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Things You Should Know When Traveling To Bangkok, Thailand

city-hotels / October 27, 2011 / No comments

If you are planning to travel and to go some place exotic yet, modern then think about Thailand and the beautiful city of Bangkok. There are 11 million people in this city and boasts a wide variety of clubs, restaurants and amenities that will make westerners feel at home.

However, this ancient land cannot hide all the magnificent temples and palaces that have been home to their royal members. Since the late 1700’s, Bangkok has continued to grow to become Thailand’s center of politics, art, religion and commerce.

Bangkok is located in a region that is just a few degrees north of the equator, which means it is a temperate hot spot. In fact, meteorological association experts deem it, the hottest city in the world. On average though, throughout the year, the temperature is about 30 degrees C or 86 degrees F.

The city is both hot and humid all year and is prone to monsoons. The spring and fall, between April-May and Sept.-Oct. are the rainiest times. The Thai government often has to put people on flood alerts during these periods.

However, the weather creates some bright spots (and great deals) for travelers. The absolute best months to visit Bangkok are December and January. These are the “cold” months, which will make the temperature, on average, about 26 degrees C. If you want to spend Christmas in Bangkok then you will see trees lit up with lights and decorated with tinsel, as well as, the commercial side of the holiday.

A wonderful aspect of the Thai people, are their penchant for decorations. The entire city of Bangkok will be lit up for all to see. Businesses, government buildings, bridges and lampposts are wrapped in lights. Some special places to visit at this time are, Peninsula Plaza, The Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Amarin Plaza. These displays will create memories that will last a lifetime.

The hottest time is between the months of March and May. The temperature will get as high as 40 degrees C. It is during these months that the Thai New Year takes place. The entire city of Bangkok will go on a 3-day water fight. If you love the heat, boat cruises, boutiques, lounging by the pool and a steamy nightlife, then this is the time to visit Thailand.

Bangkok and Thailand in general, love movies. Old movies always seem to be popular there and modern movies use their landscape as a backdrop. For example, you may remember a movie released in the year 2000, called “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. It was shot in Bangkok and the surrounding areas.

Another example of a big budget Hollywood movie that used Bangkok for its’ setting was the recent “The Hangover Part II”. The stars of the film travel to Bangkok to celebrate a bachelor party. Many popular areas of Bangkok were used to shoot a number of scenes in the movie.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Adventure, Bangkok, Book, Cheap Hotels, City, Hotel, Hotels, Thailand, Travel, Vacation

City Hotels: A One-Of-A-Kind Travel Destination: Aruba

city-hotels / September 5, 2011 / No comments

When most people think about the ideal tropical travel destination they often think of places like the popular islands of Hawaii. This beautiful locale boasts lush greenery and abundant ocean waters. Yes, they are beautiful and make for an excellent vacation. But this mindset could be robbing them of one of the most breathtaking vacation spots in the hemisphere.

Aruba is a tiny island just 33 kilometers long. It sits just off the coast of Venezuela and promises a unique vacation experience. The plant life on Aruba is actually quite opposite Hawaii’s. Landscapes are dotted with cactus and the climate is dry. This ensures year-round warm weather for tourists, whereas impromptu rain showers are a common nuisance on other tropical islands.

The official nationality of the citizens on this little island is Dutch. Although it was under Spanish rule for a long time, Aruba transferred to Dutch administration in 1636 which accounts for their strong influence on island life. Architecture is beautifully crafted with ornate adornments and bright colors.

The features that really draw tourists in are the weather and the beaches. Temps on the island hang around a steady and ideal 82 degrees F. While Aruba’s landscape is generally flat, the island’s telltale white sandy beaches flaunt impressive rock formations. In addition to swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles the beaches provide a wide range of activity for tourists to enjoy. Parasailing, snorkeling, kitesurfing, and banana-boating are just a handful of the water sports that constitute an average day at Aruba.

The most popular stretch of coast on Aruba is a 2-mile span called Palm Beach. This area provides plenty of vacation activities with water sports, piers, shops, restaurants, beach bars, and concessions. If you save your pennies, you might even stay at one of the ritzy high-rise hotels on Palm Beach.

When you finish your afternoons at the beach, there are multiple places that will entertain you indoors. Take your kids to the Ostrich Farm, Butterfly Farm, Bird Sanctuary, or Donkey Sanctuary to see the animals. Learn a little something about the island’s heritage as you visit the Alto Vista Chapel, Archaeology Museum, or any other of Aruba’s six museums.

An adult’s only outing might land you in any one of Aruba’s luxurious spas where you will receive high quality pampering. Treat yourself to secluded outdoor massages, purification treatments, or invigorating body scrub. Once your re-energized, you and your vacation friends might decide to experience Aruba’s nightlife.

Entertainment in Aruba includes bars, clubs, casinos, and live shows. Enjoy the striking beach sunset as you stroll the restaurants and cafes. Bar hop or settle in for a night of entertainment at a movie theater. Aruba is a travel destination that offers all the things you will love in the best possible way.

Here at City Hotels we consider Aruba to be one of our most enjoyable vacation spots. And the best part is an escape to this tropical paradise is very reasonable as we have a large selection of Aruba Hotels at considerably lower prices than one might think.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Aruba, Aruba Hotel, banana-boating, Cities, City, City Hotels, Destination, Hotel, Island, kitesurfing, Parasailing, snorkeling, Travel, Vacation, Venezuela

City Hotels: Spend A Day In Boston Mass

city-hotels / August 31, 2011 / No comments

Boston Mass is located in the Eastern part of Massachusetts, yet West of Martha’s Vineyard. This is a gorgeous city rich in history, unending entertainment and many great places to visit.

While it would be impossible to even visit half of the things the city has to offer in a day, I would like to highlight some must see places to visit and things to do.

Getting in touch with nature is so easy to do when you go to Boston Common. You can take a stroll among the 50 acres the Common has, or relax in the sun while watching performers, such as jugglers, musicians and entertainers. Getting fresh roasted peanuts from the vendor that strolls the park on a sunny summer day is a must do.

You can then head over to The Museum of Science, with hundreds of hand on experiments, this is a place where young and old alike will have a great time exploring together, make sure you stop by the musical stairs and play a song. The museum of science can take an entire day. This is a great place for those rainy days where science education and fun are the main focus.

From here you can walk through the country’s most historically significant building, Faneuil Hall. Built in 1742 by Peter Faneuil, this building has been used for many speeches from famous people throughout its history, make sure you go upstairs to learn about the history of the building and the area. Listen to park rangers’ talk about all of the things that have happened in the building and surrounding land.

Make sure to stop by Faneuil Hall marketplace, also known as Quincy market, where you can peruse the wide choice of shops and restaurants, don’t forget the souvenirs, so that you can remember your trip.

After Faneuil Hall take a short stroll over to the New England Aquarium, where you will learn about otters, poisonous fish, and penguins just to name a few. There is nothing else like the touch tank, where you will pet the softness of a sting rays. Don’t worry, their stingers have been removed.

Also, one cannot go to Boston without going to the annual Chowderfest, a Boston Pops concert or watching the Mother’s day duck waddle.

Sports fans can watch a baseball game at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. Bring your glove and try to catch a ball from one of the famous batters.

Whatever amount of time you spend in Boston, there is plenty to see, do and experience. Don’t hesitate to mingle with the locals, have drink of Boston Lager in one of the pubs and enjoy your stay. The memories will last a lifetime. A trip to Boston Mass should certainly be on your bucket list.

When staying in Boston the location of your hotel will be very important. We have a wide selection if inner-city Boston Hotels to choose from with out low price guarantee.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Boston, Boston Hotel, Boston Lager, Boston Red Sox, City, City Hotels, Fenway Park, Hotels, Mass, Massachusetts, Quincy Market, Travel, Vacation

City Hotels: Chicago, Illinois: The Windy City Awaits You

city-hotels / August 16, 2011 / No comments

Chicago, Illinois, nicknamed “The Windy City” for the breeze that comes in off of Lake Michigan, was founded by European Americans in the early 19th century and, when it was first surveyed and platted by the state of Illinois, it had a population of less than 100 people. It is now a city with an ever-growing population and has nearly three million inhabitants.

If you have plans to pay this historic city a visit, you won’t be disappointed by the number of things it has to offer you. Many of Chicago’s educational attractions are within walking distance from one another, including places like the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum and the Chicago Children’s Museum, which are all located near Navy Pier on Lake Michigan.

If art galleries are more your style, the Art Institute of Chicago offers up one of the greatest art collections in the world. For the more modern art aficionado, the Museum of Contemporary Art features works that were created after 1945. You can also make a stop at The David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art, just one of the many other art galleries in the area.

Also located near Navy Pier are sites like Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park and several botanical gardens. The beauty and rich history of the city are apparent in the scenery that will engulf your senses and keep you captivated for hours. While you’re out soaking up your surroundings, you will want to take a walk through The Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s primary shopping strip that runs parallel to North Lake Shore Drive and straight down to the Chicago River.

You can also check out the view of the city from the top of the John Hancock Observatory or the Willis Tower Skydeck (formerly known as the Sears Tower), after which you can take a bus tour through the city or a boat tour at Navy Pier, which will give you a perfect view of the stunning Chicago skyline.

Once you’ve packed your days with sightseeing, you’ll definitely want to see what the city has to offer once the sun goes down. There is certainly no shortage of flavor and variety when it comes to Chicago dining. While you won’t want to miss out on things like that authentic Chicago-style pizza, you should keep in mind that if you’re in the mood for something more ethnic, you can always head to Chinatown, well-known for its Cantonese and Szechuan fare. You’ll even find places that offer up Thai and Ethiopian cuisine.

Once you’ve satisfied your palate, you can head out to one of any number of nightclubs downtown. However, if gambling is your preference, you’ll have to do so at one of the riverboat casinos, as that is the only place where gambling has been legalized in the state of Illinois.

Art, education, beautiful scenery and delicious food, all melding perfectly with the bustling atmosphere of the city, will make this a place you won’t soon forget!

As with almost every city around the globe we have a wide selection of reasonably priced Chicago Hotels.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Business, Chicago, Chicago Ill, Chicago Style Pizza, City Hotels, Hotel, Hotels, Illinois, Travel, Vacation, Windy City

City Hotels: Miami Beach – Your Next Travel Destination

city-hotels / August 13, 2011 / No comments

Whether your routine of carpools, PTA meetings, and soccer practices are running you down or you’re beginning to mistake your office desk light for sunshine, you could benefit from a vacation. Miami Beach is a travel destination guaranteed to inject your life with some excitement and flavor in a way that will break up your routine and reinvigorate you. Whether you love city nightlife or prefer to be a beach bum, this vacation destination promise to be the perfect getaway.

There is no shortage of activities to enjoy when you’re in Miami Beach. From cafes to museums there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Take an afternoon to visit the Miami Seaquarium and explore aquatic wildlife including sharks, sea turtles, and manatees. For a wider range of animals take the kids to Parrot Jungle Island where they’ll find parrots, tigers, and the world’s biggest crocodile.

For a night on the town, adults have a lot of options from nightclubs to casinos. Horizon’s Edge Casino Cruise features a gourmet buffet, live entertainment, and gambling – all while enjoying the luxury of the ocean that all cruises highlight. The various bars and nightclubs along Coco Walk offer great live entertainment on a nightly basis.

Of course, what this travel destination is best known for is obviously its beaches. But there’s much more to the beach than just sunbathing and building sand castles. If you’re looking for a risky adventure you can visit South Beach, known by the locals as SoBe. Here you can join the other topless sunbathers for an allover even tan. After the sun sets you can cross the street and visit one of many of the area’s most popular nightclubs.

For those sporty types South Beach features a paved jogging path for runners or bicyclists to get some exercise while showing off their beach bodies. This is also a great activity for families to do together while staying active even on vacation.

Take advantage of the ocean and embark on a deep sea fishing adventure with the family. These large boats take beginner and advanced fishermen and women out to sea for an afternoon or full day of deep sea fishing. You might also consider renting a boat of your own so you can fish and relax at your leisure.

Scuba diving is a singular experience readily available along the coasts of Miami Beach. There are ten artificial reefs to explore, and because they are in no more than 100 feet of water they are a great adventure choice for beginners as well as old pros. No matter which attraction you choose to enjoy, you won’t be disappointed with the versatility and excitement of a Miami Beach travel destination.

Book your Miami hotel today with BigCityHotels.net

Category: Travel News / Tags: Beaches, City, City Hotels, Exotic, Hotel, Hotels, Miami, Miami Beach, Miami Vacation, Motel, Night Clubs, Nightlife, Sobe, South Beach, Travel

City Hotels: Explore The Wonders Of Cancun

city-hotels / July 27, 2011 / No comments

Sun lovers can find the tropical paradise of Cancun on the northeast coast of southern Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula. The name “Kankun” means “pot of snakes” or “nest of snakes” in Maya.

What started out in the 1970’s as a deserted segment of an undeveloped island has been developed by the Mexican government into a popular, world-class resort with hundreds of city hotels located directly on the beach. Cancun provides a wide variety of activities for all ages and lifestyles. Visitors enjoy Cancun’s average temperature of 80 degrees, soft sandy beaches and one of the largest coral reef systems in the world.

The winter tourist season is from December thru April. Cancun is a great spot for sun bathing or snorkeling during the day and romantic dinners by the ocean at night. Cancun is known for its spectacular beaches. The adventurous can make plans to swim with the dolphins or explore the scuba diving opportunities with reef, wall, wreck and night diving. Activities such as deep sea fishing, glass bottom boats and land and sea cruises are also available.

During the rainy season (September, October and November), travelers to Cancun can expect mid afternoon rain showers and high winds. If you wish to take advantage of lower prices and less crowded beaches, you can choose to travel to Cancun during the month of November and early December. During the summer months, temperatures can climb to as high as 100 degrees and may be offset by the breeze coming in from the Caribbean Sea.

Cancun provides a vibrant nightlife and visitors to Cancun will find the Hard Rock Café, Senior Frogs, Margaritaville and Planet Hollywood, as well as many other excellent dining establishments. Shopping can be found in the island tourist zone as well as in the main residential area (known as “El Centro”) located downtown.

There are many national celebrations throughout the year, including New Year’s Day, Constitution Day (February 5th), Benito Juarez’s birthday (March 21st), Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Labor Day (May 1st), Cinco de Mayo (May 5th), Independence Day (September 16th), Dia de la Raza (October 12th), Day of the Dead (November 2nd and 3rd), the Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution (November 20th) and Christmas celebrations (December 25th to January 2nd).

Mexico’s culture and heritage can be discovered a stone’s throw away in a number of Mayan archeological sites, including Chichen Itza and Chetumal. For equestrians, there are horseback rides and tours. Avid golfers can tee up at several beautiful golf courses in Cancun, which offer a variety of golfing experiences to suit all golfing levels. With the wide variety of natural attractions, activities and experiences, it is no wonder that Cancun is a top vacation destination. A wide choice of hotels, dining and wonders await. Book your CanCun vacation today with one of our many inexpensive CanCun Hotels.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Cancun, City, City Hotels, Dia de la Raza, Hotel, Hotels, Kankun, Margaritaville, Mexico, Travel, Vacation

City Hotels Presents Beautiful Mystery: Madagascar

city-hotels / June 28, 2011 / No comments

The beautiful island of Madagascar sits about 225 miles off of Africa’s east coast. This exotic island is very remote and features many unique species of animals that are found nowhere else in the world. The plant life is also very unique, and about ninety percent of it is only found on Madagascar. In the central part of the island, you will find the capital city of Antananarivo. This beautiful city has become a popular destination for tourists.

One of the most popular spots among tourists is Rova. Rova is a royal palace which was ravaged by arson during the 1990s. Tourists can discover the history of the palace from the local guides. The guides speak English fluently and also French. There are ancient monuments located on the palace grounds. Manampisoa is one such monument. Some other monuments featured are Manjakamiadana and Mahitsielafanjaka. In addition to Rova, the Prime Minister’s palace is also a great tourist spot. It is located not far from Rova, and the local guides can provide you with historical information about it. The guides do charge a small fee for their services.

When it comes to hotels, the Iranian Guest House is one of the best hotels in the city. This plush hotel is very popular among tourists and features a seven course dinner consisting entirely of Malagasy cuisine. There are other hotels that are more suited for those tourists with smaller budgets. Some of these include the Karibotel and the Sakamanga. These are considered mi-range accommodations. The two best-known hotels in the city are the Colbert and the Carlton, but these two are quite expensive compared to other hotels in the city.

Most tourists visiting Antananarivo also enjoy the shopping venues. One of the favorites among tourists is the Marche Artisinale La Dique. This craft market is a great spot for those who enjoy shopping for local arts and crafts. It is located just outside the city, but it easily reached by Taxi. Some of the wares featured are local clothing and toys which are mostly sold in the outer areas of the marketplace. The labradorite gemstones are one of the market’s signature crafts, and you can also find paintings by local artists as well as marble games. Be sure to bargain with the shopkeepers, because some will try to charge very high prices. Another shopping spot is the Analakeley market. Here you can purchase local fruits and vegetables.

There is also some great night-life in Antananarivo. You can visit Hotel Glacier, a popular night club, to watch local band performances. Another popular place is Pandora Station. This popular night club features a wide range of music which ranges from the upbeat sounds of electronic and dance music to the soft, smooth rhythm of R&B.

There are also some great opportunities for people who enjoy hiking. There are many good hiking areas around the city. Make sure you choose a comfortable pair of shoes, and don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to capture every moment of the beautiful and rare Madagascar plants and animals.

When you’re ready to make your journey to the elegant and exotic island of Madagascar, please take a look at the different Madagascar Hotels we provide through our safe and secure booking system.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Africa, Antananarivo, City, City Hotels, cityscape, hiking, Hotel, Island, Madagascar, Rova, Travel, Vacation

City Hotels: Year-Round Entertainment In San Diego

CityHotels / June 15, 2011 / No comments

With warm weather the entire year, a vacation or holiday in San Diego can be a wonderful travel destination. Famous for Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, San Diego also has numerous other attractions not to be missed. Instead of spending your time on the tried-and-true, look for unusual or lesser-known attractions like Legoland or Coronado.

Legoland

Located just north of San Diego, Legoland is not just for kids. There are literally dozens of displays created by legos, including depictions of famous world landmarks, popular movie scenes and much, much more.

Legoland displays are created by professional lego builders, who spend hours designing and then building their perfect scenes out of little plastic lego toys. You can find everything from people to buildings and everything in between at this delightfully whimsical park. And in addition to all of the lego displays, there are rides for the kids and the chance to build their own lego scenes.

Also adjacent to Legoland is Sea Life Aquarium, which makes for a nice counterpoint to playing with toys all afternoon.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Although the San Diego Zoo at Balboa Park is more famous, many people find that the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is just as enjoyable to visit. Located approximately 35 miles outside of downtown San Diego, the best way to get to the park is to drive, so plan on a full day to enjoy the park fully.

Unlike their sister park, the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park allows you to experience the animals in more natural surroundings. Take the safari tour, which drives you through the zoo grounds in a protected vehicle and see giraffes, rhinos, lions and many other animals in their natural habitats.

In addition to the safari tour, you can also enjoy photography tours, overnight sleep visits and other activities for additional fees.

Coronado Island

One of San Diego’s best hidden jewels is Coronado Island. Famous for the classic Hotel Coronado, there are small shops and boutiques to while away an afternoon. Named one of the best beaches in the United States, Coronado Beach boasts smooth sand on a wide strip of beach.

Located across San Diego Bay from downtown San Diego, you can take a ferry to Coronado Island, but it may be better and more convenient to drive or to take the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley. The trolley will not only allow you to avoid parking hassles, but will also give you a tour of the surrounding area and see other sites along the way.

Old Town

If you are looking for historical buildings, shopping and excellent restaurants, then make sure to visit Old Town. Old Town is the original location of the settlement of San Diego and is a great place to visit for an evening meal or for some shopping in the many boutiques, art galleries and shops. Take a tour of the historic buildings and old church.

San Diego makes for a great vacation destination. If you are thinking about traveling to San Diego, we have the lowest rates guaranteed for many San Diego Hotels! We also have a large selection of many Inexpensive San Diego Hotels.

Category: Travel News / Tags: Balboa Park, City Hotels, Coronado Island, Hotel Coronado, Legoland, San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Sea Life Aquarium, Travel, Trolley, Vacation

City Hotels: Seattle At Its Finest – Great Travel Destination

CityHotels / June 11, 2011 / No comments

Seattle has long been a jewel of the West Coast. Located along the eastern shore of the Puget Sound, Seattle offers picturesque neighborhoods, historic shopping districts and museum attractions. With mild summer temperatures ranging in the 70s and low 80s, Seattle is the perfect place to enjoy a vacation or holiday.

Pike’s Place Market

Pike’s Place Market was established in 1917 and is one of the premier places to shop in Seattle. Always full of excitement and activity, make sure to visit early in the day during the summer, since it will be crowded with visitors and shoppers. During the winter months, activity picks up around mid-day.

If you are a food lover, then be sure to give yourself ample time to browse among the hundreds of produce shops, bakeries and other stores that are found in the market. You can sample wonderful treats like baked goods, handmade candies and fresh seasonal local produce.

Enjoy the entertainment of the fish market, where you can watch fish workers toss fish from handler to store as they call out what kind of fish they are working with.

Finally, top off your day or afternoon by enjoying a meal at one of the numerous restaurants that can be found throughout Pike’s Place Market. Make sure to save enough room to take home some food treats for yourself to enjoy and savor later.

Seattle Center

Seattle Center is located north of downtown and is free of charge, although the museums charge entrance fees. With a number of museums, Seattle Center can be a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or day, especially for families. Although the Space Needle is the best known attraction in this site for the 1962 World’s Fair, there are many other attractions to be found here.

With both a traditional IMAX theater and a 3D IMAX theater, the Pacific Science Center is a great place to bring your kids and spend the day. In addition to the theaters, you can also explore their numerous science exhibitions, ranging from a butterfly house in the summer to animatronic dinosaurs.

The Science Fiction Museum is a place science fiction readers and film buffs will enjoy tremendously as it houses props from movies and television. There you can enjoy seeing memorabilia from your favorite shows and films. Also, on display are rare science fiction books and posters from famous films.

Seattle is known worldwide for its live rock and roll scene. If you are a hardcore music fan, you will enjoy the Explore Music Project. This is a museum with an extensive music collection, particularly of rock and roll music, including handwritten sheet music, musical artifacts and costumes. Once you have finished touring the displays, you can make your own music CD and become your own rock star. The entrance fee to the Explore Music Project is not inexpensive, so weigh your interest in rock and music when deciding to go to this museum.

If you are considering a trip to Seattle, we have the best hotel rates around! We have our special selection of Seattle City Hotels and also a selection of Budget Seattle Hotels.

Category: Travel News / Tags: 1962 World's Fair, City Hotel, downtown, Explore Music Project, Pike's Place Market, Seattle, Shopping, The Science Fiction Museum, Travel, Washington

Moving On Up: China Is Now The Worlds 3rd Most Visited Country

CityHotels / May 18, 2011 / No comments

Spain is no longer the third most visited country. China has taken over that position and is now ranked third directly behind the United States and France. This is according to statistics from the UN World Tourism Organization. Tourism numbers for China rose 10% last year as they had almost 56 million tourists visit the country. Spain had fifty three million tourists visit which was a 1.4 increase from the previous year.

France had seventy eight million tourists but they only increased their numbers by 2.8%. The United States received sixty one million visitors raising their number from the previous year by 10%.

Overall tourism was up by almost 7% in 2010 after a weak global economy had put a damper on many people’s travel plans during the previous years.

Category: Travel News / Tags: China, Cities, City Hotel, Hotel, Hotels, Spain, Tourism, Travel, United States, Vacation

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