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

10 Things everyone should do on vacation in Cancun

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Experience adventure on a Cancun vacation, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many people travel south to Mexico with no intention of leaving the sunbed, not realizing just how much they are missing out on.

The following are the 10 things everyone should do on vacation in Cancun.

1. Meet the Party Rockers

How does having your own personal host in Cancun sound? If you are traveling to Mexico with friends, or on a bachelor party or even as a couple – Party Rocker Cancun are a small agency who organize all of your excursions or activities during the day, before escorting everyone with VIP access to all the best restaurants, bars and nightclubs in Cancun.

2. Witness the Mayan clifftop

Tulum is Centuries old and is a spectacular archeological site sitting up high on the cliffs looking out over the ocean. This Mayan city has many ancient runs scattered around and you can either visit it on tour, or by renting a car. There is a stunning beach at the foot of the cliffs which is usually a every quiet and relaxing spot to hang out.

3. MUSA by Jason de Caires (Underwater Museum)

Take a 90 minute snorkeling tour of the Musa Underwater Museum located next to Isla Mujeres which features the artwork and sculptures of Jason deCaires Taylor.

This incredibly unique museum is filled with incredible statues and remnants, such as an old Volkwagon beetle car and a thought provoking statues with a group of men burying their heads in the sand.

4. Visit Isla Mujeres

This beautiful museum, near the underwater museum, is a very short boat ride from Cancun where you can rent a golf cart and travel all around the island for the day. As with anywhere in this part of the world, there are stunning beaches with beautiful scenery around the coastline, and when you are finished riding the golf cart around, there are some really excellent places to eat in the main town.

5. Go adventure in Riviera Maya

Just down the road from Cancun, in the heart of the Riviera Maya, is this wonderful attraction suitable for adults and families alike. Xcaret is a waterpark with a huge range of adventure activities and animals to explore. There are stunning beaches, food courts and some excellent shows in the evening which showcase the very best of Mexican history and culture.

6. Take a day trip to Coba

Coba is another Mayan city and has the largest remains of stone relics in Mayan history. Incredibly the site dates back as far as 50 BC and it for most of the history of this city, due to large scale war over the Centuries.

The temples are magnificent and  you can rent a bike to get around all the different temples and it is also possible to visit Coba in the evening.

7. Swim with sea turtles

Akumal is a small beach front with incredible seafood, cocktails, pristine waters and a very unique attraction. Before you start rushing for the tasty calamari or refreshments in town, you will want to take a visit to see the turtles.

Akumal is the best place to see and snorkel with beautiful sea turtles in what is not only a great photograph opportunity, but also a very personal experience with nature.

8. Go on a party cruise in Cancun

It’s no secret that many people travel to Cancun on vacation to party at some point, not everyone, but most. This enormous boat has two levels and plenty of space, for guests to dance and party their way between some of the major local attractions.

There is a full bar on board of course, with live bands, fresh Mexican foods and even a huge water slide on the back of the ship. However, the cruise is not just about partying: it also visits the ruins at Maya Meco, and there are plenty opportunities during the day for swimming, diving and snorkeling.

9. Hang out at a trendy beach club

The ME in Cancun is arguably the most trendy of all the beach clubs to hang out during the day Many top DJ’s come to plat at the club while there is also an alluring swimming pool, great food and a decent party to be had on Saturday’s in particular.

It is not uncommon to meet celebrities here but regardless, it is always the place to be on an afternoon in Cancun.

10. Enjoy the taste of Cancun’s most famous restaurant

Perched up on the pier overlooking Nichupte Lagoon, Lorenzillo’s is the number one place to eat in Cancun. There is an amazing outdoor dining area to compliment the beautiful interior and while the prices are not on the low side, the view while your tasting fresh lobster, is simply unbeatable.

Sign up to Hotels Etc for all the best hotel discounts, special offers and best vacation offers to Cancun.

13 Things you need to know before you go to Punta Cana

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Traveling to a new destination is always new, and there is a lot to be said about the element for surprise. However, have you ever visited somewhere but then found out afterward about something really amazing you missed out on? How about some important travel advice that your agent neglected to pass on? Some tips that would have made your trip easier? Or maybe some insider information on the best hotel discounts which would have made your vacation less expensive?

Luckily, if you are taking a vacation to Dominican Republic this year, or planning on doing so sometime in the future, the following list should help inform you about all the advice and tips for visiting Punta Cana 2016:

1. How safe is Punta Cana?

The tourist police do an excellent job at keeping crime to a minimum in Punta Cana. It is perfectly safe during the day, but it is strongly advised not to walk along the beach in the evening and to use common sense in the busier parts of town.

2. Where is the best place to stay in Punta Cana?

There are many all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana which are of the highest quality in the Caribbean, but some of the most popular hotels are the Excellence Punta Cana, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro and of course, the Hardrock.

3. Where can I find the best deal for a vacation to Punta Cana?

You can find prices anywhere online today, but if you want to find genuine discounts (sometimes up to 60 – 80%!), it’s highly recommended to sign up for a membership at Hotels Etc who have the biggest hotel discounts in the travel industry.

4. Bring US dollars

It’s not a good idea to take a wallet full of one hundred dollar bills, but ignore the advice given to you before you left: you do not need to convert your US dollars to peso for your vacation. Everywhere in the Dominican accepts the dollar and as long as you take notes of small denominations with you, there will be no issues.

5. Be prepared

The airport in Punta Cana can seem hectic when you arrive, people searching for baggage, locals searching for family, and taxi drivers competing for your custom. This can be overwhelming, so the best advice is if you do not have any pre booked transfer to the accommodation, make sure you know how much it will cost to the hotel, and agree the price before leaving. (Return approximately $60)

6. Are there secluded beaches?

You can certainly request that the hotel organize a private tour to a secluded beach but unfortunately, there are none within walking distance. The beaches in Punta Cana are stunning, but it is difficult to find a stretch without tourists, locals, hotels, bars or restaurants.

7. Can you drink the tap water?

In general, it is not advised to drink the tap water in Punta Cana, although it is fine for taking a wash or brushing your teeth. That being said, make sure you take bottled water everywhere you go, the main reason tourists fall ill on vacation in the Dominican is not food poisoning or any sort of disease, it’s dehydration.

8. Meal reservations

Keep in mind that many of the hotels require a reservation to be made for evening meals. Don’t take a chance on this, as it could mean a very long and unhappy wait until you find somewhere with availability. Try to book your meals a day or two in advance when you get there, and remove the risk of disappointment altogether.

9. Excursions

Of course the number one thing to do in Punta Cana is relax by the pool or take a dip in the ocean, but when you grow tired of lazing about all day, there are many excursions in the area.

The most popular adventure tours are zip lining, kayaking and snorkeling all of which can be booked in your hotel upon arrival.

10. Is there a tipping culture in Punta Cana?

While nobody is there to tell you what to do, it’s important to remember the Dominican Republic has an extremely low minimum wage and they work very hard to keep their jobs. It is recommended to always tip, and anywhere between 15% and 25% is suitable.

11. On that note, is it safe to swim?

Yes, it is safe to swim on most beaches in Punta Cana but always check the weather before going out and ensure there is a lifeguard on duty.

12. Is it possible to visit Santo Domingo from Punta Cana ?

Yes, but it is not advised. If you really must go to see the Capital for a specific reason, then fine, but please know that the Capital city of the Dominican Republic is almost 3 hours drive from Punta Cana.

13. Are there secluded beaches?

You can certainly request that the hotel organize a private tour to a secluded beach but unfortunately, there are none within walking distance. The beaches in Punta Cana are stunning, but it is difficult to find a stretch without tourists, locals, hotels, bars or restaurants.

Sign up to Hotels Etc today and start saving on your vacation to Punta Cana

Why you should go to Varadero for Spring Break

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, vacation

Varadero has some of the most affordable hotel deals, the most popular day excursions and some of the best beaches in Cuba. Why would anyone not want to go there?
Every year, North American’s travel south with the sun for their Spring break vacation and 2016 will be no different.
It has everything a tourist could want for their vacation with a large number of quality resorts, each of them offering something different but what else makes Varadero so great?

The Beach
Naturally, most resorts in the Caribbean, or around that area, are suitable for swimming and leisurely strolls along the sand, but Varadero is right up there with the best of them. The waters are warm but it’s the crystallized blue color of the ocean which is most striking and the moment you see this beach, is the last time you will fantasize about any beach, anywhere else.
Excursions
Most people enjoy relaxing for the entirety of their vacation, but not everyone. Luckily for such people, there are a number of great day tours from Varadero and the best of these is arguably, Ambrosio Cave where there are many ancient paintings inside the cave. As mentioned above, you can take a day trip to Havana and possible spend the rest of that da admiring the immense character of this most interesting town which is full of 1970’s American cars and then full to the brim with Character.
The Cost
It is affordable and you can find some great hotel or vacation package discounts for Varadero on Hotels Etc. Remember, these are high quality resorts with all the top amenities you will find elsewhere, not to mention the fact that it also has the sun, sand and beaches we talked about before. If you take a little time choosing the right resort, finding it at the best price on Hotels Etc is a simple process after the two minutes it takes to sign up.
The Resorts
The Ibersotar Varadero has a more traditional interior and very much a Caribbean feel about the place. It is ideal for kids due to the great childrens club and also has many watersports on the beach for adults. Meanwhile, the sister hotel Iberostar Laguna Azul is an ideal place for anyone looking for a bit more entertainment and nightlife; there are many restaurant or bars on location and the nightclub also means there is always something lively going on at the resort.
Regardless as to where you stay or what you see, Varadero is an excellent choice for a Spring break vacation, be it with the family, a partner or even if you are just looking for something in between relaxing, and lively. The beaches are sensational, the resorts of the highest standard and some really enjoyable options for day excursions. There is really every reason to go to Varadero on vacation this year and if you avail of the best hotel discounts, it won’t break the bank either.

How to find the best entertainment discounts – Hotels Etc.

by hotelsetc, posted in entertainment

Looking for entertainment discounts has become harder and harder to do throughout the years. With companies crunching down on the available public discounts.

Source: How to find the best entertainment discounts – Hotels Etc.

Where To Party: Spring Break For Students 2016

by hotelsetc, posted in travel, travel discounts, vacation

Taking a Spring break vacation is almost part of going to college. Every year thousands of students leave home in search of sun, sand and an endless amount of fun times but it’s not always easy to know where to go for the best Spring break party resorts or where the most happening hotels in the Caribbean are located.

Here are four of the most popular resorts for partying and best places to be for students in Spring break 2016:

Puerta Vallarta, Mexico

Not everyone enjoys spending every day sleeping off the hangover or resting by the pool. In Puerta Vallarta you can expect a busy day and lots of activities to while away the afternoon. If it’s the tiring heat that concerns you, don’t worry, most of these activities are water based with windsurfing, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving on offer.

There are also many day trips which can be taken in the local area so there really is no reason to feel bored at any point. That being said, the all inclusive resorts provide every opportunity to recharge the batteries and if lying by the pool really is what you like to do best, then the resorts are well equipped to cater for these needs too.

After dark the party begins and the town in Puerta Vallarta has long being known as a party lover’s late night paradise. There are many salsa clubs, noisy bars and beer vending places at which to dance the night away.

All the late night action in Puerta Vallarta is downtown but the only options for all inclusive hotels in this area are the Buenaventura and Villa Premiere but fear not, these are both nice places to stay. The Villa Premiere is the most suitable option for anyone looking to be close to the party and it’s also a nice place to escape when you want some peace and quiet.
Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is one of the most popular resorts in Cancun with more than 3 million visitors arriving for some sun and relaxation every year. However, not everyone goes there to relax and when it comes to Spring Break, there are few places as notorious as Cancun for having a party.

Most of the resorts offer the great value of all inclusive and there are just as many whom offer 5 star amenities on site but the best part of visiting Cancun for Spring break is undoubtedly the huge numbers of party’s which happen around the resorts and the countless bars, nightclubs and entertainment on the nearby strips.

Most students have heard of Oasis Cancun and this tends to be the first resort to sell out over Spring break but there are many more hotels who know how to party when the carnival hits town. The Hard Rock Hotel and Krystal Cancun are both as wild as each other when it comes to partying while the Hotel Riu Cancun also attracts a fun lively crowd, albeit in a slightly more chilled setting.

Regardless as to where exactly you end up sleeping, the question in this part of the world is rarely about where to stay in Cancun for Spring break but rather about where to party, and luckily the resorts are close enough together that you will never have an issue finding somewhere to go wild.

Punta Cana, Dominican Replublic

The popularity of vacations to the Dominican Republic seems to be growing by the minute. While there are quieter part to the Dominican such as Bavaro or the Samana Province and while there are also many quieter hotels in the Punta Cana, the latter is still a great choice for Spring break, especially for those who have already visited Mexico and feel like something different.

The weather is sensational in Punta Cana at Spring break, the food is particularly good and again, there is no end to the large all inclusive resorts similar to those found in Cancun. However, as mentioned there are many quieter resorts on the peninsula and so you need to be careful when choosing where to party.

The ClubHotel Riu Bambu is one of the better known places to party in Punta Cana and the onsite entertainment only adds to the atmosphere. The crowd is young, the bartenders are impressive, the hotel may not be the highest quality in all of the Dominicnan but you can expect a good time and plenty of late nights during Spring break.

Overall this is a great chance to travel somewhere different for Spring break which really does have a great party scene if you look in the right place.

Las Vegas

For those looking to stay a little closer to home and take partying to the extreme levels of excess, there was never going to be another award winner in this respect other than Vegas. Whatever you want, whenever you want it: the party never stops in Las Vegas, literally.

Not only is it one of the best places to party but it is also one of the easiest places to find the best hotel deals for Spring break and with hotel discounts from Hotels Etc, you could end up paying next to nothing for your spring break vacation package.

The Hardrock Hotel complete with Vanity nightclub is the epicenter for parties and even for those not staying in the hotel, it’s not unusual to end up there night after night. They often have well known bands come to play, the interior is of the highest quality and the pool parties are notorious even by Las Vegas standards.

Another resort famed for their wild pool parties is The Palms and this is so much the case that just as often you can find yourself mixing by the pool with famous celebrities. Other honorable mentions to party are Hooters Hotel and Caesar Palace Resort but really, you could stay almost anywhere on the strip at this time of year and find a party without a problem.

As mentioned above it doesn’t stop and if you grow restless of partying for the whole week, in Vegas, everyone knows the city has so much more to offer to keep you entertained on a “night off”. Live shows, roulette tables, rollercoaster’s and fine dining – the choice is yours.

Aside from the above places, some other great places to party in Spring Break 2016 are Miami, South Padre Island, San Diego and Montego Bay in Jamaica. You can find hotel discounts for all of the above and even more of the best Spring break vacation offers for this year on Hotels etc.