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This summer, the south-western English city of Bath will once again be the setting for the Bath Guitar Festival: a six day celebration of all styles of guitar-playing. The festival incorporates a guitar summer school which draws prestigious teachers and passionate students from all over the globe.

Although the festival has something for all music fans, if you are a keen guitar player the Bath Guitar Festival offers an almost unique opportunity to improve your technique in the company of like-minded individuals, whilst enjoying performances from top international musicians. The festival is the perfect excuse to enjoy a summer holiday in Bath and take in this vibrant city amongst world-class music.

However, music is not all Bath has to offer in the summertime. This wonderful location has been popular with visitors for centuries, featuring well-preserved Roman buildings and artefacts as well as a host of other, more contemporary local attractions.

Whether you are going to take part in the summer school sessions or simply attend the festival, you will need to find affordable accommodation in Bath. The festival is held city-wide in a number of locations which are no more than a ten minute walk from one another, and with the activities and their respective venues well-documented, you should have no trouble finding your way from one event to the next.

Indeed, there are so many events, and for such a wide variety of interests that your biggest problem could be how to choose which events to attend. This year’s festival will be the twentieth to take place in Bath and is part of the International Guitar Foundation family, which includes other internationally renowned guitar festivals and summer schools throughout England. In the past, the genres performed and taught at the festival and summer school has included Classical, Jazz, Blues and Folk, and this year’s line-up will undoubtedly be equally diverse. 

Those attending in 2013 can enrol on courses in song writing, finger-picking, the colourfully entitled ‘Groove Empowerment’, Jazz, and Classical or Blues technique. They will also be able to enjoy as yet unannounced artists from all over the world. Artists in past festivals have included the eminent Classical player David Russell, guitarist and singer Badi Assad, Flamenco player Juan Martin and former musical prodigy Newton Faulkner. Additionally, there are always numerous jam sessions, providing the students with ample opportunity to practise their new techniques and for everybody else to join in, enjoy themselves and perhaps pick up a few tips while they have a good time.

Egypt is one of the best tourist place having pyramids with elegant style structure. If you want to start your journey from Egypt to it’s exciting places then first look about the package details. Yallaorientours helps you all sorts of solutions. There are various no of visiting places but Egypt is the center of tourist attraction where you can find the history of Giza, Nile, Jordan place, pyramids of Pharaohs, Nile River.

Orient tours offer a complete guidance to tourist’s o trip in Egypt with all details of famous places in your travel package. You can get all exciting places having affordable package details from Yallaorienttours.com site. You can start your tour from Cairo of Egypt to most of the popular places. You can find places like beautiful city Luxor, Karnak Temple through Orient tours. Get the delightful things & delicious food at the time of Orient trip so have touch with us. Select your place with memorable information about the history & culture then get ride on this site.

Do you want to spend your amazing vacation? Then no doubt just focus at Jordan which is the landmark of history & culture. There are various demanding places in Jordan tours like Jerusalem, Jordan River having amazing sightseeing scenery. So don’t look anywhere just have a touch at Jordan & you must get the affordable hotels for vacation package. So get your tickets booking or else hotel accommodation details then have touch at this site. Have any query then touch with Yallaorientours.com where you can find all solutions with Jordan travel packages.

Our blue placate is a unique creation in the universe. It is covered with green trees, oceans and many such different combinations make beautiful places in the world and those are spread to the every possible corner of it. Besides these human development is also an integral part to make places beautiful yet modern. Places where there were nothing to grow, civilization has been made in there. Deserted place like Dubai is now a place of modern hotels, business center where millions of people come every year.

Traveling to the world is one of the best thing people can do to enrich their memory. Many of them take it as their hobby and visit as many places as they can in their life time. In today’s world people work hard to earn money and that is why they do not find much time for recess. But when they do get their time, mostly of them do not wish to sit in their house and spend the holidays. They usually get out for a climate change and for new experiences, also to enjoy the days at a full.

There are people who have their knack in this field and also might want to help others in this case take it as their primary job and make the agencies for the people to give their service so that the others can travel without any hustle. Paradise Holidays is such a name in this section. It is a travel agency who help people to travel world’s different places, mostly in the continent of Asia. The countries are like Egypt, UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey; Malaysia etc. are on their list. Paradise booking services are starting with flight to hotels everything and one can get their full service on demand also. Within an instant everything can be arranged and booked via their online service. Even tourists can get visa assistance also from them. Hotel booking is an important part because of the availability of rooms at the time a tourist is traveling can be problematic.

So well in advance if a person set up his or her mind then can book their hotel rooms as per their journey route from paradise booking service by checking the maps also which is provided in their map. When session comes for tourists, sometimes it might get very hard to get the flight tickets, hotels and may find transportation problems in that very country also. But if that person will be traveling with Paradise Holidays, the troubles will become negligible because well in advance they do their work for their tourists and together the tourists when travel find less amount of problem. All such advantages make this agency very popular among the tourists.

The Gambling Capital of World, also known as Sin City, Las Vegas is an ultimate resort city. All-you-can-eat buffet is an integral part of Vegas culinary culture. History of buffet in Vegas dates back to the 40’s. The idea was to offer gamblers cheap as well as fast restitution so that they could get back to slots quicker. Soon buffet became a trend.

Chicago is known for its pizza and hot dogs, Seattle is recognized by its coffee, St. Louis is popular for its ribs and so on, what does Las Vegas have? Vegas has a combination of everything. Travelers may think Las Vegas buffets would be limited to prime rib and shrimp along with a bit a Mexican, Italian and Chinese touch, they will be amazed by the wide variations offered here. Mark the words Jennifer Whitehair, content director of Vegas.com, “Buffets are like politics… Everyone has his or her favorite, and you can't change their minds."

Even if you are not a gourmet, you will enjoy Las Vegas Buffet at any of the buffets mentioned below:

Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace: 9 open kitchens, 500-plus dishes! The No. 1 Buffet in Las Vegas, Bacchanal is no less than a gourmet’s Mecca in Vegas. Enjoy spectacular views of Garden of the God pool while pampering your taste buds with Mexican, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, American and Deli cuisine. French-inspired buttery cookies, pastries, and sugary and non-sugary delights, seafood and pizzas are must a try.

The Buffet at Wynn: One of the "Favorite Las Vegas Buffets" named in USA Today Travel, The Buffet at Wynn is a feast in every sense. While the 16 live cooking stations bring together flavors from all over the globe, its elaborate décor and interiors are no less than a visual delight.

The Buffet at Bellagio: The Buffet at Bellagio is no less than a mini-culinary world tour where guests may choose from the best of American, Italian, Chinese and Japanese cuisines. Those who have been to other buffets of Vegas would find not only quality but the presentation of food much better than many others. If you are on a weekend trip in Las Vegas, Champagne Brunch at Bellagio is a must try.

Important Tip: Budget backpackers would be delighted to know that the way they can save their travel expenditure by booking cheap flights to Las Vegas online by using promo/discount codes, they can save money by purchasing 24 hour buffet passes. Though such passes are not available for premium buffets, yet they are worth.

Author Bio: Rachana works for CheapOair, the third most popular online travel brand in the U.S., to promote the cheap airfare deals, hotel packages and car rental services they offer. She writes travel articles, tips, guides in her free time.

Hyatt expands in France - Loews picks up a Boston hotel

In news of hotel openings, closings and rebrandings this month, Loews Hotels moves into Boston; Starwood adds a pair of Le Meridiens in the U.S.; Wyndham and Choice take over 100 Jameson Inns; two boutique properties open in the Los Angeles area; Poland gets a Luxury Collection location; Hyatt takes on four hotels in France; and Shangri-La adds a Mumbai property.

 

 

Loews Hotels & Resorts has agreed to purchase the Back Bay Hotel in Boston, at the corner of Berkeley and Stuart streets, with plans to convert it to the Loews brand. The hotel was formerly owned by the Doyle Collection, which had called it Jurys Boston Hotel before renaming it in 2009 … What was a Hampton Inn in Bensalem, Pa. — halfway between downtown Philly and Bucks County — is now a Holiday Inn Express …

In Washington D.C., the DoubleTree by Hilton in Foggy Bottom (801 New Hampshire Ave. NW) is being converted to a Residence Inn by Marriott; the company has also cut the ribbon on a Courtyard by Marriott nearby at 515 20th Street NW Starwood Hotels has added a Four Points by Sheraton at the Richmond, Va. airport … A former Ramada at the Charleston, S.C. airport has become a DoubleTree by Hilton after a renovation … Starwood’s Le Meridien brand is adding a pair of domestic locations this month.

In Georgia, the former Atlanta Perimeter Hotel & Suites outside the city in suburban Dunwoody has become Le Meridien Atlanta Perimeter; and in Texas, The Stoneleigh — an historic property in Dallas’ uptown district that had joined the Luxe Hotels group just last year — has now become Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh.


Find more hotels in Cebu, Philippines Hyatt Expands...

The Philippines is the “most romantic destination” for Chinese paper Shanghai Morning Post, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Monday. The DFA said that the "Most Romantic Destination" award was given to the Philippines through the DFA's representative last January 15 at the Shanghai Peninsula Hotel. The award was based on a consumer survey by the Shanghai Morning Post.

Philippine Consul General Charles Jose received the award from Liu Sha, the Chinese paper's Editor-in-Chief. The DFA said that the other country-winners were: Australia as “The Best Tour Destination for Discovery;” Switzerland as “The Best Shopping Paradise;” Korea as “The Best Skiing Destination;” and Germany as “The Best Destination for Art Appreciation.” The Philippines has also been awarded "Best Tourist Destination" by another Chinese newspaper, the Oriental Morning Post, last January 9.

The DFA said that it is expecting more Chinese to fly to the Philippines for the upcoming week-long Chinese New Year holiday in February, which is also Valentine's Day month. It said that several Philippine carriers have re-launched flight services from China to the Philippines because of the increasing demand of Chinese travelers for short-haul beach holidays.

For more information visit, Philippines is most romantic destination

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has chosen Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the first destination for its long-haul operations out of Manila, with flights starting Oct. 7 this year. Cebu Pacific Long-Haul Division General Manager Alex Reyes announced on Thursday that Dubai would be the first of many planned destinations for the airline in the Middle East, a region that hosts one of the world’s largest concentrations of overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

Once the daily service begins later this year, Cebu Pacific will be the only local airline with a direct flight to anywhere in the Middle East. “With Cebu Pacific’s direct service to Dubai, Filipinos overseas can look forward to going home more often. Their relatives and friends can also visit them in Dubai more often,” Reyes said in the briefing. Reyes said of the three million Filipinos in the Middle East, 700,000 are in the United Arab Emirates. He said Dubai was also the busiest long-haul market for airlines, local or foreign, operating out of the Philippines.

Traffic between Dubai and Manila is 75 percent heavier than the second-biggest long-haul market for the Philippines, the route between Manila and Los Angeles. “Dubai is a tremendously underserved market and it is the perfect entry point for Cebu Pacific’s long-haul operations,” Reyes said. Apart from Dubai, Reyes said the company was looking at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as another possible destination in the Middle East. In case if you want to accommodate in Manila or around Philippines, there are more number of luxury hotels in Philippines.

The airline plans to use Airbus A330-300 planes for its long-haul services. With a single-class configuration, the planes will be able to carry over 400 passengers each, Cebu Pacific said. Cebu Pacific said it may lease as many as eight Airbus A330s, which will give the company the ability to fly to destinations in Europe, Australia, and North America. Two of these planes are set to arrive this year. Cebu Pacific currently operates a fleet of 41 planes, made up of 10 Airbus A319s, 23 Airbus A320s, and eight ATR 72-500 turboprop planes.

For more information visit, Cebu Pacific flies to Dubai starting Oct

Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Qingdao, introducing the Hyatt Regency brand to China’s booming coastal city in the Shandong province. Hyatt Regency Qingdao will be the first upscale urban resort in northern China with an idyllic ocean setting. “The opening of Hyatt Regency in Qingdao, a popular gateway city, is a significant milestone for us, as we continue to grow our brands in China in a sustainable manner” Known as the “Pearl of the Yellow Sea,” Qingdao’s location on the Shandong Peninsula, beside the Yellow Sea, is renowned for its natural scenery, beautiful coastline and pleasant climate. It is also recognized as an important economic hub and port city on China’s east coast.

A popular tourism destination full of history, visitors also flock to Qingdao to savor its world-famous Tsingtao beer and delicious seafood. Qingdao was crowned China’s Most Liveable City in 2011 by China Institute of City Competitiveness.

Ideally positioned for business and pleasure, Hyatt Regency Qingdao is located in Laoshan district, Qingdao’s new business, commercial and entertainment center. It has direct access to Shi Lao Ren Beach, a nearly two mile stretch of yellow sand beachfront and azure waters. “As the only upscale beachfront hotel in northern China, our urban resort truly offers the best of city convenience and resort-style indulgence. We look forward to bringing Hyatt’s world-class dining, hospitality and amenities to the beautiful beach city of Qingdao,” says Anthony Ha, general manager of Hyatt Regency Qingdao.

“The opening of Hyatt Regency in Qingdao, a popular gateway city, is a significant milestone for us, as we continue to grow our brands in China in a sustainable manner,” said Christopher Koehler, vice president of operations for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in China. “We are very pleased to be able to offer our signature brand of hospitality and unrivalled guest experience at Hyatt Regency Qingdao and believe that this opening will underscore our commitment to creating preference for Hyatt-branded hotels throughout China.”

For more information visit, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Hyatt Regency Qingdao in China

Absolute Hotel Services Group CEO Jonathan Wigley has the pleasure to announce the first Eastin Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand with the re-branding of already well-established properties. The Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya and neighboring Hotel Idyll are going through the rebranding process and will be ready to be combined and re-launch as the ‘Eastin Hotel Pattaya’ as of May 2013 with 268 rooms.

The hotels are located between Beach Road and Pattaya 2nd Road which is conveniently situated in the shopping and nightlife districts. The hotels comprise of a combined 268 beautifully decorated superior and deluxe rooms and suites. Every room features deluxe amenities. Facilities include an all day dining restaurant, bakery, outdoor swimming pool, business center, fitness center, meeting and function rooms as well as all the signature services of Eastin Hotels aligned with its brand promise of “Value for All Occasions”.

The properties are currently going through soft refurbishment, whilst still operating as the Sunbeam Hotel Pattaya and Hotel Idyll respectively, to meet with the Eastin Brand Standards. All new and existing employees are passing through core brand training programs to ensure that Eastin Brand Standards and Services are delivered at all times by the launch date of the Eastin Hotel Pattaya.

For more information visit, AHS announces the first Eastin Hotel in Pattaya, Thailand

Melia Hotels International and the Chinese real estate group Greenland have signed an agreement to collaborate, in a bid to expand in and out of China. As part of the agreement, Greenland will initially launch its urban hotel brand in Europe through the adaptation and re-branding of a Melia operated hotel in Frankfurt, Germany.

The real estate group will continue to grow its urban brand in Europe and China in the short and medium term, as well as cooperating with the Spanish hotel company for development of hotels over the next few years. Melia inaugurated its first hotel in Shanghai, the Gran Melia Shanghai, in 2010 and is currently finalising construction work of the Gran Melia Xian and Melia Chongqing.

The agreement, in the short-term, will allow Melia to open two new hotels in 2013, with one at Jinan, Shanghai, and the other at Tianjin, near Beijing. In the medium term, the partnership expects to assess numerous hotel development projects under successful Melia brands, including Innside and Melia in the city hotel business, and Paradisus in the Chinese resort hotel business.

The partnership also involves cooperation in the areas of training, global hotel distribution systems and procurement. The companies will complement each other in the development and implementation of best practice management systems and will respond to a mutual need to expand their customer base internationally.

For more information visit, Melia Hotels and Greenland team up to grow in China and Europe

Hampton Hotels, the global brand of nearly 1,900 hotels, announced the official opening of its latest property, the 188-room Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport. The hotel is perfectly located for the convenience of air travelers, just under a mile from the main airport terminal. Ease of access to Central London is also guaranteed, with the adjacent Luton Airport Parkway train station running regular high speed services to London St. Pancras. The site is located a short distance from Capability Green Business Park, providing a perfect venue for meetings and events with facilities including two state of the art meeting rooms able to accommodate a total of 24 delegates.

Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport offers the brand's quality service and amenities to meet the needs of every guest. All guestrooms are equipped with the Clean and Fresh Hampton BedTM, contemporary bathrooms, 32-inch TVs and laptop safes. Hampton Hotels participates in Hilton HHonors, the only hotel rewards program that offers Points & Miles for the same stay and no Blackout Dates to redeem rewards. The brand this year celebrated the landmark opening of Hampton by Hilton at St. George's Park, Burton on Trent, at The Football Association's multi-million pound National Football Centre.

Click Here Book your luxury hotels in New Zealand for Cheap and affordable prices.

Phil Cordell, global head, Hampton by Hilton, said, "Hampton combines quality, innovation, comfort and plenty of value-added extras, making it the brand of choice in the marketplace today. Quality accommodations and amenities combined with proactive, friendly service from our team members - all backed by the 100% Hampton® Guarantee - make us highly competitive in this market."

For more information visit, Tenth Hampton Hotel

The hotel, owned by Rocca Portafolio Commercial and operated by Desarrollos Hoteleros, becomes the third Wyndham Hotel Group property in Costa Rica, joining TRYP by Wyndham San José Sabana, which opened in the capital city in November 2011, and the Ramada Plaza San José Herradura. The Wyndham Garden San José Escazú opening continues Wyndham Hotel Group’s growth in Latin America. The company recently announced the addition of its 100th hotel to its regional portfolio, which consists of properties under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Wingate by Wyndham, Microtel Inn & Suites® by Wyndham and TRYP by WyndhamSM hotel brands.

“The opening of Wyndham Garden San José Escazú is another integral step in our mission to expand Wyndham Hotel Group’s presence in Latin America and introduce new brands to better serves lodging needs,” said Daniel del Olmo, Wyndham Hotel Group’s senior vice president and managing director, Latin America. “We are thrilled to bring the Wyndham brand to Costa Rica in an area so central to corporate complexes, shopping and fine dining, offering business and leisure travelers the utmost in service and convenience.” Situated in an upscale suburb of San José, Costa Rica’s largest city, Wyndham Garden San José Escazú is just 20 minutes from Juan Santa Maria International Airport. The convenient location is walking distance from Avenida Escazú and puts guests in close proximity to the country’s top sights, such as La Sabana Metropolitan Park, famed volcanoes and Pacific beaches.

Wyndham Garden San José Escazú offers more than 3,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space for up to 130 guests. Audio visual equipment, complimentary high-speed internet access and on-site catering services are available.

For more information visit, Wyndham Brand Opens First Hotel in Costa Rica

Realty developer Royal Palms India is considering selling four of its hotels in the city and is hoping to rise up to Rs 2,500 Cr for further expansion and diversification into the agriculture sector. In the same development, the company had already purchased around 300 acres in Pune. There are plans to cultivate high-paying crops, from grains to fruits organically. Around 30 per cent of the funds raised from the sale will be employed for the expansion plans to the business.

The Amir Group-company is also looking to acquire nearly 1,500 acres in Kolhapur. In the five-star category, the company has three hotels, including Hotel Imperial Palace, Palms Hotel Tower & Convention Centre, as well as Palms Villas Hotel, besides another hotel under construction, with over 400 rooms. The company hopes to rise over Rs 2,500 Cr and has appointed consultancy firm Knight Frank for the execution of the deal.

For more information visit, Royal Palms India

Capella Hotels are now in Washington, D.C

Capella Hotels and Resorts is all set to open the first Capella-branded hotel in the U.S with 49-rooms. The design of this royal hotel would be made by Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The hotel by Castleton Hotel Partners I, LLC has stretched the location that would provide ease to the business and leisure guests to access the National Mall and Smithsonian museums, the U.S. Capitol and White House, The World Bank and other international organizations, federal government agencies and financial and business districts. The customers would be able to book hotel online as well.

“Capella Washington, D.C. will give guests the opportunity to really get to know D.C. and we will provide exclusive access and programming so that they can go behind-the-scenes of some of the capital’s top attractions,” said Capella Washington, D.C. General Manager Alex Obertop. Hotels and Resorts - Malaysia

“The design by Peter and his team is intended to evoke the feeling of being in the comfort of one’s home, complemented by a rich palette of the finest materials, furnishings, and art collections.”

The guests at the hotel would be able to avail the facilities of refreshment center, a complimentary laundry pressing service of up to five pieces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and programming deigned to fully immerse guests in D.C. culture and way of life.

As per the plan, the hotel would have a restaurant and lounge, executive boardroom and a guests-only rooftop pool and bar. Some special guests would also be able to avail the special services that would include private after-hours shopping in the city’s most exclusive stores, and guided tours to Washington’s newest and hottest attractions, including the Washington Ballet with backstage access.

Read More: Capella Hotels are now in Washington, D.C

PHUKET- Hilton Worldwide announced the opening of its first Double-tree by Hilton property in Phuket, Thailand. The 250-room Double-tree Resort by Hilton – Surin Beach is located on the west coast of the island on Surin Beach, which is approximately 24 kilometers from Phuket International Airport. Formerly the Courtyard by Marriott, the re-branded, four-story Double-tree Resort by Hilton, Phuket – Surin Beach sits strategically between Phuket International Airport and Patong, the island’s popular tourist center. The resort offers over 80 suites and has three food and beverage outlets which include Asia Alive, an all-day dining restaurant, The Boardwalk, a pool bar serving snacks, and a food and beverage retail outlet, The Food Store. There will also be four meetings rooms as well as a business center, fitness club, outdoor lagoon-style pools, water slides and a kids club.

The Doubletree Resort by Hilton Phuket – Surin Beach will have all the qualities currently found at the brand’s more than 310 Doubletree by Hilton locations in 23 countries around the world, including the warm welcome of the brand’s legendary chocolate chip cookie presented to every guest at check-in; an array of upscale amenities and guest services; the rewards of the Hilton Honors guest loyalty program; and a unique and caring team commitment to giving back to the local community. Phuket is one of Asia’s leading leisure destinations and is famous for its white sandy beaches, pristine waters, inland mountains and renowned Thai hospitality. The island has been a well established destination for over 30 years and continues to grow at a strong rate. Surin is situated on the west coast of Phuket and is one of the most sought-after destinations in Phuket due to its fine white sandy beaches and turquoise water. Surin Beach is popular with both tourists and Thais for its large selection of beach restaurants ranging from the popular Catch Beach Club to local beachside restaurants.

Hilton Worldwide currently manages six properties in Thailand including Conrad Bangkok, Millennium Hilton Bangkok, Hilton Pattaya, Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Hilton Hua Hin Resort and Spa and Conrad Koh Samui, and will open Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and Doubletree by Hilton, Sukhumvit Bangkok in 2013.

For more information visit, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Thailand

The Gamification of Hotel Booking Heats Up

To really predict or gauge the impact a new third-party booking channel will have on the hotel industry, it’s often best to take the simple approach: Put yourself in the shoes of a consumer and ask what the benefits are to you. If there’s no reason YOU would book through a third party, then typically there is no reason anybody else would either. And if no one books, the third-party company isn’t going to have much success, no matter how much media coverage or marketing dollars they throw behind it.

When Expedia executives first introduced the agency model on the company’s second-quarter earnings call three months ago, I began thinking what the ramifications would be. So now I can book a room on Expedia.com and pay later at the hotel. OK, cool. But what else does it allow me to do?

 

A Gamification experiment:

Armed with the ability to make a hotels reservation today, pay later and shop around in between, I decided to conduct an experiment using these new(er) third-party sites that promise me, as a consumer, a great deal. In the process, I learned a lot about how these sites operate and that, in fact, they really aren’t getting me a great deal at all.

First, I booked a hotel room for an upcoming stay on Tingo, the site that promises to monitor your reservation; if the rate at that hotel drops, Tingo will cancel the reservation and re-book for you, then refund you for the difference. The rate I booked on Tingo was the exact same as it was on brand.com for the same room on the same nights (in parity).

Then, I sent my reservation to Backbid, the site that promises to send you “bids” for your business from competing hotels in Philippines are the same category and geographical area.

The trip is still nearly three months away, but here are the results so far: Tingo continues to “constantly (obsessively) watch the rates for my reservation” but hasn’t saved me $1 yet. Every two weeks or so I get an email saying they’re still monitoring, but I have zero faith that the rate will actually drop at this hotel. In fact, the rate for a reservation similar to mine has increased (must have a smart revenue manager).

 

Click to know more:  The Gamification of Hotel Booking Heats Up

The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, located in Maldives is now known as the second best hotel in the world according to a recent survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler.

The hotel was classified under the top 100 hotels and resorts in the Asia category for the Readers Choice Award, conducted by Conde Nast Traveler.  It was awarded the second position while Qualia, Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef grabbed the first.

1. Qualia

Qualia is located in Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef and scored the top spot on the list. The hotel is a special place with its sun-drenched location and the intuitive service makes it a luxurious resort on world-class standards.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 100.0
Room: 100

2. Taj Exotica Resort and Spa

Located in Maldives, the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa is ranked at number two on the list. It is an exclusive, private and romantic island resort encircled by clear blue waters of serene lagoon and lush with tropical plants.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 99.6

Room: 100

3. Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs which is located in Northland, New Zealand is the third best hotel in the world according to the ranking. While the main lodge overlooks the golf course, Pacific Ocean, Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands, the hotel’s luxury spa is nestled at the edge of a Totara forest and overlooks a verdant fern glen and winding stream.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 99.2

Room: 100

4. Caesar Augustus

Located in Capri, Italy, Caesar Augustus is classified as one of the best hotels in the world and is ranked at number four. Apart from offering one of the most spectacular vistas on the isle of Capri, the hotel views include breathtaking scenery of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Ischia, and unique scenes of the island.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.6

Room: 100

5. Palazzo Avino

Palazzo Avino is located on Italy's famed Amalfi coast and is considered to be the fifth best hotel in the world. Tucked away in the medieval hilltop village of Ravello and perched high on the cliffs, the hotel overlooks some of the coast's most picturesque fishing villages.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.5

Room: 100

6. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve

Located in Kruger National Park, South Africa, the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is the sixth best hotel in the world. The hotel attracts visitors from all over the world for its unique safari experience. The hotel is known for its distinct characters and atmospheres - those of “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.3

Room: 97.9

7. Peninsula House

Hotel Peninsula House is located in Las Terrenas, a town in the Samaná province of the Dominican Republic and awarded as the seventh best hotel in the world. With simple luxuries, grand gestures, the bouquet of a fine wine, a game of chess in the garden and unobtrusive service, this hotel is a place for discerning travelers.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.2

Room: 100

8. La Villa Gallici

Located in Aix-en-Provence, France the Villa Gallici is on the eight spot for the nest hotels in the world. The hotel is richly furnished with French and sumptuous fabric creates an environment which proves that every experience has a charm of its own.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.2

Room: 100

9. Four Seasons Resort

Four Seasons Resort is located on the Bora Bora Island and is listed as the ninth best hotel in the world. The hotel is wrapped by majestic views and is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that enclose a turquoise lagoon.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.1

Room: 100

10. Perivolas

Located in Santorini, Greece, the Perivolas Hotel is the tenth best hotel in the world according to the Conde Nast Traveler survey. This charming and intimate hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy elegant simplicity of island living.

Readers’ Choice Rating: 98.1

Room: 98.3

Related Hotels and Resorts Booking Around the World..

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This Presidential Suite (also named Pualeilani after Hawaiian royalty) is located on the 40th floor and has a front-and-center view of Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. Out of the total 2,452 square feet, 736 of it is dedicated to the living room which has 6 lanais. A great perk? The complimentary stocked bar. It comes with two bedrooms, a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, and a second bedroom with two doubles—great for a family who can afford the $4K a night rate.

In 1963, President John F. Kennedy opened this hotel and was the temporary Oval Office for George W. Bush before he took office in 2000. The Jefferson Suite (from $1400 a night) has seen its fair share of presidential pajamas including Ronald Reagan’s. Coming in at 1,472 square-feet, it is perched at the top of The Madison and has views of the Washington Monument from its huge terrace. A marble and artwork filled foyer paves way to the opulence throughout the suite. Built for entertaining, there’s a dining room that seats 10, and a 50” flat screen television to watch more political debates if you’re so inclined.

The Penthouse Presidential Suite (from $3,500 a night) on the rooftop of this historic hotel is celebrated for its views of the city and the bay. Oh, and it’s recognized for the 14 presidents that have stayed here for the past 100 years--most recently George Bush Sr. Originally a radio station, it was the place where FDR broadcast his first ‘fireside chat’ outside of DC. The hotel has put together a package where you can actually stay inside the lavish suite, receive a city helicopter tour, and a chef’s dinner for two for $2012. Reserve online (rate plan LZPK G1) or call 866-716-8136.

For more information visit,Sweet Presidential Suites

With film festivals rolling into America’s biggest cities, some of us want to run instead to a cozier California beachside celebration: the Carmel Art & Film Festival (October 10-14, 2012).

Lesser known but no less worthy, the fest has got former mayor Clint Eastwood weighing in on his namesake award, lectures and workshops, and VIP cocktail parties. There’s also a seaside cache no big city fest can touch with a Saturday night movie on the beach, the Filmmakers Beach Bash (think boatloads of Monterey County wine) and the elegant, pooch-tastic Cypress Inn.

For more information visit,Celebrate Carmel’s Film Fest With Fedoras and Cocktails at Cypress Inn