Monday, December 14, 2009

What to Expect in a Pet Friendly Hotel

It is estimated that over 25% of the world's population travels with pets and according to the Airline Transportation Association, more than 500,000 animals fly each year. In fact, travelling with pets is becoming more and more popular. Consider these statistics.


Fun Facts about People Travelling with their Pets:

- 19% of dog owners take their pet with them when traveling (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, National Pet Owners Survey)

- 67% of pet owners travel with their pet (American Animal Hospital Association)

- 42% of pet owners have traveled out of state with their pet (American Animal Hospital Association)

- Dogs are the most common pet to take on trips (80%), followed by cats, birds, rabbits or fish (USA Today, May 9, 2006)

While approximately 1/3 of pet owners leave their pet with a friend or relative when travelling, many take their pet with them.

Thus, it makes sense for hotels to have a pet friendly policy.

Finding a Pet Friendly Hotel:

To locate a pet-friendly hotel, you can easily consult an internet-based pet travel agency online. Many websites offer a free search by city and list hotels, bread and breakfasts, ski resorts, campgrounds and beaches that are pet friendly.

Fortunately for pet owners, there are many pet friendly hotels to choose from when travelling.

Finding Boutique Hotels that Welcome Pets:

If you are travelling to New York this summer and looking for a dog friendly New York City hotel, you are in luck. There are many boutique hotels in New York that welcome pets. A few hotels surpass expectations and openly welcome pets by offering services for your pet.

Hotel Services for your pet may include:

- Local dog walking services

- Grooming

- Cookies for special occasions

- Pet taxi

- Training

- Doggie treat

Other amenities may include food and water bowls, doggie sidewalk bags and kitty litter pans and easy access to a local dog park.

When booking your hotel, ask what services the hotel offers to accommodate you and your pet. Many boutique Manhattan hotels will go the extra mile to ensure that you and your pet have a pleasant stay.

Travelling with your Pet:

While most pet owners travel with their pet on the road, many pet owners take their pet with them on the plane. If you are flying with your pet, call the airline to check any regulations and requirements for pet travel.

If you are renting a car, it is suggested that you put together a driving map with a list of pet-friendly rest-stops and restaurants. Also make sure that the rental car agency is friendly.

Once you arrive at your hotel, the hotel should be able to provide you with a list of pet-friendly restaurants, as well as a list of local parks.

Summary:

Finding a pet friendly hotel is easier than you may think. The number of Americans traveling with their pets has increased over the years and more hotels are becoming pet-friendly in response to the growing "pets-as-family" trend.

To find a pet friendly hotel near your travel destination, ask your local travel agency for recommendations or search online. There are many online websites dedicated to travelling with pets and many offer hints and tips on where to stay and places to check out.

So next time you think about leaving your pet home, reconsider. There are many options for travelers with pets, and pet owners are no longer limited to campgrounds. Boutique pet-friendly hotels welcome pets and offer services to pamper and take care of your pet.



Seeking a Luxurious Upper East Side Hotel Experience

Are you planning a trip to the Upper East Side of New York city? The Upper East Side is one of the most exclusive and desirable parts of New York City. It is a neighborhood in Manhattan between Central Park and the East River.


Are you planning a trip to the upper east side of New York City? If so, you are in for a treat. Whether you are visiting for business or leisure, the Upper East Side has much to offer.

Due to its world-class museums, high class restaurants, proximity to Central Park and landmarks, it's no surprise that the Upper East Side has been the set of many movies and television shows such as Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Devil Wears Prada, A Perfect Murder, *** and the City and Gossip Girl.

Where and what is the Upper East Side?

The Upper East Side is a within an area bounded by 59th Street, 69th Street, Central Park and the East River. It is also known as the 'Silk Stocking District,' and is home to some of the world's most wealthy individuals, including Woody Allen.

If you are visiting the Upper East Side on vacation, there are plenty of places to see and visit within the area.

Things to Do in the Upper East Side:

- Visit Museum mile, stretching from 82nd street to 105th street

- Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 82nd street

- Visit the Belvedere Castle at Central Park

- See a play at the 62nd Street Project

- Relax at New York City's John Jay Park between 76th and 86th streets

- Visit the Guggenheim and eat at Cafe Sabarsky

Remember, this is a short list of places to see in the Upper East Side. When you check in at your Upper East Side hotel, ask the concierge for his or her recommendations.

Finding a New York Luxury Hotel:

When deciding where to stay in New York City, there are several hotels to choose from. What qualities should you look for in a New York luxury hotel? If you are travelling for business, you want to make sure that the hotel will accommodate your needs.

A New York City hotel should offer:

- A flexible space for meetings that can accommodate your guests

- High-speed wireless internet

- Dual-line telephones with voicemail

- Pet-friendly rooms

- Areas for cocktail receptions

- Amenities that allow videoconferencing and remote presentations

When you are looking at luxurious hotels in New York for your next business meeting or vacation, make sure it is also within walk-able distance of high-class restaurants. The Upper East Side has many top restaurants to dine at.

Top NYC Restaurants in the Upper East Side include:

- Atlantic Grill, known for its fresh seafood and quiet setting

- Cafe Boulud, a beige-on-beige bistro

- Cafe Sabarsky, which has live piano every evening from 6-9pm

- Carvao, a rustic tavern

- Coco Pazzo, offering Italian cuisine and delicious lasagne

- Cafe Greco, offering Mediterranean cuisine

Relaxing in New York City:

With all of the hustle and bustle in New York City, it's nice to relax at night. Choose a hotel that offers a bar or lounge for socializing at night and spa treatments for pampering yourself. When choosing between New York City luxury hotels, also look for hotels that will assure a good night's sleep. A few amenities to look for include Serta mattresses, luxurious 400-plus thread count sheets, night-time snacks and spa treatments.

When packing your suitcase in preparation to visit the Upper East Side of New York city, keep these tips in mind. The Upper East Side is a great place to visit and staying at a New York boutique hotel that meets your needs will make your trip even better.



Things to do in Central Park this Fall

Are you planning a trip to New York City this fall? Consider spending a couple of days at Central Park, a large urban park in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. Central Park has many activities and events for New Yorkers and visitors. Below is a sampling of things to do in Central Park.


Visit the Conservatory Garden:

The six-acre Conservatory Garden in Central Park was built in 1898. The garden has a geyser fountain, plants, indigenous flowers, heirloom roses, Korean holly, and English yew. The garden is divided into three sections: The French Garden, the Italian Garden, and the English Garden.

Rent a Rowboat:

The Boathouse at Central Park offers rowboats for $12 for the first hour and $3 for each additional 15 minutes. Hop in a rowboat and explore the park's marshy areas while looking for turtles, frogs, ducks and swans. 4 persons are allowed in each boat and life-jackets are provided.

Watch a Marionette Production:

The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater is one of the few public marionette theatre companies in the country. This fall, the City Parks Foundation will show Peter Pan & Adventures in Never Land. The show runs from October 6th to November 8th and tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children.

Ride a Carousel:

The Friedsam Memorial Carousel was built in 1908 and moved to Central Park from Coney Island in 1951. The carousel has 57 hand-carved horses and is considered one of the finest examples of 20th century folk art. A Ruth Sohn band organ plays the music, ranging from waltzes to polkas. A ride on the carousel costs $1 for adults and $1 for children.

Special Events in Central Park:

If you are interested in attending special events held at Central Park, there is much to offer. Central Park hosts music, crafts, and social events on a monthly basis.

Halloween Ball -October 27th:

On Tuesday, October 27th, Central Park will host the 2009 Halloween Ball. The event starts at 7pm and includes cocktails, dinner, dancing and a costume tickets. The Halloween Ball has been called one of the "10 Best Events in New York" and features music by DJ Tom Finn of Topspin Entertainment.

Harlem Meer Social Hour - November 12th:

On Thursday, November 12th, the Charles A. Dana Discover Center features an alternative happy hour for adults from 6:30-8pm. The Harlem Social Hour is free and features a conversation with Mercedes Ellington, a graduate of the Julliard School of Music.

Thanksgiving Crafts -November 19th:

On Thursday, November 19th, the Checkers House located at mid-Park at 64th Street will have crafts for the entire family. The Checkers House has crafts for one Thursday of every month from 2-4pm.

Central Park has been part of New York for about 150 years. Make sure to visit this National History Landmark when you are in New York City--you will not be disappointed with everything it has to offer.

Looking to travel in style? Some of the finest hotels in the city are just steps from the park. You may want to consider looking for Manhattan luxury hotel suites, or a Central Park boutique hotel among other options for New York luxury hotel reservations

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