Travelling close to the holiday season can often put a strain on your budget, but the Concorde Hotels and Resort group is offering the chance to make your money go further.

Stay in any Concorde Hotel in Europe between now and March 31st and your Euros will go further with the Night Bonus Offer; guest will receive a daily voucher of €30 or €50 which can be put to use in the hotel’s restaurant or bars.

Plus, if you’re travelling in a group you can also combine the offer with the Friends and Family package: when you book two or more rooms you receive a complimentary breakfast and a 50% discount on the second room.

The Concorde Group have hotels in nine countries and 20 cities around the world including: Prague, Boston, Tokyo, Geneva, Barcelona, Cairo, and Berlin. Concorde hotels can also be found in eight French cities (Cannes, Lyon, Marseilles, Nice, Nimes, Strasbourg, Toulouse, and Paris).

All the hotels offer a luxurious stay with modern rooms and top class facilities, traditional and international cuisine is also available in any of the hotels highly rated restaurants.

For more information or to book call reservations at
1-800-888-4747 or visit the  Concorde Hotels website.

Photo Credit: Concorde Hotels and Resorts

There’s still no snow up around Solsona, in northern Catalonia’s LLeida province, but the crisp late fall air promises snowflakes are on their way. This is a popular area with skiers who hit the slopes at Port del Comte and those on their way up to Andorra, a tiny country between France and Spain. It was my first time to this area of Catalonia, and I have to say I was impressed. It’s a very rural and rugged part of Spain, and will soon be a Winter Wonderland, if the Snow Gods abide.

Sant Roc

If up for hitting the slopes at Port del Comte or just in the mood for a winter weekend getaway, stay at boutique hotel and spa Sant Roc in the center of Solsona. The hotel is a historic monument, built back in 1929. While many original details remain, the hotel got a makeover in 2004 and is better than ever. Sant Roc has 25 rooms, many of them with ample tubs and all of them with WiFi, LCD televisions, mini-bars and large beds. The Junior Suites have whirlpools and one large room has a private terrace (on the first floor). Each room is different, but all are decorated in a modern-design style, with original artwork. The rooms on the third floor are especially fun, in that they have the shape of the diagonal rooftop.

Jr Suite

Sant Roc also has two restaurants on site, one serving fusion or new-age tapas and the other serving more elegant, traditional meals. Neither is outrageously priced, which I appreciate. Just because a hotel has four stars, does not mean they need to price gouge guests! At Sant Roc rates and food prices are fair, except for the breakfast, which was 10.00 euros and seemed expensive for the service and buffet offered. Instead, skip breakfast at Sant Roc and walk across the plaza in front of the hotel to one of Solsona’s local cafes.

Sant Roc Tub

Restaurant at Sant Roc

I’ve been to quite a few hotels and have to say that Sant Roc does a great job overall. It’s classy yet low-key, good for couples and good for families, and has a simple but worthwhile spa. For 10.00 euros extra, guests have unlimited access to the Sant Roc Spa waterworks area, which has a sauna, pool, vapor sauna, hot tub, cold plunge and more. Book one of their many spa treatments in advance for ultimate relaxation, such as the Fruit Bamboo massage (60 minutes – 70.00 euros).

Third floor rooms

MORE:

Sant Roc is about 2 hours from Barcelona and a little more from Perpignan, France.

From 60.00 to 180.00 euros a night!

http://www.hotelsantroc.com/

Lobby

Photos and post by Regina Winkle-Brya. See more of her tips on Spain at The Spain Scoop.com

This high-design hotel offers more than 100 soundproofed rooms in two edifices linked by a subterranean passage, European spa, and gourmet dining and an exclusive European spa. Seek solitude in the middle of the ancient trees, green gardens, marvel at the stunning reflection of the majestically styled décor and surroundings, and savor the indulgent facilities right from suites to the rejuvenating Spa and to the French restaurant of the famous Gordon Ramsay. Despite this, it is the 100% concerned service that sets Trianon Palace Versailles apart from the other hotels here.

Rooms

There are 199 rooms including suites all of which are adorned in gold, light green, and purple shades as well as offer the refreshing vistas of the Versaille Castle, Royal Domain, or the Trianon’s park. All of them are split into edifices: the old Palace and the modern Pavilion. The Palace houses the restaurants, lunges, and the reception desk; while the Pavilion offers the business center and conference rooms. Bathrooms boast white tile or pink marble, mosaics on floors, combination shower/tubs, heated towel racks, and double-basin sinks.

The common amenities include cable/satellite television channels, pay movies, climate control, complimentary newspaper, air conditioning, multi-line phone, dial-up Internet access, mini bar, wake-up calls, housekeeping, private bathroom, bathrobes, hair dryer, bathroom phone, iron/ironing board (on request), desk, opening window, in-room safe, rollaway beds, and cribs.

Amenities

• Self parking (surcharge)  • Parking (free)  • Valet parking  • Limo or Town Car service available  • Air-conditioned public areas  • Elevator/lift  • Complimentary newspapers in lobby  • Lounge

• 2 restaurants  • Room service (24 hours)  • Breakfast available (surcharge)  • Concierge services  • 24-hour front desk  • Safe-deposit box – front desk  • Audio-visual equipment  • Business center  • Banquet facilities  • Event catering  • Ballroom(s)  • Secretarial services  • 19 conference/meeting rooms

• Wireless (high-speed) Internet access – surcharge  • Multilingual staff  • Translation services  • Currency exchange  • Dry cleaning/laundry service  • Doorman/doorwoman  • Express check-out  • Laundry facilities  • Porter/bellhop  • Shopping on site  • Babysitting or child care

Recreation

• Full-service health spa  • Massage – spa treatment room(s)  • Spa tub  • Swimming pool – indoor  • Beauty services  • Hair salon  • Health club  • Fitness facilities  • Garden  • Patio  • Boating  • Golfing  • Archery  • Hiking/biking trails  • Running track/path  • Bicycle rentals  • Helicopter/airplane sightseeing

From boating, all the activities take place nearby. The Spa Guerlain is a famous beauty as well as health spot among the travelers, which offers a myriad of treatments, open-air solarium, indoor pool, 14 private cabins, and fitness centre.

Restaurants

At the Trianon Palace Versailles, the most famous is the one that is run by the world-wide famous Chef Gordon Ramsay – Gordon Ramsay au Trianon. This was his first talent hub in France, which even today serves the French-inspired cuisine.

At the Restaurant La Veranda, dining is just great for six people, which include mouth watering French dishes. Be at the chef’s table for both lunch and dinner, which looks over the Ramsay’s kitchen.

For a refreshing afternoon tea, be at the Gallery Bar.

Note:

Swimming pool and sauna are closed from mid-February to early-March due to renovation.

Rates

From $240 per night.

This 5-star luxury Paris hotel within its white facade offers Le Spa as also the fitness centre, wrought iron balconies, limestone saunas, whirlpool bath, Turkish bath, two French restaurants of silver dome and glass ceiling, and 4 treatment rooms along with the business center and deluxe rooms as well as park suites.

Rooms

At the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, there are some 167 guest rooms and 11 suites all of which are nicely tucked on the six out of seven floors featuring floor-to-ceiling windows for some mesmerizing vistas of the streets as well as the courtyard. Within each of the, the decor is adorned with the blend of modern design and classic furnishings of French in form of gold-leaf cornices, designer fittings, wood and bronze minutiae, and special French figurines.

Among the common amenities, expect high-speed Internet access, DVD player, pay movies, CD player, hypo-allergenic bedding, premium bedding, curtains, complimentary newspaper, air conditioning, multi-line phone, Internet access (surcharge), direct-dial phone, voice mail, complimentary bottled water, mini bar, wake-up calls, housekeeping, turndown service, designer toiletries, private bathroom, bathrobes, hair dryer, bathroom phone, makeup/shaving mirror, in-room massage, slippers, separate bathtub and shower, bathroom scale, extra towels/bedding in room, in-room childcare (surcharge), electronic/magnetic keys, satellite television service, welcome amenities, iron/ironing board (on request), desk, opening window, in-room safe, and cribs. Further, the French limestone bathrooms offer stone-closed rain showers as well as under-floor heating.

Amenities

• Airport transportation (surcharge)  • Limo or Town Car service  • Parking (free)  • Parking (secure)  • Parking garage  • Elevator/lift  • Fireplace in lobby  • Complimentary newspapers in lobby  • Air-conditioned public areas  • 24-hour front desk  • Safe-deposit box – front desk  • Concierge desk  • Breakfast available (surcharge)  • Restaurant(s) in hotel  • Room service (24 hours)  • Lounge  • Ballroom(s)  • Audio-visual equipment  • Business center  • Multiple conference/meeting rooms  • Multiple small meeting rooms

• Multilingual staff  • Internet access in public areas – surcharge  • Internet access – wireless  • Secretarial services  • Banquet facilities  • Computer rental  • Event catering  • Exhibit space  • Translation services  • Laundry facilities  • Dry cleaning/laundry service  • Currency exchange  • Technology helpdesk  • Tour assistance  • Doorman/doorwoman  • Express check-in and check-out  • Medical aid  • Patio  • Security guard  • Babysitting or child care

Recreation

• Full-service health spa  • Massage – spa treatment room(s)  • Sauna  • Spa tub  • Steam room  • Beauty services  • Fitness facilities  • Health club

Restaurants

At the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome, there are two options for you to satisfy for appetite. At the Les Orchidées where everything is quite elegant as well as modern in form of glass ceiling, colonnades, art works of Sideo Fromboluti and Christiane Durand; you can enjoy the contemporary bistro cuisine at all three meals of the day.

La Terrasse is the terraced zone in the middle of the patio where the shade is offered by the olive tree. During summer, it is open for lunch.

National Rating

4 Star De Luxe.

Rates

From $755 per night.

Rooms

Amidst the spectacular architecture in Hotel Martinez, there are 409 luxury as well as spacious rooms including suites all adorned with the Art Deco images, limed-wood furnishings, sea/mountain/city vistas, and individual decoration in bright colors. No matter which you choose, expect all the amenities: Premium television channel(s), cable/satellite television channels, pay movies, climate control, curtains, soundproofed technology, complimentary newspaper, air conditioning, multi-line phone, Internet access (surcharge), voice mail, mini bar, wake-up calls, turndown service, Annick Goutal toiletries, private bathroom, bathrobes, hair dryer, bathroom phone, mirror, in-room massage, extra towels/bedding, handheld shower, electronic/magnetic keys, desk, welcome amenities, in-room safe, iron/ironing board (on request), cribs, housekeeping, double sink, and wheelchair accessible.

Amenities

• Airport transportation (surcharge)  • Valet parking  • Parking (surcharge)  • Parking (secure)  • Air-conditioned public areas  • 24-hour front desk  • Safe-deposit box – front desk  • Coffee in lobby  • Elevator/lift • Concierge desk  • Complimentary newspapers in lobby  •

Restaurant(s) in hotel  • Room service (24 hours)  • Breakfast available (surcharge)  • Bar/lounge  • Dry cleaning/laundry service  • Multiple small meeting rooms  • 15 conference/meeting rooms  • Internet access in public areas – surcharge

• 24-hour business center  • Wireless (high-speed) Internet access – complimentary  • Multilingual staff  • Ballroom(s) • Banquet facilities  • Exhibit space  • Event catering  • Audio-visual equipment  • Secretarial services  • Translation services  • Cell phone/mobile rental  • Computer rental  • Currency exchange  • Doorman/doorwoman  • Security guard  • Express check-out  • Porter/bellhop  • Medical aid  • Shoe shine  • Patio  • Babysitting or child care  • Beach/pool umbrellas  • Wheelchair accessible

Recreation

• Private beach in the Zplage area open from April to October  • Swimming pool – outdoor  • Full-service health spa  • Massage – spa treatment room(s)  • Spa services on site  • Sauna  • Beauty services  • Hair salon  • Fitness facilities  • Health club  • Motor boating  • Swimming  • Water skiing  • Surfing/boogie boarding  • Aerobics  • Dock  • Bicycle rentals  • Golfing, golf – driving range, golf – miniature, tennis, running track/path, scooter/moped rentals, parasailing, helicopter/airplane sightseeing, sailing, windsurfing, personal watercraft, boat launch, and hiking/biking trails nearby

Restaurants

At the Hotel Martinez, there are three exciting options. At the Palme d’Or that is much praised restaurant here, you can savor lunch and dinner on the weekdays made by the Michelin starred chef who is an expert in offering a modern Mediterranean cuisine. The same cuisine is also offered at the Restaurant Le Relais but with a focus on the local produce. Stretching on the terrace, this one boasts natural fittings, light wood paneling, and pool vistas besides all the three meals of the day. It remains closed in July and August.

At the big private beach is the Zplage Space Restaurant that offers lunch from April to October amidst the teak chairs ambiance. Lastly, de la Plage is the delicious home of the salads, fried food, and spit roasts along with the Pyrotechnic displays in the summer evenings.

Rates

From $238 per night.

The guests at the Hotel Daniel Paris are guaranteed high level of service bound by professionalism. The staff here is so careful that render this chic retreat a must to stay place in Paris.

Rooms

At the Hotel Daniel Paris, there are 26 furnished rooms of which 7 are suites. Among these, those that are on the 2nd and 5th floor are the best for the tourists as they offer a balcony with view. No matter which one you choose, each room is individually adorned with the elite art works as well as chic items like the light Italian marble in bathrooms, vivid Morocco ceramics, drapes linen from Russia, and the luxury, but handmade olive oil soap and shower gels of the Molton Brown. However, some rooms are adorned with the customary traditional French architecture.

The common amenities within the rooms include: Wireless Internet access, DVD player, soundproofed feature, air conditioning, phone, direct-dial phone, mini bar, hair dryer, in-room safe, iron/ironing board (on request), desk, clock radio, cable television service, flat-panel television, LCD TV, French and International channels, plush cotton towels, slippers, linen, bathrobes, black curtains, ant-allergic pillows, and wheelchair accessible.

Sixth floor has all the Deluxe rooms: 602 with a big bathroom and great vista of the rooftops; 102, 202, 302 and 402 as the small standard rooms of tranquility; and the Daniel Suite from where the sunset behind the Eiffel Tower is just awesome.

Amenities/Recreation

• Limo or Town Car service  • Parking for €25 a day  • Valet parking  • Private parking  • 24-hour front desk  • Concierge services all 24 hours  • Lounge  • Restaurant  • Room service (24 hours)  • Secretarial services  • Fax machine  • Tours/ticket assistance  • Multilingual staff  • Free Wi-fi  • Mobile on rent  • Telephones and laptops for rent  • Shoe shine  • Express service  • Cleaning and laundry service  • Local and international newspapers daily  • Spa treatment  • Beauty services  • Sauna  • Fitness facilities (gym)  • Swimming pool – indoor

Restaurants

At this 4-star Hotel Daniel Paris, you enjoy meals at the only one restaurant – Gourmet Restaurant Daniel – serving traditional French cuisine amidst inspiring setting. All the items are made from the fresh seasonal produce by the Menu Gourmand that also includes daily specials ensuring a variety of items as per the season.

During the weekends, you get a chance to enjoy the classic à la carte menu. On the weekdays, the restaurant serves the guests from 12.30 to 2.30 pm and then from 7.30 to 10.30 pm.

There is also a lounge that offers teas, breakfast, coffees, amidst a friendly atmosphere.

Rates

From $385 per night.

Tip:

You can avail of the discounted spa therapies, swimming, and gym at L’Espace Payot that is very close to Daniel, which will just add to your recreation.

Sometimes vacation pricing can seem a bit perverse. Which would you expect to cost more? A nice hotel room or a theme park ticket?

If you pick the right hotel in Anaheim, it could be less than the park. If you book before the end of this year, Red Lion Anaheim is offering a you a $99 room. That’s already good, but it includes breakfast for two adults (kids under 10 eat free), free parking, and free wireless internet access. That’s before taxes, but a great deal. Here are current prices for Disneyland. If you want to hit the two side-by-side parks, it’s north of $100.

An appointment with The Mouse is going to cost you.

Now I’m not saying that Disneyland is a raw deal. I just went there for the first time and had a blast. Disney gets just about everything right and when it comes to service and attention to detail they’re hard to top in the travel industry. Plus the new park they’re opening based on the movie Cars is going to be a real game-changer. I hope to get back there next year to experience it with my daughter.

Go for a spin at Disneyland!

I was recently a guest of the Anaheim Tourism people, who were hosting a conference I spoke at for the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). We were all staying at the Red Lion, so I can speak from experience and say this is a great place to be based near Disney. You’re across the street from where the Disney property begins (the Little Mermaid ride) and literally less than five minutes away from the main entrance by Disney shuttle bus even if you hit every red light. You can even see the evening fireworks from some of the family rooms with bunk beds and character furnishings.

The food at Red Lion’s restaurant was surprisingly good for all three meals, there’s a full bar, and the heated pool complex has some great lounge areas with fire pits. The 308 rooms are not overly fancy, but they are well-stocked. Each has an iPod dock on the clock radio, coffee maker, flat-screen HD television, safe, and fridge. If you can drag yourself from the comfy bed, there’s a gym on site for working out.

This Anaheim hotel is part of a whole Red Lion chain in the western U.S., so if you stay at them multiple times you can benefit from their R&R Club reward program.

See more and book direct at the official Red Lion Anaheim website. If you’re reading this post after the promotion expires, you’ll still find this place to be a great value.

Autumn in New England – it’s one of those quintessential vacations that everyone should experience at some point in their lives.  Crisp air, apple and pumpkin picking, and beautiful fall foliage are just a few of the things to enjoy during these few weeks.  One of the country inns most reminiscent of New England is the Wachusett Village Inn, located in the Wachusett Region of Central Massachusetts.  This true country inn offers 74 guest rooms and suites, including 16 with fireplaces.  Some of the rooms are located in the main building, while others are located in smaller cottages throughout the property.

Enjoy fall at the Inn with the Autumn in New England package.  It starts at just $59 per person, and includes overnight accommodations and a full American breakfast. It’s available any Sunday through Thursday night until the foliage season ends.

The Wachusett Village Inn offers some wonderful amenities including complimentary WiFi, outdoor pool, in-room refrigerators, and beautiful, colonial decor. There’s also an on-site restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night food in a kid-friendly atmosphere.  It offers hearty, traditional New England cuisine in a warm and comfortable environment.

Wachusett Village Inn
9 Village Inn Road
Westminster, Massachusetts 01473
(978) 874-3631

Photo credit: Wachusett Village Inn

Built in 1923 in the Italian-Spanish Renaissance style, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel is the grande dame of Los Angeles hotels.

This lavish property served as a set locale for many films including Chinatown, Ghostbusters, A Star is Born, and Wedding Crashers, as well as dozens of television shows like The West Wing, 24, Nip/Tuck, and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. It was also an early home to the Academy Awards.

With 683 guestrooms and suites, two restaurants, the famous Rendezvous Court for afternoon tea, and the Gallery Bar, the Biltmore takes up a full city block. The location on Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles is close to the Staples Center, the NOKIA Theater, the Museum of Contemporary of Art, and Dodger Stadium.

The sumptuous interior of the Biltmore Hotel.

The Biltmore also has a touch of macabre history. It was here that Elizabeth Short was last seen alive walking through the lobby in January, 1947. Short was a victim of a disturbing murder that remains an unsolved mystery. She will forever be known as the “Black Dahlia” and some believe that she continues to haunt the hotel today.

Photos by Dan Dion

Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles
506 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA
USA 90071-2607
tel: (213) 624 1011

Heavenly Experience in Hawaii

I have a confession to make. I’m one of those people who like staying in luxury hotels. What’s not to like about having someone make your bed, arrange a massage on your behalf or share a mai tai and sunset by the swimming pool? Better yet, I am able to return to my Heavenly Bed – if I’m staying at a Westin property – and get a good night sleep.

One of my favorite Westin properties is The Westin Maui Resort and Spa, situated along the popular Ka’anapali Beach in Lahaina, Maui. If you have kids, or are a kid at heart, you will love splashing about in the 87,000 square foot aquatic playground. With five swimming pools, this place is a virtual water world of fun. There is an adult only swimming pool and the Jacuzzi is a bit hidden if you want some alone time.

If you are looking for thrills, plunge down the water slide, with its 270- degree turns and 23 foot drop. More thrills can be found riding the waves of the Pacific, or for those looking to relax and chill, grab a lounge chair and simply watch the waves roll in.  If you like snorkeling, I recommend you walk along the beach trail to the Sheraton, where Black Rock of Kaanapali meets the ocean – it’s more protected and turtles hang out there.

For a Hawaiian vacation splurge reserve Westin’s Premium Deluxe Ocean View King #882

Heavenly Bed with ocean view

The first thing I did after I dropped the bags in my premium deluxe room was open the curtains and flop on the bed. What a view! I’m the first to admit that $779 per night – at low season – is a tough coconut to swallow. But the views of the aquatic park AND the ocean are pretty spectacular.

All 758 Westin Maui rooms are air-conditioned and come with the expected amenities, but there is a $25 daily resort fee.

• laundry/dry cleaning
• Beach Access
• safe
• Meeting rooms
• parking for fee
• boats
• movie
• Air conditioning
• Baby sitting
• free wireless internet
• Meeting facilities
• Pool
• Audio visual equipment rental
• Currency exchange
• Golf
• cable or satellite tv
• Hairdresser/barber
• Refrigerator
• Restaurant in hotel
• Cribs
• Iron
• Balcony/Lanai/Terrace
• Interior corridors
• Minibar
• Coffee/Tea maker
• Voicemail
• Telephone
• Refrigerator

By the way, if you want to bring your dog with you, The West Maui Resort is pet-friendly and offers a Heavenly dog bed for your four-legged friend.

Relax in the Nanea Lounge after a Heavenly Body Wrap at The Westin Heavenly Spa

Heavenly Spa experience

With 16 spa rooms at The Westin Heavenly Spa, two of which are couples suites, you may create a spa day for yourself or your friends. The Westin Heavenly Spa is open to the general public and guests have access to the entire spa with one spa treatment. Hang out in the Westin Nanea Lounge (quiet zone) that looks out to the Pacific ocean. I tried the Heavenly Body Wrap 50 minute treatment ($140.)  My spa therapist scrubbed me down with a Hawaiian sugar scrub infused with Maui Lavender and then wrapped me up in a warm cocoa butter blend after a refreshing shower – heavenly!

Enjoy the dancers at Wailele Polynesian Luau at The Westin Maui Resort

Wailele Polynesian Luau at Westin Maui

This was my first time to attend the Wailele Polynesian Luau at the Westin and it was a treat. The pace of the two hour show was fast and the dancers and costumes were authentic.  Unique to the Westin Maui Luau is the five member fire knife dancers with Fiji and Maori performances and the fact that dinner is served family style – no need to leave your table. Guests have a chance to interact with dancers after the performances and view locally made crafts.

If You Go:

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa (800 ) 780-5733

2365 Ka’anapali Parkway

Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii 96761

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California.

I was a guest of The Westin Maui Resort & Spa.