Posted October 14, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Plenty of hotels are constantly searching for that elusive ‘cool’ factor in a bid to attract guests. Perhaps they should take a tip from the following hotels. These hotels are only open a few months a year, have virtually no heating, and expect guests to spend the night in sleeping bags, yet still have people clamouring to stay in them.
Ice Hotel Jukkarsjarvi, Sweden
This is one of the largest ice hotels in the world, with over 5500 square metres of space. Watch the Northern Lights dance across the sky, or keep warm by skiing or snowmobiling around the countryside. If the ice rooms get too cold, just head for the comfortably heated rooms.
Ice Hotel Quebec, Canada
Canada’s version of the ice hotel changes its look every year, so you’ll never see the same hotel twice! Enjoy a cool cocktail in a glass carved out of ice, and hang out with the other guests in the giant igloo. If you feel the need to warm up a little, head to the spa or saunas for a relaxing treatment.
Alta Igloo Hotel, Norway
Located at the northern tip of the European continent, this hotel is only accessible with the aid of a snowplough. Step through the reindeer fur covered door to enter a magical, icy world. The restaurant is housed in a tepee near the main building, and has a menu that is heavily influenced by its Nordic surroundings.
(Photo: gocurrency.com)
Posted July 27, 2010 by BookingBuddy
It’s consistently voted one of the
world’s most liveable cities, so why not have a holiday there and see for
yourself. Toronto is a large, cosmopolitan metropolis, and this diversity can
be seen in its various neighbourhoods. The soaring skyscrapers of its business
district contrasts with the greenery of its parks, and the cosy, distinctive
row houses in Old Toronto. Visit the Distillery District, where industrial
buildings dating from the Victorian era have been transformed into cafes,
restaurants and boutiques.
See
Bata Shoe Museum – You may not be
able to walk in Picasso’s footsteps, but you can certainly see the shoes he
took those steps in at these museum. The Bata Shoe Museum, as its name
suggests, is devoted to the history of the shoe. Picasso’s ponyskin boots are
just a couple among many others in the ‘Walk of Fame’ collection. The museum
has Marilyn Monroe’s pumps, Elton John’s sky-high monogrammed platforms, and
John Lennon’s shiny purple boots, and many more. Exhibitions include a look at
footwear from around the world, and the evolution of shoes throughout history.
Stay
The Drake Hotel – This former railway
hostel is more than just a place to lay your head, it is also a great spot to
experience Toronto’s thriving art scene. Enjoy free movie nights, trivia quizzes,
musical performances and art exhibitions, without stepping out of the hotel. The
hotel’s 19 rooms reflect this artistic spirit – you’ll find unusual paintings
and handcrafted furniture, as well high tech amenities such as flatscreen TVs
and complimentary Wifi access. The hotel also offers a range of dining options
that reflect the city’s diversity. You’ll find an elegant Dining Room
reminiscent of a Paris cafe, an avant garde Raw Bar, a casual cafe, as well as
a too-cool-for-school Tiki Bar. Room rates start from £120.
Eat
St. Lawrence Market – The St.
Lawrence Market has provided Toronto with excellent produce for over a century,
and these days, also boasts an antiques market on Sundays. But the food’s what
you’re here for, so put on some comfy shoes and come with an empty stomach. The
North Market is a famers’ market, featuring over 50 stalls overflowing with
farm fresh produce all year round. Move on over to the South Market and fill
your bags with cheese, sausages, seafood, and more.
Check here for cheap flights to Toronto.
(Photo: oisa.mcmaster.ca)
Posted June 15, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Vancouver often tops
polls as one of the best cities to live in. One reason could be its pleasant,
temperate climate, which is generally warmer than other chilly Canadian cities. This coastal city has
some very lovely beaches, and is ringed by spectacular mountains, so you won’t
have to go far to soak in some sun, or enjoy the greenery. There is a large
Chinatown, as well as a Little Italy, the Punjabi Market, and even Greektown –
all of them a result of the city’s large immigrant population. So eat your
heart out in a tiny family-run restaurant, or head out for some fine dining. If
you’re a shopaholic, then you’re in the right city. From high-end labels to
hole-in-the-wall vintage shops, it’s all here!
See
Stanley Park – This sprawling
park on the tip of downtown Vancouver is a firm favourite with locals and
tourists alike, and for good reason. The park features some very lovely
beaches, and the lakes are great spots to cool off in during hot summers. Vancouver
Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Canada, is located within the park, and is
filled with over 70 000 animals. You can also simply walk through the park and
enjoy its scenic views and large variety of plants, some of them planted over
100 years ago.
Stay
L’Hermitage Hotel –
Downtown Vancouver is right outside your doorstep at this luxurious hotel. L’Hermitage
offers guests a choice of studio rooms and suites, as well as large ‘home’
style rooms, with fully equipped kitchens and living rooms. Some rooms also
feature a fireplace, to warm up those chilly Canadian nights, or a balcony so
you can take in the city’s skyline. Dog lovers will be delighted to learn the
hotel has a canine resident named ‘Hippo’ who hangs out in the lobby. L’Hermitage
also provides pet-friendly services, such doggie bowls with food and water, and
a dog-walker to take you beloved canine out for a jaunt. Room rates start from
around £150.
Eat
Bluewater
Cafe – This elegant dining room serves up the best of Vancouver’s underwater
bounty. There is an a la carte menu,
as well as a raw bar, and tanks teeming with live crustaceans, all waiting to
be plucked out and cooked. There are some beef and pork dishes, but the main
event is undoubtedly the seafood. If you want to enjoy them in their purest
form, choose from the short but enticing ‘Seafood on Ice’ menu. Depending on
your choice, you get one to three platters packed full of juicy oysters, prawns,
mussels, lobsters and crab.
Check here for cheap flights to Vancouver.
(Photo: canadiangateway.com)
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