Take a Chance on Me

For all the diehard ABBA fans out there, mark your calendars, because the world's first museum dedicated solely to the group is set to open in Stolkholm, Switzerland in 2008. The interactive museum will showcase the pop sensation's music, original outfits worn during performances, awards, and much much more. That's not it. The best part? Visitors can actually record their own ABBA song in the museum's studio. The next time you're in Stolkholm, stay at the Maudes Hotel and be sure to visit the museum.

You like Thai?...Yeah, I like tie. You like shirt?

In each issue, the editors at Conde Nast Traveller give readers the rundown on top travel spots as part of the magazine's "World's Best" column. They rank everything from Paris bistros to Maldives hotels to worldwide ski resorts for non-skiers, with the latest "World's Best" featuring Hideaway Hotels in Thailand. Most appealing in my opinion is the Evason Hideaway & Six Senses Spa at Hua Hin, with 55 twin-roomed villas each offering its own mini-resort experience with private pool and massage amenities. If that isn't luxurious enough, a private butler service comes standard with each villa, on hand to provide anything you desire -- from iPods to extra towels to board games. For more information on this resort and other accomodations in Thailand, check out hotelbook.com. In particular, I like the Burasari Patong Hotel and the Central Samui Beach Resort.

Gran Hotel Gualalpin Marbella

Way back in 1990 I studied in Madrid for a semester.  Before I headed home, my parents came over and we traveled to the south of Spain.  One of my favorite stops was Marbella.  When I saw the ad below that we created, I was transported back in time to one of the best trips I have ever been on.  I wish I could remember the name of the hotel where we stayed because it was nice; however, if I go again I will be staying at the Gran Hotel Gualalpin in Marbella with a picture perfect view of the Mediterranean Sea.

Tropical Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and although spending time at home with family and comfort food is the ultimate American tradition, the holiday is also a good time for a getaway. The editors at Sherman's Travel recently named the Top 10 Thanksgiving Destinations, with Aruba topping the list. With great weather year-round, the tropical island offers a nice escape from changing leaves and chilly fall weather. Aruba's beaches are said to be beautiful, with powdery sand and crystal-clear water. Amsterdam Manor Beach, listed on hotelbook.com, offers resort luxury just steps from the shore. Other top Thanksgiving destinations include: Brussels, Belgium; Kauai, Hawaii; and Vail, Colorado. For those locations, check out the Grand Hotel Waterloo, the Lae Nani Resort, and The Willows and Riva Ridge, respectively.

Dancing with the Stars

Did anyone catch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" last night? I am so ecstatic that Emmitt Smith won - it's like Dallas won another Super Bowl! Ok, so I probably just committed blasphemy to loyal football fans everywhere, but the ballroom dancing craze has literally swept the nation off it's feet since the show's debut. You've got to really hand it to these dancers - they sure are in amazing shape and can move! My girlfriends all want to take up ballroom dancing lessons and experience it first hand but I'd like to go to where it all started - in Italy! The Grand Hotel Continental is absolutely breathtaking complete with a magnificent ballroom to really get down like they did during the Renaissance.

Save a Tree

We often take for granted the people that are in our lives or the things that are around us and never realize their significance until it's too late. There are so many beautiful destinations in the world that I'd like to visit in my lifetime, but experts speculate that many of these places won't even be around by the year 2020. They are in danger of disappearing forever due to environmental changes caused by the ozone layer and tourist damage. According to Hotel Travel News, travel to certain areas of countries including Spain, Greece, and Austrailia will be limited and restricted because of drastic temperature changes and beach erosion. The beautiful island of Maldives and the Meddhupparu Resort there is also in danger of submerssion I think we should all do our part to help keep these breathtaking hotspots of the world around as long as possible by being environmentally educated and active!

Podcast: Shopping in New York for the Holidays

Welcome back to the hotelbook.com podcast. In this episode we will be taking a look at the city that never sleeps and is so great that they named it twice. It could only be New York.

With the holidays fast approaching thoughts of shopping are in the air. So why not use this as an excuse to get inventive and plan a trip to New York City. It’s a great time to shake things up a bit and do things differently. So this episode is all about Shopping in New York.

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Shop til You Drop in NYC

Halloween here in the States has just passed two days ago, and already hints of green and red are popping up in stores everywhere. Despite the fact that I absolutely despise the cold, I really do this love this time of year because my favorite holiday, Christmas is right around the corner! It would be so wonderful to live in New York to take advantage of all the wonderful shopping and scenery. Hotelbook has a large selection of fabulous New York hotels with great rates and accommodations in all the different areas of Manhattan with helpful tips and advice on where to find the best shopping as well. What I wouldn't give to be able to stroll and window shop along 5th Avenue, hazelnut Venti Latte in hand - non fat, please!