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Posts Tagged ‘hotels’

Canada’s Hotels And Restaurants And What They’re Like

10 Jun

For many Americans, going to a Canadian restaurant/hotel can be a very different experience. There are so many differences in foreign restaurants or hotels (and especially Canada) that it can actually be quite confusing in certain respects. More than that, it can make one feel like somewhat of a fool for not knowing what is going on when certain things come up.

One of these differences is the price you pay. Since the USD is stronger than the Canadian dollar, the prices in Canada are higher. When you convert your USD to the Canadian version, you’ll get more, but when you spend it, you’ll spend more. In the case of going out to eat, some of the prices that you’d be familiar with might seem astronomically higher, when they’re generally the same before conversion.

Another thing that confuses foreigners is the included tip. When paying your bill, you might notice that it has the tip already calculated and added into what you have to pay. It may not be what you usually pay for a tip, but usually goes by a universal rate that most people are okay with. It also helps eliminate the inquiry of whether to leave the tip on the table or to put it on your card. Regardless of what method you chose, you’ll know that you’re leaving a tip and that your server is getting it.

Something that’s universal with any country is culture and cultural food. Each country has a particular food, or line of foods, that they are famous for serving or cooking with. Canada, like any country, has it’s own, but because of it’s past history with Great Britain and with France, it has adopted some of both cultures. This makes the Canadian restaurant experience that much more unique and exciting.

Even the fast-food industry is unique. Like any company, the national location changes what kinds of service are provided, and Canada is no exception. Unlike what you’d see in America, many fast food places might sell beer there. There are other such changes that you’d see that might seem strange practice to the typical US citizen.

They are also different in how they serve their customers. They may have the same menu items that you’d see in America, but they’re prepared in a different way for whatever reason. As an example, because Canada uses the metric system, they might sell steak by a different size scale. This can be baffling to an American.

Anywhere you go, there are certain foods that are more popular, or may not even be eaten in that country. These foods define what kind of restaurant is most common, or what you’ll commonly see on a menu. In Canada, there are a few foods like this, such as cheese and beer, that are popular enough among Canadians that make their way onto menus that you might not see in other countries.

Canada may have some of the same restaurants or hotels that you’d see in America, but they’re different beyond what was mentioned here. They’re different because food is more important or exciting to them than it is to Americans. In America, food must be a convenience, not an experience. That alone is a big aspect that tourists have a hard time adapting to, but in all other respects, it’s an exciting endeavor and one that nearly everybody who travels gets into.

Looking to spend a relaxing night away from home? Then visit your local hotel or motel to stay overnight in luxury and bliss!

 
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The Cheap Hotel Rates Five Star Tips

12 Apr

Forced to be frugal by the poor economy in 2009, most of us considered a vacation an unattainable luxury. Even with deal-of-the-decade advertisements by hotels and resorts, few of us could take advantage. Now, with the economy improving in 2010, some travelers are venturing back out on vacations. Unfortunately, those tempting low hotel prices are going up as the economy improves. Current travel publications are suggesting that some searching and planning will be necessary to find the low prices of 2009. Travelers have found the following information helpful:

Do you consider yourself computer savvy? If you are like many people, you are using online travel agencies and brokers to plan your travel. At first glance, it appears to be easier and less expensive than contacting a hotel directly. But think again, you may be missing out on the best travel rates. Many hotels, such as the Marriott chain, are offering guaranteed rates to customers willing to book their hotel rooms directly at the hotel’s Website. The hotel chain is willing to beat anyone’s prices, if the dates and room types are comparable. Contact Marriott for more information about their “Look No Further Best Rate Guarantee”. Rules and restrictions may apply.

When planning your vacation, look for hotels and resorts offering specials during the week and during the off-season. You may be the special traveler who loves hot desert weather, or chilly snowy seasons. And that may save you a bundle. Consider your options, it may pay off in your pocketbook.

Travelers often look at big city, four-star hotels, restaurants, clubs, etc. and think “I can’t afford them.” But you may be able to if you are booking a hotel in a city’s financial district on a weekend. Hotels usually have higher vacancy rates, and will drop their prices or provide room upgrades. And you will usually be near the best places to eat and party! Check it out–you just may be able to have a taste of luxury at the cost of a much more modest hotel.

If you are thinking you can’t afford to stay in a metropolitan area such as Las Vegas, Phoenix, or New York, you may be pleasantly surprised. Many hotels in large cities have upgraded to include many more rooms. You don’t necessarily have to stay on the outskirts of town where hotel options can be few.

Planning a second honeymoon? Looking to get away with a special someone? “Romantic Getaway” packages are now becoming quite common at hotels. They are usually offered at a special price when booked at the hotel’s Website. These trips may offer spa services, restaurant discounts, and golf, to name a few. They are worth checking out–even if you weren’t planning a romantic trip, you may be able to save on amenities you wanted to use anyway.

Is saving 40% a condition of Cheap Hotels? I think so, if you agree visit Chris’ site and book today for your next trip.

 
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The History Of Reno’s Mapes Hotel

03 Mar

On a cold, gray morning in late January 2000, the historic Mapes Hotel in Reno was imploded by 75 pounds of explosives tucked into the art-deco structures support columns. The controlled demolition came despite years of effort by a number of groups within the community and nationally to preserve the building with lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots lobbying efforts.

While the logic and necessity of demolishing the Mapes is very questionable, one thing that is certain is that the hotel was an important part of Northern Nevada history. The Mapes opened in’47 and with it ushered in a new era for casino gambling and the state of Nevada. Despite some historical revisionism that suggests that the modern era began in Las Vegas with Bugsy Siegel’s famed Flamingo, the Mapes was actually the first building in America to have a hotel, casino and live entertainment under the same roof. The Mapes attracted countless celebrities who’d make it their home when business brought them to Northern Nevada–this included movie stars like Clark Gable, TV stars like the cast of ‘Bonanza’ and political power brokers like infamous anti-Communist crusader Joseph McCarthy.

In the 50s and 60s it became, along with Lake Tahoes Cal-Neva Lodge the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The top floor, window-walled Sky Room showcased performances by the legends: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Jackie Gleason, Louis Prima, Mae West, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Marx Brothers among others. Subsequent years were not kind to downtown Reno but the Mapes continued to do well during the 60’s and 70’s. The hotel finally closed in’82, due more to financial difficulties experienced by the Mapes family caused by one of their other Northern Nevada gaming properties than anything else.

Reno never experienced the massive growth that occurred in Las Vegas and southern Nevada, and for that reason the destruction of the Mapes is more open to debate than the hotel demolitions to the south. Even the demolition of The Sands–perhaps the most historically significant casino in the state–is hard to argue against given the inability of such a small property to compete in the current Las Vegas marketplace and in light of the value of the mid-strip real estate. The old properties may have historic value to pop culture historians, but their survival doesn’t make economic sense. They’re simply ‘analog players in a digital world’.

That’s not the case in Reno, where vacant land and/or buildings ripe for redevelopment are abundant downtown and in the other casino areas of the city. The official reason that the Mapes had to come down was that the city needed the land to expand its vision for downtown redevelopment. While this is certainly a much needed effort, to suggest that the existence of the Mapes was a barrier is absurd. In fact, many of the proposals rejected by the city would have gone a long way to enhance the revitalization of downtown Reno and included artists lofts, office space and other mixed used properties. Despite receiving a number of viable concepts for the Mapes Building, the City Redevelopment Authority rejected all of them and the Mapes was destined for demolition.

The behavior of the City Redevelopment Authority throughout the process has come into question. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was perfectly placed between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. In’96, the city purchased the htoel and began accepting proposals for redevelopment. Despite receiving a number of proposals that made sense both in terms of their financial workability and positive impact on the downtown area, the City Redevelopment Authority nixed all of them and insisted that the hotel be razed.

Following the 2000 demolition, the lot remained vacant for over a year until a temporary ice skating rink was hastily constructed the following winter. The site now houses a permanent ice skating rink which, while not a bad use for the land, isn’t the sort of game changing improvement suggested by the City Redevelopment Agency and their adamant insistence that the building be demolished. To the contrary, it appears they had no specific plan or even general idea of what to do with the land but for some reason wanted to see the hotel come down. This has led to all manner of speculation, ranging from financial self interest to a rumor that the structure was ‘haunted’ and needed to be destroyed to forestall future paranormal activity in Washoe County. Whatever the reason, the city of Reno lost a valuable landmark that played a significant part in the economic growth of the entire state.

Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and a kangaroo. He is currently working on an autobiography of former energy secretary Donald Hodell.

 
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