Lousan

Author: Kamyar Shah

San Francisco, California is also known as “The City by the Bay”. The City and County of San Francisco is the fourth most populous city in California and the fourteenth most populous city in the U.S., with an estimated populated of 744,041 as of 2006. The city is most well known for its chilly summer fog, steep rolling hills, eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture, and its peninsular location.

Famous landmarks include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, the cable cars, Coit Tower and Chinatown. Fisherman’s Wharf is also a must-see for tourists and a favorite place for residents.

The city is also infamous for the major earthquake on the morning of April 19, 1906 that ruptured gas lines and ignited fires that destroyed over three-quarters if the city. More than 200,000 people were left homeless and settled into temporary tent villages in Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, on the beaches, or elsewhere. When it was time to rebuild, the destroyed mansions of Nob Hill became grand hotels, City Hall rose again and the city celebrated is rebirth in 1915 at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition.

The San Andreas and Hayward Faults are responsible for much earthquake activity, although neither passes directly through the city itself.

San Francisco’s peninsular geography makes the city unique. San Francisco, California is located on the west coast of the U.S. at the tip of the San Francisco Peninsula. It includes significant stretches of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. Several islands are also part of the city including, Alcatraz, Treasure Island and Yerba Buena Island. The uninhabited Farallon Islands are also included in the city and are 27 miles offshore in the Pacific Ocean.

San Francisco is famous for hills, with more than 50 just within the city limits. Some of these illustrious hills include Nob Hill, Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, Potrero Hill and Telegraph Hill. Mount Sutro is the site of Sutro Tower, a large red and white television transmission tower. Twin Peaks is a pair of hills resting at one of the highest points in the city and is a popular spot for tour groups. The city’s tallest hill, Mount Davidson, is 925 feet high and is capped with a 103 feet tall cross.

Entire neighborhoods such as Marina and Hunters Point and sections of Embarcadero sit on areas of landfill because the city has outgrown its natural limits. Treasure Island was constructed from material dredged from the bay as well as material resulting from tunneling through Yerba Island during the building of the Bay Bridge.

The historic center of San Francisco is home to the Financial District, with Union Square, the principal shopping and hotel district nearby.

Union Square is home to some of the finest department stores including Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s. Nordstrom’s is just off the square on Market. Fine designers such as Christian Dior, Gucci, Kate Spade, Prada, Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren and Versace can be found at Union Square. Other popular clothing stores are Banana Republic, Bebe, Diesel USA, Guess?, Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Levi’s Flagship Store, Urban Outfitters, Nine West, Cole-Haan, Johnston & Murphy, Loehman’s and DSW. Jewelry stores at Union Square include Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, Cartier, Swatch and Simayof.

The city is a gracious host to tourist, offering charming bed and breakfasts as well as hotels. Bed and breakfasts in the city include The Inn San Francisco, Red Victorian B&B, Chateau Tivoli, Victorian Inn On the Park, Archbishop’s Mansion, Albion House Inn, Bocks B&B, Golden Gate Hotel, Hayes Valley In, Jackson Court, The Mansions and more. Area hotels include Nob Hill Motor Inn, Comfort Inn by the Bay, Castle Inn Motel, Heritage Marina Hotel, Carriage Inn, Hotel Britton and Hotel Americania. Luxury hotel suites are widely available at Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Palace Hotel, Argent Hotel, Hilton, Hotel Vitale, Pan Pacific, Grand Hyatt, Prescott, Sir Francis Drake, Galleria Park, Stanford Court, The Omni Hotel, Hotel Monaco, El Drisco, Hotel Griffon, Hotel Nikko and Huntington, to name a few.

The San Francisco night life has something that appeals to everyone with its many clubs and bars including 1751 Social Club, Velvet Lounge, Brunos, The End Up, The Fillmore, Caf

Source: ArticlesBase.com

Author: John Pawlett

Our cruise specialist says ‘You can’t go wrong on the Love Boat or Radisson Seven Seas Cruises’ ship, Paul Gauguin, cruising the islands of Tahiti. Several agents echo her thoughts that Tahiti is truly a lovers getaway, highly recommending the ‘over the water bungalows’ at the Hotel Bora Bora. The tropical sunsets are out of this world.

When it comes to the Caribbean, several islands come to mind. Sandals St. Lucia is a couple’s only resort which caters to your every need, and the location is just perfect. Anse Chastnaet, St. Lucia is another wonderful property, ask for open hillside rooms and wake up with an unobstructed view of the Pitons.

Cayman Islands is known for it’s beautiful beaches, wonderful shopping and excellent snorkeling and scuba diving

. Turks and Caicos offers 12 miles of uninterrupted beach, a laid back attitude and an abundance of underwater life.

In Mexico it’s Shangri-La, located on the Mexican sun coast. Where else can you relax in your hammock and listen to the sounds of the ocean. If you prefer the pacific side, may we suggest La Casa que Canta perched on a cliff surrounded by the sea of Zihuatanejo Bay, with a magnificent panoramic view.

Any Hawaiian island offers that exciting tropical flare, but when asked to pick the most romantic Kauai is the choice, it’s those secluded beaches and the beautiful scenery. The Hyatt Regency offers a wonderful, sophisticated setting on Poipu Beach.

It’s hard to top the ambiance of Paris, a stroll down the sidewalk, a romantic dinner at a cafe, the Eiffel Tower, the Louve. It’s the history, the love of art, the exquisite taste of the entire city that make it a city for lovers.

Lake Tahoe, where else can you enjoy all the outdoor adventure and still have great shows and entertainment. Enjoy a sunset over the lake as you relax with a drink in your hand.

The number one choice is the wonderful city of San Francisco it’s rolling hills, China town, Little Italy the Warf, great food and fun awaits all it’s visitors. With only 43 guest rooms, El Drisco is the perfect boutique hotel an exquisite setting, many of the rooms offer a spectacular view of either the San Francisco Skyline or the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Make some time for the wine country whether you choose Sonoma or Napa you can’t go wrong. Rent a convertible and cruise from winery to winery, stopping for lunch at quaint cafes along the way. Settling down in a homey Bed and Breakfast at the end of romantic drive, it’s just the perfect weekend.

Source: ArticlesBase.com

Author: Tuppy Glossop

In your dream bed and breakfast, you’ll be greeted by the charming and gorgeous couple that owns the home. They obviously love each other deeply and want nothing more than to share their good fortune with their guests – everyone of whom will become a lifelong friend.

Your room is beautifully decorated, creating a mood of calm and luxury. In the evening, perfectly chilled wine awaits you on the simply but charmingly furnished porch, from where you watch the sunset as you gently swing in the rocker that hundreds of other happy couples have shared.

Well, this idyllic picture really does exist, but it’s by no means guaranteed. If you’re unlucky, the bed and breakfast you reserve from hundreds of miles away will turn out to be a shabbily furnished wreck – freezing and damp in the winter, hot and stuffy in the summer – with rude owners made miserable by the relentless daily drudgery of serving unhappy guests.

To avoid that unfortunate scenario here are some of the questions to ask before you book, in order to enjoy a wonderful bed and breakfast getaway.

- Where is the bed & breakfast located?

While they may be found almost anywhere, from a busy New York apartment building to an isolated cabin in Montana, most bed and breakfasts are in smaller towns that are popular with tourists. Would you prefer to stay in the center of town, close to restaurants, galleries, shops, and other attractions? Remember though, that even small towns can be quite busy at night, especially those that rely on the tourist trade to fill their restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. A bed and breakfast on Main Street may be too noisy for your tastes.

Perhaps you’d rather be on the outskirts of town, where you can enjoy the quiet and peace of small-town life. The downside of this, however, is that a location some distance from town may be inconvenient if you don’t have a car with you.

- Does my room have a private bath?

They’re becoming rarer, but it’s still possible to find yourself in a bed and breakfast where you must share a bath with other guests. If that’s an unappealing thought, be sure to ask if your room has a private bathroom.

- What kind of breakfast is provided?

Almost by definition, you can expect to enjoy breakfast during your stay. But different hosts may have different ideas of what constitutes a good breakfast. You should ask whether to expect a continental breakfast of baked goods, coffee and juice, or a full breakfast which will include hot dishes. Now is also the time to mention any dietary restrictions – allergies, vegetarian, medical etc. – and whether your hosts can accommodate them.

- Are pets welcome in the bed & breakfast?

It’s not common, but some bed and breakfasts will accommodate your pet. If so, you should be sure to check which rooms animals may enter; what restrictions you should be aware of; and if any additional fees are required.

And conversely, those of us who are allergic to dogs, cats, or other pets should make certain that the bed and breakfast doesn’t allow animals of any sort. There’s nothing pleasant about wheezing and sniffling your way through a romantic weekend.

- When is check-in, and check-out?

Unlike hotels, bed and breakfasts don’t have registration desks staffed at all hours. Clarify when you should arrive, since most hosts prefer to greet their guests personally and make sure that they’re settled comfortably. Check in is likely to be in the late afternoon or early evening. And if you need to leave early to catch a flight, or to set out on a full-day outing, be sure to ask about checking out, settling your bill, and perhaps even taking a simple packed breakfast or snack for the road.

Staying in a bed and breakfast is a lovely way to pamper yourself, to see a town from the inside, and to relax in a cozy and comfortable environment. By checking some basic issues before you travel, you can be sure that your trip will be the special experience you’re hoping for.

Source: ArticlesBase.com