Burme Traveling Guides

The Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas – A Review of This Fine Hotel

The brand spanking new Wynn Resort is located on the main strip, in Las Vegas. It has raised the level of standards and luxury that guests in Vegas can attain in a mega-resort. This 5-star/5-diamond, 2,700 room luxury hotel offers richly decorated rooms, HD televisions, phones, mini bars, and exquisite views. Some have compared the suites to apartments in Manhattan. Other services include wireless Internet, fax services, maid service, barbers, hair salon, concierge, full security, extra beds, ATM machines, multi-lingual staff members, travel agency, car rentals and other vital services.

The Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, has a 110k ft2 gaming casino, with everything from Roulette to Blackjack. Minor gambling opportunities are found in the superbly decorated gaming areas for Keno, the private salons, and the Wynn Hotel’s betting store. The hotel provides a superb theatre, seating 2, 000 people. Recent visitors have compared its fabulous entertainment as comparable to anything that Caesar’s Palace has provided over the years. However, it is perfectly located within walking and driving distance of other show theatres, so each evening does not have to end so quickly.

There are eighteen top quality restaurants at the Wynn. There is something to suit every taste, from seafood to steak, from casual dining to high end. Best of all, the hotel is just moments away from Las Vegas’ many other famous eating establishments.

Of course, no trip to the Wynn Hotel, is complete without fine shopping, fun activities and health and beauty services. The resort is home to over 29 varied stores, including everything from clothing to art, from jewelry to furnishing. However, it also boasts two high end car dealerships – Ferrari and Maserati. Thanks to the expertise of Tom Fazio and Steve Wynn, the resort now boasts an exclusive 18-hole, golf course, with full access to the hotel’s other nearby facilities. Guests are also welcomed to enjoy the pool, spa, landscaped grounds, massage parlor, fitness center and the beauty salon. If that is not enough, then the hotel’s masterpiece art gallery will astound even the most discerning art expert with works by Van Gogh, Picasso and others.

For the business visitors, the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, has full business and event facilities. Each meeting room is fully equipped and staffed for conferences or meetings, with relaxing views of both the pool and the golf course. A stay at the Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas, is a chance to see the new face of Las Vegas – increased opulence and refined dining and entertainment. The Wynn Hotel Resort is located at 3131 Las Vegas Blvd., South, Las Vegas, Nevada, and well worth the stop!

The sad truth is that criminals target travelers, especially in and around hotels. The abundance of literature on the topic of hotel security does not seem to have deterred criminals from using hotels as a target of their trade. An informal survey of hotel security staff reveals old patterns of crime repeated and new tricks (or new variations of old tricks) continue as before. There are, however, some practices which can reduce your risk of being the target of crime or other hazards in a hotel.

THE STARTING POINT

The starting point for hotel security consideration begins well before you have checked into the hotel. If you drive to a hotel and park in their garage or parking lot, auto security, luggage protection, and personal safety will be your starting point. If you arrive by cab, your safety in the taxi and care of your luggage will be your starting point. In fact, unless you have visited a particular hotel fairly recently, your starting point should be a telephone call from home to ask a few questions. If the hotel is in a foreign country, the list of questions to ask in advance will be more extensive. At the very least, a call should be made to confirm your reservations; get a fax of confirmation and note the name of the person you spoke to.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AND WHERE TO ASK THEM

In my experience working with numerous hotels around the USA and internationallythere are three questions to ask for selecting a secure hotel: Are They’re electronic door locks? Is their good key control? And is there a firealarm and water sprinkler system? “Generally, the only way to find this out iscalling the hotel directly. The number one security issue is controlling whohas access to a guest’s hotel room. While we can install electronic locks andkeep a closely controlled system of key control, it’s the guests themselves who often let down their guard and fail to lock their door when they go out to get ice at the end of the hall, or open their door to an uninvited intruder. “it is important to remember that a hotel is a public place and criminals are attracted to places where outsiders are vulnerable.”

WHAT ROOM TO RESERVE

If possible, avoid staying in a room located on the first floor of a hotel. Since first floor rooms often have sliding doors or windows that are accessible from ground level, they are a greater security risk than rooms on higher floors. Second floor to fifth floor rooms are usually a good choice in the event of a fire, as they are more easily accessible for rescue purposes than rooms on higher levels. But rarely is room selection so simple. If you are attending a convention or visiting during the busy season, your choice of rooms may be limited. And a more expensive room will not guarantee you greater fire security, since the most luxurious suites are usually located on the top floors, Key and can therefore be more difficult to escape in a fire. Rooms away from the ice machine or utility area will minimize your exposure to the noise of hallwaytraffic, and a room near a stairwell will provide an alternative to endless waiting for crowded elevators. Women traveling alone may wish to choose a room near hall or stairwell surveillance cameras for added security. Before you get settled into your assigned room, verify that there is a reasonably quick access to a fire escape route by window or stairway.

The history of the rise of the luxury hotel industry is a fascinating story. With the start of the industrial revolution, in the 1760s, hotels began to be built across Europe and the United States. Later, holiday resorts began to pop up along the French and Italian Riviera. In Boston, The Tremont House was the first deluxe hotel in a city centre. It provided “inside toilets, locks on the doors, and an ‘a la carte’ menu.”

The Holt Hotel in New York City was the first to provide its guests with a lift for their luggage. In 1822, in Venice, Giuseppe Dal Niel transformed an old palace into a hotel and gave it the name, “Le Danieli.” In the spring of 1834, L’Hotel des Bergues was built on the shore of Lake Geneva. In New York, the New York Hotel was the first hotel to be equipped with private bathrooms.

In 1970, construction of hotels began to increase in order to accommodate the traveling business person. Hotel chains started to offer a wide range of services and their rooms became more spacious and luxurious, as well as offering fine dining.

The next development in the hotel industry began in 1980 and was highlighted by more creative marketing. As well, hotels began to adapt to a wealthier clientele. During this time, hotels near airports, hotels for conferences, health hotels, ski holiday hotels, holiday villages and marina hotels began to emerge across the country.

In 1984, work began on a hotel of the prominent sultans’ residence, the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul. Managed by the Kempinski chain, it opened its 322 rooms to guests in 1991. The resulting hotel defined luxury and elegance. Also during this period, Far East countries such as China and Japan began to develop luxury hotel accommodations for wealthy tourists and business people. International chains were also expanding across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia targeting the wealthy.

In 1997, the Hotel Adlon in Berlin was renovated to be much like its luxurious heritage in 1907 before it was destroyed in 1945. The hotel’s 337 rooms and suites are the definition of luxury. The interior, designed by England’s Ezra Attia and Sweden’s Lars Malmquist, consists of marble, sandstone, stained glass, gold leaf, cherry wood paneling, and damask draperies.

In 1995, construction began in Dubai on one of the most grand and celebrated tourist developments in the region, the Jumeirah Beach Hotels. It is now one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. It is famous for its luxurious bedrooms, service, modern technology, as well as the impeccable exquisiteness of the surroundings. As they state, “they offer a five-star lifestyle destination that’s dedicated to delighting the senses of every guest.”

In 2004, the new Emirates Palace Hotel (CPH), in Abu Dhabi, was developed to offer the most exceptional services and luxury accommodations. As they state, “The Palace boasts 302 Grand rooms and 92 magnificent suites each combining the ultimate in luxury with state of the art technology.”

The luxury hotel industry has evolved to the point where all involved in the design, building, and management, are catering to the tastes, preferences, and desires of their guests. They continue to follow new styles and adapt to meet changing trends.

Hotel Rocamar is a small holiday/business hotel situated in the area ofTalamanca, the exclusive area of Ibiza town. It isn’t such a tourist factory as most hotels on the island of Ibiza. Quiet the contrary, it only has 16 rooms. The building originates from the 60′s. As far as known it has always been a hotel/pension. The current owners bought the old Hotel Rocamar back in 2001. Back in the 60′s the hotel already had a vast group of steady visitors, some of which have been coming there since the 60′s In 2004 it was decided to renovate place dramatically without having it losing its traditional characteristics. Decided was for a modern, design interior and state of the art equipped rooms. As a result nowadays rooms are equipped with plasma screen TV, air conditioning, heating (yes for in the winter!) as well as a bunch of other small amenities at customer’s disposal. Further the whole place has wireless internet connection. Most clients of the hotel come there for the extremely laid down atmosphere,the very qualified and informal staff and off course to enjoy the sun and nightlife for which Ibiza is famous. Here the staff knows many of their customers by first name. Checking in isn’t a time consuming or aggravating process here. Known customers are just being saluted and handed the key; that’s all! Like people come “home”. Foreign languages aren’t an obstacle neither as staff speaks seven without any problems and is always happy to chitchat with the customers.What sort of people go to the Rocamar? During summer season mostly holiday seekers. People that like the personalised treat that can be expected in a hotel with only 16 rooms. As said before: people aren’t numbers here.Clients lovethe quietness in the Rocamar and enjoy relaxing at the hotel’s terrace with perhaps themost beautiful views on the Ibiza Bay and the old town capital.During winter the hotel stays open, with only a 6 weeks break around the Christmas holidays. During winter many business travellers frequent the hotel as well as some tourists that like the winter quietness on the island.

Don’t forget, Ibiza, in summer, is a main party center with some of the most renowned discotheques in the world. Unfortunately not all of Rocamar’s 16 roomsare of the same seize. They are varying from rather small to average size roomamongst hotels in Ibiza. The reason for this is the “old” building structure which doesn’tleave any space for alternatives. Sometims this has lead to initial disappointments with clients although usually the excellent quality of the room interior makes up for this inconvenience.Futher it is a petty that Rocamar doesn’t have a an active restaurant anymore at the moment.The area where the restaurant used to be is currently only used for the,included,breakfast. Further due to lack of space within the property a swimming pool isn’t available neither although customers may use the pool of a neighbouring hotel. Compared to the earlier days nothing has changed with respect to Rocamar’s customers. The customers keep coming back, year after year and some of them were there in the late 60′s already.

The attractions of the Historic Center of Havana, with a legend that is about five centuries old, are a true complement to the many options that make up the offer of the leisure industry in the largest of the Antilles.

Tens of thousands of colonial buildings that each meet countless stories collected by several centuries of existence, makes the area a wonderful place for visitors who like to know specific aspects of the past.

Among the wide range of facilities is Hotel Santa Isabel. This property with palatial and elegant dimensions enjoys what is perhaps the best location of all hotels in the area as it is positioned opposite the lovely Plaza de Armas, perhaps the oldest in the city.

The building, three stories high, is located in the heart of Old Havana, near the main sights, a few feet from where the first mass and the first chapter were held, all tied to the founding of the then town of San Cristobal de La Habana. From the balcony you can observe the Palace of the Captains General and the magnificence of the thick walls that make up the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the oldest of the forts built by the Spanish in the days of domination. This visual panorama appears today as one of the main factors in attracting visitors to the Hotel Santa Isabel.

The splendor of the facade blends well with the huge air-conditioned lobby, where crystal chandeliers, epoque furniture and a lavish collection of photographs of the nineteenth century allow the visitor to travel back in time, to the time in which the property was owned by the Count of Santovenia. Don Nicolas Gonzalez Martinez de Campos and Gonzalez del Alamo, was a cuban whose family origins date back to the Seville town of Villa de Coria and to whom, for his many services to the Spanish crown, was awarded, by royal office in 1824, the title of Count of Santovenia. The building was in the hands of the noble family in Havana until the late 60′s of the nineteenth century when it passed into the hands of a clever American who used the property to expand its facilities making it the first of Havana hotels.

Until that time the city was using small hotels to accommodate visitors but still had no facility that would provide a real hotel service. It was the mentioned American, known at the time as “Colonel Lay, who saw the need of the colonial city, took the advantage and opened the Hotel Santa Isabel in the very distant 1867. The hotel operated as such only for 20 years after its foundation, but at the time was considered the best in town for its large and airy rooms. The hotel also provided food service and staff spoke the English language well. Other innovative services were introduced: Ladies who were staying there were attended by persons of their same sex, which is the same as saying that it began implementing, for the first time in the island, the maid service.

Well into the twentieth century its facilities were used for other purposes; it is still remembered by many habaneros that for many years the ground floor served as the restaurant-bar known as ” El Mesn de la flota” (The Inn of the fleet). In the 90′s of the last century, the Office of the Historian of the city wanted to highlight the importance of the property in the Cuban hotel industry and the hotel was remodeled once again to be the Santa Isabel Hotel that it is today, a luxury inn operated by the Habaguanex SA group and offering the comforts of a five-star accommodation, and a hotel environment consistent with the colonial environment where it is located.

If we discuss some of its current attractions it is a must to refer to the Restaurante El Condado. Located near the lobby of the hotel is a posh restaurant with antique furniture that accentuates the elegant atmosphere that permeates the entire facility.

The rooms of the establishment, 27 in total, of which 10 are junior suites, have the additional attraction of their colonial-style furnishings, while trying to maintain the facilities currently required by a 5 star hotel.

A less formal and more relaxed ambience is the one found under the shadow of the Spanish courtyard beside the lobby, where you can enjoy a cocktail or read quietly in one of the tables surrounding the central fountain.

Of course, like its colleague hotels, the hotel Seville, the Plaza Hotel and the Hotel Inglaterra, among others, the Hotel Santa Isabel has the support of celebrities who have opted for its comfortable rooms and excellent service. The hotel suite has received a number of famous guests, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the world famous American actors Jack Nicholson and Bruce Willis, and icons of the music world like Sting.

With all these favors, the Santa Isabel is displayed proudly as one of the jewels in the old part of Havana, able to bring that touch of home and distinction that many visitors expect.

Though Pines hotel is not in Catskills anymore, but those who have seen it, still have its memories fresh in their minds. Pines hotel was known for its joyous atmosphere filled with the chattering of vacationers. Even today, one can imagine joyous couples relaxing in its concrete arch. But, that time has gone now and no one knows whether it will ever come back again or not. Dilapidated nuisance has replaced everything and today one can find Pines hotel in an abandoned condition and the attraction which it used to have has disappeared.

Vandals and thieves have stripped the dignity of Pines hotel located in Catskills. In the year 2003, the Carleton staff building caught fire on July 20. All the copper pipes and electrical wiring of the resort were stolen away by thieves. The present condition of the hotel has become pitiful. One can see its ceilings covered with mold and moss. Glass panes of the windows are hanging out and many of them are scattered over the ground.

It closed in the year 1998 when the Ehrlich family sold it to a developer (the Fallsbung Estates LLC). But something else was written in the fate of this resort as a bankruptcy case was filed by the developer in the year 2002 challenging its property assessments and the Pines was never able to see the rise in its fate again. However, the tax case came to an end in July and the amount of $1 million was allowed as back taxes but Pines hotel got an amount of $500,000 for its assessment. Consequently, all this was sufficient to make this hotel an easy target and it became a squatter’s den.

Though this 96-acre Pines hotel is fenced but still it is not able to keep the outsiders away from it as the gates remain wide open in the absence of any caretaker. The Pines was not the biggest resort at that time even with its 400 rooms. There were other big hotels too such as Buddy Hackett and Tito Puente and they had nightclubs too.

The Pines had indoor and outdoor pools, a ski hall, a golf course, and spacious tennis courts along with an ice-skating rink. It also had card rooms which were famous not only among the guests but among locals too. According to the developers, development work will soon be initiated for all of its rooms and the golf course will be renovated too. Though the things are still not clear but it has been predicted that most probably the hotel will be demolished. So, no one is sure about the ultimate fate of the building.

In the end, the Pines hotel in Catskills is lying idly open to the elements. However, there is a hope that ultimately it will shine once again in the region of Catskills.

Why Rent a Hotel Room When You Can Have a Condo For Less?

There are many factors which make vacationing in a condominium rental far superior to a typical hotel room. Of course, there’s the space factor. IN a typical hotel room, you get from 300 to 500 square feet of space in which your family of 3 or 4 will live for the duration of your vacation. By comparison, most vacation condo rentals will provide you with more than double the space, usually from 1,100 to 1,500 square feet. This includes a kitchen, dining area and living room along with separate bedrooms and usually multiple bathrooms.

Having such space can add dramatically to your fun and relaxation. After all, who wants to content with other people for a bathroom, shower, or hair dryer? Wouldn’t it be nice if the kids could have their own Television in another room?

Having a kitchen while on vacation can really be great. Not that you want to cook all of your meals in the condo, but just the idea of having cereal, fruit and juice for breakfast can save you lots of time and money. Of course, this also gives everybody more freedom since you don’t have to get the whole family ready at the same time to go out for yet another meal. If you can use the condo kitchen just for breakfast and occasional snacks on a week long vacation for a family of 4, you can save several hundred dollars and allow yourself a far more relaxing schedule.

By having multiple bedrooms, you also can enjoy a little privacy. Mom and Dad can enjoy each other’s company while the kids are watching TV or playing games. In fact, each member of the family will enjoy their own ability to read a book, bask in the sun or otherwise have privacy that is simply not possible in even the nicest of hotel rooms.

Condos are available in most of the best resort areas of the World. They can be rented for a week at a time and for amounts much smaller than a typical hotel room in the same destination area. There is no need to buy a timeshare or condominium – they can easily be rented on a weekly basis! You will not be responsible for annual or monthly maintenance fees, large deposits or other expenditures. If fact, it is even simpler to locate and to book a vacation condo rental than to find and book a hotel room.

There are several vendors on the internet that provide an inventory of condo rental weeks. If you do a little searching on the Internet, I am certain that you will be pleased with the results.

While many of us look for the cheapest possible London hotel, there are a privileged few around for whom cost is no object. Without further ado, here are the four most expensive suites in London:

1. The Brook Penthouse at Claridge’s.

Claridge’s is a hotel fit for royalty and the Brook Penthouse is the jewel in its crown. It is of course designed in the hotel’s typical Art Deco style and has its own roof terrace and a lot more besides: there is a large living area, two bedrooms with two dressing rooms (including those ever so essential walk-in wardrobes!). Naturally, it has its own private dining room along with plenty of room for entertaining guests as well as your own private butler. You’ll obviously want to have a big party to show off to your friends if you end up staying there!

2. Royal Suite at the Lanesborough.

The regal Lanesborough has what is rumoured to be London’s most expensive suite with views over Buckingham Palace’s grounds no less! You pay thousands per night but you do get three bedrooms, a huge lounge, panoramic windows and a study – plus once again, your own private butler. Celebrities love it for its discretion as it’s hidden away deep within the hotel!

3. The Infinity Suite at the Langham Hotel.

This suite was renovated at an estimated cost of around 700,000 some years ago and has high ceilings, two bedrooms, lots of technology and gorgeous, spacious dressing areas. There’s also an infinity bath which will take your breath away just looking at it and a fair bit of entertaining space.

4. The Harlequin Suite at the Dorchester.

The Harlequin Suite was renovated in 2007 and has a master bedroom and dressing room, along with a living room, dining area and its own bar. There’s also a big terrace with tremendous views over gorgeous Hyde Park.

The precise pricing for the above suites is elusive but the researchers at London Hotels Insight reckon they will cost you between 4000 and 7000 per night. If you want to stay in them you’d be well-advised to start saving your pennies!

Boarding Procedure and What to Expect Once You Are on the Plane

For many travellers this can be when the nerves kick in and the sweaty palms can start. I know people who have travelled many times and they still become agitated at this stage. There has been scores of books written about why some people are affected and others are not and trying to stay calm by taking deep breaths more or less works for my friend who has a real dread of flying.

When you arrive at gate there will be normally two people responsible for organising the boarding procedure. If there is first class on the plane these will normally board first, otherwise they will ask you to board between certain row numbers. If you are able to board the plane at the front and the back they usually will call two sets of numbers.

Once on the plane you will be asked to buckle your seat belt and make sure that your seat is in the upright position. You will then be given a safety demonstration outlining what do in an emergency, covering where your life jacket is stored, use of oxygen mask, exit procedures and the brace position. This all seems a bit dramatic and I think it is important to point out that flying per mile is the safest form of transport.

Once you are in the air and travelling to a short haul destination you will be given the opportunity to buy drinks and snacks followed by a meal if that is part of your package. If you are flying with one of the low cost airlines this is usually extra and most take their own food to keep costs down because they are relatively expensive.

On longer haul flights food and in flight entertainment is included and these help take up some of the time, a good book is always recommended and if you are one of the lucky ones that are able to get off to sleep so much the better.

One of the things you must do especially on a long haul flight is to frequently exercise ankles, legs and arms and you will find exercises to follow in the in flight magazine, plus getting up and walking up and down the aircraft to stretch your legs. De-hydration is another factor and taking regular sips of water throughout the flight are recommended.

Once the plane has landed you will normally embark from the front and it is just a case of waiting for the rows in front to empty.

Other topics to be covered in this series of tips.

1. How do I get to the airport?

2. Airport Hotel parking option?

3. What happens when I get to the airport?

4. Boarding procedure and what to expect once you are on the plane.

5. When we land how I will get to the hotel and back from the airport?

6. What to look for when booking accommodation.

There are so many kinds of toy planes: from a child’s plastic model to a kit plane made from balsa wood an enthusiast’s scale model that really flies.

The most basic toy planes for children are exactly that: toy planes. They are often brightly coloured, with faces and buttons that make funny plane noises, and their construction is far more imaginative than it is realistic. The only way for these planes to fly is for the child to pick them up and wave them around – or maybe throw them across the room. These kind of toy planes make great gifts for your kids, as children think flying is great.

If your kids like crafts, then you might consider buying them a basic Airfix kit, or something similar. These kits come with pieces of wood or card, glue, and instructions for assembling your own plane. While the plane you end up with isn’t usually that great, the child will love it because they built it themselves.

When children get a little older, though, they start wishing that their planes could really fly, and that’s where the next level comes in. Some wooden kit planes come with a battery to power them and a remote control, and are actually capable of taking off, flying and landing. These planes are not necessarily hugely expensive, and it is really amazing to see something you built yourself flying, no matter how old you are.

If you like that, and you’re good at building things, then you might like remote-controlled plane building as a hobby. These enthusiast-level planes have real petrol engines, and can fly very fast – they’re really not much different to real planes in their construction. However, it can be an expensive hobby, as these planes crash just like the real thing, too, leaving huge amounts of money and work in ruins.