09 Mar 12 Prague by Night: A Myriad of Attractions in One Beautiful City
The Czech Capital of Prague has emerged over the past 20 years as one of the most popular destinations for young people and couples to go to for a rip-roaring weekend of fun. Prague city breaks have grown enormously in popularity as the city has embraced hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to its many outstanding bars, clubs, restaurants and other popular entertainment establishments.
If you are looking for bars and clubs then Prague is certainly the place to head for lovers of nightlife. During the winter, they can warm you up on even the coldest evenings, while in the summer it is warm enough to dance in your glad rags until the early hours of the morning. Top clubs in Prague include the Lavka Bar and Club at the heart of the Old Town, which is the perfect one-stop place for a drink in the bar first, before heading to the club a little later to dance the night away to the latest top tunes.
If you prefer something a little more retro then Lucerna in Vodickova located in the New Town near Wenceslas Square is the ideal venue. It is a popular Czech music venue during the week, but at the weekend turns into a 80s and 90s retro club that is popular both with visitors and the native Czechs alike. If the 70s is your thing then the Starsky and Hutch Bar and Club will bring back memories of the white striped Gran Torino.
One of the best aspects of a night out in Prague is the sheer variation of different attractions available. The Aloha Bar and Club in the Old Town is a wonderful replica Hawaiian cocktail bar, serving some of the most potent cocktails in the city. For a different atmosphere, try out the Double Trouble Bar and Club, also located in the Old Town which is set in a spectacular Gothic cellar and has a very informal and alternative feel.
Of course, Prague has a deserved reputation as a party city, but it also has plenty of other attractions of an evening for more refined tastes. The Black Light Theatre hosts a variety of musical performances throughout the year, while the city is famous for its classical concerts, ballet and opera at a wide number of venues across the city.
Eating out is a real treat in the city too and there is a great spread of restaurants, Papas Restaurant and Bar, Staromacek Restaurant and Nebe in Wenceslas Square all offer great value food for those on a modest budget. Those seeking a more elegant dining experience are spoilt for choice with the likes of the Terasa U Zlate Studne Restaurant, Zlata Praha Restaurant and the Bellevue Restaurant all offering differing menus of immense quality.
Prague has enjoyed a burgeoning reputation as the party capital of Europe and it is not difficult to see why. However the city is also steeped in tradition, history and culture. Whether you want a wild weekend city break, or a taste of eastern European culture, Prague city breaks provide enough variety to suit all tastes.
UK based travel agency DERTOUR specialises in city breaks in Prague including couples holidays to a wide range of popular German city breaks.
Tags: City Breaks, city breaks in prague, european city breaks, prague, prague city breaks
07 Mar 12 Experience London Fashion Week From London Serviced Apartments
London Fashion Week is an annual event that attracts around 5,000 people to the capital each year, generates orders of £50-100 million and brings with it some of the biggest names in the fashion industry and influential celebrities alike. London Fashion week predominantly takes places in the architecturally beautiful Somerset House, on The Strand in central London. Serviced apartments in London provide the perfect stay for those needing not only easy access to Somerset House but to other locations around the city. Serviced apartments in London are in high demand during London Fashion Week and are usually snapped up months in advance to allow employees to be close to their place of work. If you weren’t fortunate enough to be close to all the action this year, then in 2013 you will know where to look!
Although Somerset House is the main focal point, there are various other locations involved such as the Royal Opera House and Mercer Studios in Covent Garden. Serviced apartments in London are always near public transport facilities of some kind and provide visitors with convenient access to all areas around London. This is essential when you are constantly on the move, as people often are during London Fashion Week.
London is world-renowned as a fashion capital; it has, after all, generated some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, such as Stella McCartney and the late Alexander McQueen. London lures in designers with its ingenuity rather than the more business-minded choices of Milan, New York and Paris. Over the years London has stunned and surprised, and this year was no exception. Stella McCartney made her mark on the show by hosting a dinner that began calmly and ended with dancing on tables, chairs being thrown and Kate Moss smoking in the loos.
It’s inevitable that the styles on display at London Fashion Week will eventually influence what the general public wears – and who better to influence than the biggest celebrities around. Celebrities attend the fashion shows to find out the latest trends, to be snapped by photographers and to show their support to certain brands. Celebrities that flocked to the show this year included Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Kate Bosworth, Olivia Palermo and Alexa Chung. Needless to say, there were as many eyes on the front row as there were on the catwalk itself.
The British fashion industry contributes nearly £21 billion to the UK economy annually; it is also the largest employer out of all the creative industries, directly employing 816,000 people. London’s reputation as a fashion capital has a knock-on effect on other industries, making the city a cutting-edge place to live and visit and attracting the world’s biggest businesses. With business travellers and tourists comes a need for accommodation and serviced apartments in London provide the solution.
For events such as London Fashion week, it is best to book serviced apartments as far in advance as possible. Specialist agency SilverDoor can provide many serviced apartments in London and worldwide.
Tags: serviced apartments, serviced apartments in London, SilverDoor
25 Feb 12 Spring City Breaks in Hamburg
Hamburg city breaks are popular throughout the year with everyone from romancing couples to families and they have a wide range of attractions on offer. Spring is the perfect time of year to visit Hamburg in order to appreciate the beautiful buildings and gardens to the fullest. Back in the 19th century, St. Nicholas’ Church held the title for the world’s tallest and it still stands on the Hamburg skyline along with a range of domineering church spires. The streams and canals are the perfect setting for a romantic stroll while the 2,300 bridges (more bridges than any other city in the world) provide ideal view points.
Exploring the Parks
Hamburg city breaks are great for couples looking to spend some time relaxing and there are endless parks to visit to enjoy a picnic in the warm spring sun. Stadtpark, Planten un Blomen and Ohlsdorf Cemetery are three of the largest offering everything from huge expanses of lawn, lakes, greenhouses and parks as well as a botanical garden to explore.
Discovering the Museums
There are also many big museums in Hamburg and they run a variety of shows and special art exhibitions throughout the spring. The Kunsthalle Hamburg is a contemporary art gallery that attracts thousands of visitors every year while the Interntionales Maritimes Museum Hamburg is another popular place to visit.
Typical Hamburg City Break
Here are some of the more common landmarks and attractions that you would likely see on a tour of Hamburg:
• The City Hall
• The Grand Church St. Michaelis
• The Old Warehouse District
• The Harbour Promenade
Some of the city’s best nightclubs and bars are located in the Reeperbahn area, and are accompanied by a variety of music and night time entertainment to suit all tastes.
Hamburg Fish Market
The Hamburg Fish Market takes place on the banks of the Elbe River every Sunday morning starting in spring and ending before winter sets in. It runs from the 15th of March through to the 15th of November from 05:30-09:30 and as well as fresh seafood, there is also lots of entertainment on offer from two famous local fishermen called Aale Dieter and Vogel Jakob who love playing up to an audience.
Elbe Beach
Elbe Beach is a great place to visit in the spring where sunbathing, barbequing and relaxing are all on the agenda. Views of the container harbour can be seen from the beach and there are lots of small restaurants and cafes located down small pathways leading off from the back of the beach that are great for couples looking for a bite to eat on their lazy day at the beach.
The Alster
The Alster is a massive attraction for visitors enjoying Hamburg city breaks and the area expands into a huge natural lake and is home to tall trees, green parklands, stunning buildings and nature trails. All of the buildings located in and around The Alster have been painted white and their roofs are copper, giving the area a special and endearing characteristic.
Couples have plenty of things to see and do on a Hamburg city break in the springtime and with many budget airlines flying in and out of the city from elsewhere in Europe, visiting Hamburg is affordable and fun!
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with over 50 years of experience specialising in romantic Hamburg city breaks including popular German city breaks, taking travellers to the heart of Europe.
08 Feb 12 What Not To Miss When Visiting Sydney
Sydney is a diverse and vibrant city, but many business visitors spend their spare time visiting only the main tourist sites, such as the Sydney Opera House. If you’re staying in a serviced apartment in Sydney while you’re on business in the city, there are plenty of exciting, lesser-known experiences to enjoy.
There are plenty of memorable dining experiences to be had in the city, so when you’re not cooking in your serviced apartment in Sydney, why not eat out? In the most beautiful harbour city in the world, it’s not surprising that some of the best restaurants overlook the water. If heights don’t make you go weak at the knees, try Altitude, a stylish 105 seat restaurant which rests high above the city skyline and offers first-class dining with fantastic views across Sydney Harbour and beyond.
For those chocoholics out there, Guylian Belgian Chocolate Café is one not to be overlooked. Situated in The Rocks, a historic area in the city centre, this café is one of three in the world. Belgian chef Peter Goossens, awarded three Michelin stars, has created great tasting food incorporating Guylian quality, so indulge yourself in the finest Belgian chocolates, cakes and decadent desserts. You can eat in and soak up the atmosphere, or buy some luxurious hot chocolate to drink in the warmth of your own serviced apartment in Sydney.
For those who are a little more adventurous, why not explore Sydney Harbour in an easy-to-drive boat? Doing so provides a unique perspective on the city; you could go on a family outing, enjoy a picnic on board or just enjoy the view. For those not quite brave enough to drive a small boat themselves, a skipper can be hired for approximately 50 Australian dollars an hour. They will show you all the best sights and take you wherever you wish to go. Sydney Escapes enable you to hire a boat for 4-8 hours – perfect if you want to escape the bustle of the city.
The majority of the serviced apartments in Sydney are near transport links of some kind. Sydney buses run throughout the city almost 24 hours a day and CityRail trains have a large network across the city, making exploring the areas around Sydney extremely easy. Shelley Beach is just a 22 minute drive from Sydney Harbour and is considered one of the best snorkelling locations in the Sydney region. It is also extremely popular with scuba divers, because it’s sheltered from the wind and waves. There are fresh water showers, barbecues, cafés and a restaurant along the beachfront, which will cater to your taste buds whatever your budget. It’s one not to be missed for those who love the sea.
Staying in serviced apartments gives you the flexibility to take in some of what Sydney has to offer during your free time. Specialist agency SilverDoor represents a wide range of serviced apartments in Sydney.
Tags: serviced apartments, serviced apartments in Sydney, SilverDoor
03 Feb 12 Multicultural London
London is a multicultural metropolis, teeming with different tastes and global products – over 200 diverse cultures are represented in the city. If you are staying in a serviced apartment in London, exploring these cultural enclaves can be a fascinating experience. It’s especially worth sampling the diverse cuisines on offer, whether you want to cook in your apartment or enjoy the speciality restaurants across the city.
China Town is a very popular tourist destination and boasts over 70 restaurants, supermarkets and gift shops. Around Chinese New Year, the area is a hive of activity, but it’s a lively place to be throughout the year. The Shanghai Blues restaurant is one of China Town’s finest and serves an array of authentic Chinese cuisine as well as the British favourites. For those with a small budget and a large stomach, all-you-can-eat Chinese buffets can be found throughout the area, some for as little as £5. They might not offer the best quality food but are a great way to fill up for less when you’re on the go. However, if you prefer to cook for yourself, consider shopping at a Chinese supermarket to buy speciality ingredients and head back to your London serviced apartment, where you can make use of the kitchen facilities provided.
Brick Lane is famous for its numerous curry houses and claims to be the ‘curry capital of London.’ The area is known by locals as Banglatown and is the centre point of the city’s Bangladeshi community. The Aladin restaurant on Brick Lane is often rated as one of the best in London. The restaurant doesn’t sell alcohol, so be prepared to bring your own – and consider their special, the Haryali Chicken Masala. The area also hosts a vibrant art and fashion scene – it’s particularly famous for graffiti works by artists such as Banksy and Ben Eine, as well as playing host to many of the local art schools’ exhibitions. During the weekends, there’s a market that caters to the artsy nature of the area, with many stalls selling quirky goods such as vintage clothes and antiques. Brick Lane is in the East End, particularly convenient if your London serviced apartment is in the City.
The area known as ‘Little Istanbul’ extends from Dalston through Stoke Newington to Harringay, although strictly speaking, it’s home not just to the Turkish community but also to Greeks, Kurds and Cypriots. One of the best-known local restaurants is The Stone Cave. The restaurant’s interior has been designed to replicate the inside of a cave and serves traditional Middle Eastern cuisine such as flat breads, feta cheese, and koftas. The area has a peaceful atmosphere during the day, but some of the area – particularly Dalston – changes considerably in the evenings, when its trendy clubs open their doors. The numerous convenience stores mean that if you’re staying in a London serviced apartment, you can make an authentic Middle Eastern snack at any hour of the day.
If you are travelling to London on business, why not stay in serviced apartments? SilverDoor have many serviced apartments in London and are constantly adding to their portfolio.
Tags: serviced apartments, serviced apartments Manchester, SilverDoor
03 Feb 12 The Best Of The City’s Events From Serviced Apartments Manchester
When we think of events, festivals and theatre in Britain, we often think of London, the capital, but Britain has many other thriving cities worth visiting and one of these is Manchester. The city has events for everyone, from live music and sports, to art and theatre. Manchester is a large place, and its many events are spread throughout the city. So too are serviced apartments in Manchester, so they provide the perfect place to stay if you want to enjoy some of these events while in the city on business.
One of Manchester’s most popular attractions is Chill Factore. Chill Factore has more snow than you could imagine and there are many ways for you to enjoy it. Visitors can try skiing or snowboarding on the longest indoor slope in the UK or, alternatively, can just have fun tubing. Chill Factore is a great day out and after a long hard day on the slopes, serviced apartments in Manchester provide a great place to relax; many come with comfy sofas and flat screen televisions.
Walking always provides a great way to see a city, and Manchester is no exception. There is a lot of history packed into Manchester and guided walks can be a great way to find out more. Walks available include ghost walks, underground walks and canal walks. If you prefer to explore on your own, this can easily be done too. Many of the serviced apartments in Manchester are within easy walking distance of the city centre and its many sights, so provide the perfect starting point for your journey.
Manchester’s influence on UK culture is widespread and longstanding, from its music to its architecture and theatre. The city has brought to our ears the likes of The Stone Roses, The Happy Mondays and The Chemical Brothers and is known for its seminal influence on British music. Most of the venues of its musical heyday have fallen into disrepair, but the Manchester Arena provides a great venue for seeing live music as well as family shows and sporting events. There are also smaller venues dotted around the city.
The architecture of Manchester demonstrates a rich variety of styles including Victorian architecture, art deco and neoclassical; some of the most impressive buildings are Manchester Town Hall and Manchester Central Library. If you’re a bookworm, the Manchester Literature Festival draws some of the literary world’s leading lights, while for theatre, the centrally located Palace Theatre offers a great variety of shows. The Lowry Centre is a great place to see exhibitions, theatre and comedy.
Most of the serviced apartments in Manchester are near to public transport of some kind, with reliable bus and tram services across Greater Manchester. It’s also relatively cheap to get around by taxi. Manchester is a large city and it would be impossible to see everything if you are only there for a short time, so it’s a great idea to plan before you go. Work out what you want to see the most and make sure you see it.
If you’re staying in Manchester for an extended period of time, why not say in serviced apartments? Specialist agency SilverDoor can offer serviced apartments in Manchester and throughout the world.
Tags: serviced apartments, serviced apartments Manchester, SilverDoor
26 Jan 12 Air Partner Private Jets sponsors Diniyar Bilyaletdinov
Air Partner, the global private jet specialist, is sponsoring Everton Football Club’s Russian midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov.
“Air Partner has close links with various sectors of the sports industry and a long history of organising private charter flights to and from Russia,” said David Macdonald, Air Partner Private Jets Director. “As we are very active in Russia and have Moscow-based account management providing local personal services for the company’s private jet ad hoc and JetCard membership clients, it seemed appropriate to sponsor a popular and prominent Russian player in support of our many clients who follow Diniyar in the English Premier League.”
Air Partner has 21 offices worldwide, has been trading for 50 years and has earned global recognition as a leading aircraft charter broker organising ad hoc charters of aircraft of every size for any reason. The UK-based Group organises around 18,000 charter flights annually, is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange and holds a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Air Partner Private Jets offers on-demand charter and the company’s unique pre-paid JetCard scheme.
About Air Partner
Air Partner has been trading for 50 years and is a world leading provider of aviation charter services to industry, commerce, governments and individuals worldwide. The Group is globally recognised as a leading charter broker and organises ad hoc aircraft charters of every type for any reason. Its three main divisions comprise Air Partner Freight, Air Partner Commercial Jets and Air Partner Private Jets. The Commercial Jets division charters large airliners to move groups of any size. Private Jets offers the company’s pre-paid JetCard scheme and on-demand charter. With its headquarters alongside Gatwick airport in the UK, Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round and employs 225 aviation professionals across its 21 offices in key business centres globally. Air Partner is fully listed on the London Stock Exchange and is the only company in the aviation industry to hold a Royal Warrant, a globally recognised mark of excellence.
For more information please visit:
http://www.airpartner.com/
http://www.airpartner.com/privatejets
17 Jan 12 Romantic Getaways in Prague
Prague city breaks are ideal for couples looking for a romantic trip away and there is a multitude of couple-specific activities to enjoy in the Czech Republic capital. The city’s long and interesting history can be seen at every turn with its winding mazes of old fashioned cobbled lanes that lead explorers to a fairytale-like castle that overlooks the entire city from its domineering hillside location. Romantic strolls on the banks of the twisting river, wandering the famous Prague Christmas Market and exploring the hidden secrets in the city centre make Prague the ultimate European romantic city destination.
The Old City
The Old City is home to a collection of restaurants and eateries that cater to a wide range of palates. Good pizzas, traditional German sausages and fine French dining can all be enjoyed here and many couples choose to dine here before catching a concert in one of the many local theatres. The Old City is somewhat unique in its ability to effortlessly blend old with new as modern and uber trendy restaurants can be found in narrow lanes lined with cobbled stones that allow you to experience all kinds of attractions at once. A bevy of museums and art galleries are also located here as well as a host of cosmopolitan coffee shops, boutique stores and funky bars that have a romantic air about them due to their historic location.
Golden Prague
The Vitava River winds its way through the city and there are many bridges that arch their way over the water that provide great view points of the city scape. The architecture in Prague is interesting to explore, and couples visiting the city may wish to spend an afternoon strolling around the different buildings that range from modern and chic through to historic and charming.
The Dancing House is a must-see while in Prague on a romantic break and the strange, wonky building also boasts a French restaurant on the rooftop that offers great views over the city. Andel is a busy part of the city and is home to a new shopping centre and modern buildings that provide a different insight into a more contemporary side of Prague.
Romantic Activities
There is plenty for couples to see and do while in Prague and some of the highlights include:
• Romantic walks
• Exploring the city streets
• Admiring the interesting architecture
• Enjoying the local restaurants
• Discovering the historic churches and looming yet magical castle
• Riverside strolls
• Seeing the city scape from one of the many bridges that traverse the flowing river
Winter Wonderland
If you choose to visit in the winter, you will be spoilt for things to do with your loved one! The Prague Christmas Market is one of the most famous and most popular in the whole of Europe and as one would often expect from a cold, Christmas market; roasted chestnuts, mulled wines and wooden stalls filled with a variety of potential gifts abound here. Tall pines trees are seemingly everywhere during the crisp, Christmas period and the smell of fir needles fill the air at every turn.
The aptly named Prague Castle is known for being one of the most intricate castles in the world and the original building oozes history with its build-date dating back to the 10th century. The castle is eerie yet enchanting, historic yet not ruinous and dark but romantic with its medieval architecture. No Prague city break is complete without an exploration of the Prague Castle!
Whether you choose to visit Prague with your partner, a group of friends or on your own; there are endless things to do and see on your city break…
DERTOUR is a UK based travel agency with 50 years of experience specialising in romantic city breaks in Prague as well as other popular European city breaks, taking travellers to the heart of Europe.
Tags: city break, City Breaks, prague, prague city breaks
21 Dec 11 The Best Of Christmas From Serviced Apartments Berlin
Stollen at the ready, Glühwein warming on the stove – Christmas is an important tradition in Germany, and while staying in the city on business it’s worth getting involved in these events if you want to make the most out of your stay.
Germany’s capital Berlin evolves into a winter wonderland at this time of year, as copious numbers of Christmas markets spring up, each unique and offering something for everyone. The city’s largest Christmas market takes place in the historic backdrop of Spandau Old Town. There are over 400 booths present at the weekend and offer a wide range of Christmas goods. There’s also a craftsmen tent where visitors can watch wood carvers, goldsmiths and toymakers at work.
The Charlottenburg Castle Christmas Market is renowned as one of the most unique in the world. During the month of advent the castle and its grounds are converted into a Christmas market with over 150 booths and the inside of the castle hosts a variety of Christmas exhibitions. The romantic atmosphere is enhanced by the multi-coloured lighting that illuminates the area. Many of the serviced apartments Berlin has to offer are near this centrally located market.
These markets not only offer Christmas merchandise but many types of festive food as well. Stollen is a traditional food that you can expect to find at any festive market. It’s a cake-type loaf, which is heavy with dried fruit and contains a marzipan centre. Another popular German Christmas tradition is Lebkuchen – which is a spicy form of gingerbread that takes the form of festive shapes. Lebkuchen is baked at home and used to decorate the tree. It is eaten throughout the advent period. Many of the serviced apartments Berlin has to offer feature at minimum a kitchenette, and give you the opportunity to get creative with your own Christmas recipes.
The advent period starts on the 1st of December and lasts until Christmas Day; during this period the aroma of roasted almonds, hot chocolate and mulled wine is likely to fill the air. The German tradition of advent was started by Lutherans who would count down the first 24 days of December physically, by lighting a new candle every day, or making a chalk tally on their front door. Therefore it’s no surprise that the first advent calendar as we know it today originated from Hamburg in 1902. The calendar had 24 coloured pictures affixed to a piece of cardboard. Of course, when you’re staying in one of the serviced apartments Berlin has to offer, the owners might prefer it if you use a cardboard advent calendar, as opposed to a tally on the front door!
December is Berlin’s rainiest month, and it is estimated that one in three days will be wet. It’s lucky that many of the Christmas markets are prepared for this weather and offer some kind of covering. When it’s particularly cold outside, the spaciousness and warmth of your Berlin serviced apartment makes it the perfect place to relax and watch a Christmas DVD.
If you’re unfortunate enough to be working away from home over Christmas, why not stay in serviced apartments? Specialist agency SilverDoor can provide serviced apartments Berlin as well as properties throughout the world.
Tags: serviced apartments, Serviced apartments Berlin, SilverDoor
19 Dec 11 Capturing The Christmas Spirit in Serviced Apartments Birmingham
Today, Cadbury’s World is one of the city’s most popular attractions and the smell of chocolate drifts over Bournville – a historic former Quaker village that is worth a visit in its own right. The serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer are within easy reaching distance of the attraction, which provides a great day out for families. It features 14 zones which tell the story of chocolate and the Cadbury business, and is just a 15 minute walk from Bournville station (itself just 10 minute train ride from Birmingham New Street station). The serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer are all within easy walking distance of public transport of some kind. There is an extensive overland rail network serving most of Birmingham and all areas of the city are well served by bus routes; however, the city centre is partly pedestrianised so it’s easy to explore on foot.
At this time of year there’s nothing better than visiting a Christmas market to get you into the festive spirit. Now in its tenth year, Birmingham’s Frankfurt Market is the largest outdoor Christmas market in the country and even the largest Christmas market held outside of Germany, stretching one kilometre through the city centre. The market sells great German food and has a selection of beautiful hand-crafted items for visitors to buy. The serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer are all within easy reach of the Christmas market.
Of course, there’s another reason Birmingham has become famous of late: the Bullring shopping centre. It’s a great place for shopping, eating out or simply admiring the contemporary architecture. Some of the serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer are in the Rotunda, a distinctive round building that has been redeveloped into an exclusive range of flats which have views of Birmingham’s unique skyline and are just minutes away from the Bullring.
The serviced apartments Birmingham has to offer come with a kitchen or kitchenette and a living area, providing a spacious environment that can really feel like home. A serviced apartment can therefore provide you with the perfect stay if you are away from home this Christmas. However, if you don’t fancy staying in, Birmingham has a lot of other options for you to choose from. Famous for being the birthplace of the Balti, it is now home to the Balti Triangle which has over fifty authentic restaurants – each with its own speciality dish. Birmingham has something for everyone.
If you are in Birmingham over Christmas, why not stay in serviced apartments? SilverDoor can provide serviced apartments Birmingham, as well as properties in other major cities worldwide.
Tags: serviced apartments, Serviced apartments Birmingham, SilverDoor
