accommodationplus.com.au

Changes to QANTAS baggage handling risk to smooth travel

matt — Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:07:38 +0000

Qantas baggage rule changes in accordance with new Oneworld policy
Kim Culyer, Escape
July 18, 2016 1:53pm

ONEWORLD CHECK-IN CHANGES

Can I still through-check my bags to my final destination when I fly on Qantas?

DOC: The way Qantas interlines (through-checks) your baggage with other carriers is changing from September 1.

Before this change, Qantas would through-check baggage to your final destination if you were travelling on a Oneworld alliance member, regardless of whether you had two separate tickets or bookings.

From September 1, if your travel plans are not all on the one booking and one ticket, your baggage may not be checked right through to your final destination. This means you will need to claim your baggage at your transit points, clear customs and immigration, then queue and check in again.

This is due to a decision by Oneworld, whereby the 15 member airlines of the group are no longer required to guarantee this through-check process. Other airlines affected include British Airways, Cathay Pacific and American Airlines.
New luggage rules will apply to Qantas passengers from September 1. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty

These other members can still offer a through-check baggage service on separately booked tickets if they choose, but must guarantee it if your tickets are in the one PNR (booking).

If your flights are on a single ticket in the one PNR, or you are on Qantas flights all the way through, then the through-check process will continue as is.

There will be downsides to this new policy, and the first and possibly the most inconvenient issue I can foresee in this instance is delayed aircraft and missed connections.

There will be extra passengers in the snaking queues of immigration and customs, instead of making their way to airport lounges and transit areas.

There will be wait times for bags from the first carrier, passengers will then have to find the next check-in counter or even worse, change terminals. This, unfortunately, could lead to the traveller not being protected in the case of a misconnection or delayed flight.

Passengers will need to be vigilant and check visa requirements for the countries they are transiting. You will also need to check the minimum connection time for each airport you are passing through.

A travel agent will be well versed in these requirements and may also be able to add multiple sectors on multiple airlines into the same booking in some circumstances, resulting in the issue of one ticket.

Trans Atlantic cruise just EUR159

matt — Sun, 13 Mar 2016 08:08:58 +0000

Cruise Map

A very unique deal…
Sail on a 14-day All Inclusive cruise from Colon, Panama to Lisbon, Portugal for only EUR159/USD$334 per person.

This a fabulous price if you need to cross the Atlantic and have no time constraints.

See this site – you will need to use Google translate.

Accommodation Plus – New Hotels January 28

matt — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 06:14:25 +0000

Please find listed below new and updated hotels that are available for booking right now!

ibis budget Auckland Central, Auckland, New Zealand
Centrally located in Auckland CBD (Central Business District), ibis budget Auckland Central offers m…

Alexandras on Takalvan, Bundaberg, Australia
Just 300 metres walk from Bundaberg Base Hospital and Bundaberg Mater Hospital, Alexandras on Takalv…

Kohara Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand
Featuring views over the Shotover River to Coronet Peak, this award-winning stand-alone house, set i…

Castaways Backpackers Cairns, Cairns, Australia
Enjoy free Wi-Fi and access to a swimming pool and a communal kitchen at Castaways Backpackers Cairn…

Te Puni Village, Wellington, New Zealand
Featuring free continental breakfast and a guest lounge with views of Wellington Harbour, Te Puni Vi…

Ghost Hill Road, Bilpin, Australia
Set on 20 acres of bush land, Ghost Hill Road offers self-contained cottages with a fireplace and a …

Distinction Whangarei Hotel & Conference Centre, Whangarei, New Zealand
Boasting an indoor pool, fitness centre, sauna and a hot tub, Distinction Hotel Whangarei is located…

Aquawaters Holiday House, Dromana, Australia
Just a 1-minute walk from the beautiful Dromana Beach, Aquawaters is a 4-bedroom, 3 bathroom house f…

Central Taupo 3 Bed Apartment, Taupo, New Zealand
Set in Taupo, 24 km from Orakei Korako – The Hidden Valley, Central Taupo 3 Bed Apartment boasts an …

Ponsonby Holiday Apartment, Auckland, New Zealand
Situated 1.8 km from Eden Park Stadium in Auckland, this apartment features a balcony. Guests benefi…

Surf Chalet, Arrawarra, Australia
Set in the beautiful Arrawarra Headlands, Surf Chalet is a 4-bedroom holiday home boasting an outdoo…

Mahoe Motel, Bar ‘n Grill, Taumarunui, New Zealand
Offering a sun terrace and views of the mountains, Mahoe Motel, Bar ‘n Grill is situated in Taumarun…

Hotel Canobolas, Orange, Australia
Hotel Canobolas offers accommodation in the heart of Orange. It is 6-minutes’ drive to Duntryleague …

Pine Cottage, Nelson Bay, Australia
Pine Cottage is a detached holiday home is set in Nelson Bay and is 41 km from Newcastle. The air-co…

Accommodation Plus – New Hotels

matt — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 06:22:49 +0000

Please find listed below new and updated hotels that are available for booking right now! A great range of accommodation styles

Roma On Riccarton Motel, Christchurch, New Zealand
The Roma on Riccarton offers luxury motel accommodation, close to Christchurch Railway Station and H…

Barney Beach Accommodation Centre, Gladstone, Australia
Barney Beach Accommodation Centre offers award-winning waterfront units a 10-minute walk from the ce…

Adrian Motel, Dunedin, New Zealand
Adrian Motel is located in Dunedin, only 300 metres from St. Kilda Beach. The motel features barbecu…

Augusta Courtyard Motel, Port Augusta, Australia
Conveniently located within 10 minutesâ walking distance to Port Augusta town centre, the Augusta …

Glebe Point YHA, Sydney, Australia
Located in the inner Sydney suburb of Glebe, YHA Glebe Point is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, ba…

Ridgemont Executive Motel, Townsville, Australia
Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi and a restaurant with lovely island views, Ridgemont …

Thistle Hill Guesthouse, Pokolbin, Australia
Set in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, Thistle Hill Guesthouse offers a peaceful escape …

Streaky Bay Hotel Motel, Streaky Bay, Australia
Located on the shores of Blanche Port Bay, Streaky Bay Hotel Motel features a bar and a restaurant w…

United Backpackers Port Douglas, Port Douglas, Australia
Boasting a saltwater pool, a bar and a poolside cinema, United Backpackers Port Douglas is within a …

Golfers Lodge Motel, Corowa, Australia
Set on 2 acres of lovely gardens and manicured lawns, Golfers Lodge Motel offers a saltwater swimmin…

Bundanoon Country Inn Motel, Bundanoon, Australia
Surrounded by 2.5 acres of lovely gardens, Bundanoon Country Inn Motel boasts a tennis court and a g…

Glengala Hotel, Sunshine, Australia
Glengala Hotel offers accommodation in Sunshine. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant. Every roo…

Freycinet Beach Apartments, Coles Bay, Australia
Boasting an idyllic beachfront location, Freycinet Beach Apartments offers stylish, self-contained a…

The Waterfront Apartments Geelong, Geelong, Australia
Situated in Geelong in the Victoria Region, 200 metres from Westfield Geelong, The Waterfront Apartm…

OZiHOUSE Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia
OZiHOUSE Collingwood is situated in Melbourne, 1.9 km from MCG Melbourne and 1.9 km from Melbourne M…

The Crossing Backpackers, Erua, New Zealand
Offering a barbecue and sun terrace, The Crossing Backpackers is located in Erua in the Waikato Regi…

4Shore – Rosebud Holiday Home, Rosebud, Australia
Situated in Rosebud, this air-conditioned holiday home features a barbecue. The property boasts view…

Keith Motor Inn, Keith, Australia
Keith Motor Inn offers accommodation in Keith. Every room includes a flat-screen TV. You will find …

SJ Hostel, Legana, Australia
Featuring free WiFi, SJ Hostel offers accommodation in Legana, 10 km from Launceston. Free private p…

Woodside Bay Cottage, Ostend, New Zealand
Situated in Ostend in the Waiheke Island Region, this detached holiday home is 28 km from Auckland. …

New Hotels, Resorts and Apartments

matt — Tue, 22 Dec 2015 06:36:37 +0000

Please find listed below new and updated hotels that are available for booking right now!

ASURE Highpark Motor Inn, Greymouth, New Zealand
Situated opposed the Aquatic Centre, this 4-star inn has self-contained apartments with free Wi-Fi. …

Amour Queenstown Luxury Accommodation, Queenstown, New Zealand
Offering free WiFi and free parking, Amour Queenstown Luxury Accommodation is set within 2.5 km of t…

Noosa Shores Resort, Noosa Heads, Australia
Set on the edge of Noosa River, this resort offers apartments with a private balcony or patio offeri…

Quest Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
Boasting a heated indoor pool, a hot tub and a fitness centre, Quest Newcastle is just 300 metres fr…

Comfort Resort Echuca Moama, Moama, Australia
Set on 3 acres of native gardens, Comfort Resort Echuca Moama offers 2 swimming pools, a tennis cour…

Allegro Apartments, Brisbane, Australia
Located in the heart of South Bank, Allegro Apartments offers self-contained accommodation with a ba…

New accommodations from B&Bs to boutique stays and even holiday parks

matt — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 06:30:15 +0000

Here we have a range of new accommodations from B&Bs to boutique stays and even holiday parks.
Browse or click through to our site and search by destination!

Union Victoria Motel, Rotorua, New Zealand
Located less than 1 km from Rotorua city centre, Union Victoria Motel offers rooms with heating and …

The Dove Cote, Tanunda, Australia
The Dove Cote features Federation architecture, located in the heart of Tanunda, Barossa Valley. Bui…

Te Puni Village, Wellington, New Zealand
Featuring free continental breakfast and a guest lounge with views of Wellington Harbour, Te Puni Vi…

Bright Highland Valley Cottages, Bright, Australia
Set on 1 acre of parklands, Bright Highland Valley Cottages boasts an outdoor pool and free WiFi. Gu…

Boutique Stays – Lalique, Brighton, Australia
Boasting stylish, luxury dÃ©cor, Lalique is a self-contained holiday apartment located just a 10-min…

Cottesloe Beach House II, Cottesloe, Australia
Cottesloe Beach House II offers spacious self-contained accommodation just 150 metres from South Cot…

Innistaigh Retreat, Landsborough, Australia
Situated in Landsborough, 50 km from Noosa Heads, Innistaigh Retreat features air-conditioned rooms …

Domain Apartment, Mount Gambier, Australia
Offering accommodation with air conditioning, Domain Apartment is located in Mount Gambier, 50 km fr…

Davey Place, Hobart, Australia
Set in the Hobart CBD district in Hobart, this air-conditioned apartment is 900 metres from Hobart C…

Pure Inn B&B, Hamilton, New Zealand
Offering a sun terrace and views of the garden, Lifestory is situated in Newstead in the Waikato Reg…

Seascape Holidays – 35 Ulysses Paradise, Port Douglas, Australia
Set in Port Douglas in the Queensland Region, this detached villa is 5 km from Marina Mirage. Guests…

Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park, Christchurch, New Zealand
Offering a barbecue and hot tub, Christchurch TOP 10 Holiday Park is situated in Christchurch in the…

Tasmania: A hidden Australian gem

matt — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 23:07:01 +0000

Summer is coming and the perfect time to visit this amazing place!

Australian travel is often heavily focused on the experiences you can find on the mainland, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you want to explore the bustling metropolis of Sydney or get a first hand look at the country’s famously diverse wildlife, the island state of Tasmania offers a unique experience of its own and there are several spots in particular that highlight the appeal of this often overlooked piece of Australia that provides a great alternative to an overseas trip when currency exchange rates are unappealing.

Salamanca Market
For more than 40 years, this thriving hub of activity has welcomed merchants from all across the island and certainly offers travelers a unique experience. The market is held each Saturday and vendors come prepared with anything you could possibly want. For instance, if you’re looking to pick up some fresh and affordable local produce, Salamanca is the place to be. Not only that, but merchants also come prepared with clothes, books and anything else you may wish to pick up as a memento of your travels. Even if you don’t walk away with anything, a stroll through the market will offer a glimpse into everyday life in Tasmania.

Port Arthur
Arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Tasmania, Port Arthur has a tumultuous past that makes it especially appealing to history buffs. The site was originally built during the 18th and 19th centuries and was used primarily as a penal colony. Though the prison closed more than 130 years ago, today its eerie past makes it a large draw.

It is especially well known as one of the most haunted spots in Australia, and guided tours can bring you to some of the supposedly spookiest areas.

Freycinet National Park
Like much of Australia, Tasmania has some of the most beautiful landscapes you’re likely to encounter during your travels, and nowhere is that more apparent than in Freycinet National Park. Located along the island’s east coast, this park is home to a number of natural highlights, including the well-known Wineglass Bay.

There are many ways to experience this picturesque piece of coastline, including hikes that last multiple days or those that take two hours. Whichever way you choose will be sure to impress.

Want to visit Tasmania but need places to stay? Book hotel and B&B accommodation in Tasmania

Also tours in Tassie

New hotels in Australia and new Zealand

matt — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 07:23:32 +0000

No matter if you are traveling Australia or NZ, we have rooms for you!

Please find listed below new and updated hotels that are available for booking right now!

Aquajet Motel, Coffs Harbour, Australia
Conveniently located off the Pacific Highway, Aquajet Motel offers modern accommodation with free Wi…

Cedar Court Motel, Napier, New Zealand
Cedar Court Motel is located on Napier’s Westshore, just 7 minutes’ drive from the city centre. All …

Sundance Park Motel, Tamworth, Australia
Sundance Park Motel is set on 6 acres of lawns and gardens in South Tamworth. It offers a unique gui…

Marlin Apartments, Whitianga, New Zealand
Set in a prime location on Buffalo Beach Road, Marlin Apartments features outstanding views over Mer…

22 Hallenstein Apartment (G2), Queenstown, New Zealand
Just 5 minutesâ walk from Lake Wakatipu, 22 Hallenstein Apartment offers modern self-contained acc…

Puritawa Estate, Waiongona, New Zealand
Set on 21 peaceful acres, Puritawa Estate boasts a 4-storey castle-like house with stylish rooms. Gu…

Amazing facts about the Sydney Opera House

matt — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 23:04:37 +0000

The Sydney Opera House is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century. The world famous building sits astride the Sydney Harbour, and is a major draw for tourists and travelers every year. This iconic landmark makes an impressive spectacle, whether you’re taking in a show or simply admiring the building itself. While you’re planning your Australia travel experience, take a few minutes to brush up on some of the building’s history, which is as interesting as the hall itself.

It’s really, really big
You may recognize that the Sydney Opera House is a truly massive architectural undertaking, but you might not realize just how big it is. According to the Telegraph, the building occupies a site that is so enormous that eight Boeing 747 jets could park wing-to-wing. It’s iconic roof sails, by far the venue’s most recognizable feature, reaches 67-220 feet – above the ocean, the same height as a 22-story building. And it’s not just big on the outside, either. All told, the building houses 1,000 rooms, including multiple concert halls, three restaurants and several cafes and bars.

The tradition of mammoth size is demonstrated by the Grand Organ in the venue’s Concert Hall. With over 10,000 pipes, it’s the largest mechanical organ in the world. In fact, it took 10 years just to build the organ.

Building it was a major project
It stands to reason that a building of the size and scope of the Sydney Opera House would be a huge construction project, but at the time it was built, nobody really knew exactly how big. According to the Australian Government website, the original construction estimates stated that the project would cost $7 million and take around four years to build. In reality, the construction far exceeded expectations, and 16 years and $102 million later, the Sydney Opera House that you know and love today was opened to the public.

It’s incredibly popular
The Sydney Opera House is a magnet for tourists, travelers and fine arts aficionados alike. Playing host to 3,000 events every year, the Australian Government website reported that its many concert halls pack in a combined total of 2 million concert goers every year. A popular tourist destination in its own right, some 200,000 people walk through its halls on guided tours annually. Visitors can take pride in the fact that they’re sharing a spot with one of the favourite hangouts of royalty. The venue was officially opened by the Queen of England in 1972, and she’s since made four trips Down Under to pay her respects.

If you want to travel to Sydney and need accommodation you can select and book a Sydney hotel room one of hundreds of hotels close to all of Sydney’s attractions!

Book accommodation at these newly listed hotels

matt — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 06:24:55 +0000

Sailfish Cove Resort, Gold Coast, Australia
Sailfish Cove Resort features spacious and well-equipped apartments just 5 minutesâ drive from gol…

Quality Hotel Ballina, Ballina, Australia
Quality Hotel Ballina offers a swimming pool, sauna and spa pool. The property features free WiFi an…

Essendon Motor Inn, Essendon, Australia
A 15-minute drive from Melbourneâs central business district, Essendon Motor Inn features free Wi-…

Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge, Timaru, New Zealand
The centrally located Bay Viaduct Motor Lodge offers accommodation with a private balcony or patio a…

Hotel D’Urville, Blenheim, New Zealand
Built in the 1920âs with an art deco style, Hotel D’Urville is the Old Public Trust Building, loca…

Albury Bed and Breakfast, Albury, Australia
Located on a tree-lined street in the centre of Albury, this refurbished bed and breakfast offers a …

OZiHOUSE Collingwood, Melbourne, Australia
OZiHOUSE Collingwood is situated in Melbourne, 1.9 km from MCG Melbourne and 1.9 km from Melbourne M…