Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Longmont Hotels Pick Up Business From The Flood"

Source              :    timescall.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Tony Kindelspire
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Hotel rooms in Longmont have filled up the past couple of weeks as people displaced by the flood and those coming in from out of town to help rebuild are needing a place to stay. "We have 40 rooms of the Army National Guard," said Thomas Goodwill, general manager of the Best Western Plus Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. "They checked in Sunday and they'll be here through Monday. They're here to work on the roads." While that bunch will be leaving soon, another 100 rooms -- at least -- will be occupied by more soldiers helping with the rebuild starting Oct. 2 and running through the day before Thanksgiving, Goodwill said. "The Utah National Guard and the Colorado National have been mobilized," he said. Sure, it is good for business, Goodwill said, but it's also encouraging to see the proactive approach being taken by government to rebuild the infrastructure in places such as Lyons, which was devastated. "We're very pleased to be able to host them," Goodwill said. "It's nice that the federal government is taking this very seriously." It was a year ago that the Plaza became affiliated with the Best Western chain of hotels, the first time in two years the hotel had a nationally known brand attached to it. Not only did it help keep the hotel more than 90 percent booked all summer, but it also helped land the federal government contract to house the National Guard, according to Alan Linton, president of the Plaza Hotel Corp. and chief financial officer for Pratt Management Co., owner of the hotel.

Kyle Sherwood, front desk manager at the Hampton Inn, said the hotel was busy with refugees from Lyons the days immediately following the flood, but most of them have moved on by now. "Looks like we've got all our evacuees out," Sherwood said. "But we had them here for a little bit -- I'd say at least a week, week and a half." He said the Hampton also saw some business from out-of-towners who came in to comfort family members or friends affected by the flood. At Longmont's Marriott complex, the Residence Inn has been busiest of the three hotels with flood victims, mostly Lyons residents, according to Bill Weiberg, the Marriotts' general manager. The Residence Inn is built for longer-term stays, with kitchenettes and work spaces. "It's been a guessing game for them and us because they don't know when they're going to be able to get back to their homes, to their community," Weiberg said. In the meantime, the hotel has been throwing barbecues for them and doing everything it can to make them feel at home while they're displaced. Last Friday night, the Fireball Run crews that were in Longmont held a rally for their race that turned into a fundraiser for the flood victims; more than 600 people showed up and more than $1,300 was raised for the Left Hand Brewing Foundation.

Weiberg wanted to single out Intrado and the ColoRODans for helping out with the fundraiser. Dealing with the Lyons' folks has been inspiring to him, Weiberg said. "My faith in the human spirit has been rekindled because not a one of them are feeling sorry for themselves, even though they have a right to," he said. Lyons' residents are also occupying the Super 8 Hotel at Main Street and Colo. Highway 66, according to Dennis Posa, front desk manager. "In those first days (after the flood) it was mostly people affected in Longmont," said Posa. "We're helping the firefighters in Lyons," he said. "They've got some rooms for the people who are working 24 hours a day, so they can shower and rest." He said about half of the Super 8's 64 rooms are taken up by people who are there because of the flood.

Source:timescall.com/news/colorado-flood/ci_24176919/longmont-hotels-pick-up-business-from-flood

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Times Square Hotel Security Chief Arrested For Setting Arson Fires"

Source              :    nydailynews.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    THOMAS TRACY 
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

When the hotel security director needed a break, he set things ablaze, authorities said. Mariano Barbosa, 30, who was the director of security — and according to his wife the fire safety director —- for the swanky Yotel hotel near Times Square set a series of blazes that shut down the building for days, freeing him to get liquored up on the job in guest rooms, FDNY sources said Saturday. City fire marshals arrested Barbosa, of West New York, N.J., on Friday, charging him with setting five small rubbish blazes in the hallways, stairwells and emergency exits at the Yotel on 10th Ave. over the past two years. It was unclear if he had the same perk at the Soho Grand, but the source said the small fires would also temporarily close the bars and nightclubs inside the hotels — reducing Barbosa’s work load considerably. He also had a bit of a mean streak, according to officials, who claim that some of the fires were set to “bring negative attention to the hotels and their nighttime crowds.”

Before that, he allegedly set three fires at the Soho Grand Hotel on West Broadway — where he worked as a security guard between 2009 and 2010 — including one just before 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day that brought revelers’ celebrations to an early close. An FDNY source said Barbosa set the fires knowing the hotel would then be shut down for repairs, giving him a working vacation. “He started the fires to lighten his work load,” the source told the Daily News. “Security directors get comp rooms at the hotel. After the fires, the hotel would be shut down for repairs and he would be in his comp room, boozing it up.”Barbosa’s wife rushed to his defense, describing her husband as a conscientious worker so devoted to the job that he was named the Yotel’s 2012 manager of the year.He was not only the hotel’s security director, but he also was its fire safety director, she said. The couple has three boys under the age of 9, two of whom are autistic.

“He even sleeps at the hotel so he can be there for work,” Leslie Martinez, 27, said before Barbosa was arraigned on arson, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment charges early Sunday. “I don’t understand why they say he’s the bad guy.”FDNY sources said Barbosa would light newspapers to set the rubbish fires late at night or early in the morning while he was on duty. No one was injured in the blazes. Fire marshals arrested Barbosa after he allegedly gave inconsistent statements to investigators. “His story wasn’t matching up,” the source said. “The marshals pressed him further and he admitted to setting the fires so he could clear out the club and that the hotel would be closed for a few days. ... He was still coming to work but had nothing to do.” Wearing a dark navy suit and a white dress shirt, Barbosa was ordered held on $50,000 bail. Manhattan prosecutors asked for $20,000, but the arraignment judge upped the request. Barbarosa’s defense attorney downplayed the charges, claiming that investigators had no video showing him setting the fires. His wife was bawling outside the courtroom after the arraignment and being consoled by her brother. 

Source:nydailynews.com/new-york/times-square-hotel-security-chief-arrested-setting-arson-fires-sources-article-1.1463370

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Choice Hotels Welcome New Hamilton Property"

Source              :    scoop.co.nz
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Choice Hotels
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Choice Hotels has added an impressive property to its accommodation offering in inner city Hamilton. Quality Hotel Ambassador (formerly The Ambassador Motel) joined the Choice Hotels group this month offering centrally located accommodation to suit a range of travellers from corporates, to families and large sporting or tour groups. The property has recently undergone extensive refurbishments and now boasts 38 studio rooms and 13 suites offering quality accommodation, without compromising the retro charm of the property. Rooms consist of executive and business studios, and one and two bedroom suites with Wi-Fi and Sky TV in every room. The hotel also has a fully equipped conference room available for hire, comfortably accommodating 15-25 people.

Onsite is Quality Hotel Ambassador’s own café, bar and restaurant, Cube Lounge, which is open 7 days a week. Cube Lounge was built in the 1970s and still retains a lot of the characteristics of this era in its interior. The recently upgraded hotel pool and barbecue area provides a comfortable setting for hotel guests to relax and socialise. Located in the heart of Hamilton, Quality Hotel Ambassador is within short walking distance to Waikato Stadium, Claudelands Event Centre, an array of great bars and restaurants and is just 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport. Aileen Cobern, Choice Hotels’ general manager sales and marketing, is pleased to welcome Quality Hotel Ambassador Hamilton to the Choice Hotels group. “Quality Hotel Ambassador is conveniently located in Hamilton’s CBD which provides another great accommodation option for corporate travellers or large groups,” she says. “The 1970’s charm throughout the hotel gives guests an insight into the care the owners have taken to preserve this history of the property during the extensive refurbishment.”

Source:scoop.co.nz/stories/BU1309/S00848/choice-hotels-welcome-new-hamilton-property.htm

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Arrest Made In Case Of Teen's Death Outside McLean Hotel"

Source              :    nbcwashington.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    NBCUniversal Media
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Fairfax County police say they've made an arrest in the death of a teen outside a hotel in McLean, Va., early Sunday morning. Jose Alberto Blanco-Calzadilla turned himself in to authorities Sunday afternoon, police said. Blanco-Calzadilla has been charged with second-degree murder. Police said they were called to the Residence Inn on Westwood Center Drive and found Gerard Gomez, 16, of Mount Vernon, Va, on the sidewalk. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene with injuries to his upper body. A witness told News 4’s Derrick Ward that there was some sort of party going on in the hotel that broke up in the early morning. The witness said he heard a single gunshot and called police.

Source : nbcwashington.com/news/local/Teen-Killed-Near-Fairfax-Co-Hotel-223818381.html

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Hotels Offer Groceries As Alternative To Room Service"

Source              :    usatoday.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Nancy Trejos
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Forget room service. At many hotels across the country, you can now easily have groceries or ready-to-make meals delivered to your room. Hotels are increasingly arranging for guests to get food deliveries from outside vendors as an alternative to room service, which has rarely been a money-making enterprise for them. Grocery delivery services tend to be more popular at extended-stay properties, but other types of properties are starting to experiment with alternatives to traditional room service. Some hotels are also responding to the growing demand for healthier food options by making sure the delivery services have healthy meals or snacks for sale. "It's not the home kitchen, but gets guests closer to a home-like experience, which is what road-weary travelers crave," says Maryam Wehe, senior vice president of Applied Predictive Technologies, which does consulting for hotels. "While travelers are just as time-starved as ever, they are increasingly health-conscious while on the go. Through healthy food delivery options, hotels are taking another step to bring the comforts and lifestyle of home to guests."

Some examples:

•Affinia Hotels, a boutique hotel chain with properties in New York, recently announced a partnership with FreshDirect, a New York City-based grocery delivery service, to deliver ready-to-make meals to guests. There's a Business Kit and a Healthy Kit, each with such items as fruit, vegetables, Greek yogurt, chips, salsa and cookies. The kits also have four-minute meals such as lemon-dill salmon, which can be heated in a microwave in each room's kitchenette. The kits can be ordered in advance through Affinia's online e-concierge service.

•GoBites.com, a portion-controlled, all-natural snack delivery service with most items containing fewer than 200 calories, is sending items to hotels with more frequency, says CEO Jim Gutt. Among the hotels the company has delivered to: the Marriott in Santa Clara, Calif.; Hotel Zaza in Houston; and the Sleep Inn in Phoenix. The company has partnered with the Country Inn in Buffalo, Minn., which offers the snack boxes to guests. The packages can be customized for guests who have special dietary needs, such as gluten allergies or diabetes.

•Marriott's Residence Inn offers free grocery deliveries to guests with no mark-ups on items. All of Hilton's Homewood Suites hotels also offer a complimentary grocery shopping service. Guests can leave their lists with hotel employees in the morning and return to a fully stocked refrigerator.

Lisa Zandee, senior vice president of brand management for Affinia Hotels, says guests like the grocery delivery service because "it liberates them from the limitations of room-service, minibar and restaurant fare." 

It also provides some relief to hotels that think room service is too costly to run and doesn't generate much revenue. Room service revenue has dropped 9.5% from 2007 to 2012, according to PKF Hospitality Research. One hotel has come up with an even more unusual take on room service. The staff at Amway Grand Plaza hotel in Grand Rapids, Mich., noticed that guests were frequently ordering pizza from outside vendors. In response, the culinary team created its own pizza delivery service for guests and named it Piezelli's. Pizza deliveries now represent about 15% of room service revenue, with the hotel selling about 150 pizzas a week.

Andrew Bowen, assistant food and beverage director at Amway Grand Plaza, says room service revenue at the hotel had declined by about 30% in the last decade. Bowen says the hotel doesn't market the pizza deliveries as room service, even though guests can charge them to their rooms. "There seems to be a negative connotation to room service now than there was 15, 20 years ago," he says. Room service is "an amenity you feel you have to offer guests. Your hands are tied to a certain extent, so we were looking for options to give them a better product and price, and still offer the convenience."

Source:usatoday.com/story/travel/hotels/2013/09/10/hotels-room-service-grocery-deliveries/2788329/

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Tatas’ Orient-Express Hotels Investment Value Plunges"

Source              :    timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Reeba Zachariah
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

The value of Indian Hotels Company's (IHCL) six-year old stake in Orient-Express Hotels has reduced by two-thirds, further narrowing the options India's largest hospitality chain has for the British hotels-to-trains group. IHCL, known best for operating the Taj chain, holds about 7% stake in Orient-Express, which is now worth $86 million based on the NYSE-listed firm's Friday closing price. According to IHCL's latest annual report, its cost of acquisition towards Orient-Express shares was $262 million. Global economic conditions eroded the value of its investment, which the operator of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai and the Pierre Hotel in New York had made in September 2007. It initially had acquired 11.5% in Orient-Express but its stake came down owing to an expansion in the luxury hotels group's equity capital. 

Since 2007 IHCL had been eyeing a larger play in the Hamilton, Bermuda-registered hospitality chain as a way to bolster its presence in the global hospitality space. On its part, Orient-Express is not keen on an alliance with IHCL and is focusing on expanding its portfolio, growing earnings and boosting its stock price. In October 2011, IHCL made a $1.86 billion bid for control of Orient-Express but the proposal was turned down by the latter. IHCL along with other international investors had offered $12.63 a share of Orient-Express. It was the second time Orient Express management had given the cold shoulder to the Indian company. The first time was in 2007. 

Shares in Orient-Express, which manages more than 30 properties in different parts of the world including the Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, have fallen 81% from their peak of $64.80 in October 2007 before the global financial crisis. The stock closed at $12.10 on August 30 in New York exchange. IHCL has recognized the diminution in the value of its Orient-Express investment in its books during the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Recently, IHCL said it intends to review the options on its Orient-Express investment. The company, however, is not in favour of selling the shares as the timing is highly disadvantageous.

Source :timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Tatas-Orient-Express-Hotels-investment-value-plunges-by-67/articleshow/22217817.cms

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Top 7 Hipster Hotels"

Source              :    foxnews.com
Category         :    Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Oyster
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

The term “hipster” has a lot of connotations these days, but we think we have a pretty good idea of what it means when it comes to travel. If you’re a hipster, you’re probably the type who won’t want to stay somewhere mainstream — and certainly not a major chain. You’re the type who appreciates what’s cool, yes, but in a way that is interesting and different. You love anything eco-friendly and organic.Sound at all familiar? Fess up. We at Oyster have a special spot in our heart for hipster travelers. After all, they, like us, have high standards when it comes to choosing a hotel. They’ll often gravitate toward spots that are uber-trendy, quirky, or extremely green, and with that in mind, we unearthed some of the best hotel options in the world for the hipster set. The Wythe Hotel is a hub for hipster travelers and locals alike. With a hopping rooftop bar boasting jaw-dropping views of Manhattan, a wonderful restaurant, and cutting-edge industrial design, the Wythe is a destination unto itself. It’s located near the subway as well as dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops in the heart of trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a neighborhood boasting one of the highest concentrations of hipsters in the country. Rooms are spacious and have high pine ceilings, reclaimed wood furnishings, and great amenities, including flat-screen TVs; local, hand-made toiletries; free Wi-Fi, and radiant floor heating.

The 40-room property, originally built as a motel in 1939, incorporates a stylish, minimalist design and sits at the center of Austin’s SoCo neighborhood, a trendy area known for great music. The hotel reflects its hipster surroundings by offering lots of cool stuff on loan: an excellent music library (both CDs and pre-filled iPods), a video collection, Polaroid cameras, bicycles, and even a Remington typewriter (for writing the next great American novel, naturally). There’s a small swimming pool, an outdoor lounge serving drinks and snacks, and the locally famous Jo’s Coffee next door. Urban-chic rooms have modern wooden platform beds, polished concrete floors, paisley bedspreads, and flat-screen TVs.The Michelberger Hotel is a trendy, budget-friendly option set in a former warehouse in the Friedrichshain neighborhood. Most of the 119 rooms have spare, modern decor; some have exposed cement, big windows, and open showers, while others have bunk beds and can accommodate larger groups. A big breakfast buffet (for a fee) is served daily, and food and drinks can be ordered from the outdoor terrace. Highlights at this quirky hotel include a stylish lobby full of books and magazines and a bar with live DJs. In short, it checks all of the hipster boxes — budget-friendly, hip, quirky, and in a happening neighborhood.

Source : foxnews.com/travel/2013/08/28/top-7-hipster-hotels/

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER – The Review"

Source              :  wearemoviegeeks.com
Category         :   Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Jim Batts
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Usually once or twice during the big Summer movie season, the Hollywood studios release a film that’s a bit more serious than the action, science fiction, fantasy comedy blockbusters that normally populate the multiplex during those balmy months. Bypassing the Oscar-bait year-end log jam this time is LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER. Like the recent independent feature FRUITVALE STATION, it concerns a hot-button topic from recent headlines: race relations. While STATION told the story of a fairly recent true-life incident, the new film spans several decades with special emphasis on the tumultuous 1960′s much like the Summer drama of 2011 THE HELP (which later did take home some Oscar gold). So, are movie audiences ready to take a break from the car chases and explosions, and embark on a trip through some dark moments of  America’s recent history? And will Academy voters remember this drama when they begin filling out their ballots in a few months?

When we first meet the title character, eight year-old Cecil Gaines is picking cotton alongside his mother and father in Macon, Georgia circa 1926. A violent tragedy lands him in the plantation mansion were he is trained as a servant. Several years later teenage Cecil leaves the farm and heads North in search of work. The destitute young man is taken in by a the head of a hotel’s staff who trains Cecil in the ways of serving the public. He’s then scooped up by one of the exclusive luxury hotels in Washington DC. Soon Cecil (Forest Whitaker) is married to a former hotel staffer Gloria (Oprah Winfrey), who leaves the hotel world in order to care for their two sons: fun-loving little Charles and serious older brother Lewis (David Oyelowo). One day Cecil is recruited for the biggest job of his service career. He joins the household staff of the White House and is soon the personal butler to the President. Over the next three decades Cecil adjusts to the different administrations at work while he tries to hold his family together through the country’s many social and political changes as Gloria struggles for her own identity, Charles heads off to Vietnam, and Lewis clashes with his father when he joins the civil rights movement.

The thread that unifies this historical journey is the Gaines family, headed by Cecil. For much of the film Whitaker must act as silent observer who conveys much of his thoughts through his eyes as he delivers food and drink. He lets us see the hurt and concern through those tired eyes, hunched shoulders, and tired gait. This even extends to his home life, perhaps compounded by childhood trauma. It’s after he responds to his son’s insolence (oddly over a remark concerning a popular actor) that Whitaker gets to unleash his inner fire and frustration. Being the watcher is a tricky role, but Whitaker draws us to this quiet man. That quiet may be one of the reasons for the wild behavior of his wife Gloria portrayed by Winfrey as neglected woman who only seems to feel alive when she’s partying. And for the first hour, she’s partying hard, always with a cocktail in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Winfrey seems to enjoy shedding her prim TV host persona and truly dives into the earthy role whether dancing, riding her hubby about his job (“How many shoes Miss Jackie got?”), or sharing secretive glances at the lowlife neighborhood ladies man, and numbers runner, played by Terence Howard. Happily she soon appreciates and supports her hubby during his most trying times, most of which are caused by son Lewis. Oyelowo also conveys much of his inner struggle through his eyes as he has a front row seat for most of the civil rights struggle. He feels that he must join the fight and defy Dad, but still yearns for his family. In the more heart-wrenching scenes he dismisses his father’s work, then seconds later his sad eyes show his regret for demeaning him. Whitaker also has great rapport with two staffers that end up being the brothers he never had. Lenny Kravitz is superb as the somber, studious James while Cuba Gooding, Jr. is very entertaining as the clowning, happy-go-lucky Carter.

As for the historical figures that Cecil must serve, we must deal the film makers decision to indulge in a bit of stunt casting. Perhaps this is to give the film a more grand, epic feel, but often it proves to be distracting as we look for make-up tricks, hair styling, and vocal impressions while not giving proper attention to the script. Mostly, they seem to be glorified cameos to entice the movie-going public into the theatre. A couple do play well, particularly X-man James Marsden as JFK who may be a tad too youthful as he speaks in a thick “Baaastan” accent. It’s hard to imagine Robin Williams as a tough WWII general, but he conveys Dwight Eisenhower well enough. Liev Schrieber gives us a coarse, crude LBJ, but he moves a bit too sprightly and doesn’t really commit to that slow Texas drawl. Alan Rickman (yup, Hans Gruber) makes a fairly effective Ronald Reagan with just a hint of his hesitant speaking tone, while Jane Fonda pops in briefly in a wide-eyed, dithering performance as wife Nancy. But the biggest distracting misstep is John Cusack as a sweaty, twitchy, cartoon version of Richard Nixon, complete with flies buzzing about his head (and putty nose). Cusack is one of our finest actors, but this is a big embarrassment.

For the most part, these re-enactors don’t upset the tone of the film too much. Because of the main character’s nature, most of the scenes at his modest home don’t have a lot of passion. For the most part, Cecil is truly bottled-up.  When we meet Gloria, they already have made a family. Perhaps if we had seen their initial romance, we could better understand their many ups and downs. Maybe this would’ve been better accomplished in a TV mini-series format that would allow screenwriter Danny Strong (HBO’s “Recount” and “Game Changer”,but forever Jonathan Levinson, Sunnydale High School class of 99) to give us a better insight into the family dynamic and also give us a bit of the Ford and Carter administrations. Unfortunately director Lee Daniels must rely on familiar news footage to convey the passage of time (that’s a long “Soul Train” clip!). And a few of the scenes with real folks are a bit clunky. Did Nixon really toss campaign buttons at the waiters? And a scene involving young Caroline Kennedy rings a tad false. What doesn’t ring false are the powerful scenes of hatred and bigotry. We witness the full horror in the cruel opening scenes in a cotton field and later as young Cecil stumbles upon a recent lynching. Later he must remain silent while listening to stinging comments from the more “sophisticated” classes. His son Lewis is the one who finds himself truly in the thick of it as he and other protesters must sit passively at a “whites only” lunch counter and endure the monstrous jeers and physical abuse from the town citizenry. Later we can almost taste the fear as the Freedom Riders bus is attacked and burned on a dark bridge. The image of those twisted faces screaming in fury at the bus windows is stunning and sickening. A subplot involving a fitful romance with another college student perhaps inspired by Angela Davis doesn’t really work as does a scene with an admonishing Martin Luther King, but it doesn’t make the earlier sequences any less riveting. When LEE DANIELS’ THE BUTLER works, it is a compelling reminder of the  unimaginable injustices that many Americans faced just a few short decades ago. Let’s hope it will be sent out to schools, because the film truly makes those brief passages in classroom history book come to life.

Source : wearemoviegeeks.com/2013/08/lee-daniels-the-butler-the-review/

Hotels With Ocean Views VA|"Hotels Lure Businesses With 'Fun' Meetings"

Source              :   cio-today.com
Category         :   Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By                   :    Nancy Trejos 
Posted By      :    Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Having a meeting at a hotel no longer means having to sit in a windowless, overly air-conditioned room and noshing on cold cuts sandwiched between stale bread. Hotels are finally starting to lure leisure travelers back as the economy improves, but they are still struggling to convince businesses that they should send groups of employees off-campus for face-to-face meetings. To do so, they're coming up with creative ways to make meetings easier, more comfortable and even more fun. Think lounge-like conference rooms, make-your-own trail mix stations and apps Relevant Products/Services that let you ask for a temperature change.

Patrick Scholes, managing director of gaming and lodging equity research at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, says that for a typical Marriott, Starwood, Hilton or Hyatt, group business represents 30% to 40% of overall revenues. "This segment of the business is still lagging," he says. The Global Business Travel Association says that group travel spending will grow 5.3% to $117.1 billion this year. But the total number of business travelers expected to go on trips for meetings, conventions and other group travel will fall 0.3% to 166 million people. "Meetings is a pretty big business for the hotel industry, and what we felt is that there really isn't a lot of differentiation in the industry, and there haven't been a lot of innovations in the last 50 years," says Peggy Roe, vice president of global operations for Marriott International.

Marriott Hotels and Resorts recently launched Workspring, a suite that consists of five studios to fit from three to 75 attendees. The suite has work spaces as well as common areas, many with natural light and access to the outdoors. The hotel also provides the latest in technology, wireless Relevant Products/Services access, office supplies and food and beverage. For even smaller groups, Marriott now has Workspace on Demand, which allows locals and guests to book online any space by the hour. The space can be a table in the lobby or a conference room. Roe says customers want the spaces "to feel more residential and less institutional." Westin Hotels, meanwhile, is rolling out its Tangent flexible meeting space to more than 40 hotels worldwide. 

Source : cio-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=032003NTN0YO

Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "JA Ocean View Hotel excels as newest addition to JA Resorts and Hotels portfolio"

Source      :   http://www.ameinfo.com
Category   :  Hotels With Ocean View VA
By             :  Dubai Business | AMEinfo
Posted By  :  Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

JA Ocean View Hotel, the only four-star beach hotel on 'The Walk' at JBR, continues to excel after only four months of operation in one of Dubai's most popular areas. The hotel became the first new hotel to officially open under the JA Resorts and Hotels brand when it welcomed its first guests on 22 December 2012.

Hotels with oceanfront

Year to date occupancy for JA Ocean View Hotel is 91% and over 78,000 guests have been welcomed to the 338 rooms and suites, all with sea views and balconies. The statistics indicate a healthy mix of international and local leisure guests, families and young couples, in line with the hotel's original positioning.

"We're thrilled to see the international and local markets' response to the varied offering at JA Ocean View Hotel," said David Thomson, Chief Operating Officer for JA Resorts & Hotels. "While most of our facilities are in fact of five-star standard, the association of our four-star classification with a casual beach holiday atmosphere is clearly a huge draw, as we expected. 'The Walk' is a vibrant area that promotes discovery, making it an ideal location for this kind of product."

The bright and breezy beach hotel features six restaurants and bars with concepts that have been well received by both local residents and hotel guests. Within weeks of introducing Girders, the British bar with a Gaelic twist was nominated as 'Best New Pub' in the recent Time Out Dubai Nightlife Awards.

Fogo Vivo is the hotel's speciality Brazilian grill, Le Rivage the all-day dining restaurant, Caffè Via the 24-hour Italian café and The Deck offers al fresco dining overlooking the infinity swimming pool. With stunning sea views on the 25th floor, The Whistler serves Dubai Marina's largest selection of vintages by the glass, along with 200 bottle choices and 50 artisanal cheeses in a dedicated walk-in fromagerie.

Leisure guests have plenty of options for relaxation and activities, with beach access just steps away from the infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf and The Palm Jumeirah. Calm Spa, Calm Salon, a gymnasium, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room are just some of the other hotel facilities, along with family features like the shaded children's pool and CoolZone kids club for children between 3 and 11 years.

This May will mark the first Arabian Travel Market for JA Resorts & Hotels, which rebranded in Q4 2012. In addition to meeting with main tour operator partners, travel agents and media, the company will also promote its e-learning programme for the travel trade. Furthermore, the group will launch summer offers to the local and international markets for all its properties, including JA Palm Tree Court, JA Jebel Ali Beach Hotel and JA Oasis Beach Tower. The company also manages Hatta Fort Hotel and Bateaux Dubai.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "Top 10 tips for a road trip alone"

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By             :  Solotraveler
Posted By  :  Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Naturally, if you’re going to do a road trip alone, you’ll want to love driving. Long hours in the car can be physically taxing when you’re the only driver but the compensation is that you can take any detour you want, listen to any radio station or talking book that interests you, change your schedule on a whim… the list goes on.

Solo Trip

If long-distance driving is something you enjoy, and the idea of going your own sweet way is appealing,  here’s the rest of what you need to know for a great trip.

1. Setting your schedule.

Getting the pace right is a big part of a trip’s success. I’ve found that, generally, I need three days per destination. If I have four destinations, I need twelve days. I might be able to get away with ten but it’s important not to squeeze too much into too few days. If you do, you’ll miss lots and find that all you do is drive. I also don’t plan to drive too far on any one day. Five hours is about my maximum and, even though I’m not typically an early riser, I like to leave early in the morning. I’m up at 6am and away by 6:30am to beat the traffic and arrive at my destination by noon.

2. Choose a theme – know the highlights you want to hit.

In France, it was history. I wanted to see the Bayeux Tapestry and also Juno Beach where the Canadians landed on D-Day. In Arizona it was Monument Valley – could those landscapes from old western movies be real? Going around Lake Ontario I was visiting wineries. Every road trip I take has some sort of focus. Know what yours is and identify the places you just have to get to. Then use this information as you plan your route.

3. Use multiple tools to plan – the love of a good map.

On my most recent trip, to the American southwest, I found myself using two maps. One was a map of the Four Corners by National Geographic called Trail of the Ancients. It had great information on places of interest. The other was a standard road map. (National Geographic has many maps that offer some guide information as well.) In addition, I used Google maps which I find cumbersome for choosing routes but great for determining what the drive time will be.

4. Insurance – Make sure you’re covered.

First, travel insurance. I never travel without it– no matter what. Depending on the coverage you buy, it can reimburse the cost of items such as doctor fees, medical examinations, cost of medication and even hotel accommodations. More importantly, it may cover the cost of getting someone you love to your bedside after a medical emergency or return you to your home if that’s necessary.

I asked Insurance Hunter, the sponsor of this post for their top tip when buying travel insurance. Kevin Illsley, Operations Manager said, “When you are looking into the best travel insurance for yourself be sure to review the ‘Single Trip’ and ‘Annual’ plans, to ensure you are getting the best coverage for your needs.” Also make sure that you carry your travel insurance details with you, especially the contact numbers for roadside assistance.

Then, car insurance. If you’re renting a car for your road trip, check with your insurance company and credit cards first to find out what kind of coverage you have through them. This could affect what kind of coverage you buy from the rental agency. At the agency, there are a number of insurance questions you need to ask:
How much does the coverage cost?

What type of collision coverage is offered and what is included in this coverage?
Who is insured under the coverage?
Is there a deductible associated with the coverage?
Is liability insurance part of the coverage?
Is there any item that could possibly void your insurance coverage for your rental car?
Is roadside assistance available as part of your coverage?
What steps need to be taken if you get into an accident?

5. Packing – car trip specific.

Pack light. I know I say this all the time but whether you’re staying at hostels, B&B’s or hotels, you are going to be lugging your luggage in and out whenever you move on to a new destination. Having just one bag to carry makes life much easier. Here’s a link to my Bare Minimum Packing post for a bit of guidance on how to pack light.

For  your car, it’s a good idea to bring along a roll of duct tape, a multi-head screwdriver, a couple of flares, a pair of pliers, vise grips and maybe a coat hanger or two to hold up the muffler should it fall off. You’ll want a good first-aid kit and a blanket. And I always travel with almonds and water in the car though you may want to take that further and have a cooler of food so you can picnic along the way.

6. Use multiple navigation tools to keep you on track.

Navigation when you’re on the road alone can be a bit of a challenge. A GPS is essential but that’s not all you need. Your GPS can be out of date or, if you’re in a city with tall buildings, it can have trouble reaching the satellite and give you wrong information. In addition to a GPS, I like to have a compass as it confirms my direction and map ensuring that the GPS is sending me along the route that I want to go. It’s also helpful to know that in the U.S.:
Two-digit Interstates often go directly through cities while three-digit interstates go around them.
Odd-numbered highways run north to south and even-numbered ones run east-west.

7. Safety #1 – your vehicle.

Have your car tuned up and inspected at least a week before you leave. This will give you time for any repairs that are required. Car Talk recommends the following items be checked. You can click on any of them to go to the Car Talk site for details.

• The Cooling System
• The Tires
• Steering and Suspension
• Change the Oil
• Air Conditioning System
• Check the Tranny

8. Safety #2 – you.

Start your drive early in the morning:

• You’re less tired and more alert.
• The roads will have less traffic making the drive more enjoyable.
• You’ll arrive in daylight with time to find your accommodation if you haven’t already booked it.

When you’re driving, make sure your doors are locked and (need I say this?) you’re wearing your seat belt.  Be mindful of where you park your car. Try to park near an entrance to a mall or hotel. The lot may be busy when you arrive but if it’s empty when you leave you won’t enjoy a long walk across a vacant parking lot. If your trip takes you along roads with little traffic, consider getting a full size spare tire rather than a donut tire that can only go a short distance. You can get an affordable, decent quality spare tire at a used tire store. As per Tip 4, have bottled water with you.

9. Stay in touch.

Let someone at home know your route, when you leave and when you arrive at your destinations. A quick text message is all it takes. If you have WiFi, use skype or send a quick email. That’s all it takes. If you want to avoid roaming charges consider getting a SIM card for an unlocked phone. Read Travel Technology: Increase your security and reduce costs for lots of advice on staying in touch while on the road.

10. Slow down, go local – radio, diners, diversions

Slow down, save on gas and enjoy the scenery and the scene. On my trip through the southwest I listened to KGHR 91.3 Native Radio. Listening to this station, I learned what was going on in Tuba City, what the native people care about, the values they hold and much more. It’s a wonderful aspect of travel that is most easily enjoyed on a road trip. Hungry for lunch? Look for the diner in a small town and you’re sure to get some local flavor from the people as well as the food. Sometimes a local museum is the one that you’ll find yourself telling people about years later. Don’t overlook what may appear to be small experiences as they may be the most memorable.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "Great Escape Package"

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Posted By  :  Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Make the most of your next Southern California adventure by booking an exciting Great Escape Package from our boutique hotel, a valuable vacation offer that includes a thoughtful selection of services and amenities designed to enhance your travel experience. With this awesome San Diego hotel deal, you’ll enjoy deluxe overnight accommodations at our modern boutique hotel, which features award-winning accommodations near the landmark Gaslamp Quarter in the heart of the downtown San Diego area.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

Along with an excellent night of rest, you’ll be treated to two welcome drinks when you arrive, setting the stage for a special experience. You’ll be pampered with nightly turndown service in your redesigned room, a contemporary retreat featuring free Wi-Fi, plush linens, eco-friendly bath amenities, high-definition LCD televisions, spa bathrobes, MP3 docking stations, an extended sitting area and much more. You’ll also have access to in-room movies and in-room honor bar items, which are available for additional fees.

Each Great Escape Package also includes valet parking for one car, with unlimited in-and-out privileges, making it easy for you explore this amazing city. Nearby our stylish boutique hotel you’ll find many of San Diego’s top attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village Shopping Center, Balboa Park and Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

Discover your favorite attractions and then return home as our guest and enjoy an on-site restaurant and lounge, in-room dining, fitness center and more at our friendly hotel. Whether you are traveling to San Diego for a quick weekend getaway, romantic rendezvous or beach vacation, take advantage of this amazing deal to plan an unforgettable escape Southern California.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "A Guide To Virginia Beach Hotels"

Source      :   traveller.co.za
Category   :  Hotels With Ocean Views VA
By             :  Traveller
Posted By  :  Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

If you’re traveling to Virginia Beach, consider yourself lucky. People who’ve never been there have no idea what they’re missing, and you’re about to experience it. Long expanses of white sand stretch as far as you can see from dozens of beautiful, waterfront hotels. The breathtaking ocean views will make you lose track of time, and after sunset the nightlife will keep you entertained. However, your hotel very easily influences the beauty and fun of Virginia Beach.

Hotels In Virginia Beach

Keywords:
Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Hotels, Virginia Beach Real Estate, Virginia Beach Public Schools

Article Body:
If you’re traveling to Virginia Beach, consider yourself lucky. People who’ve never been there have no idea what they’re missing, and you’re about to experience it. Long expanses of white sand stretch as far as you can see from dozens of beautiful, waterfront hotels. The breathtaking ocean views will make you lose track of time, and after sunset the nightlife will keep you entertained. However, your hotel very easily influences the beauty and fun of Virginia Beach.

Choosing the right hotel is one of the most important pieces of your Virginia Beach vacation. Take the time to investigate what attractions are your favorites and look for a hotel nearby. Being in close proximity to activities you want to enjoy will save you travel time and the confusion of trying to navigate in a new city. If you’re a nature lover, look for a hotel close to the local nature preserves or hotels that offer dolphin and whale watching expeditions as part of a vacation package. Next, ask the hotel about their typical patrons. Some hotels are the perfect place for kids. They’re close to the park and have facilities to keep your children entertained. On the other hand, some hotels specialize in quiet, secluded getaways with quaint reading rooms overlooking the water. Bringing in children may not be such a good idea. It’s important to know what your hotel is known for and what you will need.

No matter what you need, there is a hotel for you at Virginia Beach. Look for them online, or call around. Don’t settle for the first offer, because with the hundreds of local hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts, you’re bound to find one perfect for you.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "Ocean Front Hotels In Santa Monica"

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Posted By  :  Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

As a prime destination, LA is known all over the world for its glamor and as a city by the sea. There are hotels for every type of visitors, from the businessman and woman to those arriving to explore with just a backpack. For those seeking accommodations on the beach or near the ocean, Santa Monica presents an outstanding array of choices to vacation in Los Angeles that includes the attractions during the day while always being at the ocean. Santa Monica offers a variety of hotels hotels that are located on the beach or on Ocean Avenue. Most of these properties are high rises and offer breath taking views of the Pacific Ocean as well as all of Los Angeles, Santa Monica and downtown.

Hotel With Ocean Views VA

Ocean Avenue begins where San Vicente Blvd from Brentwood ends on the cliffs. Extending south for about two miles, Ocean Ave is lined with hundreds of tall thick palm trees, multi million dollar glass condos and high rise hotels, all over looking the beach below and out to the Pacific Ocean. All along Ocean Avenue are sidewalks, shopping, dining, parks and attractions. All the hotels along Ocean Ave allow visitors to take advantage of all the sights in Santa Monica. There are two main locations of hotels along Ocean Avenue. Those that are on the eastern side of the street that have views of the beach and ocean only, and those on the western side whose back doors and guestrooms actually open out onto the ocean.

Those hotels that are on Ocean Ave but not on the beach include the Fairmont Miramar, Vice Roy and The Georgian. The Vice Roy has an elegant lobby that while is brand new, gives the visitor a feel that they’ve been transported to the 1920s. White leather chairs against golden door knobs and chandeliers with a full bar and mirrors in the background give the lobby a comfortable but classy feel. Out the back is a pool with cozy cabanas around the pool’s edge. The hotel stretches out parallel to the ocean and guests with rooms in the east facing wall will have views of the Santa Monica Mountains, all of Santa Monica and Downtown Los Angeles rather than the ocean.

Located on the central area of Ocean Ave is the Georgian Hotel. This hotel is smaller, has a Victorian look and is wedged in between two other buildings. Once the playground for the rich and famous as well as Hollywood’s elite in the 1920s, the Georgian offers a boutique feel with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Santa Monica’s many shopping and dining opportunities are only steps away from the Georgian.

At the intersection of Wilshire Blvd and Ocean Ave is the Fairmont Miramar. This hotel is a California contemporary high rise with individual balconies for each room. The Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica is a full luxury resort hotel offering spas and relxation services. Visitors entering off of the main entrance on Wilshire Blvd will be amazed at the various greenery, cabanas, fountains and beautiful lobby. Most of the rooms afford guests spectacular views of the ocean and the hotel is steps from a bridge that takes visitors down to the beach.

The hotels that line the beach of Santa Monica include Casa Del Mar, Shutters and Lowes. Each of these hotels are grand resorts and offer guests the ability to check in and then walk right out on the beach. The Casa Del Mar is the only five star property along this stretch. Guests checking in at the lobby will notice amongst the book cases, large furniture and chandeliers a gigantic window behind the bar and restaurant area that over looks the Pacific Ocean. Often, with the ocean crystal blue in the background, the whole lobby gives guests a feel of being on an island in the Pacific.

Shutters and Lowes are immediately adjacent to the Casa Del Mar. While not as full on fancy and elegant, these hotels are still very high priced and offer full spa and relaxation services. All of these hotels offer on site pools that have 360 views of the ocean, allowing guests to enjoy the sun, layout and enjoy a cocktail.

In addition to the four and five star hotels that line Ocean, there are many discounted budget hotels in the area as well. These include the Hotel California, Ocean View Hotel and a Travellodge.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA | "Ocean View Amusement Park"

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By             :  Vacation In Beach Hotel
Posted By  :  Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard


The dance card at left (click to enlarge) is an interesting one: rather than being for a private event, it is from a public dance hall, the Dance Pavilion at the Ocean View Amusement Park, Norfolk, Virginia, which was one of the first amusement parks in the United States.  Sadly, I do not own this card myself; it slipped by on eBay and is now in unknown hands.

Hotels With Ocean Views VA

The card is printed in monochrome, with a small picture of the Dance Pavilion.  No orchestra or dance leader is mentioned, only the name of the company that owned the amusement park and its owner, Otto Wells.  In keeping with its commercial nature, there is actually an advertisement on the inside.  On the back of the card is a note that "objectionable dancing" is "positively prohibited", an admonition which would be unnecessary at a private ball but a potential problem at an event open to the general public, and directions to the check room; ladies' retiring room; and gentlemen's smoking room.  The card is not for a specific evening's event, but instead is a generic dance program for any evening of the 1917 season. Written in pencil at the top of the front page is the date "Saturday, June 9, 1917".

According to Norfolk historian Amy Waters Yarsinske in Ocean View (Images of America: Virginia) (1998), the beachside Ocean View Hotel and Pavilion were originally built by the Norfolk and Ocean View Railroad Company as a beachside resort, then purchased in 1905 by Mr. Wells, an amusement park entrepreneur who added a roller coaster and other rides.  Though the Dance Pavilion was destroyed by fire in 1958, the image on the dance card is quite recognizable from the many surviving postcards that depict it lit for the evening's dancing, as in the postcard at left (click to enlarge) or as the backdrop for bathers on the beach.  The park itself, long past its heyday, appeared in the 1977 disaster-suspense film Rollercoaster, then was demolished in 1978 for a TV movie, The Death of Ocean View Park.

Unlike the dance cards I posted last month from a small Maine town, Ocean View's program reflects a more up-to-date, though conservative, mix of dances, probably sensibly chosen as the most generally accessible to most visitors.  All are for couples, and only the three most popular dances of the era are represented: thirteen one-steps, six foxtrots, three waltzes, and four unspecified extras.  There is nothing as exotic as a tango or any rarities like the maxixe or half-and-half.  It might seem a somewhat monotonous program, but I suspect that most attendees were only dropping in briefly between other amusements rather than spending an entire evening in the Dance Pavilion.  Bearing this speculation out, only five of the dances fairly late in the card (numbers 14, 15, 16, 18, and 20) are marked, and there is no intermission.  The marks are only X's, rather than the names or initials of partners, so the dancer may have been dancing with strangers, or used the card as a souvenir rather than to actually book dances in advance.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA | "Virginia Beach, Baby!"

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DC area residents have several options for beach vacations.  It seems like every family is heading north or south for a weeklong vacation home rental during the summer months.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA

We actually are one of those families (Kiawah Island being our favorite destination).  Now that the children are getting older, we have the added complexity of coordinating summer school, multiple camps and summer jobs along with our own work schedules. Finding a whole week when we can get away has been getting progressively more difficult. Not only that, but once you take the $3000+ family vacation, what is left to look forward to the rest of the summer?  This summer we decided to try taking  three day vacations every three or four weeks from May to September.  

We discovered a great gem in Virginia Beach.

It has a range of hotels right on the beach, a terrific boardwalk with entertainment and events all summer long, clean sandy beaches and best of all, it is only 3.5 hours away. I can load sleepy children into the car at 7 am and be tossing a Frisbee with my crew on the beach by 10:30!

Hotels

There is the typical range of hotels in Virginia Beach but, in my opinion, Holiday Inn Suites North is the best for families. Not only do all your children under the age of 12 eat for free all week long in a variety of restaurants and beachside grills, but a full service kids club with babysitting and a free movie theater are included in your hotel stay. The rooms are immaculate and are decorated with modern beachy greens and blues.  Our room had two queen beds in one room, a fold-out full sleeper and a mini kitchen with granite countertop.  Not to mention it featured the five pools, consisting of two lazy rivers, one beachside salt water pool and even some water slides.

Restaurants

The food is exquisitely prepared and is a welcome relief from the fried food and snacks that typically accompany beach vacations. I ordered this adorable little playful dish called "The Grand Slam, " which features  housemade brioche with smoked steelhead caviar, sunny side quail egg, neuske's bacon, blinis & maple creme fraiche. If you can, get a seat at the Open Kitchen bar where you can watch the chefs prepare the food while you eat.  The portions are not huge but they are more than adequate if you want to still look great in your new swimsuit!

Catch 31

It is located right on the beach, so you can walk to it from your hotel (after putting the children to bed under the watchful eyes of your babysitter/teenage children) via the boardwalk. We were lucky and nabbed an outdoor fire pit right on the boardwalk. The tables are big huge round granite tables surrounding a fire pit and multiple parties can seat themselves at the same table.The seafood is fresh and the atmosphere is fun!

The hotel has some great options too. If you are brave enough, you should  try Corey’s Rum Runner at the Holiday Inn Bar called "The Square Whale", or if you want to impress your children with what a cool parent you are, you might consider ordering them the kitchen sink sundae – it literally comes in a kitchen sink.

Entertainment

There are various entertainers on the boardwalk starting the middle of June and going through August, 7 nights a week. Everything from stilt- walkers, fire-dancers, scavenger hunts, street performers, magicians and more. Schedule of events can be found on Beachstreet USA. During the day you can rent bikes, roller blades or even a surrey.  There are two separate boardwalks one for walkers and one for people with wheels so you don't have to worry about the overzealous jogging mom with the double stroller hogging the lane.  (Yes, that is right no one had to worry about me!)
There are inflatable water slides right on the beach. There is a long dock right on the beach that has ice cream, fried seafood and the typical array of shops with salt water taffy and beach trinkets for sale. There are also boat and fishing tours and, of course, plenty of surfing.


My best advice would be to take it slow and try not to cram in too much, our lives are busy enough so sit back in your Tommy Bahamas chair, grab a drink and relax.   I bet you will head back there in a mere three weeks.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA | "Beaches, Hotels, and Excitement in Beautiful Myrtle Beach, SC"

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March is well under way and the warmer weather is making its way onto the east coast. Warmer weather of course means a better vacation! Come on out to Myrtle Beach and see all of the sights, sounds, and events that make this such a great travel destination. You’ll need somewhere to stay, and options abound. For beachfront properties, there are great options like the Westgate Myrtle Beach, 3 Palms Oceanfront Resort, or the Bluewater Resort.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA 

As far as keeping yourself entertained, you’ll be able to choose from multiple attractions, great food, or even just lying at the beach! Some of the more exciting options include Ripley’s Aquarium, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, or the Marvelous Mirror Maze.

Of course for the ultimate Myrtle Beach vacation, you should choose a vacation package! With all of our vacation packages you will receive lodging and at least one attraction. You can browse all of our pre-made packages or create your own! Here are just a few of the pre-made packages we offer.

Myrtle Beach Honeymoon Getaway

It’s no secret that Myrtle Beach is a very romantic place, and with this package, you and your love can head to the town and enjoy an amazing show as well. With the package, you will receive 2 night’s lodging at the property of your choice, and tickets to see the Carolina Opry. The Carolina Opry is a highly acclaimed show which combines musical and choreographic talent to create an excellent, award-winning show that has just the right amount of romance and glitz.

And with two night’s lodging, you’ll have plenty of time to lounge on the beach with the Myrtle Beach Honeymoon Getaway Package.

Myrtle Beach Attractions Vacation Package

The Myrtle Beach Attractions Vacation Package gives you plenty to do, and plenty of time to do it in. You’ll get three night’s lodging, tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium, the NASCAR Speedpark, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum. At Ripley’s Aquarium, you’ll see a variety of over 400 freshwater and saltwater creatures, including sharks and stingrays. The 750,000 gallon aquarium is amazing, and sure to be a highlight of your trip. The NASCAR Speedpark, on the other hand, will satisfy your need for speed. You’ll experience NASCAR themed events like bumper cars, mini golf, and racecars. And finally, at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, you will see tons of strange and fascinating artifacts that you have to see to believe. A six-legged cow, antiquated vampire killing kit, and genuine shrunken head are just a few of the amazing things you will see. This package is sure to give you the Myrtle Beach vacation you were hoping for.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA | "10 Simple Tips for Successful Solo Volunteering"

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By             :  Vacation In Beach Hotel
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It’s week two of my trip to China and I’m pleased to present the second of three guests posts being published while I’m away.
This time we have Shannon O’Donnell who has actively traveled around the world since 2008; she travels slowly and volunteers in small communities along the way. Shannon is author of The Volunteer Traveler’s Handbook—a how-to guide for ethical volunteering. Her travel stories and photography are recorded on her travel blog, A Little Adrift.com.

Hotels with Ocean Views VA

Volunteering abroad has become an increasingly popular activity for travelers as the internet and global communications shed more light on wealth disparities, poverty, and environmental issues facing us all. As a solo traveler interested in giving back on your travels, you’re in a unique position because you can truly lead by your own interests and find a volunteer experience that fits exactly with how you want to spend your trip.
There are countless volunteer experiences out there. Some tours and trips will claim to cater to solo travelers in particular but it would be better to explore within your specific niche interest rather than a specific company. There are a range of great projects with varying levels of facilitation. You simply have to narrow it down, vet the organization, and take the basic safety precautions before you set out.

1. Learn the basics about development and aid issues. Important for every potential volunteer is understanding and adjusting expectations. Before you even begin searching for potential volunteer opportunities, read relevant books about aid and development so you have a better grasp of the core issues you’re trying to address by your volunteer service. For reading and researching, this post on understanding the developing world is a good place to start.

2. Pick a country you feel a connection to already. One of the great benefits of solo travel is that you, alone, are at the helm of your volunteer placement decision. So, perhaps you love a country because your best friend emmigrated from there or you had a childhood dream to travel somewhere? Your strongest personal benefits in international service often come when you pick a volunteer experience in a place that inspires you, or on a topic to which you have a close connection.

3. Read good books. Much of your excitement for volunteering will stem from the wonderful travel books you’ve read over the years. These books share insights into other countries and cultures, and reading about a place you’re about to visit helps you connect more deeply and understand different points of view, cultural norms, and their history. If you need inspiration, this resource lists great travel books for each region and country in the world.

4. Ask your organization a lot of questions. Once you pick a potential volunteer organization, you want to make sure their model for volunteering fits with what you’ve learned about aid and development work. And always ask for a breakdown of any volunteer fees so you know exactly where and how the program fee is used.
Be humble. Your attitude when you arrive and work at your volunteer experience will be the strongest indicator for success on your solo volunteering trip. Arrogance has no place in volunteer work—you are there to learn, support, and lift up other communities.

5. Show up ready to help in any way you can. Set no expectations for what you will do and be ready to offer whatever type of help your volunteer placement needs, even if it is not exactly the way you expected things to be. As a solo volunteer you should have the flexibility to go where they need you and do what they need you to do. As a volunteer you are there to help them, period, so be open to provide the help they actually need once you arrive—needs change and flexibility is a must in volunteering!

6. Make friends and travel the region. Volunteer placements are a perfect way for solo travelers to make new friends and connect with people you might not usually befriend if you had a travel companion. Be open to the new friendships and then use your time off from volunteering to visit local areas of interest. These bonding experiences with your fellow volunteers can become strong, lasting memories.

7. Respect new ideas and differences at your volunteer placement. Some volunteer placements will jolt you out of the familiar as you adjust to new cultural norms, traditions, and ways things get done. Business policies, economies, local governments, and cultural attitudes are very different in some places, so respect other ideologies and be willing to learn new ways of interacting and accomplishing needed tasks.
Fund-raise for your cause once you return home. You owe it to the people and community you worked with to become an evangelist for that cause, and it’s a great way for you to overcome reverse culture shock while sharing the experience with the friends and families you left behind.

8. Be flexible. Though we touched on this in other tips, it really is a huge factor in volunteering—be willing to expect the unexpected. Traveling can be wacky, unpredictable, and stressful and this holds even truer for volunteer travel when you have obligations, expectations, and countless other factors weighing in on the experience. Take the experiences as they come and be willing to accommodate the new realities you face on the road, and at your volunteer placement.

9. There is no surefire recipe for crafting a good-fit volunteer experience but making sure you’ve chosen an ethical organization, abandoned your fixed expectations, and learned a lot about your host country sets the stage for success. Volunteering is not an ideal option for every trip. If you don’t have the time to fully dedicate yourself in a meaningful way on a planned trip it might be best to leave volunteering for the next one.

10. For solo travelers volunteering can be a wonderful way to connect at a deeper and more personal level with the country. You’ll have a structure for your trip, points of contact to help you along the way, and it’s likely you’ll leave with many new friends.