Barcelona has been dubbed La Gran Encisera ? the Great Enchantress. With its medieval romantic style, it?s hustle and bustle and the history and art; it?s a great destination spot for travelers.

Many of the historic hotels are located in the Gothic Quarter, a stretch of streets with a romantic gothic style, making the hotels? locations convenient to sight seeing areas.

Tip to a Better Rate in a Historic Hotel in Barcelona

If you find yourself in Barcelona in a time that it is not busy and your hotel is not so full, you can usually bargain for a better rate. Business travelers can often get up to forty percent off the suggested price. Talk with the hotel attendants; don?t be afraid to ask for a discount.

Suggested Historic Hotels in Barcelona

While there are many beautiful historic hotels in Barcelona, one of the most convenient ones is the Hotels Condes De Barcelona. With over 150 guest rooms, each with an avant-garde style, the hotel is uniquely situated in a historic Nouveau building. The artistic beauty is astounding and each piece inside the hotel is customized specifically for the hotel. Located in the center of the city, it offers the convenience of public transportation for guests and is within walking distance to some of the city?s most popular destinations.

Another grand hotel is the Hotel Gotico. The deluxe hotel is a short distance from El Prat Airport, it is located in the heart of the city center and the Town Hall and the Palice of Autonomic Government. With it?s location right in the middle of the commercial district, a traveler will find everything they could want to see near by. With renovated soundproofed rooms, you?ll get a good night of sleep and the history of the hotel will keep the adventure of visiting Barcelona alive. Ask for a complimentary tour or ask about suggestions of sights to see in the city. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful.

For a moderate priced hotel, the Mes?n Castilla offers a Castilian fascia. For the best atmosphere this small hotel offers a convenient position to shops. It offers attractive views of the city and modest sized rooms. Its antique filled interior offers a history of its own.

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Barcelona

When you travel to Barcelona, picking the right hotel for you may be important. If you are going to be in Barcelona for a short while, it would be better to select one that is closer to the areas of the city you plan to see. Having your hotel closer to your sightseeing destinations makes it convenient to get there and back from your hotel.

If you plan to stay longer and see much more of Barcelona, you might consider reservations at two hotels, one on one side of the city for the first part of your trip and another hotel on the latter part and on the other side of the city. This lets you enjoy two different hotels within the tourist areas of Barcelona, making it even more enjoyable.

For more historic hotel suggestions, contact your travel agent or visit Turisme de Barcelona.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Barcelona visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/ES–Barcelona

As the second largest city of Western Europe, Paris is known as the City of Lights for its well-lit displays in the late hours, which calls to visiting tourists from around the world. It is the home of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and many more vacationer attractions.

What can you see in a weekend in Paris? If you?re visiting Paris for only a short while, try these suggestions on the top hot spots. You can?t miss these!

Visiting Popular Attractions In Paris

Rising up over 300 meters tall, this steel structure, the Eiffel Tower, can be seen throughout most locations around the city. Elevators lift visiting tourists to the top to get a bird?s eye view of Paris. As it is lit up in the evening, it is one of the most beautiful sights in the entire city. Guided tours add to the thrill as you get to peek into history on how it was made and what it means to the French today.

The opera building, Op?ra de Paris Garnier started its history back in 1862 when its construction began. It took over ten years to complete, because an underground lake was discovered under the location and was completed in 1875. Tours and shows continue to operate through this attraction for those visiting Paris, though now mainly used for ballet performances since the construction of Op?ra de Paris Bastille, another distinctive entertainment tourist spot.

Visiting Museums In Paris

One of the largest and most famous museums is the Louvre of Paris, and visiting it is none other than an opportunity of a lifetime. With over 300,000 wonderful artistic works, you simply cannot see all of it in one day. An entire weekend could be spent simply gazing at the thousands of painting, including Leonardo da Vinci?s world famous Mona Lisa.

For something more exciting for children and families, try the Centre Pompidou. It not only contains a museum of modern art, but a bookstore and a library among other things. The museum, featuring the works of artists like Matisse and Picasso, holds one of the largest collections of cubist, surrealist and abstract art.

Photo Opportunities for People Visiting Paris

You don?t need to be Catholic to appreciate the majestic architecture of Notre-Dame. Its construction was made to fit a monumental scale, and plans were made to enlarge it even before the cathedral was completed. While not the biggest, it is the most famous and one of the grandest cathedrals in the entire world.

Commissioned by Napoleon in 1806, the Arc de Triomphe, it is engraved with the names of the generals that commanded his troupes. It now stands as a monument to the era and a popular photo spot for tourists visiting Paris. The Arc also features an observatory to take in surrounding views.

If you?re still looking for something that will arouse the attention of the entire family, try the Jardin du Luxembourg, a 224,500 square meter park. An octagon pond called the Grand Bassin is located in the center of the park. It is here that children can rent toy motorboats for a fun afternoon. You can also check out the puppet shows, chess games, it?s many statues and it?s two famous fountains, the Fontaine de Medicis and the Fontaine de l’Observatoire, at the north and south ends of the park.

Obviously, these are not the only tourist spots, but upon visiting Paris, these are the most popular and are certainly not to be missed. Most of these locations offer regular guided tours, some at little to no cost. Call your travel agent and make arrangements to visit these locations.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering discount hotels around the world. http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/FR–Paris

Dublin on the East Coast of Ireland has come a long way since Molly Malone was immortalized in the famous song and has now become a statue close to the Main shopping area of Grafton Street. Erected to commemorate Dublin’s own millennium, a statue of Molly Malone pensively stares at passers-by on the southern end of Grafton Street. Ever ready for a comic put-down, Dubliners immediately christened the well-endowed Molly the tart with the cart.

Dublin is now one of Europe’s premier locations. Ireland in general has embraced the common European community but is still quintessentially Irish. Whether you visit Dublin for business or pleasure make some time to explore this wonderful city. It is both modern and energetic with its old traditions are all around.

Dublin’s coastline, wild willful and rugged, can be explored by bus or train journey from the City Centre. The Irish people’s Celtic heritage thrives in their creative spirit and love of music. The pubs around Dublin are full of life and everywhere you go you will experience the warmth, charm and gentle humor of the inhabitants of this tiny land with a turbulent history.

Dublin founded in the 9th Century by the Vikings is split in two by the River Liffey and hosts great rivalry between the inhabitants on both sides of the river. The two main bridges are O’Connell Bridge and the Ha’penny Bridge, so called because of the toll which used to be charged to cross it. O’Connell Bridge takes you to O’Connell Street home of the historic General Post Office, the first building to fly the Irish flag during the Easter Rebellion of 1916. The National Gallery of Ireland is one of the finest in Europe with one whole exhibit devoted to the works of J.B. Yeats brother of the poet W.B. Yeats. Take a stroll round St. Stephens Green before heading to Grafton Street one of Dublin’s most stylish shopping streets. Grafton Street is home to street artists and musicians and has a wonderful atmosphere.

Take some time to visit Trinity College, the oldest university in Western Europe founded in 1592. The university houses the Long Room home to the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is one of Dublin’s most popular and significant visitor attractions. Dating back to around 800AD, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious manuscripts in the world. Written on vellum, it contains a Latin text of the four gospels in script accompanied by whole pages of detailed illustration. The book has been on display since the 19th century and has the dubious honor of having been defaced by Queen Victoria. A decorated page and a page of script can normally be seen when you visit.

The library contains busts of some of its most famous scholars many of them writers and intellectuals. One of its most famous students was Jonathon Swift who wrote Gulliver’s Travels. Swift later went on to become Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral another must visit on your list. St. Patrick’s Cathedral was built in the 12th Century and beautifully restored with money provided by the Guinness Family one of Ireland’s most famous families. The Guinness brewery was founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness and is now the largest brewery in the World. No visit to Dublin would be complete without tasting the black stuff first hand. To many, Guinness is one of the most important features of Ireland. With 300 million pints exported every year, it is no surprise to learn that Ireland is the world’s leading beer exporter. Completed at the cost of IR?30 million, the Guinness Storehouse is a fine addition to Dublin’s ever-growing list of purpose-built attractions. Set inside a converted 18th century fermentation building, it comprises of six floors linked by a giant atrium in the shape of a pint glass.

Although the actual brewery is not open to the public, the storehouse’s new exhibition space outlines the 200-year history of the company and reveals many brewing secrets. The models and displays of the exhibition are followed by a short film and a glass of the famous brew.

If your schedule allows there are some interesting day trips which you can take from Dublin. To the North West is the Boyne Valley. There is historical evidence in this area dating back to 6000 B.C. New Grange passage is said to be the oldest man made structure in the world dating to 3000 B.C. The Wicklow Mountains to the south of Dublin are sparsely populated and enjoy a slow pace of life. The monastic settlement of Glendalough in the middle of the valley dates to the 6th Century. Founded by St. Kevin this is a powerful, peaceful, beautiful place and well worth a visit. You can take a trip to the Curragh of Kildare for a flutter on the horses. The Curragh consists of 4000 acres and is home to over 60 race horse trainers. It has produced some of the most expensive race horses in the world with prices running into 7 figures.

All in all you will have a wonderful and energetic time in Dublin. Be prepared to walk as it is very easy to get around on foot. And you will need to walk off those Irish breakfasts, with bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, eggs, soda bread and pots of delicious Irish tea. Hmmm!!!…..

Go N’eirigh an bother leat and have a wonderful time in the Capital of the Emerald Isle.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering discount hotels around the world. http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/IE–Dublin

The history of Prague is reflected in its hotels. The city dating back to the 9th Century, has been historically, and is today, a crossroads between ancient and modern worlds. It?s a city that has throughout its existence continually reinvented itself. As a result, Prague offers an array of historical hotels representing each of its bygone eras.

Historical Sites Reinvented Into Hotels
Many of Prague?s hotels were once historical sites that have been refurbished to meet the increasing needs of international travelers. For example, a 14th Century building, dating from the time of Bohemian King, Charles IV, is now the Iron Gate Hotel Prague.

Another example is the Castle Steps Hotel that is actually three separate 16th Century buildings that set at the foot of the ancient Hradcany Castle. Especially interesting is the Pension U svateho Jana (Hotel on the Saint Johns) that is a former monastery and a historical monument that is now the Waldstein Annexe Hotel.

These hotels have been renovated to meet current need, but reflect the rich history of the area. From the time of the original Bohemians throughout the history of Prussian, German and Soviet Union occupation to the current day, a reshaping is constantly taking place in Prague that points the way to a new era. Historical sites being reinvented into hotels, is one way where the old world meets the new.

Late Nineteenth Century and Early Twentieth Century Hotels
Built during a time of increased travel to Prague, a number of hotels from this era reflect the Art Nouveau architectural style, then popular throughout Europe. With the coming of a new century, the city had reinvented itself again into a worldlier destination.

For example, in 1906, it was common to find European politicians meeting at the Hotel Palace Praha. By 1920, travelers could enjoy ultra modern facilities, including a casino, at the Ambassador Zlata Husa.

All of Prague?s historical hotels of this time, although reserved for the elite, were a response to the needs of a more sophisticated European traveler that demanded great luxuries. Sadly, this era ended with the coming of Communist occupation from 1918 until 1989. Today, many of these hotels, have been renovated and restored to their original glory.

Historical Prague
Prague is in a picturesque river valley that surrounds the Vltava River. Many ancient bridges connect the east and west banks of the river and provide valuable links for maneuvering about the city. Old Town Prague originates back to the 13th Century while New Town developed in the 14th Century.

Hradcany Castle, previously mentioned, was built in the late 9th Century. Historically, it was the residence of kings but now houses offices and is the official residence of the current President of the Czech Republic. Another way the old is preserved while room is made for the new.

Prague is known for the various architectural styles contributed by each culture and era that has influenced it. It?s known as an intersection in Central Europe where East meets West. Where innovation takes its shape from the foundation of the ancient.

Historical Hotels ? 21st Century View
As many historic buildings have been turned into hotels and an array of century-old hotels have been remodeled in Prague, it?s interesting to note what shape newly built hotels are taking. Today, the contemporary architectural styles of these hotels beckon back to the past. Many of these hotels are lovely 19th Century-type structures with all the amenities. What else could be expected from versatile Prague.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Prague visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/CZ–Prague.

Dubai is a prosperous and cosmopolitan city. It mixes old town mosques and souks alongside modern high rise skyscrapers. The majority of this wealthy city has been built in the last 20 years and incorporates much in the way of futuristic architecture.

Construction is a feature of the city and there is constant building activity. The Dubai Waterfront project will add 500 miles of man-made waterfront to the city. These artificial islands will add up to a space roughly 7 times the size of Manhattan!!

Situated on the south sore of the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is one of seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. The population of Dubai City is over 1 million. The majority of the city?s population (80%) is made up of expatriates the majority of whom are from South Asia. The city is split in two by the Dubai Creek. Trade, oil and tourism all play a major part in Dubai?s economy and have taken over the traditional occupations of fishing, pearl diving and camel breeding. The area around Dubai City is desert and sparsely populated.

The weather is Dubai is extremely hot during the summer months so the best time to visit is during the winter months. During Ramadan it is illegal to publicly eat or drink and so this time is unpopular with tourists. Dubai is a liberal tourist destination and tolerant and safe to visit. However women are advised to dress conservatively when amongst locals.

Visitors are attracted to Dubai by the world class sports events and air shows as well as the fantastic shopping attractions and air conditioned malls. Dubai claims to be the shopping center of the world. The shopping attractions range from traditional crafts and arts to ultra modern designer fashions and electronics. The Dubai Shopping Festival is a yearly event held during January and February. The Dubai Summer Surprises is a summer month shopping spectacular which makes the most of the cheap hotel rates.

There are vast contrasts in the different types of restaurants brought about by the different mix of cultures. Asian, European and Arabic restaurants abound and range in price from budget to five-star.

There is an extensive range of high class hotels and resorts in Dubai. These places offer enticing discounts when the weather gets hot and during Ramadan. There is also a plethora of world class entertainment offerings which includes something for everyone?s taste. Fabulous nightclubs abound.

Dubai is a shinning jewel in the Middle East and a fabulous place to visit and offers beach resorts amidst traditional buildings and mosques and high rise skyscrapers. The city is popular with tourists because there are a wide variety of things to do and interesting places to see.

Stan Smith writes for Four Corners Hotels http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/AE?Dubai which offers hotels in cities around the world including hotels located in Dubai.

Barcelona, located in Spain is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Make sure you see all it has to offer when you are there. From museums to popular beaches, and don?t forget the excellent restaurants, Barcelona promises to deliver excitement, enjoyment, and above all, a time you will never forget!

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalonia and the second most heavily populated city in Spain. It is located in northeastern Spain, approximately 160 KM from the French border. The population is roughly 1,509,500. Barcelona has 53 museums and galleries, 41 theatres, 143 cinemas, 6 beaches, 62 parks and gardens, and well over 2,300 restaurants. Let?s get moving as there is so much to see!

Museums You Don?t Want To Pass By

If you are a fan of Picasso?s, be sure to check out the Picasso Museum which has most of his wonderful works of art from his early days until his final days. Maybe you enjoy sculptures. Then you need to check out the Museum Frederic Mar?s, which has sculptures from the 12th to 17th century.

The Museum of the History of Barcelona has all you need to know about Barcelona?s history and its popular traditions that are exhibited on three floors. If you?re a history fanatic, like me, this is not one you want to pass by.

Sagrada Familia, one of Antoni Gaudi?s greatest creations, is the most visited attraction, with 2,000,000 visitors each year. The giant temple has been under construction since 1882. The museum you find inside gives the details of the development and offers information about the Sagrada Familia. Most of the tourists who?ve seen the Sagrada Familia have loved the architecture and design of this giant temple.

Attractions for Kids

Do you have little ones with you who are dire need for something ?cool? or ?fun?? L’ Aquarium de Barcelona, or The Barcelona Aquarium, will most certainly fit into those categories. It is the most popular attraction for kids and young ones. The enormous tank is filled with sea creatures that you can find almost anywhere in the world. You can even swim with the sharks! The giant aquarium is located at Port Vell, or Barcelona Port Area.

Right next door to the Aquarium is the IMAX Port Vell Cinema, a large-format theater, which attracts about 1 million visitors each year and is open year-round. This IMAX Cinema was the first integral movie theatre ever built, which means that you can enjoy not one, not two, but three different projections: IMAX, 3D, or Omnimax. The kids can choose to watch 3D films including ones about sharks or space. Another popular attraction for the little ones, that you may also enjoy, is the Barcelona Zoo. The zoo has a wide variety of animals including the giant anteater, Siamang, and the Indian Elephant. The zoo also has restaurants, shops, ponies, electric cars, and a picnic area. This promises to be a lot of fun for the entire family.

Beaches in Barcelona

Barcelona has 6 beaches, just for you. All of their beaches offer drinks and ice cream, children?s games, lifeguards, hammocks, telephones, and sport areas. Barceloneta Beach, one of Barcelona?s most popular beaches, also has a restaurant and canoes available. Mar Bella Beach, another beach in Barcelona, has an aquatic motorbike that you may use if you choose.

The Magic Fountain of Montjuic should not be missed. The fountain is a light, color, water, and music display that is free to the audience. It is highly recommended to see and is enjoyable for tourists of all ages.

As you can see, Barcelona is a city that has much to offer, but whether you are here for business or pleasure, be sure to try and check some of these wondrous places that can only be found in, well, Barcelona!

Monika Szmit writes for Four Corners Hotels, which offers discount hotels around the world. http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/ES–Barcelona

As a tourist, sometimes the best thing about a vacation is the comfortable hotel. So while you are visiting Rome, Italy, why not try one of the many historic hotels?

Between visiting beautiful historic fountains, the Coliseum, the Vatican Museum and enjoying the night life in Trastevere, you?ll need a cozy place to relax in the evening, but don?t let the vacation stop the moment you arrive at your hotel. There are plenty of exquisite hotels that only add to the experience of a true Roman holiday.

Suggested Historic Hotels in Rome

Amidst the city streets of Rome are lovely historic hotels like D?Inghilterra. Founded in 1845, the hotel?s guest list has included Hans Christian Anderson and Mark Twain. You understand why this is one of the most popular hotels when you first see the location, which sits close to the Spanish Steps. It?s unique interior style makes heads turn. With a delectable restaurant, Caf? Romano, this makes for a stunning all inclusive five star hotel.

Not far from the Vatican Museum is an historic district called ?Prati?. Within the floors of an ancient palace, is the Les Chambres D?Or. The quiet atmosphere and sophisticated style and grace are revealed at every turn. You get some of the best views of the Eternal City when you stay at the Les Chambres D?Or.

How to Pick the Right Historic Hotel in Rome

Rome has many culturally intoned historic hotels, and choosing the right one for your stay may be important.

First, figure out the tourist destinations you are interested in. Is there a certain museum you would like to see? Do you only have a short weekend to stay in Rome? Factors like these may be of some assistance if you want to get the most out of your vacation.

For example, if you are going to visit for a short while, you could pick out the museums and all the places you would like to see, and then pick a hotel that is center to everything you want to do. You would not want to pick a hotel that is on the other side of the city from the places you want to visit.

Benefits of a Historic Hotel

You could stay at one of the Hilton, Sheraton or Holiday Inn hotels. They are very luxurious and in convenient locations. However, why stay there, when there are thousands of those in cities around the world? You would get the same standard room from a standard hotel, but a trip to Rome shouldn?t be standard.

A cultural vacation shouldn?t end the moment you reach the hotel steps. The more historic hotels in the district offer fantastic views, traditional styles and more. You are swallowed up in Italian history at ever turn. With sleek marble baths and plush carpets and the opportunity to open you window up to an ancient structure or an exceptionally beautiful church, you simply can?t miss a chance to reserve a hotel in one of the finest cities in the world.

Fionn Downhill is President of Four Corners Hotels offering hotels in cities around the world. To find out more about hotels in Rome visit http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/IT–Rome

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and has a history that dates back around three thousand years making it one of the world?s oldest cities. Until 1930 Istanbul was formally known as Constantinople named after the Roman emperor Constantine. When the city was originally founded it was known as Byzantium.

Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus strait and is split in two, one half located in Europe and one half in Asia. This division makes it the only major city in the world to be located on two continents. Istanbul has a population of over 15 million.

Istanbul summers are hot and humid while winters can be cold and rainy with occasional snow

Istanbul is a colorful city and a center for commerce, culture, education, shopping, tourism, entertainment and art. The city abounds with bazaars, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mansions. It is a major port and a center for trade. Istanbul is at the centre of the Turkey’s economic life

The neighborhoods of Istanbul are a melting pot shaped by many different ethnic communities including Greek Orthodox Christians, Armenian Christians, and the Sephardic Jews.

Istanbul is a major center for arts and culture with the International Arts and Cultural Festival being held each year in June and July attracting artists of international repute. Nightclubs abound throughout the city and provide both traditional Turkish entertainment such as belly-dancing and also more modern such as cabarets, discos, and clubs.

Shopping in Istanbul is a multi-faceted experience. For a truly unique experience try the Covered Bazaar with more than 4,000 shops located in the old city. This is the traditional Turkish way of shopping and an experience not to be missed. Local crafts abound including carpets, pottery, glassware, jewelry, spices and leather goods.

For a more modern shopping experience try the Taksim – Nisantasi – Sisli areas of the city. Here you can explore fashionable stores selling clothing made from Turkey?s high quality textiles.

Turkish baths or hammams are the perfect way to rejuvenate after a days of shopping and sight-seeing. These usually include a Turkish massage, steam bath and tea.

Food in Turkey shows the influence that other cultures have had on the city. There are influences from the Far East and the Mediterranean which merge within Turkish cuisine. From home meals and sidewalk cafes to fancy restaurants you will experience good food and value for money. Local tradesman eateries serve lunches such as sulu yemek (stew) and pilav (rice).

Traditional Turkish cuisine includes delicacies such as kebap, baklava, lokum, and rakı, Meals include soups, rice dishes, stuffed veggies, pastries and rich desserts. Turkish coffee is renowned around the world and is a long way removed from the coffees found in North America. Turkish delight is a sweet confection flavored with rose water or lemon. It is eaten in small cubes dusted with sugar.

There are so many delights to be had when visiting Istanbul. The city offers something for everyone. It is a wonderful, fascinating place with such a rich heritage and diversity of cultures. The historical buildings and houses, the bridges crossing the Bosphorus, the stores, bazaars and restaurants and the Turkish people make the Istanbul experience one never to be forgotten.

Fionn Downhill writes for Four Corners Hotels http://www.fourcornershotels.com/index.php/TR–Istanbul which offers hotels in cities around the world.