Hotel reviews

Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is an ancient city, founded in 841 AD by Vikings. Its rise began much later, in XVIII century under the influence of the English Crown. It’s no surprise that Irish Dublin looks a lot like many English cities - with its division to business and commercial centers, with its fashionable districts with wide streets and houses of unmistakable Georgian style.

Dublin has always been the heart of Ireland, its cultural and political centre and it’s the most British city on the island. The most impressive attractions of Dublin were built by the English - Trinity College, Dublin Castle and Ireland National Gallery.

Ireland has survived hard times when a lot of Irish let the country escaping from the hanger and poverty. Now Dublin is a modern busy city where hotels, restaurants and pubs are always overcrowded. Dublin is considered to be the city of youth - the average age of its citizens is 27.
The symbol of Dublin, like of the whole Ireland is its beer - Guinness. You can taste it in every Irish bar and even visit Guinness brewery. Dublin boast its intense night life and its bars are open till morning.

There 2 key dates in Dublin calendar - 17th March when Dublin, Ireland and the whole world celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day. The Day of the saint patron of Ireland has become the day of the Irish culture in the world. This day everyone should be dressed in green, sing Irish songs, drink Irish beer and so on.

The other great Dublin holiday is Bloomsday - 16th June. This day is devoted to celebration in honor of James Joyce and his novel “Ulysses”. The holiday is called after Leopold Bloom, the main character of the novel. Festive processions come through the whole city according to the route described by Joyce.

Other days of the year Dublin also has a lot to offer. In the centre of the city stands Trinity College, the first and the main Irish University. It’s the major sightseeing of Dublin. All Dublin roads lead to Trinity College. The University was built in 1592, but the original building was destroyed and the most ancient parts of the structure date back to XVIII century.
Dublin Castle for a long time has been the residence of the British administration. The original castle was destroyed by the fire and the present building was established in XVIII century.

If you turn a little bit away from the usual tourist routes you will see not so glamour Dublin with trash on the streets and gloomy houses. These places remind of the hard period in Dublin history.

When you leave Dublin and see countryside mellows, hills and small cozy houses you understand why Ireland was called an Emerald Island.

For booking a hotel, please, go to Dublin hotels page.

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Miles and miles of white-sand beaches that contrast with the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, swaying palm-trees adorned with coconuts, gorgeous, year-round tropical temperatures, dense rainforests, intriguing cultures and friendly people, rich histories, and exotic landscapes and architecture — many people believe that the Caribbean region of the world, and the islands that occupy it, is paradise. For many, it’s hard to imagine that one small section of the world can occupy so much beauty.

The region of the world known as the Caribbean is comprised of more than 7000 islands, cays, islets, and reefs. Many of these islands have been grouped together to form countries. The countries of the Caribbean include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Barts, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, and the United States Virgin Islands.

Sun-lovers are drawn to the Caribbean because of its relaxing atmosphere, gorgeous beaches, and year-round bathing suit weather. Eco-tourists are drawn to the Caribbean because of its exotic flora and fauna, unharmed coral reefs, dense rainforests, and numerous species of birds. Historians are attracted to the Caribbean because of its diverse cultures and ancient architecture.

Because the Caribbean is a top tourist destination, it is hard to find a Caribbean island that is not inundated with hotels, shops, and American fast-food restaurants. The Caribbean islands offer their visitors amazing amenities, tremendous hospitality, and a variety of sights and activities that are different enough to interest just about any traveler. It is the ultimate destination for persons interested in spending their vacation in paradise.

Natalie Harding is a freelance travel writer for DirectoryofHotels.com. She specializes in researching new and hidden boutique hotels & small hotels across the globe.

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The Parador of Caceres is located in one of the great monumental cities of Europe. UNESCO has declared Caceres a World Heritage Site. Here in the historic section is concentrated the most impressive remaining example of medieval stonemasonry in the world. The perfectly preserved old town sits on top of a large hill rising above Plaza Mayor, and situated very near the center of the old town is the Parador Caceres.

This impressive hotel is the result of the creative refurbishment and joining of five contiguous buildings; the former palace of the Marquis of Torreorgaz and four ancestral homes of former nobles. The palace part was built around 1488 by a knight of Saint James, Don Diego Garcia de Ulloa. The other ancestral homes were built later and they’ve all been combined into a labyrinthine, yet pleasing whole.

The Parador is located on a very quiet street and provides the traveler with modern accommodations that still blend harmoniously with the medieval city beyond its walls.Try to have an evening meal at the Caceres Parador. Dining in the outside patio among orange trees on a warm summer night is a true pleasure. The cuisine here is superb, and of a variety you won’t encounter elsewhere. Try the venison with Casar cheese, or the roast kid with rosemary - both very representative of typical Extremaduran fare.

The Romans founded the city in the 1st century B.C. as Norba Caesarina. Its present name is derive from the Arabic “alcazares” meaning “fortified castles.” The old part of Caceres is encircled by an ancient stone wall. This old section of the city - the “barrio antiguo” - is definitely for walking. A car would only inhibit your explorations and present a parking nightmare.

Walking around Caceres Viejo from the Parador:

- Wandering “el casco” (the old quarter) at night is especially pleasing. It’s easy to let the mind slip into the very real illusion that you’ve stepped back five centuries in time.

- See Plaza de Santa Maria - Surrounded by old noble mansions.
- Iglesia de San Mateo

- Plaza de las Veletas - Stop into the archaeological museum there.

- The “ferias de Caceres” is a fun time to visit. It usually starts during the last week of May and for seven days, the city puts on a continuous and action-packed series of events, bullfights, parties and fireworks. Be sure to arrange accommodations at the Parador well in advance.

Interesting day trips include:

- Trujillo - Another city that is a wonderful slice out of history.

- Guadalupe - With its historically fascinating Real Monasterio de Santa Maria de Guadalupe.

- Merida - With its many Roman ruins.

The Parador of Caceres can well serve as a base for exploring Extremadura if you choose. It is no more than a couple of hours drive to any of the other captivating cities mentioned above. This is the area of Spain perhaps most reminiscent of the era of the conquistadores and the Golden Age of Spain. Stay for awhile - experience the history and ambience of one of Spain’s finest cities and most interesting hotels.

SpainParador.com makes it easy for you to plan and arrange your next trip to Spain. This time stay in palaces, castles, and other places of great historical interest and rare beauty - the wonderful Paradors of Spain. www.SpainParador.com

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