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.

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

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.

2009 Trip Advisor Travelers Choice Award Winners on Hotelbook

The world's largest travel community, Trip Advisor, has announced the 2009 Travelers Choice Awards.Unlike any other hotel awards programs in the world, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based millions of unbiased hotel guest reviews.This year's Travelers Choice Awards are the biggest ever, as 443 hotels are being honored in the seventh year of the competition.

Hotels received awards in the following categories: Best Bargains, Best for Families, Best Hidden Gems, Best Inns & B&Bs, Best for Romance, Best Luxury, Best Service, Best All-Inclusive and Best Brands. Hotelbook is proud to feature many of these award-winning hotels, and have listed them below so you can have a look.

Top 100 Best Bargains
No. 10 – Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Venice, Italy
No. 82 – Hotel Silencio del Campo, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

Top 10 Best Bargains – Europe
No. 6 – Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Venice, Italy.

Top 10 Best Bargains – Central and South America
No. 6 – Hotel Silencio del Campo, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica

Top 10 Best Hidden Gems – Europe
No. 2 – Golden Well (U Zlate Studne), Prague, Czech Republic.

Top 10 Best for Romance – World
No. 10 – Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

Top 10 Best for Romance – United States
No. 2 – Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Kamuela, Hawaii

Top 10 Best for Romance – Europe
No. 8 – Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo, Venice, Italy
No. 10 – Golden Well (U Zlate Studne), Prague, Czech Republic

Top 10 Best for Romance – Asia
No. 3 - Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand.

Top 10 Best for Romance – Caribbean & Mexico
No. 7 – Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Best in the Top 25 World Cities
No. 9 – Al Ponte Antico Hotel, Venice, Italy
No. 15 - Golden Well (U Zlate Studne), Prague, Czech Republic.
No. 18 – Porto Bay Rio Internacional Hotel, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Best Service – World
No. 3 - Golden Well (U Zlate Studne), Prague, Czech Republic

Best Service - Europe
No. 2 - Golden Well (U Zlate Studne), Prague, Czech Republic
No. 10 - Al Ponte Antico Hotel, Venice, Italy

Top 100 Best Luxury
No. 1 – Aria Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
No. 10 – Quinta da Bela Vista, Funchal, Portugal
No. 33 – Ventana Hotel Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
No. 38 - Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand
No. 41 – Hotel Le Palais, Prague, Czech Republic
No. 73 – Soneva Gili Resort & Spa, North Male Atoll, Maldives
No. 79 – Real Palacio, Lisbon, Portugal

Top 10 Best Luxury – Europe
No. 1 – Aria Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
No. 5 – Quinta da Bela Vista, Funchal, Portugal

Top 10 Best Luxury – Asia
No. 5 - Tongsai Bay Cottages & Hotel, Koh Samui, Thailand

Spa Treatments Around the World

There is no better way to relax and rejuvenate your mind and body than with a spa vacation. But how do you choose a destination that’s appropriate for you? A variety of spas span the globe and their style of treatments vary, so hotelbook is happy to describe some of the more remarkable options.

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Flowers? Chocolates? The Real Way to Celebrate Valentine's Day is Right Here.

Roses are expensive and they last only a few days before wilting. That cheap box of chocolates from the market isn't going to win her heart either. Let's face it....Valentine's Day is only special when you do something original. Otherwise, it's trite and someone always get disappointed. Too much pressure? How about a holiday away? Before you assume that a trip is too much money and effort, remember all the lukewarm Valentine's Days you have faced in the past. A little sacrifice could go a very, very long way.

If you are living in the US, New York is not really that much a of a giant voyage. Plus, there are a ton of hotel deals right now, thanks to the suffering economy. I read online yesterday that some hotels in Time Square are cutting rates 50%. The Park Central Hotel has rooms that are bigger than your average NYC hotel room and they are right across from Carnegie Hall. You are sure to score lots of points with a picnic in Central Park and ice skating in Rockefeller Center.

Can you think of anything more romantic than Valentine's Day in Venice? (Ok, maybe Paris, but we will talk about that next.) Truly, a trip to Venice could make up for every Valentine's mistake from now until the year 2025. At the Boscolo Dei Dogi Hotel, you can score 5-star accommodations and views of the famed canals. A kiss in the middle of the Piazza San Marco might be something you both remember for the rest of your life.

Ok, so Paris is very romantic. You really can't go wrong with a trip to the Timhotel Montmartre. The cozy hotel is inexpensive and very centrally located next to the Bateau Lavoir of Picasso. Check out the pictures of this place, as the quaint hotel resembles some kind of Paris postcard you might find in a posh store.

My choice? Florence. If I wanted to go anywhere in the world for Valentine's Day, Florence would be my absolute #1 pick. In fact, if my boyfriend flew me to a Florence hotel for Valentine's Day, I might marry him on the spot. The last time I was in Florence, I stayed at Hotel Paris, a really great boutique property in the center of the city. Climb the stairs of the Campinile for truly romantic and amazing views.

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be stressful. Just plan a fantastic trip and know that you are putting in a little extra effort for the one you love. Trust us, your efforts will totally be worth it.

Experience "2010 - A New Year's Eve Odyssey" with Hotelbook

I like to plan ahead, especially when it comes to huge, fun parties and vacations. Apparently, everyone at hotelbook shares my enthusiasm, as we have already seen lots of bookings for New Year's Eve, 2010. If it seems a little early to you, consider the fact that hotels and airfare always skyrocket towards the end of the year, so the sooner you book, the better deal you may end up receiving.

Having trouble thinking of something epic to do next year? We did some research and found that party planning is already in progress. Big party cities like Chicago, Las Vegas, Paris and New York City already have websites recommending that people book early.

If you need a few fun and cool choices for a New Year's Eve hotel, here are a few of our favorites:

Dream Hotel - Manhattan
Westminster Opera House - Paris
Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas

The Ski Season Brings Big Fun and Big Savings

Yesterday, I spent some time talking to a friend who had just returned from two weeks of non-stop skiing. He skiied around France and Austria in what can only be described as an amazing, glamorous vacation. He spun a rather hilarious tale about a hotel owner named Dave who had an interesting side business, but I digress.

The ski season is in full swing here at hotelbook, and we have hand-picked some of the best ski hotels in the world for your convenience. Record snowfalls and dropped currency exchange rates are causing ski enthusiasts to snap up deals and savings with force. Even last-minute vacations are not unrealistic.

Powder volume is great right up until mid to late April in some parts, so now is the perfect time to plan your next ski trip. Check out some of our great ski picks below.

Europe
Andorra: The Palarine Hotel
Norway: Voksenasen Hotel Oslo
Switzerland: Alpenroyal Swiss Q Hotel
Germany: Parkresidenz Tegernsee

USA
Utah: Stein Eriksen Lodge
Colorado: Beaver Creek Lodge
New Mexico: El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spa
Idaho: The Coeur d'Alene Resort

Canada
Sun Peaks: Nancy Greene's Cahilty Lodge

New Zealand
Azur

Resolve to Travel More in 2009

It is probably a pretty obvious statement to tell you that I enjoy traveling. Honestly, I would take several trips a year if I could. What's holding me back? Money. Not just my money, but my friend's lack of money as well. Sometimes I can plan a trip, but my friend's cannot, and it's just not as much to travel alone. Let's face it, unless you want to make a few sacrifices, frequent travel isn't the most feasible option for most of us, including those like me who consider a youth hostel to be "punishment" as opposed to "vacation." I truly enjoy boutique properties like those found on hotelbook. For me, the hotel is a big part of the experience.

Over the weekend, a friend of mine and I were discussing her recent trip to Cabo San Lucas. This particular friend has been extremely job-stressed for at least a year and definitely needed a break. She stayed at Club Cascadas De Baja and returned very refreshed, happy and relaxed. Her declaration was, "I don't care if I have the money or not. From now on, I am taking a vacation at least once a year. It's the best way to preserve my mental health."

Am I saying that people should go bankrupt, throw caution to the wind, and ignore their bills in favor of hopping on a plane? Of course not. That said, I do think we all need a break once in awhile. After all, if we didn't, we wouldn't get paid vacation days at work. Even a weekend road trip or an inexpensive flight to the semi-vacationish spot near you might be just the little vacation you need.

I plan to hold my friend to her promise, as my bags are packed.