Archive for the 'Destinations' Category

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A new look, a new name: The Rittenhouse Square Bed and Breakfast transforms into Philadelphia’s prmiere luxury accommodation — Rittenhouse 1715, a boutique hotel.

With the completion of the first phase of renovations, The Rittenhouse Square Bed and Breakfast embraces its fresh, innovative look with a distinct new name — Rittenhouse 1715, A Boutique Hotel. One of Philadelphia’s most exclusive and luxurious hotel accommodations, Rittenhouse 1715 guarantees impeccable service infused in a locale of refined and sophisticated style. Intimate surroundings, unique design, a dedication to detail, and the highest standards of hospitality will define the boutique hotel experience at Rittenhouse 1715.

Located off Philadelphia’s world-renowned Rittenhouse Square, Rittenhouse 1715 is a boutique hotel of sixteen stately rooms outfitted in the finest furnishings and decorated with exquisite artwork. The original Walter Cope designed carriage house and adjacent Georgian townhouse have been combined to enhance the hotel with an inviting drawing room, and an elaborate, two-story presidential suite. Led by famed masterminds of design, Peter Salgado and Kip Saucier of Salgado Saucier, traditional and eclectic styles reminiscent of the Rittenhouse Square area have been uniquely intertwined throughout the establishment to create an ambiance of chic elegance and modern comfort. Perfectly complimenting the historical foundation of Rittenhouse 1715, the design updates provided by Salgado Saucier introduce a new level of style and tranquility that truly makes each guest feel that have checked-in to their own personal sanctuary.
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According to the 2005 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, Australia is the best place in the world to live! That’s probably why so many people dream of starting a new life down under and apply for immigration to the Australian authorities annually.

The desirability of Australia stems from so many factors – it is a country where the quality of life achievable is very high, the employment prospects are plentiful, the education available is world class and the health care facilities are very good – but to achieve permanent residence status in Australia can be very tricky because the amount of competition for the limited number of visas granted each year is intense.

Those who are serious about starting a new life down under in Australia have a number of ways they can apply for residency.

Those who have a specific skill set that is in demand in Australia can apply for immigration for their entire family via the Skilled Visa Program. Ironically, despite the fact that demand for visas to live, study and work in Australia is so intense, in 2004 not enough people applied for immigration under this particular scheme!

Those who are initially put off at the thought of having to prove their background experience in a given profession and demonstrate their skills should actually take confidence in the fact that if they genuinely DO have the skills they say they do and their profession appears on the Skilled Program list of in-demand skills, they stand an excellent chance of acceptance if they just apply yourself to the immigration process associated with this visa type.

People who find the thought of having to fill in a million forms and attend lots of interviews to be accepted for immigration frightening need to prepare themselves, because whichever program you apply under you will be subjected to a series of interviews, you will have to fill in a plethora of paperwork but the end result, if you’re granted a visa, will be so well worth it.

Cities like Sydney and Melbourne in Australia are some of the most exciting, interesting and fun cities in the whole world. The lifestyle is laid back and informal and yet the cities are sophisticated and chic. If you’re serious about wanting to start a new life in Australia, taking a trip to Sydney or Melbourne or Brisbane, Perth or Cairns will only make your desire even more intense. Australia is a country blessed with fine weather, fun people and of course a stunning and diverse natural landscape.
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For visiting London, proximity to King’s Cross is the perfect location. An intersection of six tube lines, including the Northern, Picadilly, and Circle Lines, to name a few, can get you virtually anywhere from King’s Cross. King’s Cross is also a train terminal, in the case that you are planning to visit the north of the UK. But let’s not get off track and get back to seeing London via King’s Cross. London, the cultural melting pot that it is, offers amazing and varied shops of anything you could desire. Located near the major shopping zones of London, both commercial and artisan, King’s Cross is a convenient place for a shopping tour in London. The city is also a magnet for great and creative minds, as is well known by all the thinkers, writers and artists who both came to and from London. The wide range of museums and galleries reflects this intellectual breeding ground, and again, King’s Cross is a skip, hop and a jump away from many of these world-class museums. Less conventional tours to start from King’s Cross could include a round of the city’s parks, exploring the wide web of the tube itself, or the nearby nightlife hotspots. So, whether it’s shopping, rich culture, or any fun explorations that you’re after, King’s Cross will guide you there quickly and efficiently.

For the shoppers! Have an early and hearty breakfast (you will need the energy) and put yourself on the Northern Line, heading for Camden Town, where you will find open air markets selling art, crafts, clothes, accessories and much more. It’s best to spend time here in the morning, as the area isn’t the safest at night. After you’ve stocked up on original craft gifts at the market, head back to your hotel, drop them off, and back on the tube! Via the Picadilly Line, head towards Covent Garden, a famous indoor market, and the surrounding area, full of boutiques, shops, and nice cafes. This picturesque market makes a nice lunch stop, with some cozy restaurants nearby. Picadilly Circus comes next: very commercialized, with many well-known brand stores. Picadilly is a fun place to return to at night, as the lights and pubs draw partiers to them like moths to the flame! Head on to Knightsbridge to see the world famous Harrod’s Department store. After this detour, it’s on to Oxford Circus to join the crowded throng admiring and buying the riches of Oxford Street, which is equivalent to New York’s Fifth Ave, a street of fancy department stores interspersed with chic shopping boutiques. If your spending needs are still not satiated, check out other markets, such as Portobello, or just by walking through London, you will find hidden gems of stores throughout the city. If, however, Oxford Street sums up the shopping day nicely for you, head back into the Oxford Circus tube, and the Victoria Line will conveniently take you right back to King’s Cross.

For the culture seeker, you will start your day heading in the opposite direction of the shopper. Head south on the Picadilly Line to Russell Square, and just a few blocks south of the shady square is the British Museum. After your explorations, you may also enjoy Covent Garden for its history and theater – check out the listings as they may draw you back in the evening. Nearby is Trafalgar Square, home of the National Gallery. From here, continue on to Green Park, and gasp at the size and beauty of Buckingham Palace. Changing of the Guard takes place nearby, so check the season’s schedule if you are interested. Slide down the Jubilee Line to Southwark, and enjoy the neighboring Tate Modern and Globe Theatre. Make your way back north of the river to Tower Hill, and explore London’s Tower. Take the Circle line back to King’s Cross to conclude the cultural loop.
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If you’re thinking about basking under tropical sunshine, then Miami Beach’s Royal Palm Resort is the perfect place. Among the many Miami hotels and travel lodges, this one offers cheap rates for a four-star hotel. Plus, it faces the beach, so you wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore and an amazing beach view. Located at central South Beach, clients can literally walk to each and any of the attractions. The Convention Center is just a short distance away, as well as other fine-dining restaurants and exclusive boutiques. The clubs and bars that dot the area around the resort also make for an exciting nightlife. It also takes only 20 minutes to reach the airport from the hotel. The Miami Ballet, Ocean Drive, Botanical Gardens, and other tourist attractions are less than a mile away from the hotel. Downtown Miami, Coral Gables, Coconut Groves, and other tourist attractions are just a short drive away.

The hotel offers a $200 rate for an overnight stay in an ordinary room. But the ordinary things that are in Royal Palm are not ordinary at all. It is a 17-story affair of Art Deco design. The beachfront resort, like most Miami hotels and travel lodges, offers luxurious suites and rooms all with Atlantic Ocean views courtesy of the private balconies. All rooms have basic amenities which include hair dryers, coffee makers, mini bars, data ports, and voice mail. These may seem very basic, but these are essentials especially for an individual traveling for business. Rooms vary and range from guest rooms, suites, non-smoking, double-bedded, and single-bedded rooms. Families with pets need not worry about living their pooches and cats at home since the hotel allows guests to bring pets, provided that these pets have been checked and vaccinated. Located near the beach, the hotel even provides an outdoor pool and a whirlpool. People who are concerned about their fitness and bodies need not sweat the lack of exercise during their stay because the hotel has an on-site gym and fitness center.
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