Moon – Page 12 – Footloose Forever

Hipmunk Hotels: Nature, Wildlife, and Adventure in Bloomington, Minneapolis, and More

February 18, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged Akron, Bloomington, hotels in USA, Midwestern America, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ohio, Saint George Utah, USA Hotels and Destinations, USA Midwest region4 Comments

minnesota river, midwestern america, USA hotels, hotels in midwest USA

With abundant nature and comfort of modern city-life, Midwestern America is a paradise for leisure travelers. If you are planning for a vacation in the Midwest here is a quick guide for Hipmunk hotels Midwest region.

Image via Flickr by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Midwest Region

Bloomington, MN

Surrounded by nature reserves in the west and southwest, Bloomington beckons nature lovers with riverside trails, lakes, and parks to explore. Enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing in the lakes in summer. Winter is also exciting with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the Hyland Hills Ski Area. The city is home to America’s largest mall, the Mall of America, which is not just a shoppers’ paradise but also an indoor amusement center with an indoor theme park and marine aquarium. Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington, La Quinta Inn & Suites Minneapolis Bloomington W, and Staybridge Suites Minneapolis-Bloomington are some of the affordable hotels in Bloomington, MN offering quick access to the mall.

Minneapolis, MN

With duty-free shopping and several free-entry attractions Minneapolis ensures budget-friendly vacation. Visiting Minneapolis in fall can get you some discount on the hotel prices. Budget hotels in Minneapolis, MN are located in the outskirt. Downtown hotels may offer upscale amenities but they are quite expensive. However, Crowne Plaza Minneapolis Northstar Downtown and The Hotel Minneapolis, Autograph Collection are some of the affordable options in downtown Minneapolis. Availing the public transit system for getting around can further cut down on expenses. Bicycling is another option for exploring the city in a leisurely manner.

Akron, OH

Strategically positioned at the junction of Midwest’s major interstate highways, Akron is the gateway to the Great Lakes region. The city’s rich cultural background, musical performances, theater, ballets, and orchestras attract crowd year round. As a result, there are several mid-range hotels in Akron, OH that offer satisfactory service to both leisure and business travelers. Despite being an industrial hub, Akron is full of greenery. Beautifully landscaped parks adorn the cityscape and offer scenic escapes within the urban area. Akron Zoo, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the city’s biking trails, parks, and golf courses offer ample scope for outdoor recreation.

Madison, WI

Vibrant nightlife, upscale restaurants, spectacular lakes and outdoor define Madison as a perfect leisure destination. Winter months are full of adventure with cross-country ski events, ice hockey, ice-skating, and ice-fishing activities. During summer, people enjoy kayaking and sailing in the lakes as well as hiking, biking, and camping along the nature trails. In fact, biking is the best way to explore the beauty of Madison. There are separate lanes and routes for biking in the city. The hotels in Madison, WI offer rooms with modern amenities at affordable rates. While some hotels offer bikes as a complimentary amenity to their guests, others can rent one from the Budget Bicycle Center on per-day or per-week basis.

Saint George, UT

Whether you are an experiential traveler, a sports enthusiast, or a vacationer, Saint George has something for all sorts of visitors. The city’s typical laid-back, small-town atmosphere combined with pleasant weather and spectacular landscapes make it an idyllic destination in the Midwest. Due to its proximity to Zion, Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon National Parks tourists swarm in Saint George year round. The city offers several low-cost accommodation options for visitors. Days Inn St. George, Super 8 St George UT, Claridge Inn, and Americas Best Inns-St. George are some of the pet-friendly hotels in Saint George, UT offering leisure amenities at lower rate.

Hipmunk Hotels: History, Culture, Leisure, and Fun in Hartford, Rochester, and More

February 14, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged Bangor, destinations in Northeast USA, Hartford, hotels in USA, hotels northeast USA, Jersey City, Rochester, Statue of Liberty, USA Hotels and Destinations, Woburn7 Comments

liberty state park, manhattan skyline, jersey city, nj

Colonial history and a strong influence of European culture make the Northeastern Woodlands special in its own way. Picturesque landscapes, dense forest and verdant valleys along the river Mississippi promise for a refreshing retreat. However, you need to choose your Hipmunk hotels northeast wisely to make the most of your holidays there.

Woburn, MA

Image via Flickr by Vath Sok

A sparsely populated city in Massachusetts, Woburn exudes typical small-town aura with scenic charm and an inviting atmosphere perfect for refreshing weekend breaks. With bountiful nature, beautiful Horn Pond hiking trail, Vinkari Safari children’s activity center, and LazerCraze games park, Woburn has something for everyone. Interestingly, hotels in Woburn, MA come with impressive rooms and wide range of amenities at affordable rates so that you can simply relax and enjoy instead of worrying about expenses on vacation.

Jersey City, NJ

Image via Flickr by SachinDaluja

Jersey City serves as the gateway to some of America’s most popular tourist attractions – the Statue of Liberty and New York City. You will find some economical accommodations near Newark Liberty International Airport, which serves the city. However, hotels along the Hudson River waterfront, although much dearer, offer excellent view of the river and the Manhattan skyline across it. Interestingly, tourists visiting NYC prefer hotels in Jersey City, NJ to hotels in Manhattan as the former allow bargaining. W Hoboken, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hyatt Regency Jersey City are some of the popular hotels offering magnificent riverfront views as well as premium amenities.

Rochester, NY

Image via Flickr by Rick

Rochester offers wide variety of accommodations, starting from low-cost inns and B&Bs to posh hotels with world-class amenities. Airport shuttle, concierge, swimming pool, spa, and fitness center are some of the amenities you’ll find at the high-end hotels in Rochester, NY. The downtown area, dotted with eateries, nightclubs, bars, and coffee shops, is an ideal place to experience the life and culture of the city. Although spring and autumn are the best time to visit the place, summer is the most happening season in Rochester with consecutive music and art festivals and live shows.

Hartford, CT

Image via Flickr by Onasill ~ Bill Badzo

Situated along the Connecticut River valley, the picturesque city Hartford awaits you with lively music and a rich heritage. The city, being an important financial hub and the capital of Connecticut, offers all the comfort, convenience, and entertainment options vacationers seek. Hotels in Hartford, CT offer rooms and amenities tailored to meet the requirements of both business and leisure travelers. The city also has a historic background. Legendary author Mark Twain lived in this city. His home is now open to public as Mark Twain House and Museum. Don’t miss the Travelers Tower, which offers a 360-degree panorama of the city.

Bangor, ME

Image via Flickr by Josh Delp

Bangor, a less-traveled destination in the Highlands in Maine, has plenty in store for visitors. The small city comes alive with folk, music, and art festivals during the summer months. Moreover, the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin, Moosehead Lake, canyons and waterfalls in this region set the stage for outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Super 8 Motel, Howard Johnson Inn, Quality Inn, and Bangor Motor Inn & Conference Center are some of the popular, low-cost hotels in Bangor, ME.

Hipmunk Hotels: Destinations in Hawaii for Best Winter Escapes

January 30, 2016January 31, 2016Posted in USA Hotels and DestinationsTagged beach vacation, destinations in Hawaii, Hawaii, Hawaiian Islands, Hotels in Hawaii, Maui, tropical vacation8 Comments

Sprawling ocean, exotic flora and fauna, and immense scope for water-sports and adventure activities attract travelers to the Hawaiian Islands year round. Whether you seek adventure or simply need a relaxing break from your hectic schedule – this beautiful archipelago in the south has something for everyone.

Image via Flickr by Kanaka Menehune

The state of Hawaii consists of eight main islands and several islets. These islands are home to top-notch hotels and resorts. However, if you find difficulty in choosing a destination in Hawaii, here is a quick guide to help you.

Kailua-Kona, HI

Image via Flickr by Curt Smith

Once a small fishing village, Kailua-Kona is now the major port town on the island of Hawaii. It is also the right place for the travelers who want to experience the rich culture of Hawaii. The region, known for its excellent coffee beans, is home to volcanoes, waterfalls, green vegetation and natural wonders like black sand beaches. Go snorkeling at the Kahaluu Beach or enjoy a stroll along the beautiful Alii Drive. The charming coastal town is home to an array of affordable hotels, eateries and shopping districts. From low-cost, Bed-and-Breakfasts to five-star hotels in Kailua-Kona, HI there are accommodations for for all budgets.

Kapaa, HI

Image via Flickr by Robert Linsdell

Kapaa or Kapa’a is a picturesque town in Kauai, one of the major islands in Hawaiian Islands. Kapaa’s famous Coconut Coast houses an array of cheap to moderately priced hotels and resorts. If you can splurge on accommodation, there is also no dearth of three and four star hotels in Kapaa, HI. Being the largest town on the island, Kapaa serves as the main commercial district in this region and is home to several shopping malls. With lush greenery, coral reefs, rugged cliffs and canyons, Kauai has a lot to offer other than its scenic beaches and quaint coastal towns.

Waikoloa, HI

Image via Flickr by Hilton Waikoloa Village

Overlooking the Anaehoomalu Bay, Waikoloa beach offers plenty of opportunity for family vacationers to relax and enjoy on the beach. You can take part in the beach games, snorkel into the ocean and explore rich marine life there, or simply sit by the bay and watch sunsets at Waikoloa. Visiting in spring can get you discount on the price of the hotels in Waikoloa, HI as it is the end of the high season for tourism. The big event of Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon is a bonus for those who are planning Waikoloa tour in March. Well, only for those who enjoy sports and outdoor activities, otherwise the place becomes crowded with tourists swarming in for the event.

Wailea (Maui), HI

Image via Flickr by Joe Parks

If you are searching for a destination, where you can relax and unwind by a quiet beach, rejuvenate your senses with a spa massage and take some time off to a beautiful golf course, you should book hotels in Wailea (Maui), HI. The beautiful Wailea Community is one of the chief attractions in Maui. With many hotels and beachfront accommodations at varied price, Wailiea in Maui offers the natural beauty and recreational amenities you need for a perfect tropical vacation. The Makena Bay area in the south of the island is less crowded, hence offers quiet surroundings and some of the affordable hotels with quality service.

Palm Springs Boutique Stays for Luxury Living Experience in the Californian Desert

January 13, 2016January 13, 2016Posted in World City ToursTagged boutique hotels, Boutique hotels in the US, California, Movie Colony, Palm Springs, Palm Springs boutique hotels, Palm Springs hotels, USA Hotels and Destinations4 Comments

Palm Springs, California, Palm Springs hotels

Image via Wikipedia by Patrick Pelster

Exotic desert landscape, hot springs with pools, hiking trails, and a range of luxury hotels in Palm Springs beckon for an opulent, fun-filled vacation at this glamorous resort city in the southern Californian desert. So if you are confused where to stay in sunny Palm Springs for the best vacationing experience, the following list of hotels can help you.

Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs

The unique musical theme setting of Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs exudes an air of laid-back Caribbean beachfront life in the desert. Live life king-size in Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs with a range of upscale amenities at your disposal. From a lavish spa and a fitness center to a plush outdoor pool with poolside cocktail lounge, everything is there to ensure luxury and recreation. The guest rooms feature artistically designed interiors with private balcony, large bed, work desk, free Wi-Fi, mini bar, fridge, and premium bath amenities.

Ingleside Inn

Ingleside Inn allows quick access to Palm Spring’s art and cultural museums. This historic boutique hotel in Palm Springs offers old colonial style rooms and villas equipped with modern amenities promising comfort for their guests. Live in an aesthetically landscaped, quiet surrounding and relax in spacious rooms with fluffy bed, private terrace, fireplace, free wireless internet, laundry service, and access to the hotel’s outdoor pool. Enjoy live music and dance performances at night while dining at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant.

La Maison Hotel, Palm Springs

Colonial architecture, classic European-style interiors, French-style wood furnishings, terracotta flooring, and four-poster beds with feather bedding and duvets in every guest room in La Maison Hotel, Palm Springs promise a luxurious living experience in Mediterranean style. The hotel’s airy guest rooms come with separate sitting area, flat screen TV, wireless internet access, mini refrigerator, iron, hair dryer, and a range of premium bath products. In addition, you can spend quality time at the hotel’s library, have fun outdoor with free cruiser bikes, or rejuvenate yourself with a relaxing massage at a discounted rate at the onsite spa.

Los Arboles Hotel

This is another boutique hotel in Palm Springs offering Mediterranean villa-style accommodations nicely appointed with attention to detail. Heated outdoor pool, sun-deck with mountain-view, and massage therapist on call are some of the luxury amenities that guests can enjoy here. Standard room amenities at Los Arboles Hotel include large bed, pull-out sofa, television with movie channel, Wi-Fi internet, fridge, mini bar, and iron with ironing board. En suite bathrooms offer a luxury shower experience with a full-size Jacuzzi tub, rain shower, and branded bath products.

Movie Colony Hotel

Located at the heart of Palm Spring’s historic Movie Colony district, Movie Colony Hotel offers stylish rooms designed with modern amenities for the guests’ ultimate comfort. You can choose from Terrace Rooms, Patio Rooms, Classic Rooms and townhouse style accommodations at the hotel, depending on your need. Facilities in rooms include king beds, flat-screen television, Wi-Fi internet, telephone, iPod docks, DVD players on request, and separate sitting areas with couches. Hotel amenities such as complimentary breakfast and wine service, free bicycles to get around, and 24-hour access to heated outdoor pool and onsite spa further add to guests’ delight.

Flagstaff’s Boutique Stays – Promise for an Extraordinary Vacation in Arizona

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016Posted in World City ToursTagged Arizona, boutique hotels, Boutique hotels in the US, Flagstaff, Flagstaff boutique hotels, Flagstaff hotels, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert4 Comments

painted desert, arizona, flagstaff hotels, flagstaff

Flagstaff, a small, peaceful city in northern Arizona, has no dearth of hotels and accommodation for all budgets. The city experiences an influx of tourists almost year-round as it serves as the gateway to the famous Grand Canyon and Painted Desert. If you wish for a memorable vacation in Arizona, below are some of Flagstaff’s top boutique stays to consider while you shortlist hotels before booking.

Image via Flickr by Kool Cats Photography over 6 Million Views

Canyon Inn Flagstaff Arizona

Canyon Inn Flagstaff is a budget-friendly hotel conveniently located near North Arizona University. It ensures quick access to some of Arizona’s top tourist attractions and recreation centers such as Sunset Crater, Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park, and Snowbowl Ski Resort. Hotel amenities like car parking, wireless internet, local and long distance calls, and continental breakfast are offered free of charge at Canyon Inn Flagstaff Arizona. The hotel’s air-conditioned rooms feature queen beds, cable TV, rollaway beds and baby cribs. You can also have microwave, refrigerator, and iron with ironing board on request.

Highland Country Inn

Highland Country Inn is another value for money hotel offering comfortable, modern accommodation in Flagstaff. Complimentary amenities including breakfast, car parking, Wi-Fi internet access, and local calls will help you save money on vacation. The hotel’s standard rooms come with one king bed, cable television, direct dial phone, and laundry service. Its convenient position ensures easy access to popular local eateries, museums, historic landmarks, and tourist attractions. Moreover, Highland Country Inn is a pet-friendly hotel charging a little extra per night for your furry friends.

Wyndham Flagstaff

Wyndham Flagstaff Resort is a perfect place for an idyllic vacation. Spacious and nicely furnished guest rooms have large beds, separate sitting area, wireless internet, bathroom with bathtub, washer-cum-dryer, private balcony, and a well-equipped kitchen. In addition, an array of upscale amenities including outdoor Jacuzzi, fitness center, and fine dining restaurant are on site to make sure you experience the best of leisure time in this sprawling resort in the lap of the mountain. Kids can have fun at the resort’s mini golf course and children’s pool.

Little America Flagstaff

Set in the middle of Arizona’s famous Ponderosa Pine forest, Little America Flagstaff promises a peaceful, relaxing escape in the lap of nature. The hotel houses upscale accommodations, restaurants, heated outdoor pool, and a fitness club. Services include travel desk, concierge, garage service, and room service. Pastel shades, carpet flooring, and deluxe furnishings creates a relaxing ambience in the air-conditioned guest rooms while soft beds, a mini refrigerator, a coffee maker, and an LED television with satellite channels are there to make sure you enjoy all the comfort of home.

Hotel Aspen InnSuites Flagstaff/Grand Canyon

While Flagstaff’s historic downtown is a couple of miles from Hotel Aspen InnSuites Flagstaff/Grand Canyon, top tourist attractions such as Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater, and Oak Creek Canyon are a short drive from the hotel. The hotel’s swanky suites and studio rooms are equipped with plush queen beds with pillow-top mattresses, cable TV, Wi-Fi internet access, fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Start your day with free buffet breakfast and enjoy walk along the scenic Urban Trail System near the hotel.

Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace – the brightest gems of Imperial Jodhpur

December 29, 2015January 30, 2016Posted in RajasthanTagged architecture, Jodhpur, Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan, Takat Singh, Umaid Bhawan Palace27 Comments

Jodhpur, Mehrangarh fort, blue city, Rajasthan

Jodhpur was the last stop in our journey through Rajasthan as per our itinerary – Jaipur – Pushkar (via Ajmer Sharif Dargah) – Udaipur (via Chittorgarh) – Mount Abu (via Haldighati) – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur.

We had only one and a half day to explore the place that has so much to offer to its visitors. Therefore, we targeted two must-see attractions of Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhavan Palace. Jodhpur is, perhaps, the best place to witness the royal heritage of Rajputana. While the palaces in Mehrangarh Fort and its in-house museum tell you about the grandeur and glory of the royal Rajputana in the middle ages, Umaid Bhavan Palace presents the kingly aura and a tradition of luxury living that Jodhpur still carries on in modern times.

Mehrangarh Fort

Our first stop was Mehrangarh Fort. Nestled on a hilltop outside the town the fort overlooks the “blue city” Jodhpur and the rugged landscape of rural Rajasthan. The fort bears the mark of architectural elegance of medieval India. Its palaces, windows, pillars, corridors, and halls, everything has a story to tell.

I listened to the little facts and anecdotes about the royal Rajput lifestyle and culture that our guide shared with us while exploring the fort and its heritage museum.

The museum exhibits the weapons, armours and accessories used in battle at that time. Fine robes, jewellery, decorative items, and golden palanquins used in carrying kings and queens, are also on display in the museum. I came to know that straight swords belonged to the Hindu Rajput warriors while Muslim fighters used curved swords in battle.

While we were passing by Maharaja Takat Singh’s mahal, a colourful chamber decorated with stained glass and golden embellishments on pillars and walls, our guide told us an interesting story about the king and his private life, which I would like to share here.

The king, Takat Singh had thirty wives living with him in the palace. He used to meet four of his queens at a time at the chamber. The queens played ‘pasha’ and the one who beat others in the game would get the chance to spend time with the king the next day. I was really amazed by the story – how clever this man was to manage thirty wives in one life! 😉 😀

On the contrary, the life of queens and princesses in the palace where sunshine barely entered, were not so colourful. I heard that the daily activities and entertainment of women in royal families were mostly restricted within the palace and areas meant for them.

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Our next destination was Umaid Bhawan Palace. The palace, built in 1943 and currently the “world’s largest private residence,” is a wonderful instance of neoclassical architecture with excellent blending of eastern and western styles.

Image Source

The iconic architecture, named after Maharaja Umaid Singh, is partially open for visitors. Compared to Mehrangarh Fort palace and other old palaces in Rajasthan, Umaid Bhawan Palace is more spacious, airy and glamorous with contemporary luxury decor.

A small portion of the palace houses a museum where the entire family line of Maharaja Umaid Singh is depicted with portraits of the royal family members. It also displays an exclusive collection of precious artefacts, crockery, porcelain vases, and expensive clocks owned by the royal family. The vivid frescos depict the events of royal coronations.

Check out my post – The Colours of Rajasthan for more on Rajasthan travel.

Colorado’s Top Independent Hotels for Unforgettable Winter Vacations

December 12, 2015December 12, 2015Posted in World City ToursTagged aspen hotels, boutique hotels, Boutique hotels in the US, Colorado hotels, colorado winter vacation, denver hotels, hotels in colorado, rocky mountains, USA Hotels and Destinations5 Comments

colorado, colorado hotels, hotels in colorado, usa

Image via Flickr by Jasen Miller

Dense forest, frozen lakes, and the snowy slopes of the Rocky Mountains — what can be a better place than Colorado for an adventure-filled vacation this winter? Check out Colorado’s top independent hotels that promise the most memorable winter escapes.

Red Lion Inn & Suites Denver Airport

A short drive from the Denver International Airport, Red Lion Inn & Suites in Aurora awaits travelers with nicely appointed guest rooms featuring contemporary decor and modern furnishings. Plush king bed, comfortable bedding, separate living and kitchen areas, en suite bathroom with premium bath amenities, and excellent in-room amenities make this Colorado hotel ideal for a leisure vacation with the family. Rooms are also equipped with an LCD TV, fridge, microwave oven, coffee maker, and iron with ironing board, so everything is there to ensure your comfort. Complimentary amenities include breakfast, Wi-Fi internet, and an airport shuttle service.

The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Tucked away in the scenic village of Beaver Creek and overlooking the Rocky Mountains, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch offers a perfect setting for a romantic escape for city dwellers. The snow-covered mountain trails in the resort beckon travelers for adventure and outdoor activities such as skiing and mountain biking. Other recreational amenities include an award-winning golf course, fine dining restaurant, luxury spa, fitness center, and heated outdoor pool. The resort’s spacious guest rooms and suites come with king beds and designer linens, a fireplace, and a work desk with cushioned chair, table lamp, and internet access.

Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk

If you are thinking about a fun-filled, luxurious retreat, then Isle Casino Hotel Black Hawk near Denver awaits you with a range of gaming options and upscale hotel amenities for a memorable vacation. Enjoy a variety of games at the casino, including video poker, slot machines, and table games. The hotel’s standard rooms come with a choice of either one king bed or two queen beds with pillow-top mattresses. Room facilities include a 32-inch LCD television with cable channels, safe, executive desk, Wi-Fi internet, coffee maker, and iron with ironing board.

The Sky Hotel

With an on-site spa, hot tub, heated outdoor pool, ski rental shop, and ski-in access, The Sky Hotel in Aspen can be a perfect winter getaway for adventure lovers. Exclusively designed guest rooms come with soft beds that have down comforters and luxurious linens, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, mini bar, in-room climate control, and of course, stunning outdoor views. This pet-friendly boutique hotel at the foothills of Aspen Mountain is a part of the Kimpton Karma Rewards program that allows guests to earn exclusive offers, so it definitely pays to stay!

Keystone Lodge

Nestled in the lap of the Rocky Mountains, Keystone Lodge offers ample opportunity for mountain sports such as cat skiing, night skiing, snow tubing, skating, and sleigh rides. Whether you’re flying solo, a couple, or traveling with family, you can choose your accommodation accordingly from a variety of lodging options, such as Lakeside Village, Mountain House, River Run, and East, West and North Keystone. Pamper yourself at the resort’s full-service spa or unwind in the heated pool at the end of an activity-packed day. The cozy guest rooms come with modern furnishings, fluffy beds, a television, wireless internet, and DVD player to make sure you enjoy every moment of your stay at Keystone Lodge.