Monday, April 28, 2014

Five Cartagena Hotels for Great Family Vacations

A historic city known for its colonial streets, architecture, and hotels, Cartagena in Colombia is one destination couples and families will surely enjoy. Aside from the beautiful spots, the city also has a number of fancy restaurants, plazas, and a beach. To help you plan your holiday, here a 5 family-friendly hotels you can check before flying to Cartagena.

1. Hotel Casa San Agustin
A trio of colonial buildings in the heart of the “Old Town” makes Hotel Casa San Agustin an excellent choice for families who want to experience the classic Cartagena. Here, the centuries-old wood-beam ceilings, original frescoes, and windows are preserved. The hotel has 24 spacious guestrooms and 6 suites that blend the authentic Colombian style to modern amenities that include air-conditioning, flat-screen HDTV, and Wi-Fi access. Apart from the pleasing accommodations, the hotel offers babysitting services upon request.

2. Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique – Spa
An acclaimed boutique hotel in Cartagena, Colombia, Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique – Spa showcases its grand accommodation inside a Spanish colonial mansion. Families can enjoy a delightful holiday inside 11 elegant, high-ceiling rooms with spacious living rooms and amenities such as an LCD TV, independent air-conditioning, and private bath. Couples can feel more relaxation by requesting for the spa services while children can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool by the courtyard.

3. Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara was a former convent filled with numerous archeological artifacts. Its magnificent setting has been used by Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez in one of his novels. Today, guests can stay inside a luxurious accommodation and view these artifacts on display. The hotel boasts 122 rooms and 19 suites, all equipped with modern amenities. Families finding a hotel in Cartagena, Colombia can request for connecting rooms and also video games for children.

4. Hilton Cartagena
A relaxing beachfront accommodation for the family can come courtesy of The Hilton Cartagena. This 341-room hotel has a number of facilities that everyone in the family can enjoy. Children can play all day long at the colorful playground and toboggan swimming pool, while their parents can try the sauna or a soothing massage. When it's time to take a break and grab a bite, kids can choose from a special children’s menu and adults have 5 restaurants to choose from.

5. San Diego 974 Suites
A creative display of colonial and modern architecture, San Diego 974 Suites has 13 fully-furnished suites designed with a kitchen, living room, and terrace. Each spacious accommodation has amenities that include a cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, and mini-bar. Families in their first visit to the country will feel at ease with the hotel's monitored security. Plunge in the swimming pool located at the roof deck or view the “Old City” from above. This hotel in Cartagena also has airport transfer services to make it more convenient for everyone.

Monday, April 21, 2014

4 Bangtao Beach Attractions for Travelers in a Hurry

It's easy to lose track of time during your stay at Allamanda Laguna Phuket. With the white beach bordered by the endlessly ebbing sapphire water on one side and the long line of posh accommodation in Phuket on another, one can't help but to sit back and let the moment sink in. Relaxation, however, is not the only thing you can do at the beach. The 6-km sandy stretch is also home to places of cultural significance and another beach removed from buzzing energy and luxury of Bangtao. Here are some of the most popular attractions you can visit without being far from the beach.

1. Canal Village Check out the different products being sold in this area and find some souvenirs you can take back with you. Canal Village has everything from an art gallery to a bakery and silk factory. The village is inside the Laguna Phuket Resort Complex and has its own parking space near the entrance. Its stores are usually open from 10 am to 10 pm. Boutiques, tailors, jewelry stores, shoe salons, photo studios, and a briefcase shop are but a few of the things you can find here.

2. Cherng Talay Shrine Cherng Talay Shrine in Sri Soonthorn Road is a change of scenery from the highrise accommodations lining the beach. Who would have thought that there's a quaint community hiding in a luxurious neighborhood? The shrine came into reality when a hairdresser in the village, Ju Pa Tuk, took home Taoist relics from China in 1901. Now, the shrine is the center of activity during Chinese New Year and Vegetarian Festival.

3. Cherng Talay Temple Cherng Talay Temple has been serving as the center of spirituality in Bangtao and Cherng Talay for almost a century now. The temple was done in a Thai-Buddhist design where images of giant snakes depict Buddha's good works. For those who want to visit, it can be found on Sri Soonthorn Road and it is open everyday. The best time to go would be a little before nightfall, when the temple's pathways are illuminated by sculptures of mythical half-bird-half-human creatures.

4. Layan Beach Found at the north end of Bangtao, Layan Beach is a quiet haven with lots of tall pine trees. Because few people stay in this part of the beach, you won't find a line of chairs and umbrellas here, and Layan looks exactly the way it did 20 years ago. Most of the beach's visitors are locals and expats staying in the nearby communities and hotels such as Allamanda Laguna Phuket.

Quick and Easy Booking at Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's Website

Langkawi, Malaysia — Reserving a room directly through Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's website will prove to be a seamless experience for its guests. The Langkawi resort's website was recently incorporated with a booking engine powered by DirectWithHotels, rendering the reservation a quick, easy, and straightforward process.

Benefits of Booking Online
Guests who book directly through the resort website, http://www.dayangbayresort-langkawi.com, can save a lot of time because the website uses a system, powered by DirectWithHotels, which sends out instant confirmation upon completion of the transaction. The system's no-frills process eliminates waiting and constant communication with third parties.
Second, VeriSign and Trustwave secure the privacy and integrity of all online transactions in the booking engine.
Third, the system offers a user-friendly interface that allows bookmarking and printing and features customizable currency for easier reference. These aspects allow guests to enjoy a smooth and intuitive reservation process.
Finally, guests who book online have the opportunity to cancel or modify their reservations without charge up to a certain day before their check-in date.

The Booking Process
Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's rooms and suites units can reserved through http://www.dayangbayresort-langkawi.com. Guests should click the orange 'check availability and prices' link found on the left side of the page to get to the booking system. To finalize the process, guests will be asked to settle the required payment via credit card as reservation guarantee. After accomplishing these steps, they will receive a confirmation email with their accommodation and payment information.

About Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort's
Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort offers fresh and contemporary accommodations with complimentary services and facilities. Each spacious room has private toilet and bath, desk with lamp, cable TV, and telephone. The Langkawi accommodation also has facilities for leisure and business such as Dayang Cafe, outdoor pool, garden, family room, and executive floor. It also offers laundry service, Wi-Fi Internet access, safety deposit boxes, and parking. The resort is in Kuah, the main gateway for those arriving from Penang Island by boat, and is only a 15-minute drive to Langkawi International Airport.


Dayang Bay Serviced Apartment & Resort
Persiaran Pelangi, Kuah
Langkawi, Malaysia 0700

Phone Number:+604 9665515 / 9664515
Website: http://www.dayangbayresort-langkawi.com

About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

5 Leisurely Destinations Within 30 Minutes of Makassar in Sulawesi, Indonesia

It's easy to throw in shopping sprees between meetings and corporate affairs when you're staying at Continent Centrepoint Panakkukang in Makassar. The hotel, which is located in the centre of the city, is close to a number of commercial hubs that display everything from luxury brands to locally prepared panaceas. But if you're looking for a relaxing or educational vacation, Makassar will not disappoint. Here are some of the places you can check out.

1. Losari Beach
A 20-minute car ride from Continent Centrepoint Hotel in Makassar will take you to Losari Beach. The sandy stretch in the middle of the city offers a very nice view of the sunset. Food stalls can also be found in the area after dark.

2. Fort Rotterdam
This historical destination was put up during the Dutch colonial period in the 1670s. From 1700 to 1900, the fort served as a thriving trading post for the Dutch East India Company until it was integrated into a Dutch East Indies colony. World War II transformed the fort into a camp for Japanese war prisoners. Today's visitors can tour Fort Rotterdam's castle, museums, and book store. It is about 12 minutes by car from the hotel.

3. Pulau Khayangan
If you wish to get away from the city, you can visit this island which is just 20 minutes from the centre of Makassar by boat. Here, you can spend the day getting a tan, strolling the white sand beach, and seeing different sea creatures. Fishing can be done near the island's port and some establishments also rent out jet skis and other water sports equipment.
4. Pulau Samalona You can also take a tropical holiday at Pulau Samalona. This beautiful island and the colourful reefs and diving spots that surround it are but a 30-minute boat ride from Makassar.

5. Trans Studio
This indoor theme park, which is just a 20-minute drive from the hotel, is said to be the third largest of its kind in the world. Aside from rides and games, visitors can also enjoy the malls, restaurants, and marina housed in this building.

Getting In and Around the City
There are 3 ways of getting around during your vacation. First is by becak, a minimalist cycle rickshaw. You can also ride the petepete or angkot, a minibus used for public transportation, or take a taxi. Since Makassar serves as southern Sulawesi's main port, you can use a traditional pinisi boat to get into the city. Alternatively, you can also take a plane to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport, which is just a 20-minute taxi ride from Continent Centrepoint Panakkukang - Makassar.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Get Instant Confirmation for Room Reservations at Langdale by Amaya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka — An indulgent holiday in Nuwara Eliya is only a few clicks away on http://www.langdalebyamaya.lk/, the website of Langdale by Amaya. Using the direct-booking engine recently launched here, those planning to stay at this resort can instantly reserve a room for their holiday.

How to Book Direct
On the website, guests have to indicate their travel dates on the calendar widget, click the “Book now” button, then complete the short reservation process. As guarantee for instant confirmation, they will be asked to pay 10% of the total cost. Then, the guestroom will be instantly registered under their name, followed by a confirmation email reporting that they have successfully booked the room of their choice.

Benefits of Booking on the Website
Guests who use the direct-booking engine receive instant confirmation upon completion of the quick reservation process. VeriSign and Trustwave secure the privacy and integrity of all online transactions made using the system. The reservation engine can be bookmarked and printed, and features a currency converter. Finally, guests who book online have the opportunity to cancel or modify their reservations without charge (7 days for cancellation, 14 days for modification).

About Langdale by Amaya
This luxury resort is located in Nuwara Eliya, which means “City of Light” in the local language, where you can revel in panoramic views of majestic waterfalls, misty peaks, and green valleys. At this picturesque hilltop retreat, families, friends, and couples can easily embark on an exciting tour of Horton Plains National Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Queen Victoria Park, and other spectacular sights and destinations. At the resort, guests are greeted by colonial splendor as they make their way to their chosen accommodation. Aside from being provided with plenty of space to relax, each guest can also count on modern amenities that will make for a comfortable stay. Each room is complete with an LCD TV, coffee and tea facilities, electric heater, and Wi-Fi Internet connection. Also offered here is an array of facilities, including a spa, 16-seat restaurant, and the only heated outdoor pool in Nuwara Eliya.

For reservations and more information, simply visit http://www.langdalebyamaya.lk/.


Langdale by Amaya
Radalla, Nanu Oya,
Nuwara Eliya,
Sri Lanka

Phone Numbers: +94 114 767 888, +94 524 924 959


About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel Becomes Top Choice in Singapore With New Website + Booking System

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Singapore – Peninsula Excelsior Hotel in Singapore provides travellers with yet another reason why it is a good accommodation to choose in the country. In addition to the excellent hospitality and amenities, guests can now make reservations right from its new website, which is equipped with a direct-booking system powered by DirectWithHotels.

Standing at the heart of the gleaming city-state, the twin towers of Peninsula Excelsior Hotel has 600 luxury rooms and suites that provide 4-star comfort at all times. Each is spacious, has a calming ambience, and painted with earth tones that create a relaxing atmosphere day and night. All guestrooms have an electronic key card, self-coded safe, cable TV, hair dryer, coffee maker, mini-bar, Wi-Fi Internet connection, and IDD phone with voicemail. There are also 2 swimming pools, a coffee shop, lounges, gym, sauna, business centre, function rooms, and tour desk.

Peninsula Excelsior Hotel is only 20 minutes from Changi International Airport and near major entertainment hubs, international offices, and transportation centers.

The hotel's new website with its efficient booking engine should greatly help guests get rooms easier with their benefits:

Fast and easy booking process
Just by logging on to http://www.peninsulaexcelsior.com.sg and clicking on the “Check availability and prices”, visitors can easily select travel dates, choose rooms, and confirm reservations by providing the required personal information and credit card details.

User-friendly interface
This website and the booking engine are both mobile-adaptive, which means guests can make arrangements using not only their laptop but also through their smartphones and tablets. It also has an up-to-date currency converter, bookmarking option, and print button for easier navigation and referencing.

Confirmation in an instant
After supplying the required information and credit card details, guests will receive an email reporting instant confirmation of the reservations.

Safety and security guaranteed
All transactions made using this channel is protected by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

To know more about this Singapore accommodation and to experience the efficient booking process, interested parties must go to http://www.peninsulaexcelsior.com.sg/.


Peninsula Excelsior Hotel
5 Coleman Street
Singapore 179805

Phone Number: (65) 6337 2200

DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.