Elite travelers can be picky about spa services, fast Internet access, savory dining options, and acceptable proximity to local attractions and events. However, a recording studio with a screening room is not usually on the must-have list. But if more people discover the Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas in West Hollywood, Calif., it very well may become the next "it" amenity. It does attract a unique upscale crowd.
The Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas is the lair of Hollywood's most elite. Located just off the fabled Sunset Boulevard in a residential enclave, it is a favorite of the most famous of the planet Hollywood. A rock star who can't get any satisfaction checks in to a suite and finds it in abundance here. Supermodels in search of a date can be found in the lounge and around the pools. Guests are more likely to encounter L.A. Lakers than fakers on these hallowed grounds. The first line of copy on the hotel's homepage says it all: "If we were any more Hollywood, our pool would be shallow at both ends. This is more than a hotel. It is a state of mind.
The stylish suites and villas of the 102 guestrooms range from 480 to 3,200 square feet. All suites have living rooms, dining areas, wet bars, and marble and stone baths. Some rooms even have baby grand pianos and elaborate entertainment systems for those inspirational moments. Although luxury accommodations of this level are not found in the economy-class section, there are special value-added enticers to make a stay even more scintillating, such as the Romance Package for two. The two-bedroom villas are priced from $2,000 to $7,000 nightly. Supermodels are not included.
NightBird Recording Studio
How does a prestigious hotel come to having a full-service recording studio under its roof? The genesis of the recoding studio becoming an integral part of the Sunset Marquis hotel hits home on the hotel's exemplary hospitable ways. Two musicians were heard playing live music in their room. The manager of the hotel entered the scene and told the lads to go downstairs, where they found a more accommodating spot underneath the hotel and resumed playing. The restless guests in question were Jeff Beck and Jed Leiber. Jed Leiber, a BAFTA award winner and Grammy-nominated composer, is the owner of the NightBird. He had such a good time on that day in 1993 he decided to stay.
Many members of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame are users of the recording facilities. Mary J. Blinge, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, and Aerosmith are just a few of the studio's satisfied customers. The Studio at the Sunset Marquis, which recently underwent a major makeover with the addition of new production rooms and a screening room, is now the NightBird Recording Studio. Seal and Cyndi Lauper laid down tracks in separate sessions to commemorate the studio's first day of business as the NightBird.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Star Gazing at the Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas, West Hollywood
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Partying In Style In The Limo Capital Of The World
Miami limousine industry has grown dramatically over the years and so has the selection of limousine types. More than ever before, you have choices with you limousine to fit for every occasion and need. If you’re interested in Miami limos there is a huge variety of exotic stretch limousines to pick from. Limos can now be selected for all occasions with many different seating capacities and styles. For the wedding party you could book the Classic Stretch Lincoln or the Ford Excursion Stretch limo. The stretch limousine is the way to travel in style or celebrate a special occasion. Modern but now classic stretch limos are equipped with all the finest amenities - the SUV stretch limo is a statement of luxury.
When you are planning to hire a limo, whether it is a regular one or a super stretch Limo, it will always pay off to research in depth all the possibilities available.. With music to bars and a comfortable ride, you will enjoy every minute of your party in Miami with stretch limos, hummer limos, and special occasion limos. Stretch limo seating layout allows any one person to have quality conversation with up to nine others and provides the basis for excellent group interaction or networking, within the confines of an extremely relaxing and enjoyable environment.
If you’re interested in renting a stretch Limo in Miam i there are many exotic stretch limousines to pick from. Seating up to 14 passengers the ultimate in style and luxury these are the hottest stretches out right now. For a wedding party, most limo companies recommend booking the Classic Stretch Lincoln or the Super Stretch Excursion. The stretch limousine is the way to travel in style or celebrate a special occasion. Equipped with all the finest amenities, the a stretch limo is a statement of luxury.
The value from the many limo companies in Miami varies as does the price. Cheaper prices often mean older, smaller limos. Booking a limo is not always about price, it's about the cars and the service, yes you will pay more for more modern limos, but you will get better cars, better chauffeurs, and style. According to Alex Henriquez, owner of A2Z Limousine."most established limo companies in Miami now offer a complete variety of limousines from Ford Excursion stretch limos to mini buses. Seating configurations on new limousines reflect various needs for seating conducive to conversation, business transportation, and partying".
There are several other common seating configurations you will find in most modern limousines. Commonly limos will come with J-shaped seating which runs down one side of the vehicle and usually across the back in the Lincoln Town Car, Grand Mercury Marquis, Lincoln Tuxedo, Fleetwood Cadillac and SUV limousines such as Hummers. Some large SUV limos actually include an enclosed fireplace. Most limos now have seating for at least eight passengers, with a sound system, bar area, and custom lighting. Some limos are now accompanied with flat screen tv’s such as the Lincoln Stretch Limo.
Dynasty In Nusa Dua Bali
Dynasty Estate is conveniently located in the elevated area of Nusa Dua, the six stars hotel district, approximately 20 minutes from the International Airport, 5 minutes from the calm beach & from the international Bali Country Golf work. A wide range of restaurants, shops & boutiques are along Nusa Dua main road, which is only 3minutes driving from this Bali villa.
Dynasty Estate features generous space, high quality equipment & materials to generate a convenient & majestic villa. With the seven opulent bedrooms arranged in two levels ‘L’ shape building, the large pool, the wine cellar, sophisticated decoration. Dynasty Estate is unwavering dedicated to quality & luxury.
The ground floor includes on the right side seven bedrooms arrange side by side, including dressing & well equipped en-suite bathroom & on the left side the dinning area, the large bar & a guest lavatory. Further to the left the staff quarter is including kitchen, maintenance, & laundry area discreetly set by the end of this compound.
The palatial Dynasty Estate extends over over 1100 m2 of land. The prestigious entrance presents series of stylish Balinese statues along the wall, with a well furnished wooden gate leading to the reception area. Further to the left, the seven bedrooms with dressing & en suited bathrooms are uniquely designed with private stair to the top of the building featuring a private terrace with sea view. In addition a large wooden balcony is set in front of these seven bedrooms overlooking the pool ideal to relax or arrange a romantic dinner.
The upper level is comprised of a spacious living, main dinning area, a luxurious quintessential TV area with high ceiling featuring a stylish sofa & a large LCD TV as well as a fully equipped kitchen. The second building is featuring seven bedrooms on the ground floor facing to the pool including dressing & en suited bathroom. The master bedroom is set on the first floor featuring a private TV area a dressing & a large en suited bathroom including a private Jacuzzi.
Stunning, connected by a sleek wooden stair, the spacious second master bedroom is located on the second level with outstanding view to the sea also featuring dressing, en suited bathroom with Jacuzzi as well as a private access to the pool.The generous pool is set amid the minimalist garden along with a pool deck & a Balinese Bale to relax on. Further the wine cellar is secluded in the basement by the edge of the pool.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Choosing the Right Location For You
There are lots of different ways you can get away; some people prefer the package deals where everything is done for you in advance and you get your flights, transfers, hotel and everything else you can imagine done for you so you can just enjoy your holiday. Secondly you may like to prepare your own holiday; this is the preferred choice for many people as it gives you the ability too choose your holiday exactly how you want it. You can choose your own flights, book your own hire car and select the type of accommodation you want to stay in, many people will opt for a hotel, which is fine for lots of people but for others a self catering break will give the ultimate in flexibility.
Villa Holidays are probably the best holiday choice for anyone who is looking to self cater, the villas can often be found on resorts which offer lots of additional facilities to further enhance your holiday. Depending on where you go and some of the most popular destinations include the Spanish Med resorts and the Portuguese Algarve to name just a few and the choice available to you is extensive. If you are looking for something a little extra special then you can choose one which has its own swimming pool, perfect for families and groups of friends to get even more out of their holiday break. Many of the resorts will have golf courses or even if you choose on off resort they will be near to the coast or in perfect country areas so you can enjoy your holiday break and relax in the peace and quiet.
If you book your own villa holidays then you need to also consider you will need to get the flights to the destination and the hire car to your resort, or taxi depending on how far away you are from the villa. Take this into account when you are choosing your villa so you do not go over budget, villas can be a very cost effective accommodation when you are away as you can sleep from four to eight people in many of the villas, and more should this be required depending on how many people are in your group.
By Chris Courtis
Three Easy Tips on Finding a Low Cost Holiday Villa
Tip 1: Consider a different destination:
If you're looking for an affordable holiday villa but simply can't afford a destination like Spain or Italy, then perhaps you should think about visiting France instead.
As an affordable holiday destination France is much cheaper than Spain or Italy to get to, with lots of budget travel options including cheap flights, discount ferries, Eurostar and the Channel Tunnel. France is literally on England's doorstep so not only is it a cheap travel option, it's easy to get to. Once you're in France the network of reliable train routes will take you where you need to go quickly and affordability, or if you've got your car you can easily drive to your location at your leisure.
France is large enough to provide plenty of different themes and settings for your holiday, whether you want to chill out by the pool, enjoy family fun on the beach, or explore historic and cultural sights. Plus there's a huge range of affordable self catering accommodation available in France, including villas with pools, country cottages, and beachside gites.
Regions in the south and south west of France can reach temperatures that we associate with its Italian and Spanish neighbours, and as it is packed with gorgeous villas nestling in acres of beautiful countryside, it's definitely a cheaper option that won't inconvenience you.
Tip 2: Consider a holiday during a less popular season:
If you're looking for a French villa holiday on a budget, one way to get the most from your money is to look outside the school holiday dates when villa rental rates are generally lower. If your travel plans aren't dictated by the school holidays, then look to take your summer holiday at the end of June or beginning of July, or in the second to last week in September, when temperatures are slightly cooler but still warm enough to take advantage of the pool.
Why not book your French villa holiday in the late spring? Whilst the climate may not be hot enough to enjoy a dip in the pool at this time of year, BBQ's and Al Fresco meals can still be comfortably enjoyed on the terrace.
Not only will the pool and the beach be less packed, you'll find it much easier to book time off work if you're not having to compete for the date with other colleagues!
Tip 3: Do your research before you go:
While a French villa holiday is often associated with the south of France, there are also plenty of beautiful villas to rent in North, West and central France, where rental prices are usually lower. These areas of France also welcome the sun out of season and record high temperatures in the summertime. By doing a bit of research before your trip you can find a low cost villa that is just as good as a villa in a more obvious destination, yet is quieter and cheaper! What's not to like about that?
And remember, just before you book, check for any holiday rental special offers from villa owners. There are always great deals available with discounts and promotions for early booking, late availability and off peak bookings.
If you can leave your choice of villa until just before you travel, you can pick up a great deal amongst late availability holiday villas. There are always rentals available at the last minute due to cancellations or new villas being made available. If you know beforehand which areas you'd like to go to, then it takes the risk out of making the most of the last minute deal.
By Amanda Richardson
Sunsets and Scenic Drives That Take Your Breath Away
The Pacific coast is breathtaking in its beauty and if you want to find the perfect vacation spot you will probably find it along California's 700 miles of coastline. Vacation homes in California are very highly sough after.
One of the primary reasons for people wanting their vacation homes in California is that there is so much to offer. There are many different styles and many different locations from which to choose. If you want an isolated location, Big Bear is ideal. It provides you with a beautiful mountain lake setting unparalleled for hiking and fishing.
Some people prefer to enjoy vacation homes right on the beach. These homes offer you a magnificent view of the ocean. If you are familiar with California at all, you already know that one of the main reasons people enjoy the beaches here is they offer you the opportunity to enjoy some of the best waves for surfing, along with beautiful warm weather, and romantic walks under the sunset.
Vacation rentals along the coastline tend to have quite a variation in price depending on what kind of rental you are looking for. For a smaller average rental, you could be looking at spending around four hundred dollars a night. If you are looking at prime spots with more amenities you will probably notice the price will increase a little more. There are many different types of rentals such as homes, cottages, and cabins depending on the setting you desire. Some of the homes are available for monthly rentals for an average price of around twelve thousand.
The views from these vacation homes on the coast are absolutely breathtaking. While taking a scenic drive along the coast you will be able to see the large waves crashing against the rocks, or even seals sunbathing as they take a break from the water. The natural splendor will astound you.
Renting a beach house in California can be quite tricky, because they are in high demand and rent out fairly quickly. It is recommended to contact them at least 60 days in advance to ensure availability of a rental in your favorite location.
By Daniel Wright