Hotels in Silom are the Bangkok hotels in the heart of the old Bangrak, a commercial and entertainment area with a long tradition of royal connections and a quaint history.
These Bangkok hotels are located with banks, commercial buildings, moneychangers, shopping centers, restaurants, street vendors, night markets and other entertainment that Silom Road a hive of activity for both tourists and Thais alike.
Silom, or windmill in Thai, used to be an area covered by orchards and yes, windmills to draw water from the canals to water the vast orchards. The area is in a very old part of Bangkok, the Bangrak district, named after a huge Rak tree trunk found in one of the canals.
There're other versions of the origins of this name. Owing to the many hospitals in the area, it's believed the name came from "raksa", as in healthcare. Whatever the reason, the roads in Silom have a long tradition of royal connections.
Silom Road was built by excavating a canal in the middle to allow for canal and land movement. Several of the roads in Silom similarly constructed and named after noblemen who were awarded royal titles for their contributions to road construction.
The Saladaeng area in Silom was originally royal land. Its name, red-roofed pavilion, was derived from the red roof of the train station built in the area by the Danish railway company. The site of a nobleman's mansion in Saladaeng is now the Dusit Thani Hotel, one of the prominent hotels in Silom.
Further on, the Swiss Lodge is nestled in Convent Road, named after the walled convent established by the Carmelite Order of Nuns.
Chao Phraya Surawongse Wattanasak gave his name to Surawongse Road, a road parallel to Silom Road, where the Montien Surawongse and Tawana Ramada are located.
Chao Phraya is also the highest title in ancient Thai nobility, similar to the Duke in British nobility. The title is no longer in use. The other titles in descending order, with their British equivalents in brackets, are Phraya,(Marquis) Phra,(Earl) Luang, (Viscount)and Khun(Baron).
Patpong, the night entertainment area between Silom and Surawongse Roads, was originally the family estate of Luang Patpong Panich, a title awarded to a rich Chinese immigrant. The raunchy activities in the area have somewhat eclipsed its regal origins.
For those who wish to have hotels in Silom within a staggering distance from their watering holes, the Silom Serene and Wall Street Inn would be ideal.
Decho Road, further down Silom Road, got its name from another nobleman, Phraya Siharaj Decho. The Bangkok hotels around this area are Narai Hotel, Silom City Inn, Sofitel Silom, Tower and Triple Two Silom.
The other hotels in Silom closer to the Chao Phraya River are
Centre Point Silom, Holiday Inn Silom and Manohra The Lebua at State Tower Hotel (former Meritus Suites State Tower) stands above them all, towering over the Chao Phraya.
What's Silom like today?
Across the road from the Dusit Thani Hotel, a large tract of Saladaeng became Lumphini Park, a gift from King Rama VI to the people in 1925. Up-market high-rise apartments are sprouting up in Soi Saladaeng, the area behind the hotel.
The subway runs under Rama IV Road, which used to be a canal as well, stopping at the Silom Station below the busy Saladaeng junction, under the benign eye of the King Rama VI Monument.
The subway continues on passing under the Pan Pacific Bangkok and Mandarin Hotel Bangkok.
The red-roofed railway station that gave its name to Saladaeng is no longer there, its place taken by the Saladaeng skytrain station, less the red roof.
In the early 1960s, the canal along Silom Road was filled up for road expansion. So were the canals in the neighboring roads like Surawongse Road.
In Patpong, it's business as usual. The windmills, of course, are gone.
But the hotels in Silom, the commercial areas and the pavements in Silom Road are still bustling with life.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Historic Hotels in Rome
Traveling to Rome on a holiday? Find a lovely historic hotel for a night of history and culture.
As a tourist, sometimes the best thing about a vacation is the comfortable hotel. So while you are visiting Rome, Italy, why not try one of the many historic hotels?
Between visiting beautiful historic fountains, the Coliseum, the Vatican Museum and enjoying the night life in Trastevere, you’ll need a cozy place to relax in the evening, but don’t let the vacation stop the moment you arrive at your hotel. There are plenty of exquisite hotels that only add to the experience of a true Roman holiday.
Suggested Historic Hotels in Rome
Amidst the city streets of Rome are lovely historic hotels like D’Inghilterra. Founded in 1845, the hotel’s guest list has included Hans Christian Anderson and Mark Twain. You understand why this is one of the most popular hotels when you first see the location, which sits close to the Spanish Steps. It’s unique interior style makes heads turn. With a delectable restaurant, Café Romano, this makes for a stunning all inclusive five star hotel.
Not far from the Vatican Museum is an historic district called “Prati”. Within the floors of an ancient palace, is the Les Chambres D’Or. The quiet atmosphere and sophisticated style and grace are revealed at every turn. You get some of the best views of the Eternal City when you stay at the Les Chambres D’Or.
How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Rome
Rome has many culturally intoned historic hotels, and choosing the right one for your stay may be important.
First, figure out the tourist destinations you are interested in. Is there a certain museum you would like to see? Do you only have a short weekend to stay in Rome? Factors like these may be of some assistance if you want to get the most out of your vacation.
For example, if you are going to visit for a short while, you could pick out the museums and all the places you would like to see, and then pick a hotel that is center to everything you want to do. You would not want to pick a hotel that is on the other side of the city from the places you want to visit.
Benefits of a Historic Hotel
You could stay at one of the Hilton, Sheraton or Holiday Inn hotels. They are very luxurious and in convenient locations. However, why stay there, when there are thousands of those in cities around the world? You would get the same standard room from a standard hotel, but a trip to Rome shouldn’t be standard.
A cultural vacation shouldn’t end the moment you reach the hotel steps. The more historic hotels in the district offer fantastic views, traditional styles and more. You are swallowed up in Italian history at ever turn. With sleek marble baths and plush carpets and the opportunity to open you window up to an ancient structure or an exceptionally beautiful church, you simply can’t miss a chance to reserve a hotel in one of the finest cities in the world.
As a tourist, sometimes the best thing about a vacation is the comfortable hotel. So while you are visiting Rome, Italy, why not try one of the many historic hotels?
Between visiting beautiful historic fountains, the Coliseum, the Vatican Museum and enjoying the night life in Trastevere, you’ll need a cozy place to relax in the evening, but don’t let the vacation stop the moment you arrive at your hotel. There are plenty of exquisite hotels that only add to the experience of a true Roman holiday.
Suggested Historic Hotels in Rome
Amidst the city streets of Rome are lovely historic hotels like D’Inghilterra. Founded in 1845, the hotel’s guest list has included Hans Christian Anderson and Mark Twain. You understand why this is one of the most popular hotels when you first see the location, which sits close to the Spanish Steps. It’s unique interior style makes heads turn. With a delectable restaurant, Café Romano, this makes for a stunning all inclusive five star hotel.
Not far from the Vatican Museum is an historic district called “Prati”. Within the floors of an ancient palace, is the Les Chambres D’Or. The quiet atmosphere and sophisticated style and grace are revealed at every turn. You get some of the best views of the Eternal City when you stay at the Les Chambres D’Or.
How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Rome
Rome has many culturally intoned historic hotels, and choosing the right one for your stay may be important.
First, figure out the tourist destinations you are interested in. Is there a certain museum you would like to see? Do you only have a short weekend to stay in Rome? Factors like these may be of some assistance if you want to get the most out of your vacation.
For example, if you are going to visit for a short while, you could pick out the museums and all the places you would like to see, and then pick a hotel that is center to everything you want to do. You would not want to pick a hotel that is on the other side of the city from the places you want to visit.
Benefits of a Historic Hotel
You could stay at one of the Hilton, Sheraton or Holiday Inn hotels. They are very luxurious and in convenient locations. However, why stay there, when there are thousands of those in cities around the world? You would get the same standard room from a standard hotel, but a trip to Rome shouldn’t be standard.
A cultural vacation shouldn’t end the moment you reach the hotel steps. The more historic hotels in the district offer fantastic views, traditional styles and more. You are swallowed up in Italian history at ever turn. With sleek marble baths and plush carpets and the opportunity to open you window up to an ancient structure or an exceptionally beautiful church, you simply can’t miss a chance to reserve a hotel in one of the finest cities in the world.
Preserve Great Travel Memories in Tangier Hotels
A city known for its livelier setting and bountiful wonders-- this is what Tangier is all about. Where alleged stories about mafia are told, Tangier can also make a negative impression, especially on first-time tourists. But though considered to be less safe than other cities in Morocco, this indispensable part of a great African country still boasts of equally impressive Tangier hotels and attractions as seen in other famous towns. It also has its own share of magnificent beaches, bustling city life, alluring suprises, and Tangier hotels for tourists who want to relive the glory of the classic American film, "Casablanca." Yes, you heard it right! The film also used Tangier as an actual model for one of the most romantic movies of all time that featured Hollywood legends, Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart.
With all these, the rumored hostility in Tangier shouldn't stop you from experiencing the more beautiful part of the city. The petty offenses in Tangier's society will all be taken care of by the police authority. Hence, your only business here is to take delight in your travel and enjoy the safety Tangier hotels may provide. A tour in Tangier has great things to offer than just a single bad news, so just focus on the good memories you'll get from this Moroccan city. Here's how you may remember the fascinating things about Tangier:
1. Create a collage out of your photos in Tangier.
Taking pictures is a common activity among travelers in Tangier. Your fascination will surely grow as you stop at every fantastic sight you'll see to pose for a great shot. Every statue, museum, garden, market, and airport are worthy of a photograph. But without the help of your good old camera, nothing will remind you of the things you've uncovered about Tangier. So at night, when you have nothing else to do at one of the Tangier hotels in town, why not try to create a collage of these pictures? Aside from preserving your photos, this can also be a creative souvenir item that you can give to the people you left at home.
2. Collect hotel memorabilia.
Tangier hotels have a lot of stuff to offer. From tissue paper to shower caps, these hotels provide the utmost convenience for your personal needs. Since these things are part of the services you paid for, they are considered your own. Get some of these mementos, keep them in a little box, and write a few things about each item. Just make sure that you don't keep the things you didn't pay for such as the bedsheets and curtains to stay clear from petty crimes of theft.
3. Keep a travel diary.
Great travelers know that writing down their thoughts about every journey is important. So instead of feeling bored at one of the Tangier hotels, write down your experiences and reflection during your Tangier vacation. This travel diary will let you remember that once in your life you have been in a fabulous city otherwise known as Tangier.
4. Take home a recipe.
Since it's impossible for you to take a pastilla or couscous from Tangier to your country of origin, you have no other choice but to take home the recipe. Observe the food served in Tangier hotels and try to learn how you can prepare them back at home. If you know how to cook this special cuisine, you can have a Moroccan meal anytime you wish even in your own country.
The next time you feel bad about having a vacation in Tangier, just think of the great things you can do to dwell on the fascinating memories you can have in this Moroccan city. With Tangier hotels to offer you a home sweet home, you don't have to worry much about anything but your exotic travel adventures.
With all these, the rumored hostility in Tangier shouldn't stop you from experiencing the more beautiful part of the city. The petty offenses in Tangier's society will all be taken care of by the police authority. Hence, your only business here is to take delight in your travel and enjoy the safety Tangier hotels may provide. A tour in Tangier has great things to offer than just a single bad news, so just focus on the good memories you'll get from this Moroccan city. Here's how you may remember the fascinating things about Tangier:
1. Create a collage out of your photos in Tangier.
Taking pictures is a common activity among travelers in Tangier. Your fascination will surely grow as you stop at every fantastic sight you'll see to pose for a great shot. Every statue, museum, garden, market, and airport are worthy of a photograph. But without the help of your good old camera, nothing will remind you of the things you've uncovered about Tangier. So at night, when you have nothing else to do at one of the Tangier hotels in town, why not try to create a collage of these pictures? Aside from preserving your photos, this can also be a creative souvenir item that you can give to the people you left at home.
2. Collect hotel memorabilia.
Tangier hotels have a lot of stuff to offer. From tissue paper to shower caps, these hotels provide the utmost convenience for your personal needs. Since these things are part of the services you paid for, they are considered your own. Get some of these mementos, keep them in a little box, and write a few things about each item. Just make sure that you don't keep the things you didn't pay for such as the bedsheets and curtains to stay clear from petty crimes of theft.
3. Keep a travel diary.
Great travelers know that writing down their thoughts about every journey is important. So instead of feeling bored at one of the Tangier hotels, write down your experiences and reflection during your Tangier vacation. This travel diary will let you remember that once in your life you have been in a fabulous city otherwise known as Tangier.
4. Take home a recipe.
Since it's impossible for you to take a pastilla or couscous from Tangier to your country of origin, you have no other choice but to take home the recipe. Observe the food served in Tangier hotels and try to learn how you can prepare them back at home. If you know how to cook this special cuisine, you can have a Moroccan meal anytime you wish even in your own country.
The next time you feel bad about having a vacation in Tangier, just think of the great things you can do to dwell on the fascinating memories you can have in this Moroccan city. With Tangier hotels to offer you a home sweet home, you don't have to worry much about anything but your exotic travel adventures.
Hotels In Anchorage
Anchorage is an amazing place to vacation. A mix of country estates, historic homes and other residential homes can be found next to each other. The lush gardens combined with the mountains allow guests to wake up to wonderful views each day. The people both young and old are involved in community activities such as the PTA, civic and garden clubs, choirs and youth groups, environmental groups and theater groups.
If you are considering Anchorage for you next vacation there are plenty of places with affordable prices and “nice and homey” surroundings. You can choose from a number of lodges, cabins bed and breakfast inns or hotels. Anchorage has accommodation for every type of traveler or tourist never mind the budget. Here is a list of great ones.
Holiday Inn Express Anchorage
Room Amenities: minibar, fireplace, refrigerator, microwave
Hotel Amenities: indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, health club
Price: $79-129 /night
Captain Cook Hotel
Room Amenities: refrigerator, newspaper
Hotel Activities: hot tub, health spa/massage, health club, indoor pool
Price: $140 – 280 /night
Anchorage Hotels
Ramada Inn Anchorage Downtown
Room amenities: AC, whirlpool, microwave, refrigerator, newspaper
Hotel Activities: Health Club
Price: $129.00 / night
Hawthorn Anchorage
Room Amenities: AC
Hotel Activities: fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub
Price: $79 – 119 / night
Jewel Lake Bed and Breakfast
This is a quiet place three miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport. It provides you with a full or continental breakfast. The guest can use the microwave, refrigerator and make coffee in the kitchen after morning hours. There is a common room, a patio, outdoor grill and a laundry room. The guest rooms have a king size bed and a twin, along with a bath, a telephone and cable TV
Price: $40 to $75 in the winter and $135 for the summer
Eagle River Motel
Leaving the city behind a little the motel has a backdrop of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. The rooms are comfortable, quiet and clean. They range from suites, deluxe or standard rooms
For winter the rates range from 49 to 60 dollars with tax
In spring the rates range from 69 to 99 dollars with tax
In summer the rates range from 89 to 139 dollars with tax
America’s Best Inns and Suites
Minutes from downtown and near the airport the newly remodeled America’s Best Inns and Suites has thirty five rooms available. Their services include complimentary continental breakfast, shuttle service to cruise ships, meeting areas, railroads or the airport.
If you are considering Anchorage for you next vacation there are plenty of places with affordable prices and “nice and homey” surroundings. You can choose from a number of lodges, cabins bed and breakfast inns or hotels. Anchorage has accommodation for every type of traveler or tourist never mind the budget. Here is a list of great ones.
Holiday Inn Express Anchorage
Room Amenities: minibar, fireplace, refrigerator, microwave
Hotel Amenities: indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, health club
Price: $79-129 /night
Captain Cook Hotel
Room Amenities: refrigerator, newspaper
Hotel Activities: hot tub, health spa/massage, health club, indoor pool
Price: $140 – 280 /night
Anchorage Hotels
Ramada Inn Anchorage Downtown
Room amenities: AC, whirlpool, microwave, refrigerator, newspaper
Hotel Activities: Health Club
Price: $129.00 / night
Hawthorn Anchorage
Room Amenities: AC
Hotel Activities: fitness center, indoor pool, hot tub
Price: $79 – 119 / night
Jewel Lake Bed and Breakfast
This is a quiet place three miles from Ted Stevens Anchorage international airport. It provides you with a full or continental breakfast. The guest can use the microwave, refrigerator and make coffee in the kitchen after morning hours. There is a common room, a patio, outdoor grill and a laundry room. The guest rooms have a king size bed and a twin, along with a bath, a telephone and cable TV
Price: $40 to $75 in the winter and $135 for the summer
Eagle River Motel
Leaving the city behind a little the motel has a backdrop of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains. The rooms are comfortable, quiet and clean. They range from suites, deluxe or standard rooms
For winter the rates range from 49 to 60 dollars with tax
In spring the rates range from 69 to 99 dollars with tax
In summer the rates range from 89 to 139 dollars with tax
America’s Best Inns and Suites
Minutes from downtown and near the airport the newly remodeled America’s Best Inns and Suites has thirty five rooms available. Their services include complimentary continental breakfast, shuttle service to cruise ships, meeting areas, railroads or the airport.
Great Deals At Discount Hotels
Nowadays hotel market competition is high, giving rise to various special offers and discount hotels. Price-cutting, freebies, and rewards have become the norm in most places.
Nowadays hotel market competition is high, giving rise to various special offers and discount hotels. Price-cutting, freebies, and rewards have become the norm in most places. The best way to get a discount is to go in low season. During the low periods, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel companies are eager to attract paying customers by offering deals.
In Europe, when visitation rates are down in wintertime, hotels and airlines may halve prices. Besides paying less, visitors who come to a tourist spot during the low-season will enjoy less crowding. You'll also get to experience more local color, and you may even find that the residents, who won't be overwhelmed by hordes of tourists, treat you with more courtesy.
However, the number one reason for an area being off-season is weather-related, so it is important to find out what weather conditions are like during these periods. Hot or cold temperatures might be an acceptable drawback, but a serious weather problem might rule out a destination.
Note that each hotel, airline, or travel company individually defines the dates it considers off-season. Use a guidebook for the destination or a "travel guide" website. For example, you can look for discount hotels at traveladvisor.com. It is a free internet resource that lists reputable tour operators and has tourists' reviews of major hotels. On-line booking is a good way to save money. There are plenty of travel websites, enabling online reservation of discount hotels, like choicehotels.com, travelaxe.com, hotels.com, quikbook.com, triprewards.com, newtravelagent.com and others. They will save the time that you generally waste searching the internet for good deals; they will do all the search.
Choicehotels.com offers discount hotels for business travelers, government and military personnel. Mature travelers (over 50) will save 10%, AARP members (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) will enjoy a 15% discount. There is also travel service partner offers, you can reserve a car at a website and have a 10% off standard daily rates, or you will be offered discounted rates for airport ground transportation. Numerous existing reward programs will help you to earn free nights and flights.
Anyway, the greatest discount opportunity is to book at the last minute. Usually this means leaving booking until a fortnight before your departure. Although you may not be able to get your exact choice of destination, the number of offers available is surprising. Hotel rooms, apartments, flights and packages can all be found at a substantial discount if still unsold 2 weeks prior to departure.
A number of Internet based companies have sprung up to cater for this market. The most famous of these in the UK is lastminute.com. This market is also being tapped by the providers themselves, just look for Bargains or late bookings on their websites. If there exist special offers and discount hotels, why not taking this wonderful chance to economize? Travel websites claim to offer up to 70% discounts, but even a 20% saving is already a very good deal!
Nowadays hotel market competition is high, giving rise to various special offers and discount hotels. Price-cutting, freebies, and rewards have become the norm in most places. The best way to get a discount is to go in low season. During the low periods, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and other travel companies are eager to attract paying customers by offering deals.
In Europe, when visitation rates are down in wintertime, hotels and airlines may halve prices. Besides paying less, visitors who come to a tourist spot during the low-season will enjoy less crowding. You'll also get to experience more local color, and you may even find that the residents, who won't be overwhelmed by hordes of tourists, treat you with more courtesy.
However, the number one reason for an area being off-season is weather-related, so it is important to find out what weather conditions are like during these periods. Hot or cold temperatures might be an acceptable drawback, but a serious weather problem might rule out a destination.
Note that each hotel, airline, or travel company individually defines the dates it considers off-season. Use a guidebook for the destination or a "travel guide" website. For example, you can look for discount hotels at traveladvisor.com. It is a free internet resource that lists reputable tour operators and has tourists' reviews of major hotels. On-line booking is a good way to save money. There are plenty of travel websites, enabling online reservation of discount hotels, like choicehotels.com, travelaxe.com, hotels.com, quikbook.com, triprewards.com, newtravelagent.com and others. They will save the time that you generally waste searching the internet for good deals; they will do all the search.
Choicehotels.com offers discount hotels for business travelers, government and military personnel. Mature travelers (over 50) will save 10%, AARP members (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) will enjoy a 15% discount. There is also travel service partner offers, you can reserve a car at a website and have a 10% off standard daily rates, or you will be offered discounted rates for airport ground transportation. Numerous existing reward programs will help you to earn free nights and flights.
Anyway, the greatest discount opportunity is to book at the last minute. Usually this means leaving booking until a fortnight before your departure. Although you may not be able to get your exact choice of destination, the number of offers available is surprising. Hotel rooms, apartments, flights and packages can all be found at a substantial discount if still unsold 2 weeks prior to departure.
A number of Internet based companies have sprung up to cater for this market. The most famous of these in the UK is lastminute.com. This market is also being tapped by the providers themselves, just look for Bargains or late bookings on their websites. If there exist special offers and discount hotels, why not taking this wonderful chance to economize? Travel websites claim to offer up to 70% discounts, but even a 20% saving is already a very good deal!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Best Western Hotels Are Worth Their Brand Name
Over 50 years old, Best Western Hotels are known as the world's largest global hotel chain with over 4,200 hotels in 2,500 cities in 80 countries.
Over 50 years old, Best Western Hotels are known as the world's largest global hotel chain with over 4,200 hotels in 2,500 cities in 80 countries. Best Western was founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin, a hotelier with 23 years in the business.
The chain began as an informal link between properties, with each hotel recommending other lodging establishments to travelers. For about two decades Best Western Hotels were the only hospitality reservation service covering the entire United States and Canada.
In 1967 members of Interchange Hotels of Great Britain joined Best Western Hotels. In 1976 international network was expanded and included properties in Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. By 1979 Best Western Hotels were accommodating 15 million guests and generating $1 billion in room sales. A year later agreements were signed bringing properties in Denmark, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland into the chain.
In 1987 worldwide expansion continued with the addition of Israel, Norway and Portugal. And in 1993 Best Western Hotels appeared in Russia, Lithuania and Japan. In 1996 there were new member hotels in China and Vietnam.
Each Best Western hotel is independently-owned and managed, while being committed to common standards of quality, service and value. Membership of Best Western Hotels gives independent hoteliers the strength to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace by maximizing international marketing, sales, reservations and buying power.
No two Best Western hotels are the same; each of individual hotels retains its unique personality and charm. However, they also gain from the tremendous advantages of high brand awareness, quality reputation and global infrastructure. Most frequent guests are rewarded at Best Western Hotels.
A global program, called Gold Crown Club International allows its members to take advantage of exclusive special offers. Points can be earned on every stay booked on eligible Gold Crown Club International rates throughout the world, including over 300 Best Western hotels in Great Britain. Gold Crown Club International members can then spend their points to enjoy rewards such as complimentary nights, wine and much, much more.
Best Western Hotels are constantly improving the service and accommodation facilities and a new standard of excellence have been established under the brand Best Western Premier. Best Western Premier not only offers the same consistency and high standards you expect from all Best Western Hotels, but also offers extra facilities in stylish and charming surroundings. So whether your stay is for business or pleasure, every stay at a Best Western Premier hotel will be a truly memorable experience. There are over 50 Best Western Premier accredited hotels across Europe and Asia.
To achieve Premier status, the hotel needed to meet rigorous standards in terms of its facilities, quality of service and food. For Premier status alone the hotel was required to provide 27 additional amenities and services over and above those required for core Best Western Hotels, including concierge service, complimentary newspapers, 24-hour fax / photocopy facilities and in-room safes.
Best Western Hotels are the world's largest chain of independently-owned hotels. The standards of quality and service are extremely high, proving that Best Western Hotels are worth their brand name.
Over 50 years old, Best Western Hotels are known as the world's largest global hotel chain with over 4,200 hotels in 2,500 cities in 80 countries. Best Western was founded in 1946 by M.K. Guertin, a hotelier with 23 years in the business.
The chain began as an informal link between properties, with each hotel recommending other lodging establishments to travelers. For about two decades Best Western Hotels were the only hospitality reservation service covering the entire United States and Canada.
In 1967 members of Interchange Hotels of Great Britain joined Best Western Hotels. In 1976 international network was expanded and included properties in Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. By 1979 Best Western Hotels were accommodating 15 million guests and generating $1 billion in room sales. A year later agreements were signed bringing properties in Denmark, France, Finland, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland into the chain.
In 1987 worldwide expansion continued with the addition of Israel, Norway and Portugal. And in 1993 Best Western Hotels appeared in Russia, Lithuania and Japan. In 1996 there were new member hotels in China and Vietnam.
Each Best Western hotel is independently-owned and managed, while being committed to common standards of quality, service and value. Membership of Best Western Hotels gives independent hoteliers the strength to succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace by maximizing international marketing, sales, reservations and buying power.
No two Best Western hotels are the same; each of individual hotels retains its unique personality and charm. However, they also gain from the tremendous advantages of high brand awareness, quality reputation and global infrastructure. Most frequent guests are rewarded at Best Western Hotels.
A global program, called Gold Crown Club International allows its members to take advantage of exclusive special offers. Points can be earned on every stay booked on eligible Gold Crown Club International rates throughout the world, including over 300 Best Western hotels in Great Britain. Gold Crown Club International members can then spend their points to enjoy rewards such as complimentary nights, wine and much, much more.
Best Western Hotels are constantly improving the service and accommodation facilities and a new standard of excellence have been established under the brand Best Western Premier. Best Western Premier not only offers the same consistency and high standards you expect from all Best Western Hotels, but also offers extra facilities in stylish and charming surroundings. So whether your stay is for business or pleasure, every stay at a Best Western Premier hotel will be a truly memorable experience. There are over 50 Best Western Premier accredited hotels across Europe and Asia.
To achieve Premier status, the hotel needed to meet rigorous standards in terms of its facilities, quality of service and food. For Premier status alone the hotel was required to provide 27 additional amenities and services over and above those required for core Best Western Hotels, including concierge service, complimentary newspapers, 24-hour fax / photocopy facilities and in-room safes.
Best Western Hotels are the world's largest chain of independently-owned hotels. The standards of quality and service are extremely high, proving that Best Western Hotels are worth their brand name.
Uganda Safaris and Tours: Good Hotels and Lodges
Uganda has developed its lodges and hotels into world class. Kampala for example has 3star, 4star and five star hotels and the serena group has acquired the Nile hotel and renovated it it a 5 star deluxe facility at a cost of $18M. Lodges will be found in wildlife areas like queen Elizabeth.
Semilik Safari Lodge
The lodge has eight double rooms that allow for total comfort. Guests are also accommodated in large canvas tents with permanent thatched roofs. The tents have en-suite bathrooms with running water and private verandas with a breathtaking view. Sofas are piled with cushions, with ample lounging spaces. The lodge’s resident chef offers a creative mix referred to as the ‘Best food in Uganda’. Everything is homemade, from the fresh bread to the soups. The lodge employees are from the surrounding communities.
Semilik Safari Lodge offers guests interesting activities like chimpanzee trekking, guided walks and hiking, jungle walks fishing, bird-watching, spot lit night drives, game drives and visits to local communities. The lodge is working closely with the Indiana State University of the US in primate research projects. The cost for double rooms for foreign non-residents is US $296 and for East African Nationals US $218.
The mystery of Kabale
Bunyonyi Safari Resort (BSR), located deep in the highlands of Kabale District, southwestern Uganda, is a secret yet to be discovered. Located on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, this unique tranquil place has spacious, self-contained and spacious cottages right at the waterfront. Guests can tour the numerous islands on the lake by motorboat. ‘Bunyonyi’ means ‘little birds’ and, indeed, at BSR guests are woken up every morning by the chirping of numerous birds. Some of the areas across the lake are famous rare bird species. Lake Bunyonyi is about 900m deep and it winds around numerous hills, creating islands. It has signs of volcanicity and mystery still surrounds its formation. It is a bilharzias-free lake and therefore safe for swimming. The area is also mosquito-free.
BSR have a pad out in the water for guests to sunbathe ands swim in private. Form there or the balcony, one can occasionally view the elusive water birds, the otters, as well as the surrounding hills. Guides will take guests round and give them the historical and cultural backgrounds of some of the islands. Visitors can also meet the pygmy tribes. In the evenings, one can enjoy a barbeque dinner with a campfire by the lakeside.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the places in Uganda where guests can get clayfish, BSR’s specialty. The cuisine is mostly African but the chef is well versed in all continental dishes. Self-catering is also allowed at a minimal cost for small groups. Bunyonyi Safari Resort extends from the cottages to a small hilltop overlooking the lake. From this vantage point, the view of the Lake Bunyonyi, its surrounding islands against a backdrop of the volcanoes of Muhavura is splendid. The hall on this hilltop is furnished with a bar, a pool table, darts and other games. It is ideal for conferences and parties. The surrounding gardens are well manicured and beautiful.
BSR is offering special full board rates this season of US $40 per person per day. Visitors should look out for BSR’s new introductory package of US $110 per person for a two-night weekend that includes accommodation, meals and transport to and from Kampala, and lake tours. The minimum number of this tour is 12 people sharing in doubles. This tour can be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or a visit to Lake Mburo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park at an added cost.
Semilik Safari Lodge
The lodge has eight double rooms that allow for total comfort. Guests are also accommodated in large canvas tents with permanent thatched roofs. The tents have en-suite bathrooms with running water and private verandas with a breathtaking view. Sofas are piled with cushions, with ample lounging spaces. The lodge’s resident chef offers a creative mix referred to as the ‘Best food in Uganda’. Everything is homemade, from the fresh bread to the soups. The lodge employees are from the surrounding communities.
Semilik Safari Lodge offers guests interesting activities like chimpanzee trekking, guided walks and hiking, jungle walks fishing, bird-watching, spot lit night drives, game drives and visits to local communities. The lodge is working closely with the Indiana State University of the US in primate research projects. The cost for double rooms for foreign non-residents is US $296 and for East African Nationals US $218.
The mystery of Kabale
Bunyonyi Safari Resort (BSR), located deep in the highlands of Kabale District, southwestern Uganda, is a secret yet to be discovered. Located on the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, this unique tranquil place has spacious, self-contained and spacious cottages right at the waterfront. Guests can tour the numerous islands on the lake by motorboat. ‘Bunyonyi’ means ‘little birds’ and, indeed, at BSR guests are woken up every morning by the chirping of numerous birds. Some of the areas across the lake are famous rare bird species. Lake Bunyonyi is about 900m deep and it winds around numerous hills, creating islands. It has signs of volcanicity and mystery still surrounds its formation. It is a bilharzias-free lake and therefore safe for swimming. The area is also mosquito-free.
BSR have a pad out in the water for guests to sunbathe ands swim in private. Form there or the balcony, one can occasionally view the elusive water birds, the otters, as well as the surrounding hills. Guides will take guests round and give them the historical and cultural backgrounds of some of the islands. Visitors can also meet the pygmy tribes. In the evenings, one can enjoy a barbeque dinner with a campfire by the lakeside.
Lake Bunyonyi is one of the places in Uganda where guests can get clayfish, BSR’s specialty. The cuisine is mostly African but the chef is well versed in all continental dishes. Self-catering is also allowed at a minimal cost for small groups. Bunyonyi Safari Resort extends from the cottages to a small hilltop overlooking the lake. From this vantage point, the view of the Lake Bunyonyi, its surrounding islands against a backdrop of the volcanoes of Muhavura is splendid. The hall on this hilltop is furnished with a bar, a pool table, darts and other games. It is ideal for conferences and parties. The surrounding gardens are well manicured and beautiful.
BSR is offering special full board rates this season of US $40 per person per day. Visitors should look out for BSR’s new introductory package of US $110 per person for a two-night weekend that includes accommodation, meals and transport to and from Kampala, and lake tours. The minimum number of this tour is 12 people sharing in doubles. This tour can be combined with gorilla trekking in Bwindi or a visit to Lake Mburo National Park or Queen Elizabeth National Park at an added cost.
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