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Category Archive: Hotel

  1. Top 5 Fanciest Hotel Rooms in the World

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    If you could stay in the fanciest hotel room in the world, where would it be? Where are the best VIP hotel rooms.On the off chance that you’re not willing to spend $50,000 a night, read on anyway so you can at least pretend you’re in one of these magnificent, palatial suites. There’s no better motivator for working hard and saving up than an insight into the world of luxury travel.

    Raj Palace Hotel – Jaipur, India

    This hotel is the embodiment of opulence and indulgence and was the hotel of choice for the Maharaja himself. The Shahi Mahal Presidential Suite is the room we are focusing on here, simply because it is on a whole new level of luxury and takes the definition of VIP into new realms of excitement. Gold leaf is the main décor of the room, along with dangling chandeliers and stunning, ornate furniture. With six bedrooms and its own theatre, you certainly won’t be pushed for space and all this for a mere $45,000 a night.

    Hotel Cala di Volpe – Porto Cervo, Italy

     The Mediterranean Coast is by far one of the most stunning places on the planet but along this shimmering shoreline not all hotels were created equal. The Hotel Cala di Volpe’s Presidential Suite is the kind of hotel room that dreams are made of – but it actually exists. The suite consists of three luxurious bedrooms, each kitted out with the kind of bed you never want to get out of and an interior design fit for royalty. Stay here and you’ll also be able to take advantage of your very own solarium and private pool.

    Burj Al Arab – Dubai

    Everyone knows about the famous, sail-shaped Burj Al Arab that sits pride of place on the sparkling seafront of Dubai. Famed for being the first seven star hotels in the world, the entire hotel is a beacon of luxury, from the hotel rooms to the restaurants. Turn your attention to the Royal Suite and you will understand the true meaning of VIP. With a rotating, four-poster bed, a gold plated iPad and a 24 hours butler service, you’re not going to want for anything during your stay in this unprecedentedly impressive hotel.

    Hotel President Wilson – Geneva, Switzerland

     The Hotel President Wilson has gained a worldwide reputation for being the most expensive hotel on Earth but, it must be said, the hefty price tag of $83,200 seems almost justified when taking a look at the Royal Penthouse Suite. With a private terrace offering uninterrupted views of the Alps and Lake Geneva, a personal butler and every amenity you could possibly wish for, this magnificent suite is one of the most perfect places you will ever see. The only problem is, you definitely won’t want to ever leave!

    Four Seasons Hotel – New York City, USA

    We couldn’t complete a list of the best hotel rooms in the world without choosing one of the most luxurious hotels in the best city in America. The Four Seasons Hotel offers the Ty Warner Penthouse for its VIP guests and just a glimpse at the photo is enough to make us drool. The suite offers 360-degree views of the city, guests have their own private spa and the bathroom is fashioned from rock crystal. As an added bonus, if you want to explore the city, you can make use of your very own chauffeured Rolls Royce.

    If we’ve whetted your appetite for fancy hotel rooms, why not book yourself a little getaway? http://travelingdream.com/ has everything you need for the perfect vacation.

  2. Is Travel Insurance Worth It?

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    After booking flights and the first couple of nights of accommodation for your journey, you might be asking yourself: Is travel insurance worth it? When you’ve just spent so much money on other things, it can be hard to then part with another chunk of cash on something you might not even need.

    Travel insurance is an annoying expense but it is worth it. It can save your butt and your wallet when you least expect it. Not convinced? Let’s break it down and look at why travel insurance is worth it and why you really do need it because who knows what might happen.

    What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

    Let’s take a look at exactly what you will be paying for if you decide to buy travel insurance. Most insurance policies cover at least the following:

    • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
    • Lost and Stolen Baggage and Belongings
    • Medical Emergencies and Death

    No matter how invincible you might feel, any of these things could happen to you. Of course, it is extremely unlikely that you will die or be seriously injured on your trip. However, if you aren’t covered by a decent insurance policy you could face medical or repatriation costs that run up into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. For example, an air ambulance from the US East Coast to the UK will cost you around $50,000 if you don’t have insurance.

    How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?

    Travel insurance doesn’t cost as much as you probably think it does. Obviously, it depends on who you buy with and what it covers but overall it shouldn’t deplete your budget too much. Generally people spend around 5% of the total cost of their holiday on travel insurance.

    A decent policy should have the following included:

    • Up to £10m in medical expenses
    • £200 towards replacing necessities in delayed baggage
    • £5,000 of cancellation reimbursements
    • £1,500 for trip interruptions – so that you can continue your trip if an emergency happens and you have to go home
    • £25,000 pay out for personal accidents
    • £500 for loss or theft of money
    • £600 to replace lost or stolen travel documents and to cover expenses of travel or accommodation you need in the process

    How Do You Choose Travel Insurance?

    There are hundreds of different insurance companies that will offer you all kinds of policies. This can make choosing travel insurance quite tough. You want to make sure it is comprehensive but you also don’t want to pay through the roof for it. World Nomads is a popular provider because they cover virtually everything and have a good reputation for pay-outs.

    If you want to do some research yourself before you choose who to go with then there are plenty of comparison websites like Money Supermarket that will help you out.

    What you should be looking for primarily with your travel insurance is good medical cover. It is a good rule of thumb to opt for a policy that will pay for medical expenses up to £5,000,000, including repatriation costs. The more you can get on this front the better. Bear in mind that if you are buying travel insurance for high risk destinations or activities, your premium is likely to be much higher.

    Basically, the more dangerous your holiday, the more your travel insurance will cost. Unfortunately, your need for travel insurance will also be higher. It’s a pain but that’s just how it is. Insurance companies are businesses after all and profit is everything.

    To conclude: buy travel insurance. Once you know you’re covered, you can relax and enjoy your trip. It really makes traveling so much easier. If you can’t afford to buy travel insurance then you cannot afford to travel.

  3. Finding a Boutique Hotel

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    One of the major advantages the Boutique Hotel brands offered by the major chains have is their visibility. They are listed on not only their own websites, but feature by default on sites such as hotels.com and Expedia. These hotels have the klout of their parent companies to generate bookings. What about the independent boutique hotels. They do not have a multi-million dollar marketing machine at their disposal. Often these are hotels that are privately run with no corporate affiliation or identity other than their own. This independence can make them hard to find; but ultimately worth searching for.

    A good place to start is your web browser. To do business in this day and age, you need a web presence. In fact, by reading this article, you have already started your search online. Typing your destination and ’boutique hotel’ into your favourite search engine is a good next step in finding your getaway address. Even if you don’t have a specific destination in mind, using a search engine to search for boutique hotels can yield good results. The hotels you’ll come across and the sites you’ll see are ones that have spent the time and taken the effort to get high search engine rankings.

    Once you’ve found some potential addresses, have a look and see what people say. Hands down the most popular source for traveller reviews is TripAdvisor. Their website lists reviews from everyday travellers on not only accommodation, but also activities. Take some time to read the reviews of the hotel you have in mind. read some good, and some bad. If many reviewers say the same thing, good or bad, it can help you in determining what to expect. Another great thing to look out for on TripAdvisor are responses by hotel management. The site allows verified hotel staff to reply to guest comments. A good hotel will read the reviews and offer a personalized response addressing any flaws; but also showing thanks for praise and a job well done.

    Finally, there are some sites that provide listings of boutique hotels and will offer booking services as well. Sites such as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Small Luxury Hotels and Tablet Hotels all allow hotels to register with them; and wach has its own level of scrutiny before allowing a hotel to be listed. We have not (yet) tried these sites for booking, but they can certainly be used in your overall search for that perfect getaway.

    Questions, don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re happy assist you: contact@vipupgrades.com.

  4. The Best Hotels in Las Vegas

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    IMG_0238When translated, Las Vegas literally means: The Meadows. Contemporary travellers will be forgiven for failing to see the resemblance on what has now become the strip and the surrounding city area. Nestled in a valley with mountains on all sides, the city of Las Vegas and the surrounding areas have been a popular tourist destination since the mid 20th century. Ever since the Mirage Hotel opened in 1989 hotels have been becoming bigger and bigger. 15 of the top 25 hotels by number of rooms are on the Las Vegas strip. Glamourized in film, and by public perception there is a lot on offer in Sin City.

    Starting with the Mirage and its parent company MGM Resorts International, the company own and operate a chain of some of the top hotels on the strip. The Mirage being the oldest mega resort, it has since been overtaken by the MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Circus Circus, and the Luxor hotel within the chain. Each of these hotels offers a unique theme and experience to its guests.

    The largest hotel complex in Las Vegas is the Venetian and the Palazzo. Set around Italian themes, the hotels even feature a Lamborghini dealership should you get lucky at the casino. Another Unique feature of the Palazzo is that it is the largest LEED Silver Certified building in the US. No easy task considering the city is in the middle of a desert.

    Part of the Blackstone group, the Cosmopolitan is considered mid-size of the mega hotels in the area, however, there is nothing mid-range about the hotel. Opened in 2010 it boasts over 110,000 sq. ft of gaming space and just shy of 3,000 rooms. There is no shortage of entertainment in the city itself, but the Cosmopolitan can lay claim to one of the top-grossing night clubs in the country.

    With plenty of options, there is no shortage of places to stay and you’ll be sure to find something to fit whatever mood you are in.

  5. Boutique Hotels

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    The term boutique in the English language epitomizes fashionable, upscale, unique, and independent lifestyles. Boutiques tap into a niche of the market and distinguish themselves from the bigger players who cater to a wider audience. When it comes to hotels, boutique hotels are not about the product but about the experience. Boutique hotels aim to offer their guests an upscale experience that cannot be matched by the bigger chains. Each hotel adds its own flair and a sense of individuality to the guest experience. Whether it be the smaller size of the hotel, or its unique setting and features; boutique hotels are each unlike any other.

    Whilst the large hotel groups, despite being segmented, still focus on the mass market and appeal to as many travellers as possible; their properties often appear as if they’ve been formed from a mold. Boutique hotels redefine the experience and actively attempt to appeal to personal taste and preference which is often eschewed among the name-brand hotels in the interest of neutrality and mass-appeal. Though this isn’t going to go away entirely, many of the large hotel groups have launched brands that emulate and tap in to the boutique hotel experience.

    A personal touch, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong

    A personal touch, Hotel Indigo Hong Kong

    InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) launched the Indigo brand of hotels with a view to create “the individuality of a boutique hotel with the reliability of one of the world’s leading hotel companies.” Starwood competes with its W brand of hotels which focuses on the experience and luxury lifestyle. Hyatt’s Andaz properties are “boutique-inspired” priding themselves with an individualized service model and progressive style. Recognizing the need to speak to the market of the sophisticated traveller these hotels are designed to offer that sense of individuality and connectedness with the cities and areas they are located in.

    Whether it’s a secluded retreat in a small privately owned hotel, or a break from the mold in a thriving metropolis you’re looking for; there are plenty of options. VIP Upgrades will help you explore these options in our upcoming Boutique Hotels series. Keep checking back to this blog for more.

  6. Sun, or Snow?

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    For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere this is a time of frigid temperatures and miserable weather. With an El Niño wreaking havoc on our weather patterns this winter, many of us are looking to escape. To some the idea of seeking out the cold to go skiing isn’t really a great idea, whereas others don’t really like the notion of sitting in the sun and doing nothing all day at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of what makes up a great vacation; so here are some options to suit both.

    Sun:

    Virgin Islands
    Boasting a great climate and magnificent beaches the Virgin Islands have long been a favourite destination for many. With development taking hold; the island is set to get new lodging and entertainment options but there are definitely some great hidden gems among the many paths and roads.

    Cuba
    With plenty of budget options and all inclusive resorts Cuba might not be everyone’s cup of tea; however, there are some well preserved sites and areas worth visiting such as the Viñales area, highlighted by the New York Times for its beauty and authentic character.

    Snow:

    Utah
    Now home to North Americas largest ski resort, Utah boasts some of the best ski runs to be found in north America. Park City was highlighted by the New York Times as number 12 on their 2016 ’52 places to visit’-list and we can see why. Don’t forget that Salt Lake City hosted the Winter Olympics and as many as 10% of the US athletes in Sochi were all enrolled in college in the state. (Source)

    Iceland
    If Skiing isn’t your thing but you still are more of a snow owl, Iceland is definitely worth a visit. This volcanic island is home to some of the best locations to see the northern lights; as well as enjoy thermal springs year-round.

    So whether it’s sun or snow you seek, these are only byt a drop in the bucket of the many destinations to pick from. Let us know what your pick is by using the hashtag: #VIPWinter2016

  7. Hotel Loyalty Rewards Programmes

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    Much like airlines, hotel chains such as Starwood, Hyatt, Hilton, Best Western, and many others have created loyalty rewards programmes. While the hotel isn’t what’s getting you to your destination, it’s likely that you’ll be staying in one when you’re there. Hotels don’t give you miles, but rather they award you points for stays. Some will give you a fixed point number per night, per room category; others look at the dollar amount you spend on your room and allocate points based on your spend. In a way, these programmes are more complex and intricate than airline programmes that traditionally have awarded you points based on the distance flown; but even airlines are starting to change their point systems.

    Hotels are present in a far more competitive environment. While there may only be one or two airlines serving the city you are travelling to; hotels are usually much more plentiful. Because of this, hotels have to do everything they can to get you to book their room. Often this means that the hotels will compete on price. If you are a member of their loyalty programme, and you have reached an elite tier, you will find that the benefits can be quite rewarding, even if you’ve booked the cheapest room.

    Hotels like airlines will over-sell their rooms, which means that they will do what they can to fill every room. Now you may not have paid for the suite, but if the hotel can make the sale of a regular room they’re not going to let the room go empty just because they didn’t get full price for it. Being a top-tier elite member in their programme could mean that they decide to give you the suite as a reward.

    So next time you are considering where to stay; look at your overall patterns and see what loyalty programme might be a good fit, and give you some very nice benefits for those nights spent away from home.

  8. 7 New Year’s Resolutions for Travellers

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    New Year, new me. Right? We say the same thing every year yet how often do we actually make any sort of change to our lifestyle or behaviour? The average person will have broken their New Year’s resolution by the 10th of January. And they are the ones who bothered to make one in the first place.

    The 1st January is a great time to make a change in your life. Of course, it is technically just like every other day, but there is something in our psychology that responds well to the idea that a new year is a jumping off point for something new in our life.

    If you are an avid traveller and you want to up your game, why not use your New Year’s resolutions as a way to do so. Need some inspiration? Here are seven useful New Year’s resolutions for travellers.

    1. Stop Leaving Things to the Last Minute

    Wouldn’t it be so nice if the night before we set off on our travels we didn’t have a minor aneurism trying to get everything organised? Make 2020 the year of advanced planning so you can start your vacation stress-free.

    2. Branch Out

    It is easy to stick to the places we know and love. But, you never know what you might find if you opt for somewhere different for your holiday this year. The world is a big place full of wonderful things. Take the risk – you might be pleasantly surprised.

    3. Get Yourself New Luggage

    Is your suitcase falling apart or not quite big enough for all your vacation gear? Get yourself some new, good quality luggage. It will last a lifetime and you will feel ultra snazz waltzing through the airport with it.

    4. Stock Up on Air Miles

    If you aren’t already a member of a frequent flyer program I recommend joining one now. British Airways has an excellent air miles program and members can rack up points by flying with the airline, using the British Airways American Express card, and shopping through its online shopping portal. Trade in all your points when you have enough and enjoy seriously discounted flights and hotels.

    5. Leave Instagram at Home

    It is hard to live in the moment and really enjoy your holiday when you are constantly checking how many likes your photos got. Make your next holiday entirely yours and stay away from social media. You’ll have more to tell your friends when you get back and you won’t waste any of your precious holiday time.

    6. Learn Something From Your Travels

    On your 2020 vacation, make it your mission to learn as much as you can. You could pick up some of the language, learn about the history of the country, or even just take a local cooking class. Broadening your horizons is a great way to maximise your vacation time.

    7. Give Back to Your Holiday Destination

    There are so many different ways you can give back whilst on vacation. You could spend a day or two volunteering with a local project if you have the time. If you don’t, you could donate some money to a conservation program or buy a meal for someone in need. It’s up to you how you give back.

  9. 5 Things to Do in Asia that Are Out of the Ordinary

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    Secrets of a First Class Traveller

    While all your friends are stuck in the office, poring over spreadsheets and listening in on meetings that could have been emails, it will be with the utmost satisfaction that you jet off to Asia. More so than anywhere in the world, Asia is a favorite haunt for backpackers. It has a fully fleshed backpacker infrastructure and, in many places, it is well-suited for a backpacker’s budget.

    All packed? Time to make an itinerary. Most backpackers will quickly become familiar with the local hotspots when they arrive at a destination. Tourism agencies and other travellers will be singing the praises of various excursions and sights. But, it is much harder to find unusual activities that are off the beaten track.

    Here are five such activities that you should squeeze into your schedule while you backpack through Asia.

    1. Go to the Monster Café in Tokyo

    Have you ever heard the Japanese talk about Kawaii? It means cute and the Japanese are obsessed with it. From girls dressing like dolls to Hello Kitty plastered all over the place, anything that could be seen as cute is pounced on and commercialized.

    No place quite embodies this notion than the Monster Café in the quirky Harajuku area of Tokyo. This café goes all out, from the unicorn heads dangling from the ceiling to the neon food they serve. The servers in the café are girls dressed as ‘monsters’ (but still looking impossibly cute) and there are regular shows performed for kids during the day. It is the kind of place you need to go once, and only once, in your life.

    2. Explore Divar Island in Goa

    Most people, when they think of Goa, will picture beaches, bars and a raucous party scene. While this is not inaccurate, Goa has far more than just a nightlife. Get away from the beaches of Goa and you will be struck by the beauty of the region’s architecture and nature.

    Divar Island sits in the Mandovi River and is sprinkled with gorgeous Portuguese villas, remnants from Goa’s colonial days. Spend some time wandering around, taking in the views and checking out the buildings. Don’t forget to visit the spectacular Divar Church as well.

    3. Fire a Bazooka in Cambodia

    As a pacifist, I have never had much interest in arms, but firing such a powerful piece of machinery is an exhilarating experience. Of course, you’re not actually shooting or hurting anyone, it is just some harmless fun. Shooting a bazooka doesn’t come cheap but it is a one-off experience that can just about be justified.

    4. Visit the Upside Down House in China

    The Upside Down House is exactly what it sounds like – a house that is completely upside down. If you go inside you will feel like you are walking on the ceiling. Look up and you’ll see furniture glued to what is supposed to be the floor. The house is in the Fengjing Ancient Town, situated about an hour outside of Shanghai.

    5. Celebrate Songkran in Thailand

    You will need to be in Thailand in April if you want to be there for the Thai New Year, also known as Songkran. This might not be the most convenient time to jet off on vacation but trust me, it is worth it. For an entire week, the country comes alive with celebrations and the energy is positively infectious.

    The most common way to celebrate Songkran is to fill up a bucket or water gun and soak passers-by in the streets. Whether you want to join in with the festivities or not, there is no way to avoid getting drenched by both young and old Thais alike. Surrender your inhibitions and embrace the fun!

  10. Summer Weekend Breaks in London

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    City breaks to London are becoming more and more popular by the day with the Eurostar and budget airlines like Ryanair bringing people in from the continent for next to nothing. London is a city unlike any other in the world but to the untrained eye, all the hustle and bustle can seem overwhelming. While most tend to focus on Central London to do their exploring, once there it is hard to know what to do. With just a couple of days at your disposal, it’s key not to waste time googling and planning, so we have done the hard work for you. Take a look at some of our top suggestions for how to spend your weekend in this gorgeous capital.

    See a Show

    If you are in Central London there is really no excuse for not experiencing one of the best things the West End has to offer. Shaftesbury Avenue and its surrounding area has a wealth of fabulous shows worth checking out. Laugh until you ache at the Book of Mormon or sing your heart out at the timeless classic that is the Lion King. Whatever you choose, you are guaranteed a good night.

    Get Cultured

    London has had an exceptionally fascinating and turbulent past and there is no better way to make the most of London than by wandering through the hallowed halls of its numerous museums. The National Gallery in Trafalgar Square has a sublime showcase of art from throughout the ages while the British Museum will blow you away with its wealth of artefacts from bygone eras.

    Eat in the Orient

    Once you’ve learnt everything there is to know about British history, it is time to head over to Chinatown and indulge in some Eastern treats. This is a great place to stop to eat. Diners have a plethora of Chinese restaurants to choose from, including fancy sit down restaurants and all you can eat buffets. There are also eateries serving up food from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and more. Rosa’s Thai and Viet are both excellent choices if none of the Chinese fare takes your fancy.

    Soak up the Sun

    If the sun is out and you are tired of traipsing through the busy streets of the West End then it is time to retire briefly to one of London’s many Green Spaces. Hyde Park is an obvious first choice for many people who want to kick back in the grass and relax but Lincoln Inn’s Fields is another beautiful space, which, although a bit smaller, is perfect for picnics or chilling out in general.

    Go Shopping

    No trip to London would be complete without emptying your bank account in some of the world’s finest retailers. Central London is home to the world-famous Oxford Street but there are plenty of other places to splash the cash than this over-crowded thoroughfare. Why not head to the glitzy Burlington Arcade or meander through the picturesque boutiques that line the walls of Covent Garden.

    Stop for Tea

    The most quintessentially British experience of all, visitors to London simply must stop for a cream tea during their time here. Soho’s Secret Tea Room is absolutely perfect for satisfying this desire with their extensive range of different teas and their delicious selection of homemade cakes and baked goods. Naturally, the only way to do this properly is by ordering English breakfast tea, accompanied by scones with fresh cream and jam. If you’ve never had this before, prepare to have your world changed.

    Sleep Well

    There are plenty of fancy hotels throughout London, many of which belong to big international chains and can seem a little soulless. Set in an old 17th Century Victorian mansion, the Nadler Boutique Hotel on Carlisle Street is an affordable and attractive hotel that has done away with the fancy gyms and restaurants, in order to create a more intimate hotel that has maintained its style and comfort without tacking on a devastating price tag.