Famous Shopping Destinations

Still recovering from holiday shopping fever (my euphemism for a year-round obsession), I loved this article online today about the world's top shops - those that have become landmarks in and of themselves (think Hermes in Paris).  Imagining I'd won the lottery, I found some ideal "shop and stay" excursions for mine and Leigh's next vacation, I mean, business trip.

Fifth Avenue, New York - St. Regis (this makes my heart pitter patter)

Ginza, Tokyo - Hotel Monterey Ginza

Harrod's, London - NH Harrington Hall Hotel

Champs Elysees, Paris - Claridge Champs Elysees (I've been on the Avenue for lunch and shopping, but had no idea this gem existed)

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the hotelbook.com team!

Holiday Events

I am headed to Denver for the holidays.  I will be attending a Broncos game against the Raiders and a Nuggets game against the Rockets.  (Ariel - those are football and basketball teams.)  If you do not have any events scheduled yet, check out the travel and event guides on hotelbook.  They have a comprehensive list of events in almost every major city around the world.  Just once I would like to celebrate New Year's Eve in Times Square...maybe next year!

Happy Holidays!

Travel + Leisure

I was flipping through the December issue of Travel + Leisure magazine and a "Savings on the Web" feature caught my eye (bargain shopper that I am!) hotelbook.com was listed as a great website to go to for bargains. Kudos to hotelbook.com for the inclusion!

Travel to Southeast Asia

I read an article online about events to be held in Thailand on Dec. 26 to mark the one-year anniversary of last year's tsunami.  Wondering how the resorts and hotels have recovered since last year, I checked hotelbook.com and found about half of the 42 Thailand hotels listed actually have availability.  I'm hoping those that didn't are just full, and am curious if anyone is planning to visit.  I'd love to hear what the area is like today.

Subway Maps for your Ipod

I discovered a cool site where you can download Subway Maps to your iPod.  Very nice to have when you are traveling. There are 23 cities listed so far.  Of course, if you are one of the three people left who does not yet have an iPod, I recommend that you visit the Apple Store and get one today.  (P.S.  Its the best way to listen to our latest podcast as well.)

Well Wishes for the Wellington

And it's a great place for celebrity sightings. We saw Carson Kressley from Queer Eye for the Straight Guy right outside the front door of the Wellington!

Welled up over the Wellington in NYC

Just got back from a trip to the City and was pleasantly surprised by the Wellington Hotel at 55th and 7th -- a last-minute hotelbook find.  LeighKG and I booked it on the site because it was affordable and available.  Lo and behold, we landed a charming double on the 27th floor with an incredible view of Central Park, easy walking or cab access to everything you ever wanted in New York for the holidays (shopping and shows), and a promise to return soon. We loved the Euro scene in the lobby (they are smart travelers after all).  No doubt I'll be back, that is unless someone has a better recommendation.

Disney for the Holidays

I always wanted to go to Disney for the holidays when I was younger.  Friends would return from their trips and tell me how much fun they had.  If you have kids (or are a big kid at heart), I encourage you to go before they (or you) grow up!  The newest Disneyland resort is Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® within the Disney's California Adventure Park.  If you get to go, post a comment and tell me about it!

Summer in Australia

Today is the first day of Summer in Australia!  If you find yourself in the cold, hop a flight to the other side of the world.  Get warm by the beach at the Kewarra Beach Resort near Cairns. The Kewarra Beach Resort is an exclusive rain forest resort near the Great Barrier Reef and a lush tropical rain forest.  Or if you prefer to see Sydney for the first time, try the newly renovated and affordable Aarons Hotel Sydney located close to Darling Harbour.