Tag Archives: passports

How Much More Fun Could a Kid Have?

It used to be that massive pools and room-service ice cream sundaes were all it took to appease children during hotel stays. These days select resorts around the country are going all out to attract young visitors in hopes that their parents will make the adventure a family tradition. It’s truly amazing what some properties are doing to insure kids experience a trip of a lifetime. For example, children are a top priority at the Inn of the Anasazi in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not only are kids given the opportunity to take a cooking class with the hotel’s executive … Continue reading →

China–Ready for the Olympics

Don’t call it a makeover. Chinese officials say what they did to their capital in preparation for next month’s Summer Olympic Games is beyond a mere renovation. They consider it nearly a complete overhaul. Beijing has had seven years to get ready for the 2008 Summer Games and officials there say they’ve made good use of the time and are ready for visitors to start pouring in. English-language and anti-spitting lessons (one of the government’s slogans is: “Spitting kills even more than an atomic bomb.”) along with tutorials in personal hygiene were required for everyone from taxi cab drivers to … Continue reading →

Affordable Travel Options in New York and Massachusetts

Would you believe me if I told you that you could stay at a hotel in Manhattan for less than $100? No, it doesn’t require sharing space with rats or a dozen other strangers. In fact, you’d be lucky to fit more than yourself and a couple of duffel bags in the room. The Jane, New York’s newest budget hotel, has 200 rooms to offer cash-strapped visitors to the Big Apple, but spacious they’re not. The word tight might not even do them justice. Most of the rooms are as compact as old-time railroad compartments and the shared bathroom is … Continue reading →

Summer Travel Surprises in Europe

Cash strapped travelers who have been dreaming of taking a summer holiday to Europe have reason to celebrate today. Never mind that it’s not your birthday or anniversary you’re still eligible to receive the gift that Best Western is passing out to its guests. The hotel chain is commemorating its 30th year in Great Britain by offering rates of 30 pounds a room (that’s about $60 at today’s exchange rates). More than 90 Best Western locations in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands are offering the reduced rates. To be eligible for the discount you must stay for two … Continue reading →

It’s a Gas—Even More Hotels Helping You Save This Summer

Last Friday marked the official start of summer. The days are longer and the sun is more intense. Unfortunately, now that the Summer Solstice has passed it means we are losing one to two minutes of daylight per day as we head towards winter. If that sad fact doesn’t act as a motivator for you to get out and enjoy the nice weather perhaps these next deals will. Lodgings across the country are offering money saving deals to entice you to spend part of your summer vacation with them. If high gas prices have you putting the brakes on your … Continue reading →

It’s a Gas—More Hotels Helping You Save Money This Summer

Who knew it would come to this? That hotels would actually be paying you to visit them? With the slew of gas saving travel packages being offered by lodgings from coast to coast, that’s pretty much what is happening–hotels, motels, inns and B&Bs across the country don’t want you to put the brakes on your summer road trip so they are providing generous discounts and rebates to travelers who choose to stay at their properties. Here’s a look at the latest offerings: COLORADO You can thank the Aspen Chamber of Commerce for this next gas rebate. The group is currently … Continue reading →

It’s a Gas—Hotels Helping You Save This Summer: Go West

In my previous blog I listed some of the many creative deals being offered by lodgings across the country that are designed to help offset the skyrocketing price of gas. You might be surprised at how generous some of the nation’s hotels (both big and small) are being this summer. Take a look at the following gas saving discounts and rebates and consider how they might help fuel your family’s summer road trip: CALIFORNIA Things are heating up this season in San Diego. Right now you can cash in on the “Summer Sizzle” package being offered at the San Diego … Continue reading →

More Ways to Save on a Girls-Only Weekend in the Big Apple

Who says you have to mortgage your home to afford a girls-only weekend in New York City? You can save a bundle by taking advantage of the creative deals some Big Apple lodgings are offering female guests. The following bargains allow you to live large with your gal pals in the city that never sleeps. Take a look: SEX AND THE CITY PACKAGE The Muse in New York’s Time Square is joining dozens of other Big Apple lodgings to offer a deal inspired by this summer’s massive “Sex and the City” movie launch. In honor of the film’s fabulous four, … Continue reading →

Saving on a Girls-Only Weekend in the Big Apple

With the hype, and now success (at least during its opening weekend) of the summer movie “Sex and the City” dozens of lodgings in the New York area offering travel deals that allow ordinary women to live like their sassy on-screen idols—-Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha. Even if you haven’t seen the movie (or watched a single episode of the now defunct series) you and your best gal pals can live fabulously in the Big Apple—if only for a weekend—without going broke in the process. Take a look: SHOPPERS’ PACKAGE The Fitzpatrick Manhattan Hotel is offering a delightful deal called … Continue reading →

More International Hotels that Treat Your Kids Like Royalty

Most parents agree that if their children are happy they are happy. These days more and more hotels around the world are latching on to that philosophy and upping their game when it comes to creating kid-friendly atmospheres. Dozens of upscale properties are now targeting tots in an effort to win over their affluent parents. Here are several more international hotels making headlines for their superior kid-friendly amenities: CHINA Just in time for the 2008 Summer Olympics the Commune by the Great Wall hotel has just completed its new children’s facility. The brightly colored kid-friendly structure hosts programs specially designed … Continue reading →