World's Whackiest Hotels!

Alternative travel site i-escape has just released the second Alternative Hotel Awards. The Awards voted on by past guests and users rates some of the whackiest and most unusual places on the planet to stay. If your looking for something different your sure to find it here !

* Perfect For Pillow Biters - Evason Ana Mandara Hotel, Vietnam. Check in here and you can choose from no less that 16 types of pillows. Everything from a traditional Vietnamese buck wheat filled pillow, a butterfly shaped pillow and scented pillows. Night Night.

*Out Of This World - Hotel Cocoon, Brazil. The building looks like a giant circa 1950's spaceship (see photo). The staff dress in space suit uniforms, the pool changes colour every 5 seconds and notices and menus are addressed to astronauts not guests. Er pass the drugs !

* The Dalia LLama of Hotels - Le Castel,France.The first thing you notice when you check in here at this historic Normandy chateau are a pair of llamas grazing on the lawns. Doctors say these creatures are the ultimate in stress reduction.

* Get Lost In Bed - Art Hotel Luise, Berlin. If you want to revert back to your childhood check in to Room 107 where the bed is 50% oversized in every dimension so when you climb in and get under the vast duvet you feel like a child again. Or if that does not work ask for Room 309 where a sloping bed suspended on chains,along with two aircraft seats and  a log book on the fold out table gives the impression of flying though the sky on a plane !

Stylish New Destinations For 2008

A New Year brings a rash of hot new hotels and destinations worldwide. Here are a few we really like that you might want to check out!

* Malawi. To open in July The Pumulani, on Lake Malawi adds new romance to your African safari. The 10 room lodge overlooks a pristine beach

* Madagascar. Discover the unbelievable vivid natural wonders like the lemurs, chameleons and bug eyed frogs. New luxury resorts are gradually replacing 'basic only'. Check out Mandrare River Camp situated in the forests in the deep south.

* The Maldives. Basically see it before it disappears under the ocean. Not only one of the most stunning beach vacations but one of its swankiest. Opening this month the Beach House at Manafaru offers sleek villas and a gentlemen's club (hmmmm what does that mean ???). July sees the arrival of 'Diva'. As well as spas and villas Diva will have no less than 12 bars and restaurants.

* Mykonos. Maybe the Greek Islands are becoming so so however if you love your clubbing this is still the hot place to go. To match the clubbing stay in the Mykonos Grace . See Photo above.

The Room Key Is Dead !

The good old fashioned room key is on the way out replaced by new super technology.

In New York the newly renovated Plaza Hotel will feature radio frequency cards that will open the door when swiped past the lock at close range. Paper cards,cellphones,finger print and iris scans are the new 'Matrix' of getting into your hoetl room.

And what's driving the change ? -cost of course. The standard magnetic cards cost about 10 cents each and while good for about 20 uses most guests take them with them and throw them away. Alternatives include paper cards like you use at the parking station, and Radio Frequency such as being used at the Plaza or a special code placed into your cell phone at reception.

Meanwhile the SoHo Loft Hotel in New York is the first hotel to begin trialing finger print scans on their locks. Feedback from guests has been positive with guests saying they love the technology because they dont have to worry about keys. Welcome to the New World !

Rest After a 'Hard Days Night' At Beatles Hotel !

Fans of the Fab Four can now rest up up the newly open Beatles Hotel in Liverpool !

The 'Hards Days Night' Hotel has 110 rooms and is situated close to the Cavern Club where the Beatles started out. 

The 4 star boutique hotel has two luxury "Lennon" and "McCartney" suites and has its own wedding chapel. Special paintings and pictures depict the history of the Beatles from the basement through to the roof top. Check it out here

America's Best Places To Propose !

If you live in the States or your thinking of 'dropping the question' on your next visit TripAdvisor have just released there survey on the hot places to propose in the US.

The Hot Ten is list is as follows:

1. Central Park New York. Whether its on the grass, on the ice rink or a horse drawn buggy this is the numero uno place to propose in the US !

2. Grand Canyon. Don't forget to watch your footing though !

3. Kapalua Bay, Maui. Nothing like those Hawaiian sunsets to get the heart strings going !

4. Napa Valley California. Just blame it on the wine the next morning !

5. Niagara Falls. An oldie but still a goodie.

6. Christmas Point,Twins Peaks,San Francisco. The spectacular views should do the trick !

7. Bellagio Fountains,Las Vegas. And of course then you can do the drive through wedding!

8. Empire State Building ,New York. Just make sure its a clear day!

9. Red Rocks ,Sedona , Arizona. Do it is a hot air balloon they say is the way to go.

10. Mount Aspen,Aspen. Grab your skiis and go ahead and ask her !