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The network of British hotels Hotel du Vin located in Winchester, Cheltenham, Henley-on-Thames and Glasgow has presented a very unusual concept of cigar houses. Due to the fact that on the 1st of July in Great Britain the law about smoking prohibition in public places was accepted, the administration of the hotel has built special small houses where the guests can enjoy smoking of the high-quality Hawaiian cigars.

The cosy houses are located near the principal hotel building which allows the guests not to refuse their habit of smoking in a building. Irrespective of the weather and season, in the cigar houses is always kept comfortable temperature - they are equipped with a warm heating floor, protecting from the wind by the curtains and built in the walls gas heaters.

The houses for cigar smoking were projected by a Scottish company which is specialized in design and the small houses building, huts and cabins.

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Kempinski hotel network is going to open a hotel in Senovázné Square in the centre of Prague the next year. Luxurious hotel apartments are to rent both for a short period of time and in long lease. 75 hotel rooms will be furnished with the furniture made of valuable tree species timber, produced by RPW Design Company. 24 hours five star service, including personal maidservants and “delivery at door” shopping facilities are at clients call. Lodgers will also be able to avail themselves of health-sports complex and business centre.

Rocco Forte Company, the owner of the fashionable hotels, has chosen the former St. Foma monastery for the new hotel. The splendid view at Old Prague Town, famous Valdstein orchards and other sights greets from the hotel.

Reconstruction of the monastery building should be completed before the end of this year. According to Rocco Forte Company idea, more than one hundred large rooms and apartments will be in the hotel under the plan, as well as original ceilings and stone domes.

By Darrell Giles

BRISBANE could have two under-the-river rail tunnels and a new rail bridge in a bold State Government public transport plan.

There could be major new train stations at Woolloongabba, Gardens Point and the “financial district” at Eagle St, and a redeveloped Exhibition line for year-round use.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas will today unveil details of a $5 million feasibility study to develop options for connecting the rail network north and south of the Brisbane River.

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The pigeons in San Marco Square in Venice cost each citizen 275 euros per year. The taxpayers have to pay just so much in order to clean the monuments, frescos and other places of interest. As the Italian Economic Association has calculated, it turns out that the inhabitants of Venice give about 23 euros for every pigeon that “resides” there. It is reported that the number of pigeons has increased by a quarter the recent year; this is due to the uncommonly warm winter. The Mayor of Venice thinks that it will be enough to remove the tourists’ favourite attraction - the tents where corn for birds is sold - from the square for the reduction of the expenses on birds. Each sale outlet of this kind sells several quintals of corn per day.

found on travelime

In November at the Californian alpine skiing resort Mammoth will be opened a first hotel of the Westin network - Monache Resort. For the guests’ benefits will be offered a skis rental, a winter clothes boutique, a restaurant, a water pool with thermal water, as well as a fitness centre, underground parking and a conference-hall.

After the statement of the resort’s administration the opening of the Monache Resort will provide some extra popularity for Mammoth which in a short period of time will be able to conquer the most famous alpine skiing centers. There is already a complex built at the resort which includes several boutiques, night clubs and other advertising institutions.

According to the FBI criminal report for the last year, New York is the most safe city of the 25 largest USA cities, having the lowest crime ratio per 100 thousands of people. This was reported in the press-release of the New York tourism office.

As the report states, the general crime level in New York according to the FBI information had a decrease of 5,3% in 2006 in comparison with 2005. The amount of heavy crime in News York has a decrease of 4,6% from 2005. The private property crime amount is also decreased - 6% while the same decrease overall USA has made only 2,9%.

Totally,thoroughly and completely drenched.

It was the climax of a visit to the amazing Iguazu Falls in South America where the unwary tourist can get an up-close and very personal view

Iguazu, a Guarani word meaning “Great Water”, splits Brazil and Argentina and each side has a series of fascinating walks.

But the ultimate attraction has to be the water-ride. There are two cruises available to get a closer look. The first takes tourists along the river, through the rapids and within good camera range of the main Devil’s Throat Fall. (more…)

By Catherine Calvert

(Budget Travel Online) — For all its swank and glamour, a formal afternoon tea still has a place in British society. Of course, you’ll see Russians surrounded by shopping bags and bodyguards, Japanese photographing the teapot and Americans buried in guidebooks. But you’ll hear British accents, too, as they celebrate, or seduce, or do a deal. (Meaning you should book that teatime at least six weeks ahead; these are popular spots.) (more…)

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine (AP) by cnn.com — Hotels here fly Canadian flags alongside the Stars and Stripes. Desk workers speak French, in addition to English. Fries are served up Canadian-style, topped with vinegar, or gravy and cheese.
Old Orchard has long been a haven for Canadian tourists because the seven-mile stretch of sandy beach represents an easy drive from Quebec.

This summer, there are more of them as the soaring Canadian dollar makes it more affordable for Canadians to vacation in the United States, enticing more people to get into their cars despite the hassle of long waits at border crossings.

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