Monday, 31 January 2011

New York Hotels and New York Culture


New York hotels and a city of culture
The New York art scene has long been one of the most vibrant centres of art and culture in the world. With so many stunning New York hotels to choose from, visitors to the city will be in a great position to choose exactly which part of the Big Apple they call their temporary home! The city is spread across many miles and around every corner is a new and fascinating sight, from the most famous architectural one such as the Empire State building, the Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty to the lesser known but equally fascinating “quirks” of the city, there is so much to see and do that most visits fly by. In order to see as many of the best sights as possible, plan carefully and ask yourself a few questions; what to you want to do most of all? Which areas do you want to visit and which of New York’s many famous restaurants or bars appeal most? Are there any places which lie outside the city but which you have always longed to visit such as The Hampton’s? Check out the offers on great New York Hotels, plan your trip well and get the most out of your break, New York is a wonderful place and with so many attractions you will be hard pushed to get them all in!

New York hotels and Museum Mile
One of the best places to begin your tour of New York has to be Museum Mile which is the acknowledged centre for museums in New York and of all the museums on offer here, where else would you begin a tour of New York museums other then the Museum of the City of New York! This fabulous space is dedicated to the past, present and also to the future of the city of New York; located on Fifth Avenue it house many exhibitions illustrating the growth of this great city and makes for a wonderful place to visit if you are staying in one of the New York hotels  near Museum Mile. For lovers of contemporary art then the Solomon R Guggenheim museum is a real treat, the newest of New York’s many museums it is based in a stunning contemporary building and houses a vast collection which can take a whole day to explore should you want to see everything! There are many fabulous museums along the attractive tree-lined stretch that is Museum Mile, for those with an interest in art and history, this is a must.

New York hotels and amazing buildings
New York has its fair share of wonderful historical buildings amongst the uber modern tower blocks and cool night spots; one interesting example is the Bartow-Pell Mansion which is in Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. This grand mansion dates back to 1836 although the original house and estate were built much earlier in the sixteen hundreds.  It lay sadly neglected and derelict for many years but has now been renovated and is open as a museum to the public; New York hotels near the Bronx make a great base from which to explore this wonderful memorial to the past. Another venerable building is Wyckoff House in Flatbush, Brooklyn which is accepted to be the oldest house in New York City. This diminutive frame built house has been added to over the centuries and now only a small part of the original building remains and that is thought to date from around 1652. This house is well worth a visit if you have booked one of the New York hotels which proliferate in the vicinity. New York has long been a fascinating testament to its multicultural residents and any body with an interest in history will be well entertained during their stay.

Friday, 28 January 2011

New York Hotels and Manhattan


Amazing New York Hotels and an Amazing District
Manhattan is an amazing and unforgettable district in the city that never sleeps. New York hotels in Manhattan are often synonymous with high class elegance and sophisticated luxury. Manhattan is the central business district in the city but is still a popular area to live with many quality apartments. The best New York Hotels will be close to many of the most fascinating attractions which New York has to offer. Famous streets and areas to consider when looking for a great New York hotel would be Times Square and Broadway and if you are staying here then a visit to Central Park and New York’s China Town are a must. There are so many amazing things to see and do in Manhattan despite it being just one part of the city of New York. If you are visiting Manhattan then there are some places which are must-see attractions.

The Rockerfeller Center and New York hotels
Everyone has heard of the Rockerfeller Center, it’s one of New York’s most famous attractions. This incredible landmark building was conceived during the great depression and the architecture reflects the thinking of the day, taller, bigger better. The building of the centre provided many jobs for New York’s unemployed and also a focal point for a city under pressure. Today the Rockerfeller is as attractive to tourists and natives alike; with its ice rink and the famous Radio City Music Hall as well as numerous retail outlets and an incredible view of the city, it makes for a spectacular visit. Many of the nest New York hotels are in the area and if you are lucky enough to be staying close to the centre then you really should set aside plenty of time to explore.

Central Park, New York hotels and making the most of your visit
Visiting New York hotels is a once in a lifetime experience and the city is one of the liveliest in the world, literally a city which never sleeps it is beautiful by night and by day. A trip to Central Park is a must; surely one of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is huge in size...over two miles long and is packed with points of interest. There are a number of ponds and lakes within the park and some beautiful wooded areas, walking tracks and a wildlife sanctuary. In addition to this the park boasts two theatres, two ice rinks and a famous carousel! For those of a sporty nature there are running tracks, rock climbing and horse riding facilities on offer. If you’re interested in wildlife there are some beautiful birds and wild animals within the park and plenty of tours taking place daily.  If you do decide to book up one of the amazing central New York hotels on offer all year round, then a trip to central park is a must. The park is a stunning place all year round, especially when viewed from above as it cuts a green swathe through the heart of this great city.

Tuesday, 25 January 2011

Manchester Hotels and Shopping in the City

Central Manchester hotels and shopping
Manchester was once a city more synonymous with cotton mills and Morrissey than with shopping: it will hopefully always be associated with great industry and with great musicians...it has produced too many of both to ever really move away from its illustrious past. However what has also happened to Manchester in more recent years is that tourism to the city has increased and as a result so have top-end retailers attracted by the great central Manchester hotels and the young, hip crowds who populate the city. From Deansgate to Canal Street, Affleck’s Palace to Harvey Nichols there is a wide choice of shops on offer with something to suit every taste. No matter which district you choose for a stay in this city, you can be sure that Manchester hotels and shops are among the most diverse.

Manchester hotels: retail therapy at your fingertips
Central Manchester hotels are a great choice for those who just love a day spent browsing shops. Retail therapy is seldom easier to indulge in than it is in this city! The city is compact and easy to get around, hop on a bus or a train if you’re looking to really cover some shopping miles! A good place to begin is the Arndale Centre which is one of the largest shopping malls in the whole of Europe. Many top high street retailers under one roof make for a simple and fun shopping experience. In the Deansgate district you will find the beautifully refurbished Barton Arcade, a Victorian shopping mall which is now full of designer stores; even if you’re not in the market for the most expensive shops, a walk around here is still a treat at the shop front are stunning to look at. If you are lucky enough to book a break at one of the lovely Manchester hotels in this area you will find that a simple stroll could well become a long wander as you take in the delightful shops and architecture...not to mention the wonderful cafes and bars!

Affleck’s Palace and Quirky Manchester
Manchester has always been at the heart of any underground scene in the UK and one of the best places for unusual clothing and accessories has to be the famous Affleck’s Palace. This Mecca for underground fashion and emerging designers has been around since the early 80s when a need arose for a platform to showcase the huge amount of design talent in Manchester. Affleck’s Palace is based in Church Street; with over 50 stalls and shops ranging across five floors and housed in an attractive period building, this Aladdin’s cave of wares is a real hit with anyone who visits. For retro, vintage and alternative clothing and accessories this is one of the most unusual and fun shopping experiences in the UK. If you are taking a short break in one of the fabulous Manchester hotels in the area, this is a must-see place. Like Manchester in general, it’s quirky, original and full of surprises; give it a try and you can be certain it won’t be your last visit!

Monday, 24 January 2011

Manchester Hotels and Discovering the City


Manchester Hotels: An adventure in the North West
One of the best things about the North West is the people, the other is the architecture...oh but we can’t forget the history, or the music! It is certainly true that the diverse people and attractions crammed into Manchester’s boundaries make it a very special place indeed. A stay in any one of the great Manchester hotels available throughout the year is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the city. Manchester is famous for its humour and its friendly no-nonsense inhabitants, a warm welcome is guaranteed in most pubs, café’s and clubs, with plenty of open people who are often ready for a chat.  No matter what you are interested in you will find something to fascinate in Manchester and if you go with the flow you can often find that a simple city break can turn into an adventure in culture!

Manchester Hotels: On the Doorstep of Culture
To say that Manchester is cultured is surely an understatement. This is a city brimming over with amazing architecture, galleries, museums, theatres and arts centres. An innovator in arts, Manchester hotels will put you right at the epicentre of a creative hubbub which is hard to ignore. It seems that whichever street you turn down, there is a little surprise waiting for you in the shape of murals, quirky bookshops, on-trend fashion shops and pubs and cafes dedicated to the arts. The city centre is not the only place to find entertainment, if you’re in the mood for some history then head for Oxford Road; a lively part of Manchester which encompasses some of the university campus, this area has some great small cafes and bookshops in addition to being the home of the Manchester Museum which is packed with fascinating and ancient artefacts. The innovative Contact Theatre is a short stroll from the museum and in usually offers a fabulous choice of home-grown theatre, dance and spoken-word performances. Oxford Road is home to some of the most elegant of Manchester hotels and the grand architecture here is a testament to Manchester’s fast economic growth during the industrial revolution.

Close to History in Manchester Hotels
The history of Manchester is a long and fascinating one; most people are familiar with the fact that this city grew rich and famous on the spoils of the cotton and shipping industries. As one might expect there are a myriad exhibitions at any one time which celebrate the city’s past and present in creative and surprising ways. Good quality Manchester hotels are quite numerous and well spread throughout the city; you will find that you’re never far from great venues like Urbis, which is Manchester’s Centre for Urban Culture and contains a vast and changing selection of exhibits and shows based on the city and its people. If you are interested in the history of the city then The People’s History Museum is a must. This museum houses excellent exhibits on the working people of Manchester and how they lived and worked. There is a large bookshop on site and a special interest in the Suffragette movement is a fascinating part of the museum. Manchester hotels are as diverse as the city itself and like the city they often encompass the best in modern and classic architecture. As you wander around Manchester’s streets, notice the beautiful and ancient churches, the well kept green spaces and the grand buildings you will be sure to take some very special memories away with you; this is a city to which one visit is almost never enough!

Manchester Hotels and a Musical Past

Manchester Hotels and the Music of the City
If you’re staying in any of the top quality Manchester hotelsduring your visit to the North West then the city’s connections with music won’t escape you. In fact it would be hard to get through one day in this surprising city without noticing the constant thread of music which weaves its way through the streets. Music is everywhere here, in place names, in arts centres and studio’s and throbbing from windows and doorways. Manchester’s history with music first came to note during the industrial revolution when the folk singers of the city and its surrounding villages became more apparent as social occasions increased along with the size of the city. As Manchester hotels are often close to some of the best music venues that the city offers you will be well placed to enjoy the best that this city offers in terms of music.
                                            
Staying in Manchester Hotels: A City of Innovators
It was during the sixties that Manchester really made itself known to the world through its music. Great bands such as The Bee Gees and Fontana were appearing and the world took notice. Manchester hotels in the city centre will allow you to explore some of the most famous live music venues which stud the city, including The Manchester Free Trade Hall which has seen such greats as Bob Dylan and the Sex Pistols playing gigs within its walls. Other notable venues include The Ritz which was once a dance hall in the 1920s and The Boardwalk where “Madchester” band The Happy Mondays played early gigs. Bands such as Oasis, The Smiths and The Fall have among many others conspired to make Manchester a real centre for musical excellence today.

Manchester Hotels and Music Scene Today
Any stay in the great Manchester Hotels of today should be complimented by a trip or two to The Northern Quarter which is arguably the centre of Manchester’s creative arts and smaller music venues today. Famous venues such as Band on The Wall and The Night and Day Café are still ensuring that smaller and unsigned bands are heard and given the chance to make their mark as so many before them have done.

Manchester Hotels: A Special City
It is difficult to pinpoint what makes Manchester such a special place; why do so many great talents come out of one city rather than another? The city’s diversity of culture certainly plays some part, as does the working history of the place. As fast as Manchester grew and thrived financially during the industrial revolution so it has at times struggled economically. A city which has seen so many changes in fortune is bound to react in some way; an outlet is needed for the frustrations which can arise in a city where things may have taken a downturn and music is often the perfect antidote to stress. Manchester has only gone from strength to strength in recent years, the new Millennium saw massive growth in terms of retail and service industry. Not only is the city a Mecca for music, Manchester now a centre for the arts and culture on a much wider scale than ever before and a stay in one of the more central Manchester hotels will put you right at the heart of the action.

Friday, 21 January 2011

Manchester Hotels and Evenings Out


Manchester hotels and a city that never sleeps
One of the joys of staying in any one of the fabulous central Manchester hotels that are available all year round is surely the fact that right on your doorstep are some of the best venues in the UK. Manchester has always been a city which knows how to show visitors a good time and the friendly locals are one of the most memorable things about an evening out here. Whatever your preferences there will be a great choice of venues at your disposal. From warm and friendly traditional pubs, to uber cool nightclubs and bars there will be something to suit you.

Staying in central Manchester hotels and navigating the city
Manchester is very easy to navigate, well linked to mainline stations and with plenty of public transport within the city centre, you won’t find it hard to get from any one of the top Manchester hotels to some of the best night spots in the North West. Depending on your tastes, there are various areas within the city to choose from with regards to a great night out.  The city centre is split into 11 areas which are all distinguished by names and most are within walking distance of one another. If you don’t fancy much of a walk but still want to sample the nightlife, you may like to wander only a short distance from whichever Manchester hotel you are staying in and stick to that district...in Manchester you can have a fabulous night out and visit many venues within a few feet of one another! Each district has its own distinct personality and you will find the one to suit you best.

Manchester Hotels and Districts
So you’ve secured one of the most central Manchester hotels and settled in. Now you just need to head out for a great evening...but where to go? As city centre Manchester hotels are usually close to the action, you won’t have far to wander when you head out into the night. The Northern Quarter is the place to aim for if you like quirky venues, this district is packed with bohemian bars and music venues, it’s a hive of creativity and any night of the week you can experience it at its best as it buzzes with energy even during weekdays. During the summer months a great area for a spot of alfresco drinking is Castlefield; this is a popular and stunning portion of the city and a glass of wine beside the canal is a great way to enjoy the passers by as well as the architecture. If you’re in the mood for something more mainstream, then consider a visit to the Printworks in The Millennium Quarter. Here you can experience the fun of an enormous complex of bars and clubs all under one roof. Large, well known chain venues in close proximity to one another make for an easy night out without the problem of transport and let’s face it, a good night out in a wonderful city like Manchester should be a simple affair! The city is chock-full of great people, fabulous venues and wonderful hotels; it’s a trip most people don’t forget in a hurry!

Thursday, 20 January 2011

Manchester Hotels and Green Spaces in the City


Manchester hotels and green spaces
A stay in any of the wonderful Manchester hotels available in the city is a great opportunity to get to know some of the more surprising aspects of this jewel in the North West’s crown. Manchester is a huge and bustling metropolis today but it is not so long ago that green fields and woods covered this land. Manchester Grew at an extraordinary rate from it’s origins as a small but thriving market town to a huge world city in less than one hundred years. In terms of the average time it takes for a city to grow and develop, this is extremely fast. Manchester was central to the industrial revolution and it was during this period that huge expansion took place; as the mills and factories were built, so more housing was needed in response to this. Where there are people there is a need for shops and hotels; and so the city grew at an alarming rate. Luckily for us, some farsighted individuals cared enough to ensure the preservation of some green spaces within the city. City workers, residents of the Manchester hotels and visitors to the city can still enjoy the pleasure and relaxation of a walk amid trees, greenery and flowers.

Manchester hotels close to Ardwick Green
Ardwick Green is one of Manchester’s oldest public parks and was one of the first pubic recreation spaces in the city, boasting a fishing lake and a promenade during its Victorian heyday. It remained popular until the turn of the century but was by 1890 almost derelict as the public became reluctant to pay the subscription fees which were necessary to enter the park.  Things changed in 1900 when the park was refurbished to a high standard and included two ornamental pools and many well kept flower beds. Later, a memorial to the fallen of Gallipoli was added and today the park remains a popular and very pleasant haven in an otherwise bustling city. Manchester hotels in the area are often of high quality and a stroll through Ardwick Green can only be a good thing when you need a brief rest from all that this exciting city has to offer! Popular with families and young professionals alike, there is a wonderfully calm atmosphere here and it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Alexandra Park and Manchester hotels
When Alexandra Park was designed in 1869, it was groundbreaking for the era. Never before had a city park incorporated sports facilities with public gardens; the layout was also thought unusual as it was very much more organically designed with softer edges than the usually strictly and straight edged designs favoured by landscapers of the period. This is still an important park today, Manchester hotels in the area tend to be of good quality and a walk in Alexandra Park is a rare treat in such a busy city and if you are lucky enough to book a good deal at one of the high quality Manchester hotels close to the park, you should certainly take advantage of it; this park is a rare oasis in an otherwise busy and metropolitan place.