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Nelligan Hotel
Nelligan Hotel
Nelligan Hotel: Old Montreal Location
Boutique Hotel with good location.
Not cheap but good oversized rooms with old world charm – exposed brick walls, hardwood floors,
can be noisy overlooking the street if that bothers you.
otel Nelligan: One of Montreal’s Boutique Hotels
The “boutique hotel” concept has been emerging in Montreal for a few years now. Whenever I walk past one, I feel grateful that such hotels have come in the Old Montreal and helped revitalize it. I love this concept, because it places in value what culture the hosting city has best to offer. It is like a window into our world. Especially as it is named after one our most admired Quebec poets, Emile Nelligan, who’s work you’ll see displayed around the hotel. And I must say that this one is very well made. It is really a pleasure for the eyes. And the H?tel Nelligan has won a four diamonds award from AAA (American Automobile Association), and a M&IT Readers Choice Award in 2005. So I guess that it is also a pleasure for it’s guests. It is a mix between modern and old in a Montr?al sober/chic style… Just look at the pictures they have on their web page, this is way too hard to describe!
They have so much to offer that it is better to view their web site since it is more than exhaustive on the subject. It is both great if you come here for business or leisurelly pleasure. They have many packages that you can choose from.
Delta Chelsea Hotel
Delta Chelsea Hotel
Delta Chelsea Hotel: Avoid if you don’t like cockroaches
On a trip to visit family over the Thanksgiving weekend, several members of my family stayed at this hotel for. My mother and I stayed in one room on the 26th floors, while other family members stayed in other rooms on lower floors.
While the locations is convenient, and the staff generally friendly, we were deeply unimpressed by the rooms. In addition to having our toilet overflow for no clear reason one morning just as we were preparing to go out for the day, we saw cockroaches twice during our four night stay: once in the closet where I was keeping my clothes, and once in the bathroom. From the size, shape and movement of the bugs, there is no question at all that they were roaches, and not some other kind of beetle. My mother and chose to stay in the room rather than upset our other relatives who were staying there, and included a family with young children that would have had a hard time moving to another hotel. My mother did quietly alert a manager to the problem on the morning we checked out of the hotel, but in a follow-up phone call the manager told us that their staff was not able to find any bugs, and did not sound like she had any intention of fumigating or otherwise dealing with the apparent infestation.
My mother and I have both stayed in many hotels and hostels, and neither of us has ever seen a cockroach before. So, while the Delta may have a convenient location, unless you’re fine with the idea of living with roaches, and potentially bringing some home with you in your luggage, I would suggest finding a different hotel for your stay in Toronto. I, for one, will never stay at the Delta again.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel And Towers
Boston Park Plaza Hotel And Towers
Boston Park Plaza Hotel And Towers: Luxury and Convenience
Arriving in the United States early evening we made our way to the Boston Plaza Hotel to join a 13 day coach tour. We were very tired and looking forward to a good bed as we alighted from the taxi and upon entering the hotel foyer we were surprised with the grandeur of the reception hall. This certainly was going to be an enjoyable stay in a classy hotel. Formalities were quickly processed by reception and we were shown to our room.
Our room was very nice, well furnished including a good bed and linen, the bathroom was of good standard including luxury soaps and shampoo. It was 10pm and we had not eaten so we went to Swans Diner within the hotel and had dinner.
Our room did not have a refrigerator and we later learnt this is common to hotels within the United States, however we were able to obtain ice from an icemaking machine down the hallway.
We learnt that this hotel has accommodated every American President since it was opened in 1927 which must be testimony to its quality. The hotel is within walking distance of many historic attractions and also the Boston Common.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel And Towers: Back Bay Accommodations to cheer about
The Boston Park Plaza Hotel would normally be slightly above my price range, but booking at the last minute (literally the day before, from my
hotel room in Wilmington), I took the suggestions that came with my confirmation e-mail from United, when I booked my airline tickets and reserved a Tower Level Concierge Room. At a total cost of about $230 a night, the package included enough “freebies” to make it seem worth it.
I was very pleased when I arrived at the Hotel; a grand dame of a place with a huge extravagant lobby. No line at check in (separate check in available for the tower rooms – on the 15th floor), the business details were quickly dispensed of and I headed for the elevator car that is reserved for the 15th floor rooms. Stepping into the hallway, I encountered the private concierge for our floor. Down the hall and around the corner and I came to my room.
The room was very nicely appointed but small, as one might find in London or Paris. Unlike London or Paris, the king sized bed was a welcome sight. The bed had something like 10 pillows and a huge fluffy comfortor. A desk by the window provided me with the perfect place to fire up my laptop and use the free internet, free local and long distance phone calls, and enjoy some in room Tazo Tea (Starbucks). Also included was bottled water, and inroom Starbucks coffee.
The all marble bathroom had upscale amenities and a bathroom scale (does anyone really want a scale on vacation?!) and a two headed shower head. Plush towels and bathrobes rounded out the luxury.
I have to add the bed was very comfy, with its pillow top mattress. Although the pillows look beautiful when the bed is made up, they sure do get in the way when you’re trying to sleep!
There are several other reviews of this hotel on VT that show photos of a bathroom I can’t even imagine finding here. I can only think that the hotel has undergone a major renovation since the reviews were written.
The Tower Concierge rooms also include a lounge that is open to guests 24 hours a day. Breakfast is served until 9:30 on weekdays and 10 on weekends (a little early for we West Coast visitors!) and there’s a appetizer bar from 5 to 8 in the evening (no-host bar. My wine was $9for a very small glass). The rest of the 24 hours guests can help themselves to coffee, tea, sodas and snacks. The lounge was very comfy with overstuffed chairs and couches, several TVs, newspapers and a small business center.
One final note: we probably would have seriously LOVED this hotel had it not been for the surprise we encountered Saturday morning. The hotel seemed to be the gathering point for a cheerleader convention. The lobby was packed with literally hundreds of little girls with horridly gaudy make up and cheerleading outfits, squealing and shrieking at eachother, along with their very scary cheerleader Moms!
Bellagio
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Bellagio
We stayed at Bellagio in July, 2009 and had a great time! Although the hotel may not have the most modern furnished rooms in Vegas, it does occupy a great location on “The Strip” and we were able to view the famous Bellagio fountains from our Lakeview Deluxe Room, which I’ll remember forever! You can also listen to the fountain music on your TV (channel 21/22??) while the display is in progress too.
We booked the hotel on-line on the Bellagio website and so got a good deal, although we did stay mid-week which seems to bring the prices down quite a bit, as weekend rates are quite a lot higher.
The Lakeview Deluxe Room was spacious with elegant furniture and one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. The bathroom was ok in size too with a very powerful shower – always a good thing for me! It was good to see an iron and ironing board in the room too and a powerful hairdryer (none of the rubbishy wall mounted affairs that are common in many hotels today).
The mini-bar was stocked very well, but of course was very expensive and items get charged to your hotel bill as soon as they removed from their housings – so beware if you have young children who like to play with the mini-bar contents – you could be in for a hefty bill or a long explanation to reception staff! (I joke, but I can see this happening all too often!).
The room also has a safe.
Venturing further from the room, the hotel has rather an understated, elegant casino area, which is quite strange for Vegas, with bold and brash being the order of the day! There are many shops, bars and restaurants for you to browse/eat and drink in, a lovely pool area with two pools and a spa and salon. The Cirque du Soleil “O” show is also resident at the hotel and is a great show to watch. There is a Botanical Garden area too just off the lobby in the Conservatory which features horticultural displays that are changed regularly and the lobby itself features a lovely ceiling of glass blown flowers.
Our mid-week room rate in July, 2009 ranged from $179-$209 per night with an extra 12% added on for Room Tax. As mentioned before, room rates do rise considerably on weekends.
Great elegant hotel and casino, great Strip location, good web room rates direct with the hotel, Lakeview Deluxe Room – for great fountain views.
Bellagio: The Ultimate Las Vegas Vacation
I just had to stay at the Bellagio one time. It’s so expensive. So elegant. So…in every travel book in the world. 🙂
I had a good stay here. There were good things. There were bad things. As there are in every hotel stay.
We arrived by taxi from the airport. We were taken to the grand entrance, although it took like 10 extra minutes (in taxi time, that means more $$). The entrance is breathtaking. We were greeted by bell men who were all so nice. 
When checking in it was the concierge that wasn’t the friendliest. They had rooms ready but my aunt and I had reserved two beds and they had a King bed. (I HATE when that happens.)
The hotel itself is MASSIVE. When going up to your room you must show security your room key or else you are not permitted to the hotel room elevators. There are over 12 elevators just for the rooms.
The rooms themselves are very beautiful. My dad took a cheaper room with a view of the pool while my aunt and I paid extra for the fountain view. Turn to channel 22 to hear the songs and then just sit in the comfy recliners and watch. The glass standing shower and seperated garden tub make any customer feel like a king/queen.
The thing I didn’t like was the $25/a night charge for Internet. Since my family and I had a relaxing stay and didn’t run around everywhere I would have had plenty of time to add pics on here! 🙂
The casinos here are very nice. The table limits are high though so we travelled elsewhere to gamble. However, the location was ideal for us to tour many of the surrounding hotels and casinos.
They have 5 swimming pools if you can tear yourself away from the casions. I wanted to go down there and relax but wasn’t quite ready to show off the body as it was the first part of my summer.
The shopping is wonderful. However, I’m sorry to say I didn’t feel it was important to spend all my money in June at the designer places, I was saving for my trip to Connecticut.
They also have many chic restaurants and 2 casual ones. Their coffee/breakfast bar is walk-up and the buffet is best in the off-hours before and after the crowd. If you wait for dinner time you may yourself standing in line for an hour before eating.
They also have their own Cirque du Soleil show that you can get tickets for.
My advice: If staying here, do your homework! Plan what you wanna do and keep to your schedule so you can get it all done. Or…do what we did and just chill out and keep the active stuff for the second trip. 🙂
Check out the things to do tips for more of what to do. You can spend your entire trip at the Bellagio…
Luxor Hotel and Casino
Luxor Hotel and Casino
We moved to the Luxor after an awful night at the grimy Sahara. Well we “upgraded” on check-in, but all that got us was a barely larger room and it put us in the tower instead of in the pyramid. We won’t be doing that next time. As for the room it was clean, the bathroom was decent and came with pretty good shampoo, conditioner… The buffet had excellent food and was reasonably price ($25 for a wristband to eat unlimited times per day). There was a great variety and the food was delicious (much better than Excalibur, almost as good as Mandalay Bay which only lets you enter three times for $30 a day, and the Sahara buffet can barely be called food compared to the Luxor). The hotel has several nightclubs including LAX (which you get free cover for when staying at the Luxor, saving you $30). The hotel is unique and the light shooting from the top of the pyramid can be seen from anywhere on the strip. The pool area was nice and clean. The water is kept cool and refreshing. The rest of the strip is easily accessible from the Luxor.
The hotel is pyramid shaped and the rooms in the pyramid have one slanted wall. The pool is cooled (not sure if that is standard practice in Vegas). There is the monorail out front which goes from the Mandalay Bay (south of the Luxor) to Excalibur (north of the Luxor). When we went it was very affordable and a great value. We will definitely come back to the Luxor.
Luxor Hotel & Casino – 4 Stars: Comfortable
We stayed here once and it was ok. Not all that impressive, but the décor is nice and comfortable. Service was good and the room was clean.
Entertainment may consist of The Atrium Showroom feature of Carrot Top and Fantasy.
Nightlife consist of Cat House Loungerie, LAX, Flight and Noir Bar.
Attractions are a two-story arcade, Games of the Gods.
BODIES…The Exhibition, which showcases real full-bodies and organs, provides a detailed, three-dimensional vision of the human form and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, the 25,000-square-foot exhibit features numerous items from the Titanic.
In-room internet access. In-room high-speed internet access available for a fee.
Has wheelchair accessible rooms
No Pets allowed
No RV parking
Two story Parking garage
Amenities are Air conditioning, clock radios, remote-controlled cable TV, electronic door locks, hair dryer (on request), iron and ironing board (on request), pay-per-view movies, telephone and voice mail.
Hotel amenities: Beauty salon, currency exchange, laundry and luggage services, maid service, safety deposit boxes, wake-up calls, valet parking
Walkway to Mandalay Bay (located adjacent to the Luxor Theater) and a walkway to the Excalibur (located in the west tower).
Check-in time: 3 p.m.
Check-out time: 11 a.m.
Luxor Hotel & Casino: Luxor was Lacking
The Luxor Hotel & Casino is not quite as luxurious as it appears. The famed Egyptian themed casino hotel has nothing more to offer than 2 Starbucks. The hotel rooms are on the small side (smaller if you stay in the Pyramid). Take the Tower rooms if you are going to brave this place. The casino is worn down and old. The bars/lounges are never full. The pool area is uneventful and does not attract a fun crowd. Overall, the spirit in this casino hotel is as dead as the pharaohs of ancient times.
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
estin Bonaventure Hotel And Spa: In the heart of downtown LA
Westin Bonaventure is said to be the largest hotel in downtown LA with 1,368 rooms and 155 suites in its 35 floor structure. This landmark building has 5 towers. Its 6-level atrium lobby is adorned with splashing fountains and scenic elevators.
If the elevator seemed familiar to you, it was because one of the scenes of True Lies of Arnold Schwarzenneger was shot there.
Large conventions are usually held here so expect large crowds.
The room has nice views of the city and provides coffee/tea and toiletries. There’s also a Pool and fitness center.
The sixth floor of the hotel is connected to a pedestrian walkway that will lead you to YMCA and the top of Bunker Hill Steps.
5th and 6th floors have independent restaurants that are budget friendly. Hey, they’ve got Subway there too.
3 blocks away is the 7th/Metro Light Rail which can take you to Universal Studios and Hollywood, etc. A block away is a bus stop for Sta. Monica Beach and Beverly Hills.
Concierge is friendly and can point you to top tourist spots.
Opus Hotel
Opus Hotel: Vancouver’s Trendiest Hotel
A contemporary hotel located in the very cosmopolitan Yaletown. Top-notch service from a very helpful staff. Cool music in the elevators and even cooler rooms. The room in which we stayed had a very unique voyeuristic window looking into the bathroom….very interesting!
Trendy area of Vancouver, five different room decors, helpful and friendly.
Each room has a different color motif. Blue, yellow, red, etc. The hotel also has a great restaurant and lounge/bar. Elixir attracts a very hip crowd, and offers great french bistro food.
more ditail : http://www.hostebook.com
Hotel Vancouver
Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver: Very disappointing
We booked a room a month before our stay. Long story short, when we arrived to check in at dinner time the room was not available. The hotel would not refund our money, the only thing they would do was ‘upgrade’ us at a cost of $60 extra per night. We both felt that was pretty tacky, the only reason we decided to try this hotel instead of our regular was the sale they had advertised. We were advised by the front desk that rooms booked at a sale rate are not guaranteed to be available, nor are they refundable. Wish we had known this at booking.
The hotel bills itself as a 4.5 star. To be honest I’d be pretty disappointed if this was what I expected. Being from the area, we were aware that the hotel is about 25 years old and hasnt had too much in the way of recent updates but still felt the sale rate was fair (until we got there and had to pay more! lol)
Bottom line is this is a clean, adequate hotel with great views and a convenient location. It can be noisy with all the cruise ship/convention folks, as well as the earlymorning seaplanes! I wouldn’t say it’s luxury by any means. IF you can book at a significant sale rate and get a room it will be worth it, but be aware you’re taking the chance they’ll sell it again to someone for regular rates, so you might just be out of luck when you get there. Wish I had read the reviews of that before I booked, I’m certainly not theonly one this has happened to. I would not pay the regular rate for this hotel, there are many far nicer hotels in the immediate area in that price range.
Also of note is that I emailed the customer service manager on our first night expressing my disappointment in their reservation system. I never did recieve a reply, or even an acknowlegement.
Mont Tremblant Hotels
Mont Tremblant Hotels
Mont Tremblant lodging varies from luxury hotels to furnished condos and family residences. There are many kinds of Mont Tremblant lodging that make it possible to ski-in and ski-out. Mont Tremblant hotels and other accommodation tend to be quite pricey as they often include other services such as tennis courts, gyms, golf courses, etc. Luckily for the budget-conscious, there are a scattering of affordable Bed and Breakfasts, motels, as well as a youth hostel.
Another accommodation option is staying at a hotel in Mont Tremblant Pedestrian Village. Here you have the convenience of being in the middle of the action, near stores and restaurants. Mont Tremblant hotels in Pedestrian Village range from around $100 CAN to over $500 CAN a night. This is where the majority of Mont Tremblant Hotels are located, all of which are nice, and some are spectacular. If you are looking for a more affordable hotel in Mont Tremblant or if you can splurge on the finest of Mont Tremblant hotels, the Pedestrian Village is the place to be. Other areas of accommodation outside of the village tend to be condos and residences for short or long-term rent.
In the Domaine de la Forêt, find a cozy condo or apartment for a night or a week, nestled into the forest side. The condos in this area have beautiful views and are close to many ski trails.
Domaine du Géant is located right next to a golf course, not too far away from the village. Here you will find large condos and residences to rent, some of which can hold a large family. Prices can get quite high in this area.
Domaine Nansen is located away from the rest of civilization with beautiful lake and mountain views. There is a small cluster of homes here available for those who want a bit of retreat away from it all. Perhaps not the most convenient location if you want to spend a lot of time in the Village.
There are many options for Mount Tremblant lodging and all it takes is a bit of looking around to find the perfect one for you, whether it is a hotel in Mont Tremblant or a rented condo.
Winnipeg Hotels
Winnipeg Hotels
Winnipeg accommodation is in general reasonably priced, and easy to find. There aren’t a lot of glitzy hotels in Winnipeg, but there are a couple of standouts on the top-end. It should be easy to find a Winnipeg hotel, no matter what your budget.
Cheap accommodations are aplenty in Winnipeg, for those that don’t mind the very bare-bones. There are a few hostels to choose from if you’re on a very tight-budget and want to meet some other travelers. The University of Manitoba also rents rooms from mid-May to mid-August for a good price.
Hotels in Winnipeg on the lower-end of the price range are not always the nicest in the downtown area. Some run about the same price as a hostel, but not all are recommended for women traveling alone. One recommended Winnipeg hotel in downtown is the Gordon Downtowner on Kennedy Street, next to the Portage Place shopping center.
If you prefer a Winnipeg hotel in the moderately priced category, there are plenty to choose from. These hotels are clean and safe and in a central location. Many of the moderately priced hotels are newer and have sort of a Las-Vegas feel with casinos and theme rooms. There is also a new inn at The Forks National Historic Site worth checking out.
On the higher end, the Hotel Fort Garry was built in 1913, and is an attractive and historic Winnipeg Canada hotel. Now with a spa, the Hotel Fort Garry offers accommodation/ spa packages for a luxurious getaway. Ask about weekend rates for possible savings. Other high-end hotels in Winnipeg include the Delta Winnipeg and the Westin, both lovely choices.
If you’re looking for a Winnipeg Canada hotel near the airport, all of the basic hotel chains are available such as Comfort Inn, Radisson Suites, Holiday Inn, Days Inn, etc.
As an alternative to hotels in Winnipeg, there are several Bed and Breakfasts available. Some B&Bs will pick you up from the airport or train station for a small fee. Some are very centrally located, others not so much, but most are well priced. There are hosts that speak English, French, Japanese, German, Danish and Spanish, so take your pick of who you’d like to stay with!
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