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 March 16, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Explore the great outdoors without leaving the comforts of city life in Oslo. With the majestic Oslofjord literally on its doorstep, Norway’s capital city can boast some of the most stunning surroundings you’re likely to encounter. Explore the pleasant, cobbled city streets with their brightly painted buildings, or just spend a warm sunny day having a picnic in one of the many green parks. Get a taste of traditional Norwegian dishes before you leave – you’re unlikely to find moose and reindeer in the menus of your local takeaways back home.
See
Nobel Peace Centre – Located in a former train station in the city centre, this museum showcases the history of the Nobel Prize and often holds exhibitions on the lives and activities of its winners. Guided tours are available in Norwegian or English, but need to be booked in advance. The centre is very child-friendly, and feature many games and activities specially designed for younger visitors.
Eat
Lorry – This rather crowded restaurant serves up a feast for the eyes as well as for your tastebuds. The décor is unusual, to say the least, with stuffed giraffes and bears taking pride of place among lots of paintings and sculptures. Oslo’s cultural elites are known to hang out here for a few nibbles. The food is modern with a slight Norwegian twist, featuring lots of seafood and meat. Try the reindeer burgers with lingonberries if you’re after unusual, otherwise, there’s lots of safer options like the Caesar salad or club sandwich.
Stay
Scandic Byporten – It may be a chain hotel, but the convenient location makes it popular with many visitors. The Scandic is right in the city centre, practically hugging the central train station. The rooms themselves are very clean and unfussy, yet very comfortable. The bar has a surprisingly cosy atmosphere, with wooden beams and candlelight tables. You get a free breakfast thrown in, with tasty Fairtrade coffee and a huge range of food at the buffet. Room rates start at about £150, and include breakfast.
Check here for cheap flights to Oslo
(Photo: telegraph.co.uk)
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