Island Paradise Unveiled: Best Time To Visit The Philippines

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 28, 2023

Houston provides its visitors with a refined assortment of places to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, regardless of whether they are in the city for business or pleasure. And may we offer location as a tried-and-true starting point if you're unsure of even where to start your search? These hotels, which provide amenities and experiences to enhance your stay, have shaped the distinct personalities of each area of The Space City. Read on for our list of the best hotels in Houston, which includes the trendiest new hotels in downtown, accommodations close to the Astros stadium, and hip neighborhoods like Montrose. Best Hotels In Houston Here are some of the best hotels in Houston that you simple can't miss: Four Seasons Entering the Four Seasons is akin to entering a private club that has been in existence for a very long time. The interior, which is entirely composed of marble and mahogany, successfully blends traditional and contemporary Texas design elements. The hotel is incredibly kid-friendly, offering activities like mommy-and-me yoga, movies by the pool, and pizza-making classes. The recently renovated gym is open 24 hours a day. The Four Seasons is the best hotel in The Bayou City with regards to staff, amenities, and accommodations, so it makes sense that business travelers frequent this prime downtown location that is only a short distance from the convention center. Post Oak Hotel Billionaire and businessman Tilman Fertitta of Houston put his heart and soul into creating the 250-room Post Oak Hotel. He filled it with hundreds of original artworks and meticulously crafted each element, down to the custom chocolates served at turndown and the flip-flops at the pool with the hotel's logo emblazoned on them. A few people exclaimed, "It is by far the most beautiful hotel I've visited," and "the finest in luxury living." Nevertheless, readers gave the "first-class" service the most appreciation. One person remarked, "You are treated like a VIP guest from the moment you walk in." One more person described a "unforgettable experience" that can only be had with five-star accommodations: “They upgraded my room at no additional charge — and service was above and beyond my expectations.” Lancaster Hotel The famed Lancaster Hotel in Houston is redefining contemporary hospitality. The Lancaster emanates a cozy, classic elegance, from its collection of more than 200 pieces by well-known contemporary Texans to its prime location in the center of the city's renowned Theater District. The historic boutique hotel from the 1920s era was recently voted Houston's best hotel by Conde Nast Readers. It has a rich history of serving a diverse and illustrious clientele that includes writers, poets, actors, musicians, dancers, business and leisure travelers, newlyweds, circus and rodeo performers, and even a horse. The Lancaster Hotel would be delighted to have the chance to treat you to our special brand of hospitality and service. Hotel ZaZa Nestled near the Houston Museum of Fine Art, Hotel ZaZa is an elegant and seductive venue that seamlessly blends business and pleasure. One of ZaZa's so-called Concept Suites, the Houston We Have a Problem suite, goes all out with a moon-inspired couch and a life-size astronaut statue dominating one corner. The room is enormous—it is over 1,000 square feet—and has a large executive-style table that can accommodate up to eight people. ZaSpa's Have No Mercy deep-tissue massage is to die for, and the fitness machines have individual TVs (hallelujah); an extensive poolside menu offers adult popsicles and drinks by the pitcher. Meanwhile, the restaurant's terrace offers good views of the Mecom Foundation and the Museum of Fine Arts, drawing a mix of locals and hotel guests. St. Regis The opulent St. Regis, which is sandwiched between The Galleria and the affluent River Oaks neighborhood, resembles a glitzy high-rise condominium. Junior suites feature floor to ceiling windows overlooking River Oaks and the pool, as well as a separate sleeping area. No, this isn't your normal Houston hotel; the bathrooms are appointed with marble and granite, and the king-size beds have pillow tops. Observe that The St. Regis, wherever it may be, has a long-standing tradition of serving afternoon tea. JW Marriott Situated in one of Houston's most popular business districts, the JW Marriott draws a discerning clientele of business travelers looking for first-rate amenities and service without the fuss that boutique hotels sometimes bring. The rooms are remarkably modern and roomy, with free wifi, an iPad for booking spa treatments or ordering room service, and Nespresso machines as amenities. The Spa by JW provides a variety of intriguing treatments, such as massages, facials, and foot soaks. How Hotels Are Judged? Readers are asked to rank their favorite hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. The 2023 survey was completed by nearly 165,000 readers, a nearly 25% increase over pre-pandemic voting levels. Across more than 8,500 distinct properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.), more than 685,000 votes were cast. Based on their location and amenities, hotels were categorized as either safari lodges, city hotels, or resort hotels. They were also evaluated according to the following criteria: Rooms/facilities Location Service Food Value Respondents could select an option for excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor for each characteristic. These responses are averaged to determine the final scores. Wrapping Up Located in the center of Houston, Texas, and only a short distance from Discovery Green Park and the George R. Brown Convention Center, the Marriott Marquis boasts an outdoor pool that is open year-round and a lazy river shaped like a Texas. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, a full-service spa, and six restaurants on the premises. A flat-screen TV with premium channels and cable is provided in every room. There is a refrigerator, coffee maker, and ironing facilities available. A hair dryer and complimentary toiletries are provided in the private bathroom. A few rooms offer views of Discovery Green Park or the lazy river. Diners can choose to eat at Biggio's, which serves American cuisine, or at Xochi, which serves Mexican food and drinks under the direction of award-winning chef Hugo Ortega. Around 200 varieties of wine and tapas are served at Cueva Wine Bar. Walker Street Kitchen and Texas T Coffee House both serve breakfast. The Marriott Marquis Houston is only 250 meters from Minute Maid Park, which is home to the Houston Astros baseball team. It takes five minutes to walk to Toyota Center and BBVA Compass Stadium. William P. Hobby International Airport is the closest airport, located 15 kilometers away. Read Also: Luxe Living: The Best Hotels In Dallas Sin City Stays: Here Are The Best Hotels In Vegas! Taste Of Houston: A Culinary Adventure In Diversity

BY  Ankita Mar 25, 2024

If you're finally on vacation in Florence, you'll definitely want to know how to enjoy your trip at night as well. Here in the evening, it is mostly the piazzas, clubs, and restaurants that come alive, all perfect places to discover another face of the city. 5 Things To Do In The Evenings While Travel To Florence Florence is a city that deserves to be experienced even when the sun goes down. While during the day it is interesting to wander around visiting monuments and attractions, in the evening, it is more pleasant to slow down and enjoy its beauty at a leisurely pace. Moving well in advance and choosing the best Florence hotel deals will give you the chance to find the most convenient lodging in the center, so you can move around in comfort and with ease, even in the evening. That said, here are 5 things to do in Florence as the sun goes down. Treating Yourself To A Tuscan Dinner: Travel To Florence Top Attraction  You can't say you've been to Florence without treating yourself at least once to a delicious dinner in full Tuscan style. Take advantage of your vacation to also explore the food and wine side of this city and choose one of the many restaurants where you can try typical local appetizers, first courses, main courses, and desserts. Among the traditional dishes, you are sure to find the famous Florentine steak, lampredotto, ribollita, tripe, schiacciata, and delicious Santucci. Accompany your dinner with an excellent glass of local wine. At the end of your meal, you can also end the evening with a delicious Italian gelato, which you can try at one of the many gelato shops dotting the center. Related: Best Places To Visit In Italy Taking A Walk Along The Arno River After Dinner Walking around without following a specific itinerary is one of the best experiences to have in the evening in Florence, especially after dinner when there are less people around. At this time of day, the city is truly magical and can show you another aspect of its beauty. It is a must for your travel to Florence.  One of the most striking points to reach is Ponte Vecchio, from which you can admire the Arno and the surrounding landscape. The famous jewelry stores will surely be closed, but this makes the bridge the main protagonist of the scene. You can take advantage of the moment to take memorable souvenir photos and capture the view from a different perspective. Travel To Florence And Admie The Duomo Without Crowds One of the best times to reach Piazza del Duomo is definitely in the evening. After sunset, the square begins to empty out, and admiring the Duomo in all its magnificence becomes even more impressive. You can also decide to reach the square in time for the sunset: admiring it from the top of the Dome or from Giotto's Bell Tower is impressive. Chilling Out In Piazza Della Signoria Piazza della Signoria is one of the most beautiful squares in the evening. Located a stone's throw away from the Uffizi Gallery, it is a great place to spend a few hours, if only to sit and admire the many wonders it houses. In fact, it is one of the city's main squares, home to the seat of civic power and the copy of the David. It is also one of the most popular gathering spots for tourists because of its elegant outdoor cafes and monuments. Visit The Academy Gallery With An Evening Tour Finally, it might be a good idea to take an evening tour of the Accademia Gallery so you can see the original statue of Michelangelo's David. In fact, there are guided tours that also start in the late afternoon, around 5 p.m., so you can avoid the crowds that invade the museum during daylight hours. There are also other attractions that give you the opportunity to join tours like this, such as the Uffizi Gallery or Palazzo Vecchio. Things To Know About Florence When planning to visit Florence during your holidays, you must have an idea of the evening life and the whole thing. This particular section provides a little discussion regarding Florence as a city. Cost Of Living If you wish to stay there for a week, the hotels will do it, but if you intend to stay longer, you must know the market prices. The groceries, restaurants, and transport prices are quite affordable in Florene compared to other major European cities. However, leisure activities can be quite costly. Therefore, you must take additional precautions and prepare for the stay budget there. The cost of renting the flats bank is in the area where you want to live. You can even find rent as low as  900 Euros in San Nicolo! Shopping While You Travel To Florence To Save Money Don’t get disheartened about finding the price of food products in Florence. Supermarkets like COOP and SISA are great places to shop for your daily requirements, there. There, you can find farmers’ markets in Florence. In the local shops, you will be able to find good deals for the day. It can give you good savings. You can easily enjoy bulk shopping and get cheaper deals compared to supermarkets.  What Are The Best Neighborhoods For Expats In Florence? When you intend to stay for a few days in Florence, you definitely understand the local culture. Living in the safest and best neighborhood will be the best choice. The district is on the south side of the Arno River. It is known for its massive art galleries, restaurants, and antique shops. These are the places where you find yourself close to the culture of Florence.  Mention needs to be made of the Duomo neighborhood. This is the place for those fascinated with old things and historic neighborhoods. The place is located right in the heart of the city. Moreover, it has become one of the prime spots for tourists. Apart from them, you have the San Marco neighborhood, which has a lot of similar characters.  Read Also: Unlocking The Secrets: Key Ingredients In Italian Cuisine Which Is The Best Time To Visit Auli? – Travel Guide

BY  Subham Saha Sep 23, 2021

If you have opened this article, chances are you are a solo traveler. If you are looking to travel solo in Japan, this is your go-to guide. Not only will I share my experience, but I will also make some budget Tokyo hostels in Japan for your travel in 2022. I have selected these hostels based on their Location, Amenities, Prices, and Staff. Why Staying In The Hostel Is The Best Option In Tokyo? Tokyo is among the top 10 expensive cities in the world. But what I like about this city is that even though the cost of living is exceptionally high in Tokyo, there are some spectacular and budget-friendly hostels in Tokyo where you can stay at a meager price and save your money for your other expenses as a solo traveler. Many people think that Tokyo is expensive. Yes, that is a fact. However, if you are smart and intuitive and look at the right places, you will see that Tokyo has several budget-friendly options on offer. For example, you can always book a ticket on the famous Tokyo bus tours to explore the great city and all its attractions. The key is to look for these opportunities and do your online research when visiting. Top 11 Budget Tokyo Hostels In Japan For 2022 The hostels in Tokyo are extremely clean and promote Japanese culture in every possible way. They all maintain eye-pleasing decors. All of them have Wi-Fi, and some have kitchens too. The price of beds generally ranges between $18-$45 per night. They occasionally host musical events and serve a lot of tea, and have little rooms in which you can sleep.  1. Hostel Bedgasm Hostel Bedgasm is one of the best hostels in Tokyo. It is located in East Tokyo. It features a vibrant bar. Solo travelers get a drink which is in the house. They utilize good ways to make travelers get acquainted with each other to have a nice time.  When it comes to Bathrooms, they are pretty clean. There's a rooftop area where backpackers can sit and get a view of the city. The staff is very welcoming, and there is a ton of storage given to backpackers where they can store all their items.  The area surrounding is pretty quiet and has many local food outlets. The Ramen place is quite famous for its ramen. Just ask any of the staff; he/she will point it out to you. The nearby places you may consider visiting are Roppongi, Ginza, Ueno, and the Tsukiji fish market. You can get there by metro.  Price: Beds from $35/night  2. Khaosan Tokyo Origami Khaosan Tokyo Origami is located in Asakusa. It's only a few yards from Senso-Ji Temple. It is a spotless Tokyo hostel, and it's air-conditioned. They have plenty of rooms and are quite spacious, which is not typical of Tokyo hostels. The beds are very soft and big. They also have curtains placed between beds to ensure the privacy of the backpackers.    Khaosan Tokyo Origami features a shared lounge that serves tea and coffee for free. There is a shared kitchen which is open all day. They provide slippers that you can put on and toast and tea/coffee as breakfast. There is also a lounge on the eighth floor, backpackers can play video games, indulge in conversations with fellow backpackers. You can see half of Tokyo from the lounge.  Price: Beds from $30/night  3. Hostel Chapter 2 Tokyo Chapter two is another best Tokyo hostel which is run by a family. It's just a 2 mins walk from Skytree Station in Asakusa. You will find the shared kitchen and commonplace very lively. It has more of a family vibe to it, which makes you feel very comfortable. The dorms are equipped with bunker beds.  You can get a view of the Sumida River if you get a bed facing it. I would rate Chapter 2 very highly as it certainly is one of the best Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $38/night  4.  Sheena and Ippei It is a tiny hostel located in downtown Tokyo. I feel this is one of the best Tokyo hostels because it is very near to Ikebukuro Station. The owners of this hostel are amiable people. Everything is built-in Japanese style in this hostel. The staff are very helpful; they will suggest some right places to eat from and visit to visit.  Price: Beds from $38/night 5.  Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki is just a minute away from Asakusa Temple and Asakusa Station. Even though the rooms are not that well maintained as other hostels on this list, they are comfy. You can get a good view of Skytree Tower if you manage to get a room upstairs. Price: Beds from $27/night   Also Read: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia 6. Backpacker's Hostel K's Tokyo House They have hostels all across Japan. The one in Tokyo is one of the most famous Tokyo hostels. It has a very welcoming vibe to it. The staff is accommodating and friendly. They do not provide breakfast, but there's a shared kitchen in which you can cook. It is not precisely in the center of Tokyo, so if you want to get out of all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, then you may consider this place.  Price: Beds from $28/night Also Read: New South Wales Southern Highland Helicopter Tour 7. Kaisu Hostel Kaisu Hostel was not always a hostel. Formerly it used to be a ryotei, which in Japanese means a traditional Japanese restaurant. This hostel is a bit on the expensive side as the building has preserved the Japanese culture very professionally. You can say that it is more of a hotel than a hostel. Consider other options if you want Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $40/night  8.  Citan Hostel This hostel is trendy among youngsters and hipsters. They have a massive common area on the first floor, and also, the kitchen is well maintained for cooking. There are also DJ nights on Saturdays. It does not have much of a hostel vibe to it.  Price: Beds from $28/night 9. Unplan Kagurazaka This is relatively a newer hostel, so it looks very plush. The floors are made out of wood and have simplistic decor. Both backpackers and families fit in the ambiance of this hostel. The public cafe on the first floor is an excellent place to hang out and make new friends.  Price: Beds from $39/night 10. Book and Bed Tokyo As the name suggests, if you are a backpacker who loves reading, this is the place you need to be. This hostel features a bookstore where backpackers are allowed to sleep on the shelves. You can read all sorts of books, magazines, and mangas.   Price: Beds from $37/night 11. Space Hostel Tokyo The rooftop lounge is the USP of this hostel. The rooms are spotless and well maintained. What I love the most about this hostel are its sushi-making party and origami classes. Kindly remember to carry cash as it is the only form of payment that this hostel accepts. You have to pay upfront while checking in.    Price: Beds from $29/night  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Are Hostels Good In Japan? Don't get your kimono in a twist, we have a much simpler life for you and prepared a list for the best places to take rest and recover while you are in between your temple touring and sushi sampling. Hostels in Japan are generally good and there's a variety of options. 2. Can You Enter Japan Right Now? Tourists and non-resident foreign business travelers are prohibited from entering Japan.  Japanese citizens and foreign residents can reenter Japan with a  permit that is complied with strict pre-and post-travel testing  and quarantine upon arrival. 3. How Much Money Should I Bring To Japan?   Single Traveler Two Travelers Low Budget 3,500 - 7,800 yen 7,000 - 15,600 yen Medium Budget 8,800 - 18,500 yen 13,600 - 28,000 yen High Budget over 18,500 yen over 28,000 yen 4. What Is Japan Famous For? Japan is known for its traditional arts, which includes tea ceremonies, calligraphy and flower arranging. The country has typical gardens, sculpture and poetry. Japan is home to more than a dozen of UNESCO World Heritage sites and sushi is originated from Japan, one of its most famous culinary exports. Conclusion Solo traveling in Japan has been one of the best experiences in my life. The Tokyo hostels are spectacular. If you have never traveled alone before, trust me when I say it is an eye-opening experience. To travel solo, you need to keep an open mind free of prejudices and stereotypes.  Solo travel gives you a unique chance to be yourself indeed. There is no one to hold you back when you travel solo—however, certain things to keep in mind like mindfulness of your safety, loneliness, etc. With a little courage and preparation, it can make it worthwhile. You May Also Like: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California