Uganda is a beautiful country with an impressive people.
This is one of my favourite countries in all of Africa. The people of Uganda have survived the troubles of 1967-86 period and emerged standing upright and wearing a smile. In that short period, the country suffered under the caprice of two despicable despots. One was the indisputably insane Idi Amin and the other, the arguably insane Milton Obote.
This is now history — a testament to the dignity and endurance of this people. The transformation of the country in the period since normalcy returned is nothing short of astounding. And it shows in the faces of the people you meet. That the graceful beauties of Uganda have not received the recognition they deserve in international beauty pageants is for me incontrovertible proof that most of these events are really fixed.
Winston Churchill was so besotted by the country that he gave it the name that has endured: the ‘Pearl of Africa’. His observations about Uganda remain true today: ‘The scenery is different, the vegetation is different, the climate is different, and, most of all, the people are different from anything elsewhere… in the whole range of Africa’.
Travellers to Uganda are drawn by its stunning landscape: green rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, majestic rivers and massive lakes. There are also a number of outstanding national parks for your safari encounter with the wildlife for which Africa is renowned.
The country’s edge as a worthwhile destination is further enhanced by its endowments for white water rafting and sport fishing. Tour operators have on offer a variety of Uganda safari and tour packages.
It is in Uganda that you find the highest number of primate species anywhere in the world. Opportunities for tracking rare mountain gorillas and chimpanzees are unrivalled elsewhere.
The primate conservation efforts the country has followed are bearing fruit. A survey carried out by the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Jane Goodall Institute, in collaboration with the Uganda government, revealed that there were 4,950 chimpanzees in the country in 2003. Previously, scientists guess for this number was between 3,000 and 4,000, but nobody knew for sure.
The chimp is our closet living relative, sharing 98% of our genes and much of our behaviour. Uganda is the best country in the world to view chimpanzees in their natural habitat.
Bwindi National Park
The best place to see the rare mountain gorilla is at the 331sq km Bwindi National Park. This park was formerly known as the Impenetrable Forest with good reason. The trees are thick and the forest thicker with dense undergrowth, creepers, bamboos and parasitic plants such as mistletoe and orchids. This environment is the habitat for mountain gorillas, chimpanzee, and 8 other species of primate. Not less than half the world’s population of an estimated 600 mountain gorillas have sanctuary here, making Bwindi the base for an important scientific conservation program.
Gorilla tracking is limited to small groups and the licenses are issued to ensure minimum disruption to the routine of the animals. Tracking gorillas is an arduous task and you should be prepared for up to 8 hours of hiking. Good physical condition is a must.
You are advised to make arrangements 4-12 months prior to the date of your visit. Bwindi is essentially a rain forest and it is necessary to bring along a raincoat, walking boots and gloves.
In addition to its star gorillas, Bwindi is host to bush pig, giant forest hog and over 300 species of birds; including rare forest birds. Others who have found a home in this ecosystem include many types of bats and rodents, 14 species of snakes, 27 species of frogs and toads, 6 chameleon types, 14 lizards, skinks and geckos and 200 species of butterfly.
Bwindi is to the west of the country and is 560km from Kampala.
Murchison Falls National Park
Though not as famous for safari as neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania, Uganda still has some pretty good game sanctuaries. The 3,840sq km Murchison Falls National Park is the largest and most spectacular of them.
Aside from game, it is renowned for its scenic beauty. Rolling savannah, tall grasslands and thick bush woodlands make up the park. But you are advised not to miss out the magnificent waterfalls after which the park is named.
The waterfall is formed where the Nile tapers from 50 metres to rush through a 7-metre gorge, falling 45 metres in a breath-taking leap. This phenomenon is said to be the most powerful natural flow of water anywhere on Earth.
If you are patient, you can catch some really huge Nile Perch at the foot of the falls. Other game fish found in the Nile include Barbel, electric Catfish and Tiger fish.
The game you come across in the park includes elephant, hartebeest, leopard, lion, giraffe, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles and many species of antelopes.
Upstream of the Murchison Falls are the Karuma Falls, where the Nile cascades over 23 kilometres of rapids. Here you have some of the most exciting white water in Africa.
Murchison Falls is located 330 km from Kampala.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
The Queen Elizabeth National Park is another outstanding treasure. It is a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve for Humanity. The recognition arises from the tropical forest, green meadows, savannah and swamps that constitute the park.
In terms of wildlife, you find elephant, buffalo, hippos, baboons, chimpanzees and over 600 species of birds. The park occupies 2,000sq km and is situated 440km from Kampala.
Kibale National Park
At the northern end of the Queen Elizabeth, you find Kibale. This park has a unique forest habitat and has an excellent diversity of animal and plant life. It is at Kibale that you find the highest number of primate species in Uganda, and one of the highest primate densities and diversities in the world.
Lake Mburo National Park
Traveling from Kampala to the Queen Elizabeth, or Bwindi, most visitors break at Lake Mburo National Park.
The park is 230km west of Kampala, along the Mbarara road, and is the most accessible in the country. It is a very attractive park of rolling hills, open grassy valleys, interspersed with thickets, woodlands and rich wetlands. In addition to viewing game including zebra, cape buffalo and eland, you can relax by taking a boat trip on Lake Mburo.
Rwenzori Mountains National Park
The fairly flat terrain of the country is interrupted to the west by the Rwenzori Mountains and to the east by Mount Elgon.
Rwenzori, otherwise known as ‘Mountains of the Moon’ has the third highest peak in Africa, after Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro. The Rwenzori is part of the national park of the same name and contains six snow-capped peaks. You can hike the trails of this mountain without any special climbing equipment unless you want to go for the peaks.
The mist covered mountain range stretches for about 100km.
Mount Elgon
Mount Elgon sits by the Kenyan border and is the shell of an ancient volcano. The main attractions here are the waterfalls, caves that were once used by indigenous people, hot springs, the mountainous vegetation, the various peaks, the Suam Gorge and the caldera itself.
After millions of years of erosion, the oval shaped caldera now measures roughly 7 by 8 kms, one of the largest in the world.
Source of The Nile
The traveller with a sense of history will want to visit the Source of the Nile at Jinja.
Jinja is 60km to the north-east of Kampala and is easily accessible by road. This is where the White Nile begins, as it exits Lake Victoria on its 5,600 km journey to the Mediterranean.
The source of the Nile was a thousand year old mystery that was decisively settled by the explorer John Speke, in 1862.
The Kabaka’s Trail
If you are keen about culture, go for the The Kabaka’s Trail.
This is a unique journey through a part of Uganda’s rich heritage that has been shaped by the region’s kings over the years. The Kabaka is the ceremonial king of the Baganda and his lineage goes way back to the 14th century.
The Trail combines a series of cultural sites, all within easy reach of Kampala. You can easily combine the Kabaka Trail with your Search of the Nile excursion to Jinja. The Trail offers much more than sightseeing and you will learn about the hidden and forgotten history of Uganda. You will also experience an authentic tribal culture; with traditional dance, music, craft making, spiritual healing and storytelling.
Accommodation in Uganda
There are international standard hotels in Uganda, especially in the main towns of Entebbe, Jinja and Kampala. The quality is variable in the smaller towns and rated accommodation is scarce. All of the major national parks offer accommodation in game lodges and tented camps.
Driving in Uganda
If you want to drive around Uganda, you need to show an international drivers license to hire a vehicle. Rental cars in Uganda are available in Entebbe and Kampala. Roads radiate from Kampala and are of varying quality.
In the north of the country the security situation is still doubtful and so are the roads. Its is a good idea if you are on self drive to get local advise about the condition the roads you intend to use.
Uganda Weather and When to Visit
Uganda enjoys a tropical climate tempered by altitude.
The hottest period of the year is from December to February when the temperature rises to 29 degrees Celsius. For the rest of the year, temperatures range between 21 to 25°C.
The country experiences two rainy seasons: April to May and October to November, with April being the wettest month.
The best times to visit Uganda are December-March and June-September.
Light informal clothing is generally adequate. But you need warmer wraps and sweaters for the evenings and early mornings. You are also advised to carry some rainwear, just in case.
Unfortunately, I have to advise you to skip Kidepo Valley, a well-resourced park in the north, as it is not considered safe.
Map of Uganda’s National Parks:Locate where the national parks are around Uganda.
Posted in Public Relations No Comments »New Courtyard by Marriott Hotel planned for Gelsenkirchen, GermanyWednesday, April 5th, 2006
Marriott International, Inc. will open a new 198-room moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, in 2006 under a franchise agreement with Hotelgesellschaft Gelsenkirchen mbH & Co KG.
The Courtyard by Marriott Gelsenkirchen will be located adjacent to the Auf Schalke Arena, home to one of Germany’s premier football clubs, approximately five kilometres from the city centre. Auf Schalke Arena has been selected as a venue for four matches of the World Cup in 2006.
Gelsenkirchen is situated close to the German national road network and is about 30 kilometres from the Duesseldorf airport and 25 kilometres from the Dortmund airport. Directly accessible to the hotel will be a 12,000-square-metre sports rehabilitation centre that is currently under construction.
“We’re delighted by the continued expansion of our Courtyard lodging brand in Germany,” said Arne Sorenson, chief financial officer and president of Continental Europe for Marriott International. “Courtyard has proven to be extremely popular with travellers who are looking for consistent, high-quality accommodations and services at moderate, affordable prices. We are confident that travellers to Gelsenkirchen will warmly embrace this hotel and that it will be very successful.”
For dining and entertainment, the Courtyard by Marriott Gelsenkirchen will offer a casual restaurant and lobby lounge. Recreational facilities will include a fitness room. In-room amenities will include a mini-fridge, as well as a large work desk with data port and enhanced lighting. Other hotel features include an internet corner and a Grab and Go kiosk in the lobby, as well as parking for 115 automobiles.
For social events and conferences, the hotel will offer 4,970 square feet of meeting space in addition to a 1,350-square-foot foyer. The conference space will include a 1,900-square-foot ballroom that will be divisible into two sections and 3,070 square feet of additional meeting space comprised of four rooms of varying sizes.
Marriott currently operates 15 Courtyard hotels in Germany. Later this year, a 268-room Courtyard property is scheduled to open in Berlin Mitte, and the 241-room Courtyard by Marriott Munich City Centre is expected to open in 2006. Additionally, the 282-room deluxe, full-service Cologne Marriott is scheduled to open in 2006.
Posted in Public Relations, Hotel articles No Comments »Rezidor Sas launches new lifestyle hotel brand : Hotel MissoniWednesday, April 5th, 2006
Worldwide license agreement signed with Italian fashion house Missoni. Brussels, Rezidor SAS Hospitality, the Brussels based, multi brand hospitality management company, announced in London on November 16th, 2005 that they had concluded a worldwide license agreement with the Italian fashion house Missoni, to develop and operate a lifestyle hotel brand of the same name: Hotel Missoni.
The deal will now see Rezidor SAS conclude on negotiations for sites for the new brand in the UK, mainland Europe, Russia, Asia Minor and the Middle East. With the first three Hotel Missoni’s expected to be open in 2007 and 30 expected to be open or under development by the year 2010.
Speaking at the completion of the agreement, Kurt Ritter, President and CEO of Rezidor SAS, said: “We have been believers in this market segment for a long time now and this deal gives us the perfect brand to take our share of this fast growing, increasingly important, market sector. I’m particularly delighted because the deal with Missoni has grown into much more than just a deal, it’s a relationship, a natural partnership, and that’s the only way that a brand like this can truly develop. It’s a very unique brand, with a great heritage, a very identifiable look, and real family values. I’m sure when we launch in 2007, Hotel Missoni is going to create quite an impact on the market.”
Vittorio Missoni, Director of Missoni S.p.A., added his comments: “We are very, very protective of the Missoni business that my family have built, and we want to ensure that we never sacrifice the values of that business at the expense of quick, short term growth. We’re sure that we have the right partners in Rezidor SAS and that they understand and will respect these values. We believe that hotels are a natural extension for our core brand and will work with, and complement, our fashion business, our Missoni Home collection and our new fragrance range, that will launch in spring next year.”
The design of the hotels will be developed through a tri-party team that will see Rezidor SAS and Missoni collaborate with Studio Thun, the Milan based architectural and design practice, headed by the celebrated architect Matteo Thun. The hotels will be reflective of contemporary Italian life and style, and will bring particular focus to the bathrooms, bedrooms, bars, restaurants - cucinas, spas, and the whole service culture and environment.
The development strategy for the brand will concentrate on both city centre locations as well as resort destinations. With target destinations including: London, Edinburgh, Copenhagen, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Milan, Barcelona, St.Petersburg, Istanbul and Dubai.
Posted in Public Relations No Comments »SAS may divest hotel businessSaturday, March 25th, 2006
IRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTDScandinavian airline group SAS is reportedly considering a divestment of its hotels unit.
The group’s chief executive Jorgen Lindegaard said that any sale or listing of the Rezidor hotel business would only be made when the equity markets have improved.
SAS is currently operating at a loss and has been divesting non-core operations and cutting costs in an effort to return to profit next year.

Just at the moment it seems nothing can stop China’s meteoric economic growth. A whole swag of financial figures, booming businesses and foreign investments continue to underpin growth in the country.
As an example, China’s foreign trade volume totalled US$147.64 billion in the first two months of 2004, up 35.4 per cent year-on-year, according to the latest figures from the General Administration of Customs. The figure included US$69.87 billion in exports and US$77.77 billion in imports, up 28.7 per cent and 42 per cent respectively compared with the same periods last year.
China’s General Administration of Customs officials said the rapid increase in China’s trade with key partners was due to rising exports of mechanical and electrical products and soaring imports of crude oil, iron ore and other raw products.
And the Chinese IT market is set to reach $40 billion this year–that’s 289.8 billion yuan, up 15 per cent year-on-year, according to IT consulting firm China Computer World Research who add that they believe the hardware market will reach 190.1 billion yuan ($26 billion), a yearly rise of 10 per cent. The software and IT service markets are expected to reach 53.9 billion yuan ($8 billion) and 45.8 billion yuan ($7.2 billion), up 25 per cent and 27 per cent year-on-year respectively. In 2003, China’s IT market reached 252 billion yuan ($35.47 billion), an increase of 11 per cent over the previous year.

Once encircled by orange groves, this stately 1909 colonial-style mansion seems incongruous with its current surroundings – situated in the heart of industrial Anaheim, a five-minute drive from Disneyland.Set off the road, The Anaheim White House Restaurant provides a glimpse into a previous era – one defined by understated elegance, gentility and nostalgia. This historic architectural treasure has been meticulously restored inside and out and in its current incarnation is home to an inventive menu of gourmet cuisine tempering Northern Italian style with French sensibilities.Owner Bruno Serato’s iconic establishment houses eight distinct dining areas – and the well-named “white house” is exactly that – with white-on-white rooms trimmed in gold on the main and second floors.For starters, The Anaheim White House serves up a selection of specialty appetizers guaranteed to satisfy even the most discriminating diner: The Sophia Loren Caviar combines Caspian Sea sturgeon caviar with chives, red onion, egg ,crème fraiche and blini: Fife’s Creation arrives as delicate pasta sheets layered with delectable crab meat with a tomato béchamel sauce; and the Raioloni Caterina, the Juventus Ravioli and the Gwen Stefani Ravioli are a trio of rich delights – the first is homemade ravioli stuffed with Fontina cheese, served with delicate sauce & a touch of espresso and the Juventus are al dente pasta stuffed with a combination of Italian cheeses in a wild Porcini mushroom sauce, while the latter are lobster filled ravioli with basil on a sauce of ginger and citrus.For the main course, seafood aficionados have their work cut out for them in deciding between the Ferre Halibut (baked Alaskan halibut with julienne of vegetables served in a Pinot Grigio sauce), the Dolce Gabbana Sand Dabs (delicate whitefish fillets lightly breaded in a light lemon buerre blanc served with Italian fresh herbs) and the Romeo Gigli Salmon Chocolat (poached salmon served atop a delicious white chocolate mashed potato puree in a citrus buerre blanc).The Filetto di Romeo and Juliette, an oven roasted filter mignon served on top of a baked polenta and surrounded by an Italian gorgonzola sauce – was a steak to remember, enhanced (rather than overwhelmed) by gorgonzola. The wine list notes more that 200 Californian and European vintages and the Edna Valley Pinot Noir proved to be an excellent complement to this succulent steak entrée.Whatever you do, save room for dessert .. the Madonna Soufflé is a decedent Grand Marnier soufflé served with a Crème Anglaise, chocolate ganache and a Chantilly whipped cream.

Cricket in India is religion personified. The zeal and passionate frenzy with which the game is played, followed and analyzed is unmatched anywhere else in the world. Cricket is to India as Soccer is to Brazil. Sports have always been harbinger of friendship and peace. Indian cricket calendar is never empty and there is either one series or another just round the corner. While cricket teams move along from one part of the country to another, ardent followers of the game and fanatical supporters of the teams also move along. Thousands of international tourists pour in every year from different parts of the world to support the team while they take on India. Now it has almost become a regularity that all the hotels in the host city run full for a couple of days to a few days before and after the rubber.
Hotel reservation in India reaches a crescendo during the peak cricket season or at the time of a tour by a foreign team. Though tourists come with the primary objective to see a game of quality cricket and enjoy the carnival like atmosphere, there are enough attractions in India they can visit. Important cricket venues like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kolkata, Chennai, Goa, Nagpur, Indore and Bangalore are not only famous for wonderful cricket infrastructure but also as some of the finest tourist destinations. Since the itinerary is prepared early enough, tourists who plan to visit India with the cricket team have enough time to make the necessary hotel bookings in those particular fixtures. Last minute reservation in these cities on the days of the fixture can be pretty troublesome.
Hotels in India have now geared up for this new business prospect. Online hotel reservation in India has enabled hotels in India to make the most of cricket tourism. People who wish to travel to India can now book hotels well in advance through a travelsite that focuses exclusively on India. Making hotel reservation through has a number of advantages. It is among a few travelsites of its kind that facilitates real time hotel booking. Tourists can therefore plan their tour better. Desiya.com can book over 390 Indian hotels spread across more than 150 Indian cities. Huge inventory ensures that there is always a room available for a tourist anytime and anywhere in India. Tourists also have the luxury to choose from different categories of hotels. As a complete travelsite, Desiya.com also enables tourists to book cars, flight tickets and train tickets. This facility removes any communication hassle that a tourist might suffer while in India.
The English cricket team will be in India during February. There is going to be a long and thrilling cricket action through the months of March and April. The first Test will begin on 23rd February and the last one day will be played on 15th April.

As they say, ‘one trip to Bali is never enough’. Vast, seemingly endless beaches, beautiful tropical landscapes, the fascinating culture, amazingly hospitable people and shopping for local crafts continue to attract repeat visitors to Bali, time and time again.
However, as I have been discovering in my recent trips, there is more to this tropical paradise than meets the eye.
Today you can also add to my list above, the attraction of a myriad of activities catering to both the action oriented holiday maker and the more staid.
Here is a starter list of 25 new things you may want to try when you are next in Bali: 1) Bird Park You don’t need to be a bird watcher to enjoy this colourful park. Take a morning off, and discover the beauty of an array of tropical birds Bali has to offer. Even better, arrive later in the afternoon, and enjoy some amazing sun-set melodies. A great choice for enthusiasts and families. (located at Taman Burung - open 08:00 - 18:00 daily)
2) Cruising Pick a boat of your choice, and head for the high seas! Nowadays Bali has a great selection of safe boats to choose from. Go for a fun filled family outing or go more adventurous with some of the latest cutting edge crafts which deliver the speed. (Bali Hai Cruises, Sea Safari Cruises, Bounty Cruises)
3) Dance Performances Be enthralled by unique Balinese dances! Try to catch one of each of: Kecak, Legong and Fire Dances, at least. There are dozens of different troupes to choose from, each with their own following. Keep in mind, shows in hotels and tourist restaurants offer vanilla flavour, and sometimes mechanical re-creations of the real thing. Head out to some of the villages, and you will be handsomely rewarded with the authentic fare.
4) Designer Shopping No, I am not talking about the ‘fake originals’ that litter the streets of many other Asian locations. In the recent years, Bali has attracted some of the most talented original designers, and artists from around the world (both the East and the West). This coupled with the inherent artistic capabilities of the Balinese, means that Bali today enjoys a large number of original designer shops. You can find anything from post-modern lighting installations, to Imperial Chinese style sideboards, and from original water fountain designs to some of the best jewelry designed and manufactured anywhere in the world.
5) Diving Put your PADI license to use, or if you are a diving newbie, just do it, and get your PADI certificate in Bali! A range of dive organizers for the experienced, and dive schools for the new comers are available to choose from. Some offer PADI ‘Youth Scuba’ courses for ages 5+.
6) Dolphin Watching Enjoy these all-time favourites in their natural habitat. They are at their best first thing in the morning. Also, the soft hues of the sun-rise provide amazing colours for the photography enthusiasts. However, you will need to plan ahead for this one, since Lovina is in the North of the island, and you will more than likely be staying in a hotel or a rental villa in the south. 7) Fishing Go after that marlin or try your hand at yellow fin tuna! Most boats provide full tackle, bait and a running commentary, a friendly, giggly banter which makes the day out that much more enjoyable. (fishing boats from Benoa Harbour or Sanur)
8) Elephant Safari Park Arguably, one of the best in South East Asia! Great location and landscaped gardens. Don’t forget to do the elephant safari ride.
9) Jet Skiing Re-create those favourite Baywatch moments! Due to their environmental impact, only available at some selected beaches across the island. (available at Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua).
10) Go-Karting Only for those who get withdrawal symptoms from being away from the hustle and bustle of big-city life! All the noise, thrills and danger of the real thing! Choice of single or double carts.
11) Golfing A number of 18 hole courses are available across Bali. As you would expect, each more beautiful than the other. Relax on an easy course, or challenge yourself to one of the more demanding courses designed by professionals. Either way, don’t miss the spectacular views over the Indian Ocean or one of Bali’s great volcanoes. Most courses in Bali are to international standards, and many offer clubhouses and recreational facilities for the rest of the family. 12) Helicopter Tours Go on, splash out for that once in a life-time experience! Spectacular views over Bali even Lombok. Take in the gentle rice terraces from the best vantage point, or get up close and personal with a volcano! Not cheap, but certainly an experience never to forget. (Air Bali) 13) Horse Riding Enjoy one of the equestrian centres at your doorstep! Selection of horses, with courses for the beginners. Wonderful escorted tours through the rice terraces and tide permitting down the beach. (Umalas or Saba Bay Stables)
14) Kite Boarding Some great wind and lift, as well as the equipment for rental is available at Nusa Dua beaches. But make sure you have a great story lined up for your insurance company! Keep in mind, this really is an Extreme Sport.
15) Monkey Watching Experience mischievous macaques in full action! Also, some good restaurants and eateries nearby. However, be careful of your cameras, glasses and the like! (The Sacred Monkey Forest - Ubud)
16) Mountain Cycling If you like cycling, why not enjoy a leisurely cycle with views of the Batur volcano! Lots to see, lots to learn, all on two wheels with an experienced guide. (Bali Adventure Tours)
17) Paragliding Throw yourself off the sheer cliff faces of Uluwatu into the Indian Ocean! As a beginner you can enjoy great tandem jumps with well qualified professionals with great safety records.
18) Slingshot (Reverse Bungee) Defy gravity Bali style, with some spectacular 50m views! (That is, if you remember to open your eyes!) Not for the faint-hearted. Organisers follow international safety standards.
19) Surfing If you’ve come with your board you’ll know where to go! If you are keen to learn, there are many schools to choose from, just head for the beach! Whilst Kuta is a good all rounder, Uluwatu, Padang-Padang, and Balangan can provide some great tubes to test the more experienced. (some offer surfing lessons for ages 5+, so the whole family can enjoy surfing all together)
20) Temple Ceremonies Few visitors to Bali realise that in most instances you will be welcomed to attend local ceremonies as an observer. The great thing is, there is a temple ceremony every single day of the year in Bali, just ask around to find the nearest one during your stay. If you are lucky enough, you may be able to catch one of the Full Moon or Dark Moon ceremonies which attract devotees from far a field and are some of the most colourful events on the island. Please remember that a sensible dress code, and polite/respectful behaviour are essential for continued hospitality towards foreign guests. (Also, please note that women are not allowed in the temples during their menstrual period.)
21) Tennis Choose from one of many open or some covered courts! Whilst most better tennis courts are located at major hotels, you can use these facilities on a pay-per-use basis. Many will provide a partner to match your skills.
22) Wake Boarding (or Knee Boarding) Have a go at that double flip, or just learn to stand up! Whilst most beaches are more suitable for surfing, you can enjoy wakeboarding at the Condrad Bali Resort, and surrounds.
23) Waterbom Park Water slides and rides galore, both kids and adults will have a blast! World class park, with well trained staff. Go early to make the most of your day! (open 09:00 - 18:00 daily)
24) Wind Surfing Maximise the almost continuous winds found in Nusa Dua or Sanur. You can rent a board, and head out, or take one of the courses designed for beginners.
25) White Water Rafting A thrilling experience through 8 kilometers of rapids! (believe it or not, still suitable for ages 5+) Organisers follow international safety standards. (Bali Adventure Tours)
Like me, if you manage to fit in five of these activities into your schedule, every time you visit Bali, you will still want to come back for more. Because, at the end of the day, it is the people of Bali, with their welcoming smiles, and willingness to help, which will make mere adventures into even more precious memories.
One final thought. If you are attempting something new, or slightly dangerous, please make sure to check that you are fit/suitable enough for the adventure ahead, and that the organisers have the necessary experience/safety record so as not to spoil your wonderful Bali adventure.

With beautiful beaches, warm gulf waters, bird watching, unlimited opportunities for fishing, boating, shopping, and a variety of other year-round activities, South Padre Island is one of the leading seaside resort destinations in the United States. It is a year-round destination with accommodations to everyone from families to honeymooners. Also, it is a popular spring break destination for college students and is an ideal place for adventure and recreational activities. South Padre Island hotels give visitors luxurious beachfront accommodations and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and clubs.
South Padre island has a wide range of lodging options including condos, hotels, and rental houses are available to suit every budget and taste. Most South Padre island hotels provide clean, comfortable lodging, ensuring customer satisfaction. Hotels generally boast splendid cuisine, luxury housing, and exciting nightlife. There are many hotels with private balconies overlooking sandy beaches. A number of discount hotels are also available.
Most South Padre island hotels offer all the amenities of home plus all the luxuries of an excellent lodging establishment. In addition, they provide a variety of outdoor recreational activities such as golfing, bird and butterfly watching, swimming, and sightseeing. Sheraton Resort Hotel, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, La Copa Inn Resort, Howard Johnson Express Inn, Bahia Mar Resort and Conference Center, Best Western Fiesta Isles, and Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort are among the more upscale hotels.
In addition to hotels, a wide selection of seaside cottages, family motels, campgrounds, single-family homes, resorts, and marinas are available for visitors on daily, weekly, and monthly rates.

In this article, we hope to share with you the many aspects on how to find the best hotel deals and still feel comfortable on your vacation.
When it comes to hotels, things come down to a tradeoff between cost reduction and a fitting location. In a lot of cases especially when traveling to major cities and well-liked attractions, the nearer the hotel to the city or attraction the more you should expect to pay. The greatest way to save money, particularly in big cities, is often to reside in the suburbs.
Of course, this means that you will spend more time getting to the locations you would like to visit, and this will mean paying out additional money on gasoline, etc. It is imperative to calculate all these costs to ensure that you will really be paying out a smaller amount on a less convenient hotel room.
There are of course a number of methods to put aside money on hotels and motels without compromising quality. For one thing, a membership in AAA or a related auto club also allows you to get lower prices on hotel rooms, as does military service and senior citizen status. When inquiring about a hotel room, remember to inquire about discounts that may be presented.
For the remaining of this article, we will continue to discuss how to find the best hotel deals without sacrificing comfort.
Additionally, shopping early for a hotel room can regularly yield the greater deals. That is because hotels regularly reserve a block of low cost rooms and when there are no more remaining then they are gone. Therefore the final room at a hotel may be a great deal more costly than the first. Receiving the best hotel room deal is regularly a matter of timing.
Of course receiving a great deal on a hotel will mean nothing if the place is an unattractive place. Searching for a budget hotel should not mean staying at a hotel that is dirty, poorly run or in an unsafe location.
Fortunately, finding a good budget hotel has been made a great deal easier with the help of the Internet. What used to take weeks or even months to investigate can now be done in a matter of hours or even minutes. Most hotels, even budget properties, include pictures of the property and the surrounding area, so be certain to investigate the property you are thinking about if you have never stayed there before.
It is important to investigate the area in which the hotel is situated as well. Be certain to assess things like restaurants and attractions within walking distance of the hotel. Completing some investigations of the area will help ensure you do not end up staying in a dangerous neighborhood just to put away a few bucks.
The Internet also provides a number of review web sites where those who have vacation in different hotels reveal their experiences and their impressions of the hotel properties. These review web sites can be very helpful for travelers, particularly those traveling to a new area for the first time.
In addition, the Internet hosts a number of comparison web sites where travelers can simply find and evaluate hotel properties for their individual dates of stay and destinations. These comparison web sites present a number of ways to research, including distance from a particular tourist attraction, price, star level and more. The only caveat to think about when using such a web site is its independence. Some comparison web sites include only properties that pay an advertising fee, so using a comparison site does not necessarily promise the best price. It is best to use a number of such web sites to get a better picture of all the smallest prices available.
As they say, knowledge equals power, so continue to read information on this topic until you feel you are adequately educated on how to discover the best hotel deals.

The condo hotel industry is coming to grips with its first-ever construction boom. Ground-up developments — virtually non-existent five years ago — are outpacing conversions three to one as hotel developers build projects in Las Vegas, Orlando, Chicago and other prime markets. The run-up is occurring even though the concept’s complex operating strategy has yet to prove itself on a large scale.
Condo hotels enable individuals to buy hotel rooms, occasionally use them, and pocket income by renting the units to hotel guests. The concept surfaced some 30 years ago in the U.S., and until recently the niche industry operated predominantly in Florida.
But after the 9/11 attacks and a foundering economy drove the hospitality industry to the brink of depression early this century, hotel developers have increasingly embraced condo hotels to fill a financing void left by reluctant lenders: By selling units, developers raise more equity and require less debt in projects.
Even in today’s healthy hospitality industry — Smith Travel Research reports that profits rose 35.3% to $22.6 billion last year — luxury developers are chasing condo hotel deals to help pay for their projects. In fact, 80% of the 50 luxury hotels in the construction pipeline include condo hotel units, private residences or timeshare interests, according to Lodging Econometrics, a real estate research and consulting company.
But more questions than answers surround condo hotels, including whether there is enough demand to support the proposed developments, and how condo hotel unit buyers will react to their first taste of declining income when tourism begins to slow at some future point.
At the very least, real estate experts predict, disgruntled condo hotel unit owners will barrage the industry with lawsuits within the next three years, particularly if they bought the units anticipating a return on investment (See sidebar p.95).
“Well-capitalized, well-thought-out and properly managed condo hotels that work as a hotel first make sense,” says Jim Butler, an attorney and chair of the global hospitality group with Jeffer Mangels Butler & Marmaro, a law firm based in Los Angeles. “But developers have become over-enthusiastic and have wandered away from some basic sound principles.”

Hotel Piet Hein*** offers you a pleasant nautical atmosphere and is located at the Vondelpark in the heart of Amsterdam. The Van Gogh museum, Rijksmuseum, the Modern Art museum and the lively Leidseplein with casino are located within walking distance. You can find the PC Hooftstraat, the most exclusive shopping street in Amsterdam, behind the hotel and the Concertgebouw is only 300 metres from the hotel.
Posted in Hotel articles No Comments »Lloyd Hotel AmsterdamMonday, July 31st, 2006
Come and stay in the hotel which currently has the most media-coverage! This remarkable hotel offers an experience in itself. Renowned Dutch architects, designers and artists have transformed this monument dating from 1921 in a hotel where many inhabitants of Amsterdam, international artists, tourists and business people feel at home.
The Lloyd Hotel is very well situated: it is near the city centre (direct public transport connections), access from the ring-road is easy and from the rooms lovely views over the fashionable Eastern Docklands area are to be had. The hotel has parking facilities of its own in a parking garage. Lloyd Hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a soundproof music room, a library and even a “corner” shop.
All 116 rooms in the Lloyd Hotel -ranging from one to five stars- offer a different experience. These entail a difference in design, surface area and therefore rate. Much attention has been given to the interior of the rooms. A number of exciting Dutch Designers (Claudy Jongstra, Hella Jongerius, De Bazel, Marcel Wanders, Richard Hutten, to name but a few) have created several of the furniture pieces. All guests can enjoy free high speed internet access as well as satellite television with a unqiue selection of channels. Our full menu is available in your room with our 24 hour room service.
Posted in Hotel articles No Comments »Selective Hotel StrategyMonday, July 31st, 2006
For privately held RLJ Development, the move to acquire 100 hotels from White Lodging Corp. for approximately $1.7 billion marks a strategic shift. Instead of targeting full-service hotels in large urban markets, an approach that RLJ has followed since 2000, this mega-deal will net the company 90 select-service hotels, primarily in the Midwest.
RLJ is one of a growing number of companies that view select-service hotels as favorable yield plays. According to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, the average cap rate on select-service assets in the Midwest and Great Plains registered 9.50% in 2005 versus just 7% on a national basis. Lagging growth in the manufacturing and auto sectors has tempered pricing on many hotel assets in the Midwest, reports Jones Lang LaSalle. RLJ declined to disclose the going-in cap rate on the deal.
“This is one of the best hotel portfolios that we’ve seen in a long time,” says Tom Baltimore, president of Bethesda, Md.-based RLJ Development, the nation’s largest African-American-owned hotel investment firm. Black Entertainment Television (BET) founder and billionaire Robert L. Johnson founded RLJ in 2000, which closed on 63 of the hotels in June. RLJ expects to close on 24 more hotels this month. The remaining 13 hotels in the acquisition are in the development pipeline.
“One reason we liked this portfolio is that there has been a much broader acceptance of select-service hotels from both a consumer and investor standpoint recently,” says Baltimore, adding that one-third of the assets are less than 3 years old and located in recovering markets. The 90 select-service hotels are chiefly Marriott and Hilton-branded properties.
The acquisition will more than double the dollar value of RLJ’s hotel portfolio (see table). RLJ is one of a growing number of hotel owners vying for select-service hotels, defined as mid-priced properties that offer limited meeting space and dining facilities. Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden Inn are among the most prominent select-service chains.
Jones Lang LaSalle reports that $3 billion worth of select-service hotels traded hands in 2005, an increase of more than 30% over the previous level in 2004. The Chicago-based brokerage also expects 2006 to meet or exceed that sales volume. Widespread room demand that is no longer narrowly limited to the full-service segment has also bolstered the select-service market, which posted an 8.8% RevPAR increase last year, up from 6.7% in 2004.
“For the past few years, there has been an incredibly strong market for full-service hotels, but most of it was going into the luxury end of the sector,” says Al Calhoun, managing director of the select-service division at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. “That’s why I thought that the RLJ acquisition [of the White Lodging portfolio] was so surprising.”
Calhoun says that the deal proves that investors are disillusioned by puny yields for higher-end assets. Indeed, several large investors have moved into select-service. In 2004, Blackstone Group bought select-service operator and owner Prime Hospitality for $790 million.
The following year, Encore Enterprises bought nine Hampton Inns from Mercury Investments for more than $100 million. Blackstone then returned again to the select-service market earlier this year when it spent $3.4 billion to buy LaQuinta Properties Corp.
Based in Merrillville, Ind., White Lodging has 40 new hotels in the pipeline. Under terms of the deal, White Lodging will also continue to manage the 100-hotel portfolio that it recently sold to RLJ. “The timing was right to sell these properties,” says Judy Bronowski, White Lodging’s vice president of business planning. “More investors see the true value of these assets now than they have in the past.”