Tours, Travel and Vacation

One of the main reasons I had come to Detroit was the fantastic architecture that this city has to offer. Detroit celebrated its heyday in the early 20th century when the automobile industry took off, and car ownership became available to everyday people. Witnesses to this boom are the many stunning historic skyscrapers in Detroit, particularly from the 1920s, buildings that still define one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

Of course the Great Depression of the 1930s put an end to this exuberant construction activity, but to this day Detroit features a great collection of architectural treasures. One of the most well-known landmarks is the former Book Cadillac Hotel, which at its opening in 1924, was the tallest building in Detroit and the tallest hotel in the world.

The Book Cadillac was developed by three brothers who intended to turn Washington Boulevard into the “Fifth Avenue of the West”. They commissioned prominent Detroit architect Louis Kamper to design their hotel property which was to be built on the location of the earlier Cadillac Hotel, a property dating back to 1885. With big fanfare this grand hotel opened in 1924, featuring 1,136 state-of-the-art guest rooms. The Book Cadillac Hotel was Detroit’s most luxurious and venerable hotel property for many years. The first five floors of the original Book Cadillac had three ballrooms, a spacious lobby and retail stores on the ground floor. Even a radio station was located on the top floor.

In 1931 finally, caused by the financial crisis of the Great Depression, the Book Brothers lost control of this property, and it was then run by the National Hotel Management Company. In May of 1939 Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees’ famous first baseman, collapsed in the grand staircase of the hotel. He took himself out of the lineup which ended up breaking his string of 2,130 consecutive games played. Later of course, he was diagnosed with ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which also became known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The script to Frank Capra’s 1947 movie “State of the Union” , starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, made several references to the Book Cadillac. Although filmed on a movie set, a shot of the actual front entrance marquee of the hotel appeared in the movie. Over the years, many other celebrities stayed at the hotel, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman, Ronald Reagan and Herbert Hoover all spent nights in this landmark property. Dr. Martin Luther King spent a night here in 1968, shortly before he was assassinated.

From the 1950s onwards the Book Cadillac was owned by the Sheraton chain which finally sold the hotel in 1975. This era was particularly unkind to this historic property as furniture and paint schemes were changed and the grand marble staircase was ripped out and replaced by an escalator. The hotel’s name changed to the Sheraton Cadillac as the Book Brothers’ name disappeared altogether.
Following the 1967 Detroit riot, tourism declined in the city and many businesses closed. Many of Detroit’s grand historic hotels could not survive and were shuttered. This sad fate befell the Fort Shelby Hotel, the Hotel Statler and the Hotel Tuller. The Cadillac did briefly benefit because it ended up with some chandeliers and other pieces from the Statler Hotel. The cult film “Detroit 9000″, made in 1974, highlights this era of the hotel.

Sheraton finally sold the hotel to Herbert Weissberg, a prominent New York Hotel owner, who renamed it the Detroit Cadillac. After his foreclosure the property changed hands to the Radisson chain which also implemented a number of unsuccessful renovations. After several additional sales, the hotel was turned into a mixed-used property during the 1980s that included office space. In 1984 it finally closed its doors for renovations but did not reopen as planned due to economic problems. Almost all the hotel’s contents were sold at fire-sale prices, including original Book Cadillac china, beds, linens and other items.

As a matter of fact, the Book Cadillac became an abandoned property and over time became a victim of vandalism and urban scavengers. Initially, a security guard protected the property from 1986 to 1997, but once the guard was removed, the formerly splendid hotel was ravaged, and many of the architectural details were stolen or destroyed. Graffiti was sprayed all over the property, the historic plasterwork destroyed and the entire interior was in shambles.

The historic Book Cadillac, the grande dame of Detroit, was a former shadow of itself until the Cleveland-based Ferchill Group decided to take on this historic hotel and renovate it from top to bottom. With costs of around $200 million, the historic Book Cadillac has become a Westin Hotel property that also features 67 condominiums residences on the higher floors. The Westin Book Cadillac reopened its doors at the beginning of October of 2008 and a grand opening gala evening on October 25, 2008 will officially celebrate the restoration of this historic landmark hotel. I was absolutely fortunate to witness this stunning architectural rebirth just a few days after it became accessible to the public.

On this sunny Monday morning I met with John Timko, the sales manager of the hotel, who started our tour with a trip to the rooftop of the hotel. Work crews were still working on the top level luxury condos which gave us a chance to go out on the rooftop of the hotel. 31 stories up and without any protective railings, this was a slightly hair-raising yet exhilarating experience.

I was enthralled by the ziggurats, the hotel’s crowning touches, which have been completely restored with new copper cladding since the original copper pieces had been stolen. The view of downtown Detroit and the Detroit River with Windsor on the other side of the Ambassador Bridge was simply breathtaking. Even more amazing is that once the condos are finished, there will not be any further access to the rooftop. I counted myself really lucky to have experienced the rooftop of the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.

John continued the tour with the historic ballroom level which includes three ballrooms, including the Venetian Ballroom that was restored back to its 1924 glory, the true pride and joy of this property. The Italian Garden Room and Crystal Ballroom round out the historic meeting spaces that are located on this level. We also had a look at a variety of corporate meeting rooms as well as the Executive Center on the 19th floor. The Westin Executive Club floor with the concierge lounge is for the use of hotel guests and offers a fabulous view. The Westin Book Cadillac Hotel certainly offers everything a business or leisure traveler would ever want.

We also had a look at the Boulevard Room restaurant on the second floor which will be joined by “Roast”, a restaurant run by celebrity chef Michael Symon. The Motor Bar on the second level features cocktails and snacks in a beautifully restored high-ceilinged lounge area. Another restaurant, 24grille, will open in late January of 2009, and the WBC Grab & Go coffee shop, due also to open in January, will provide a casual bistro atmosphere.

After a visit to the large brand-new Woodward Ballroom which can be subdivided into three segments, we had a sneak peek at the almost completed exercise and pool area. Only the most modern workout equipment awaits exercise-hungry hotel guests. We finished our tour with a view of the front façade of the hotel on Washington Boulevard which illustrates the grandeur of this Art Deco beauty. The Westin Book Cadillac certainly presides again regally over this grand avenue.

Afterwards we headed into the Boulevard Room restaurant to enjoy a delicious sampling of dishes provided by the expert chefs at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. 
Under the Westin Hotel & Resorts brand, the historic Book Cadillac Hotel has been completely resurrected in all its glory, successfully combining a tasteful historic restoration with the most modern 21st century amenities. The two nights I spent in the hotel made me appreciate the ideal location of this landmark property that lets you explore all of Detroit’s downtown sights on foot.

The Westin Book Cadillac is a great example of the transformations that Detroit and many of its buildings have experienced over the past. Despite Detroit’s checkered history and economic challenges, the restoration of the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel is one of the greatest examples of successful architectural preservation and rejuvenation in the entire United States. Now the grande dame of Detroit hotels reigns supreme again on stately Washington Boulevard.

Situated four degrees south of the equator is a tropical archipelago named Seychelles which offers you the opportunity of a memorable luxury holiday, thousands of miles away from the prying eyes of the world. In ancient times, the myths of hidden treasures drew pirates to these hundred odd islands scattered over the torrid waters of the Indian Ocean. However, today the clear alabaster sands, magnificent coral reefs, the banana and cinnamon plantations, lush hillsides dotted with coconut trees and the feral orchids culminate together to make luxury Seychelles holidays one of the most popular luxury holidays in the world.

Seychelles islands are located towards the north-east of Madagascar and at a distance of 1600 kilometers from Kenya. They comprise of 155 tiny and isolated islands, each island more exquisite than the other. The islands are connected to London via major air carriers such as Air Seychelles, Emirates and Qatar Airways with flights departing from all major airports in London.  With temperatures between 24 and 32 degrees almost perennially, luxury Seychelles holidays can be undertaken round the year. Luxury Seychelles holidays are perfect for romantic getaways, beach living, island hopping, deep sea fishing and getting in touch with nature. There are ample opportunities to feast your eyes on some of the rarest species of the pant and animal kingdom.

Luxury Seychelles holidays wouldn’t be what they are without the large number of luxury hotels and luxury villas in Seychelles. There are options galore for luxury hotels and villas to cater to all your whims and fancies. Among luxury hotels, Banyan tree Seychelles merits the first mention. Located in the midst of Intendance Bay, this is an exotic little paradise in itself and is perfect for a romantic escapade. It offers you complete privacy in pool villas and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

Next is Constance Lémuria Resort of Praslin which is characterized by exciting views of egg laying turtles. Discover accommodation luxury at its best accompanied with unmatched service. Soak in the sun and get the essence of true beach living some of the top beaches of the world such as Grande Anse Kerlanand and Anse Georgette. If you are a nature lover, then  the crescent-shaped Denis Private Island is just the place for your luxury Seychelles holiday. Get closer to nature by taking long walks through the resort’s many beautiful pathways. Special attractions are the outdoor showers and verandahs facing the sea. The other notable luxury hotels are Desroches, Four Seasons, Fregate Island Private,North Island , Maia Luxury Resort & Spa ans Sainte Anne Resort & Spa.

So discover true luxury holidays with luxury Seychelles holidays.

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When you’re shopping for luxury ski holidays its important to know that the services you’re looking for are included in the package. Here we’re going to discuss the 5 top tips for what you should be looking for in luxury ski chalets holidays.

1)   The Ski Chalets.

Large luxury ski chalets should have at least 80% of their bedrooms en-suite and many come with a master suite. Most chalets have between four to seven bedrooms. The ski chalets should also have a sauna and a hot tub and spa. Many of the larger chalets also have massage and treatment rooms. Finally the views when you’re relaxing in the hot tub you want to make sure you have a stunning mountain back drop.

2)   Transportation.

Whether its private jets or helicopter transfers the company you’re booking with should be able to arrange all these services for yourself and any staff or security personnel.  Once you’re on the ground return transfers to and from the airport and in resort transfers should all be included.

3)   Dinner.

A minimum of 4 – 6 course evening meals for 5 nights with carefully selected wines provided by a private chef and server. Breakfast should be of your choice and you should expect an open bar with spirits, beers and soft drinks. A top company will also provide you with a ski snack pack as well in case you’re peckish on the slopes.

4)   Ski Chalet Staff.

For any ski holiday to run smoothly you’re going to need dedicated staff to organise everything from your transportation requirements to additional ski lessons. Look for a company providing a minimum of a Chalet Manager as well as ancillary staff for daily housekeeping and chauffeurs.

5)   The little Extras.

These are the little things that make the difference for when you’re relaxing in the chalet on your ski holiday. Some of the things we believe should be included are a champagne reception to welcome you on arrival, luxury bath and body products, fluffy dressing and slippers you can snuggle up in and fresh fruit and flowers around the chalet.

If you are looking for luxury ski holidays and would like further information on ski chalets that are available please don’t hesitate to contact Azzure Holidays.

There are a number of luxury and superior hotels providing accommodation facility to guests coming to Berlin, Deutschland. This article lists some of the most popular hotels available for booking in Berlin, Germany. You can also book a Berlin hotel or Hotel Deutschland by visiting HotellWeb sites.
5 star Hotels in Berlin
Hotel Adlon Kempinski: Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Hotel Adlon has a unique interior combination of an illustrious tradition and dynamic modernity. When entering the hotel, at once you’ll be enveloped in an atmosphere that is German from the very core. Situated in the heart of Berlin you’ll find everything conveniently provided at your doorstep along with it you can enjoy the hospitality of the very friendly and welcoming staff making you feel truly pampered and at home. Occupying the 5th place in Berlin luxury hotels, this century old hotel boasts an ambience and an experience that you won’t find elsewhere. The hotel comprises of 304 luxurious rooms and 78 suites, from which 141 are non-smoking, 2 are handicapped-friendly and 6 are built and furnished for allergy sufferers.
The Regent Berlin: Being the first choice for all leisurely travelers, The Regent Hotel has the credit of being rated as the top most hotels in the city. Situated near the Berlin’s famous Friedrichstrabe and the magnificent Unter den Linden boulevard, all the 246 rooms of the hotel boast a lavish and elegantly stylized interior.
Hotel Steigenberger: For more than 25 years the hotel has been a home to many famous and esteemed guests. Being a prestigious hotel, it is the ultimate choice for all elite class travelers. The hotel offers 386 rooms with luxurious comfort and 11 individually styled suites
4 star Hotels in Berlin
Best Western Kanthotel: Situated in a prime location where you can easily access all the public transport, the Best Western hotel offers good value for money and yet facilitates all guests with more than just the necessities. Comprising of 70 elegantly decorated rooms the hotel is a good choice for those who want to travel in an economic yet stylish way.
Park Inn Berlin Alexanderplatz Hotel: With a supreme location near the 368-metre TV Tower and the parliamentary district, the Alexanderplatz Hotel boasts 1.012 modern and comfortable rooms which include Business rooms, suites and classic rooms. Being the largest Berlin hotel, the hotel has a ballroom which can host up to 350 guests.
Hotel Hackescher Markt: Reasonably priced, elegantly decorated, tastefully designed are some of the compliments that the 31 rooms of this hotel have received from many guests. The hotel is within walking distance from the Museum Island, and good restaurants in the Hackescher Market and offers very good price range that won’t be a burden on your pocket and yet you can enjoy all the amenities required to enjoy your memorable trip.
3 star Hotels in Berlin
Mercure Airport Hotel Berlin Tegel: Situated conveniently at the Tegel Airport, the hotel is only 6 kilometres from the centre of Berlin. The 186 guestrooms which reach up to more than five floors feature simple, neutral decor and functional furnishings, including desks and sofa beds. All rooms offer facilities like high-sped internet, Television, mini bar, direct phone facility and complimentary newspaper service.
Hotel Ambassador: Ambassador Hotel Berlin is a Partner of Sorat Hotels and is situated at a distance of 200 meters from the KaDeWe department store and 11 kilometers from the airport. The Hotel has been designed keeping all modern trends and services in mind. The rooms are a unique blend of 1970 retro style furniture coupled with modern amenities. The hotel consists of 218 elegantly decorated and designed rooms complimented with 1970′s style furniture and colour schemes.
Berlin Mark Hotel: The prime locality of the hotel makes it conveniently accessible and the hotel is located only a 3 minute stroll to the Kurfurstendamm, is what that sets this hotel apart from its competitors. Guests will experience superb dining and excellent accommodation facilities all at very reasonable rates in the Berlin Mark Hotel. All the 95 rooms are equipped with tasteful decorations combined with modern amenities to make all guests feel at home.

If you want to make the most of your holiday this summer, then pack your bags and visit Malaysia. Get ready for some hair-raising adventure in Malaysia. Whether you want to indulge in a thrilling experience of scuba diving or surfing, Malaysia’s beaches are ideal for you. If you are not too keen on sports or adventure, you can enjoy a laid-back experience at the tranquil beaches of Malaysia. If the incredible attractions bring you to Malaysia, hotels in Malaysia will add to your stay. A wide range of hotels-from luxury to cheap hotels dots the beautiful island nation. If you are one of those looking for a high-end variety of amenities and services, luxury hotels in Malaysia are the best options for you.

Always remember to consult the Malaysia travel guide to get extensive information on luxury hotels in Malaysia. A plethora of sites for hotel booking worldwide provides with the elaborate data on almost all hotels around the hotel. You can avail online hotel booking services and find out more about luxury Malaysia hotels. Find out more about the discounted rates from discount hotel booking sites.

Whether you choose to stay in a luxury hotel belonging to the Negeri Sembilan group or decide to stay at a hotel of the Banding Island brand, you will enjoy a comprehensive variety of amenities and services.  The Bukit Tinggi Hotels, Kota Bharu Hotels, Putrajaya Hotels, Pangkor Island Hotels, Kedah Hotels, Kota Kinabalu Hotels, Cameron Highlands Hotels and Port Dickson Hotels are also some of the most popular addresses of stay.

The most popular destinations of Malaysia including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah, Malacca, Langkawi, Sibu Island, Perak, Kota Bharu, Kuching and Damai Laut are home to some of the finest tourist attractions of the country.  Tourists from all across the world visit these destinations to enjoy a memorable holiday. Apart from a wide range of sightseeing attractions, you will get a lot of variety by way of things to do in Malaysia. If you are planning to indulge in exotic sightseeing tours or explore the lovely things to do, your hotel will give you convenient access to whatever you desire you to do. The big hotel brands have opened up their hotels in these popular destinations.  Shangri-La, Ritz Carlton, JW Marriott and others are the most popular hotel chains here.

 
The high-end category hotels are nothing but an embodiment of luxury band comfort! The luxury hotels in Malaysia not only provide incredible amenities for leisure tourists, but also for business travelers. A wide range of luxury business hotels, strewn across Malaysia, offer an exclusive range of facilities and services for the business traveler.

Luxury hotels in Malaysia come with large and spacious air-conditioned rooms, complete with the best facilities and services. Most of these hotels are well equipped with a business center. You can conduct high-profile meetings and conferences at the state-of-the-art conference and meeting rooms at the hotels. Banquet facilities are provided at some of these hotels. Modern amenities for recreation such as swimming pool, message parlor, sauna, spa, and sports room are an integral part of these hotels.

Ishita Bhaduri loves to write articles on how to get cheap hotels in your favorite destination spots and how to find Malaysia hotels that will give you a peace of mind.

Luxury collection of Vietnam holidays is created to give a true concept of luxury travel in Vietnam. Luxury travel to Vietnam often means staying in luxury hotels and resorts, having meals at finest restaurants which are widely offered by thousands of operator here. However, with Luxury Holiday Indochina, the concept of luxury travel is much more than this simply

So, what make luxury collections offered by Holiday Indochina different?

1. First of all, all packages brand-named with “LUXURY HOLIDAY INDOCHINA” (LUX-HI) will be transfered by luxurious world-brand vehicles (Mercedes, Camry, Lexus or BMW) which offer max flexibility, privacy & comfort in every kilometer touring. Taking the advantage of mother company – the second largest tourist transporter in Hanoi, Holiday Indochina is proud to be the first Online tour operator offered luxurious world-brand vehicles (Mercedes, Camry, Lexus or BMW) for touring transfer in Vietnam.

2. All packages brand-named with “LUXURY HOLIDAY INDOCHINA” (LUX-HI) will be accommodated at best world-brand hotels/resorts at all destinations

3. Next, for all long distance required traveling by air, all passengers touring in LUX-HI packages will be flied with business-class air tickets regardless of  within Vietnam or through out Indochina countries.

4. All programs will be escorted and guided by experienced and professional tour guides

5. The next point classifies us from others is the itinerary – which is looked after carefully in every detail to perfectly respond to all special and individual needs. Once you travel under LUX-HI packages, all city tours will be kept on going until you find enough due to your desire and comfort

6. All LUX – HI tours will be supplied unlimited water and wet tissue from the time you landing on Vietnam till the time saying good bye to our country plus with 01 drink (non-alcohol) at all meals at finest restaurants

7. With LUX-HI package, we operate small group tours with 10 persons max per group only, which ensure we can put our carefulness into most tiny individual needs. All group sizes from 5 persons up, the porter service is automatically applied

8. All clients travel on tour under brand name LUX-HI will be insurance up to 30.000USD/case in case of accidental events which are paid under Insurance company policy

Keeping all above thoughts in mind, Holiday Indochina deeply believe to bring to our valuable clients the most comfortable trips to Vietnam. We are confident enough to set a wider and deeper concept of real luxury travel to Vietnam

Luxury Holiday Indochina’s Team

Built on the style of Greece city states, Singapore is a small country with diverse but rich culture and tradition. The country is considered heaven for shopping enthusiasts who want do shopping till drop. Singapore tourism is the most preferred tourist destinations for travelers across the world and millions of travelers from around the world travel here every year for various purposes ranging from business to honeymoon to study the social structure of the place. In its effort to attract budget travelers, Singapore tourism vigorously promotes cheap hotels in Singapore.

Singapore travel is rich with experience in terms its possession of pubs, discotheques and lounges, etc. All walk of people visit these places and enjoy without any discrimination. People who have interest in food and cuisine, Singapore offers fancy range of food items ranging from sea food to continental to Thai. Singapore offers a wide range of options for travelers with its luxury hotels and cheap hotels in Singapore.

People from various neighboring countries came to Singapore and established multi-cultural society which is not only vibrant but lives in full harmony. The country offers a perfect mix of the present and past, skyscrapers and serene landscape, and beautiful places of worship. Additionally, apart from several other spectacular tourist spots, Singapore is center for various commercial activities in South-East Asia and a leading center of trade.

A perfect blending of Occidental and Oriental cultures, Singapore has rich nightlife which attracts people with nocturnal habits. Cheap hotels in Singapore offer extensive range of facilities and amenities to travelers at attractive and affordable tariff. Some major Singapore cheap hotels including of Aspinals Hotel, Bencoolen Hotel, Broadway Hotel, China Town Hotel, Fragrance Hotel and many others. Singapore cheap hotels offer wide range of choices for accommodation.

Cruise holidays are becoming increasing popular as they have lots to offer for a very nominal price. The price of rooms on a luxury cruise would be almost as much as a luxury hotel, or probably less and the food is usually great with lots to offer and costing you as much as in a mid-priced restaurant. One also gets to see a lot of places as a part of the trip. So a cruise holiday is like a jumbo combo, which comes with a variety of packages to cater to everyone.

The luxury cruise concept has evolved over time to cater to those set of people who want to travel in style. The rooms are more spacious than in a regular cruise and the facilities are first class, though one would hardly spend time in a room when you can explore the ship and relax to the silence of the sea. One may find it surprising indeed, but on the luxury cruise you can find all facilities provided by most quality hotels and not to forget the flawless journey through the sea. Most luxury cruises have entertainment for the night ranging from massage centers or gaming places to a dance floor where you can dance amidst the sea breeze.

Cruise holidays come in packages ranging from 2 days to about a month, hence I would say why not plan your next weekend on a luxury cruise and also get the chance to see a new place. The best part of a cruise holiday is the possibility of an absolutely customized tour. Whether you plan to get married on the sea or spend a month’s time travelling around the world from place to place, cruise holidays are the best deals you can ask for.