The Sivory Punta Cana Reviews almost caused us to cancel our vacation We chose The Sivory Punta Cana Dominica Republic, despite the bad reviews because there were also some good reviews, and in the end we think it justified its boast that it was one of the best small luxury resorts in the Caribbean, one of the real Caribbean Hideaways.
The road to the Sivory Punta Cana is pretty bumpy and the taxi fare isn't cheap, somewhere between $60-$80 depending on whether you use a taxi or a van, although having said that it was really only the last few miles
We stayed in a deluxe junior suite with a plunge pool, which extremely well laid out and furnished. It had all the usual smellies in what was an awesome bathroom. It had a giant tub, a two person shower, which I had always wanted to try!!
The hotel grounds were beautifully landscaped and maintained, and there was a superb spa and gym. We liked the pool, and the pool area, but feel it necessary to point out one or two things that stops the Sivory Punta Cana from being one of the best small luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
Firstly the food isn't that fantastic, although there are items that aren't on the menu that they will make, but only if you ask. The menu is limited, and the items like lobster are in fact extremely good, but very pricey.
This may be a good reason for taking the all inclusive option, because not only can you have the better items, your drinks are of course also included. Add to this the fact that room service is free on all inclusive.
It is important to understand that if you are paying for individual items, there is a 26% tax to add to the price. On a $12 pina colada, this makes it $16!!
Whilst the minibar is free, and it contains beer coke and water, they won't replenish it unless you ask, and you are wasting your time asking the housekeeping staff..
Check your final bill carefully, because we had items added we didn't have. For instance our transport didn't appear when we went home, and we had to pay a taxi, b ut it was already an item on my bill!!
Finally if you like lots of action then The Sivory Punta Cana isn't the place for you. There is nothing to do here, it's miles from anywhere, and it has no nightclub, so just relax and unwind.
We thankfully ignored the The Sivory Punta Cana reviews, we had a great time, the staff were wonderful, it is a great Caribbean hideaway, and with a bit of care it could be one of the leading small luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
New York Limos: Less Expensive Than You Think
If you live in New York City or have been there, you've seen the elegant limos, the luxury car service that is used by the fortunate few. While mere mortals use the subway or hail a cab, important people are chauffeured around in gleaming limos. They never have to wait, they never have to find a parking spot, and they never have to put up with the inconvenience of getting there. But are limos really only for the fortunate few? Do they cost a fortune? Do you need to be a member of some exclusive club?
The answer is no. New York limos are just another service available to New Yorkers and anyone who visits this great city. Limo companies specialize in providing elegant, reliable and safe transportation in a metropolitan area where it is often difficult to get around. So instead of a ratty taxicab, limo customers get to ride in the famous stretch limos, in late model luxury cars, in stretched SUVs, in specially equipped buses, or even in armored vehicles. And the price for this is less than most people think, especially in this day and age of ever-rising gas prices.
In this article I'll give you some ideas of what New York limo service costs. A lot of people use limos to get to and from airports. In general, riding to or from LaGuardia, JFK or Newark with a limo service will cost about $100 in a luxury vehicle like a Lincoln Town Card, a Mercedes Benz S-Class or a big BMW. Airport transportation in stretch limos or SUVs is between $175 and $225, but consider that such vehicles can accommodate between six and ten passengers, so a larger group can actually ride in style for no more than splitting up into several taxicabs. Add to that the convenience of being together and arriving together, and the advantage of limo service is obvious.
For those who simply want to sightsee in New York City or the Burroughs, hourly rates of NYC car service are usually between $70 and $130, with a minimum of two or three hours depending on the type of trip. Keep in mind that limos, unlike taxicabs, cannot just pick up the next ride once they drop off passengers. This means that hourly limo rates are based on garage-to-garage travel time, which seems fair enough. Also, like anywhere else in life these days, there are some additional fees and taxes. These include tolls, parking, gratuity, New York City tax and now fuel surcharges. But even with these, limos remain a relative bargain in many situations.
When it comes to travel and transportation, it's often a cost-benefit analysis. Having a client picked up in a limo instead of having them fend for themselves may well close a deal. Going to see a Mets or Yankees game in a New York limousine can make the game a special experience, and for a larger group, it's cost-effective and fun. All for a fee of around $120 in a luxury car or maybe $225 for a stretch limo with bar. Using limos is not only a pleasant, relaxing experience; it can also make financial sense.
The answer is no. New York limos are just another service available to New Yorkers and anyone who visits this great city. Limo companies specialize in providing elegant, reliable and safe transportation in a metropolitan area where it is often difficult to get around. So instead of a ratty taxicab, limo customers get to ride in the famous stretch limos, in late model luxury cars, in stretched SUVs, in specially equipped buses, or even in armored vehicles. And the price for this is less than most people think, especially in this day and age of ever-rising gas prices.
In this article I'll give you some ideas of what New York limo service costs. A lot of people use limos to get to and from airports. In general, riding to or from LaGuardia, JFK or Newark with a limo service will cost about $100 in a luxury vehicle like a Lincoln Town Card, a Mercedes Benz S-Class or a big BMW. Airport transportation in stretch limos or SUVs is between $175 and $225, but consider that such vehicles can accommodate between six and ten passengers, so a larger group can actually ride in style for no more than splitting up into several taxicabs. Add to that the convenience of being together and arriving together, and the advantage of limo service is obvious.
For those who simply want to sightsee in New York City or the Burroughs, hourly rates of NYC car service are usually between $70 and $130, with a minimum of two or three hours depending on the type of trip. Keep in mind that limos, unlike taxicabs, cannot just pick up the next ride once they drop off passengers. This means that hourly limo rates are based on garage-to-garage travel time, which seems fair enough. Also, like anywhere else in life these days, there are some additional fees and taxes. These include tolls, parking, gratuity, New York City tax and now fuel surcharges. But even with these, limos remain a relative bargain in many situations.
When it comes to travel and transportation, it's often a cost-benefit analysis. Having a client picked up in a limo instead of having them fend for themselves may well close a deal. Going to see a Mets or Yankees game in a New York limousine can make the game a special experience, and for a larger group, it's cost-effective and fun. All for a fee of around $120 in a luxury car or maybe $225 for a stretch limo with bar. Using limos is not only a pleasant, relaxing experience; it can also make financial sense.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bad Airline Food - Now This?
Airline food has long been the scourge of the industry. Literally! With customer expectations low, few expect that the meal they are served onboard an airliner will rise to the level of even a family style restaurant.
On the other hand, corporate jet catering is a whole different animal. With delectable entrees, delightful soups, outstanding appetizers and snacks, and the most decadent desserts imaginable, the passenger on a private jet expects [and pays for!] food akin to a five star performance.
Not anymore.
Today, in-flight caterers providing exemplary service and dining options is almost a thing of the past. Thanks to the rise of fractional jet operators who demand a narrow menu and smaller portion sizes, the quality levels with many in-flight caterers has nosedived. In addition, Air Chef, the largest provider of in-flight catering to business jets in the world, continues to snap up poorly performing caterers across the US. Now, corporate flight attendants must call a 1-800 number to place their order with an inexperienced and unknowledgeable clerk. Forget customer service and forget special orders...these do upset Air Chef!
With the bad name associated with the company, Air Chef is apparently seeking to distance itself from even its name. Air Culinaire, a caterer with operations in four different cities is now part of the Air Chef network. Now for the rub: word has it that Air Chef, in a bid to sharpen its image and to stave off the growing ranks of ticked off corporate flight attendants -- their bread 'n butter -- the caterer will be changing its name to Air Culinaire.
Corporate flight attendants aren't amused by Air Chef as evidenced by their comments on the Corporate Jet Catering site as well as on Cabin Managers, a forum that is also tied in with the Corporate Flight Attendant Community.
By the way, Rita's Catering of Boston is another Air Chef caterer...business flight attendants know this and are fleeing to the competition as fast as they can.
On the other hand, corporate jet catering is a whole different animal. With delectable entrees, delightful soups, outstanding appetizers and snacks, and the most decadent desserts imaginable, the passenger on a private jet expects [and pays for!] food akin to a five star performance.
Not anymore.
Today, in-flight caterers providing exemplary service and dining options is almost a thing of the past. Thanks to the rise of fractional jet operators who demand a narrow menu and smaller portion sizes, the quality levels with many in-flight caterers has nosedived. In addition, Air Chef, the largest provider of in-flight catering to business jets in the world, continues to snap up poorly performing caterers across the US. Now, corporate flight attendants must call a 1-800 number to place their order with an inexperienced and unknowledgeable clerk. Forget customer service and forget special orders...these do upset Air Chef!
With the bad name associated with the company, Air Chef is apparently seeking to distance itself from even its name. Air Culinaire, a caterer with operations in four different cities is now part of the Air Chef network. Now for the rub: word has it that Air Chef, in a bid to sharpen its image and to stave off the growing ranks of ticked off corporate flight attendants -- their bread 'n butter -- the caterer will be changing its name to Air Culinaire.
Corporate flight attendants aren't amused by Air Chef as evidenced by their comments on the Corporate Jet Catering site as well as on Cabin Managers, a forum that is also tied in with the Corporate Flight Attendant Community.
By the way, Rita's Catering of Boston is another Air Chef caterer...business flight attendants know this and are fleeing to the competition as fast as they can.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Nub's Nob Ski Vacations
If you will be in Michigan, you should definitely visit Nub's Nob Ski Resort. Nub's Nob has what is considered to be the Midwest's best snow, and the resort has a reputation for being a family friendly mountain. Generations of families have brought their children here for their very first ski run.
The mountain layout is fairly simple with an elevation of 1338 feet and a vertical drop of 427 feet. There are 43 trails serviced by eight chair lifts. Boasting one of the best skiing and snowboarding schools in the country, both private and group lessons are available. If you are brand new to the sport, you can even learn to ski free, and take advantage of Nub's Cubs Childcare Center while you learn.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that intermediate or expert skiers won't find any challenges waiting for them at Nub's Nob! The terrain is varied, and you will find challenges. Night Skiing is also available. The Ski School offers training programs for advanced skiers who are interested in racing, and many racing events are held at the resort. You can signup for race leagues at the resort, and many league events are planned each season.
Equipment rental is available, and there is a General Store right inside the lodge, where you can purchase gloves, hats, and neck warmers among a variety of other items. You should also visit the technology center to have your ski's tuned or repaired.
You won't go hungry either! Nub's Nob Cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch, and if you brought your own lunch, you can eat in the 'brown bag' room. Nub's Winter Garden serves grilled burgers when the weather allows. Pintail Peak Warming Hut is located at the top of the Black Lift. Here, you can enjoy amazing views while enjoying home made soups and sandwiches.
Nub's Nob is the place to go if you want to have a great family ski vacation - or if you are already an expert skier interested in racing and skill events. There is plenty to do and see. In fact, you may find that you have a problem deciding which activity to participate in first! Don't worry about missing anything, though - if you want to ski now and board later, you can do that. Most events are planned for the weekends, so arrange your schedule so that you are able to attend or participate in the planned events.
The mountain layout is fairly simple with an elevation of 1338 feet and a vertical drop of 427 feet. There are 43 trails serviced by eight chair lifts. Boasting one of the best skiing and snowboarding schools in the country, both private and group lessons are available. If you are brand new to the sport, you can even learn to ski free, and take advantage of Nub's Cubs Childcare Center while you learn.
Don't make the mistake of thinking that intermediate or expert skiers won't find any challenges waiting for them at Nub's Nob! The terrain is varied, and you will find challenges. Night Skiing is also available. The Ski School offers training programs for advanced skiers who are interested in racing, and many racing events are held at the resort. You can signup for race leagues at the resort, and many league events are planned each season.
Equipment rental is available, and there is a General Store right inside the lodge, where you can purchase gloves, hats, and neck warmers among a variety of other items. You should also visit the technology center to have your ski's tuned or repaired.
You won't go hungry either! Nub's Nob Cafeteria is open for breakfast and lunch, and if you brought your own lunch, you can eat in the 'brown bag' room. Nub's Winter Garden serves grilled burgers when the weather allows. Pintail Peak Warming Hut is located at the top of the Black Lift. Here, you can enjoy amazing views while enjoying home made soups and sandwiches.
Nub's Nob is the place to go if you want to have a great family ski vacation - or if you are already an expert skier interested in racing and skill events. There is plenty to do and see. In fact, you may find that you have a problem deciding which activity to participate in first! Don't worry about missing anything, though - if you want to ski now and board later, you can do that. Most events are planned for the weekends, so arrange your schedule so that you are able to attend or participate in the planned events.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Consolidators=Cheap Flights
Our Pauper loves to save money using an airfare consolidator. These consolidators contract with airlines to get tickets at cheaper rates than the general public. Because they buy large blocks of tickets the airlines love them.
Though you can get really good deals by knowing how to use consolidators, remember they are not structured for great service. They're playing the quantity game not the hold-your-hand game. If you need personal attention use your travel agent instead.
The best time to use consolidators is during high travel times of the year. Other than these peak travel times consolidators don't really offer much better rates than those offered in the lowest advertised fares. Yet, you can enjoy 20-30% off when you decide to travel during Christmas, for instance.
The other good time to turn to consolidators is if you are traveling on short notice. Unlike the airlines, they don't penalize you for traveling on the spur of the moment.
Always use a credit card with consolidators. Some consolidators can charge high fees if you change your plans and/or cancel your flight. So make sure you understand what the policy on cancellations and refunds is.
In this article I'll give you a list of consolidators that are available to you directly or through your travel agent.
In addition I'd recommend you purchase a copy of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, which is available at most libraries or you can subscribe for $39. Write to: Consumer Reports Travel Letter, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.
Let's get started:
Cheap Tickets sells more than 500,000 tickets a year for domestic and international flights. Now they even help you with hotels and cruises. Call 800-AIR-PLUS (800-247-7587) and visit http://www.cheaptickets.com
Council Travel Service offers super fares in the USA and mostly all of Europe for cheapskates like you and me. They also package individual travel packages for vacations, car rentals, rail passes, paid internships, and work programs. 800-226-8634 And visit:
http://www.counciltravel.com
Far Eastern Travel if your plans include a visit to China. 800-275-3384
Fly Cheap has my favorite name among the known consolidators. They do a good job on all kinds of flights to all manner of destinations. 800-359-2432 and visit:
http://www.flycheap.com
Though you can get really good deals by knowing how to use consolidators, remember they are not structured for great service. They're playing the quantity game not the hold-your-hand game. If you need personal attention use your travel agent instead.
The best time to use consolidators is during high travel times of the year. Other than these peak travel times consolidators don't really offer much better rates than those offered in the lowest advertised fares. Yet, you can enjoy 20-30% off when you decide to travel during Christmas, for instance.
The other good time to turn to consolidators is if you are traveling on short notice. Unlike the airlines, they don't penalize you for traveling on the spur of the moment.
Always use a credit card with consolidators. Some consolidators can charge high fees if you change your plans and/or cancel your flight. So make sure you understand what the policy on cancellations and refunds is.
In this article I'll give you a list of consolidators that are available to you directly or through your travel agent.
In addition I'd recommend you purchase a copy of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, which is available at most libraries or you can subscribe for $39. Write to: Consumer Reports Travel Letter, 101 Truman Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10703-1057.
Let's get started:
Cheap Tickets sells more than 500,000 tickets a year for domestic and international flights. Now they even help you with hotels and cruises. Call 800-AIR-PLUS (800-247-7587) and visit http://www.cheaptickets.com
Council Travel Service offers super fares in the USA and mostly all of Europe for cheapskates like you and me. They also package individual travel packages for vacations, car rentals, rail passes, paid internships, and work programs. 800-226-8634 And visit:
http://www.counciltravel.com
Far Eastern Travel if your plans include a visit to China. 800-275-3384
Fly Cheap has my favorite name among the known consolidators. They do a good job on all kinds of flights to all manner of destinations. 800-359-2432 and visit:
http://www.flycheap.com
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Cracow s hot june festivals
There is a quite interesting list of things to do, see and live while you're there. In June there are some interesting events that can be worth a visit to the city of Krakow (Cracow). The Jewish population of Poland was cruelly squashed by the holocaust, however Jewish culture is still rich and flourishing. The Jewish Culture Festival proves it. Every year the Kazimierz district of Krakow, destroyed in World War II, holds an internationally-famous Jewish Culture Festival.
The event first took place in 1988 and today it's arrived to its 18th edition. Each June for more than a week, all kinds of events, from synagogue singing to klezmer music and Hasidic, classical, and Jewish folk music, take place in the Jewish district. The music is the core of the festival, but besides music there are also film screenings, exhibitions, presentations and story telling about a Jewish theme. The visitors can make an experience of Jewish traditional dances, songs, cooking, theatre and even paper-cutting and calligraphy. All initiative are opened and free for everyone. For more information about the Festival visit : jewishfestival.pl/. A couple of weeks later, Krakow celebrates another Festival.
The Wianki - Floating of the Wreaths Festival. The beginning date is 24 June, 2008. The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual. Whianki literally means 'wreaths' and it is a traditional midsummer celebration that remembers St John. Polish girls wear wreaths of flowers with a lighted candle in the centre and then throw them into the Vistula River.
This ritual is for predicting when they would be married. If the wreath comes back to shore, the girl will never marry, if it sinks, she will die young and if it flows down the river, she will be married and be happy. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today. Apart from the official floating of wreaths, there are musical performances, dignitaries' speeches, fairs and fireworks by the river bank opposite the imposing Royal Wawel Castle. Poland's top pop stars are now joined by international acts to complete a day of celebration. More info at : visitpoland.org.
Also, in terms of accommodation, you will be happy to know that your budget won't be suck up all in a sudden! Krakow offers some of the cosiest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern Europe. The Lemon hostel or the Old Walls youth hostel are very nice as like as the Bling Bling Hostel or the cool AQQ hostel, the Free hostel, the Secret Garden, the Moon hostel. They are easily found in internet in some bookers providing online bookings and prices comparison.
Very useful. In general, youth hostels offer clean, colourful and comfy rooms at very cheap prices in Krakow. Let's say you can expect to pay no more than 10 euros per person per night with breakfast included! Not bad ah?
So look around and you will see that some of the cutest and cheapest youth hostels of Europe are there, in Krakow and will offer you the warmest hospitality! And do not forget to book in advance your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price in hot summer months.
The event first took place in 1988 and today it's arrived to its 18th edition. Each June for more than a week, all kinds of events, from synagogue singing to klezmer music and Hasidic, classical, and Jewish folk music, take place in the Jewish district. The music is the core of the festival, but besides music there are also film screenings, exhibitions, presentations and story telling about a Jewish theme. The visitors can make an experience of Jewish traditional dances, songs, cooking, theatre and even paper-cutting and calligraphy. All initiative are opened and free for everyone. For more information about the Festival visit : jewishfestival.pl/. A couple of weeks later, Krakow celebrates another Festival.
The Wianki - Floating of the Wreaths Festival. The beginning date is 24 June, 2008. The festival traces its roots to a peaceful pagan ritual. Whianki literally means 'wreaths' and it is a traditional midsummer celebration that remembers St John. Polish girls wear wreaths of flowers with a lighted candle in the centre and then throw them into the Vistula River.
This ritual is for predicting when they would be married. If the wreath comes back to shore, the girl will never marry, if it sinks, she will die young and if it flows down the river, she will be married and be happy. By the 19th century this tradition had become a festive event, and it continues today. Apart from the official floating of wreaths, there are musical performances, dignitaries' speeches, fairs and fireworks by the river bank opposite the imposing Royal Wawel Castle. Poland's top pop stars are now joined by international acts to complete a day of celebration. More info at : visitpoland.org.
Also, in terms of accommodation, you will be happy to know that your budget won't be suck up all in a sudden! Krakow offers some of the cosiest and cheapest youth hostels of the Eastern Europe. The Lemon hostel or the Old Walls youth hostel are very nice as like as the Bling Bling Hostel or the cool AQQ hostel, the Free hostel, the Secret Garden, the Moon hostel. They are easily found in internet in some bookers providing online bookings and prices comparison.
Very useful. In general, youth hostels offer clean, colourful and comfy rooms at very cheap prices in Krakow. Let's say you can expect to pay no more than 10 euros per person per night with breakfast included! Not bad ah?
So look around and you will see that some of the cutest and cheapest youth hostels of Europe are there, in Krakow and will offer you the warmest hospitality! And do not forget to book in advance your accommodation if you wish to get a central location and the best price in hot summer months.
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