Fabulous Holiday Hotspots and Shopping
Steals vs. Splurges
NOVEMBER 15, 2007. Whether your holiday budget is naughty or nice, there is no excuse to miss out on this year's Christmas holiday hotspots. Hostelworld.com and boo.com have teamed up this season to ensure a great holiday travel experience on any budget with a list of steal or splurge holiday hotspots.
New York
For a top-notch shopping experience, travelers should get into a New York state of mind and head to one of the greatest shopping capitals in the world: Manhattan. For splurgers, Manhattan offers every store from the elegant Bergdorf Goodman to the sophisticated Saks. For chic bargain hunters, the city is full of discount designer shopping. Travelers should set aside at least one day to take in the full shopping experience New York has to offer.
Splurge
The Waldorf Astoria
Whether you have come to holiday shop on Fifth Avenue or ice skate in Rockefeller Plaza, there is no better place to stay in New York City than the luxurious Waldorf Astoria. An official New York City landmark since 1993, this legendary Art Deco treasure occupies an entire city block on fashionable Park Avenue, and has completed renovations totaling in excess of $300M. With its timeless elegance, luxurious comfort, and classic sophistication a night here may be the best present you receive all year.
http://www.boo.com/newyork/hotels/the_waldorf_astoria
Boo.com recommended splurge: The Waldorf Astoria
Rates start at $550 per night
Steal
Gershwin Hotel
The Gershwin Hotel offers a very appealing deal for holiday travelers on a tight budget.
Located in the trendy Flatiron district of Manhattan, just around the corner from the Empire State Building, the Gershwin is the preferred location for the thrifty and chic holiday traveler. The hotel is known for its trendy decor and the lobby is a work of art in itself. Narrow, with red and black chequered linoleum, the space is livened up by large 'pop art' pieces, sculptures, and smaller works by Lichtenstein and Warhol. The hotel includes an art gallery exhibiting up and coming artists and features progressive jazz performances and comedy acts to ring in the holiday cheer.
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/TheGershwinHotel-NewYork-804
Hostelworld.com recommended steal: Gershwin Hotel
Rates start at $40.00 per person per night
London
Known for its famous shopping and style, London is where modern fashion trends begin before exporting to the rest of the world. There are a wide variety of shops throughout the city, ranging from some of the world's most exclusive and expensive boutique stores, to lively street markets, often offering up some amazing deals.
Splurge
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Built in 1892, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has long been recognized as one of London's grandest hotels. Located near Harrods and Harvey Nichols, London's finest department stores, this amazing hotel is in the ideal location for holiday shoppers looking to splurge.
http://www.boo.com/london/hotels/mandarin_oriental_hyde_park
Boo.com recommended splurge: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Rates start at $567.00 per night
Steal
Ace Hotel
Located in trendy Kensington, Central London, Ace Hotel sets a new standard for budget accommodation in London. The hotel spans four beautiful Victorian town houses, has it's own bar, garden, hot-tub and provides the latest amenities, security and comfort for the holiday traveler wishing to stay in peaceful, calm surroundings after a exhausting day sightseeing and shopping for bargains on the near by Kensington High Street.
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/AceHotelKensington-London-10044
Hostelworld.com recommended steal: Ace Hotel
Rates start at $32.00 per person per night
Paris
Considered by many to be the fashion capital of the world, Paris offers visitors a romantically stylish experience for the holidays. High end shoppers will feel at home in the Haute Couture shops found on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honor'e and Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. For the bargain hunter, travelers should head to the famous flea markets of ancient descent, situated around the old gates of the city.
Splurge
Champs Elysees Plaza
The Champs Elysees Plaza is one of the most beautiful luxury boutique hotels, ideally located next to the famous 'Avenue des Champs Elysees' and close to all major monuments of Paris such as the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Visitors looking to splurge on shopping can visit the pulse of Paris design and fashion, The Faubourg Saint-Honor'e district, and take in the essence of Paris fashion.
http://www.boo.com/paris/hotels/champs_elysees_plaza
Boo.com recommended splurge: Champs Elysees Plaza
Rates start at $700.00 per night
Steal
Oops
Don't let the name fool you. Staying at this chic hostel is no mistake. Oops is located in the middle of three villages: Mouffetard, Chinatown and the Latin Quarter. The area is known worldwide for its holiday excitement and numerous shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, parks and galleries. The Metro stations Place d'Italie and Les Gobelins (Lines 6, 5 & 7) are only a stone's throw away from Oops and the rest of this fascinating city is yours to discover this holiday season.
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/Oops-Paris-22773
Hostelworld.com recommended steal: Oops
Rates start at $45.00 per person per night
Shanghai
Some of the most fabulous international shopping can be found in the tens of thousands of privately run shops that line the city of Shanghai. Travelers looking for an off-beat travel experience can wander the shops for bargains on fine pieces of jewelry, particularly jade, gold, silver and freshwater pearls. For modern and more traditional shopping, visitors should head to Shanghai's top street to shop, Nanjing Lu, enhanced recently by the creation of the Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall on Nanjing Dong Lu downtown.
Splurge
Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World
A holiday shopper's dream - Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World is located at the zero centre point of Shanghai on Nanjing Road, adjoining the new SEGA World entertainment centre and the ten story New World shopping emporium and just a 15 minute walk to the famous Bund along the shopping strip of Nanjing Road. This international hotel offers all the amenities a holiday traveler could wish for.
http://www.boo.com/shanghai/hotels/radisson_shanghai_new_world
Boo.com recommended splurge: Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World
Rates start at $235.00 per person per night
Steal
Mingtown Etour International Youth Hostel
Newly redone, The Mingtown Etour Hostel is located in the most developed city in China --Grand Shanghai. It's conveniently located at the center of the city, right in the People's Square district. The entire hostel is built in old-fashioned Shanghai residential style, and the flat construction design distinguishes it from skyscraper hotels. It has its own central courtyard as an open area for holiday celebrating. The building's traditional brick facade suits the surroundings well, and opens directly onto the cultural attractions of one of Shanghai's Nong Tong (old-style narrow streets).
http://www.hostelworld.com/availability.php/MINGTOWNEtourInternationalYouthHostel-Shanghai -12164
Hostelworld.com recommended steal: Mingtown Etour International Youth Hostel
Rates start at $6.00 per person per night
Dublin
When planning your trip to Dublin, shopping might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But Dublin isn't only full of pubs and history! There is also a fine selection of shops for the fashion oriented traveler. Fantastic shopping in Dublin can be found on the two main shopping streets of Grafton Street and Stephen's Green on the southside centre and Henry Street on the northside, For those wanting to visit the 2007 European shopping centre of the year, Dundrum Town Centre is only a stones throw away from the city centre on Dublin's newest form of public transport, the luas.
Splurge
Conrad Dublin
This five star deluxe hotel is located in the heart of Dublin's city centre, just opposite the National Concert Hall and around the corner from beautiful St. Stephens Green. The Conrad Dublin is only minutes of walking distance from fashionable shopping on Grafton Street. For those interested in cultural activities, Trinity College, The National Art Gallery, The National Museum and Georgian Dublin are in the immediate vicinity. The hotel's location and services make the trip worth the splurge.
http://www.boo.com/dublin/hotels/conrad_dublin
Boo.com recommended splurge: Conrad Dublin
Rates start at $400.00 per night
Steal
Avalon House
For those looking to experience Dublin without making a dent in their wallets, the Avalon House is the perfect place to book accommodation. Voted by Hostelworld.com backpackers as one of Europe's top 10 hostels, Avalon House is the city's most centrally located hostel a five minute walk from Temple Bar, the centre of Dublin nightlife. The hostel is also located near the famous shopping on Grafton Street and is one of the only hostels in Ireland that uses wind energy to power the hostel and has full recycling facilities. With its pine floors, high ceilings and open fire, guests are offered an environment which is exciting and appealing, making the Avalon House in Dublin the ultimate steal.
http://www.hostelworld.com/hosteldetails.php/AvalonHouse-Dublin-101
Hostelworld.com recommended steal: Avalon House
Rates start at $46.00 per person per night
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