rooms are theme based, and are decorated with a nautical flair. Dinner and lunch is served on the outside deck on 1st Street, a popular hang out in the summer offering live music and over 100 domestic and imported beers. Paradise Alley's southern neighbor used to be the popular watering hole First Street Grill, but will soon be another towering oceanfront condominium.

Another place that you can't miss is the elegant Casa Marina. A great place to get married, the Casa is right behind the dunes at 6th Ave., and is the north end beginning of the boardwalk Old world charm, elegance, and romanticism sum up this Spanish looking castle like structure. Dining at the Casa includes an inside formal dining room, and an oceanfront courtyard and veranda, serving a "new beach cuisine" for lunch and dinner, and a killer Sunday Brunch (in season). The Casa's newest addition is the Penthouse Lounge and Restaurant. Sitting on top of the north wing with an outdoors covered deck, the Penthouse has some excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the boardwalk, and is becoming a favorite happy hour destination. Even if you don't stay at the Casa Marina, you gotta check it out!

If you want to be where the action is, the Best Western is smack dab in the middle of it. One of the smaller hotels in Jax Beach, its oceanfront rooms all have balconies right above the Boardwalk. A great ocean view and a great place for people watching! Being in the middle of the Strip, you can park your car inside their ground floor garage and walk to all the great restaurants, clubs, and shops that JB has to offer. High speed Internet access, an outdoor swimming pool, and whirlpool tub rooms are also available.

Located oceanfront on the southern end of the Seawalk Pavilion, the Quality Suites is the newest hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Their pool is on the south side nestled between the hotel and the lifeguard station (no drowning here), and across the street is the ever popular Sneakers Sports Bar. All of the 72 rooms are 2 room suites with oceanfront balconies, and some of them are whirlpool suites. High speed Internet and a business center make this upscale Jacksonville hotel a favorite of corporate travelers.

For business or pleasure, if you're looking for some great Jacksonville hotels, Jacksonville Beach is the place to be. Conveniently located, Jacksonville Beach hotels will make your stay in Jacksonville fun and memorable. Find out why Jax Beach is oceanfront lodging at it's best!Jacksonville native Michael Talbert lives, works, and plays in Jax Beach. A web developer by profession, visit Mike's hometown at http://JaxBeach-Pier.com

Hotels in UK

Hotels in UK Great Britain exhilarates and intimidates, stimulates and irritates in equal measure, a grubby Monopoly board studded with stellar sights. The four counties of UK--England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales-- are popular tourist destinations. London, capital city of England, is one of the world's biggest and best cities, with the River Thames running through the city. There are many tourist attractions in London such as, Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the famous Clock Tower, houses 'Big Ben', and the London Eye! Further, there are thousands of fascinating places in Ireland to visit from the stunning beauty of the lakes of Killarney to the mysterious tomb at Newgrange and the 5,000-year-old Ceide Fields at Ballycastle, Co. Mayo, one of Europe's earliest habitations. Enjoy a blend of garden city charm, museums, and other famous landmarks of Scotland. Visit Brecon Beacons National Park in Wales and see lush green open-lands and moor land interlaced with its unique history, geology, flora and fauna. In fact, UK is a fascinating kaleidoscope of colorful festivals, friendly people, customs, art and culture. So, Strap yourself for a uniquely UK experience and stay in comfortable hotels in UK.

SEO Expert working with Binary Semantics Ltd.,India

Pet Friendly Hotels

If your travel companion happens to have fur, or walk on four paws instead of feet, then you will probably need to locate a few pet friendly hotels for your travels. Most hotels will not allow you to bring your four legged friend in for a nights stay, so its important to call ahead to any hotel you plan on staying in to make sure that except pets as well as people.

You can find pet friendly hotels in almost any area, and at almost any price range. Pet friendly hotels are typically just like your normal hotels. You can visit a bed and breakfast, or a spa; all with your cat or dog right there beside you. Since pet friendly hotels are a rarity, the will often book up a little quicker than other similar hotels will. For that reason it's important to call ahead and book your room early if you know you will be traveling with your pet, and be in need of accommodations. Particularly if you are traveling to a cat or dog show in a particular area, the rooms will book up exceptionally quickly in a pet friendly hotel, so you will want to be sure to secure yours before they are all gone.

In many pet friendly hotels the hotel will set aside certain rooms of the hotel specifically for use by pet owners. By setting aside a room specifically for pet owners, they allow other hotel guest to be able to spend their stay in the hotel in a room free from pet dander, as well as the hassle of running into, or hearing other people's pets. For dogs, many pet friendly hotels will sometimes have a special place for you to take your dog outside to relieve him or herself, occasionally the better pet friendly hotels will have some sort of dog park or recreation area as well where you dog can have the opportunity to get some exercise and socialize with the other dogs who are also staying in the hotel.

Hotels that are not only pet friendly, but also those that have the pets in mind with things such as recreation areas and pet friendly dining are usually some of the best to take your pet to. In these situations you pet is often invited to do everything that you are in the hotel, and the hotel sometimes s will offer addition activities for the pets as well, such as a dog day camp that can allow you to go out on the town and have fun, while leaving your dog behind having fun as well.

In most cases be prepared to pay a little extra for your pet to stay in the hotel along with you. While pet friendly hotels do allow pets, most require some sort of supplement for the privilege of having your pet stay along with you in the same room. The supplement is usually not as expensive as having another person stay along with you, but it can get a little expensive depending on the hotel that you select.

Before traveling to any pet friendly hotel do your research. Talk to friends who also travel with their pets that have gone to the area and visit a hotel that they particularly enjoyed. Your friends are often your best resource in locating the very best places to visit. If you know you are traveling to a certain location and want to stay in a particular hotel then book your room as advance as you can. In most cases the earlier you book your room the less expensive it will be, and the better your chances of getting the room and location that you want. Booking your hotel room late or at the last minute could mean that all of the pet friendly hotels are booked up, and you will have to leave your pet at home.

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City guide to Oxford, including Oxford hotels

Introduction

Oxford is a city and local government district in Oxfordshire, England, with a population of 134,248 (2001 census). It is home to the University of Oxford, the oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is known as the "city of dreaming spires", a term coined by Matthew Arnold in reference to the harmonious architecture of the university buildings. The Oxford suburb of Cowley has a long history of carmaking, and still produces BMW MINIs.

History

Oxford was first occupied in Saxon times, and was initially known as "Oxenaforda". It began with the foundations of St Frideswide's nunnery in the 8th century. The University of Oxford is first mentioned in 12th century records. Oxford's earliest colleges were University College (1249), Balliol (1263) and Merton (1264).

During the English Civil War, Oxford housed the court of Charles I in 1642, after the king was expelled from London, although there was strong support in the town for the Parliamentarian cause. In the 19th century the controversy surrounding the Oxford Movement in the Anglican Church drew attention to the city as a focus of theological thought. Oxford's Town Hall was built by Henry T. Hare, the foundation stone was laid on 6 July 1893 and opened by the future King Edward VII on 12 May 1897. By the early 20th century Oxford was experiencing rapid industrial and population growth, with the printing and publishing industries becoming well established by the 1920s.

Places of Interests

Oxford has numerous major tourist attractions, many belonging to the university and colleges. As well as several famous institutions, the town centre is home to Carfax Tower and a historical themed ride, The Oxford Story. In the summer, punting on the Thames (sometimes called the Isis as it flows through Oxford) and the Cherwell is popular.

Other notable attractions include:

Christ Church Cathedral The Church of St Mary the Virgin (the University Church) Martyrs' Memorial Ashmolean Museum Pitt Rivers Museum Museum of Natural History Museum of the History of Science Science Oxford University buildings The University Parks The University Botanic Garden Cornmarket Street, Oxford Turl Street, Oxford Little Clarendon Street Oxford Covered Market Westgate Shopping Centre

Museums and Art Galleries

Oxford has a large number of museums and galleries open for public. Following are the world famous and a major tourist spot in Oxford:

Ashmolean Museum, Britain's oldest museum Pitt Rivers Museum Museum of Natural History, home of (the remains of) the Oxford Dodo Museum of the History of Science, in Britain's oldest purpose-built museum building Museum of Oxford Museum of Modern Art Science Oxford

Shopping

Golden Cross, an arcade of first-class shops and boutiques, lies between Cornmarket Street and the Covered Market. Parts of the colorful gallery date from the 12th century. Many buildings remain from the medieval era, along with some 15th- and 17th-century structures. The market also has a reputation as the Covent Garden of Oxford, with live entertainment on Saturday mornings in summer. In its way, Alice's Shop, played an important role in English literature, it functioned as a general store (selling brooms, hardware, and the like) during the period that Lewis Carroll, at the time a professor of mathematics at Christ Church College, was composing Alice in Wonderland. It is believed to have been the model for important settings within the book. Today, the place is a favorite stopover of Lewis Carroll fans from as far away as Japan, who gobble up commemorative pencils, chess sets, party favors, bookmarks, and in rare cases, original editions of some of Carroll's works. The Bodleian Library Shop, specializes in Oxford souvenirs, from books and paperweights to Oxford banners and coffee mugs. Castell & Son (The Varsity Shop), is the best outlet in Oxford for clothing emblazoned with the Oxford logo or heraldic symbol.

Food and Drink

Oxford offers European and Middle-East and Asian cuisine. Some of the restaurants are:

Cherwell Boathouse Restaurant Gee's Restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons Rosamund the Fair Al-Salam Browns.

Except these restaurants Oxford hosts some Traditional and historic pubs

The Eagle and Child The Turf Tavern The Lamb and Flag The Bear

Education

The University of Oxford, located in the city of Oxford, England, is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.

Events and organizations and institutes officially connected with the University include:

Worcester College, Backs of medieval cottages The Oxford Union Society The Oxford University Press, the world's oldest and largest university press The Bodleian Library Major Research Libraries (including the Sackler Library) Oxford University Department for Continuing Education The Taylor Institution The Oxford University Student Union Oxford University Newman Society -- Catholic speaker society The OICCU, the undergraduate Christian union The Oxford University Museum of Natural History (sometimes called The Oxford University Museum) The Pitt Rivers Museum The Ashmolean Museum The Bate Collection Oxford Botanic Garden and Harcourt Arboretum Oxford University Sports Federation Oxford University Boat Club The O'Reilly Theatre Moser Theatre Rothermere American Institute Said Business School The Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art Computing Laboratory Isis Innovation

Sports

Oxford City FC and Milton United FC among others are two famous football club and play regular club and league matches. Oxford Cavaliers Rugby League Club is the rugby club playing for Oxford city. Drayton Leisure Golf Driving Range is the golf course with 9 HOLE (PAR 3) COURSE and 6 HOLES FLOODLIT. As a city in UK it has a number of cricket teams and hosts tournaments like Bernard Tollett Oxfordshire Cup, National Cricket Club Championship, The Cricketer National Village Championship etc

Tours and Sightseeing

There are a number of tour operators in Oxford. The tourist information center is also very helpful to find out a way to enjoy the visit of Oxford.

Hotels and Accommodations

Accommodations in Oxford are limited, though recently, motels have sprouted on the outskirts -- good for those who want modern amenities. In addition, if you have a car, you may want to consider country houses or small B&Bs on the outskirts of town

Some of the notable hotels are:

Victoria House Hotel Cotswold Lodge Classic Hotel Westwood Country Hotel Ltd Holiday Inn Oxford The Oxford Hotel Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel Express by Holiday Inn Oxford Kassam Stadium The Bat & Ball Inn The Upper Reaches Abingdon Four Pillars Hotel Oxfordshire Inn Days Inn Hotel Oxford The Plough at Clifton Hampden Marlborough Arms Hotel The FEATHERS Macdonald Bear Hotel White Hart Hotel

Transport

Oxford is located some 50 miles (80 km) north west of London; the cities are linked by the M40 motorway, which also links northwards to Birmingham.

Rail connections include services to London (Paddington), Bournemouth, Worcester (via the Cotswold Line), and Bicester. The city also has regular train services northwards to Birmingham, Coventry and the north. The railway service connecting Oxford and Cambridge, known as the Varsity Line, was discontinued in 1968.

The Oxford Canal connects to the River Thames at Oxford.

Oxford Airport at Kidlington offers business and general aviation services.

Local bus services are largely provided by the Oxford Bus Company and Stagecoach South Midlands.

Biography

Name: Maria Williams Occupation: Traveller Website: www.sleepuk.com Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of discounted hotels to make your stay in the UK as comfortable as possible.