07.15.2008 | 9:01 am | Flight Comparison
The lure of Las Vegas has made it one of America’s most popular holiday destinations. A heady mix of gambling, showbiz and all-round glitz make it an irresistible place for a vacation.
We’ve chosen three of the best Sin City casinos to tempt you.
1. Bellagio
The iconic Bellagio hotel and casino sits on the Vegas strip surrounded by fountains and a huge eight acre lake. It was built in on the site of old Dunes hotel and casino, and was inspired by the Bellagio resort on Lake Como in Italy.
The Bellagio complex was masterminded by Steve Wynn and built by his company, Mirage Resorts, Inc. The casino opened with an extravagant $88 million ceremony on October 15th 1998, and has been Las Vegas’ benchmark for elegance ever since.
One of the Bellagio’s most famous features is the ornate ceiling work in the lobby. Dale Chihuly’s ‘Fiori di Como’ is made up of thousands of hand-blown glass flowers covering two thousand square feet of ceiling space.
The Bellagio’s fountains are not only for decoration. They form part of an spectacular music and light display that can be seen from the Strip.
The fun continues inside. The Bellagio is home to Cirque du Soleil’s aquatic production ‘O’, the second permanent production for the world famous circus show. The resort also has a conservatory and botanical gardens with seasonal displays.
When it’s time to get down to the important business of gambling, the Bellagio holds its own. Professional card players flock to the poker room, many using it as their home base due to the high table limits. Such is the Bellagio’s kudos that it has also partnered with the World Poker Tour to host several of their tournaments.
The Bellagio is a Las Vegas icon, featuring in many films including ‘Lucky You’ and ‘Ocean’s Eleven’.
2. Wynn Las Vegas
An imposing slab of polished stone looking out over the strip, the Wynn Las Vegas Resort and Country Club is a AAA five diamond and Mobil five-star complex, and is the flagship property of Wynn Resorts Limited. The US$2.7 billion outfit is named in honour of casino developer Steve Wynn.
The complex was built on land formerly occupied by the Desert Inn Hotel and golf course, and was originally to be called Le Rêve. The site was designed by Jon Jerde, and opened on Wynn’s wife’s birthday in 2005. The Wynn was the first casino to combine the room key and the casino frequent-player card into one.
Among its unique points is the Penske-Wynn Ferrari-Maserati dealership where lucky gamers can spend their winnings.
There are several free attractions to lure in visitors such as the curtain waterfall which spills into a three acre lake. This is where the ‘Lake of Dreams’ show happens, during which images are projected onto the wall of water with a musical accompaniment.
Also on a musical theme is the ‘Le Rêve’ show which mixes sound with spectacular diving routines. The Wynn is also home to ‘Avenue Q’ and ‘Spamalot Las Vegas’.
After basking in the buzz of the gaming halls punters can enjoy some retail therapy in the shopping complex or wind down on the only golf course on the Las Vegas Strip. Partygoers flock to nightclubs Tryst and Blush to live it up among the high rollers.
3. Caesars Palace
Built around an Ancient Roman theme, Caesars Palace is located on the west side of the Strip between the Bellagio and the Mirage. It is operated by Harrah’s Entertainment and was begun in 1962.
Creator Jay Sarno chose the name ‘Caesar’ to evoke royalty and prestige. The hotel has over three thousand rooms in five towers called Augustus, Centurion, Forum, Palace, and Roman. The Forum tower contains suites with a thousand square feet of space. The Roman theme is carried on throughout the complex, with elaborate decoration and architecture. The shopping centre was designed to resemble the Forum in Rome.
The Colosseum is where the entertainment happens. It was built especially for Celine Dion’s ‘A New Day’ show, and has since hosted stars such as Elton John and Bette Midler.
As well as the shows there’s an exotic car showroom, Fall of Atlantis and Festival Fountain free shows, and the Pure Nightclub with a Pussycat Dolls lounge.
There are plans in place for a massive development to the casino with an additional 37,000 square feet of floor space being built. At present the casino is spread over 129,000 square feet, and has everything from high limit slots to table games.
Make your own mind up about Las Vegas’s best casinos. Find the cheapest flights at FlightComparison.co.uk.
07.8.2008 | 12:05 pm | Flight Comparison
Barcelona is one of Europe’s most interesting cities, mostly thanks to the architecture of Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s distinctive Art Nouveau buildings create an almost fairytale atmosphere, from the spires of the Sagrada Família to the avenues of the Parc Güell. But Barcelona’s architecture isn’t just Gaudí. The Camp Nou stadium and business district make it a very modern city. Read on for our pick of Barcelona’s top 5 architectural delights.
5. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya - in at number 5 is Barcelona’s main gallery. this giant palace of art is located on the Montjuïc hill at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina and contains masses of paintings, drawings and sculptures from a variety of periods. The building itself dates from 1929 and was originally the Palau Nacional, built for the World Fair.
4. Camp Nou – the ‘New Field’ stadium has been home to FC Barcelona since it was built in 1957. It was given a 5 star rating from UEFA and has played host to many international matches and UEFA Champions League finals. It is the largest stadium in Europe and the tenth largest in the world, with a capacity of 98,772.
3. Casa Milà - also known as La Pedrera (Catalan for ‘The Quarry’), the Casa Milà is one of Gaudí’s masterpieces. It was built between 1906 and 1910 but wasn’t completed officially until 1912. Situated at 92 Passeig de Gràcia in the Eixample district, it was built for Rosario Segimon and Pere Milà. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site called ‘Works of Antoni Gaudí’ and is famous for its unusual chimneys. Take a tour on the roof to see the unique architecture up close.
2. Casa Batlló – another Gaudí treasure, the Casa Batlló was actually built by another architect in 1877. It was originally called Casa dels Ossos or House of Bones. Gaudí and fellow architect Josep Maria Jujol were responsible for the façade we see today, with its fluid lines and lack of sharp edges. The house was originally built for a wealthy Barcelona family, and is on the same street as the Casa Milà.
1. Sagrada Família - top of our list is Gaudí’s iconic cathedral. Surely a symbol of Barcelona itself, the sinister spires rise like melting candles above the city. The cathedral was begun in 1882 and is not yet complete. Work is scheduled to finish in 2026. Gaudí devoted the last fifteen years of his life to the Sagrada Família and died without seeing his masterpiece even nearly complete. But the cathedral stands as a memorial to Gaudí’s contribution to Barcelona, and it remains one of the most visited sites in the city.
Why not see the buildings for yourself? Find cheap flights to Barcelona on FlightComparison.co.uk.
06.11.2008 | 8:50 am | Flight Comparison
by Susie Gordon
The city of Shanghai has long been known for its cultural mix of Eastern and Western lifestyles. This vibrant, fast-growing metropolis has plenty to offer. Daytimes can be spent strolling through People’s Park (Renmin Guangchang), checking out the shops along Nanjing Lu and Huaihai Lu. The French Concession offers a glimpse of life in Shanghai during the last century, while the quaint Yu Yuan Gardens provide a tranquil escape from the flurry of the modern city.
But Shanghai truly comes alive once the sun has gone down. There’s a club, bar or pub for just about any taste. Whether you’re part of the hostel crew and want a fun, cheap place to exchange travel tales, or a business person looking for a slick cocktail bar, you’re sure to find something to suit you.
A night out on the Bund will be pricy but it’s worth it for the views over the river to the skyscrapers of the Pudong District. Start your evening at the rooftop bar at the Captain’s Hostel on Fuzhou Lu where you can drink reasonably priced beer as you enjoy the vista. Then move on to Bar Rouge at 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu. This is where the beautiful people come to sip cocktails in view of the Oriental Pearl and Jin Mao towers. You’ll find expats and natives alike, all dressed to the nines and enjoying the mix of funk music and suave atmosphere.
If grunge is more your thing, head to the Shelter at 5 Yongfu Lu. After walking through a dark corridor you emerge into a dimly lit, smoke-filled den reverberating with hip-hop and reggae. Look out for special themed nights which happen regularly. Another great place for some reggae is Logo at 5 Xingfu Lu.
Another classic Shanghai bar is Zapata’s. Part of a chain of Mexican themed clubs, this place is a favourite among visitors and residents. It’s located at 5 Hengshan Lu and has special ‘Ladies’ Nights’ on Monday and Wednesday, where girls can drink free Margaritas until midnight. Dancing on the bar is encouraged, and a tequila fairy appears on the hour to administer shots to revellers.
To see how the native Shanghainese party, head down to BonBon on Huaihai Zhong Lu. It’s all you can drink for 120 RMB (about £8) and there is usually a DJ or MC. This is where the trendy young crowd go to dance.
And if you’re not partied out by the time the clubs close, there’s a host of after-hours bars and cafes where you can go for one last drink or a restorative cup of coffee. What ever you get up to, you’re sure to leave Shanghai knowing exactly why the city is famous for its nightlife.
06.9.2008 | 12:04 pm | Flight Comparison
A city, island and country all in one, Singapore is unique. On the one hand it’s Asia through and through. Chinatown bustles with life, Little India buzzes with street vendors and tempting aromas, and the Arabian quarter is awash with vibrant textiles. At the same time, Singapore is a powerhouse of business and progress. From the dazzling waterfronts, skyscrapers and hotels to the traditional districts, the diversity of Singapore makes it a fantastic place to visit.
Singapore’s Chinatown bristles with culture. You’re sure to find something to capture your attention among the roadside merchants, shops and street entertainment. In the middle of Chinatown is the Sri Mariamman Temple, is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Dedicated to the healing goddess, the temple hosts the Thimithi Festival every October during which devotees walk over hot coals.
Singapore was founded by the colonial settler Sir Stamford Raffles. Visit the Empress Place Building to find out about his life and work. Inside the building are a number of attractions including a museum, art and antique galleries and a restaurant. Nearby are St Andrews Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd.
Orchard Road is a playground for the rich and stylish. Lined with exclusive shops, nightspots and restaurants, it’s a great place to soak up some Singaporean glamour.
The most frequented tourist sites in Singapore are on Sentosa Island. There are museums, aquariums, beaches, parks, and a variety of hostels for backpackers.
Kids will love the Jurong Bird Park. This twenty hectare sanctuary is well known for its Waterfall Aviary - a massive open-air forest dome with a thirty metre waterfall and thousands of birds. Other attractions include the pelican cove flamingo lake, and underwater viewing gallery. Another option for young ones is the Zoo & Night Safari, or Underwater World.
Nightlife in Singapore is varied. A lot of visitors head to Raffles for the classic Singapore Sling. While this is a must for tradition lovers keen for a slice of old time Singapore, cheaper drinks can be found in Chinatown. The ‘golden triangle’ consists of Zouk, Mohammed Sultan Road and Boat Quay – all within a short taxi ride of each other. Drinks are pricey, so look out for happy hours. Wednesday night is usually Ladies’ Night. The live music scene isn’t world-class, but it’s slowly improving.
Singapore is often overlooked, seen as merely a gateway to other eastern destinations, but it really does have lots to offer. For more information about Singapore, please click here.
06.6.2008 | 11:38 am | Flight Comparison
After seeing out dreary months of rain and dark nights, Londoners are always happy when spring arrives. Afternoons in the park, evening drinks by the river, music festivals – the Big Smoke sure knows how to do summer. But with British weather being how it is, there’s no guarantee that the sunsine will last. That’s why it’s important to make the most of each fine day. Luckily London has lots to offer.
Depending on when you visit, there’s a variety of activities and events. Top London highlights include the Notting Hill carnival. Running over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the carnival has been going since 1965. It is a colourful celebration of London’s Caribbean community which has centred around Notting Hill since the 1950s. The carnival attracts up to two million people making it the second largest in the world after Rio.
For something slightly more laid back, head to the Chelsea Flower Show which is held annually over five days in May by the Royal Horticultural Society in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in Chelsea. It is the UK’s most famous gardening event, and is a big part of London’s social season.
Then of course there are the two strongholds of Britishness – Wimbledon and the Proms. Whether you prefer the sound of a symphony or the music of tennis balls on turf, you should try and get to one of these events for a classic London experience. The 2008 Proms run between the 18th July and 13th September so you don’t have to queue up for days to get tickets to the Last Night. Wimbledon this year is happening from the 23rd June to the 6th July.
There’s plenty to keep music fans entertained. The most popular events include Get Loaded in the Park when revellers descend on Clapham Common over the August Bank holiday weekend to enjoy live acts from many genres. Dance enthusiasts will love South West Four, a club event on Clapham Common that’s part of the Metro Weekender live music festival in August. It hosts world renowned DJs like Paul Van Dyk, Pete Tong and Sasha. With events such as the Lovebox Weekender, 02 Wireless Festival and Hyde Park Calling, the possibilities are endless – all you have to do is hope for sunny weather (or take wellingtons!).
There’s so much to do this summer in London, whether you’re a tourist or a local. Let’s just hope for some sunshine!
06.5.2008 | 11:18 am | Flight Comparison
by Susie Gordon
There are two main types of holiday maker. First there’s the kind of person who likes the traditional vacation: you rock up to a resort for a week or two, flop onto a sun lounger, swim, read and enjoy the nightlife once the sun has set. Then there’s another breed - the backpacker. They call their holidays ‘travelling’ - trekking in Peru, temple hopping in Cambodia, exploring the cities of India. They’re normally gap year teens and twenty-somethings on a budget, and they’re wedded to their Rough Guide and trusty band of travelling buddies.
You might shudder at the thought of cockroach-infested hostels, endless rides on packed trains and no hope of a shower for days, but don’t write off backpacking just because you don’t fit the usual demographic. It doesn’t have to adhere to the old clichés. Heck, you don’t even need a backpack. There are plenty of fantastic tour companies which cater for an older client base, along with folks who want to combine grass-roots travelling with a bit of R & R.
Intrepid Travel has three styles of trip - Original, Basic and Luxury, with accommodation ranging from tents to top end hotels depending on which you go for. And most companies give you the morning or afternoon free so you can sightsee independently. The great thing about trips like this is that all transport and accommodation is organised for you, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the logistics.
So give backpacking a go. You might be pleasantly surprised!
06.3.2008 | 11:13 am | Flight Comparison
by Susie Gordon
Bali has always been synonymous with an island paradise home to white beaches, lush forests and bustling holiday resorts. The terrorist bombs of 2002 and 2005 may have put a brief dampener on tourism to Indonesia’s only Hindu state, but the island is slowly recovering and it’s still a fantastic place to visit.
Most people start their Bali experience in the popular resort of Kuta, not far from the capital city of Denpasar. There are some lovely hotels and beaches here, especially in the suburb of Legian, but to see the real Bali you’ll have to head further inland.
The town of Ubud, about an hour inland, is Bali’s arts and crafts centre. The streets are filled with galleries and shops where local artists display their wares. Wood carving is a specialty, and many of the pieces are impressively intricate. Ubud is a perfect place to experience the ‘warung’ – the small street side restaurants that serve traditional Balinese food like nasi goreng and mie goreng. Make sure you check out the monkey forest where you can buy a bunch of bananas or papaya leaves and feed the macaques which roam free through the trees.
Bali’s volcanic geography is best seen in the centre of the island where Mount Agung (the mother mountain) and Mount Batur rise sedately from the jungle. Get up before dawn to climb Batur, the smaller of the two. The view of the sunrise from the summit is incredible, and on clear days you can see over to Mount Rinjani on the neighbouring island of Lombok.
The Bali Barat National Park takes up most of the western side of the island is home to two hundred species of birds and plants. The small resort of Lovina is a great base to explore this part of Bali. Nearby Deer Island is a popular scuba diving and snorkelling location.
So if you go to Bali, make sure you head off the beaten track. You’ll see a different side to this beautiful island.
06.2.2008 | 12:11 pm | Flight Comparison
by Susie Gordon
Well, we’ve had our two May Bank Holidays. The weather isn’t looking too special and there’s a long way to go until the August long weekend. But don’t worry. We have the perfect solution to those mid-year blues. Take a half-day off work on a Friday and get a cheap flight to a European city. You’ll have the Friday night to explore the nightlife, the Saturday to look around the city, and the Sunday for some last-minute shopping before you fly home.
There are plenty of fantastic cities that can be explored in a weekend. Lisbon has a great mix of historical architecture and vibrant nightlife, and it’s just the right size to see on foot. Walk up to the castle for a view of the city, and make sure you go up to the Baixa Alto (Upper Town) before trying Portugal’s famous bacalao (salt cod) at a street cafe.
Barcelona is famous for its architecture. Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia cathedral with its iconic melted candle spires is a must, along with his Parc Guell and Casa Batllo. The Ramblas shopping streets are hugely popular with tourists and locals.
For something a little further afield, think about North Africa. I see Marrakesh as our closest ‘exotic’ destination. It’s only a little further south than Spain but is completely different to anything you’ll find in Europe. Stroll through the souks, try your hand at haggling, and chill out at a street cafe to watch the bustle of the city.
It might not be sunny here in the UK, but with so many great cities on the doorstep you can weather the storm in style.
05.30.2008 | 10:43 am | Flight Comparison
It hardly seems like a second ago that the directors at business travel airline Silverjet were jumping up and down with relief that they had found a benevolent sugar daddy in the shape of UAE based investment company Viceroy. The company agreed to provide additional capital to see the airline through a troubled patch, in exchange for a substantial stake in the business.
However, the deal which was supposedly worth up to £50 million has floundered at the first hurdle after an initial payment of just £2.5 million was not made.
The situation is shrouded in mystery and, while many people had expressed their surprise when the deal was first announced, it seemed to have been signed, sealed and delivered. The shares were traded on the London Stock Exchange and the future of the group seemed to be secure. The airline directors were surprised when a request for part of the drawdown fund didn’t arrive last week despite repeated requests.
Even just last week the directors at Viceroy were still suggesting that the money would be available soon but just what happened is unknown. After another round of desperate talks with industry heads and external investors, Silverjet management was forced to ground the airline’s operations and suspend dealing in shares on the London Stock Exchange. While many believe that this is not the end of the story, it is the end of the road for Silverjet who have no funds available to continue the business.
Even if there is some recourse in the courts due to the lack of funding made available, it is too little too late for the airline. Another specialist business class airline bites the dust…
05.29.2008 | 10:14 am | Flight Comparison
A potential scandal has materialised in the form of the air which is filling the aircrafts in which we travel. A number of unconfirmed sources have approached the UK regulator over the quality of air pumped around aircraft as they fly passengers to and from the UK. As the story was breaking, a number of cabin crews came forward with claims that there have been a number of instances of ‘unclean air’ onboard some flights. While it is the Boeing 757, Airbus 319 and BAe 146 which have been mentioned as the main culprits, these are by no means the only aircrafts involved. So what is happening?
The UK Department for Transport has become involved, announcing plans to implement a thorough review of inflight air quality. While the main complaints seem to revolve around the cabin crew and the potential effect on their ability to fly the aircraft, the DfT will also look into the general situation. They are set to initiate a number of exercises to measure the quality of inflight air on five unnamed airlines. The results of the review will be released but the names of the airlines which took part will remain confidential.
This is the first time that there has been official involvement in the issue of cabin air. If any basis is found for the complaints, the airlines will be forced to undergo lengthy and expensive modifications to their aircraft at a time when money is tight. Quite what will happen in the future is unclear but it seems that we are in for another period of uncertainty in an industry which is already suffering.
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