Author: hotelsetc

Hotels Etc membership club offers the most amazing discounts on Hotels, Car Rentals, Restaurants, golf, theme parks, recreation, entertainment and more. Stop searching public booking sites and start using Hotels Etc to make your discounted reservations. www.hotelsetc.com/membership If you are looking to save money on your travel, entertainment and recreation expenses, join Hotels Etc and save up to 80% off your next reservation. Hotel discounts, cheap hotels, resorts, cruises, car rentals, restaurants, golf, theme parks, movies, recreation, entertainment and more. White label travel solutions, fundraising, distributorships, Exclusivity, and more available at www.hotelsetc.com
things to do in LA

5 Things to do in Los Angeles

by hotelsetc, posted in vacation

Los Angeles is where the rich and powerful dance the night away, where celebrities fill the sidewalks and trendy cafe’s line up next to fine dining restaurants (don’t forget your restaurant discounts)  but with a little digging beneath the surface, L.A has an abundance of hidden charm and still has a lot to offer the frugal traveler.

Here are 5 things to do in Los Angeles that you can certainly afford:

Visit the Museums
The Getty Center is a must go in terms of museums in Los Angeles, considered one of the greatest collections of art in the US with masterpieces from  Ruben to Van Gogh and a particularly interesting display of French decorative art and photography.  Another highlight for museums in LA, is the Museum of Jurassic Technology, where the institute seemlessly blends fact and fiction to create a collage of a most mysterious nature. An then there is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, a 20 acre complex of buildings filled with fascinating modern works of art.

Hit the beaches in Los Angeles
Who could resist the beaches in Los Angeles? Santa Monica offers one of the most legendary beaches in the United States, while Malibu promises the wealthiest and Zuma beach is a collection of everything and everyone else.  Venice beach is beautifully designed with skateboarders adorning every pavement and hipsters hanging out next to models a family picnics.

Take a trip to the Hollywood Walk of Fame

You never  know who you might meet on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and if that happens to be none apart from other tourists, you can at least get a photograph with one of their stars on the pavement, for movie stars come here to leave their hand-prints and signatures on sidewalk. It is also possible to take a tour of the nearby TCL Chinese Theater where you can learn the history of theater and take an interesting insight into the most memorable premieres over the years.

Hotels ETC

Explore the film industry

Paramount Pictures Studio is one of the great things to do in LA for movie fanatics. Since the early twentieth century, it has displayed the finest talents and mega movie stars in the industry. The studio will give you a glimpse of stardom and an opportunity to look behind the scenes at how the film industry works. Universal Studios Hollywood is another of the most visited and popular places in LA and where children can meet their famous cartoon characters – perfect for a family day out in LA.

Go day-tripping to Greystone mansion and park
An affordable and easy thing to do in LA, Greystone mansion and park is a historic place in Beverly Hills and marks an important period in the American history. Originally built by a rich Los Angeles local, Edward L, Doheny in 1927 as a present to his son represents the memorable times in American cinema. Many movies have been shot and inspired by this gothic ground. Although the interior of the mansion is not open to the public, visitors are free to walk around the property. A visit here will make you want to take your movie theater discounts and take in the latest picture.

Don’t forget to sign up to Hotels Etc for all the best restaurant discounts, hotel discounts and more before you visit Los Angeles.

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Top 5 affordable vacations in the US

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Every year a record number of tourists descend upon tropical destinations in the Caribbean or historical cities in Europe, but for an more affordable location, have you ever considered staying here in the United States?

It’s true many of the above mentioned destinations have a certain allure and each of them is undoubtedly a great pace to visit, but the US is also overflowing with natural attractions, excellent accommodation an wonderful opportunities to take a roadtrip.

Here are 5 of the best places to vacation in the US:

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

The oldest part in the United States is certainly one of the most scenic and beautiful, Yellowstone is overflowing with towering peaks, stunning lakes and tranquil streams winding their way to the horizon.

For anyone interested in outdoor activities, Yellowstone is one of the best places to visit with a myriad of hiking trails which run past leafy forests, through enchanting meadows and other enticing geographical features. The Yellowstone Lake and Mammoth Hot Springs are particularly popular for the 3 million visitors who arrive in the park each year, while the best place to stay is Cody, Wyoming where you will find affordable accommodation or at least hotel discounts to make it so.

Yosemite National Park, California

Another famous National Park, Yosemite offers an incredible encounter with towering rock faces, cascading waterfalls and the majestic Sequoia trees which are known for their enormous stature. It is possible to take climbing lessons, guided tours or just stroll along one of the many trails but regardless, each experience is worth the visit.

The Yosemite Valley itself is the most popular part to visit within the park and there are also options to camp there too, but undoubtedly the best way to enjoy what it has to offer, is by exploring the nature trails on foot during the day before retreating to one of the nearby hotels in Mammoth Lake.

afforable vacations in the US

Washington DC

Although a fast paced city and economic hub, Washington is also fast becoming a popular tourist attraction with a large number of things to do including a visit to the front of the iconic White House.

In fact many important landmarks take their place in Washington which also provides a great opportunity to learn more about the origins of the US within the National History Museum. Another highlight are the cafe’s, the restaurants along with the Eastern Market, another favorite for foodies. Yes, the city has grown up and while the hotels in Washington are not the most affordable, you can use hotel discounts to make help ease your travel budget.

New Orleans

Famous for the music scene, New Orleans is a natural favorite for any interested in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, or just music in particular. With a vibrant nightlife, many music venues and an endless variety of bars, you can be sure of some late nights and plenty of song.

However, there is much more to New Orleans than just music as the friendly folk will remind you, and this is no more evidenced than in the amazing food it has to offer. Barbecue ribs, mash potato or a plate of jambalaya, there is fine dining but then there is also the more traditional option too.

Perfect for a weekend and ideal for an extended stay, New Orleans has enough history and culture between to keep even the most active traveler occupied.

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Las Vegas

How can you have a list of affordable vacations without a mention of Vegas? Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to gamble when you visit Vegas and likewise, you do not need a huge amount of money.

Las Vegas is now suitable for a family trip just as much as a girls weekend and when you see the affordable vacations for Vegas, you will understand just why it offers so much value. With the largest selection of hotels of all standards, shapes and sizes, Las Vegas is an ideal option for those who cannot afford the expense of going abroad and are searching for somewhere that wont break the bank.

As with anywhere, it is possible to find an affordable vacation and this is most especially if you use hotel discounts to bring down what is usually the most expensive part of a trip.

5 Incredible luxury hotels in Bali

by hotelsetc, posted in hotels, vacation

Bali is the ultimate tropical island, a beach paradise surrounded by jungle and overflowing with amazing accommodation, most especially luxury hotels with dramatic infinity pools and the highest standard of living.

Here are 5 of the most incredible luxury hotels in Bali:

The Hanging Gardens

Located in the heart of the rainforest in Ubud, the Hanging Gardens is a 5 star luxury hotel in Bali which has the added bonus of being close enough to Ubud town center to pay a visit, yet far enough away that you need not worry about the crowds. The resort has its very own spa, restaurant and bar and the accommodation itself is separated into a variety of different villas, each with their own view of either the rainforest, the temple or river.

Staff in the Hanging Gardens are particularly friendly and take care with the service provided, right down to the fine details of a rather simple cocktail. Boasting a stunning infinity pool and very private residence, the villas make it easy to avoid meeting other guests if you wish and naturally, you have room service to help make this possible. With excellent food and sensational interior for the rooms, The Hanging Gardens is an incredible luxury hotel in Bali.

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Matahari Beach Resort and Spa

Situated on the west coast of Bali, the Matahari Beach Resort is right on top of a beautiful sand lava beach and consists of 32 bungalows, each of which is just a stones throw from the water itself. Again, service is of the highest standard with this five star resort and it all begins at the airport, where you will either be picked up by a limo, or with all joking aside, a helicopter. Yes, if you wish to really splash out, you can easily rent a helicopter to take you in style to the hotel.

Each bungalow is beautifully decorated in stone or wooden detail, while outside you will find it also has its very own verranda. With a lavish bathroom and ultra comfortable bed, the rooms are literally fit for a king. Although the black sand can take some getting used to on the beach, it really is serenely beautiful and the swimming pool is simply divine. And then there is the food, the “Dewi Ramon” is a fantastic restaurant, while there is an extra special traditional kitchen on the beach itself.

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The Viceroy Bali

Considered one of the best small luxury hotels on the planet, the Viceroy is actually a series of large villas overlooking the spectacular Lembah valley. Owned and operated by an Australian couple, this magical place is precariously perched over the Petanu River valley and each bungalow boasts an impressive view of the other 24 villas with a backdrop of the most luscious kind.

Also located near Ubud (10 minutes drive), the Viceroy is ideally isolated and has one of the most stunning claims in that each bungalow has its very own garden and uniquely beautiful infinity swimming pool. Interior is naturally to the highest standard with all the latest technology and modern accessories provided, while CasCades Restaurant has fantastic food and there is an ultra luxurious spa where you can unwind even further. As far as private villas go, the Viceroy in Bali is one of the most impressive in the world.

Bulgari Resort

Uluwatu on the Southern Coast of Bali is best known for adventure seekers who take to the waves with their surfboards and the imposing temple which hangs precariously over a cliff, in a similar way to the Bulgari Resort.

Thought to be the most expensive hotel in Bali, the Bulgari Resort is so isolated that you need a driver to go anywhere, literally. Japanese, Korean, and Chinese are said to be the most common arrival in the hotel, although may tourists choose to visit this impressive hotel on day trips, such is the amazing standard of the premises.

Nestled in the jungle, each villa has its very own plunge pool and unobstructed ocean view, while the rooms themselves are overflowing with character, from the darkened wood wardrobes and marble top everything else. Bulgari resort also has a gym, yoga classes and spa so there really is no need to leave the resort unless you want to.

Komaneka at Bisma

Komaneka at Bisma

Through the luscious surroundings of rice fields and away from Ubud you will find the Komaneka resort at Bisma.

After arriving in a modern open air reception, the inside of Komaneka can seem very antique and old school, but this does not in any way take from the beautiful furnishings of both the restaurant and the rooms themselves. Everything in the rooms has a function of course, but it must be said that the interior is maybe not the most lavish on this list and Komaneka put most of their focus on the small details such as the branded soap, personalized make-up bags and a private balcony.

However, for a step up – one can rent the private villas where an incredible infinity pool awaits along with an outdoor kitchenette and a sublime stand alone hot tub.

You can find Bali hotel discounts for all the biggest and best hotels in Bali by signing up for a travel club membership with Hotels Etc.

Consumer awareness and the return of hotel discounts

by hotelsetc, posted in travel

Although the cost of a flight can be significant, the most expensive part of a vacation budget, a weekend away or long term travel is always accommodation. In fact, while most people will try to stretch their budget by eating in cheap restaurants (instead of using restaurant discounts) or cutting back on activities, when actually, the best way to make the most of a travel budget does not require you to cut back on spending money, but rather to use hotel discounts to greatly reduce the largest expense of your trip.

Consumer awareness, rate parity and the return of hotel discounts

Hotel discounts in particular have not always been the answer, for most booking engines have made cheap hotel rooms readily available for the past decade without needing them.

However, the introduction of a new law called “Rate Parity” has had a major impact on the travel industry in that these booking engines are no longer able to offer a range of prices across different distribution channels.

Most consumers are unaware of the above mentioned law, in fact most consumers are unlikely to realize the huge impact it has had on their travel plans already. Truth is, this is news that most travel brands do not want you to know, as it essentially means they can no longer offer the lowest price.

Although there is one exception to the laws of rate parity which come in the shape of travel membership clubs.
Hotel discounts

Travel clubs and hotel discounts

Travel clubs are now the missing link when it comes to finding the best hotel rates or the biggest hotel discounts. Famous in the 1970’s but deemed obsolete with the arrival of the internet, these clubs have returned to the travel industry with vigor since the arrival of the rate parity law, with the main reason that they are exempt from such restrictions.

Hotels Etc is the leading travel club in the US who negotiates huge discounts with suppliers and passes them on to members who pay a small membership fee for the privilege. Not only is it a simple process in getting signed up, but Hotels Etc also makes it extremely easy for members to simply log on, search for the hotel, vacation or discount needed, and avail of it right away.

With a reputation spanning more than 20 years, a membership base of 4 million and the largest selection of discounts online, Hotels Etc is a the first and only place you should ever need to help make your next trip a most affordable one.

Although the major travel brands are unlikely to disappear any time soon, it is only a matter of time until the consumer will learn of this new law and the huge effect it has with regard to online purchases. From this point the options are clear; you can continue to spend more money on hotel rooms at full price, or you can avail of genuine hotel discounts and pay less for the very same products or service.

You can sign up for a free trial with Hotels Etc today.

Top 5 best restaurants in Palm Springs

by hotelsetc, posted in Home, travel

Palm Springs is one of those rare destinations that feels like feels like a vacation in another exotic country rather than here at home in the US. Diverse and modern, Palm Springs has a wide range of resorts and hotels with high quality comfort, excellent swimming pools and many activities, but a specific attraction of a vacation here, are the endless great food options available around town.

Things is, eating out can be one of the largest parts of a budget when it comes to travel and so choosing the best restaurants in Palm Springs can be difficult when the prices are so high:

In this regard, here are 5 of the best eateries and how to find restaurant discounts for Palm Springs:

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Rooster And The Pig

What may seem like an unlikely choice is actually one of the most quaint and unique dining experiences in Palm Springs. Located close to Palm Canyon and in the unassuming interior of a shopping mall, Rooster and the Pig is a slightly odd yet delightful combination of American-Vietnamese cuisine and the brainchild of a former renowned Hotel director.

Leafy salads, specialized burgers and spicy dishes make up the menu, while the craft beers are predominantly of Vietnamese origin.

356 S Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

Wilma & Frieda’s Cafe
Home fries and food, Wilma & Frieda’s is a little piece of local heaven for the foodie and located in an upscale neighborhood which contrasts from the humble servings on offer.
Although the surroundings are slightly upscale, the hearty food and simple combinations of potatoes, sauces and barbecue ribs are enough to make this eatery a worthwhile trip.
73575 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260

Ruby’s Diner
Another home food specialist, Ruby’s has a very inviting terrace on the main drag which draws visitors for morning coffee and people watching just as much as it does for the dinner menu.
Chicken wings, French fries and many variety of burgers including the Turkey Caliente Burger; Ruby’s is a fun place to eat where all the staff are dressed in 1950’s attire and everything else you need is right outside on the doorstep.
155 S Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262

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Elmer’s Restaurant

Where waffles, coffee and syrup is concerned, Elmer’s is the best restaurant in Palm Springs to enjoy breakfast in particular.

In fact, the breakfast is so good that many visitors will return time and time again, although this may be attributed to the hugely friendly staff who operate this finely tuned machine. Family run and again, teeming with home cooked food, Elmer’s is a great option for anyone wanting to escape the glamorous sidewalks of downtown.

1030 E Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92264

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill

Sammy G’s Tuscan Grill receives a large number of repeat clients which is testament to the great atmosphere in the restaurant and the excellent variety of home cooked food.

Although the meat menu will naturally be a favorite in any grill restaurant, Sammy G’s serves up a seriously good pesto amongst many other styles of pasta. That being said, the burgers are to die for and the prices are reasonably low.

265 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

You can avail of restaurant discounts for Palm Springs with a travel club membership, for which Hotels Etc are currently offering a free trial.