Malta Hotels Buzzed By Low Cost Jets

With Malta visitor numbers static in recent years and facing new competiton from former Eastern Bloc countries offering cheap holidays, the recent announcement by the Maltese government that negotiations were at an advanced stage with two low cost airlines has sparked hopes that the island will see a rise in tourists, much to the relief of some in the tourist industry worried about the future of Malta as a holiday destination.

Even before the new carriers to the island land the existing airlines have been offering return flights at prices seemingly much lower than in the past to try and hold on to their share of the market.

According to one local travel guide the airline negotiations have been tempered with the need for the island's government to see that the national carrier, Air Malta, isn't damaged as it is one of Malta's major employers.

Traditionally the UK has been Malta's biggest market for incoming tourists, often making up over half of the island's visitors in any given year, but some on the island see even this market as under threat. And property buyers from the UK have accounted for seventy per cent of Malta property sales to overseas buyers in recent years, settling in Valletta, Sliema, St Paul's, Mellieha, St Julian's and Qawra.

A good number of UK visitors and property buyers for Malta in recent years have been ex-forces who served for the British during WW2 when Malta held out against Hitler's Luftwaffe, and then in peacetime through to 1979 when the last of the British military left the island, and have returned for holidays.

But with the inevitability of this market declining a new breed of Malta's holiday and hotel entrepreneurs see Malta's future as less dependent on the UK tourist, and being more cosmopolitan in her outlook.

Declining Market and New Opportunities

Malta property companies say they have noticed more buyers making enquiries from other countries over the last year. In particular they say they have been receiving enquiries from France, Italy and Germany.

The UK remains the foundation for overseas property buyers considering buying property in Malta, but the overall percentage is reducing as more and more people in mainland Europe have visited Malta, and liked it so much they want to either move to the island full time or buy a holiday home.

The arrival of low cost flights to Malta though could reignite British interest as three and four day breaks a few times a year becomes financially viable. If the airlines fly to destinations in Europe too the number of buyers for Malta property could rise in the immediate and medium term.

For Malta's tourist industry three and four day visitors in increased numbers will be a welcome boost. There is discussion on the island about extending club's opening hours beyond the current 4am.

Clubbers in the UK are used to 6am closing, and might be deterred from making a weekend trip with a three hour flight only to find shorter hours available for partying.

There are new opportunities for Malta, and it's for the island to decide whether to embrace them and gain a new generation of visitors - or ignore them and lose an asset for the economy.

Malta has a lot to offer the visitor apart from being a Mediterranean holiday island. Malta has a rich culture and history, and can easily appeal to all generations from toddlers to pensioners. More Italians and other nationalities are discovering Malta as a destination. Malta will become more cosmopolitan. And while some of the older more conservative residents are likely to be against a younger and more diverse mix of visitors from what they have been used to and see change as something to be afraid of, we believe the island will embrace the more cosmopolitan feel, while retaining the features that make Malta a unique visit among her Mediterranean island neighbours.

For holidays in for Malta , the weather, a map, real estate and property, car hire, villa holiday, flights, hotels in Malta including the Qawra Palace, Palm Court and others http://www.yourmalta.com

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

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.

Historic Hotels in Barcelona

Among the many sights and tastes and sounds of the city of Barcelona in Spain, there are some luxurious historical hotels to compliment your stay. Your tour of Barcelona does not have to stop at the steps of your hotel. A historical hotel could make your vacation more complete.

Barcelona has been dubbed La Gran Encisera - the Great Enchantress. With its medieval romantic style, it's hustle and bustle and the history and art; it's a great destination spot for travelers.

Many of the historic hotels are located in the Gothic Quarter, a stretch of streets with a romantic gothic style, making the hotels' locations convenient to sight seeing areas.

Tip to a Better Rate in a Historic Hotel in Barcelona

If you find yourself in Barcelona in a time that it is not busy and your hotel is not so full, you can usually bargain for a better rate. Business travelers can often get up to forty percent off the suggested price. Talk with the hotel attendants; don't be afraid to ask for a discount.

Suggested Historic Hotels in Barcelona

While there are many beautiful historic hotels in Barcelona, one of the most convenient ones is the Hotels Condes De Barcelona. With over 150 guest rooms, each with an avant-garde style, the hotel is uniquely situated in a historic Nouveau building. The artistic beauty is astounding and each piece inside the hotel is customized specifically for the hotel. Located in the center of the city, it offers the convenience of public transportation for guests and is within walking distance to some of the city's most popular destinations.

Another grand hotel is the Hotel Gotico. The deluxe hotel is a short distance from El Prat Airport, it is located in the heart of the city center and the Town Hall and the Palice of Autonomic Government. With it's location right in the middle of the commercial district, a traveler will find everything they could want to see near by. With renovated soundproofed rooms, you'll get a good night of sleep and the history of the hotel will keep the adventure of visiting Barcelona alive. Ask for a complimentary tour or ask about suggestions of sights to see in the city. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

For a moderate priced hotel, the Mes?n Castilla offers a Castilian fascia. For the best atmosphere this small hotel offers a convenient position to shops. It offers attractive views of the city and modest sized rooms. Its antique filled interior offers a history of its own.

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Barcelona

When you travel to Barcelona, picking the right hotel for you may be important. If you are going to be in Barcelona for a short while, it would be better to select one that is closer to the areas of the city you plan to see. Having your hotel closer to your sightseeing destinations makes it convenient to get there and back from your hotel.

If you plan to stay longer and see much more of Barcelona, you might consider reservations at two hotels, one on one side of the city for the first part of your trip and another hotel on the latter part and on the other side of the city. This lets you enjoy two different hotels within the tourist areas of Barcelona, making it even more enjoyable. For more historic hotel suggestions, contact your travel agent or visit Turisme de Barcelona.Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Barcelona visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/ES--Barcelona

Hilton Hotels Tuck You In In Phoenix

In the World War II flying epic "Flight of the Phoenix," filmed in the 1950's, stars Jimmy Stewart and Ernest Borgnine resurrect their Sahra desert crashed aircraft just like the mythical bird, the Phoenix that rises from the ashes, to fly again.

In the World War II flying epic "Flight of the Phoenix," filmed in the 1950's, stars Jimmy Stewart and Ernest Borgnine resurrect their Sahra desert crashed aircraft just like the mythical bird, the Phoenix that rises from the ashes, to fly again.

Flying into Phoenix, Arizona, is an easy adventure for the leisure or business travel, far removed from the movies, and the Hiltons in the area have you covered - tucking you in whether in the country's sixth largest city for fun or profit.

The Spanish settled in the area in 1752, and today with over three million people in the Greater Phoenix area, spread out over 2,000 square miles, it is no bewilderment why Phoenix Magazine readers voted the Hilton Airport Phoenix the best hotel in town, and often rated one of the best business hotels in the country; the hotel offers a free fitness and business center, and you down have to run to the airport with the free shuttle to your flight out of Sky Harbor Airport, (www.phxskyharbor.com) serving 36 million passengers annually. (Airport parking Services are 602/683-3615; Ampco System 602/273-4545; info on airport construction and garage closures: 602/273-0954.) Sky Harbour is five minutes from downtown Phoenix and the Hilton airport facility is only 1.5 miles from the landing lights.

Phoenix means business and this regional center is home base for America West Airlines, and the hub for many others, including AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air Jamaica, Alaska Air, America West, America West Express (Mesa), American, American Trans Air, British Airways, Continental, Delta, Delta Connection (Skywest Airlines) Frontier, Lufthansa, Midwest Express, Northwest, Scenic Air (Grand Canyon Flights), Shuttle by United, Southwest, Sun Country, United and USAirways.

You, and the Phoenix Hiltons are in the American portion of the Sonoran Desert, stretching all the way down into northern Mexico. Living in the desert means Phoenix, at an elevation of 1, 117 feet, only gets an average rainfall of 7.66 inches per year, with an annual high mean temperatures of 85 degree with 300 annual days of sunshine.

If the Airport Hilton is voted one of the best hotels in town, the town itself was selected the "Best Run City in the World," by the Carl Bertelsmann Foundation, and the Best Managed City by Governing Magazine. Inc. Magazine judges Phoenix the best spot to start and operate a business. All the area and suburb Hiltons host business meetings for executive from around the world. One of the top management schools in the world, Thunderbird School of Management, also shares it's campus here.

The Metro Phoenix area has over 26,000 hotel rooms, with none outmatching the Pointe Hilton resorts Tapotio Cliffs and Squaw Peak. Squaw Peak was the first all suite resort in the United States. Tapotio is built reminiscent of a Tuscan, Italy hill town. Hilton also offers the Hilton Suites, also close to the airport, for business travelers needing a quiet, relaxing, but convenience home away from home for doing business in high tech and manufacturing, tourism and construction, the top Phoenix industries.

Suburbs of Phoenix include Tempe, Carefree, Cave Creek, Chandler, El Mirage, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Peoria, Sun City, and Taliesen (cliffs or brow in Scottish). Taliesen is the winter home of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

There are 190 golf courses for the snowbirds in Phoenix. The annual PGA Phoenix open is held here and the Standard Register Turquoise Classic LPGA and the Tradition Senior PGA make it their home as well. The Tapotio Cliffs and Squaw Peak share the facilities of the Hilton owned Lookout Mountain Golf Club, one of the top ranked courses in the country.

There are seven Major League Baseball teams - part of the Cactus League - offering spring training camps in the area: the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres, Milwaukee Brewers and Anaheim Angels. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox train in Tempe, a suburb.

And the trivia question of the day: Which Phoenix pitcher is the only pitcher ever to hurl a perfect game in the World Series? Answer - Don Larsen, in the late 1950's, pitching for the Phoenix Giants.

THE POINT HILTON TAPATIO CLIFFS

My favorite Hilton in Phoenix is the 583-room/suite resort Tapatio Cliffs, with a close second, its nearby colleague, The Pointes at Squaw Peak, sharing some management and staff services. The Tapatio Cliffs is a AAA 4 Diamonds, Mobil 4 Star Resort.

For business or pleasure, the Tapotio

Kriss Hammond, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com