Chicago’s Top 5 Hotels:

 The Drake Hotel – seen in movies and a favorite among celebrities, royalty and foreign dignitaries.  The Drake is a luxury hotel bordered by Oak Street beach that boasts excellent views of Lake Michigan and for around $228-$1100 per night your home away from home.

The Elysian – this fancy hotel brings back the time of luxurious travel and accommodations.

Four Seasons Chicago – this famous hotel brand is known for luxury and top notch service and accommodations, but Chicago’s Four Seasons boasts the best view of the city.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago – Atop Water Tower place this luxury hotel is home to one of the finest restaurants in the Chicago area.  Prices run from $355 to $475 a night which may be a little more reasonable.

Trump Inernational – Mr. Donald Trump himself has stamped his name of approval on this beautiful hotel.  Home to the show The Apprentice and to some of the most famous celebrities.

If you aren’t looking to bask in the lap of luxury and are looking for more reasonable, affordable and discount hotel accommodations, cheap hotels in Chicago aren’t hard to find within the Chicago area.  Find discount hotel reservations in five star hotels and still reap the benefits at a fraction of the cost.

If you know what to look for when booking a hotel, you can rest assure that you are going to have a great vacation.  Let say you are looking for a San Francisco hotel you would want to look for the following:

• Transportation – is it accessible to public transportation in the case that you don’t have a vehicle? Is it walking distance within attractions?
• Location – what part of town is it on? Is the neighborhood safe? Are attractions and landmarks close by?
• Room amenities – does the hotel offer Wi-Fi, internet access, phone service, television etc?  Is there a pool, spa, or activities for kids? Is the hotel pet friendly?
• Price – is the cost reasonable? Are you getting what you paid for?

Most websites will provide you with information on each hotel, but some may require you to do the extra research.  Trust us, do the research. It’s easier to spend a little more time reading reviews than showing up with luggage in hand to only be disappointed in the results. Book discount hotels at InternetHotels!

Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. in population and land size.  The city is home to 1,313,228 citizens.   So what do all these people do in Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is also known as the River City, with the St. Johns River running through its downtown and throughout the city.  It is also home to the NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Jacksonville boasts a variety of things to do and see from its many museums and attractions to the beaches, rivers and lakes found throughout the city.

Jacksonville has true southern hospitality as it borders southern Georgia, thus finding discount hotels and accommodations in this great city is easy.  Because the city is so large guests would have to choose from the beach side or city side of Jacksonville.  Whether you enjoy the quiet historic side of town, shopping and fine dining, beach life and bars or parks and natural activities you can be sure to spot the perfect location for your next vacation.

Book a discount hotel reservation in Jacksonville, Florida for your next getaway.

As the sunshine state, Florida boasts pristine beaches and the emerald green waters of the Atlantic.  We wanted to share some tips about some of the most popular Florida beaches.

Panama City Beach – Once a spring break hot spot, Panama City Beach has moved past its party-life reputation and into the real, fun, beach scene perfect for couples, families and young adults alike. This beautiful beach has an average of 320 days of sunshine per year and sugar white sand made from years of deposited quartz crystals. Panama City Beach also offers a surplus of outdoor activities from scuba diving the many ship wreckages under the sea, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling above the artificial reefs or deep sea fishing for blue marlin, this is the place for the ocean enthusiast.

Sunny Isles Beach – This little gem isn’t has widely advertised as some of Florida’s beaches, but be sure to thoroughly enjoy the city of Sun and Sea.  Sunny Isles beaches offer a variety of discount hotel accommodations from condos to bungalows and private homes as well as hotels.  The Samson Oceanfront Park is the spot for children to play, parents to relax and for everyone to meet, greet and make friends in the Florida sunshine.

St. Pete Beach – This Florida beach is a barrier island filled with culture, night life and recreational activities.  St. Pete is home to stunning natural scenery, a strong boating life, amazing dining and attractions for the whole family.  Choosing to visit St. Pete is not as difficult as narrowing down one of the amazing hotels and bed and breakfasts.  With so many deals on discount hotel reservations everyone should be flocking to Florida.

Ft. Myers Beach – Peaceful and quiet, this Florida beach is the perfect getaway.  Take an Everglades adventure or rent a fishing boat charter. If you’re looking for more dry land activities Fort Myers beach offers dining overlooking the Estero Bay or the Gulf of Mexico.  There’s a lot of in town activities as well from marinas, casino boats, and beach life in general.

Although winter is a time for holiday cheer and spirit we’re pretty sure many people miss the sunshine and warmth of summer.  As a little reminder of the pleasantries of summertime we’re compiled a simple list of Florida’s Best beaches.

Here’s a list of things to do in Florida to help visitors experience this atmosphere with a sunshine state of mind.

Miami popularized for South Beach is a city with alfresco dining, hip art, and a laid back beach lifestyle.  It can be considered the Los Angeles of Florida with it’s a design district, strong musical base and fashion influence. There is so much to see in Miami and it takes more than a day.  If you book early you can find your best deals on discount Miami hotels.

If you’re in Miami you’re only a hop, skip and a jump away from the last of Florida’s seven keys, Key West.  This little key lime town is located 90 miles from Cuba and known for its pristine white sand and blue waters. Key West is full of culture from the October Festival it hosts every year to the Jimmy Buffet “Margaritaville” lifestyle adopted by inhabitants and visitors.  Every day is a great day and when 5 o’clock hits you better believe a frosty drink is in hand.  Key West is a paradise and what’s paradise without the perfect accommodations.  There are a number of accommodations with great rates in Key West from cottages, bungalows and a variety of cheap hotels in Key West.

Let’s not forget about the Gulf Coast.  Tampa is one Florida’s cities on the west coast.  The Tampa Bay is home to the NFL team the Buccaneers, Busch Gardens and the beautiful Florida Aquarium.  Tampa is the perfect place to visit known for its heavy Cuban culture, sunshine, beaches and football. Find a variety of discount hotels in Tampa by the beaches, city or along the bay.

Florida, anyone?

The Aloha state would like to share their islands with you.  Hawaii is made up of 8 islands with natural scenery, a warm tropical climate and an abundance of beaches making it the perfect destination for your next vacation all year round.

Every vacation requires a little bit of research and elbow grease, but with the variety of hotel deals online finding accommodations is easier than ever.  The first key to visiting Hawaii is deciding what part of the islands you would like to visit.  Each area offers outstanding scenery and access to a variety of outdoor activities, so you’ll be sure to find the island that suits you.

Honolulu is Hawaii’s most populous city and home to some of the major tourist attractions, such as Waikiki beach, Diamond Head and the International marketplace.  As the state capital, Honolulu is on the busier side of the island.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, check out Lahaina and Kihei.  These two beach towns are part of the island of Maui.  Lahaina still boasts history and serenity.  This quiet historical town is perfect for whale watching and participating in a seaside luau.  Finding hotels in Lahaina is simple with the Westin, Sheraton and Aston providing some world renowned accommodations.

Kihei is a beach combing territory known for its six miles of beaches.  This little town is perfect for the ocean lover.  Visitors enjoy swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and surfing on the southwest shores of Maui.

Hawaii is the perfect beach vacation spot, with so many islands to choose from each popularized for a certain natural geographic, surf break, or cultural experience.  Hawaii is the perfect place for friends, loved ones and family members alike.

This is a common question among travelers especially budget conscious ones.  When looking for the best hotel deals online it’s important to perform a simple search to find the best discount hotel reservation websites. A safe rule of thumb is to book hotels 2-3 months in advance of your designated travel dates.

If you are looking for hotel deals for a specific place or holiday it never hurts to research deals as early as 6 months in advance.  Hotels will generally site aside a certain number of rooms at a discount rate and the earlier you can secure those deals the better.

Take New York City on New Year’s Eve for example; cheap hotels in New York begin listing deals and rates a year in advance.  As a year’s end nears websites and hotels start increasing prices to keep up with the demand. It is beneficial to book your hotel as early as June of the current year for January of the next year.

Plus the earlier you look the better deal you get and there are more amenities and room options to choose from.  Although there are “last minute” deals available, the peace of mind you gain from being a little more zealous with deals is much more valuable.

The United States is home to a variety of culture, natural beauty, history and some of the most amazing cities in the world.  Here is our list of 5 cities you must visit in the United States.

New York City – The epitome of city life with the hustle and bustle of busy streets, scurrying people and flashy lights it is truly the city that never sleeps.  For the weary traveler finding a cheap New York City hotel is easier than you think, there are a variety of deals on the internet and you can be sure that these hotels are within walking distance from some amazing sights.  When visiting New York must sees are the Statue of Liberty, ground zero, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Chicago, Illinois – Chi-Town or the Windy City is the perfect place to take in the culture of a city.  Home to a variety of cuisine influenced strongly by the Italian traditions such as the deep dish pizza, a plethora of parks hosting sporting events like Wrigley Field and arts and entertainment. Chicago is home to Harpo Studios, Orpah Winfrey’s headquarters.  Must sees; Chicago water tower, Millennium park, the first Ferris wheel, and the Blackstone Renaissance hotel.

Seattle, Washington – A major seaport city, Seattle is known for its coffee, seafood and climate, a cooler city with so much to see and do.  There are so many landmarks that you must visit like the Space Needle, Smith Tower, Columbia Center, Pike Place Market, and the home of the first Starbucks Coffee.  There are a variety of gorgeous neighborhoods to visit in Seattle and you can even find discount hotels in these areas.

Phoenix, Arizona – A desert wonderland.  Phoenix is a beautiful place to visit especially the Desert Botanical Garden home to the world’s finest collection of desert plants.  This is the place for a true nature lover.  Climb Piestewa Peak or Camelback Mountain and take in the scenery from above. Drive the Apache trail where you’ll pass Goldfield Ghost town, Saguaro Lake and much more.

Houston, Texas – This is cowboy country.  First things first, meat lovers must enjoy a Texas steak at the Strip House, voted best steaks in town.  Things to see in Houston; Johnson Space Center, Houston Aquarium, Kemah Boardwalk and the various museums and markets around the city.

The United States is built up of a variety of cultures, races, ethnicities and religions with citizens from various parts of the world.  These major metropolitan cities are a hub for some of the best historical backgrounds, cuisines, and sights in the country. Take a visit today!

We’ve created a list of the 5 best cities in the United States for your perfect golf trip.

Portland, Oregon – Imagine hitting 18 holes at the luxurious Stone Creek Golf Club.  With over 165 acres of land; home to Douglas Firs, lakes, four wetlands, and forty three bunkers, this is a golfer’s paradise.  Oregon is among one of the most scenic states in America, so taking in the beauty of nature is just an added bonus.  Stone Creek was also voted #8 for Environmentally Friendly Courses!

Atlanta, Georgia – It’s not difficult to find cheap Atlanta hotels and still splurge on the green, the golf course that is.  Atlanta is home to the golfing trifecta, East Lake Golf Club, Peach Tree Golf and Country Club and the Atlanta Athletic Club.  All three golf clubs boast beautiful grounds with all the amenities of country club life.

San Jose, California – If you’re looking for the perfect municipal golf course tucked among mountains Callippee Preserve is your home away from home.  This golfer’s dream land offers the lowest price tee times anywhere and you can even find discount San Jose hotels and lodging.  Save money and still reap the benefits of a full service course.

Orlando, Florida – Tiger Woods lives here, enough said.  You don’t have to be a millionaire either. Cheap hotels in Orlando are available for the financially conscious and with the extra bucks saved you can enjoy a few rounds at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge.  This breathtaking course sweeps over 270 acres along the shoes of the Butler Chain of lakes.

Dallas, Texas – Is everything bigger in Texas? Well deals on discount hotels and beautiful golf courses may be.  The Four Season Resort and Club of Dallas at Las Colinas boast exceptional views of lakes and greenery.  Take advantage of this pristine award-winning course.

Golf is an American past time and a relaxing activity for many individuals.  Take time to enjoy a round or two and with our list of the best cities in the US to golf you’re one step closer to the tee.

Vacation vs. Stay-cation: We Weigh the Pros and Cons

We understand the need for time off, whether it’s getting away from a ringing telephone and e-mails or actually traveling to a destination, relaxing is the ultimate goal.

We’ve put together a list of pros and cons for Vacations and Stay-cations.

Vacations Pros:

• Relaxing in cheap hotels with a variety of amenities and luxuries
• Improve your quality of life and mental health
• Revamp relationships with others and yourself
• Gain the self confidence you need
• Find inspiration and inner peace
• Feel refreshed and come back with a more productive  mindset

Vacation Cons:

• Expenses
• Planning and budgeting
• Increment weather
• Putting your business or employment on hold
• Anxiety of travel and transportation
• Traveler’s Depression

Stay-Cation Pros:

• Inexpensive and can fit most budgets
• Discount hotels in local areas are available
• Doesn’t take much time to plan, can be last minute
• An opportunity to experience aspects of your city you may not have seen
• A variety of Things to Do for Free
• Accessibility to friends and family
• Travel is no more than a day

Stay-Cation Cons:

• Possibility of Boredom
• Still close enough for work to consume an individual
• May be more costly because you feel more inclined to spend since you’ve saved money on lodging
• May not relax and actually do tasks around the house

Although it is important to relax, unwind and get away from work and the stresses of everyday life it is also important to weigh the pros and cons of any vacation or stay-cation.  Remember that even though you find cheap Honolulu hotels there are still aspects to think about, even in paradise.  Whether you choose to travel far and wide or stay a little closer to home take our tips into consideration when you’re planning how to spend your much needed time off.