A TRAVEL AND TOURISM BLOG

Launched in 2000, the Le Royal Meridien is a relatively new luxury hotel that offers something pleasingly different. It's designed along the lines of a 19th-century English summer palace, and has an elegant colonial feel throughout. The hotel is much smaller than many luxury hotels, enabling it to provide welcoming, personalized service.
Le Royal Meridien Location: The hotel is conveniently located on Sahar Airport Road, close to Mumbai's international airport.
Le Royal Meridien Accommodations: Guests are accommodated in 171 rooms and suites, all of which capture the colonial essence. Royal Club Rooms, which occupy a private floor designed for business travelers, are particularly good value. There's a private lounge with special check-in area, complementary breakfast and cocktail hour, complementary meeting room, and 24 hour butler service.
Le Royal Meridien Features: Three restaurants, piano bar, health club, fitness center, massage therapies, landscaped gardens, outdoor pool, 15 types of pillows and six types of herbal soap to choose from in Royal Club rooms.
Le Royal Meridien Cost: Room rates start from around $300 per night for a Classic room, up to $825 per night for the Presidential Suite.

The iconic Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel was built in 1903 and has accommodated everyone from royalty to common folk. Its structure is striking and has many chandeliers, archways, domes, and turrets. The hotel also boasts a noteworthy collection of art work and artifacts that gives it an eclectic feeling.
As far as luxury hotels in Mumbai are concerned, the Taj Palace & Tower is in a league of its own. The hotel is an unsurpassed architectural marvel that brings together Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles. It also offers fabulous panoramic views over the Arabian ocean and Gateway of India.
The Taj Palace & Tower Location: The hotel has a prime position on the waterfront opposite the Gateway of India, in Colaba. It's very handy to Mumbai's business and commercial areas, as well as tourist attractions. If you're looking to stay at a luxury hotel that's centrally located for sightseeing, this is the one!
The Taj Palace & Tower Accommodations: The hotel has 565 rooms, including 46 suites. They're located in two wings -- the heritage Palace wing, and the more recently constructed Tower. Please note that some parts of the palace wing are closed for restoration following the damage from the Mumbai terrorist attacks.
The Taj Palace & Tower Features: Six restaurants, 11 banquet halls, two bars, two lounges, nightclub, swimming pool and one of Mumbai's best luxury spas.
The Taj Palace & Tower Price: Rates start from around $300 per night for a Superior room in the tower, up to $7,000 per night for the Presidential Suite.
Get more information, photos, reviews, and compare rates at About.com's booking partner, Kayak: The Taj Palace & Tower Hotel
Also check out this detailed photo tour of what to expect at the Taj Palace & Tower by About.com's Guide to Honeymoons/Romantic Travel.

Owing to its rich history and culture, Canada offers a wide range of cultural and geographical attractions. The mighty Rocky Mountains, the historic Montreal and the fishing villages of Canada are worth a visit. While in Canada, be sure not to miss the roar of water at the Niagara Falls.

Visit the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to see falcons, razorbills and the orange-beaked puffin. Quebec, Canada’s largest province is a centre of creative energy with its displays in art, music, literature, dance, painting and sculpture. Quebec also houses several important historical sites and 27 national parks.

Toronto, one of the world’s largest cities, is home to great music and an exciting night life. Home to Parliament Hill and the Prime Minister of Canada, Ottawa is a major hub of political activity.

Hotels
There is a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from budget to modern, ultra high-class hotels. These have extensive facilities, including swimming pools, health clubs, several restaurants, full business services and shopping arcades. It is advisable to make advance reservations. All rooms are subject to 4% tax and 10% service charge. For further information on accommodation in Singapore, contact the Singapore Tourism Board (see Contact Addresses) who can supply the Singapore Hotels Directory.

Grading: Some hotels are designated as being 'International Standard' with all modern conveniences such as swimming pools and air conditioning. However, there is no formal star system of grading. Expect a Singapore hotel advertising itself as five star to be considerably more luxurious than the European equivalent.
Guest Houses
The majority of the guest houses are situated along Bencoolen Street and Beach Road. Although considerably cheaper than the main hotels, guest houses tend to offer less value for money; the price per night is usually between S$20 and S$30 for a small, basic room. Discounts are sometimes available when staying a few days.
Youth Hostels
There are at least a dozen hostel-style establishments offering communal dormitory accommodation; the average price for a night's accommodation is S$10 or less. There is one YMCA International hostel in Singapore.
Camping/Caravanning
The few campsites there are in Singapore are inconveniently located, making camping a difficult option. Campsites are: Changi Beach Park, East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park, Sembawang Park and West Coast Park; permits are required to camp on a week-night. Tents can be rented from the Universal Adventure shop on Pulau Ubin, and can be pitched on open land on the island. The official campsite is called Jelutong; no permit is required.
Accommodation Information
Singapore Hotel Association
2 Havelock Road, 04-12/13 Apollo Centre, Singapore 059703, Singapore
Tel: 6513 0233.
Website: www.sha.org.sg

Singapore YMCA
1 Orchard Road, Singapore 238824, Singapore
Tel: 6336 6000.
Website: www.ymca.org.sg