Edinburgh City Guide, Including Edinburgh Hotels

Introduction:

Edinburgh is one of the most famous cities in the world. It is the fastest growing place on the planet and there are a lot of reasons as to why this festival city is one of the most sought-after places for tourists to visit. The city is abuzz with activities the whole year round, be it the fireworks and stranger-hugging frenzy of the world famous New Year ?Hogmanay? street party or the spell of arts shows that appear with delightful pomp during the ?Edinburgh Festival? in August.

This bohemian city is also home to one of Europe?s most dynamic and successful financial centres. For the last decade or so, Edinburgh has achieved with resounding success the status as one of the leading centres in the world for finance, education and business. It is second only to London as the most important financial centre in Britain. Edinburgh has four universities. The oldest, the University of Edinburgh, was established in 1583. The city of Edinburgh epitomises a land that appreciates culture, history, heritage, beauty and, of course, life. Tourists love to flock to the city in the summer for the period between July and September. They would simply refuse to leave Edinburgh during the world famous Edinburgh International Festival, when the city is showered with exciting cultural activity.

Places of interest:

Edinburgh castle: Every tourist worth his or her salt would essentially visit the famous Edinburgh castle, which is easily the most famous tourist attraction in the city. It was built on the core of an extinct volcano. Edinburgh Castle presently houses the Stone of Destiny, Mons Meg (massive 15th-century cannon) Scottish Crown Jewels, and the army headquarters of the Scottish Division. The view from the fortification provides a marvellous view of the city.

National Gallery of Scotland ? This world famous gallery houses the best art work, paintings and sculpture dating from the Renaissance to the 19th century. The works include craftsmanship of legends like Van Dyck, Tiepolo, Pisarro, Monet, C?zanne, Botticelli and Titian. You can also visit the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, located nearby.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: This gallery was inaugurated in 1960 and then relocated to a new location which is presently called the William Burn building, west of the city centre, in 1984. The gallery has paintings by 20th century masters like Lucien Freud and Adrian Wiszniewski. Also worth visiting is the Dean Gallery which has a large collection of works by sculptor Eduardo Palazzo and Picasso.

Our Dynamic Earth: This is one exciting venture for the tourists as well as the natives alike. You can travel back in time with the help of special effects and state of the art technology and see how the earth evolved, and you could witness volcanic eruptions, tropical rainforest etc. A visit to the Dynamic Earth would last for 90 minutes.

Things to do:

Public Transport: There is a transport system called Traveline which provides information on all bus, coach and train routes within the city. People largely use the bus services in the city. The bus service flows fairly freely 0600-2400, after which the night bus service comes into operation.

The taxis are black hackney cabs and are a convenient mode of transport after the buses. Rates are expensive at about ?1.80 per kilometre (?2.30 per mile). A tip of 10% is also usual given to the cabbie. The city wears a congested look during the peak hours, so the visitors are advised to walk, cycle or utilize the public transport.

Eating: The restaurants could be divided into five types: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines for the tourist or the visitor of the restaurant to know the kind of food and prices he would be offered. The Restaurant prices generally comprise of VAT, which is presently 17.5%, although, they, do not include a tip or service charge.

Shopping: Edinburgh has the best that has to be with relation to shopping ? department stores, friendly little boutiques, the traditional, the upmarket, the nostalgic and the unexpected. The main shopping area in Edinburgh is Princes Street, an architectural wonder of chain stores, department stores and shopping establishments. Filled with hustle-bustle of activity a certain section of people would prefer the calmer George Street which though expensive, caters to an exclusive crowd.

Nightlife: Nightlife is abuzz in various areas of the city George Street in the New Town, the High Street area of the Old Town, the university sector and the Grassmarket are some of the popular haunts. Broughton Street is filled with a ?mixed? clientele, while the seaside quarter of Leith is a favourite with the youthful crowd.

Events: There is no need to mention about Edinburgh being the heart of Scottish culture, during the annual Edinburgh International Festival. Come August, and the world has its eyes directed towards the city. The DanceBase and the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company is famous for plays, dances and other theatrical events.

Food & Drink:

The Atrium: This is famous for sophisticated and tastiest of Scottish cuisine with a French flavour. The honey roasted quail with stronoway black pudding is quite a favourite here.

Le Caf? St.Honore: you get the tastiest traditional French food here. The ?apr?s-cinq? fixed menu, served between 1700 and 1845, is of good value with dishes which include venison wild berries and mushrooms.

The Witchery by the Castle: Situated in a medieval building next to the castle, you can relieve the opulence of dining in a castle with an awesome ambience with luxurious patterns and fanlight windows to name a few. You can feed among the Aberdeen Angus beef and tempting sea-food among the other culinary delights.

Britannia Spice: This has an Asian flavour to its dishes. Situated in Leith, this restaurant has the best Indian and Sri-lankan delicacies like roast aubergine masala and mach torkari.

Stac Polly: This serves modern Scottish food which has a distinct aroma of home made delicacy.

Hotels & Accommodation:

The hotels and accommodation prices usually comprise of VAT which is currently 17.5 of the regular prices. There could be some exceptions where VAT may be quoted separately. Most of the accommodations are quite hospitable for the tourists with roomy, spacious and bright interiors which could give the overview of the city.

Here are a selection of hotels in Edinburgh:

Linton Court
The George Hotel
Christopher North House Hotel
Ramada Mount Royal
Herald House Hotel
Royal Ettrick Hotel
Best Western Bruntsfield Hotel
Mardale Guest House
Cruachan Guest House
Averon
Hawthorne House
Channings
Corstorphine Lodge Hotel
Glenora Hotel
Greens Hotel
Murrayfield Hotel & Lodge
Eglinton Hotel
Dunstane House Hotel
Ellersly House Hotel
Boreland Lodge Hotel
The Learmonth Hotel
Carlton Hotel
Best Western Braid Hills Hotel
Harvest Guest House
The Parliament House Hotel
Holyrood ApartHotel
Best Western Edinburgh Capital Hotel
The Corstorphine House
Macdonald Holyrood Hotel
The Osbourne Hotel
Royal Scots Club
Old Waverley Hotel
Royal British Hotel
Lyncliff Hotel
Bank Hotel
Royal Terrace Hotel
The Broughton Hotel
The Knight Residence
Royal Garden Apartments
Ben Craig House
Gifford House
Kingsway Guest House
The Ben Doran
Southside Guest House
Macdonald Houstoun House
Frederick House Hotel
Links Hotel & Bar
Tailors Hall Hotel
Express by Holiday Inn Edinburgh Waterfront
Menzies Belford Hotel
Cairn Hotel
Hanover Hotel
Merith House Hotel
The Macdonald Roxburghe Hotel
Malmaison Edinburgh
The Scotsman Hotel
International Guest House
Best Western Edinburgh City Hotel
Orwell Lodge Hotel
Thistle Edinburgh
The Glasshouse, Edinburgh's Boutique Hotel
The Chester Residence
Novotel Edinburgh Centre
Thrums Hotel
Maple Leaf Guest House
Royal Mile Residence
Express by Holiday Inn Edinburgh City Centre
Walton Hotel
Apex City Hotel
Apex European Hotel
Apex International Hotel
Point Hotel
Tron Apartments-Royal Mile
Maple Leaf Apartments
Northumberland Hotel
Park View House Hotel
St Andrews House
Number Ten
Castle Apartments
Grassmarket Hotel
Dreamhouse Seviced Apartments, Edinburgh
Haymarket Hotel
Scottish Apartments

Entertainment:

The Film House, the Cameo Cinema and the Odeon are some of the best movie houses in the city. Edinburgh itself as a place is quite picturesque for movie shoots. Also, the International Edinburgh which takes place for three weeks towards the end of summer is also quite famous and has tremendous entertainment value.

No matter how busy Edinburgh gets, there are still a peaceful retreat?s to be found such as the green oasis of parkland with its own botanical garden. There is truly something of interest for every tourist here. Without doubt, the city of Edinburgh is truly a site to behold for the visitor.

This Article may be freely copied as long as it is not modified and this resource box accompanies the article, together with working hyperlinks.

Name: Maria Williams - Website: http://www.sleepuk.com - Biography: Maria writes for Sleep UK - providers of cheap uk hotels

Florida Attracts UK Holiday Makers To Property Investments- Condo Hotels

Florida investment property attracting UK holiday makers

Those who travel to Florida for a holiday from the UK are wasting well earned pounds on holiday homes and hotels rooms. The regular Florida holidaymaker is now realising that they should consider becoming a Florida home owner and have access to their very own holiday accommodation. UK home owners tend to be cash rich from retirement and the spoils of the generous UK property market. Sensible investment in Florida property can make investing in Florida real estate very profitable.

Buy a hotel

Instead of paying to stay in a luxury hotel with all the facilities you would wish for, why not buy one!Florida property investors are showing the overseas property investor a new way to make this dream come true. This dream is turned unto a reality via the condo hotel concept.

About Florida property investments and the Condo Hotels concept.

Property developers and Florida property investors can both benefit from the condo hotel concept. The arrangement provides a real estate investment for owners and gives hoteliers an increasingly popular vehicle for financing hotel projects. Property investors typically purchase an apartment being built in a prestigious hotel development. These apartments or condos can be fully fitted with furniture and all the trappings of a luxury apartment. The apartments are then managed by a hotel management group who will work to fill your hotel condo. The money raised from each hotel booking forms part of your income. The management company will expect to be paid for their service however in most cases investors are set to benefit from the arrangement. This type of investment property in Florida is going to make the property desirable and where there is demand their is capital growth.

This concept makes the location essential

The very fact that property investors buy hotel accommodation means that a good location is essential. Florida is ideal because of its many attractions. State of Florida.com provides the following information: ?Florida tourism is increasing - with 76.8 million visitors in 2004 (a record number), Florida is the top travel destination in the world. The tourism industry has an economic impact of $57 billion on Florida?s economy? Florida is an ideal location for overseas property investors and very suitable for condo hotel opportunities. Some of the attractions the huge attractions in Orlando and central Florida include

Armchair investors get out of that seat

The condo hotel is ideal for the armchair investor. Investing in Florida busy tourists area is sure to make for a relaxing but profitable investment. UK repeat visitors to Florida are starting to learn its better to own than let thier holiday accommodation.

Nicholas Marr is life time property investor and director of Marr international Ltd. His UK based company markets real estate on behalf of sellers worldwide. His company runs http://www.homesgofast.com one of the fastest growing overseas property websites in Europe.property http://www.homesgofast.com/United_States/Florida_real_estate.php

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

Historical Hotels in Prague, Czech Republic

The history of Prague is reflected in its hotels. The city dating back to the 9th Century, has been historically, and is today, a crossroads between ancient and modern worlds. It's a city that has throughout its existence continually reinvented itself. As a result, Prague offers an array of historical hotels representing each of its bygone eras.

Historical Sites Reinvented Into Hotels Many of Prague's hotels were once historical sites that have been refurbished to meet the increasing needs of international travelers. For example, a 14th Century building, dating from the time of Bohemian King, Charles IV, is now the Iron Gate Hotel Prague.

Another example is the Castle Steps Hotel that is actually three separate 16th Century buildings that set at the foot of the ancient Hradcany Castle. Especially interesting is the Pension U svateho Jana (Hotel on the Saint Johns) that is a former monastery and a historical monument that is now the Waldstein Annexe Hotel.

These hotels have been renovated to meet current need, but reflect the rich history of the area. From the time of the original Bohemians throughout the history of Prussian, German and Soviet Union occupation to the current day, a reshaping is constantly taking place in Prague that points the way to a new era. Historical sites being reinvented into hotels, is one way where the old world meets the new.

Late Nineteenth Century and Early Twentieth Century Hotels Built during a time of increased travel to Prague, a number of hotels from this era reflect the Art Nouveau architectural style, then popular throughout Europe. With the coming of a new century, the city had reinvented itself again into a worldlier destination.

For example, in 1906, it was common to find European politicians meeting at the Hotel Palace Praha. By 1920, travelers could enjoy ultra modern facilities, including a casino, at the Ambassador Zlata Husa.

All of Prague's historical hotels of this time, although reserved for the elite, were a response to the needs of a more sophisticated European traveler that demanded great luxuries. Sadly, this era ended with the coming of Communist occupation from 1918 until 1989. Today, many of these hotels, have been renovated and restored to their original glory.

Historical Prague Prague is in a picturesque river valley that surrounds the Vltava River. Many ancient bridges connect the east and west banks of the river and provide valuable links for maneuvering about the city. Old Town Prague originates back to the 13th Century while New Town developed in the 14th Century.

Hradcany Castle, previously mentioned, was built in the late 9th Century. Historically, it was the residence of kings but now houses offices and is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. Another way the old is preserved while room is made for the new.

Prague is known for the various architectural styles contributed by each culture and era that has influenced it. It's known as an intersection in Central Europe where East meets West. Where innovation takes its shape from the foundation of the ancient.

Historical Hotels - 21st Century View As many historic buildings have been turned into hotels and an array of century-old hotels have been remodeled in Prague, it's interesting to note what shape newly built hotels are taking. Today, the contemporary architectural styles of these hotels beckon back to the past. Many of these hotels are lovely 19th Century-type structures with all the amenities. What else could be expected from versatile Prague.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Amsterdam visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/CZ--Prague

Book Cheap Flights, Hotels And Arrange Weddings In India!

By Annie Jones
December 17, 2005

Located just a short drive from the capital city of New Delhi and close to Agra (home to the Taj Mahal), the royal city of Jaipur (also known as 'The Pink City' due to the predominant colour of its buildings), is well established as one of the most romantic places on earth to get married. From the rich history of its palaces to the gorgeous landscaped gardens of the luxury hotels to the serenity of the floating palace on Ramgarh Lake...everywhere you look there is pink...the colour of romance.

Jaipur is the throbbing, vibrant capital city of the colourful state of Rajasthan where the regal ambience of yesteryear is still felt throughout the city's numerous carved arches and once-bejewelled fortress walls. Enter this mystical city through a narrow, cobbled street where street vendors selling everything from sweetmeats to silver trinkets and leather slippers call out to passing trade. Pass the huge hill on the right with its stunning royal residence where decorated elephants obediently transport delighted tourists to the top for its amazing vistas of the city spread out below. Follow the winding road until you begin to see the glittering lights of the city's numerous palaces begin to emerge on the left hand side across the glistening waters of the Ramgarh Lake. Stop to take pictures or simply gaze in stunned silence at the beauty of the floating palace of Ramgarh - perfectly illuminated by golden lights strategically placed on all four corners of the palace.

And then comes the main city...surprisingly wide, clean roads with some of the most well known brand names dotted on each side...from the newly opened Hilton Trident to the Sheraton and Le Meridien...you will find a massive choice of premium accommodation in Jaipur. Each hotel has retained the city's former glory and royal demeanour and the service excels itself. Just remember to book your stay well in advance to avoid disappointment, as it is busy year round in this city of royal romance. Some of the most highly recommended hotels to stay in whilst visiting Jaipur include the Taj Group's Rambagh Palace and the Jai Mahal Palace Hotel. The opulence of both hotels will literally take your breath away and many a wedding takes place in the perfectly landscaped grounds of these hotels with their backdrop of lush palms and fountains.

A quick tip: whether staying at the Rambagh Palace or not, do take time to enjoy the delicious al-fresco breakfast buffet where the smart Jodhpur & waistcoat clad staff will treat you like royalty. With eggs made to order and succulent sausages and bacon following plates of the freshest, sweetest fruits, the plump muffins and Danish pastries are hard to refuse especially when accompanied with a choice of teas, coffee and piping hot chocolate. And all served in the finest china and silver.

Drive further down the main boulevards of Jaipur city and you come to a set of intricately carved arches, which divide the Old City from the New City. Once through the arches, your senses are immediately assaulted by the noisy onslaught of rickshaws, buffalo carts, taxis, bicycles, scooters, elephants and cars all jostling for space on the same road. Whistle blowing policemen, horn blowing cars, mooing cows and convincing street peddlars create a melodious harmony of ethnic sounds, which to the first time visitor to Jaipur, can be quite startling!

In addition to booking your flights and accommodation, we can also arrange:
Meet & Greet at Airport
Assistance of a Wedding Planner
Wedding Day schedule
A beauty treatment for the bride (manicure /pedicure /hair styling etc)
A professional wedding photographer to record memories of your special day
Assistance with all legal paperwork
Appointment at the Registrar's Office the day before the Wedding

With the romantic hues of pink all round you, this romantic city of Jaipur never fails to satisfy all your touristic senses. It is no wonder then that Jaipur has fast become one of the most popular places on earth in which to tie the knot? Yes, more and more couples are choosing to get married Maharajah-style at one of the opulent palaces in a style reminiscent of the British Raj. For more information on wedding & holiday packages to Jaipur, check out www.ticketstoindia.co.uk for great deals on air fares and discounted hotel rates. Do not even try and book a hotel in Jaipur directly yourself...unless you have just won the lottery! Prices are sky high and it is only through a specialist tour operator like Tickets To India that you can be assured of excellent quality combined with low prices.

Plan your wedding in the romantic pink city of Jaipur. Log on to www.ticketstoindia.co.uk and get connected to your very own Wedding Planner who will take you through all the options available to make your special day all that more special!

Annie Jones writes about "Weddings In India". Get more information about Indian Weddings and Cheap Flights To India at "www.ticketstoindia.co.uk"

Hotels Hotels Hotels...which one do I choose!

Hotels Hotels Hotels...which one do I choose!

 by: Mike Yeager

Hotels in Las Vegas furnish a guest with the excitement, amenities and appeal of this wonderful destination. Everyone has heard of Circus Circus. Its appealing restaurants, theme parks, shops, gaming and the world's greatest circus acts guarantees good fun for everyone. Best of all, it continues to be the value leader on the Las Vegas Strip. The possibilities are unlimited in where to stay, when you play in Las Vegas! Some things to consider when selecting a hotel are its amenities, restaurants, attractions and more. Check out the casinos for games, dining and entertainment.

Hotels like Hilton have the hottest entertainment acts performing nightly. From the nightclub center stage to the world famous theater, only the top acts in show business perform on stage at the Las Vegas Hilton. It has spacious accommodations, which provides you a homey atmosphere and makes you feel like a pampered guest. Heck, you can even enjoy yourself in cheap hotels or discount hotels.

Hotel Marriot ----What I really liked about the room was the huge Jacuzzi tub that you could lay down in. That is ultimate pleasure! There are several restaurants presently at the JW Marriott. The pool is one of the best features at the JW Marriott. It offers a serene environment to host board meetings or romantic weddings, receptions and social affairs. Wedding parties have the opportunity to select a venue sited for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid's brunches or evening parties when staying at the Marriott.

Mike Yeager

Publisher

http://www.a1-vacations-4u.com/

mjy610@hotmail.com