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.