Unless you have the dubious pleasure of living right next door to an airport one of the biggest downsides of going on holiday is catching a flight at an ungodly hour of the day. While driving half asleep at 4.00 am, with a nagging doubt you have forgot something may be some holidaymaker’s idea of fun - for most it sounds like a bad way to start your holiday. However, help is at hand in the form of Airport Hotels, where you can spend a relaxed evening - and even afford an extra hour or two in bed before leaving.
Airport hotels may not enjoy the best of reputations. In many peoples mind they are ranked alongside train station pubs - filled with chain smoking business men in cheap suits. However, while there is certainly a convincing argument to avoid train station pubs (you have to pay to get in the toilet for starters), airport hotels are a long way from their cheap and not-so-cheerful roots. These days the savvy traveller can pick up a great value deal at some excellent hotel accommodation situated close to their airport of departure.
One hotel that certainly fits this bill is the 4-star Arora International Hotel near Gatwick (www.gatwickairport.com). Situated a mere 8 minutes from the airport, the hotel boasts a health club, with state of the art facilities including a gym, jacuzzi, steam room and solarium. The quality of service and dining is also high with two bars, a deli and brassiere restaurant for those wishing to sample the culinary delights of this award winning hotel. For those using the hotel before they catch a flight there is every convenience with an Avis car rental desk within the hotel and an adjoining train station going directly to Gatwick.
Another big advantage of staying at airport hotels is many let you use their car park facilities - at often very reasonable rates. The Cottons Hotel and Spa situated near Manchester International Airport offers some excellent deals on up to 15 days parking for guests of their hotel. The hotel itself is also 4-star and comes equipped with pool, colour therapy sauna, steam room, gym, tennis courts and spa. While you may also be confused over what a colour therapy sauna is, you have to agree it sounds enticing and certainly beats crawling through Manchester traffic to catch an early morning flight.
If you really want to banish your negative image of airport hotels once and for all then you needn’t look much further than the completely re-vitalised Sheraton Skyline near Heathrow (www.heathrowairport.com). Visually stunning the Al Dente Ristorante is the ultimate experience of fine dining cuisine where Marco Di Tullio’s menus combine tradition, creativity and flavours based on perfect cooking techniques and obsessive research of the best market and imported products available in the UK. In the past airport hotels may have meant chicken in a basket - at the Skyline this type of dish is very much confined to memory.
As the world of airport hotels is such a competitive area there are always great deals to be had for those looking for accommodation pre or post flight. Websites such as airport hotel specialists http://www.superbreak.com or http://www.hotelnet.co.uk have an excellent selection of deals and are worth looking at before planning a stay near an airport.
Overall, airport hotels have changed significantly over the past ten years and are no longer the realm of the odourly challenged. However, it is still recommended that the world of train station pubs is avoided unless on the look out for recreational drugs - or at the very least have a 50p coin to get into the toilet.
Archive for August 5th, 2008
The 48th state and the last one on the mainland to become part of the Union, Arizona is a place full of history and culture and the perfect destination for warm weather sporting pursuits.
The towns and cities here are diverse. From the big-city feel of Phoenix to the tranquility of Sedona, you’ll find a variety of unique places to visit and interesting things to do.
Golfing in Arizona
During the cold, winter months in the Northern and Eastern United States, thousands of “snowbirds” flock to Arizona for the fine golf opportunities here. Just about every town boasts a course or two, with the largest concentration of courses being in Scottsdale, Tucson, and Phoenix.
There are so many golf courses in the state that you’re sure to find several that fit your level of skill and expertise. Lessons are offered at most locations and pro shops carry top-of-the-line clubs and accessories for your use.
If you enjoy watching golf, more than fifty national tournaments are scheduled somewhere in the state each year, so your Arizona vacation can certainly include a little spectator time spent watching the best names in golf.
Sightseeing
One of the most visited attractions in Arizona is, of course, the Grand Canyon. This majestic site is a must-see for every American, regardless of age. A visit to the canyon might include a hike or mule ride into the heart of the canyon, a helicopter ride over it, a whitewater raft excursion down the Colorado River, or just some leisure time to enjoy the sights of the Grand Canyon from the rim.
Throughout the state, you can find amazing American Indian artifacts and tourist sites. Learn about the history of the early Apache tribes that settled here, buy some colorful Native American artifacts, or visit any number of museums that are home to interpretive and interactive displays about America’s earliest residents.
If you’re into New Age spirituality, you’ll find a number of spiritual retreats located in the town of Sedona, as well as psychics, channelers, and others who delve into the realm of metaphysics.
Dude Ranches
Want to experience the best of the Wild West? Many Arizona vacations include a stay at a dude ranch, a real working ranch where you can join in everyday activities, ride horseback across the open plains, or join an evening campfire, singing songs and roasting marshmallows.
Some dude ranches are designed especially for families on vacation in Arizona while others are meant for grownups only. Regardless of age, however, you’ll have a grand time driving cattle, feeding the horses, or relaxing on your hammock outside your Wild West-style cabin.
Water Activities
Though Arizona isn’t on the coast, there are more than enough lakes to keep you busy on the water. Many choose houseboating on Lake Powell as their water activity of choice. A fun alternative to a conventional hotel or condo stay, thousands visit the lake each year for this unique Arizona vacation opportunity.
Lake Havasu is another favorite destination for those that enjoy active watersports like jet and water skiing, fishing, and kayaking.
The wild rivers of Arizona offer many opportunities to participate in whitewater rafting and kayaking, with Class IV and V rapids guaranteed to excite even the most experienced whitewater fanatic.
Where to Go
Arizona boasts many exciting destinations so you may have to choose one or two to enjoy on your Arizona vacation. Investigate each town and find the activities and sights that most interest you. If you have two weeks or more for your vacation in Arizona, rent a car and explore the entire state!
