Hotel Styles - There's A World Of Choice

By Harvey McEwan

Today's leisure and tourism industry means there's a hotel and holiday to suit everyone. We take a look at some of the most popular styles of hotels on the market today.

Thinking of taking a trip abroad? Finding accommodation to suit your personal taste could be easier than you ever imagined. Whether you're staying in a metropolitan city, bustling town or sleepy suburb, there's always going to be something to suit everyone. So what's out there?

Popular in Japan as well as other cities around the world, capsule hotels offer a unique and memorable stay as well as convenience for those on a budget. Boasting large numbers of rooms, or "capsules", guests sleep in a modular plastic space measuring 2m by 1m by 1.25m. Perfect for those looking for accommodation in a hurry, or travellers happy to scrimp on space to save money, capsule hotels are growing in popularity. With the recession hitting Japan hard, some residents have even taken to renting out capsules per month instead of paying rent in regular apartments. Items like towels, pillows and luggage storage space come as optional extras for those looking to splash out.

For those who are keen on a little more space, a luxury hotel needn't be a costly option. Located in the heart of the city as well as rural settings, luxury hotels come in all shapes and sizes. Perfect for families with young children, luxury hotels offer service that are a cut above; with kids clubs, activity groups and sports classes available to keep little 'uns and big ones entertained. For parents looking to indulge in some well earned 'me' time, there's also the chance to put your feet up in a luxury spa or spend an afternoon on a championship golf course which are all commonplace at these kinds of hotels.

With capsule and luxury hotels ticking all the boxes for those on a budget or with plenty to spend, what's left for those looking for a totally unique lifestyle experience that's among the best in the world? If this is the kind of hotel stay you're after then look no further than boutique hotels. Often ranked among the world's classiest and most sumptuous buildings, boutique hotels offer guests an unparalleled stay in unique bedrooms by award-winning designers.

Whether you're looking for an unforgettable stay in San Francisco, new wave living in New York or an Edinburgh boutique hotel, accommodation of this kind is well and truly worth savouring.

Don't just plump for a big name brand or recognisable logo the next time you go to book accommodation...a good quality hotel is all part of a memorable holiday; just make sure it's for all the right reasons!

Harvey McEwan writes to make insurance (especially car insurance!) a happier place. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harvey_McEwan

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The Only 7 Star Hotel in the World Has Competition

By Jeremiah Iverson

The Burj Al Arab, shaped like a sail and towering above the ocean on it's man-made island, may be quaking on its sand foundation as there are many projects claiming to be equal to or better than the best and most hotel in the world currently in the process of construction.

Firstly, the Burj Al Arab has possibly been dealt a blow in terms of the most famous hotels in Dubai. The Atlantis the Palm Dubai just opened with the most expensive fireworks show ever in the world and sits at the head of the Palm Jumeirah Islands, the latest man-made island network off Dubai's coast which was a much more ambitious project than even the island that now supports the Burj Al Arab. However, it is not classified as a seven star hotel but a mere five stars. You wouldn't know it from it's extremely hyped opening ceremonies, though. Also, the Burj Al Arab soars to the title of world's tallest operating hotel, but the Rose Tower in the same city, once complete, should take over that title. Although, it may not reach the opulence of 7 stars.

There are several other projects set to seriously rival the Burj Al Arab, however.

• Royalties Castle in the Philippines
• Morgan Plaza in Beijing
• Laucala Island in Fiji
• Flower of the East in Kish, Iran
• Grand Chola in Chennai, India
• The Centaurus in the somewhat surprising location of Islamabad, Pakistan

Ever since the Burj Al Arab came to be known as the only 7 star hotel in the world and now (as it has competition in this category) one of the most famous hotels in Dubai, others in the world dreamed of creating something similar. Nobody has yet claimed to be an 8 star hotel project but can that be too far behind? When and if that comes to pass, it surely would have to be something special to authentically hold that title. Until then, we will just have to make do with 7 star hotels as the penultimate level for luxury.

Search for Dubai hotels and book the Burj Al Arab You will get the best deal as jockohotels.com has over 900,000 hotel deals allowing you to get the best price. Is that enough for you? Jeremiah Iverson is a world traveler and has made it his passion to find cheap accommodation for any budget. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeremiah_Iverson

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Best Luxury Hotels in Germany

By Brian Willett

Germany is a top travel destination in Europe and is one of the most heavily visited countries in the region. As a result of the plethora of German attractions, the country boasts a considerable collection of top-notch hotels with world-class hospitality and accommodations. German hotels offer the highest standard of luxury and range from sleek and modern to traditional and comfortable. Although Germany does have hotels for every traveler's budget, the following are among the best high-end, luxury hotels Germany has to offer.

Hotel Elephant: Located in Weimar, Hotel Elephant is one of the most elegant and one of the oldest, as it has been operation for more than 300 years. Hotel Elephant is the epitome of sophistication, with old-world appeal but every modern accommodation you could imagine. Hotel Elephant also has a rich cultural heritage, as it has been home to artists, poets and statesman from every era of German history.

Bayerischer Hof: This hotel is located in Munich and is a world-class hotel that could provide a complete German getaway on its grounds alone. Bayerischer Hof features elegant restaurants and bars as well as business accommodations, so no matter what the purpose of your travel, you'll be at home and in business at Bayerischer Hof. With furnishings worthy of royalty and the world-famous Blue Spa, the Bayerischer Hof is one of Munich's best.

Krone Assmannshausen: Krone Assmannshausen provides a truly German experience, with old-style German architecture and a location on the banks of the Rhine. Krone Assmannshausen has a rich, 400-year history as well as an on-site restaurant that is a tourist destination in itself. Krone Assmannshausen is a luxury facility that has been the choice of German statesmen visiting Rüdesheim-Assmannshausen since its founding.

The Regent: This is among the finest hotels in Berlin, and promises "luxury for all the senses." With world-class dining, fitness facilities, business accommodations and a luxurious spa, the Regent is nothing short of a five-star facility. The Regent offers a unique fusion of classic design and comfort with modern architecture and accommodations, with fine wood furnishings and marble accents.

InterContinental Dusseldorf: With nearly 300 rooms and 32 suites, the InterContinental Dusseldorf features five-star hospitality, a luxurious spa, and an envious location that is a short walk from the finest shopping and cultural sights that Dusseldorf has to offer. The ultramodern InterContinental Dusseldorf is nestled among top German travel destinations and features world-class dining and comfort.

When traveling anywhere in Germany, it is essential to make use of a German dictionary. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brian_Willett

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Best Luxury Hotel Restaurants in America

By Tom Ingrams

In the past, hotel restaurants in America were merely a place to fill up after a long day of sightseeing or a late flight into the destination. Even the most luxury hotels weren't renowned for their eateries - they provided decent enough fare for hungry guests, but outside customers could rarely be tempted in and the food was certainly not a reason for making a booking.

Now, however, things have changed dramatically and they have really pushed the boat out - some of the most elegant and exclusive restaurants in America can be found within the walls of luxury hotels. Here's the lowdown on the latest hotel dining spots to be voted into the top five.

1. French Room - The Adolphus Hotel, Texas

A gorgeous grand dame of a hotel in downtown Texas, The Adolphus tops the bill with French Room for its menu but also its décor and service. The atmosphere is pure old-world romance with subtle lighting and hand-painted ceilings - and the food is an unpretentious yet fabulous fusion of French and American cuisine.

2. Fountain Restaurant - The Four Seasons Hotel, Philadelphia

The Four Seasons is an American institution and a byword for superb luxury. Here in Philadelphia, the Fountain continues to be a firm favourite in the city and beyond thanks to the classic dishes served up by chef Martin Hamann in the New French-Continental style.

3. Dining Room - Little Palm Island Resort, Florida

This romantic getaway hotel is a boat ride away from the keys, set on its own private island. Both the hotel and restaurant promise a magical setting and they don't disappoint. The food is just as exceptional; the French-Caribbean themed menu adds to the exotic vibe of the location.

4. The Inn at Little Washington, Washington

A luxurious Virginia inn, the prestige of the hotel spills over into the dining room where chef Patrick O'Connell uses only the freshest ingredients and seasonal produce for a New American menu. With its romantic décor, the experience of the out of town hideaway is complete.

5. Maestro - Ritz Carlton Tysons Corner, Virginia

This elegant restaurant has all the impeccable style you would expect from the exclusive Ritz-Carlton hotels, but with a modern twist - an open kitchen to watch the master Fabio Trabocchi at work. The wine list (put together by sommelier Vincent Feraud) is something any restaurant in Italy would be proud of, whilst the flavours and dishes bring the kind of depth and subtlety that reflects their Italian heritage to perfection.

Tom Ingrams is a travel writer who specializes in the higher end of the market, with particular attention to the very best luxury hotels from around the world. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Ingrams

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Miami's Best Luxury Hotels

By Mike Leverency

Miami is famous for two things: beaches and money. If you want to see the beaches and money is no object then there are a vast variety of hotels from you to choose from. But Miami is as much about being seen as being there, so it is best to stay at the hottest hotel if you have the money. The below hotels are the hottest Miami has, offering decadent luxury.

Delano Hotel
When you enter the dimmed lobby with its billowing floor to ceiling curtains and carefully placed mood lighting you know that the Delano is something special. In fact, it's more than that. The Delano is the pinnacle of the Miami hotel scene. It has a private garden and pool which is surrounded by tropical fauna from all over the world which has private cabanas nestled snugly in hidden locations. The real gem of this hotel is the rooftop spa, it offers a plethora of treatments and 360 degree panoramic views of Miami. The Delano is also home to one of the finest restaurants in Miami with the Blue Door situated downstairs. This really is a place to be seen in Miami.

Fontainbleau Hotel
The Fontainbleau has been integral part of Miami's landscape for over fifty years. Set on 20 acres of lush tropical forest this hotel is steeped in fame. Every US president has visited it since it was opened, as well as Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. It has been the set for a myriad of films including Goldfinger and Scarface. Its grotto style pool with private cabanas which over look that ocean has to be one of its crowning jewels. If money is no object then you should definitely stay on the executive floor which offers luxurious room and a private concierge service.

Ritz Carlton Hotel
Although the Ritz Carlton is a chain hotel and can be construed as an average room for the night, don't be put off, this Ritz Carlton at Miami screams the Miami beach lifestyle. The interior now boasts a $2 million dollar art collection with many originals there on permanent display. It has a world-class spa that has over fifty varieties of treatments including the new practise of personalised massages based on your zodiac sign. The pool scene here is amazing as well, with private VIP cabana service and even a tanning butler to help you reach in-between your shoulder blades.

Miami is all about the money and the lifestyle as mentioned above. When looking at flights to Miami you have to pick a hotel where it is as important to be seen as comfort and amenities.

So bear in mind when looking for hotels that these hotels might be booked well in advance, as these are the places that you want to be seen, If you stay here in peak season you may even rub elbows with celebrities or the president!

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Hotels in Haridwar - Luxury Hotels

By Sneha T

Haridwar is a religious city and there are numerous hotels that cater to a variety of customers. There are many high end luxury hotels that are located in Haridwar. These luxury hotels are known for their hospitality and splendid décor as well. These luxury hotels generally cater to the affluent and they offer a wide range of features. Luxury hotels in Haridwar are similar to those in the other cities and they provide facilities for both the religious traveler as well as the business traveler. Most luxury Haridwar hotels are located in convenient places and they have professional employees who cater to the needs of the guests. The hotels have a long tradition of serving guests with extreme devotion.

Some of the noteworthy hotels in the city are Hotel Classic Residency, Alpana Hotel and Sanga Ganag Resort. Haridwar is a crowded religious city and people from all over the country frequent this place. Finding accommodation might be difficult and many of these luxury hotels are among the first ones to get fully booked. It would be sensible to book your rooms well in advance, in order to avoid any problems. The hotels offer pick up and drop services for their guests for a particular price as well.

Hotels in Haridwar offer only vegetarian cuisine as it is a religious city and most travelers usually abstain from non vegetarian food. Hotels in the city of Haridwar offer excellent facilities and these include 24 hour room services, telephone services, and channel music services, televisions with cable access, car rental options, travel desks, 24 hour hot and cold water supply, laundry services and medical services.

These Haridwar hotels have become renowned in the field of hospitality as they provide first class facilities and their staff is well trained and well mannered as well. Accommodation in Haridwar is relatively cheaper than in other cities and the rooms are spacious and clean. Luxury hotels in Haridwar provide clean linen and bathroom facilities as well. The hotels offer both A/C and non A/C rooms and there are single, double and suite rooms as well. Luxury hotels in Haridwar make sure that they don't compromise on quality and they provide the guests with the best possible facilities. Many hotels have excellent views of the Himalayan Mountains as well and guests are sure to feel refreshed and revitalized after the stay. It is advisable to make sure that your trip is well planned beforehand to negate any complexities from occurring during your stay in Haridwar.

For more information about Haridwar Hotels Online Booking Services, Please visit our website for booking Hotels in Haridwar at http://book.mustseeindia.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sneha_T

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Delhi Luxury Hotels, Complete Comfort

By Zeybun Nisha Khan

Delhi, the capital of India and the third largest city of India, has now truly become a cosmopolitan city. Delhi famous for its tradition & culture, is now also preferred for its investments, industrialization, and health resources etc. Delhi is full of monuments, historical places, shopping malls, markets etc. In short, it has now become one of the best places of view in travelers. Luxury hotels in Delhi gives you great comfort and revitalizes you during your stay at Delhi.

Delhi has always attracted people with its charm. Traveler, businessman, or a student, the vibrant features of Delhi are enough to make it magnificent. From beautiful monuments to the huge shopping mall, Delhi is a complete package for your holidays.

To give you complete comfort, the city provides you with a wide range of luxury hotels in Delhi. These hotels not only provide you modern amenities but also sometimes organize small get-together parties to make you interact with other guest. Also its provides you fully furnished spacious rooms with modern amenities, car parks, community rooms, spa, antique shops, boutiques shops, beauty parlors, concierge services. These hotels also have Bar & lounge facilities for their esteemed guest.

One of the advantages of choosing hotel in Delhi would be that, most of the hotels are located near markets, airports and railway stations, which make the journey of travelers to and fro.

Hotel Oberoi Delhi is preferred for its advantageous location. Overlooking the Delhi's Golf Club on one side and the Humayun's Tomb on the other, just half hour drive from international airport, Oberoi hotel Delhi will offer the most comfortable and luxurious stay at the capital city.

Connaught place, centrally located in Delhi, is a busy business place and also a shopping area. It is also easily accessible hotel location in New Delhi.
Some of the most popular Delhi luxury hotels near Connaught Place are The Imperial Hotel, Shangri-La, and Le Meridian. Likewise hotel Shangri-La, Hyatt regency hotel, hotel Taj palace, the Grand hotel.

Some of the other well known Delhi Luxury Hotels are Aman Resorts, Amarya Garden, Claridges Hotel Delhi, Hotel Crown Plaza, Hotel Hyatt Regency, Imperial Hotel Delhi, Le-Meridian, ITC Maurya Hotel, Oberoi Maidens, Shangri La, Le Meridian, The Lalit Delhi, Hotel Taj Mansingh, Hotel Taj Ambassador Delhi and Sheraton Hotel Delhi.

Author is an eminent and experienced Content Writer in Travel & Tourism related topics. Author has written several articles on Luxury Hotels in Delhi and Aman Resorts etc. Currently, Author is rendering service for Go Heritage India Journeys. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zeybun_Nisha_Khan

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What Makes a Luxury Hotel Luxury?

By Mark Daniel Mayne 

During the economic boom of the late nineties and early noughties the number of companies building luxury hotels built rose significantly. This was down to the fact that many people had more disposable income and could enjoy the luxuries of exotic holidays and fancy hotel rooms. During this time questions arose about what makes a hotel luxurious?

Is a hotel simply luxurious because it has a five star rating or is it down to the level of service provided? At the time many were unsure and debates ensued about the true criteria of a luxury hotel. This lead to travel journalists coming up with a list of basic criterion, however it should be said that every hotel needs to be judged on an individual basis.

Location

A hotels location and the views that it offers are often central to influencing a persons booking decision. The best hotels are frequently located at the heart of the world's biggest cities and found in close proximity to one another. For example in Paris all the best luxury hotels can be found on the Right Bank. This is because this is where the best views of the city can be found.

Location is pivotal to luxury hotels because they not only have to offer great views but also be in a location that is accessible to all the cities best attractions. These demands can often only be met by the worlds most luxury hotels. Of course you cannot base a hotels status on location. If you consider hotels that site on beech resorts the availability of land is often expanse and easy for many hotels to use.

Level of Service

Service in luxury hotels must of course exceed that of all others. Hotels must be able to go above and beyond to meet its customer's expectations. In some documented cases six and seven star hotels will fly food and other items from half way around the world just to meet customer expectations. Staff members should also be trained to a very high standard and be able to arrange things at the drop of a hat.

Facilities

Luxury hotels should not only have a vast range of facilities but also the very best facilities. Customers of such hotels expect quality and want to be able to do everything in the comfort of the hotels grounds.
Facilities that are not found anywhere else will often help improve a hotels status. People expect a swimming pool, bars, hot tubs, and spa's but what else does the hotel offer. A luxury hotel blends cutting edge technology with style. They have something for everyone.

Attention Detail

This is the area in which luxury hotels excel. Hotels of this type use arts work, architecture and decorations sourced from some of the finest regions in the world. You only have to look at hotels such as the Burj Al Arab or the Vincent  to see this. Gold leaf decorations and marble flooring are almost standard in these types of hotel. No expense is spared in this area and in many cases a luxury should be defined by this. Luxury hotels offer the kind of attention to detail that can't be replicated anywhere else. This is because many of its customers will want to return for just that reason.

In essence these types of hotels are individual. They set themselves apart from the masses by the money they spend and how they operate. They make it difficult for others to replicate them and give people reasons to come back again and again. The star rating is a good guideline however it has a very rigid guidelines and criteria which simply don't reflect the true extent of some luxury hotels.

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Luxury Hotels in Lancashire

By David Glenfield

Holidays in the UK have undergone a resurgence in recent times, and Lancashire is one area feeling the benefit. Lancashire is located in the northwest of England, and is known for its beautiful sights. This holiday hot spot is filled with seaside resorts, beaches as well as fun attractions including the Blackpool Illuminations. You'll also find Luxury Hotels in Lancashire along Blackpool's Golden Mile and the more sedate towns of Lytham and St Annes.

The area also offers beautiful countryside such as the Forest of Bowland; 312 miles of open countryside, rivers and woodland, the majority of it entirely unblemished since medieval times. Bowland is filled with 16th & 17th century stone buildings and charming villages.

Following are just some examples for luxury hotels in Lancashire and what they have to offer.

The Northcote is a national as well as internationally acclaimed luxury hotel both for their fine dining experiences as well as their equally extraordinary and exclusive accommodations, including 14 individually fashioned rooms. Substantial investments have been made in the growth of their landscaped gardens, exclusive bedroom gardens as well as working garden where fresh produce is grown. This Lancashire luxury hotel has romantic weekend packages, Easter weekend packages and more.

The 'Number One' is a unique 5 star boutique hotel located in Blackpool. Together with breathtaking views of the sea, the newly refurbished South Beach Promenade, Solaris and Mirrorball Gardens, Number One provides luxurious holiday accommodation. The hotel contains 14 unique rooms including a suite, and several have balconies. Each room is individually designed and furnished to create a distinctive ambience. The elegant eating venue presents a wonderful dining experience. You'll be close to the casinos and Blackpool's night life!

The 'Gibbon Bridge' is one of Lancashire´s premier luxury hotels with an exceptional atmosphere. Located within the gorgeous Forest of Bowland, an ´Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty´, this 4 Star luxury hotel provides outstanding accommodation in addition to scrumptious food and award winning gardens. They are famous for their personal service and attention to detail. The Gibbon Bridge is also a great location for weddings and is the perfect place to stay for a romantic getaway. You can enjoy whirlpool baths, Champagne Saturdays with live piano music, or just champagne and fine chocolates in your room.

Finding the perfect won't be difficult. To make your visit an exceptional one do some research online to find the one that fits your needs. Do you want to stay in the open countryside or on the Fylde Coast? There are a lot of choices so you'll have no problems finding the perfect hotel.

Most of Lancashire's luxury hotels offer individual treatments, including English breakfasts, spa treatments and fine dining, to name a few. The area itself has a fabulous night life, casinos, beautiful lush forests, and blue flag beaches. You get it all when you visit Lancashire.

David Glenfield is an experience author writing on a range of subject matter, in particular for the travel and tourism trades on behalf of a number of luxury hotels in Lancashire. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Glenfield

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Small Luxury Hotel of the World Lands in Singapore

By Kelvin Kong

Over the years, Singapore has slowly risen and become one of the top destinations in the Asia Pacific region. And since it has become a tourist destination, the country's hospitality industry has reaped the benefits of having non-stop incoming visitors coming to their hotels. This influx is what the Small Luxury Hotel of the World wants to take advantage off. And what better way for them to do just that than by establishing its Asia Pacific Regional Office in Singapore.

Known for its wide network of hotels, the Small Luxury Hotel of the World is a club that provides it members with extra perks and benefits every time they stay in one of the company's listed hotels. This includes complementary breakfast for two, late checkouts, a room upgrade, VIP service, rooms designed to suit their tastes, and the use of its club concierge. By providing these benefits, the club aims to make the stay of its members in their hotels more pleasant and enjoyable.

The Small Luxury Hotel of the World currently has a total of 508 hotels tucked under its belt. Each hotel has an average of 49 rooms that can be used by its various club members. And despite being hit by the recession, the company was able to increase its number of assets last year, including having two set up in Japan.

So why choose Singapore? Well, according to Small Luxury Hotel of the World CEO Paul Kerr, they feel that by setting up this new regional office, the company gets to establish itself just like it did in the United States. It also helps increase their portfolio of hotels in the Asia Pacific market. But most important of all, the new regional office will help them cater both to the hotels under their banner as well as their members.

Also, the opening of its regional office in Singapore is the company's way of extending its foothold into the Asia Pacific Region. It joins the other offices set up in Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Thanks to this new addition, the Small Luxury Hotel of the World not only gets to bolster its huge number of hotels under their banner, it also helps their plans of expansion even further.

Now to ensure that the new regional office succeeds, the Small Luxury Hotel of the World has placed key officials to help operations run smoothly. This includes having Mark Wong as the office's Area Director and Brandon Chang as its Director of Sales. Joining them will be the club's PR Manager for the Asia Pacific Region, Bryony Gammon.

Given its current success, the set up of the Small Luxury Hotel of the World's new regional office in Singapore does not come as a surprise. It was only a matter of time. But that is not the important part here. Aside from expansion, what makes the establishment of this new office vital is that the club's members can now expect more hotels to be added to the list of places they can stay in and enjoy.

London Budget Hotels provides comprehensive information on London travel and detailed reviews of the hotels and accommodation available in London. Check out the best offers, and also the excellent reviews of each of the available hotels at this fantastic site. If you are looking for affordable Paris Hotels to spend your nights in Paris (France), do also checkout our fabulous recommendations at Paris Budget Hotels. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelvin_Kong

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Key West Luxury Hotels

By Walter Grove

Key West is as much a place for adventure as it is for relaxation. Popular activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and parasailing. If you travel to Key West at the right time, you might also find a fun festival, such as Fantasy Fest or Parrot Heads Festival. If you're traveling for romance, stick to the beaches and pools. Also try to visit Michael's, which is the most romantic restaurant in Key West. Whether you're traveling for adventure, relaxation, or romance, you're going to want to stay in a nice hotel. The two hotels covered below are the top-rated luxury hotels in Key West.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Key West
Traveler Rating: 4.0 Stars
Price: Expensive

The Crowne Plaza Hotel Key West is located on Duval Street, which is what most travelers desire. Having so many attractions and restaurants right outside your door is a convenience. The only negative is noise at night on the weekends, but you can avoid this by requesting a room on the backside of the hotel. The ambiance at the Crowne Plaza is one of history. However, the decor is mostly modern. It's a unique blend that works. How they pulled it off is a mystery. As far as amenities go, most guests are in love with the rooftop bar. The poolside bar comes in at a close second. The pool here is small yet beautiful. Other amenities include a fitness center, a good restaurant, a concierge, and WiFi availability. The rooms here are comfortable and the service is friendly and efficient.

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Traveler Rating: 4.0 Stars
Price: Expensive

This Casa Marina is twice the size of the Crowne Plaza. This means more amenities, but also larger crowds. This hotel has the best pool in area, which is important to many travelers. A more unique feature is the offering of jet-ski tours around the island. This is an invigorating experience and should be taken advantage of regardless of what you already had planned. The Casa Marina is an oceanfront resort offering excellent views. It's pretty in every way, from the lobby to the manicured grounds. The service is friendly and the spa is extraordinary. A seafood restaurant also offers indoor/outdoor seating. The Casa Marina was recently renovated, which makes it even more appealing than before. If you choose to stay at the Casa Marina, request an Ocean Vista room. One other important note: pets are allowed.

Both of the Key West hotels listed above provide a paradise-like setting. The service is excellent, the amenities are many, and the scenery is unbeatable. These hotels are expensive, so be sure to budget accordingly. You don't want to spend all your vacation money on a hotel unless you plan on staying at the hotel the entire time.

If you're planning on coming down to Key West, Florida, visit our website at http://www.keywesthotelsonthebeach.net for information on things to do in Key West. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Walter_Grove

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Luxury Hotels - A Class Apart

By Ram Gupta

How does one define luxury? Luxury cannot be a necessity, if it was it would lose its charm of some thing that is not available commonly or to all for that matter. Luxury is something way beyond necessity or essentials; it is something that caters to the desirability thirst of the human being. This is precisely what luxury hotels fulfil- thirst and desire. They provide the guest with a relatively higher quality experience. Luxury hotels could be beach hotels, resort hotels or city hotels.

With the availability of surplus spendable income in the pockets of travelling public, the industry saw an explosion in the expectations of guests. The scenario provided a window of opportunity to exploit, as the people were willing to pay a premium for an exclusive and exciting product. This acted as a catalyst to the emergence of the concept of creating services and product beyond the expectations of a guest. Luxury hotels surfaced.

The industry saw chain as well as independent hotels create an exclusive niche product for this specific user segment and termed it as luxury hotels. To distinguish luxury hotels from the regular hotels, they were classified as five Star Deluxe Hotels or Luxury hotels.

While physically, the product remains almost the same as a five star hotel but it is qualitatively far more superior in product standards and style. The lobby is warm, rich and inviting with a touch of class, the elevators are well decorated in mahogany with rich inlaid Italian marble flooring. Floor corridors become more cosy and intimate and the hotels room- well, very plush with rich carpets, luxurious fabrics and high-end fixtures and furniture. The rooms are provided with TV's, music, electronic do not disturb and clean my room signs etc to list a few.

The bathrooms also get a make over. Luxury hotels provide a minimum of 5-fixture bathrooms fitted with ultra high end and branded fittings and fixtures. Most bathrooms have the provision of a bathtub and enclosed shower cubicle. The floor is adorned with expensive granite or Italian marble and so are the walls. The bathroom also have a HDTV and speakers for music.

The super fine linen, on the bed and in the bathrooms, enhances the quality of comfort. Branded amenities are provided to reinforce hotels commitment to quality, winning guest's appreciation and confidence.

Luxury hotels and resorts have at least one specialty cuisine fine dining restaurant in addition to an upscale coffee shop. The Bar is relaxing and soothing and generally have a club lounge atmosphere with finest labels on the shelf and in the cellar. The qualitative aspects are reflected in the service and presentation style of food and beverages. The attempt in a luxury hotel is to attain perfection with continuous improvement and evolution.

Staff of a luxury hotel is very well trained in not only their technical traits but also in the guest interactions. Courteousness, care and compassion are virtues that they practise and perfect. They are trained to address all guests by their names, making the interaction personal.

The emphasis in a luxury hotel is to ensure that the guest gets a real good and memorable experience of his stay in the hotel, something that will make him feel nostalgic. As we walk ahead, the definition of luxury keeps on changing, forcing industry to constantly redefine the term adding further luxuries to luxury.

Ram Gupta is a professional hospitality consultant with over four decades of experience in Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Far East. He has been associated with over two dozen hotel projects. His web site can be viewed at http://www.bcgglobal.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ram_Gupta

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