Flying the Texan Skies: A Treatise on Dallas

It’s been a few months, hasn’t it? Sorry about that. DaveTX is a busy guy. A few days ago he asked if I could fill in on the hotelbook blog, write a few travel-related posts, and perhaps entertain with grand stories of globe trotting adventure and international intrigue. Apparently DaveTX has me mistaken for someone else – I’m not that entertaining. However, I do love travel and hotels, so I appreciate the opportunity.

Despite the ongoing recession that may or may not be happening, more people are traveling than ever before. Interestingly enough, it’s Texans that are doing their darndest to lead the charge. If you’ve recently popped open an overhead storage bin to find a cowboy hat inside, now you know why. Texans are traveling almost 5% more than they did in 2007, likely fueled by their booming oil and gas industries. With all these Texans darting about the skies, maybe it’s not a bad time to drop in on the Lone Star State.

Keep reading.  You'll find everything you ever wanted to know about Dallas after the jump.

Las Vegas Travel Podcast

On this episode, we provide an overview of one of the most exciting cities in the world, Las Vegas.


MP3 File

TripAdvisor's Top 10 Art Museums

Recently, TripAdvisor announced their picks for the top ten most popular art museums in the world.  I found a unique independent hotel at each location here on hotelbook.  On your next vacation, why not broaden your art palette a bit?

1. Louvre Museum - Paris, France
2. Vatican Museums - Rome, Italy
3. Metropolitan Musuem of Art - New York, USA
4. J. Paul Getty Center - Los Angeles, CA
5. D'Orsay Musuem - Paris, France
6. Uffizi Gallery - Florence, Italy
7. Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, Illinois
8. Tate Modern - London, England
9. Prado Museum - Madrid, Spain
10. National Gallery of Art - Washington, D.C.

Spring Travel Ideas

Now that the weather is finally starting to warm up in the Northern Hemisphere, does anyone have any travel ideas for the coming months?  This week, I'd like to reach out to my fellow hotelbookers for inspiration.  Feel free to post up below...

Book a Rental Car through Hotelbook

After you've chosen an independent hotel through hotelbook, don't forget that you can also book your rental car here as well. Choose from a wide variety of locations across the world and decide on the type of car you're looking for.  From that point on, it's up to you.  Will it be a convertible or a minivan?  Perhaps it depends on your vacation plans, but at least you can make all your plans without ever leaving hotelbook.com.  I'm hoping for the convertible for my trip to the Bahamas!

GREATRATES© Extended Throughout February

This February, take advantage of great hotel discounts through hotelbook.  The GREATRATES of 2008 are being extended throughout the month of February, giving you the opportunity to save up to 15% off normal rack rates on over 5,000 boutique & independent hotels across the globe.  If you're staying for two nights or more, enjoy these special rates and complementary breakfast in hotels that range from economy all the way up to first-class.  Among many other destinations, enjoy these unique discounts in a wide variety of hotels in Paris, Rome, & Miami.

Valentine's Day with Hotelbook

As February 14th approaches, do something different this year and visit a destination where love is truly in the air.  On hotelbook, you can find a wide variety of boutique hotels that provide an intimate atmosphere where you can enjoy time together without the huss and fuss of a tourist trap hotel. 

For example, at the Royal Hotel in Paris, enjoy a romantic hotel with marble bathrooms, fine linens, and a convenient location next to the famous Champs-Elysees.  Another city perfect for Valentine's Day is Venice, and at the Concordia Hotel you'll find a historic building dating back to 1680 with first-class amenities and views overlooking San Marco Square.  Last but not least, try the Egerton House Hotel in London, a relaxing Victorian-style boutique property that features Ipod docking stations, flat screen televisions, and cozy, spacious beds.

Heading South to the Bahamas

As the weather continues to fluctuate between windy, rainy, freezing, and all of the above, I've decided it's high time to take a vacation down south.  I'm heading down to  the Bahamas, and I found some great hotels here on hotelbook.  The first hotel I came across was Breezes Bahamas, a lively resort that offers all kinds of activities like sailing, kayaking, and wind surfing.  There's also the Xanadu Beach Resort & Marina, which is an exclusive first-class property that offers the added bonus of a on-site dive shop and 66 slip marina (perfect for dock parties).  The final property I came across was the Pineapple Fields Hotel/Condo, a secluded seaside property that features 1,000 feet of beach front.  Anybody have any tips on which of these properties I should choose? 

Warm Florida

Looking to escape the Winter cold?  Florida's the best place in the U.S. to do so, and with hotelbook, you'll be able to find a great rate on an independent hotel in the Sunshine State.  Come explore Walt Disney World and Sea World in Orlando at the Celebration Hotel.  Alternatively, enjoy the exciting atmosphere of Miami Beach at the South Beach Plaza Hotel.  If you need an accommodation that is ideal for corporate retreats, try the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

Enjoy a GREATRATE™ in 2008

Looking for more travel ideas for 2008?  Be sure to take advantage of our special GREATRATES, and enjoy up to 15% off a 2 nights stay with free breakfast included.  These discounted rates cover a wide variety of properties featured on hotelbook, from economy hotels all the way up to 5-star luxury resorts.  Rates are available across the globe, including London, Rome, Paris, and Miami, but get them fast.  Special rates like this don't last forever...