Krabi vs. Phi Phi

I have flights into Phuket over CNY, but have no intention of staying in Phuket proper. Am trying to decide whether to go over to Phi Phi or to Krabi. I'm looking for just basic beach hut style accommodation and a stunning beach! Does anyone have any recommendations or thoughts on Krabi vs. Phi Phi? All we want to do is relax on the beach, read books, eat well and find somewhere great to stay. Thanks!

Starwood's three new Luxury Collection hotels and their grand opening offers

There have been some exciting new additions to Starwood’s Luxury Collection brand in the past year. Among the most notable have been the SLS Beverly Hills (LA), The Fairfax at Embassy Row (DC), and the Nines (Portland): http://tinyurl.com/6j5nhp

Luxury Travel Specialist Within Your Budget!

Has this ever happened to you? You visit a website, see the trip you’ve been dreaming of, but the price is a bit too high. Check out Ellen Barone's post on custom trip specialists, Myths & Mountains, they'll do just about anything to make your trip fit within your budget. http://ellenbarone.com/steals-deals/2008/12/2/luxury-travel-within-your-budget.html

Affordable Places To Escape The Cold

Getting warm this winter doesn't have to break the bank. Travelers who stick close to home, select up-and-coming locations and score travel deals from financially ailing resorts and airlines can get out of the cold for an affordable price. http://www.forbes.com/travel/2008/11/20/winter-travel-discounts-forbeslife-cx_jd_1120travel.html

Starwood Hotels offering 50% off worldwide hotels (must book by Nov 17)

This offer is only valid for participating hotels throughout the world, and the discount is applied to rack rates. However, some great deals have been reported so far including Le Meridien San Francisco for as low as $90 per night . . . http://starhot.wordpress.com/2008/11/08/50-off-starwood-hotels-when-you-book-by-november-17/

Valencia: Luxe for 45 Euros per night

If you're planning a trip to Valencia check out the Hilux Hostel. Don't be deterred by the word "hostel", this place very high-end considering it's price (from 24 euros per night; I paid 45 for the Jardins du Casino room)! The Hilux Hostel is in the heart of the Barrio del Carmen, Valencia's coolest area. For travellers who like quirky design and spacious, private rooms -- this is a great find. Staff are very friendly and helpful, there's a kitchen, living area, free internet, security lockers and WiFi, and breakfast is included. Showers are pretty nice too, even if the bathroom's shared! This is perfect for couples on a budget -- every room has been themed and decorated by a different local designer. The area is quite noisy though (not the hostel's fault, just the location!) so bring earplugs. You can cook all your meals in the kitchen if you're too broke to eat out.

Share your favorite small hotels, inns and b&b's!

Last time we posted in this group was back in June. We had just started a website about this very topic - how to sleep in style without spending a fortune. The only caveat is that our site is devoted to independently owned small hotels, b&b's, and inns. Since June we've added a bunch of new amazing places, all nominated by travelers and "curated" by us. We have about 30 places now around the world. Please check them out when you get a chance. Plus, we need more nominations, so if you know of any amazing, hidden gems - please tell us about them! Here's our site link, http://www.darngooddigs.com.

Lunch in Singapore

If you're in Singapore and feel like lunch on the verandah of an old colonial building then check out Flutes at the Fort. You get to it through the Singapore Philatelic Museum carpark. The address is 23B Coleman Street.

Cool hotels in Beijing

Help! I'm going to be in Beijing for 2 nights later this month and I want to take my boyfriend somewhere really fantastic. Can anyone recommend a fun, funky hotel that's in a good part of town? I've never been there before and am feeling slightly overwhelmed!! Thanks.

Two business class flights to Abu Dhabi

Online charity auction company Buy Once Give Twice are auctioning off two business class flights to Abu Dhabi to raise money for The Charities Trust. Up for auction are two return flights from London Heathrow or Manchester to Abu Dhabi, seated in business class. Sit back and enjoy all that goes into making a great flight - luxurious seating, extensive entertainment options, ambient mood lighting and signature cuisines. Business or pleasure, the luxury of the Pearl Business class will leave you relaxed and fully prepared for your destination. http://www.buyoncegivetwice.co.uk/lots/abu_dhabi_flight