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Archive for December, 2008

You may not realize it but Birmingham hotels can offer those that visit this city a large variety of different accommodation. It doesn’t matter what your reason is to visit Britain’s second city maybe a business trip or to visit some of the many shops and shopping malls you are going to find a hotel that not only fits your needs but also suits your budget as well.  In fact because there are so many hotels to choose from some people find it difficult to pick just one to stay in.

When you examine this list of Birmingham hotels you will find that not only are there affordable ones and they also have a number of 4 or 5 star hotels that offer you the kind of luxury you would find in any capital city around the world. Whether you prefer to stay right in the center of the city or you can travel to some of the smaller towns but still within an easy commuting range so that you can still use all of the facilities that Birmingham itself has to offer. 

We’ve shortlisted a few hotels below, just to give you some inspiration.

1.  Norfolk Hotel, Edgbaston
The rooms here are within most people’s budgets and has plenty of parking as well as being surrounded by its own well cared for gardens which allow those staying at it to relax in. Plus it is ideally located for those staying there to visit the many attractions within and around Birmingham itself.

2.  Brindley Hotel, Birmingham
This hotel is located in the heart of Birmingham and it’s a top class, modern hotel. Although you are close to all the amenities and nightlife that this city has to offer you may find the prices a little more expensive compared to those offered at the Norfolk Hotel. 

3.  City Inn, Birmingham
If your budget can stretch this far, you’ll be rewarded with a luxury hotel experience. There are 238 rooms in the hotel that are complete with air conditioning, an en-suite bathroom and are also sound proofed (so you can be sure of a good night’s sleep). The rooms all come with a high speed internet connection as well.

Get the best choice of Birmingham hotels here.

The home of golf, St Andrews, can be found in Scotland on the coast of Fife. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club has been in the town since 1754 and which has rules over the game the world over except for America and Mexico. Every year the oldest of the four major golf championships takes place here, namely the Open Championship. 

But it isn’t just the golf courses which have people flocking to this wonderful town it is also for its sandy beaches. When it comes to where to stay when visiting St Andrews regardless of whether your stay is for business, golf or relaxation you’ve got a wide choice available.  Here we’ll examine a handful of the plentiful establishments this town has to offer.

1.     Ardgowan Hotel – This one is situated just 180 yards from St Andrews Old Course and the University, which are in the heart of the town. It is in fact two Georgian houses which have been joined together and which were designed by Sir William Playfair a renowned Scottish architect. You can select any of the 19 rooms and the hotel is set in its own gardens. You’ll get a true taste of Scotland in the restaurant, with top quality locally sourced ingredients.

2.     Links Hotel – This establishment can be found in Golf Place and is almost on top of the St Andrews Old Course 18th Hole. Although only built in 1824 the walls of this hotel have been privvy to the secrets of many of the world’s eminent golfers and was host to the very first golf tournaments that took place here.  As well as being very close to the Old Course, you’re also very near the town’s university, cathedral and castle as well. 

3.    Old Course Hotel – This is the one that when you watch the Open Championship is the one that shows as you come to the 17th Hole. It actually looks over the “Road Hole” and on a clear day you can take in the West Sands and Fife’s magnificent coastline. Obviously the hotel attracts many keen golfers but there are lots of other things for the non-golfers in your party. 

4.    Russell Hotel – This terrace house located on the Scores, looks out over St Andrews Bay and the hotel has a Victorian theme. Again this hotel is situated close to the Old Course, in fact within two minutes of walking you are by the first tee but it is just as convenient for you to walk into the center of the town as well. 

5.    St Andrews Golf Hotel – Also very close to the first tee on the Old Course and you can request a room with views of St Andrews Links and the bay. It has been recently refurbished and is a boutique hotel to further help you relax whilst enjoying all that the town of St Andrews and the nearby area can offer you. If looking for a place to stay that can organize a golfing holiday for you also this is the hotel worth considering.

Find your perfect St Andrews hotel here

Surprisingly for such a historic location, Inverness only became a city at the turn of this century and but it has been the gateway to the North of Scotland for countless centuries.  It is still quite an industrial city, Inverness is prosperous and it stands on the River Ness which flows from the famous Loch Ness. It is located just below Black Isle and the Moray Firth and offers the ideal base for exploring the surrounding areas.

When you stay in this city you will find that there is a wonderful array of Inverness guest houses and hotels to choose from. Almost all tourists will visit Loch Ness and hopefully you may even spot the famous monster which is said to inhabit the deep loch waters.  Another place that is on many a shortlist for visitors to Inverness is Culloden Battlefield. 

Whether you are visiting Inverness for a weekend or a longer stay here are a few places you could consider.

1.     Larchfield Guest House – This hotel is situated on the banks of the River Ness and is perfectly situated for you to be able to explore the city of Inverness. It’s quite small, so make sure to book ahead to secure one of its 6 rooms each one has en-suite facilities and are comfortably decorated. Despite the small size, you can get access to the internet if you want.

2.    Lyndon Guest House – This accommodation is situated on the north side of the town and is about ten minutes walk or a short drive from the main town. Lyndon also offers 6 rooms but they all boast satellite television as well as all the other usual facilities.

3.    Royal Highland Hotel – This hotel is situated in the very heart of what is a very vibrant city. It makes an ideal base to explore Inverness and the local sights. Its central location means you are within easy walking distance of the local bars, restaurants and other attractions.

4.    Lochardil House Hotel – Part of the Best Western chain of hotels and one is situated in its own gardens away from the city centre. The 28 rooms have all been decorated tastefully and equipped with the kinds of amenities one would expect from a modern hotel. The hotel’s restaurant serves some wonderful meals along with more traditional meals being served in its bar.

There is plenty of choice when you you visit Inverness. You’ll find lots of Inverness hotels and guest houses on this list.

Knife Design Philosophy

If you have ever watched any of the Bear Grylls 'Born Survivor' TV series or Ray Mears 'Extreme Survival' you will have noticed how both Bear and Ray always carry a good quality knife.

Knives have been used since the stone age when man made remarkably effective and sharp cutting tools from flint and obsidian. The knife is both a practical tool and an undeniably effective weapon. They've been receiving a lot of bad press lately due to the frequency of violent knife crime in our towns and cities.

But knives are not bad, unlike some of the idiots who carry them. They are practical tools that, when camping or in a survival situation, you would be glad to have to hand.

When camping out a knife can be used in any number of ways including:

• Cutting branches for fire wood
• Preparing kindling
• Cutting rope or string
• Making tent pegs
• Skinning rabbits
• Preparing food
• Almost everything…

It's always a good idea to choose the most suitable knife for the job. The swiss-army knife is a good example of a practical clasp knife that comes with a bewildering selection of tools for almost any situation. But a good quality, strong, sharp knife blade is a basic requirement.

Knives that are ideal for camping don't really need to be particularly large. Ideally the knife should have a stainless steel blade that will not corrode and will hold and good sharp edge. Your chosen knife may have a fixed or folding blade. Knives with folding blades should ideally lock when the blade is exposed to prevent accidents which can happen when a blade closes on the fingers. The knife should provide an appropriate handle that is comfortable in your hand. The knife blade should have a good sharp point and the handle may have a strong rear bolster (the bit at the end of the handle) which can be used as a hammer.

If you choose a fixed blade knife it will need a suitable sheath that, ideally, you can mount on your belt. To keep the blade sharp you will need a suitable whetstone. For fishing and hunting, you may like to use a knife that has a partially serrated edge, ideal for cutting through bone.

Whatever you choose a knife is an essential part of your camping equipment. While you may be arrested for carrying one in the city streets you would be a fool to go camping without one.

Torquay has for many years now been a favorite place for people from around the UK to spend a holiday or weekend break at. Certainly this is one part of the UK where throughout the year the chances of having some wonderful weather are very high. In turn, this means that a stay in Torquay offers a wide range of well maintained accommodation for your stay.

1. The Glenross – This is a fairly small hotel, with 11 fully equipped rooms for guests to use. It is centrally located so you’re within easy reach of Torquay’s many things to see and do. Plus what really makes it stand out from some of the larger hotels that you are going to get good quality home cooking. Also on a balmy summer evening there is the patio area where you can sit and relax.

2. Astor House Apartments – Originally the building in which these luxury self catering apartments were housed was a Victorian villa they are certainly ideal if you intend to spend a week or mores’ holiday in Torquay. The apartments are close to the town center, the beach and the bustling marina. They also offer you views that are simply stunning over the sea.

3. Brampton Court – This hotel is in a peaceful location. Situated in one of the town’s many tree lined streets it is on top of a hill with spectacular views across the town’s bay. Despite the peaceful location, you are only a few short minutes from the Riviera, town centre and sea front.

4. The Rainbow – If you want a hotel that offers more than just a room for the night this is the place to consider. This resort not only has two indoor pools but a spa pool and a sauna. The hotel also boasts a fully equipped gymnasium for you to work out in if you want to. Or you may prefer a more relaxing time in the health and beauty spa offered by the Rainbow. During the summer, you can take a swim in one of the hotel’s two outdoor swimming pools or soak up the rays on the sun terrace.

5. Corbyn Head Hotel – This can be found on Torquay’s seafront and this totally non-smoking hotel has forty five well appointed rooms. Most of the rooms not only come with views of the sea but have their own private balconies as well. The Bay View Cocktail Bar offers views over the town’s bay as well as a great range of cocktails to help you unwind. As for the summer months when the weather is good there is a sun terrace and outdoor swimming pool that the guests can enjoy.

Torquay is certainly a place to spend time if you are looking to relax and unwind or take a romantic weekend away and enjoy the town’s delights. You can book your Torquay hotel here.

visit Amsterdam

When one is making travel plans to visit the Netherlands, the easiest arrangements that you will make for your trip will likely be choosing from the many Amsterdam hotels available. The reason for this is that there is a terrific number of wonderful Netherlands hotels, resorts, inns and hostels that visitors to the area can choose from. Within the center of Amsterdam city, there are locally owned hotels as well as many “name brand” hotel chains that are familiar to all travelers.

For travelers who might be making their first ever trek into Europe, seeking out the world-wide hotels chains can be a good way to begin your European experience, since there will be many amenities and services that will be so familiar. And, when traveling, especially to a destination for the very first time, familiarity helps the tourist to feel more comfortable right away and comfort is always the aim of the quality hotels that you will find.

The Amsterdam Schiphol airport is one of the busiest facilities in the world and every day there are numerous flights to Amsterdam that can accommodate just about any schedule. Some of the finest Amsterdam hotels are actually located either within the bounds of the Schiphol or are located nearby. These are good choices in lodgings for those who are not staying long in Holland or who don’t need to be near the city center.

However, it is fair to say that the “best of the best” hotels in Amsterdam will be found in the very heart of the vibrant and effervescent city itself. In addition to the many “name brand” hotel chains that are located in the city, there are also the European boutique hotels that will supply more of the flair and flavor of Europe and will give their guests a better taste of European living, when compared to the chain hotels. That said, even the chain hotels, especially those that are four-star and five-star rated, will be imbued with much of the local culture, which will naturally be passed on to their guests.

The variety of hotels in Amsterdam spans the complete spectrum, from the high-end, luxurious accommodations for the more upscale clientele, to cheap and clean discount hotels that help people to stretch their budgets for their Amsterdam travel. This makes it easy for people to find just the right hotel to meet their level of needs and requirements in terms of style, comfort, amenities, and also convenience to the places that they plan to visit during their trip to Amsterdam.

For some people, they simple want to locate an Amsterdam hotel that will provide them with a good night’s sleep and clean bathroom facilities. However, for others, they are looking for just the right hotel that will help to make their trip into a true, once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the pampering and European style that so many Netherlands hotels have earned a reputation for.

The most important thing to keep in mind when you start to do research to find Amsterdam hotels to your liking is to know upfront what type of experience is most important to you. If you expect to spend the majority of your time out and about exploring the wonders of Amsterdam, then a moderate to low cost hotel might suit you just fine. But, if you hope to have time to simply relax and luxuriate in European comforts, then the Netherlands hotels that are rated four-star or five-star will most likely provide you with the kind of experience you desire.

Whatever your reason for visiting the city, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay in London. A B&B in London is one option to look at; but, you’ll obviously need to decide whether ot not it’s a route you want to choose.

Over the past few years bed and breakfasts have become a popular alternative for those travelers who wanted to choose a more personal “pad” during their visit.

These places are normally cheaper than London hotels. Travelers can enjoy home-cooked meals and experience local knowledge and hospitality.

Using a bed and breakfast offers numerous important advantages. Locals who are most familiar about little known things to do, you can take advantage of having your own personal tour guide. You B&B host will know the local area intimately. They’ll likely know short cuts and best routes to get to places.

If you’re planning a shopping expedition in London, your hosts will also likely be able to tell you where to find the best bargains as well.

You can often just walk into a bed and breakfast in London without making a reservation, which makes it a great option for those spur of the moment trips.

When you’re deciding on your choices don’t rule out hotels either. Hotels usually offer a bigger room and higher quality of fixtures and fittings. You may also find your stay is more private and “anonymous” with a hotel room than with a bed and breakfast accommodation. Amenities you may be able to take advantage of in a hotel which are not often present at a bed and breakfast include health spas, bars, restaurants and even shops.

If you want to choose a bed and breakfast in London, check this list of London guest houses and B&B’s.

It is important to plan your vacation before packing your bags and driving to the airport especially when your destination is a place like Paris. Paris offers an amazing range of activities and you don’t want to waste your time in the City of Lights. Paris has so much to offer you won’t want to waste a minute. Of course you would want a worthwhile stay in the very famous city. Plan where you will stay before you get on the plane. There are many options and cover all price ranges – whether you need a 5-star luxury or a just a clean and comfortable Parisian bed

For a cheaper accommodation, you may want to consider a budget Paris hostel. Often cheaper, but more homely compared to a hotel suite, an apartment can be very comfortable. The next thing to plan is what to visit after billeting in your Paris apartment.

There are lots of places to visit when you are in Paris; from the most historic to most contemporary. Your vacation in Paris will be memorable when you carefully considered and plan what part of the city you will visit. Historical structures and buildings are sprinkled inside the city that you should not miss. There are also a lot of museums that display historical art pieces up to the most modern creations. Of course the city is renowed for its restaraunts and food. Shopping completes the list of activities that will make your stay in Paris meaningful.

The Eifflel tower is many visitors first stop in Paris. This 320-meter tower is well recognized in the whole world as a symbol of the city of Lights and as well as the whole country of France. The Eiffel tower was built for the 1889 Word Fair. It is a very fulfilling experience to climb the top of the tower for you will be able to see the whole of Paris during the day or at night. That’s a fair few stairs and at least you will sleep well that night in your central Paris lodgings.

The historic city of York in Yorkshire is a fantastic conurbation having a wealth of history. The hotels of the city have their own histories. The city is one of the favorite tourist destinations and if you look for places to stay in the city, you’ll find a big range of places to stay , each one different from the next. Regardless of what you’re looking for whether it’s a fully kitted-out hotel or a simple B&B to rejoice an occasion, the city has something or the other for every one of us. Most of the places to stay can be found close to the city centre where you’ll also find plenty of shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and tourist attractions.

Whether you’re looking for a cheap vacation or something altogether more luxurious, the city has something to offer.
Cheap to medium price: a number of hotels and B&B’s with a reasonable price can be found in Bootham, Gillygate, Fulford, Holgate Road, Haxby and Heworth villages . These are great if you’re on a limited budget. The city centre is just walking distances from these places. Make sure that you consider the Cornmill Lodge Guest House or the Mowbray House. Both of them are located on Haxby Road. Heworth Court Hotel, Jorvik Hotel, Ascot House and York Backpackers Hostel are some which deserves a mention.

If you want to go for a moderate expenditure, then Newington on the Mount, Posthouse York, Abbots Mews Hotel and the Galtres Lodge Hotel are some of the places which you should look in for.
Expensive: if your taste goes to the best hotels on offer in York, take a look at the Mount Road as well as Tadcaster these roads host some of the superior hotels of the city. You’ll also be close to the famous York racecourse and just not this. These hotels will include facilities such as swimming pools and garden rooms which helps make these hotels amongst the finest. Marriott Hotel, Elmbank Hotel, The Mount Royale, The Churchill, Novotel, Monkbar, York Moat House, Lady Anne Middleton’s Hotel and York Minster hotels are some of the famous ones. They provide wide-ranging packages, and you can even hold your wedding reception at most of them.

Deluxe: the city of York does not even lack behind in the area of stunning deluxe hotels. The Ambassador, the Hilton York, the Royal York, the Middlethorpe Hall are the ones which tops the list. One of York’s most popular restaurants is at the Hilton, Henry J. Bean’s restaurant. These places offer the widest range of facilities in the city including fitness and health spas and worth splashing out on for a luxurious vacation in York.

York has a wide range of accommodation to choose from starting from the cheap ones to luxury hotels, from guest houses to private villas, from economical bed and breakfasts to self catering establishments, from Inns to cottage breaks, from holiday apartments to youth hostels, York’s places to stay cater for everyone.

Discover where to stay in York here.

When it comes to where to stay in Torquay there’s a big choice of hotels, guest houses and B&B’s to choose from. But be warned if you intend to visit this coastal town during the summer months then it is wise to book accommodation well in advance of your trip. Because of it’s pleasant all year round climate, Torquay is a town that families enjoy visiting throughout this time of year.

During this article, we will look at just some of the kinds of accommodation that are now available for you to select from when staying in Torquay. As well as the plentiful hotels, guest houses and bed & breakfasts there are also self catering and other places to stay as well.

If you don’t want to stay in the relatively busy town center then it’s worth thinking about booking your place on a farm instead. There are many farms who in order to subsidize their business are now letting out rooms to people visiting the Torquay area.

As you’d expect, the accommodation is good quality and it’s not too heavy on your budget either. Plus if you have children with you what could be more enjoyable than giving them the chance to interact with animals. Certainly, they will be able to go back to school after your vacation with a few tales for their friends.

Another cheap way of visiting Torquay is to stay at one of the many camping and caravan parks, which are located close to the town. They are almost always friendly places and your children will find plenty of new friends whilst you’re relaxing. You can decide to stay at ones that are right next to the coastline or ones that are situated a bit inland.

The caravans and mobile homes on these sites that you can rent offer you almost all your regular home comforts. They have showers (and sometimes a bath), along with a kitchen and a TV, plus they are extremely spacious compared to a hotel room. On average, depending on the exact unit you choose to rent you can expect to pay around £300 per week for a stay in one.

However, if you’d prefer to stay right in the town centre and so within easy reach of all its facilities then it’s best to book a hotel, guesthouse or B&B for your stay. There are lots of them that you can choose from and all will offer you good quality accommodation. Certainly, if your budget is fairly tight then staying in a guesthouse or B&B would be preferable to a hotel.

When you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Torquay, you can choose your accommodation from these Torquay hotels and guest houses. You will be amazed at the enormous choice of places to stay available to you. However, as mentioned previously it’s important that you book your accommodation well ahead of your trip especially if intending to visit the town of Torquay in the height of the UK’s sometimes sunny summer season.