Noel in Asia

Last weekend we were in Alsace, enjoying fresh snow at the Strasbourg Marché de Noël, and tomorrow (Christmas Eve) I'll be heading over to Nancy and Luxembourg; to continue our 2010 Christmas celebrations.



It's been a while since I've actually spent Christmas Day and New Year's Eve in France and I'm thoroughly looking forward to it.



From creative city lights,



to the small boxes decorated with Christmas wrapping in the village streets;



there's something special about how the French add the finishing touches to their towns and villages at this time of year.


Bonne Noel - From the 'Capital of Christmas'

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Ten destinations to skip in 2011

The new year breeds thousands of new top ten lists. The top places to see from the geniuses at the New York Times. The top best cruises from the cruserati at Frommers. Top bloggers with top status opining on the top new places that you should visit. Hey, we’re guilty of that at Gadling too, but we have to go where the hits lead us.
Fact of the matter is though, you can have a great time in almost any destination. Find the right people, open the right bottle of wine, dig through enough piles of tourists and eventually everyone finds their comfort zone, whether in Wichita or in West Africa.
That said, there are corners of this planet that we, as well-heeled travel writers are just darn tired of. Whether it’s from overexposure from the media or personal experiences, certain places just make our skin crawl, and in 2011, we’re steering clear.

Bear in mind: everyone interprets a destination differently, and your experiences and opinions may be completely out of sync with ours. Take a look at Gadling blogger’s top 10 destinations to skip in 2011, and contrast them with your own in the comments below.

10. Calcata, Italy – as told by our sociable and lovable foodmonger, David Farley

Go to Calcata, a medieval hill town near Rome perched on 450-foot cliffs, only if…you like crystal-rubbing Italian hippies, tales of the Holy Foreskin that once had a home in the local church, and smoking hash on the intimate marble-bench-lined square. Go at your own peril. You’ve been warned.

9. Kansas — as told by blogger and cruise extraordinaire Chris Owen:

Basically, there’s really nothing there to see attraction-wise. There’s the biggest ball of twine in the world somewhere there in Central or Western Kansas, I forget which one. Even the people who live there admit this. This is no secret. Off and on over the years promoters have wanted to build a “Land of Oz” theme park that never went anywhere. No interest. Even NASCAR has had limited success. I know, I lived there for half a century and always traveled elsewhere on vacation. Most people who live there do.
Great people live there though. Some of the nicest, most genuine people in America are born and bred in Kansas. They’re a straight-talking bunch who would give you the shirt off their backs once they get to know you. Kansas is a great place live, just not to travel to.

8. Kuta, Bali – as told by urban maestro Jeremy Kressmann:

Take everything good about Bali – its serene temples, idyllic beaches, and mouth-watering food – and chuck it out window, and you’ll have Kuta. Instead replace the scene with packs of drunken tourists, Bubba Gump Shrimp restaurants and an overcrowded trash-strewn beach. By all means, visit Bali, but avoid Kuta at all costs.

7. All things Disney – as told by roving archaeologist, Civil War buff and expat blogger Sean McLachlan:

Where would I skip in 2011? Anything related to Disney. All it has to offer me are long lines, high prices, and movies that distort history and mangle humanity’s oldest legends. Disney debases everything it touches, turning our heritage into a whitewashed, whites-only placebo for that sad, lost, and frustrated group of refugees that is the American consumer class.

6. Waikiki, Hawaii – as told by our favorite McLean, Mclean Robbins

Skip Waikiki. Don’t pass on Hawaii, necessarily, but bypass this much-lauded, mostly overrated strip of hotels piled so closely on top of one another, the beauty of the beach is overpowered by the sheer masses of people who pile their oiled up and newly-married bodies onto it. You’ll see far too many leis, Hawaiian print shirts and Asians in tour groups touting more cameras than your average red carpet lineup. You’ll overpay (for everything from a Coke to your hotel room) and East Coasters will suffer as much jetlag as they would after flying to Europe. But don’t pass on the island chain entirely- opt instead for the less populated North Shore, or islands like Kauai.

5. Nha Trang, Vietnam– as told by urban maestro Jeremy Kressmann:

If beaches and seafood are all you crave, then this Central Vietnamese coastal town is good enough. But the town’s laid-back vibe is increasingly crowded out by mediocre expat bars and sprawl. Instead head to Southern Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Island for a taste of some decidedly more low-key sand.

4. Miami, Florida – as told by our sociable and lovable foodmonger, David Farley

I went to Miami a year and a half ago to speak at the Miami Book Fair International. It was my first time in the city and, alas, it didn’t make a very good impression on me. I actually wasn’t prepared for the city, confusing it for a walking city and also putting too much confidence in its public transport system. I ended up having to fork out for taxis every time I wanted to go somewhere that was in a different neighborhood. I did, however, trek up to Little Haiti, hoping to eat some good Haitian. It turned out, though, that decrepit Little Haiti is about one cock fight away from seeming like the real Haiti. There was one restaurant but it looked like it had shut down around the time Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ruling the country. As my wife and I trudged through the dusty streets, men on the side of the road stopped and stared at us. Even though the neighborhood was featured quite prominently in my guidebook (Lonely Planet), I don’t think a lot of non-locals make their way there too often. Which is fine, I guess, but just don’t go hungry.

3. Puhket, Thailand — as told by video captain and tequila master Stephen Greenwood

To me, Phuket feels like the Tijuana of Thailand – packed with loud, garish bars and touts looking to scam innocent vacationers with offers to muay-thai matches and ping pong shows.

There are far better beaches and places to see in Phuket – so skip the crowds and head to the nearby town of Karon instead.

2. The Hamptons, New York — as told by budget czar Alex Robertson Textor

The Hamptons are the Upper East Side teleported to a terribly ritzy stretch of Long Island during the summer. During the season, you’ll find the same exorbitant pricing and annoying people, as well as bumper-to-bumper traffic. If you’re dead set on spending some of your summertime along the Eastern Seaboard, select a quieter corner of Long Island (or elsewhere altogether) and save some money and energy.

1. Cancun, Mexico – as told by jetsetting socialite blogger Annie Scott:

No franks. Unfortunately, when I think of Cancun, I think less of beautiful Mexico and more of drunk Americans in the street. I know it’s perfect for some people, and there’s some great food to be had, for sure, but one of the things I value most about travel is getting an authentic taste of local culture. No offense to Cancun, but if there’s any authentic local culture still there, they’ve managed to shove it under the rug enough that the screaming tourists from around the USA and beyond won’t notice it. I think that’s a shame.

Source: http://www.explorerworldtravel.net/

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Best Western Premiere Seoul Garden

Dohwa-Dong, Mapo-Gu,
Seoul, 121-040, KRThe Best Western Premier Seoul Garden Hotel is superbly located right in the heart of the Mapo – Yeouido business precinct. A short distance across the Mapo Bridge lays Yeouido, the heart of Korean politics, finance and broadcasting industry, and home for the Korean Assembly House, stock exchange and other major institutions. Yeouido Park and Han River pier are also within a short walking distance.

Restaurants

Restaurant, on premises, Full Service, open for: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Accommodation

Best Western Premier Seoul Garden previously known as Holiday Inn Hotel in Seoul was widely popular as ‘The Seoul Garden’. The hotel is a part of the Intercontinental Hotels Group that is a world renowned name in the hospitality sector. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of the business district of Seoul. Best Western Premier Seoul Garden offers 362 luxurious rooms with separate shower/bath, TV Internet & e-mail with a wireless keyboard, mobile phone service, individually controlled heating & air-conditioning, voice mail, direct international dialing, radio, satellite television & in-house movies, refrigerator,& minibar and hairdryer etc. Safety deposit box, complimentary coffee & tea service, VCR and extra amenities for meetings are exclusively available in well-appointed suites and the 11th and 12th floor have been dedicated as non-smoking floors.

Facilities
Best Western Premiere Seoul Garden previously known as Holiday Inn Hotel in Seoul is a classic superior 4 star hotel in Seoul. The hotel amenities and services at Best Western Premiere Seoul Garden are truly exemplary and superb. The wide array of facilities at the hotel only helps the guests to make their trip to Seoul a delightful one. The broad assortment of the hotel amenities and service at Best Western Premiere Seoul Garden in South Korea exemplifies luxury and comfort at its supreme level. The paramount facilities include the business services and dining facilities. For the leisure guests the supreme leisure facilities will help them to recharge themselves fully on their vacation.
Other facilities:

Babysitting Concierge Disabled Facilities Hotel/Airport Transfer Laundry Service/Dry Cleaning Meeting Facilities Restaurant

Room Service Room Service 24hr Safety Deposit Boxes Salon Shops Valet Parking

Source: Clicke.net

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Eastgate Tower Hotel – Seoul, Korea

Eastgate Tower Hotel

Eastgate Tower Hotel is located on the 18th, 19th, and 20th floor of Cerestar Mall (ex: Preya Town), one of the main shopping and entertainment centers in Dongdaemun district. Conveniently located nearby Dongdaemon stadium station, it provides easy access to other districts in Seoul for foreign travelers, and most of historical attractions in Seoul are only 10 to 20 minutes? riding distance from Eastgate Tower Hotel.

Accommodation

Eastgate Tower Hotel comprises 162 guest rooms, all of which are fitted with a highly designated furnishing, fully-equipped kitchen, washer, 32 LCD TV, high-speed internet access and perfect soundproof system for guest, privacy and happy sleep. It also comes with a bathroom with spacious shower booth and bidet. Guest also can enjoy a breathtaking night view of Seoul from our Deluxe City View Room.

Standard Room
Facing the Sunken Garden, located the middle of the building, Standard room has same size and Interior with our Deluxe City View Room.
(Twin:Super Single Bed + Super Single Bed/Double: Queen Bed)

Deluxe City View Room
The north Deluxe City view Room provides a spectacular panoramic view of Seoul from Mt. Dobong to Mt. Bukhan. The south Deluxe City view Room yields magnificent of Mt. Nam with a splendid night city view of Dongdaenum.
(Twin: Double Bed + Super Single Bed/Double: Queen Bed or Double Bed)

Facilities

Guest can enjoy all facilities in Cerestar Mall including huge Korean style Spa & Sauna facilities, multiplex movie theater, various choices in world cuisine, and brand shops. All family of Eastgate tower Hotel is ready to dedicate their seamless professionalism and heartful welcoming mind for your guaranteed satisfaction.

Cafe Terrace
At Cafe Terrace (55 seats in the hall and 20 seats on the outdoor patio) overlooking outstanding views of Mt. Nam, one of the best view from Eastgate Tower HOtel, guests can enjoy breakfast as semi American style. Cafe Terrace offers a range of beverage services serving tea, coffee, and juices in the afternoon.

Business Center
Business Center located on the 18th floor provides copy, print, and fax service for business travelers convenience.

Lounge
At Lounge 19th & Lounge 20th, each located on the 19th and 20th floor, guest can rest and relax with sparking views of city lights by night.



Cerestar Mall
Guest can enjoy all facilities in Cerestar Mall including huge Korean style Spa & Sauna facilities, multiplex movie theater, various choices in world cuisine, and brand shops. All family of Eastgate tower Hotel is ready to dedicate their seamless professionalism and heartful welcoming mind for your guaranteed satisfaction.
Cerestar Sauna and Spa
Overlooking Mt. Bukhan, guests can enjoy sauna and spa with spacious interior (approx. 4600 sq m) and with the up-to-date facilities.
Restaurant
Guests can enjoy exotic and various choices in world cuisine including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Fast food restuarants, Vietnamese, and so on.
Movie Theatre
On the 10th floor, guest can enjoy the movies 24 hours.
Parking
From level B3 to level B5, the security is preserved for 24 hours with CCTV & security guards for guests cars’ satty.
Shopping
There are more than 200 fashion brand shops from the 1st to 6th floor.

Banquet
Board Room on the 18th is suitable for a small meeting with 20 – 25 participants. Meeting room on the 13th floor is capable of supporting business functions from 100 to 120 attendees.

Source: Clicke.net

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