hotelbook.com travel blog

Shop 'til you drop this Christmas in London

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Christmas is a special time, and nowhere is this more true than London. Tuesday, 3rd of November at 5pm marks the annual turning on of the Christmas lights in Oxford Street and Regent Street - announcing the Christmas season well and truly open. Flicking the switch this year will be the stars of the new 3D animation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol: Jim Carrey and Colin Firth.

Santa Claus is coming to town
Department stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges each have their own special take on Christmas celebrations. Harrods hosts its annual Christmas Parade through the local streets on Saturday November 7th and each year releases a new Christmas Teddy, this year's bear is named Maxwell.

Selfridges' Christmas shop has been open since the 8th August to give customers plenty of time to get in the festive spirit! If you're on the hunt for some festive fare, why not pick up a Harvey Nick's Christmas hamper ranging from a cool £60 to a very hot £2,500! Even if you don't have the cash to splash this year, the Christmas window displays in these stores are a sight to behold and not to be missed!

Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park hosts it's very own Winter Wonderland from the end of November until the beginning of January. With a Christmas market, Santa's Grotto and London's largest ice rink to keep you entertained, this is the perfect place to get in the spirit of Christmas.

If you'd like to take a trip to London this festive season and need somewhere to drop off your purchases at the end of a marathon retail therapy session, hotelbook would like to recommend some of the most shopping friendly hotels in London.

Kensington House Hotel - 4* - From £110/$180
Oozing 19th century elegance and offering great access to Harrods, Harvey Nicholls and the exclusive Knightsbridge district. Read more

The Rathbone Hotel - 4* - From £100/$164
This classic boutique hotel offers ideal access to the shopping meccas of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road. Read more

Corus Hotel Hyde Park 4* - From £149/$244
Just minutes away from the gates of Hyde Park, the Corus Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a visit to the Winter Wonderland. Read more

St Giles Hotel 3* - From £84/$137
One of the best placed hotels in London, St Giles sits just off Tottenham Court Rd, for easy access to Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus. Read more

Rates quoted are per room per night for 2 people sharing and are correct on the 28th October 2009 for selected stays in November and December. hotelbook tip: Many hotels offer the lowest rates on Sunday nights.

It's Beaujolais Nouveau Time!

Be one of the first to sample this year's Beaujolais Nouveau vintage at a great hotel in Paris!

Beaujolais Nouveau is a light red wine made from Gamay grapes in France's Beaujolais region which is fermented for just a few weeks before being released for sale.

Every year sees a race to get the first bottles of "Nouveau" to Paris in time for Beaujolais Nouveau Day, which falls on the 3rd Thursday of November.

Historically the wine was only made for local consumption, but over the years interest in Beaujolais Nouveau has increased and since the 1970's Beaujolais Nouveau Day has been a national event promoted with the slogan: "Le Beaujolais nouveau est arrivé".

Eleven of our favourite hotels in Paris are offering their guests a rare chance to sample this year's Beaujolais Nouveau on Beaujolais Day, Thursday the 19th November 2009:

Claridge Paris 4* - Rates from €230
Emeraude Helios Opera 3* - Rates from €114
Franklin Roosevelt Hotel 4* - Rates from €220
Le Senat Hotel 3* - Rates from €195
Le Tourville Hotel 4* - Rates from €150
Littre Saint Germain Hotel 4* - Rates from €179
Plaza Tour Eiffel Hotel 4* - Rates from €180
Powers Hotel 4* - Rates from €220
Rochester Champs Elysees Hotel 4* - Rates from €220
Splendid Etoile Hotel 4* - Rates from €220
Waldorf Arc de Triomphe Hotel Spa 4* - Rates from €185
Waldorf Trocadero Hotel 4* - Rates from €165

Stay in style and uncover your inner sommelier with a glass of this year's finest Beaujolais Nouveau at a top hotel in Paris!

All rates quoted are correct for a one night stay for 2 people sharing a room on Thursday the 19th November 2009 and are correct as of the 10th OCtober 2009.

Experience the beauty of the changing seasons in Japan’s National Parks

Japan is a country of contrasts, where the fast paced, hi-tech cities nestle side by side with areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Now is a perfect time to visit the National Parks of Japan to witness first-hand the changing of the seasons. The Autumn leaves spectacular attracts hordes of both Japanese and international tourists each year.

With so many wonderful parks to fit into a trip, we’ve picked our top 3 from the Japanese NTO’s suggestions to give you a flavour of what you can expect.

Lake Chuzenji-ko, Tochigi (3 hours north of Tokyo)
The highest lake in Japan offers a fantastic starting point for an Autumn nature tour. The banks of the Lake are teeming with Beech, Lacquer and Maple trees now bursting forth with a cacophony of red and orange hues.
Visit late Sept. - early Nov.

Jingo-ji Temple, Kyoto
Standing on the hillside of Mount Takao-san, to the north-west of Kyoto, Jingo-ji Temple is another superb spot to see Autumn leaves at their best in Japan. Climb the steps for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kiyotaki-gawa river valley dressed in its Autumn finery.
Visit mid to late Nov.

Momijidani-koen Park, Hiroshima
The name Momijidani actually means "valley of Autumn leaves". This natural monument is situated just outside a medieval forest where magnificent maple trees of various varieties show-off their autumn splendour.
Visit early - mid Nov.

Stay independent in Japan with hotelbook.com
When you're done visiting the natural wonders of Japan, you'll need somewhere to stay. Here's our pick of hotels in Japan to complete your trip in style.

Kyoto Brighton Hotel
5* Kyoto Hotel from 20700 JPY ($231/£145)
Renowned for a delicate combination of five-star British elegance with unrivalled Japanese service.

Cross Hotel Osaka
4* Osaka Hotel from 15500 JPY ($173/£108)
A contemporary designed hotel suitable for both business and leisure travel.

Tokyu Inn Shinbashi Atagoyama
3* Tokyo Hotel from 11520 JPY ($128/£80)
Surrounded by historic temples yet within easy reach of the business district.

Century Southern Tower Hotel
4* Tokyo Hotel from 16920 JPY ($189/£118)
Offering a luxurious escape from the city below, this hotel is located in the heart of Shinjuku.

Dai Ichi Hotel Annex
4* Tokyo Hotel from 15000 JPY ($167/£105)
Its convenient and central location for transport links, makes this hotel a perfect base in Tokyo.

Looking for something different? See all hotels in Japan for more inspiration.

Please note: Rates are per room per night for 2 people sharing for selected stays in October and November 2009. Rates are correct at the 6th October 2009 and are subject to availability and may change at any time.

You don't need a Hollywood budget for a hotel stay in California!

Looking for somewhere to stay in California, but want to save your cash for experiencing the sights and sounds of this wonderful state? Well look no further than a Good Nite Inn.

Good Nite Inn are the number one economy hotel company in California. Offering a great place to stay and a complimentary Quick Start Continental Breakfast to boot, all for a fantastic price tag. If you're going to California it makes sense to book a Good Nite Inn. With 12 great locations across California, from Napa Valley Wine Country to San Francisco Bay Area, a Good Nite Inn is where you want to be.

We've chosen the top properties from Good Nite Inn and highlighted all the fantastic attractions you can visit with the money you save on your stay!

Good Nite Inn Buena Park from $36
Local Attractions: Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Anaheim Angeles Stadium and many more. Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Calabasas from $51
Local Attractions: Just short drive from Malibu, Pepperdine University, Santa Monica and bustling LA. Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Camarillo from $45
Local Attractions: Just a short drive from Los Angeles, Ventura and the Channel Islands and near the coast. Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Fremont from $44
Local Attractions: Just a stone throw from enchanting San Francisco, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Redwood City from $43
Local Attractions: Just off Highway 101 midway between San Francisco and San Jose. 10 minutes to Menlo College & Stanford University.
Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Rohnert Park from $49
Local Attractions: In the heart of the California Wine Country - Napa Valley, located between Petaluma and Santa Rosa. Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Redlands from $36
Local Attractions: Perfect for the Joshua Tree National Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, Box Springs Memorial Park and Big Bear Lake. Find out more>

Good Nite Inn Chula Vista from $41
Local Attractions: Set in San Diego's warm, beach climate, with miles of breath-taking coastline, and an exciting metropolis to boot.
Find out more>

Good Nite Inn San Diego from $45
Local Attractions: Just 5 minutes from Sea World, and with San Diego Wild Animal Park, the home of the NFL Chargers and Coronado Island on your doorstep. Find out more>

So if you're looking for somewhere to stay in California that won't blow the budget think Good Nite Inn!

Please note: The quoted rates are per room per night for 2 persons sharing. Rates are correct at the 27th August 2009 for selected stays in September 2009.

Stay, Park and Fly with Arora Hotels

Make your holiday last longer with a stay at an Arora Airport Hotel!

Arora Hotels offer top class amenities with the added convenience of staying near an airport. Perfect for early morning departures or late night arrivals, these hotels have convenient locations near London’s busiest airports, Heathrow and Gatwick.

Not only do they offer fantastic rates, they also have breakfast and dinner inclusive options together with a range of park & fly rates, so you can tailor make your stay.

More and more people are driving to the airport to save money on taxi fares, and staying at a hotel at the airport is no longer the expensive option. With rates for 8 days parking and airport transfers at the Arora in Heathrow starting from just £87, not only is this an affordable solution to early morning flights, you also get to start your holiday one night earlier and get a restful sleep before you hop on your plane. Here are some of the great offers available with Arora:

Arora Heathrow – 4* Bath Road, Heathrow. Rates from £52 / £87 per night with 8 days parking & transport to the terminals, for a double room.

Arora Gatwick – 4* Southgate Avenue, Crawley. Rates from £55 / £89 per night with 8 days parking & transfer to the terminals, for a double room.

If you’re looking for a city break in the UK, Arora International also offers the downtown Arora International Manchester. Set in an historic building in the centre of town and with 5 fantastic Cliff Richard rooms, this hotel is a perfect choice for stays in Manchester whether you’re visiting for business, football, cricket, shopping or entertainment.

Arora Manchester – 4* - Princess Street, Manchester. Rates from £64 per night for a double room.

Start your holiday early with great service from Arora Hotels!

Last Night at the Proms – Classically British

Henry Wood’s vision for the Proms was to bring the widest possible range of music at the highest possible standard to the largest audience. Ticket prices in 1895 were kept low to attract the widest of audiences, with single performances costing a shilling (5p / 10c) or a guinea (£1 / $2) for a full season ticket. Staying true to its original concept, 2009 sees the 115th year of the Proms continuing the time honoured traditions.

The Proms are synonymous with the final concert, also known as the “Last Night of the Proms”, held in the spectacular Royal Albert Hall. This year the “Last Night” is taking place on Saturday 12th September. Watched by an audience of millions around the globe, the Last Night is one of the most popular classical concerts in the world. Encapsulating the full essence of the Proms and its British-ness, yet with a lighter fun-filled atmosphere, tickets to the show are highly sought after and very difficult to get hold of.

To open the Last Night of the Proms to a wider audience, 1996 saw “Proms in the Park” introduced. Taking the music of the Proms outdoors into some of Britain’s finest parkland, 2009 hosts five open air concerts around the British Isles, including London’s Hyde Park, Glasgow Green in Scotland, Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland, Buile Hill Park in Salford, Greater Manchester and Singleton Park in Wales.

All Proms in the Park take place on Saturday the 12th September so we’ve selected some great hotels for each of the concerts that still have availability for the Prom date. Get a dose of quintessentially British tradition and entertainment - especially if the rain comes down - at Proms in the Park!

Hyde Park, London England
Berjaya Eden Park Hotel, London – 4* from £88
The Hyde Park Hotel, London – 4* from £109

Glasgow Green, Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow Centrale Hotel , Glasgow – 4* from £85
Fraser Suites Glasgow, Glasgow – 4* from £81

Buile Hill Park , Salford, Manchester, England
The Place Apartment Hotel, Manchester – 4* - £72
Arora International Hotel, Manchester – 4* £64

Singleton Park, Swansea, Wales
The Vale Hotel Golf & Spa Resort, Cardiff – 4* from £135 (Just 40 minutes drive from the Swansea Prom)

Hillsborough Castle, County Down, Northern Ireland
Dunadry Hotel & Country Club, Belfast – 4* from £85
Malone Lodge Hotel & Apartments, Belfast – 4* from £105

Tickets for the Proms in the Park are still available, the BBC Proms website has all the details you need.

Rotana Hotels - Sizzling Summer Offers in the Middle East

The Middle East is a beautiful region spanning the south west of Asia and north east of Africa, rich with breath-taking scenery, design and architecture. With a year-round hot and dry climate, this area is perfect for travellers looking for a dose of sunshine.

Rotana Hotels operate 67 fabulous hotels across the region in cities such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah. Right now Rotana are now running a sensational Summer promotion on many of their hotels offering reduced rates throughout the Summer, so you can get your sunshine quota without burning through your cash. Summer promotional rates are available until the 15th September 2009, so if you want to get more sunshine exposure this is the perfect offer for you.

Here are a few of the best deals Rotana are offering this Summer:

Towers Rotana, 4*, Dubai, UAE - From 350 AED ($96/£59)

Villa Rotana Suites, 4*, Dubai, UAE - From 400 AED ($109/£67)

Al Murooj Rotana, 5*, Dubai, UAE - From 450 AED ($123/£75)

International Rotana, 3*, Abu Dhabi, UAE - From 325 AED ($89/£54)

The Cove Rotana Resort, 5*, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE - From 400 AED ($109/£67)

If you're looking to head to the Middle East, you can be sure that Rotana Hotels and hotelbook.com will take care of all your needs and provide you an ideal place to stay.

Stay independent this Summer with hotelbook.com!

Terms and Conditions
Rates are valid until 15th September 2009 and are subject to local tax and service charge. Rooms are subject to availability and are based on single or double occupancy.

Festival time in Osaka, Japan!

The Summer season in Osaka, Japan see's a host of festivals, many including spectacular fireworks displays. Read on for a taste of what this Summer holds....

Tenjin Matsuri - 24th & 25th July 2009
With more than 1,000 years of history, the Tenjin Matsuri is known as the "World's Greatest Boat Festival." Offering traditional Japanese music, theatrical puppet shows and parades on both land and river, the Tenjin Matsuri is a chance to experience Japan’s history on a grand scale. At dusk boats are set alight, followed by hypnotic hand-clapping. This festival is a way to experience a slice of Japan's history come to life.

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival - 8th August 2009 Set near the Yodo river area, the Niniwa Yodogawa Fetival is one of the largest fireworks displays in Japan. With beautiful names such as peony, Chrysanthemum and waterfalls, these fireworks are sure to be a hit with all spectators. Hotebook tip: Arrive early to bag a great spot, and bring an umbrella just in case!

For more information on Osaka's Summer Festivals visit http://www.osaka-info.jp/en/

Recommended Osaka Hotel
The Imperial Hotel Osaka - 5* from 18,000 JPY ($184/£114).
Situated right next to the Okawa River where the action of Tenjin Matsuri happens, this is an ideal base for guests to watch the festivities in luxurious surroundings.

Stay independent in Osaka with hotelbook.com. View all our Osaka Hotels for more inspiration.

FREE UPGRADE OFFER - Hotel 987 Barcelona - Art in the heart of the City

The beautiful interiors of the Hotel 987 Barcelona are a delight to behold, with thoughtful design utilising the light to extraodinary effect. Guests are made welcome from the minute they enter the lobby, and will feel like a part of an artistic dream for the length of their stay.

Aside from the beautiful décor, the hotel has plenty more to offer the cosmopolitan guest. From gastronomic delights in their restaurant, to some of the best cocktails in Spain! Free Wifi access is also available throughout the hotel.

FREE UPGRADE PROMOTION: Throughout June, to coincide with the MOTO Grand Prix of Catalunya on the 14^th, Hotel 987 Barcelona is offering guests a fantastic upgrade deal, where guests receive an upgrade to a superior room with a terrace for the same price as a standard room. Rates for this promotion start from just 120€ for a twin/double room per night! Book now >

LAST MINUTE HOTEL DEALS: Alternatively if you're looking for a great dealfor a hotel in the next 7 days, you can choose the LATEGETAWAYS rate which has a 15% discount off their standard price, with rooms starting at just 102€ for a twin / double room per night! See all our fantastic late deals >

Barcelona is a beautiful destination and the 987 Barcelona Hotel perfectly complements the essence of the city. Hotelbook.com has a great selection of hotels in Barcelona whatever you're looking for, see our full range, or find out more about the city with our Barcelona Travel Guide.

Great Bank Holiday Deals on Great British Hotels

In the UK, May is blessed with two bank holidays (4th and 25th in 2009), and it seems a shame to waste these precious days at home doing DIY or tending the garden, when there’s so much more to see and do! May's Bank Holidays offer a rare chance to explore the fantastic cities, beaches and countryside Britain has to offer, without dipping into your annual holiday allowance.

The origins of the May Day Bank Holiday, lay in pre-Christian Europe, where traditional celebrations such as crowning a May Queen and a Maypole were common place. The Whitsun (or Spring) Bank Holiday was fixed as the Monday after Pentecost, but now falls on the last Monday of the month. Many towns and villages still celebrate Bank Holidays with traditional events such as cheese-rolling and Morris dancing, but if you’re looking to make the most of these holidays, read on…

Weekend breaks in Britain are more popular than ever this year, and fantastic bargains are there to be found. Hotels are offering cut-priced deals, even over the bank holiday weekends, making a break away in Britain even better value!

Explore the many faces of Britain.....

Relaxing Britain - A sumptuous Spa break in Yorkshire. Take time out from the 9 to 5 and immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings of the 17th century Hellaby Hall Hotel in South Yorkshire. With rates from just £55* per night, you can treat yourself to an indulgent Pamper day package while you're there.

Urban Britain - Shop 'til you drop in Manchester. With its vibrant town centre neatly packed together and a Harvey Nicks to boot, Manchester is becoming one of the best places to shop in Britain. Feel like a local in loft-style apartment at The Place Apartment Hotel in the heart of the city, with rates from just £87*.

Seaside Britain - Stroll along the Prom..Prom..Prom in Brighton. When the sun shines in Brighton the Promenade is all you need for entertainment. With street dancers, outdoor basketball, bars with live music and much more. The Royal Albion Hotel, from just £109*, is a perfect starting point to take a stroll along Brighton's world-famous Prom and Pier.

Natural Britain - The Great Outdoors - Explore the Cotswolds. The Costwolds is an area of natural beauty the UK can really boast about. A perfect destination for those who love to explore quaint villages set amongst rolling countryside. Stay in the beautiful Hare and Hounds Hotel in Westonbirt near Tetbury from just £85* set in acres of well tended gardens with outdoor tennis courts and surrounded by a cool woodland area.

Whatever you do with your May Bank Holidays, make the most of your time off and let's hope for some sunshine!

*All rates quoted are the total cost per room per night, for 2 people sharing either a twin or double room in May 2009.

Traveling this week? Great LATEGETAWAYS deals for travel in next 7 days

If you are traveling last minute, many hotels on hotelbook are offering great deals. Look out for the LATEGETAWAYS™* rate if you are booking a hotel room and traveling within 7 days of your stay at a hotel.

The LATEGETAWAYS rates must be booked and prepaid within seven days of arrival and are non cancellable - but they do offer extremely good value if you are confident your plans are not going to change.

Some samples of some of the rates I have found on hotelbook (with discounts on regular rates) are shown below.

Chandler Inn Hotel, Boston, USA - Rates from $145 (Up to 27% off)
Maudes Hotel Enskede, Stockholm, Sweden - Rates from SEK 850 (up to 43% off)
Amara Singapore, Singapore - Rates from SGD 200 (up to 20% off)
Emeraude Lodge Du Centre Hotel, Paris, France - Rates from EUR 85 (up to 15% off)
Beacon Hotel, Dublin, Ireland - Rates from EUR 130 (up to 28% off)

The rates I found are per room per night and are subject to availability at time of booking. Rates were correct as of 24th April 2009 for stays between 24th April and 01st May 2009.

Private club - Soho House Hotel, New York City opens its doors

The Soho House Hotel, an exclusive private members club in New York is now bookable on hotelbook.com. The waiting list for membership of the Soho House New York is long, but hotel guests are members for the duration of their stay, with access to all the club has to offer; including 24 hour butler service, the Cowshed spa, and a rooftop pool with views over the Hudson and the West Village. You're assured reservations at the restaurant and bar.

Rooms at the Soho House Hotel in New York's fashionable Meatpacking District start at $450.

Business Hotels in Germany - Golden Leaf Hotels & Residences

Germany has a history as the home of big businesses, of Interbrand’s 2008 Top 100 Global Brands, 10 were German including some of the great automobile manufacturers such as Audi, BMW and Porsche, but others such as Nivea, Adidas and Siemens may not be as well known for their German heritage. Germany is a nation known for it’s efficiency in business processes and high quality production and many of these businesses are located in and around its key cities such as Munich, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.

Golden Leaf Hotels & Residences

All Golden Leaf Hotels & Residences combine the standards of a hotel chain with those of independently owned hotels, that is why they fit perfectly with hotelbook.com’s philosophy of “Stay Independent”. Each Golden Leaf property preserves an individuality and unique regional character, be it Bavarian style in Munich, traditional Bauhaus in Frankfurt or the contemporary design of their Stuttgart hotel.

What’s more, right now there are some great last minute deals from Golden Leaf Hotels starting from as little as 45€!*

Munich

Home to BMW, Munich is the capital of Bavaria and is Germany’s 3rd largest city. Situated in the south, Munich is famous for it’s Oktoberfest beer festival, but is also one of the main commercial centres of Germany today. Golden Leaf have 3 hotels to choose from in and around Munich:

3* Golden Leaf Hotel Altmunchen - This hotel offers guests a friendly atmosphere and wonderful buffet style breakfast in a central yet off the beaten track location in the Au district of Munich. Bus connections to the centre are just 50 metres from the hotel or you can take a gentle stroll in just 30 minutes.

3* Golden Leaf Parkhotel Im Lehel - Friendly, high quality service and comfortable, well furnished rooms can be expected from Golden Leaf Parkhotel Im Lehel. Located in the Lehel district of Munich this hotel also benefits from a central yet quiet location with the historical Marienplatz within 10 minutes walk.

3* Golden Leaf Hotel Perlach Allee Hof - Slightly further out of Munich’s centre you will find the Golden Leaf Hotel Perlach Allee Hof, but if you’re looking for an oasis from the hustle of the city life, this hotel could be perfect. With train connections to the city centre within 5 minutes from the hotel and easy access to motorways, this hotel is perfect for those with or without a car.

Stuttgart and Frankfurt

You will find another of the super-car manufacturers in Stuttgart the capital of Baden-Württemberg, this time it is Porsche, world-renown for speed and elegance in design, and not to be left out Frankfurt (or Frankfurt am Main), the largest city in the Hesse state is Germany’s financial centre and also home to the everyday Frankfurter sausage! Golden Leaf have a charming hotel in each of these cities, perfect as a base for a business stay or to see the sights these great cities have to offer.

3* Golden Leaf Hotel Stuttgart - Stuttgart - Within easy reach of Porsche itself, the Golden Leaf Hotel Stuttgart offers great connections to the city centre through public and private transport. The hotel offers a friendly atmosphere and service with hearty breakfast buffets served everyday.

3* Golden Leaf Hotel Frankfurt – Frankfurt am Main - Offering a selection of accommodation from standard guestrooms to executive suites, the Golden Leaf Hotel Frankfurt is perfect for extended business stays. With ample desk-space and in-room kitchenettes this hotel offers a home-from-home feel in the east side of the centre of Frankfurt.

If you’re visiting Germany for business or pleasure, why not choose Golden Leaf Hotels & Residences for great-value hotel stays and high levels of service.

*The 45€ rate is the best available rate at the Golden Leaf Hotel Perlach Allee Hof between Monday 13th and Sunday 19th April 2009.

Eastern Europe Travel Podcast

Eastern Europe is growing more and more as a popular vacation destination. This hotelbook.com podcast takes you through the intrigue, culture, art and history surrounding this part of the world.

MP3 File

Eastern Europe is growing more and more as a popular vacation destination. The intrigue, culture, art and history surrounding this part of the world attract many, especially those who wish to sightsee rather than sunbathe. Under the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe wasn’t exactly a premier vacation destination especially for Western tourists. Now, the area tells a completely different story.

It’s a great time to book travel in Eastern Europe, and hotelbook is going to show you why. Besides being comparatively affordable, there are many reasons why you should consider cities like Moscow, Prague, Budapest and Ljubljana for your next epic adventure.

Tourists, foreigners, and Russians themselves flock to Moscow as a starting point when exploring Eastern Europe. Moscow is an active and fast-paced city housing over 11 million people. The iconic city is steady and reliable with a prevailing air of mystery, cultural and historic relics. Moscow’s famed Red Square is home to the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral, as well as the changing of the guard at the Eternal Flame.

Once inside the Kremlin, you can visit Cathedral Square, whose historic cathedrals were worshipped in by the Tsars and their families. Also on display are the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, two immobile monuments that portray the grandeur of Russia past. The viewing of Lenin’s tomb is a top free attraction and a great symbol of Soviet history. Let hotelbook provide you with a helpful tip…Many people treat the viewing of Lenin’s tomb as very somber and serious, so act appropriately or one of the guards may fine you for misbehaving! Don’t forget the Amory Museum as well, which holds precious relics of Imperial stature such as gold-gilt carriages and silver-threaded royal garments. After walking around Red Square, pick up some great souvenirs at the Izmaylovo Market or on Old Arbat Street.

What might one expect to eat in Moscow? Russian cuisine is hearty and involves ingredients like potatoes, beets, salted fish, dumplings and of course, caviar. Borshch, of course, is beet soup, and one of the most famous Russian traditional foods. Beets seem an odd soup ingredient to many people, but the delicious and hearty broth, full of meat and vegetables, is a famous Russian dish. Caviar or ikra, is definitely something to get excited about in Russia. Briny and sharp, it is often served on dark, crusty bread or with blini, which are like pancakes or crepes. And who could forget the influence of vodka?

Moscow can be an expensive city, so it’s great to stay somewhere with reasonable prices. The Milan Hotel is widely regarded as one of the most economically-friendly hotels in the city. Don’t let the price fool you, though, as the modern, spacious accommodations and central location close to Domodedovo Airport are great reasons to consider this as a quality property. Reviewers have hyped the plentiful daily breakfast, which includes various pastries, meats, fish and fruit.

The Czech Republic is a favorite vacation destination for people all over the world. From Kafka to Mozart, there are few cities that have inspired more artists, kings and musicians over the past several hundred years than Prague. This city offers a smorgasbord of stunning architecture, glitzy shopping venues, designer restaurants and cool cocktail bars. Art enthusiasts will enjoy a feast of film and music festivals as well as a varied programme of opera, ballet and drama. Smoky jazz cellars and rock basements compete with DJs and dance clubs into the small hours - no matter how late.

Looking for some great suggestions for a fabulous day in Prague? Walk over Charles Bridge and touch the St John Nepomuk statue plate. If you wish to snap the loveliest pictures, arrive at dawn. Take a walking tour of Prague Castle and stroll around the Imperial Gardens around back. If you enjoy Art Nouveau, have lunch at the Sarah Bernhardt restaurant in the Pariz Hotel or take a tour of the Municipal House. Opera enthusiasts may enjoy a Don Giovanni Matinee opera at the Estates Theatre. One tip: you generally don't have to reserve tickets for Matinee performances unless you want a specific seating area.
And where should you stay while in Prague? How about Chopin Hotel? This conveniently located hotelbook property is close to Wenceslas Square and all the most popular Prague attractions. Chopin Hotel offers comfortable and modern rooms with helpful extras like air conditioning, satellite television and direct-dial telephones.

As well as its cultural treasures, Prague offers another precious commodity - Bohemian beer. The Czechs have been brewing this beloved beverage since at least the 9th century and invented Pilsner, the world's first clear, golden lager in 1842. Today, Czech breweries still produce some of the world's finest beers.

Budapest was originally two cities built on either side of the Danube, namely Buda and Pest. Important landmarks such as the Royal Castle and Citadella Castle help visitors find their way around. So why is Budapest a great place to visit in Eastern Europe? How about a rich art and theater presence that is arguably one of the best in Europe? Visitors to Budapest are highly urged to experience an opera or ballet at Budapest’s State Opera House. Additionally, the Trafó House of Contemporary Arts is considered Budapest’s most important cultural arts center. Located within a renovated transformer building, the Trafó House presents Hungarian and international experimental dance, theatre and music performances. A disco hall in the cellar and a lively upstairs bar add to the fun.

Spa enthusiasts might be intrigued to learn that Budapest is famous for its Turkish-style baths. The baths are a throwback to when Budapest was occupied by the Turks and are all built around hot springs and thermal pools. The city boasts an impressive 123 registered thermal springs servicing 32 baths. Thermal pools are usually complimented by steam baths, saunas and massage services. A few popular locations include the Rudas Mineral Baths, Gellért Baths and Lukacs Thermal Baths. Russians tend to be the most frequent visitors to the Budapest bath houses, but there is a popular mix of other tourists and locals as well.

Last, but certainly not least, Ljubljana is one of the hidden charms of Eastern Europe. Located within Slovenia and featuring a population of just over 280,000, Ljubljana is a very affordable and fun town filled with art galleries and museums, buzzing nightlife and great restaurants. Yearly celebrations include a celebration of Slovenia’s greatest poet, France Preseren, and a summer festival with concerts and street performers. Ljubljana also has all the right ingredients for a romantic weekend escape, such as medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture, intimate restaurants and café-lined cobbled avenues. The most remarkable feature of the skyline is the 12th-century Ljubljana Castle. Originally a fortress, then a prison and later home to medieval knights, the Castle is now an arts and culture hub. The Castle courtyard, often used for events in the summer months, is worth a visit if only for its sweeping city views.

People often liken the city of Lubljana to bohemian Paris in the 1920s. Perhaps this is because of the young, artsy atmosphere or the lively International music festivals. The three main museums in Ljubljana are located within the city centre, or Republic Square. The National Museum and National Gallery both showcase Slovenian art, and the National Gallery boasts the biggest collection in the country with pieces dating from medieval times. The Museum of Modern Art houses exhibits contemporary and international artwork dating from 1950. Also within the city centre is the luxurious Lev Hotel, a frequent hideaway for the rich and famous since 1964. Honored guests include Bob Dylan, Sting, Alanis Morisette and Kirk Douglas. Most everything is within quick walking distance, including fabulous shopping at Versace and Escada.

We have enjoyed the opportunity to share some fun stories about Eastern Europe vacations. At a time when everyone is watching their travel money, consider new destinations that might provide the excitement, culture and value-friendly escape you are looking for. Hotelbook offers tons of GreatRate discounts at hotels all over the world. Check us out the next time you are looking for just the right hotel in the perfect destination

Celebrate Spring in Style in Italy from just 59€ incl. taxes and breakfast

Italy is a fantastic destination rich in culture, history and art where everyone dresses to impress!

New Hotels Offer: We've got some great new hotels throughout Italy who have a special launch offer for hotelbook customers so you can stay in Italy in great hotels for a lot less, with 4* hotels in Rome starting from just 59€ including breakfast everyday you stay and taxes!

These rates are available throughout April, so if you're looking for a Spring Break away why not visit one of Italy's city gems?

Rome:

Pisana Hotel – 4* from 59€

Hotel Pisana Palace – 4* from 79€

Cascina Palace Hotel – 3* from 59€

Milan:

Milano Corso Genova Hotel - 3* from 89€

Watttredici Hotel – 4* from 89€

Florence:

Florence Business Hotel – 4* from 79€

Rimini:

Villa Rosa Riviera – 4* from 59€

Genova:

Hotel San Biagio – 4* from 79€

If you'd like to get more inspriation for your trip to Italy visit our Italy Hotels website.

RyanAir Launches New Routes

If you have ever flown within Europe, chances are you have flown on RyanAir. After all, it's very inexpensive, fairly convenient and it gets you where you need to go with no frills. Starting in May, RyanAir will fly to and from a Bavarian hub, adding seven new routes to its schedule.

“These 7 new routes to Alghero (Sardinia), Alicante, Barcelona (Girona and Reus), Dublin, London (Stansted) and Pisa, mean for the first time that the people of Munich can now avail of Ryanair’s guaranteed lowest fares, with no fuel surcharges guaranteed, to travel all over Europe from May next."

Tourism to southern Germany will increase as a result of these new routes, and hopefully boost the economy in the area. The rest of this article can be found on Airline Travel News.

Hotelbook Takes You to the Biggest Party of the Year

Spring is traditionally a time for great parties, celebrations, and general merriment over the end of winter and the anticipation of warmer months. There is one party that is arguably one of the best in the world, and that is Las Fallas in Valencia.

The Fallas are a Valencian traditional celebration in praise of Saint Joseph in Valencia, Spain, and begin on March 15. The term Fallas refers to both the actual celebration and the monuments created during the celebration.The five days and nights during Fallas are one giant party. There are processions galore, the streets are filled with people and restaurants spill out to the streets. Explosions can be heard all day long and sporadically through the night. Foreigners may be surprised to see everyone from small children to elderly gentlemen throwing fireworks in the street

All year long, organized groups referred to as the Casal Faller design constructions, or Fallas, that must be finished by March 15. For five nights, different themed carnivals overtake the center of Valencia. On 16th, the carnival is folkloric. On 17th and 18th, it's the Offer of the Flowers – a wooden silhouette of the Virgin in the plaza de la Virgin is filled with carnations and brought by traditional parades in full colours and music. On the 19th, the festival ends with the Carnival of Fire. The Fallas sculptures get simultaneously burned to the cheers of the crowd, and the beginning of Spring is commemorated.

Looking for a great hotel near the center of the Las Fallas action? Check out our Valencia hotels and enjoy your Spanish adventure from Valencia's city centre.

Vincci Lys Hotel
Beatriz Rey Don Jaime Hotel
Petit Palace Bristol Valencia Hotel

Fabulous Florence Hotel Deals on Hotelbook

On 1-3 March, the Balloon Arts Convention Italy (BACI) will hold their annual educational festival in Florence. Those attending will demonstrate their knowledge among other colleagues from Italy, Germany, Belgium and the United States.

I have said before that Florence is my ultimate vacation destination. The food, the culture and the amazing scenery presents the perfect city for romance and adventure. Florence's museums, palaces, and churches house some of the greatest artistic treasures in the world. The most popular and important sites in Florence include the Cathedral, the Baptistery, the Uffizi, the Bargello, and the Accademia. The churches of Santa Maria Novella and Santa Croce are veritable art galleries, and the library of San Lorenzo is a magnificent exhibition of Michelangelo's architectural genius.

A visit to the Balloon Arts Convention Italy is best enjoyed at one of our hotelbook recommended hotels. For instance, the Machiavelli Palace Hotel is conveniently located in the city centre and is within walking distance of all the most popular Florence attractions. Guestrooms with terra cotta floors and wood-beamed ceilings add to the hotel's Florentine charm.

The Paris Hotel is also located in the Florence city centre, just steps from the Cathedral and the main museums. The structure was built in the 16th century and still portrays it's original elegance with amazing frescoed ceilings.

Check out more fabulous Florence hotels on hotelbook.com.

Hotelbook Comments on the 2009 Wanderlust Travel Awards

The inspirational travel magazine, Wanderlust has announced their 2009 Travel Awards. If you haven't heard of this award before, the Wanderlust Travel Awards have been presented since 1999 and have become quite reputable in the UK travel industry. The winners are a result of reader voting and represent an accurate barometer of what is trendy in global travel, as well as what destinations, airlines, tour operators and websites are delivering the most innovative products and the highest standards in customer service.

This year, the city rated as the top travel destination by Wanderlust readers is... Japan.

"After years of neck-and-neck jostling between New Zealand and Namibia, this year’s winner has shot into the top ten like a bullet (train). And perhaps that’s appropriate, because it’s Japan’s unique combination of wild unpredictability and smooth efficiency that has made it your top country this year."

So why was Japan the Wanderlust choice? Well, the country is known for extreme high-tech hotels boasting "unbelievable levels of style and comfort." Most people know that a trip to Tokyo is a an overwhelming exercise in sensory overload. Additionally, Michelin rated Tokyo as one of the best places for foodies to go, as the culinary choices are varied and often first-class. The country is also filled with beautiful mountain scenery, amazing temples and breathtaking gardens.

Check out some of the great Hotelbook choices in Japan. We have plenty of fantastic boutique hotels in Tokyo as well as other Japanese cities.

Enjoy History at New York Hotels

The city of Manhattan is famous for its various attractions, shopping and amazing dining. However, New York City is also filled with historic hotels that hold many lifetimes of interesting stories.

For instance, the Roosevelt Hotel has been open since 1924. Located on famed Madison Avenue and 45th St., the historic property was named, of course, for President Theodore Roosevelt. After opening in 1924, the hotel quickly became known for its gloved porters guiding pampered guests through a private underground pathway from Grand Central Station. It was also the first hotel in the city touting extravagances such as its own wellness institute, hospital, spa and pet hotel.

The Roosevelt was put on the map when cherished Canadian bandleader, Guy Lombardo and his band, The Royal Canadians, formed in 1924 and began the TV broadcast of "Auld Lang Syne" on New Year's Eve 1929. The band played at The Roosevelt Hotel from 1929 to 1959, and their New Year's Eve broadcasts became a paramount part of New Year's celebrations across North America. Today, the Roosevelt continues to entertain while serving as a backdrop for popular movies including Maid in Manhattan, Boiler Room, Quiz Show, Wall Street and The French Connection.

The truly historic Warwick New York Hotel in Manhattan was designed as a hideout and plush playground for celebrities in the 1920s and continues to maintain its decadent service today.
Built in 1926 and commissioned by William Hearst for his mistress Marion Davies, the Warwick New York Hotel offers luxury, European-style elegance with a residential atmosphere.

In 1927, Michelangelo Hotel was known as the Taft Hotel and was the famed haunt of big-band leader Vincent Lopez. Among the stars that began their career with Lopez at the Taft Hotel are Artie Shaw, Xavier Cugot, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Glenn Miller and Tony Pastor. Today, The Michelangelo Hotel is recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the top 500 'Greatest Hotels of the World' and has been placed on the 'Gold List' for the "Best Place to Stay in the World" by Condë Nast Traveler.

Hotels in New York are attractions as opposed to just places to sleep. Check out more New York hotelbook choices and get a taste of history.