Ramada Inn of the Year 1999

Ramada West Hollywood is a hotel that showcases its contemporary design and captures the spirit of Los Angeles.

With its elegant loft suites and 175 nicely appointed guest rooms, the hotel offers a unique experience for both the business and leisure traveller.

Ramada West Hollywood is conveniently located between Los Angeles, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. With a quick cab ride or drive you are only minutes from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, House of Blues, Universal Studios, Getty Museum and the beaches of Santa Monica. So whether you're in the area to experience the latest shopping trends, be entertained at one of our world famous nightclubs or simply delight in renowned gourmet dining, Ramada West Hollywood places you in the centre of the action.

Room Service 7am-12am 24 hr. Concierge Service Cable T.V. (over 40 channels) In-Room Movies/Nintendo Outdoor Heated Pool and Spacious Sundeck Same Day Valet Service Self-Service Guest Laundry 24-Hour FAX Service / Incoming and Outgoing

Additional on-premises amenities include:

Dupars, part of LA for 50 years, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, TOPZ restaurant, Baja Buds Mexican Cantina, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Mail Boxes, Etc. and Body & Soul Fitness Club.

You’ll enjoy personalised service in a warm "at home" atmosphere.

Ramada Inn West Hollywood/Beverly Hills 8585 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood 90069 PHONE: (310) 652-6400 FAX: (310) 652-2135 Reservations Direct: (800) 845-8585 or click on the link above.

Located at the foot of Diamond Head and Kapiolani Park, W Honolulu is an unforgettable island retreat for savvy travellers. Stay in style. Our 48-room hotel provides "W" service with an "Aloha" touch.

Set in an exclusive, romantic location- you're only a few minutes away from all the excitement of Waikiki. Looking for tantalizing delectables? You don't have to go far. Experience award-winning "Flavours of Hawaii" at the Diamond Head Grill. Sip a mai tai drink from our lively lounge as you marvel at the fantastic view.Blending the conveniences of a world-class hotel with the soothing spirit of Oahu, we've got what you need to get down to business. And what it takes to leave it all behind.

Banquet facilities for meetings and receptions. Catering. Round-the-clock concierge service. In-room data ports that keep you connected. Private balconies that help you disconnect. Feel the warmth. When you're ready to venture outside, the best of Honolulu surrounds you.

Natural. Cozy. Awe Inspiring.

SOOTHE- 44 deluxe guest rooms and 3 one bedroom suites with that wonderful feeling of home. Each room features a spectacular view of either the Pacific Ocean or Diamond Head Crater.

COMFORT- Drifting asleep in one of our luxurious King size beds is like curling up in a soft cloud for the night. With a pillow-top mattress, soft pillows, and 250-thread count sheets, you'll rediscover the concept of sleep.

ENTERTAIN- A 27" color TV with Lodgenet and Web TV. Play a little. We have video games that will delight you. Also an array of movies available on demand, a radio, and CD player. Looking for a new favorite movie? Find one from our vast video library. Didn't bring any CD's? Don't worry about it. Listen to your favorites or sample something new from our extensive CD collection.

COMMUNICATE- An oversized work desk, high-speed dataport connectivity at speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional modems, and private, secure e-mail access. Also each room is equipped with a 900MHz cordless dual-line phone with voicemail and dataport capabilities. Need a laser printer at 2 am? Just say the word and we'll make it happen.

CLEANSE- Custom formulated AVEDA bath products, with a subtle scent of fresh grass.

WARM- Lush terry and cotton pique bathrobes.

QUENCH- Fully stocked mini-bar, coffee and tea maker.

DELIGHT- Our W 'goodie box' offers all the snacks you crave.

INFORM- Newspaper delivered daily to your door.

It's refreshing. Enjoy the tropical drink and chilled face towel you'll receive upon arrival. Instead of a traditional lobby, we call ours a Living Room. We've broken down the walls of conventional design to create a destination as airy and fresh as Honolulu itself. Play a game of chess, backgammon or tic-tac-toe. Soak in the scene. Or soak up the sun rays. It's all here, be our guest.

2885 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu Hawaii Telephone 808 922 1700

"Sands on the Beach" was completed early in 2002 and has been specifically designed as a B&B. This magnificent absolute beachfront establishment sits on Holloways Beach with breathtaking 200 degree views of the Coral Sea.

You can read a book from the extensive library, take a stroll along the beach, relax in the Pavilion and gaze out to the ocean while sipping a colourful cocktail or simply laze by the pool.

Idyllic white beaches fringed with palms against a backdrop of mountainous rainforest. This is where you'll find all the action essential to a tropical holiday: warm ocean, water sports and unspoilt, uncrowded beaches.

Only 10 minutes north of the Cairns CBD, the gateway to the world heritage wet tropics where the rainforest meets the reef.

"Sands on the Beach" 32 Hibiscus Lane, Holloways Beach

Phone +61 0740 559323, fax +61 0740370158

630 Chapel Street South Yarra Melbourne Victoria 3141 Australia

Telephone: (61 3) 9825 2222 Facsimile: (61 3) 9824 1263 Toll Free Reservation: 1800 033 400

The Como Melbourne is situated in the most vibrant and appealing location, in the heart of South Yarra, and on the corner of our two most famous streets; Chapel Street and Toorak Road. For weekend stays especially an array of choice awaits - the best of shopping, restaurants and cafes, but also parks, exercise tracks, cruises on the Yarra, sporting events and venues, galleries, theatre, etc,.. There is something for everyone. The Como Melbourne offers all of this, in a retreat like atmosphere, but with the convenience of an inner city location for either local Melbournians or those flying in.

The five star Como Melbourne offers 36 Studio rooms and 71 Suites in 14 alternative configurations. This unequalled variety of accommodation is complemented by the hotel's style and service which aims for discretion rather than flamboyance. If the hotel were to be compared to an airliner it would, without doubt, be considered the Concorde of the industry.

Accommodation options include views over award winning courtyard terrace gardens, fully equipped kitchens, balconies or the choice of a private office fitted out with personal computer, printer, modem and facsimile, which for the security purposes can be configured to allow access only by the hotel guest only if desired. Selected suites offer two levels complete with spiral staircase leading to the luxury of a private spa bath and sauna.

Studios are open plan in design, so lounge and bedroom are in the same area. King size or twin beds, shower only facilities (with corner spas in some). Tea and coffee making facilities only. Offices are available in some.

Open Plan Suites are larger and are again open plan in design. They have king size beds, shower and separate bath facilities and most have spas. Kitchenette facilities, offices and private Japanese Gardens are available in some.

One Bedroom Suites have separate bedroom, very spacious living area. King size or twin beds, shower and spa ensuite. Kitchenette or full kitchen facilities. Offices, balconies overlooking the central green and Japanese Gardens available in some.

Two Bedroom Suites have separate loungeroom, separate bedroom. The main bedroom consists of a king size bed with shower and spa ensuite. The second bedroom has two single beds which can be made into a king size bed and an ensuite with shower facilities only. All contain full kitchen facilities.

Penthouse Suites are a luxurious split level design. On the first level are separate bedroom, lounge and dining area. Up a spiral staircase to the second story is a round jacuzzi style spa, sauna and ensuite.

Como Suite is a luxurious split level design. The first level being a spacious lounge and dining area with kitchenette, bathroom and balcony with views to central green. Up a spiral staircase to the second story is the bedroom with king size and a large jacuzzi style spa with ensuite.

Executive Suites are luxurious two bedroom suites. Master bedroom has shower and spa facilities, second bedroom has shower only. Large lounge, dining, entertaining area with separate full kitchen. These suites can be linked to a separate conference room.

Travel Voice finds The Como Melbourne one of the finest, young and vibrant hotels anywhere the world has to offer. Toll Free Reservations: 1800 033 400 or click for online reservations above. The Como Melbourne.

Visitors to Australia can now climb Sydney Harbour Bridge, more than 400 feet above sea level, by way of catwalks and steep ladders in guided groups with a company called BridgeClimb. The experience costs about $US60. Climbers have to undergo breath tests for blood alcohol level and were overalls which allow them to be harnessed to a line. You can't carry a camera but your picture will be taken and you get a complimentary photo. More than 40,000 people have made the ascent since September. If you've done the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Tower of London or even Sear's Tower ... let me assure you this is the best of the lot!!

This is the ultimate Australian link. If you're planning a visit Down Under you MUST check this out. More than 4.3 million pages on this site were accessed in the first 4 months of this year!

The Frog Dive SCUBA centres are one of Sydney's most progressive diver retail/training groups. Frog Dive commenced operations in 1978 and now has two convenient dive centres in Sydney.

Sydney North at Willoughby

Sydney West at Guildford

Frog Dive has purpose built DIVER TRAINING CENTRES with ON-SITE HEATED diver training pools. All centres are laid out the diver in mind, a large retail area is separate from the training rooms which are adjacent to the pool. At Frog Dive you can learn to dive in comfort, or just try out the newest dive equipment before you buy it.

Diving Weekends & Diving holidays:

The best thing about being a scuba diver is that the world is literally your oyster, you can find the exact level of adventure you want to fit into your life. At Frog Dive they feel they have a responsibility to provide you with as many and varied adventure opportunities as they can to keep your diving dream alive with weekends away, overseas holidays and team dive days. What’s your dream for 2001?

The Grand Resort is the largest exclusively gay resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Just steps to the powder white sand and soothing Atlantic Ocean, beyond doubt, the number one preference for the discriminating gay traveller, accustomed to fine travel destinations worldwide.

For the health conscious there’s also a fully equipped fitness centre to keep your muscles toned with a workout.

Guest rooms are spacious, meticulously clean and comfortable, in a range of styles including suites and villas all featuring cable TV, VCR's, private voice-mail, iron and ironing boards, hairdryer, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker with Godiva Coffee. There’s also a plentiful selection of Caswell Massey soaps and bath amenities and comfortable robes for lounging.

Two-story poolside villas feature a spacious living room, queen-size sofa bed and bath, dining area, kitchen and full bath on the first level connecting to the second level via a spiral staircase to the master bedroom with king-size bed, sitting area and full bath.

Or to completely pamper yourself, luxuriate in the Penthouse Suite where privacy abounds in your third floor ocean-view penthouse. Enjoy the spacious "Great Room" complete with open kitchen and dining bar. There is a large Master Suite with king-size bed and a guest bedroom with a full-size bed. Each bedroom has its own private bath.

Whatever your fancy in Fort Lauderdale, when you stay at The Grand Resort multilingual stiff will always be pleased to assist you.

Contacts: Click here for reservation inquiries The Grand Resort 1-800-818-1211. 539 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL33304. Phone 954-630-3000.

I have flown 155,000 miles in the past 12 months. When your home is 9 hours from the first port in Asia, and 14 hours from the first port in the U.S.A. you simply have to have a number of tactics to survive at 35,000 feet and beyond.

Some of us who fly often have a few pretty basic rules which are essential for comfort during and after the journey. I always photocopy my passport, tickets, & vouchers that I need, that way at least if the originals go missing I have reference numbers and all the details. Plenty of water during the flight is mandatory, try and stretch your legs every couple of hours, a clean T-shirt and a pair of track pants in your one piece of carry-on luggage can have you feeling comfortable and relatively fresh for even the longest journey, and keep the "what was that noise" comments to yourself!

Seven points to beat the flight or fight syndrome:

1. Put "loud" stickers on your luggage. This will help you identify your bags amongst the 500 or so whizzing by on the carousel, and can also prevent other people picking up your bag in error. Best of all, it can deter thieves because it'll be easier to spot. Never put your home address on the luggage tags,(so thieves can't find your house) but rather either a work contact, or better still in this day and age, your e-mail address. Then if your bag does go missing at least you'll be easy to contact no matter where you are.

2. Most of us want either a window or isle seat. If there are none available when checking in, try asking for a seat between passengers with the same surname. Chances are this lovely couple has asked for the window and isle seats hoping that no-one will be seated between them. You can ask them to swap when your seated, or perhaps read the morning broad-sheet and "need" the bathroom every 20 minutes.

3. Go light on the liquor. The air is thin in the cabin and booze cuts the oxygen level in your brain even further, you'll get drunk quicker, and have a hangover. It's not fair to the flight attendants or fellow passengers to have to deal with the blithering mess in seat 62K.

4. If your seat has not been allocated prior to check-in, be an early starter, AT LEAST 2 hours prior to an international flight. With any luck you'll get a bulk-head seat for being prompt and POLITELY asking the check-in staff.

5. Relax your jaw. A lot of people tend to clench their jaws during turbulent flights. Dr Kenneth Moore of the Chicago Medical School suggests the action can cause headaches. To relax your jaw muscles, move your jaw forward and count to five. Do that about five times every thirty minutes and the tension should be released.

6. Don't blow to pop your ears. Dr Andrew Goldberg, an otolaryngologist, suggests that to relieve ear pressure, put a hot face-towel in a styrofoam cup and place it over your ear. The steam expands the air in your inner ear and helps it escape. Using a decongestant spray like Sinex or Drixine just before descent will also help you ears pop.

7. Finally, lucky tip number 7. Call your flight attendant by name, and when you're in need of something, always use the words "when you get a chance, could I have ..." Demanding passengers are a nuisance to the crew and fellow travellers.

Submit your Tips here.

When the Colonial Architect of New South Wales, James Barnet, designed the famous General Post Office (GPO) building at No.1 Martin Place in 1887, his intention was to create a centrepiece for Sydney that would signal its coming of age as a unique and proud city. Little did Barnet know that in 1999 that dream would be reborn... With the help of one of the world’s most distinguished luxury hotel names, his magnificent creation has again become the most prestigious address in Sydney.

As the new century dawns, Sydney, one of the first cities in the world to celebrate the new millenium, will show off a brand new 5 star hotel with spacious guest rooms, pampering visitors.

Introducing The Westin Sydney - by combining the city’s most enduring heritage landmark with the contemporary elegance of a modern tower, the historic GPO building has been flawlessly blended into a magnificent hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.

The Westin Sydney: opening late August 1999 No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney. Rating: ***** Rooms: Heritage (GPO) Building: 51 Tower (floors 6-31): 366

Domestic Airport: 10km, International Airport: 12km, Circular Quay: 3 blocks, in the heart of the business and shopping district.

Facilities: Stereo colour TV 68cm with radio, in-house movies, tea/coffee making facilities, air conditioning/heating, ironing board & iron, fully stocked refreshment centre, choice of terry or waffleweave robes, in-room safes, 2 digital ports & 2 analogue ports in each room. Post office, smoking/non-smoking rooms, accessible rooms for the disabled, boutique shops, dry cleaning & laundry, Service Express®, Westin Guest Office®, Westin Executive Club floors and lounge, indoor parking.

Food & Beverage: 24 hour room service, Australian cuisine restaurant, Lobby Bar & Lounge, Coffee Café, Restaurant Court.

Business Facilities: 24 hour business centre, largest pillar free Ballroom in Sydney (to seat in excess of 1000) plus unique Heritage Ballroom with 11 metre ceiling height, seating 320. Fully functional, purpose equipped Conference Centre.

LOCATION No.1 Martin Place is at the centre of Sydney’s bustling shopping and business district. The Hotel boasts the easiest of access to city attractions; a short walk to elegant boutiques, major department stores, banks and businesses. Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, the historic Rocks area, theatres, galleries and museums are all within walking distance.

Your Choice of Accommodation

Guest Room Facilities All 417 Guest Rooms offer enchanting elegance and are decorated in a residential contemporary decor. The bathrooms are lavish and illuminated with theatre lighting and contain a large bath and a separate shower with a shower rose generous enough for two.

Tower Rooms There are 366 Tower Rooms ranging from 36 to 58 square metres on floors 6 through 31.

Heritage Rooms There are 49 Heritage Rooms located in the original General Post Office Building ranging from 39 through 65 square metres with ceiling heights from 3.5 to 4.8 metres.

Suites There are 21 Tower Suites, 2 Heritage Suites and 1 Presidential Suite.

Westin Guest Office Westin’s Guest Office® are innovative business rooms which include a multi-function laser unit with printing, faxing and copying capability, ergonomic chair and a speakerphone with data port.

Westin Executive Club Westin Executive Club® offers 38 rooms located on floors 28 through 31. They include a private lounge, complimentary local telephone calls, continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres.

Click here to see and read more about The Westin Sydney

No. 1 Martin Place GPO Box 5262 Sydney NSW 2001 Australia Tel: (61 2) 8223 1111 Fax: (61 2) 8223 1222