Ireland Podcast

In this hotelbook podcast, we explore the historical sights available to those interested in studying Irish history and family genealogy.


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It's time for Oktoberfest!

Last weekend, many of my friends attended an Oktoberfest festival.  If you have never been to an Oktoberfest, you can expect crowds of happy people enjoying 'Brathendl' (roast chicken) or a 'Brezn' (pretzel) with 'Obatzda' (savoury cheese spread) and a ‘Mass’(one-liter) of beer. Bands play and visitors from all over the world mingle, dance and celebrate. Traditionally, the festival lasts from October 12-17. Nowadays, we usually begin celebrating in September simply because the weather tends to be more agreeable.

To me, Oktoberfest is a sign that Fall is upon us, and I can’t think of a better time to visit Europe, or more specifically, Germany.  The original celebration is held in Munich, and is actually happening right now. If you are looking for a great place to stay in Munich, I recommend Inter City Hotel Munchen. The hotel is very close to a main railway station and just 1.3 kilometres from the city centre.

How fabulous would it be to spend Oktoberfest in Berlin? Berlin’s version is a little smaller than Munich, but still a huge production, attracting about 200,000 people each year. Luxe lodging choices include Steigenberger Hotel Berlin. The hotel has every amenity you could ever want, like comfortable beds with extra pillows, bathrobes and great restaurants and bars. It’s also very close to the fabulous shopping avenue, Kurfürstendamm, as well as the famous Gedächtniskirche (church.)

There are always a million reasons to go to Germany, and a more than few great hotel choices to make your trip even more fun. And no matter where you live, get out there and see if there is an Oktoberfest going on near you.

Travel + Leisure Announce America's Favorite City

Travel + Leisure has released its list of America's Favorite Cities. Guess what came in #1? Not surprisingly, New York City received the most No. 1 rankings according to categories like Culture, Dining, Holiday Travel, People-Watching and Nightlife. What the only category where NYC didn't fare too well? Affordability, of course. Living in America's Favorite City isn't cheap.

If you are anything like your resident blogger, you want to have your Big Apple and eat it too. Why should you have to sacrifice a stylish hotel stay just to save money? Try perusing the NYC hotelbook choices. There are always good deals at fabulous boutique properties in perfectly positioned locations. Some favorites include Dream Hotel and Thompson LES.

After all, a visit to New York is simply not complete without a sophisticated hotel.

A Trip to Dubai, A Trip to Paradise?

I used to hear the occasional reference to Dubai and it thought it sounded extremely obscure….a Middle Eastern city that was exotic and unknown. Cut to the past few years, where Dubai is suddenly leading International travel growth. Who would have thought? The city has the tallest, most extravagant, most over the top fabulous hotels and resorts in the world. It’s becoming THE place for celebrities and the glitterati, as well as a dream trip for an average girl like my friends and I.

Here’s a little interesting trivia: Dubai is one of seven United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the Persian Gulf. Unlike other UAE, Dubai only gleans 6% of its revenue from oil. Guess where the rest of it comes from? Tourism. The official language is Arabic, but English is very common. The climate is sub-tropical but dry, making it an ideal beach vacation venue and a golfer’s paradise.

Hotelbook offers lots of great deals on fabulous boutique properties in Dubai. For instance, I can totally see myself at the One and Only Arabian Court. The hotel has a private beach and resembles an Arabian palace. I am ready to book.

After all, aside from football, September isn’t the most exciting travel time for your resident blogger. I enjoy a beach and sunshine, and September tends to be rainy and filled with hurricanes. I think a trip to Dubai is exactly what we all need to get us to the holiday season.

London on a Budget

Today on CNN Travel, there is an article on how to holiday in London on a budget. CNN recommends taking advantage of attractions that offer free admission, like The British Museum, the Science Museum, the Victoria & Albert and other state-supported sites. Additionally, the article mentions other budget-friendly tips, like how to visit the Tower of London for free, how to get around the city without spending a fortune and how to get cheap theater tickets.

Hotelbook features lots of great London properties close to popular attractions. Some of our recommended, wallet-friendly properties include The Americana Hotel, Bryanston Hotel and Kensington Court Hotel.

Check out the full CNN Travel article here.