San Francisco History and Culture

San Francisco is a city of events. One of the most popular destinations of United States, the city of San Francisco has a natural and geographical bliss of being so vibrant, significant and an important city of US. San Francisco is the fourth most populated city in California and hails number twelfth in US. It is also one of the most densely populated cities of United States. San Francisco is the economical, cultural, and an important transportation center of its state. The city enjoys very unique weather conditions and is particularly famous for its dense chilly summer fog. The rolling hills and green pastures, a unique combination of Victorian and modern landscape adds to the phenomenal beauty of this city.

On the map, S.F. is located on the western coast of The United States. It shares a good proximity with Pacific Ocean on one hand and San Francisco bay at the other. The city also includes various islands surrounded in its periphery and roughly forms a seven- by seven mile square due to its shape and stretch. As the city is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on all its three sides it has a humid climate usually all the year around. The winters are wet and summers are dry, with climate being characterized as Mediterranean. There are not much seasonal variations and the geographical combination of cold ocean water along with heat of the main land leads to a dense fog which usually covers the city during the spring and summers.

'Frisco, as it is sometimes colloquially named, has been a trendsetter with its rebellion towards conservative traditions, promotion of "Beat culture" in 1950s and the "Flower children" in the 1960's. This non-conformist city has been home to many famous authors like Mark Twain, Jack London, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Amy Tan and Herb Caen - the Pulitzer Prize winner news columnist.

The city Ballet, Opera, Symphony, War Memorial Opera, Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra form the veins of the city's rich classical heritage in music. The pop and jazz culture is very much identifiable with the people of this city and is inseparable from its popular culture.

Splendid architecture, well kept buildings and infrastructure makes San Francisco one of the exquisite of all cities of USA. Mission San Francisco de Asís now serves as Officers Club's Visitor's centre, Palace of Fine Arts, Palace of the Legion of Honor and City Hall with its reconstructed Asian Art Museum are some of the oldest architectural marvels of this city.

San Francisco is one of the best places in USA for holidays. Its sunny and cheerful weather makes it welcoming. There are many delightful places that one comes across in the city which have become major tourist attractions. It's a haven for adventure loving folks who can let their hair down at Embarcadero Center for skating or Lake Tahoe for sledding or Powell Street for a cable car ride. The Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Field, Marina Beach, the Coastal Trail and Torpedo Wharf offer breathtaking views of this classic city. The Golden Gate Bay cruise offered by the Red and White fleet is what kids would enjoy most. The San Francisco Centre shopping mall and the Ferry Building are the hotspots for shoppers looking for gifts and mementos to take back home.

A foodie's delight the city offers exquisite places offering mouth-watering delicacies like Boudin's Sourdough bread, Cowgirl Creamery's cream cheese, and See's candies chocolates and not to be missed Ghirardelli Square's coffee.

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New York Hotels - Choosing Your Hotel Location

Whether it's your first time to New York or your fiftieth, you'll never tire of what this city has to offer! There's always a new show to see or a new sight to explore. In fact, there is so much to see and do in this city, that it is literally impossible to see everything. You might just have to come back again - at least you will want to, as NYC is a city that will capture and mesmerise you from the moment you land until the moment you depart.

Now onto the important stuff - booking your hotel. If you're not lucky enough to have family or friends in NYC you can bunk in with, you'll have to find accommodation. New York hotels are the most popular accommodation in the city. As one of the most visited cities in the world, New York hotels are always in high demand and can be very expensive, especially if you choose to stay in the city centre.

New York hotels in Manhattan

Manhattan is the heart of NYC. It is actually an island on the Hudson River and this is where you'll find all the city's top sights, shopping, theatres, nightlife - pretty much everything that New York has to offer can be found in Manhattan.

Manhattan is huge and has several districts and the elongated island is divided into three main ones - Uptown, Downtown and Midtown.

As the name suggests Midtown occupies the middle stretch of the island and is divided up further into: the Theatre District (home of Broadway, Times Square, Hell's Kitchen, Madison Square Gardens), Midtown East (location of Empire State Building and Grand Central Station), and the Chelsea Garment District and Gramercy.

Uptown Manhattan is considered anything north of 59th Street. (To go "Uptown" in NY, is to go "north"). Upper Manhattan is made up of the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Harlem, Roosevelt Island and Central Park.

Downtown Manhattan is considered to be anything located south of 14th Street. (If you are going "Downtown" in NY, remember you are going south). Downtown Manhattan is probably one of the most popular hotel locations along with Midtown Manhattan. It is made up of the districts: Lower Manhattan - the very southern tip of Manhattan. This district is home to Wall Street, Ground Zero, South Street Seaport and Battery Park where you can catch a ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Just north of Lower Manhattan you'll find the trendy Tribeca District and the bustling Chinatown district. Soho can be found north of Canal Street and is a fantastic shopping destination. Greenwich Village, East Village and the Lower East Side are more residential but also popular for their bars, clubs and restaurants.

No matter where you stay in Manhattan, you won't be far from a subway station, so you'll have no hassle getting around. However staying in this central location comes at a price. Manhattan hotels tend to have the most expensive hotel rooms you're likely to come across. Hotel rooms are really small (especially around Times Square!) compared to other cities, buy hey, you are in NYC, how much time will you really spend in your hotel room!?

New York hotels outside Manhattan

If you do want to stretch your Dollar a bit further, then there are other options. Consider staying in a New York hotel outside of Manhattan. Four other boroughs namely; Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island together with Manhattan make up New York City and have excellent transport connections to Manhattan.

Brooklyn is one of the most popular boroughs to stay in. It's very well connected to NYC by subway and has tonnes of hotels, which may be more affordable. Brooklyn could actually be a city in its own right and is one of the most populous boroughs in NYC.

The Queens borough is in fact the geographical heart of NYC and home to two major airports - JFK International Airport and La Guardia Airport. It is the most ethnic and diverse part of the city and has a genuine laid back and relaxed appeal about it.

The Bronx is located north of Manhattan and is the only NY borough located on mainland America! Like the other boroughs, it is very well connected to the city centre via the subway and the Metro North trains. The Bronx has a character and charm all of its own and has pockets of Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Irish neighbourhoods. Yankee Stadium, the Bronx Zoo, Woodlawn Cemetery and the New York Botanical Gardens are located here.

Staten Island is the most suburban of all the boroughs and is a pleasant passenger ferry ride from Manhattan. Staten Island may be a good choice for you if you're arriving or departing from nearby Newark Airport.

The best advice on booking hotels in New York is to book early. By doing so, you may get a nice Manhattan hotel at a good price. Also try to avoid busy times in the city, like the NYC Marathon, 4th July, Thanksgiving and New Years Eve when hotel rooms tend to skyrocket.

Hope you find the perfect New York hotel for your stay.

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Hotels For Sale In California - Hotels For Sale In California How To Buy Hotels Cheap In Cali

AN OVERVIEW

California better known as the 'golden state' - and not without reason considering that the state has the allure of gold.

California is better known as the land of extremes considering that it could well be home to the highest mountain peak - Mount Whitney or the lowest point - bad water to say the least! The land of pleasure could well provide to a heterogeneous group considering that the avid surfer would find solace at San Diego Sunset Cliff - while those with a culture drive would find the San Francisco culture impossible to ignore!

California is known as much for the scenic beauty that it offers as it is for the amazing size - considering that at 423999 meters it is evidently amongst the largest of land areas in the European Union coming a close third to the likes of France and Spain. It is not without reason then that California is amongst the leading tourist attractions in the world. Those aspiring for rejuvenation could not strive for any better than Sierra Nevada! California then is the one stop halt for tourist of every caliber and it is not without reason that California has a plethora of hotels - both running to capacity and available for sale.

THE BUY

Those aspiring to procure a hotel in California have a critical decision to make which is best achieved by ensuring that the decision made is an informed one which could well be driven by some or more of these:

► The location - be it in the fast paced city of central California - San Francisco or the more relaxed Sierra Nevada

► The type of hotel to buy - be it the mid sized functional property or the high end luxury segment - depending on the perceptions and the ability to pay

► The sourcing of the property would invariably be using modalities of the likes of newspaper inserts and the internet where individual sellers or realtors could well be contacted.

THE OPTIONS

There could well be a plethora of options available and critical decision making would but be a simple task considering that online comparative data assimilation is anything but complication - considering that the present day realtors would invariably provide online information in context to the ambience, the look, location and finally the pricing. To further illustrate - the detailing could well be so micro detailed that it may include the facilities in the toilets and kitchens. The fact that a facility is located on the largest freshwater lake in the region can scarcely be ignored and all it would require would be for the details to be linked with the topography map of the area! This then more than makes the online deals are a distinct realty for super luxury to Bed and Breakfast Inns alike!

To illustrate the case in point - a lake resort which is up for sale located on a freshwater lake would well be profiled with the location and the salient - be it the connectivity or the profile of the cottages and the option for turnkey operations! The listed price could well be mentioned making it easy for the potential buyer to make a informed decision at all times!

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Getting the Best Out of Luxury Hotels

Everyone likes to take off and just chill out and relax, be pampered to their hearts content and not have a care in the world. If money is no object there are plenty of luxurious hotels all over the world that allow you to do just this, here are some tips to help you choose a hotel.

Head over to the Caribbean island of St Lucia and enjoy at stay at the Marigot Bay, visit the marina, known all over the globe, relax in luxurious guest rooms, enjoy the stunning views from spacious balconies and take a walk around the tropical gardens. Choose to relax and enjoy a drink in one of the two bars set in the lush gardens, enjoy fine dining or choose a more relaxed way of eating, buffet style, this is paradise unlike any other.

The Royal Mirage in Dubai is a luxurious beach resort where guests can choose from 20 suites and prestige rooms all offering every amenity one could wish for, the hotel is an intimate sanctuary where one can go for peace and quiet. Don't forget to pay a visit to the health and beauty institute, offering authentic massages and steam baths and enjoy a menu offering only the very best ingredients in the exclusive restaurant.

Head over to London and the take tea at the Ritz, the hotel has been restored to its former glory and splendor, with guest rooms having all amenities you may have come to expect from a world class hotel. During your stay at one of the most luxurious hotels in the UK make sure you dine in the music room banquet hall, and be pampered in one of the treatment rooms.

The Four Seasons in Florence is one of the very best hotels in the world when it comes to luxury, guests can relax in a setting that is breathtaking, in the grounds of an estate with park and gardens. Here you are offered all the mod cons expected in a world of innovation blended with the authentic and a level of service second to none, relax in the outdoor swimming pool or enjoy pampering in one of the 9 treatment rooms, then get your hair and nails done, relaxation at its finest is yours.

There is nowhere more luxurious in the world when looking for a hotel than Monte Carlo, and the Hotel de Paris is the place to stay during your vacation, this traditional hotel offers guests a superb level of service and rooms with stunning views of the Med. When staying at one of this one of the finest hotels, the Le Louis XV, a restaurant on the rooftop with a view of the harbor is the place to eat, and what could be more relaxing than enjoying a massage while looking out over the clear blue sea?

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Hotels in San Francisco and Where You Can Stay

Planning a visit to San Francisco, a city with a fascinating mix of old and new influences? Here, iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman's Wharf exist nearby more modern amenities such as the Moscone Convention Center, making the city a tourist and financial capital in the West Coast of America.

The city's dynamic contrasts even extend to the diverse lifestyles of its residents, making this city a truly exciting destination. However, before you can soak in the city's numerous sights and sounds, it is important that you look for hotels in San Francisco that will afford you maximum convenience at a cost that fits your budget. I shall thus offer the following tips and advice to help you acquaint yourself with the accommodation that can be found in different downtown areas of San Francisco.

A diverse range of accommodation to choose from

In San Francisco, it is not unusual to observe a wide range of starkly-contrasting accommodation that provides guests with different levels of luxury and an eclectic mixture of experiences. For instance, you can choose from boutique hotels or budget lodgings with quaint Victorian architecture, or opt for more conventional contemporary hotels. When it comes to budget, you can also pick from small, independent hotel chains and guesthouses on one end of the spectrum, or 5-star hotels and beautifully-restored historical buildings on the other end. The deluxe hotels offer the ultimate luxury experience with attractive inclusions such as spacious suites and in-room spa services, and are generally clustered near San Francisco's city centre, which is where the cultural and business districts such as Union Square are located. On the other hand, the Victorian-style lodges exhibit an old world charm but are found further from the city centre, such as in Golden Gate Park. A stay in any hotel will net you an additional room tax of 14% which you have to pay when checking out.

Some points to note when considering where to stay in San Francisco

So, which location should you pick for your hotel? Generally, for San Francisco, it is not a good idea to stay outside the city as you have to battle the traffic-congested roads on the way to the city and tussle for limited parking spaces once you reach there. Hence, you should pick a centrally-located hotel in popular areas such as Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf so that you are within easy access to most of the popular tourist and business hotspots. Renting a car to drive within the city is also not advisable as other than difficulty in finding parking spaces on the street, you would have to pay high parking fees charged by the hotels. After all, San Francisco's main tourist attractions such as Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf are located near each other, making it easier to walk to them or reach them via public transport instead. You can choose to take the train (subway or light rail), bus (including trolleybuses) or cable car, which is a unique form of transportation and popular with tourists. Let us briefly examine the different downtown areas of San Francisco where you can consider staying at.

Union Square

If you choose to stay at Union Square, you will not only be located at an accessible, central location which serves as a hub for public transport networks such as the BART trains, you would also be spoilt for choice by the countless shopping, food and entertainment choices available in this vicinity. Popular tourist spots such as Chinatown, the cable cars and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Moscone Convention Center are just a stone's throw away. Do bear in mind that Union Square West has more affordable accommodation options in the form of reasonably-priced 2- to 4-star hotels, while Union Square East is a more upmarket area and boasts more luxury hotels.

Nob Hill

Those of you who are looking forward to indulge yourself in luxury during your stay in San Francisco need look no further than Nob Hill, one of the highest hills in the area. Here, you can find some of the most upscale hotels, from which you can admire sweeping vistas of the cityscape below.

Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront

If you prefer to stay in a vibrant environment with plenty of buzz and activity, you might want to consider one of the many mid-range to deluxe hotels that can be found in Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront. In this popular tourist haven, you can find many seafood restaurants, street performers and souvenir stores, while other major tourist attractions such as Chinatown are just a short walk away.

Cathedral Hill

This is an ideal location for travelers who would prefer to spend less on their accommodation yet still remain near the downtown area. While there is a lack of tourist attractions here, you can easily take the cable car from the north of Cathedral Hill to the main downtown districts of Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf, as well as to the popular tourist areas such as Chinatown.

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Best Three Luxury Hotels in San Francisco

San Francisco is characterized by cool fogs, chic restaurants, lovely neighborhoods and a beautiful blend of various cultures. The city is located among scenic locations and is dotted by various hills which have quaint names and signify their meaning.

The mainstay of the San Franciscan economy is the ever growing tourism industry. The city is often portrayed in movies and musicals which has given it world wide recognition. There are many places worth visiting in the city. But the most breath taking among them is the Golden Gate Bridge which is in itself an architectural wonder and draws thousands of visitors to this city.

Apart from this, there are many more attractions which compel the visitors to enjoy their beauty. The city is vibrantly alive and leads in the arts and cultural fields too. There are several islands like the Alcatraz, Treasure Island and the adjacent Yerba Buena Island which forms part of the city and also include a small portion of the Alameda Island, Red Rock Island and Angel Island.

Cable Cars form an integral part of the city traffic. These quaint cars take you back in time and makes for a very enjoyable ride through the various hills and dales of the city. One of the most enjoyable rides is on the World's most Crookedest Street i. e. the Lombard Street.

Downtown San Francisco is the hub of all business activity and is a haven for shoppers. The city is also emerging as a principal banking and finance center and is home to over 30 international financial institutions. With the growing industry, the city has also experienced a manifold increase in the number of seminars and conferences being organized here.

With a large hotel infrastructure and a world class convention facility at the Moscone Centre, the city can easily boast of having the greatest number of conventions and conferences in the country.

This has led to a rapid growth in the hospitality industry. San Francisco has some of the finest hotels and resorts in the world. There are different categories of hotels available depending upon the choice and preference of the seeker. Some of the more prominent luxury hotels could be listed as:

The Palace: This opulent luxury hotel was established in 1875 and it had the marked significance of being the world's largest and most luxurious hotel, having eight floors. There were four hydraulic lifts in the hotel which were known as the Rising Rooms in that era and were a wonder in itself. The hotels opulence and grandness attracted the elites of the city and it reigned supreme among them for 125 years. The present day hotel is a bridge between the Old World and the modernity of the present times. The Palace's 552 luxurious guest rooms have been restored and renovated in the most modern way and have a complimenting luxurious amenities too.

Hotel Palomar: This is a sophisticated artful retreat in the heart of the San Francisco City and is styled in the décor of the 1930s. This boutique hotel is in the vicinity of the busy SOMA district and offers the most luxurious experience in the area.

Mandarin Oriental: This is one of the most prominent hotels in the city which is known for its spectacular views and the Asian theme which is very visible throughout the place.

Thus one can easily say that San Francisco is really a paradise for the people who like the quaint scenic beauty and sometimes the rich historical aura that surrounds it. Even the hotels reflect the rich glorious past of the city.

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San Francisco Budget Hotels With Microwave and Refrigerator

San Francisco is one of the cities which are quite beautiful and believe me that it has lot to offer. No matter you are on a holiday trip or you are on a business trip, you will definitely enjoy your trip here. The golden gate bridge out here is simply awesome and people come from far off places to see it. The great American river flows quite near to San Francisco and you can drive your way to it and then enjoy the rafting. Let me tell you that you will definitely enjoy your stay in this city. However it is quite a costly affair to stay in San Francisco. Let me tell you that the hotels out here are quite costly.

However with a little bit of effort you will be able to find the best hotels at cheaper cost out here. Let me tell you about some of the hotels out here in this city. I am listing only those hotels where you will enjoy the added pleasure of Microwave and Refrigerator.

They are as follows:

1. America's Best Value Inn and Suites:

This is definitely one of the hotels where you can enjoy lots of luxuries. The hotel rooms are quite comfy and you will enjoy the microwave as well as you will be provided with the refrigerator. Let me tell you that you will be quite overjoyed when you will see this hotel. It is quite near to the downtown as well. You should also know that it is one of the busiest hotels in San Francisco.

2. Hotel Vertigo:

This is yet another hotel which is quite luxurious. The cost is around $40 to $ 100 which is quite nominal and you will definitely enjoy the outing out here. The facilities out here are definitely awesome.

These are some of the hotels where you will enjoy and that too at low cost.

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Hotel Accommodation Tips - Advice For Staying in Downtown Hotels

If you are planning for a vacation trip, you have two options to pursue it; it is either you purchase packages from travel agents or make plans on your own. Although the latter option allows you to save a great deal of money, it will however take quite a little time for you to search the best places with the best prices. When it comes to airfares, you can look for cheap deals online. Now, how about hotel accommodations? Well, you can find the exact same help online. Actually, where you want to stay depends on what you want to do. For this reason, you may find downtown hotels the best option for your vacation trip.

There are certain things you need to consider when deciding on where to stay during the course of your vacation trip. Basically, there are 3 types of hotels from which you can choose. First, being the hotel that is located near the airport; second, the hotel nestled in the suburbs; and third, downtown hotels. If you wish to see much of the city and the things that you want to do are around the metro then, downtown hotels are your best bet. For instance, if you are going to a particular event held at an arena or theater hall, certainly you can find many downtown hotels nearby.

Now, if you opt for downtown hotels, you should be willing to spend a little more per night as you stay there most especially on weekends. This is due to the convenience factor. Try to picture out; if you will be staying not too far from town, you may save a few bucks on your room rates, however you will be spending that for fuel or cab fare to get to exactly where you are going. Moreover, you will be spending time commuting back and forth. The extra charges for your downtown hotel accommodation are well worth it, in the end. This way, you won't have to worry about the hassle in commuting as well as the expense and aggravation involved.

The great thing about downtown hotels are the convenience and accessibility they provide you. They are usually located near enough things so that you can have all that you need right where you stay. You can find great shopping centers, eateries, and other things you need on a vacation within a few blocks away. There is actually no problem about airport or suburb hotels, but it is certainly something to consider when it comes to location-wise.

There might be a few disadvantages to staying in some select downtown hotels. Some may not have sufficient parking provided, which entails you to pay to park in a parking garage. Others may not have restaurants, which entail you to have your meals elsewhere. These are definitely not deal breakers, but they are good in helping you narrow down your choices as you find various downtown hotels in the area in which you ought to stay.

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Pet Friendly Hotels in San Francisco

If you are one of pets' fans, perhaps you will consider reading this. How often do we find ourselves in embarrassing and humiliating situations when it comes to pets? We take every day lives and events. For example, when walking the dog, we often find ourselves in trouble over our pet's habits of 'marking their territory.' Now, let us have a change in scenario where you are on a holiday and you are forced to have your pet tag along, due to unforeseen circumstances. Now, that would be something, would not it? Fret now, if you happen to be in that part of the US, there is Pet Friendly Hotels in San Francisco that will see to your requirements for a small fee.

When pets, especially dogs are mentioned, a certain woman celebrity comes to mind. She is often seen with her pet Chihuahua in the public. Today, I will share with all you lovely people a list of Pet-Friendly hotels in San Francisco. I hope that this would prove to be useful.

*Please note that all listings of rates are correct at time of article publishing. It is subject to changes by the said hotels' management.

Here is a brief list of the many hotels, its room rates and fees for pets, the limits of the pets, services (if any) and so on:

Mandarin Oriental Hotel - A 5-star hotel with rooms starting from $285 per night and charges a pet fee of $25 per night. It has a limit of 25lbs for pets.

The San Francisco - A 4-star hotel with rooms starting from $148 per night and gives surprises as well. They allow dogs less than 30lbs but no cats allowed. A pet cleaning fee of $75 is charged.

Pan Pacific Hotel - San Francisco - This 4-star hotel has available rooms from $147 per night. A $75 one-time fee is charged for pets with a maximum total weight of 25lbs. There are also pet-sitting services offered. Please inquire at the hotel's concierge.

W San Francisco - A 4-star hotel with available rooms from $189 per night. They charge $25 per night for pets, which does not include another one time cleaning fee of $100. This hotel offers many pet services such as toys, treats, bedding, dog walking, dog sitting and many more.

La Quinta Inn San Francisco - A 3-star hotel have rooms available from $83 per night. Dogs and cats are both allowed with a total weight of 50 pounds. This service is complimentary to hotel guests; no fees or deposit required for guests' pets.

This is but some of the many available options in San Francisco in regards to Pet Friendly hotels in San Francisco. To avoid disappointment especially during peak seasons, kindly contact the respective hotels for more information and bookings.

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Oakland Hotels, CA - Providing Inimitable Experience of Lodging

Oakland is the eighth-largest city of California located on San Francisco Bay. This is one of the best tourist destinations of California offering something for the people of all ages. Some of the most popular places of interest in Oakland include - in Paramount Theater, Fox Theater, Oakland Zoo, Jack London Square, Chabot Space and Science Center, Lake Merritt and Chinatown etc. With all these amazing tourist attractions, this beautiful city attracts thousands visitors all year round.

While here, you need not trouble much about accommodation; it doesn't matter whether you are on vacation or for some business meeting. There are many cheap to luxury hotels in Oakland offering both lodging types.

Luxury Hotels -this beautiful city houses number of luxury hotels in Oakland offering excellent services and world class accommodation to its guest. Some of the finest Oakland luxury hotels include - Waterfront Plaza Hotel - Oakland California, Berkeley City Club, Hilton Oakland Airport, Holiday Inn Oakland Airport, and Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport etc.

Courtyard by Marriott Oakland Airport - this is one of the best three star hotels of Oakland offering fantastic services and accommodation near airport at best rates. This airport hotel has many great features including - indoor spa tub, fitness center, restaurant, and bar.

Cheap Hotels - if you are with tight budget and want to reduce your tour expenditure then you must stay into any of cheap hotels of the city. There are many full service cheap hotels in Oakland offering comfort of luxury hotels at affordable rates. Some of the best known cheap hotels in the city include - Extended Stay Deluxe Oakland - Alameda Airport, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland-Airport, Econo Lodge Inn and Suites Oakland Airport, San Leandro Marina Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites Oakland Airport-Alameda etc.

Hampton Inn & Suites Oakland Airport-Alameda - this is one of the finest cheap hotels located at 1700 Harbor Bay Parkway. This budget hotel of Oakland offers top class services with some superb features like - fitness facility at cheap rates. Whether you want to stay in the center of the city or elsewhere, you can find affordable hotels anywhere in Oakland.

Downtown Hotels - the city center has many big and small hotels but some of the best ones to stay in are - Marriott Oakland City Center, Washington Inn, Courtyard Oakland Downtown and the Clarion Hotel Downtown Oakland City Center etc.

Clarion Hotel Downtown Oakland City Center - this is indeed your home away from home during your visit to Oakland. Whether you are traveling for business or for pleasure, this is the best lodging option for you. The hotel offers countless features, an outstanding location with easy access to the Oakland Convention Center

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Travelocity Launches 'Top Secret' Hotels But Can You Really Save 45 Percent?

I have long been a fan of 'masked' hotel reservation sites like Hotwire and Priceline. If you are not familiar with the concept, this is how it works. Prior to making a reservation, you are given some information about the hotel you're about to reserve, but not all information. Typically, you know the general vicinity of the hotel, and the hotel's star rating. In the case of Hotwire, you are also provided with a list of hotel amenities such as pool, on-site restaurant, shuttle service to the airport, and so on. If you like the price, you can make a reservation and then learn the hotel name and specific location.

This is not for everyone. If you think you might want to cancel your reservation, don't bother using these sites as they are non-refundable most of the time. Also, if you want to join your friends or colleagues at a specific hotel, don't use 'masked' hotel booking services. But if you're somewhat flexible on your location and confident your plans won't change, then these services are great. I've been using these sites for several years and have saved a lot of money in the process.

Travelocity is the latest to offer 'masked' hotel reservations with a service they call Top Secret Hotels. Top Secret Hotels has actually been offered on their site for some 3 or 4 months, but I wanted to let them work out the kinks before using it and writing a review.

To find out first hand if Travelocity's Top Secret Hotels was as good as the competition and could save me up to 45%, I used their service for an upcoming 2-night trip to San Francisco. My approach was simple: I would perform the same hotel search on Priceline, Hotwire and Travelocity (using both regular and Top Secret reservations). My results were quite disappointing:

Selection: First, Top Secret Hotels only has 14 cities to choose from, 10 of which are in the US and 4 from Canada. I was fortunate that San Francisco made the list. When I performed my search, there were only 2 Top Secret Hotels available in all of San Francisco. Hotwire had 25 hotels, Priceline had 158, and Travelocity's own regular reservation system had 286 hotels available.



Price: The very purpose of using a 'masked' reservation system is to save money. Why else would anyone book a hotel that they cannot cancel and not know the hotel name or location? The 2 Top Secret Hotels averaged $240/night. The other sites had equivalent (or better) hotels at 50 percent or less of Travelocity's Top Secret Prices. So much for saving 45%



Area: Masked hotel reservation systems don't release the exact hotel location until after you purchase, but they do give you a general area of where the hotel is situated. For example, Hotwire breaks downtown San Francisco into 8 areas and informs you prior to purchase which of these 8 areas your hotel is located. Priceline breaks downtown San Francisco into 7 areas. Travelocity -- Just one area that spans from the Golden Gate Bridge to Redwood City. In other words, book a hotel in San Francisco and you could find yourself 25 miles outside of town.



Hotel Information: There was very little information about the 2 Top Secret Hotels available in my test search. Other than the hotel star rating, there were no hotel amenities or other hotel details provided, although one hotel indicated it was non-smoking. Talk about top secret! Compare this to Hotwire, where every hotel amenity is listed. In fact, with Hotwire it's possible to identify your hotel before you make a reservation by matching up the Hotwire information with HotelDealsRevealed's Hotel Inventory.

Top Secret Hotels by Travelocity obviously needs a lot of work. To give Travelocity credit, they have publically stated that they are going to grow and expand their offering. I truly hope so. They've got a long road ahead of them. In the meantime, I will keep using the other guys.

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San Francisco Luxury Hotels

Whether you are visiting San Francisco for business reasons or you are with your family on vacation, you will certainly find the right hotel for you. The city offers some of the most luxurious and classiest hotels on the west coast.

Luxury hotels are more expensive than typical hotels you would find in other parts of San Francisco. However, if you decide to stay in these hotels, you will more likely get your money's worth.

Why are these hotels more expensive? They are located near the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco, and they offer all the best amenities.

These hotels are located near the financial district of San Francisco, close to Union Square. Union Square is a popular attraction for people who are interested in theaters and shopping. The Union Square Shopping Center houses some of the biggest department stores in the country. It is known to be the top destination of anyone who enjoys shopping.

If you traveled to San Francisco for a vacation, and you want to stay in the most luxurious hotels, the Fisherman's Wharf is a place to look in. Hotels are located around many scenic spots. They are, however, the most expensive ones in San Francisco, with rates averaging $400 a night. Parking fees in this area are also exorbitant.

Whether you are on a business trip or on vacation with your loved ones, San Francisco is a great place to visit. You can stay in the best luxury hotels, where your comfort and convenience are prioritized.

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Pet Friendly San Diego Hotels

Filled with unique and exotic world-class family attractions, San Diego is a land that appeals to travelers who want to spend their leisure time enjoying recreational activities. For a perfect and comfortable stay, San Diego offers a wide range of lodging options.

There are several pet friendly hotels in San Diego. By making reservations with these pet friendly San Diego hotels, travelers can enjoy the companionship of pets during their visit. With an array of outstanding services, pet friendly hotels in San Diego allows dogs, cats, parrots, or other pets to stay with you in your room. They provide a wide range of pet services including toys, treats, bedding, dog-sitting, and dog-walking.

Pet friendly San Diego hotels have certain restrictions regarding pet stay. Strange and exotic pets such as monkeys, hedgehogs, reptiles and other wildlife that can be dangerous to humans are not permitted in pet friendly San Diego hotels. For hygiene reasons, pets are not permitted in the breakfast area. They are also not allowed in public places such as the lobby, restaurants, bars, and conference halls.

Most hotels permit up to a maximum of two cats or dogs per room. Pets up to a maximum weight of 50 pounds are allowed in most of the pet friendly San Diego hotels.

Most pet friendly hotels in San Diego charge extra to serve your pet, whereas others do not charge. The amount of fees varies from one hotel to another. Discounts up to 50% can be found at most of the pet friendly San Diego hotels.

Holiday Inn San Diego-on The Bay, W San Diego, Stay bridge Suites San Diego, Red Lion Hanalei Hotel, La Quinta Rancho Penasquitos, Vagabond Inn Mission Valley, and La Quinta Inn Old Town are some of the pet friendly hotels in San Diego.

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Hotels in the USA

One of the oldest cities in the USA is Boston. What began as a town in 1630 has grown into an economic and cultural hub of New England. Though many cities are defined by their skylines, Boston is distinguished by it's vibrant neighborhoods. This bustling world-class city boasts numerous 4 and 5 star hotels. When searching for a Boston hotel you are sure to find the perfect accommodations for your holiday whether you are a budget conscious traveler or seeking the top amenities this city has to offer.

Another city known for it's diverse culture and ethnicity is Miami; also known as the "Magic City". Miami has come to be known as the gateway to Latin America and boasts a large Latin American population. This shiny city under the sun has everything a traveler could desire from sexy beaches, multi-cultural food to hip night clubs. If you aren't sure where to stay there are literally hundreds of Miami hotels just waiting to welcome you with Miami's famous Latin style and charm.

Los Angeles, better known as LA to the locals, is a city rich with history and visitors. Having it's first European visitor in 1542 while looking for a new passage to Asia was Captain Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his crew. Not officially founded until 1781; Los Angeles has since attracted an extremely diverse multi-cultural population rich with history and flavor. Known better for it's attractions and Hollywood stars, a visitor could spend a a fortnight here and still want to see more. Many Los Angeles hotels have been the scene for several movies making for an unforgettable stay. There is always an interesting mingling of people to be found wherever you go.

Diverse cultures, gastronomical delights, breath taking views, hot restaurants and cool fog all seem to come together in San Francisco. With so many districts, you'll find public transit an affordable and easy way to navigate throughout this amazing city. Readily available with a built in historical flare, you'll find riding a cable car, street car or even light rail makes traversing a breeze. Many San Francisco hotels offer a concierge service that can direct you to the nearest public transit system and even provide maps of the city for your convenience and day trip planning.

With so many world-class cities, finding hotels in the USA can be a fun and rewarding experience. It's as unique and diverse as her cities.

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San Francisco Hotels at a Glance

Hotel Campton Place has spent millions in renovations that was completed towards the end of 2001, this is a fabulous luxury hotel offering some of the excellent accommodations in SF. Hotel rooms are compact and comfortable with beautiful limestone, pear wood and Italian made decors. There are two executive suites and one luxury suite with first class California king-size beds, exquisite bathrooms with bathrobes, top-notch toiletries, slippers and other everyday necessities. Chef Daniel from Campton received the Best New Chef status from Food & Wine and a James Beard nomination in 2005 will delight diners with skillfully prepared and very sculpted cuisine at the excellent Campton Place Restaurant that underwent an alluring face-lift only in 2002.

Ian Schrager is a king of such ultra hip hotels of New York's Royalton and Paramount, Los Angeles's Mondrian and Miami's Delano renovated this classic old luxury property for trendy look. Youngsters flock to enjoy the monochrome pale-purple streamlined glamorous rooms with stunning ambiance. Its best trait is the renovated historic hotel is the Redwood Room worked with sexy redwood walls and luxurious interiors designed by Phillipe Starck. The Argonaut Hotel is another luxury boutique Kempton Hotel located in middle of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. It acts as a home in the historic Haslett Warehouse at The Cannery and overlooks San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and San Francisco Bay. The Argonaut Hotel gives you spectacular outside views and unparalleled customer service with an attracting atmosphere.

When visiting Mandarin Oriental Hotel, treated guests with panoramic views of San Francisco or the bay from their luxurious rooms. This extravagant hotel occupies the top floors of a 48 story tower, which is San Francisco's third tallest building in the Financial District of SF. It is just few blocks from Union Square and four blocks away from Transamerica Pyramid. The Orchard Garden Hotel is San Francisco is the 'greenest' and newest hotel located in San Francisco's heart which is the only hotel built to the nationally standards accepted for green buildings; it's very stylish and environmental friendly and it is just a short stroll from Union Square.

Towering about 32 stories above San Francisco City's heart, the new InterContinental SF is sure to become an easy success, located near to the magnificent Moscone Center, the hotel is within a short with cool blue exteriors that will provide guests numerous reasons to stay inside as the city does to venture out. Another great luxurious hotel is Le Meridien located in the center of San Francisco's Financial District, connecting the historic Federal Reserve Building by a landscaped pedestrian bridge. This is also quite near the main city attractions such as the Ferry Building, Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.

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