Archive for the 'Spain' Category

Various Hotels In Malaga Spain

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Whether you’re looking for a luxury vacation or a low-priced getaway, you’ll find something to fit your needs in Malaga, Spain. This area has accommodations for anyone. From four star high-rise hotels to no-frills hostels, this area is overflowing with memory-making accommodations. Hotels are the most popular choice, but you can also find spas, rental apartments and bed and breakfasts.

Hotels in Malaga Spain

When choosing your accommodations, whether it be a Malaga hotel, apartment or hostel consider your needs. Price is generally the first consideration. The average hotel can run about $100USD. You might consider the AC Malaga Palacio Hotel or the Los Naranjos Hotel if you’re staying in the center of the city, and are looking for all the services and amenities of a larger chain. Travelers also like the Novetel Malaga and the Hotel Adriano.

Stay in Luxury

Up and down the length of the Costa del Sol, you’ll find a number of luxury spas and resorts. Here you’ll find amenities and services surpassing that of the lower-priced hotels. At the spas throughout Malaga, you can golf, take advantage of the spa, or simply enjoy the beautiful weather. High-rated spas include the Parador Malaga Golf Hotel and the Sunset Beach Club. Enjoy a massage or manicure after swimming and visiting the fitness center at the Gran Hotel Benahavis in Malaga. Among the popular international chains is the Radisson SAS El Marques Resort and Spa.

Apartments

If you’re on an extended trip, or you just enjoy having access to a kitchen, you might consider renting an apartment. You can rent one time or find a timeshare that will allow you to return frequently. Generally, an apartment isn’t rented on single-night basis, so consider this option only if you’re staying for at least a week, as that’s usually the minimum rental period.

Bed and Breakfasts

In the US, when you think “bed and breakfast” you assume it’s a home or other small building with a limited number of rooms. Here, it could refer to a hotel with as many as 150 rooms. It gets its name from the fact that a continental breakfast is included. Though they may not be small, they still offer the personalized service you’d expect from a bed and breakfast.

From the selective business traveler to the budget-minded backpacker, there are accommodations for everyone in Malaga. Whichever type you choose, you’ll find that it has its own unique charm.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Johnathan Bakers publishes normally for www.alicante-spain.com , a website on Costa del Sol . His comments on Malaga Hotel are found on his website .

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Aigua Blava Hotel

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

If you are looking for a haven of peace and tranquility in one of the most spectacular settings anywhere on the Spanish coastline, then look no further than the renowned Aigua Blava Hotel.

Why Go To The Aigua Blava

Opened in 1929 with just eight rooms, it has gradually grown to 18 suites and 70 double rooms, all of them different to each other. You can relax over the many terraces, or enjoy tennis, swimming, boating and beaches. It is also considered a ‘best kept secret’ by many British families who keep very quiet about the fact that they return year after year, sometimes for over 20 years, and always in the same room, in case it becomes mobbed!!

It’s that kind of hotel. The staff is also part of the hotel family. These are not temporary employees who come and go – for most of them this has been the only job they ever had. They care about their guests, in a way that most hotels can never hope to achieve.

The Aigua Blava is a way of life, much more than just a hotel. A beautiful double room with private terrace, overlooking the sea, including breakfast buffet and four-course dinner will cost just € 87 per person per night, in May. That is marvelous value for money. In addition, if you are a golfer, the hotel has 20-30% reductions on the green fees of all courses.
Where is It

Aigua Blava is on the north west mediterranean coast, or the north east coast of Spain, not far from Barcelona, and just north of the beaches of the Costa Brava, but it is a different world from the tourist traps found only a few miles away.

Aigua Blava is the name given to the small but stunningly picturesque stretch of coastline around an inlet between two rocky, pine-covered headlands Literally translated from the Catalan as Blue Waters, it encompasses three beaches connected by a road.

Arrival

The Hotel Aigua Blava is about 40 minutes from Gerona airport and 90 minutes from Barcelona airport. It is easy to drive from the UK, and we did it in a day, so you have a car for exploring.
Accommodation

The Hotel has 70 double rooms, 6 suites and 11 junior suites, all with air-conditioning, heating, bathroom with shower, private balcony, satellite TV, hairdryer, telephone and safe, based either in the main building or in annexes.

Dining

The restaurant is the place for romantic dining, wonderful food, and spectacular views, it is first class with superb Catalan and international cuisine. Half board is included and represents excellent value. A comfortable and hospitable bar offers a warm atmosphere for aperitifs.

The levels of service and the quality of the Gastronomic Restaurant, together with an impressive wine cellar outclasses many 5 star hotels in other regions of Spain.

Amenities

The Aigua Blava is more than just a hotel, it is a resort. In June and September half board is offered as a mandatory inclusion, whilst in July and August, a unique full board package is offered.

In the summer one can hire boats from the harbour below the Hotel via reception, to explore the coastline.

Amenities include a secluded pool area with bar, tennis court, parking, outdoors cooking area, hairdressing and beauty salons and useful money changing facilities. Bar and terrace bar, 2 restaurants, table tennis, room service 7 am – 11pm.

Golf

All area courses are between a 15 – 40 minute drive making Hotel Aigua Blava the perfect place to stay during your Catalonian Golf Tour. The excellent golf courses of Pals and Emporda are both approximately 15 minutes driving time, while Girona, PGA Catalunya and Golf dÕAro are also within easy reach.

The hotel is closed from early November until end of February

What to See & Where To Go

The closest large cities are Girona and Figueres, and the roads are good and in the main uncluttered

The city of Figueres is the birthplace of the 20th century surrealist painter Salvador Dali, and the Dali museum here is the second most visited museum in Spain. Inaugurated by Dali himself, it is dedicated to his weird and wonderful work and will not fail to delight, surprise and puzzle.

Further south, the beautiful walled city of Girona hosts a number of ancient monuments within its old town. Further afield, beyond Barcelona, is Montserrat, a great mountain of strange rock formations shaped by centuries of wild weather and with one of Catalonia’s most important shrines, the Benedictine Monastery, perched on one side. Although popular with tourists and pilgrims, the Monastery is still inhabited by monks and is a fascinating place. If heights don’t faze you, the approach by cable car is the most dramatic.

You will enjoy a visit to the village of Cadaques, which has traditional white houses, narrow cobbled lanes and arty boutiques. It was made famous by Dali, who live close by, and it was a well-known haunt of artists.

The delightful coastal villages of Llafranc and Tamariu are close by and well worth a visit.

Summary

With clients coming back to the hotel year after year, early booking is essential at the Aigua Blava, because now you have found it, you must try it and discover why it is one of the best kept secrets in Europe

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Peter R Stewart is a contributor to www.worldwidevacationspots.com and recommends you check out the website if you like white sand beaches and tropical hideaways

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Casa De Carmona Hotel Near Seville

Sunday, May 10th, 2009

The Casa De Carmona Hotel has been described as one of the most unique and elegant hotels in Spain. It is a lovingly restored 16th Century palace to a small hotel of character, with 33 bedrooms in the tiny ancient, hilltop, walled, picturesque town of Carmona, only 20 minutes outside Seville and 15 minutes from the airport, and to stay there is to stay in the house of a Spanish Nobleman with good taste.

Our first sight of Carmona, and the Casa de Carmona was in the early evening driving towards Seville. We saw what looked like an ancient walled city perched on a hill, and could instantly imagine it in medieval times holding off hordes of invaders.

Finding the hotel itself was a little tricky through the tiny streets of the town, but it was well worth the effort. I was very worried about parking and unloading our Chrysler Voyager, but very quickly I discovered that the Casa de Carmona is different. The narrow streets leads to what seems an impossible car park, but suddenly there was a porter to park my car, and a hotel boy, dressed in pantaloons and tights, who took our bags to our room.

A charming young lady receptionist will met us at the door of the hotel, and not only showed us to our room, but also around the hotel.

We stayed in room five which is closest to the pool and very romantic too. If you are looking for the ideal weekend retreat, perhaps to impress a lover, or even better a honeymoon stopover, then you have found your almost perfect destination. You can be assured of tactful privacy, in a place where refined good taste is almost a bye word!!

First impressions still remain vivid, and as you enter the Casa through a deep-red terracotta patio, which leads through to the reception area you realise this is different. A second patio, filled with plants in large pots and decorated in the same rich colours, forms the central focus of the hotel. There are lush plants, marble colonnades, fragrant flowers, the singing of birds and the gentle gurgling of fountains. A romantic walled patio with an exquisite formal garden features a picture-perfect swimming pool fed by five fountains.

This is an oasis of tranquillity, and whilst it may just lack a little of the luxuries of a top hotel, you will know you have found a gem.

After looking around the courtyards and gardens you will end up in the library and a complimentary drink from the free-bar. The greatest joy is that your chambermaid will unpack for you if you want, and you can leave your shoes outside your room to be polished, all you need to do is ask the receptionist.

The public rooms of the hotel are around the central patio, with a chess room, and library, which are a little formal, and could almost be a museum to the antiques. However the ?loggia? Next to the pool is altogether lighter and brighter. As well as everything you expect in a luxury hotel, you’ll also find a variety of books and magazines to read, a VCR and music system to play and hundreds of films and CDs to enjoy. However this is definitely a hotel for people who like to relax in the courtyards, shaded from the sunlight, and smell the scent of the orange trees and the jasmine. The world of the 21st century will quickly seem far away.

If you want to see photographs of The casa de Carmona go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/articles/10/1/Casa-de-Carmona-Hotel-near-Seville/Page1.html

Everywhere you will find the same aristocratic elegance, with carefully chosen pastel hues (predominantly pale blues and greens) and a generous range of antique furniture, including cabinet desks, ornate mirrors, brass lamps, and a tall hatbox. It’s verging on the fusty, but a range of modern facilities keeps it real: hi-fi, air-conditioning, video, ambient lighting. A concealed mirrored door leads to an impressive large bathroom, with elaborate brass taps and wide shower heads, double sinks, green and terracotta walls. It would be fair to say the plumbing can gurgle, and the paint is a little faded, but somehow it all adds to the glamour.

The restaurant is situated in the space that used to be the stables of the palace. Only the life-size frescoes of eerily staring white horses remind you of its past.

The antique tables, chairs, glassware are all in keeping with hotel.

Breakfast: is between 8.00-11.30 am, and is a huge buffet of pastries, fruit, hams, cheese, and cereals, where you are attended by waitresses in country wench garb. Lunch is between1.30-4.30 pm, and Dinner 8.30-11.30 pm when there’s plenty of choice of Andalucian appetizers, soups, seafood, stews, meats, tarts, fruit and creamy desserts

If you choose to dine out, the San Fernando (on the plaza of the same name) and La Ferrara (attached to the Hotel Alcazar de la Reina) come recommended.

Summary

The Casa De Carmona Hotel is just right for anyone seeking elegance and tranquillity, with a predominance of British and American couples.

Although one child under 12 stays free in the parents? Room, this hotel is only really suited to calm and sophisticated young adults, and definitely not for small children.

It’s a great base for exploring Seville, and a week would not be too long

The Casa De Carmona will give you peace and quiet, great comfort. The town of Carmona is a gem, but realise as with many town centre hotels, there are no large gardens, but if it is a romantic dalliance you are after, and then look no further!!

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

Lucy Tucker and writes about lots of destinations for www.worldwidevacationspots.com

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About Murcia A Hidden Spanish Treasure

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

If you want to travel to an exciting and unique destination where you can enjoy everything from fabulous weather to fascinating sights – and without the noise of a high number of tourists – then Murcia could prove the ideal destination for you. This is an area that boasts everything you could want for an exciting, satisfying, and memorable vacation experience, and you will find plenty to see and do here, as well as plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind in the sun. With some great deals available on flights and hotel accommodations in Murcia, you won’t have to break the bank when you visit this destination. You can look forward to a full and diverse itinerary, with bags of history and culture to explore, as well as an array of entertainment, attractions, recreational facilities, and more, all within easy reach. Whether you are travelling alone, with a partner, or as part of a larger group or family, you will not be disappointed with your time in this area, and your can combine rest and relaxation with exploration, adventure, fun, and recreation.

Enjoy an array of sights and attractions
When you visit Murcia you can look forward to a wide choice of sights and attractions, so you can look forward to keeping busy and entertained throughout your time here. Enjoy a simple stroll around the city, and take in everything from the natural beauty to the historical architecture as you enjoy exploring the area on foot. If you enjoy delving into the past you will find some wonderful historical attractions to visit. Check out the array of museums in the area, which includes the Science Museum, the Cathedral Museum, the Religious Art Museum, and the Archaeological Museum. Enjoy visiting some wonderful historical buildings and churches, such as the fabulous cathedral, Santa Ana Church, and the Las Agustinas Monastery. Enjoy a trip to the Roman theatre, or enjoy spending time at the Murcian Market Garden. You will find some great shopping opportunities here too, so you can also satisfy the die hard shopper in you with a choice of facilities available.

Get some great deals on your holiday to this destination
Of course, we all love a bargain, and what better way to enjoy the delights of Murcia than through a wonderful vacation that doesn’t cost the earth. You can get some fabulous deals on flights and accommodations in this area, and the best way to find a really low cost deal is to utilize the power of the Internet. By going online to find your holiday bargains you can look forward to an excellent choice of deals, which increases your chances of finding just what you are looking for at a price that fits in with your budget. You can compare the different deals on offer with ease when you go online, and based upon your needs and your budget you can select the one that best suits you. What’s more, you can make your booking via the Internet as well, which means that you can save yourself time and hassle as well as money. With such huge savings available you can look forward to some extra spending money whilst you are in Murcia, as well as the convenience and ease of finding the perfect deal from the comfort of your own home.

Article Source: http://www.travelarticlelibrary.com

 

Jerry Blackburn routinely writes news on issues relating to Spain and airport. You might come across his writings on Murcia over at www.alicante-spain.com

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Seville : The capital of Andalucia

Friday, February 13th, 2009

 

Located in the heart of Andalucia, the city of Seville is the political, business and cultural capital of southern Spain. In modern times, Seville has experienced rapid economic growth and hosted the World Expo Trade Fair in 1992. However, the real charm of Seville is the evidence of it’s long history that is all around you dating back to Roman and Moorish times.

The mid-summer heat in July and August can be stifling but in February, the sky was clear and the warm sun pushed the temperature up to a very pleasant 24 celcius. Although, we didn’t take a city tour, this is the best way to get an overview of the city in a short time. The 24 hour ticket on the Sevilla Tour (www.city-ss.com) allows you to hop on and off at the bus stops around the city. Alternatively, you can also explore the city by bicycle or horse & carriage but the best was to see what Seville has to offer is to simply stroll through the streets and explore the hidden corners which make up the essence of Seville.

We had driven the 200km (120 miles) to Seville for the day from Gibraltar and arrived at lunchtime. Parking is available on the narrow Seville streets although it does appear to be a bit chaotic. A pay and display system is in operation but between 2pm and 5pm, parking was free, presumably as many of the locals close the shops and businesses which is traditional in Spain.

The central hub of Seville where the most monumental and traditional parts of Seville can be found are in the Centro & Santa Cruz. Centro boasts a number of World Heritage buildings; the cathedral, Giralda, Reales Alcazares and the Archivo de Indias. The area around Plazas del Salvador, Nueva and San Francisco have some of Seville’s liveliest streets and shopping areas. In the nearby quarter of Santa Cruz, you will find the more typical images of Seville with its narrow streets lined with wrought iron balconies.

The La Macarena quarter of Seville contains the ancient Almohad city walls which once encircled the entire city. During Easter Week, one of the main focal points is La Esperanza Mararena (the figure of the Virgin Mary). Also of interest is the baroque church of San Luis de los Franceses and the lively Calle Feria close to the Alameda de Hercules area.

The quarters of El Arenal and Triana are divided by the Rio (River) Guadalquivir and unquestionably those which best reflect the soul of Seville. It is here you will find the Maestanza Bullring where we took a brief guided tour of the bullring & facilities and the museum. The Torre del Oro (watchtower) on the banks of the river is just one of the important monumental buildings in the quarter of El Arenal.

Seville is served by the super-fast AVE service from Madrid and various other cities in Spain by a regular train service. Seville Airport (SVQ) is a 20-30 minute bus journey away from the city with links to various other European destinations using both regular and air cost airlines. 

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