Monday, May 26, 2014

The Charter House Hotel Makes Staying in Makati City Easier for Travelers

Your choice of hotel in Makati City can spell the difference between an easy and difficult time in the Philippines' prime financial and commercial district. Regardless whether you are visiting for work or leisure, you should always pick a place where your comfort as well as convenience will be top priority throughout. The Charter House is one of the few Makati accommodations that fit this description extremely well.

Great rooms you can afford
The hotel features 105 guestrooms that give you that much needed privacy, peace, and quiet after a long day of being out and about. These accommodations are not only clean and spacious but also very economical for travelers who are on a budget. There are 3 types of rooms at The Charter House — Standard, Deluxe, and Executive Suite — and they all feature an en-suite bathroom, cable TV, free Wi-Fi Internet connection, refrigerator, mini-bar, and safe. No matter the length of your stay, these living spaces will be able to provide a sense of home throughout.

Leave your worries behind
This Makati accommodation also ensures that you can focus your full attention and energy on the things you originally came for. It does so through a lineup of reliable facilities and services that makes essential tasks less of a burden. For your dining needs, check out the The Capiz Coffee Shop or pick up the phone to get room service. Furthermore, don't miss the chance to utilize the roof-top swimming pool and avail in-house reflexology services whenever you find idle time. You will also be delighted to know that you can hold your corporate meetings and big parties here with the hotel's Executive Conference Room and Ivory Function Room. Rounding up this list of prime conveniences offered here are airport transfer, fax and photocopying, housekeeping, and laundry and ironing services.

Accessibility is key
The Charter House has a very convenient address in Legazpi Village, giving you quick access to major attractions and destinations. See a movie or meet clients over lunch or coffee at Greenbelt and Glorietta, which are both within walking distance from this Makati hotel. Restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, banks, public parks, museums, and everything else that you may possibly find interesting are also only a few minutes from this accommodation. Lastly, Ayala MRT Station is just a 10-minute walk from this hotel in Makati, while Ninoy Aquino International Airport can be reached after a mere 30-minute drive.



About DirectWithHotels
DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Crown Regency - Makati Redefines Travelers' Standard in Hotels

Like most hotels in Makati City, Philippines, Crown Regency Hotel - Makati has a collection of first-rate facilities, helpful services, and well-appointed guestrooms. But the thing that separates this accommodation from similar structures in Metro Manila is how it combines all these elements to create a guest experience worth repeating.

A part of a renowned chain of properties, Crown Regency Hotel - Makati has a reputation of raising travelers' standard for hospitality via excellent features and privileges.

Personal spaces without room for mediocrity
There are 3 accommodation types to choose from – Standard, Superior, and Corner Suite – all of which are perfect for rest and relaxation and will surely fit any purpose for traveling to the city. These rooms are more than capable of providing the warm, peaceful, and safe sense of home after a tiring day at work or a long night of partying. Each is fitted with superb amenities such as cable TV, air-conditioning, full-size posturepedic beds, hot and cold shower, and in-room Internet connection.

Work and play made easy
Regardless of the reason you are visiting, everything will be made easy through an array of facilities and services. For your dining options, the on-site restaurant, bar, and lobby lounge operate from 6 am to 10 pm. If you have time to squeeze in a workout in your busy schedule, the fitness room is also open during those hours. Services that will make daily chores less of a burden, like laundry/ dry cleaning, as well as assistance for currency exchange, valet parking, car rental, and airport transfer are also offered.

A very convenient address
Reaching popular attractions and important destinations will not be any trouble at all due to the hotel's location. Standing along Arnaiz Avenue, this accommodation provides easy access to any site in the country's premier financial and shopping hub. The cinemas, restaurants, and hangout spots in Greenbelt and Glorietta are just within a short distance. Private companies, government agencies, and even embassies are only a few minutes' drive from here. And in case you have to explore neighboring cities, the nearest MRT Train Station is just a 10-minute walk away. Other places that you can visit that are accessible from Crown Regency Hotel include SM Makati, Landmark Department Store, Power Plant Mall, Yuchengco Museum, and the Ayala Triangle Gardens.

So while the Crown Regency Hotel - Makati would seem like any other hotel in Makati City, for all intents and purposes, it puts you on a higher regard than the rest.

Travel 101: Tagaytay City, by the Numbers


  Foreign and local travelers know that opting to spend their holiday in a Tagaytay hotel brings them into a wonderful destination. Tagged as the Philippines' City of Character, this highland getaway has always been regarded as a default escape away from the flurry of the urban life. But apart from its cool climate and serene surroundings, there are more reasons why holidaymakers are enthralled by Tagaytay. Here, a by-the-numbers look:

is the number of hectares the Flower Farm in Barangay Guinhawa has. It shelters various species of anthuriums, chrysanthemums, carnations, gerberas, and roses. Tour groups are welcome here, but make sure to book your visit at least one week in advance.

10 hectares is the size of a theme farm and zoo that offers an array of fun activities and attractions. Paradizoo houses farm animals and features a well-manicured garden carpeted with colorful flowers and orchids. For guests who plan to stay overnight, affordable hotel accommodations inTagaytay are available here.

15 minutes is the length of time it will take for the boat to reach Taal Volcano, the most recognizable icon of Tagaytay. You can enjoy this quick adventure with the help of local guides. Once you reach the island, you can either go for a hike or ride on a horse in order to reach the volcano's peak.

32 is the number of air-conditioned gondolas of Sky Eye haswhich is the main attraction of Sky Fun Amusement Park in Sky Ranch. Standing 63 metertall, this Ferris wheel is the tallest in the country. Take a ride for PHP 150 per person.

80 to 130 pesos is how much you’ll spend for 2 pieces of specialty bread at Sonya's Garden. Whether you're into coffee buns with cream cheese, pan de coco, or cheese hopia, you’ll find something to love here. Sonya's is located at Barangay Buck Estate.

100 pesos is the entrance fee at the Puzzle Mansion. Situated in Barangay Asisan, this is a popular attraction for those traveling with kids. The mansion is owned by Gina Gil-Lacuna, the Guinness record holder for having the world's largest puzzle collection.

250 meters is the length of the zip-line at Tagaytay Ridge Zipline and Cable Car. It is also about 300 feet high. To get here, just head to Picnic Grove along the Aguinaldo Highway.

261 is the number of well-appointed guestrooms you’ll find at the popular Taal Vista Hotel. You can choose rooms from the homey Mountain Wing, or at the more modern Lake Wing. All accommodations include contemporary amenities, like cable TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, and mini-bar, which complement the classic character of this Tagaytay hotel.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Amaya Hills in Sri Lanka Now Boasts Direct-Booking Engine on Its Website

Kandy, Sri Lanka – Leisure and business travelers can now feel the convenience of booking direct online with the 4-star resort Amaya Hills in Kandy, Sri Lanka via its website's new booking engine. Powered by DirectWithHotels, the reservations system brings a number of benefits for those who will secure rooms on this direct channel:

Instant Confirmation
Guests will receive an instant confirmation after they submit prepayment of 10 percent of the total room cost by providing their credit card details. They will also get a confirmation email as a copy of the booking transaction. The remaining balance is payable at the resort.

Fast and Easy-to-Follow Process
Guests simply log on to http://www.amayahills.lk/ indicate their dates of stay on the calendar widget, and click the “BOOK NOW” button. An easy-to-follow interface will guide them through the reservation. Details about room amenities, booking policies, and other promotions are also provided.

Quick Modification/Cancellation
There's no need to worry about abrupt changes in travel schedule because guests can modify or cancel their reservations easily. However, they should take note of the modification and cancellation policies upon booking their Kandy accommodations, as this service may come with a fee.

Dependable Security
The booking engine of the website is protected by Trustwave and VeriSign, 2 of the most trusted information security providers on the Internet.

Amaya Hills in Kandy, Sri Lanka presents guests a breathtaking retreat that offers a glimpse of the verdant Hanthana mountain range. Resonating a timeless design, this 4-star resort boasts a tasteful blend of Kandyan culture and contemporary luxury.

Inspired by ancient Kandyan architectural designs, its 100 rooms and suites, equipped with amenities such as a Plasma TV, Wi-Fi Internet access, and mini-bar, offer arresting views of Heerassagala’s forest-covered hills. And there’s no shortage of fun-filled activities at the resort with a wide range of features that include a swimming pool, spa, excursions, and recreational facilities.

For more information about the rooms and facilities at Amaya Hills in Kandy, Sri Lanka visit the resort's website at http://www.amayahills.lk/.


Amaya Hills
Heerassagala
Kandy Central Region 20000
Sri Lanka

Phone Numbers: +94 114 767 888, +94 814 474 022


About DirectWithHotels

DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.

Monday, May 19, 2014

5 City Attractions You Can Easily Visit From Hotel Aryaduta Medan in North Sumatra

A stay at Hotel Aryaduta Medan in North Sumatra will give you plenty of opportunity to see places of worship, monuments, museums, and the bustling business and commercial scene of the third largest city in Indonesia. Here are some of the spots you shouldn't miss while in Medan:

1. Maimoon Palace
Built in 1888 by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, Maimoon Palace serves as a legacy of the Deli Sultanate and a marker of the center of the kingdom. The 40-room palace, which is inspired by European architecture, is set in a 2,772-sq-m plot of land. Inside the building, one can find family photographs, furniture, and old weapons. Maimoon Palace is just 2.8 km from the hotel.

2. Al Mashun Grand Mosque
The Great Mosque, as Al Mashun Grand Mosque is often called, is the biggest and most beautiful of its kind in North Sumatra. The Moorish architecture features flat, quadrangle-shaped domes and curved ceilings with rich floral and polygonal decorations. The mosque, like Maimoon Palace, features Italian decors and serves as a legacy of the Deli Sultanate.

3. Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is a Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health who said to have made an apparition in the 17th-century town of Velankanni, India. The church was built in 2005 in Indo-Mogul style. From the hotel in Medan, reaching this attraction will take you about 14 minutes by car.

4. Merdeka Walk
Fans of al fresco dining will find a treat waiting for them when they visit Merdeka Walk. The street has a collection of outdoor cafes, fine restaurants, and fast food outlets that have everything from international favorites to local dishes. Merdeka Walk is about 650 m from the hotel.

5. Pantai Cermin Themepark
Located 4 km from the hotel, Pantai Cermin Themepark is a fun place for locals and tourists alike. Aside from its slides and pools, the park has sauna and steam rooms, a mini zoo, and rides — perfect for guests of all ages. Pantai Cermin Themepark is open from 11 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6:30 PM on weekends and holidays.

If you have time to spare, you can also visit North Sumatra's Lake Toba, the biggest lake in southeast Asia, and Bukit Lawang, which is home to many orangutans. It takes a few hours to get to these destinations from Hotel Aryaduta Medan, but you can be sure that the sight waiting for you there will be worth the trip.


5 City Attractions You Can Easily Visit From Hotel Aryaduta Medan in North Sumatra

A stay at Hotel Aryaduta Medan in North Sumatra will give you plenty of opportunity to see places of worship, monuments, museums, and the bustling business and commercial scene of the third largest city in Indonesia. Here are some of the spots you shouldn't miss while in Medan:

1. Maimoon Palace
Built in 1888 by Sultan Makmun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alamsyah, Maimoon Palace serves as a legacy of the Deli Sultanate and a marker of the center of the kingdom. The 40-room palace, which is inspired by European architecture, is set in a 2,772-sq-m plot of land. Inside the building, one can find family photographs, furniture, and old weapons. Maimoon Palace is just 2.8 km from the hotel.

2. Al Mashun Grand Mosque
The Great Mosque, as Al Mashun Grand Mosque is often called, is the biggest and most beautiful of its kind in North Sumatra. The Moorish architecture features flat, quadrangle-shaped domes and curved ceilings with rich floral and polygonal decorations. The mosque, like Maimoon Palace, features Italian decors and serves as a legacy of the Deli Sultanate.

3. Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni
Graha Maria Annai Velangkanni is a Catholic church dedicated to Our Lady of Good Health who said to have made an apparition in the 17th-century town of Velankanni, India. The church was built in 2005 in Indo-Mogul style. From the hotel in Medan, reaching this attraction will take you about 14 minutes by car.

4. Merdeka Walk
Fans of al fresco dining will find a treat waiting for them when they visit Merdeka Walk. The street has a collection of outdoor cafes, fine restaurants, and fast food outlets that have everything from international favorites to local dishes. Merdeka Walk is about 650 m from the hotel.

5. Pantai Cermin Themepark
Located 4 km from the hotel, Pantai Cermin Themepark is a fun place for locals and tourists alike. Aside from its slides and pools, the park has sauna and steam rooms, a mini zoo, and rides — perfect for guests of all ages. Pantai Cermin Themepark is open from 11 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6:30 PM on weekends and holidays.

If you have time to spare, you can also visit North Sumatra's Lake Toba, the biggest lake in southeast Asia, and Bukit Lawang, which is home to many orangutans. It takes a few hours to get to these destinations from Hotel Aryaduta Medan, but you can be sure that the sight waiting for you there will be worth the trip.


Sunday, May 18, 2014

Get to Know Boracay Island's Bats


Booking an accommodation in Boracay Island usually means enjoying days spent on the white sand, and nights of bar- and party-hopping. That is, if you're dead set on never losing sight of the beach during your tropical vacation. But if your schedule allows for a short exploration further in and around the island, you will see a different side of Boracay — one that is home to different species of bats, also known as kabog in the local tongue.

Boracay Bats
Three species of fruit bats roost in the island, and all these are endangered not only in the Philippines but worldwide. These are the large flying fox, common island flying fox, and golden-crowned flying fox. While they stay in Boracay during their inactive hours, most of the fruit bat population head to the northwest Panay peninsula, located some 40 km from the island, to feed once darkness falls. It is estimated that 95% of the forest cover in this portion of the country came from seeds scattered by fruit bats. Insect-eating bats, on the other hand, are responsible for keeping the island's mosquito population under control. On the average, a bat can consume 3,000 mosquitoes in 1 night. Insect-eating bats are smaller than fruit bats.

Roosting Areas
Much like how tourists stay in different resorts and hotels in Boracay whenever they visit, bats also change their roosting areas depending on the time of the year. During the 'amihan' or the season of the northeast wind, bats usually stay in an area between Puka Beach and Shangri-La. The 'habagat' or monsoon season sends the bats inland. Some can be found on the hill in Puka Beach and Ilig-iligan. Fruit bats and insect-eating bats can also be found in the Bat Cave on the western tip of Boracay. Visitors can ask a local guide to lead them to the cave in exchange for a small tip. A PHP 200 entry fee must also be paid to the family who owns the area where the cave is located.

Conservation
Friends of the Flying Foxes or FFF is an NGO that aims to protect the bats, and the environment of Boracay Island and nearby areas. In a 2011 interview, the organization expressed concern for the rapidly declining bat population. While the group cannot pinpoint the exact reason behind this, they said that it is possible that the bats aren't getting the rest they need from their usual roosting spots. And since bats are bio-indicators, the population decline suggests a stressed ecosystem. Residents and guests of the accommodations in Boracay can keep track of the bat population and the organization's efforts through FFF's Facebook page.

About DirectWithHotels

DirectWithHotels is in the business of making selling online simple and more profitable for hotels. Since 2005, we’ve helped over 1000 Hotel Partners (and counting) in 50 countries worldwide increase their direct bookings online. We attract visitors and drive traffic direct to their hotel websites with tactical online marketing, convert these visitors into bookers with a top-performing booking engine, and manage increasing reservations with an easy-to-use web interface. All this at a fixed, performance-based fee of just 10% for every direct booking.