Thursday, April 30, 2009

Recession takes its toll: Luxury hotels offering big discounts….

Hotels.com reveals five top destinations offering luxury accommodation on a budget 

28th April 2009: With the global financial crisis encouraging hoteliers around the world to substantially reduce their room rates to attract guests, there has rarely been a better time for Indian travellers to indulge in five star luxury hotels on their travels. With great deals to be had at the premium end of the hotel market around the world, global hotels specialist Hotels.com has selected five top destinations - Bali, Las Vegas, Prague, London and Hong Kong.

Johan Svanstrom, Managing Director Asia Pacific of Hotels.com, says, “The high end of the hotel market has traditionally been available only to a select few, but now many more travellers can treat themselves to a bit of luxury and experience a champagne lifestyle without breaking the bank.” 

“If travellers are prepared to be flexible with their travel destination and travel dates, they can find great deals to indulge in a stay in a luxury hotel on a modest budget. The current deals at Hotels.com for luxury accommodation will certainly have our many travellers wake up happy,” he said. 

The Hotels.com India website (http://www.hotels.com or http://www.hotels.co.in) provides Indian travellers with easy access to over 99,000 hotels around the world, and thousands of special deals available. Travellers are able to search by maps, facilities and hotel star ratings, as well as by specific geographic locations and neighbourhoods. 

Proven to be increasingly important to modern travellers when researching online, customers are also able to read and post user reviews of hotels, making it even easier for both business and leisure travellers to select and book the hotel of their choice.

Mr Svanstrom said many hoteliers are now also including added bonuses such as complimentary airport transfers, free car parking, as well as food and drink vouchers or spa treatments for staying customers. “When you add up the cost of the extras that are sometimes included, the price is now comparable to, or even providing better value than, hotels at the lower end,” Mr Svanstrom said. 

As a result of the global economic downturn, air tickets as well as lavish dining andentertainment experiences in many cities around the world have also become more affordable to travellers. 

Hotels.com’s Five Top destinations:

Bali


A favoured destination for many travellers looking to splash out on all the trimmings, this destination has plenty to offer for those seeking an extravagant getaway. Bali has plenty of luxury accommodation as well as idyllic day spas, bargain luxury brand shopping and delicious food in upmarket restaurants. 

The Laguna Resort & Spa - Nusa Dua 

Located in the sunniest part of Bali, nestled among the majestic Nusa Dua peninsula on Bali's most beautiful beach, the Nusa Dua is a secluded paradise offering white sandy beaches and beautiful blue waters in the "Jewel of the East." 
From Rs8,090* per room per night

 The InterContinental 


The exclusive InterContinental Bali Resort is located in Jimbaran Bay, adjacent to 500 meters of white-sand beach and is set on acres of tropical landscaping. 
From as low as Rs6,525* per room per night

Las Vegas 

It’s easy to feel like a high-roller in Las Vegas, where these days it won’t cost the earth to splash out on a chauffeur-driven limousine or a personal shopping guide – so you really can live like a rock star without having to break the bank. Whether you choose to stay in the penthouse, sip fabulous cocktails made by internationally renowned flare artists, see a world-class show or tie the knot, everything is possible now in Vegas!

Trump Hotel Las Vegas 

Overlooking the famous Las Vegas ‘Strip’, and owned by legendary business tycoon Donald Trump, this five-star hotel features a signature 24-carat, gold-tinted glass facade. From Rs4,500* per room per night including US$50 Spa Credit

Bellagio

Showcasing approximately 1,000 fountains dancing to opera and classical music at the entrance, the ultra-luxury Tuscan- style Bellagio is located in the heart of Vegas. From Rs7,030* per room per night

Prague

This laid-back European city oozes luxury, from the grandeur of the gothic architecture right through to the glitzy designer shopping. Cultural treasures of art, opera, theatre and ballet are at your doorstep to enjoy. Many of the city’s five star hotels in the Old Town or along the river, with views of the Charles Bridge and medieval Prague Castle, are available for under Rs7,500* per night.

MaMaison Riverside Prague

The MaMaison Riverside Prague is in the centre of Prague on the west bank of the River Vltava and housed in an Art Nouveau property.From Rs6,070* per room per night 

Marriott Prague

Centrally located at the gate of Old Town Square on the East side of the Vlatava River, this hotel has Prague's largest spa.From Rs7,180* per room per night 

London

With the global economic downturn really biting in the UK, and discounting in the luxury retail and hospitality sectors rife, London is the ideal destination if you want to experience ‘high culture’ in luxury and at prices never seen before in what is normally a rather expensive destination. Travellers seeking a glamorous London experience are spoilt for choice, whether it’s taking in a star-studded stage production at a West End theatre, shopping in well-heeled Knightsbridge, taking in a concert of one of London's five symphony orchestras, or relaxing in a chic Soho wine bar. Extravagance is literally at every turn in London – now enjoy it for less! 

 Andaz Liverpool Street – a Hyatt Hotel

Built in 1884, this hotel was redesigned for the millennium. The hotel's health club has a fitness room with personal trainers and yoga instruction available.From Rs8,495* per room per night

Plaza on the River, London

On the south bank of the River Thames, the Plaza on the River offers stunning views of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye. From Rs7,485* per room per night

Hong Kong 

Renowned for its dramatic skyline and beautiful harbour setting, Hong Kong is not only a leading financial capital but also one of Asia’s most luxurious cultural hub’s. This cosmopolitan centre, where East meets West, is famously renowned for its shopping prowess. All designers of note have a presence in Hong Kong, where labels can often be found at a much more affordable price than in Europe or North America. The fusion of East and West also characterises Hong Kong's cuisine, where opulent restaurants offer a variety of international foods. 

 Langham Place Hotel Mongkok, Hong Kong 

This hotel provides luxurious European-style ambience with views of Victoria Harbor and within walking distance of the ferry.From Rs7,335* per room per night

InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong

This hotel, located on the Victoria Harbour, is just 500 meters from the Hong Kong Museum of Art and is well suited to business and leisure travellers alike.From Rs7,130* per room per night


About Hotels.com

As part of the Expedia group which operates in all major markets with dedicated staff, Hotels.com (http://www.hotels.com or http://www.hotels.co.in) offers more than 99,000 quality hotels worldwide, with a wide range of special deals available. Hotels.com is the global hotel specialist and operates over 50 websites globally, with 13 local websites in 8 different languages across Asia Pacific alone. If a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry negotiating the best rates for its users, plus user-contributed reviews of its properties. 

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