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Agoda: A Detailed Review

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Agoda

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Agoda.com – great for Asian travel?

We have recently advocated booking.com and Airbnb as our main go-to sites for booking accommodation. However, we have been told by many in the know that Agoda is worth a look when booking accommodation in Asia. We haven’t had the chance to use them as of yet, but are due to start our exploration of Asia next year. Therefore, we decided to look in detail at Agoda.com. We’ll subject it to the same rigorous reviews that we have given the other sites.

As we haven’t booked with them yet, this review will be based on the site itself. That includes its options for searching, ease of use, and other features. We are intrigued to hear from those of you that have used Agoda, as to whether the customer service was up to scratch. Please do let us know your experiences with Agoda, both good and bad.

Agoda is available in a massive thirty nine languages. It is clear that they aim to make things easy for a large number of people, rather than just English speakers. You can also choose to pay in many different currencies. We always suggest that you pay in the currency of the country you are purchasing from, to avoid your card company charging an extra conversion fee.

The site benefits from 24/7 customer service, which is always a brilliant thing. There is not much worse than being stranded in a far-off land, and not being able to contact a site if there is a problem. It appears that you should avoid this with Agoda.

Agoda doesn’t just sell hotel rooms

You can book all different kinds of accommodation with Agoda. This includes hotels, bed and breakfasts, seaside resorts, rest houses and homestays. The pricing system seems to result in low prices. Their ‘best price guarantee’ means that you should be assured of the best rate possible without doing too much shopping around.

As is usual for sites of this type, you receive a confirmation e-mail when booking. You can also log into your account on the site to see your upcoming reservations. They offer a Self Service section of the site, where you can do common changes all by yourself. These include cancellations, amendments, and sending special requests.

There are a few downsides to the site that we have found. The main one is that prices shown do not include tax and service charges, which can result in misleading pricing. To avoid this, select ‘total price per night’ under the price display. The other is that you have to pay on booking. This is a rather minor inconvenience, apart from when you might need to cancel. We assume it would be more of a hassle at that point.

In conclusion, Agoda seems to be an easy-to-use, and attractive website. Many people have said that it is the very best place to book accommodation in Asia. We will certainly be trying it out when we plan our own trip to Asia for next year. Their best price guarantee shows their confidence in their low rates. Give it a go!

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Tour & Travel

Scandic Hotels Review : Scandic Popular Hotels & Destination

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About Scandic Hotels

Scandic Hotels was founded in 1963 and has since become the largest hotel chain in the Nordic region. The brand’s journey began with a single hotel in Luleå, Sweden, and has expanded significantly over the decades. Scandic is known for its dedication to creating memorable guest experiences, promoting sustainability, and ensuring accessibility for all guests.

POPULAR HOTELS

SCANDIC KØDBYEN

Stay at our new hotel offering plenty of variety and good parking facilities. Scandic Kødbyen is designed with respect for its location, sitting as it does among the artistic and gastronomic experiences of diverse Kodbyen, home to some of the city’s best nightclubs and bars. These can be both heard and felt at our hotel, and its location in the urban centre, helps give Scandic Kødbyen the pulse that the area is famous for.

SCANDIC VOSS

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Scandic Voss has 215 rooms, a restaurant and bar with outdoor seating, as well as stylish and flexible meeting facilities. With its central location right next to the train station, and being the largest hotel in town, Scandic Voss is a natural meeting point for both tourists and locals.

SCANDIC HELSINKI HUB

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Modern urban hotel in a impressive 1920s printing house next to the Old Church Park in Helsinki city centre. Loft-style rooms, an inviting restaurant area and inspiring setting for a relaxed stay.

Downtown Camper by Scandic

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In the heart of Stockholm, at its most vibrant core, lies Downtown Camper – the perfect base for intrepid urban explorers. Just a few minutes’ walk from our hotel you’ll find the best of Stockholm to explore; shopping, outings, restaurants, parks and other adventures. Downtown Camper is the ultimate base from which to explore the city.

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

HOTELS IN STOCKHOLM

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Stockholm is unique. Built upon 14 islands connected with each other by 57 bridges. Surrounded by one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world. Stroll around in the medieval alleys of the Old Town, within a few steps from modern architecture – this gives the capital of Sweden both a small town feeling and a big city.

HOTELS IN COPENHAGEN

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Stay at one of our 14 hotels in Copenhagen and you’ll have the ideal starting point to explore one of the best cities in the world! Copenhagen was named Best in Travel 2019 by the Lonely Planet travel guide.

HOTELS IN OSLO

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Visit one of our 19 Oslo hotels, some of them in the city center and some outside. Oslo enjoys a unique location by a fjord with easy access to the great outdoors. The capital has so much to offer in terms of culture, history and nightlife. Top attractions in Oslo include Vigelandsparken Sculpture Park, the Opera House, Holmenkollen Ski Jump and the Viking Ship Museum. Of our many hotels in Oslo, you’re sure to find one to suit your stay perfectly!

HOTELS IN HELSINKI

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Helsinki is a vibrant city known for its design and architecture. Located by the sea with more than 300 islands, easily reached by ferries or bridges, offers stunning views any time of the year. With hundreds of events every year, there´s always something on the agenda. In the summer Helsinki hosts many festivals and week-long events. Helsinki has also become an exciting destination for foodies with its many restaurants and ever evolving culinary scene.

Exceptional Guest Experiences 

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Scandic Hotels & Destinations excels in crafting memorable guest experiences rooted in its core values of inclusivity and accessibility. The brand’s commitment to accessibility is particularly commendable, with many of its hotels featuring thoughtfully designed rooms and facilities to accommodate guests with disabilities. This inclusivity extends to a diverse range of travelers, including families, business professionals, and solo adventurers.

Scandic’s modern and inviting designs are evident throughout its properties. Whether it’s the cozy lounges or elegantly furnished guest rooms, the Scandinavian influence is unmistakable, combining minimalism with aesthetic appeal. The brand’s dedication to guest-centricity shines through in its culinary offerings as well. Scandic’s restaurants serve high-quality, locally sourced cuisine, showcasing the gastronomic diversity of the region. Guests can savor traditional Scandinavian delicacies and international fare, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Scandic’s community engagement initiatives are a testament to its commitment to fostering connections beyond the hotel walls. Its properties frequently host cultural events, art exhibitions, and local activities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the destination. These initiatives not only enhance the guest experience but also foster a sense of belonging and a deeper connection to the location.

Conclusion

Scandic Hotels & Destinations stands tall as a pioneer of Scandinavian hospitality excellence. Its rich history, unwavering commitment to sustainability, diverse destinations, exceptional guest experiences, and profound impact on the hospitality industry make it a brand of distinction. Scandic doesn’t just offer accommodations; it opens doors to a world of inclusivity, eco-consciousness, and cultural immersion. As Scandic Hotels & Destinations continues to grow and innovate, it remains a top choice for travelers seeking authentic, meaningful, and unforgettable experiences in the Nordic region and Northern Europe.

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Tour & Travel

Scandic Hotels – A Pioneer in Scandinavian Hospitality Excellence

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scandichotels

Scandic Hotels, a prominent name in the world of hospitality, has been setting standards for Scandinavian hospitality excellence since its inception. Established in 1963, the brand has not only become synonymous with premium accommodations but also a symbol of sustainable, guest-centric practices. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the journey of Scandic Hotels, its commitment to environmental sustainability, the unique guest experience it offers, and its influence on the hospitality industry.

A Brief History

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Scandic Hotels was founded by Kurt Ritter in 1963, starting with a single hotel in the Swedish city of Luleå. Over the decades, the brand has expanded significantly, becoming the largest hotel chain in the Nordic region. A key milestone was the acquisition of Rica Hotels in 2014, strengthening Scandic’s presence in Scandinavia and expanding its portfolio. Today, Scandic boasts over 280 hotels across the Nordics and Northern Europe, showcasing its impressive growth and market dominance.

Scandic’s Commitment to Sustainability

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One of Scandic Hotels’ standout features is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. The brand has taken substantial steps to minimize its environmental footprint. Scandic was the first hotel chain in the world to offer entirely organic and Fairtrade-certified coffee. Additionally, it consistently ranks among the top performers in sustainability ratings.

Scandic’s dedication to eco-friendliness extends to various facets of its operations, from reducing energy consumption to responsible sourcing of food and beverages. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the growing demand for eco-conscious travel experiences.

Guest Experience

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Scandic Hotels excels in creating memorable guest experiences through its commitment to guest-centricity. The brand’s hospitality philosophy revolves around inclusivity and accessibility, making it a preferred choice for a diverse range of travelers, including families, business professionals, and individuals with special needs. Scandic’s dedication to accessibility is noteworthy, with many of its hotels featuring wheelchair-accessible rooms and amenities designed to accommodate guests with disabilities.

The brand’s contemporary and welcoming designs are evident throughout its properties. Scandic hotels are designed to offer a warm and inviting ambiance, whether it’s the comfortable lounges or the stylishly appointed guest rooms. The Scandinavian influence is clearly visible in the minimalist yet aesthetically pleasing decor.

Another highlight of the Scandic guest experience is its culinary offerings. The brand is committed to serving high-quality, locally sourced food and beverages, reflecting the culinary diversity of the region. Guests can savor traditional Scandinavian delicacies and international cuisine at Scandic’s in-house restaurants.

Furthermore, Scandic takes pride in its initiatives to engage with the local community. Its hotels often host cultural events, art exhibitions, and other activities that allow guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. This not only enhances the guest experience but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the destination.

Influence on the Hospitality Industry

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Scandic Hotels has had a substantial influence on the hospitality industry, particularly in Northern Europe. Its dedication to sustainability and accessibility has set industry standards. Many hotel chains have followed in Scandic’s footsteps, adopting eco-friendly practices and striving for inclusivity.

Scandic’s emphasis on locally sourced and diverse culinary offerings has also influenced the dining experiences in hotels worldwide. The brand’s commitment to serving high-quality, region-specific cuisine has inspired others to explore similar approaches, promoting local gastronomy.

Moreover, Scandic’s success in creating guest-centric spaces and promoting cultural engagement has underscored the importance of providing authentic and immersive experiences. This has encouraged other hotels to consider not only the physical comforts of their guests but also the emotional connections they can foster with the destinations they serve.

Conclusion

Scandic Hotels has established itself as a trailblazer in the world of hospitality. Its rich history, unwavering commitment to sustainability, exceptional guest experiences, and significant influence on the industry make it a brand of distinction. Scandic Hotels doesn’t just provide accommodations; it offers a gateway to the Scandinavian way of life, emphasizing inclusivity, eco-consciousness, and a deep appreciation for local culture. As Scandic Hotels continues to expand and innovate, it is sure to remain a top choice for travelers seeking exceptional hospitality in Northern Europe and beyond.

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Tour & Travel

Exploring Grandi Navi Veloci: The Gateway to Mediterranean Adventures

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Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), renowned as one of Italy’s top ferry operators, serves as a gateway to the wonders of the Mediterranean. Connecting Italy with several neighboring countries, GNV promises an extraordinary journey on the seas. Let’s further explore the company’s offerings, what sets them apart, and how travelers can make the most of their GNV experience.

The Beauty of Sea Travel with GNV

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Traveling with GNV is more than just a means of transportation; it’s a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Mediterranean. Here’s why GNV stands out:

  • Panoramic Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline, sunsets, and open sea.
  • Culinary Delights: Indulge in authentic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine served onboard.
  • Entertainment Options: From cinemas to children’s play areas, GNV ensures an entertaining journey for all age groups.

An Experience for Everyone

Whether a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a business trip, GNV has something for everyone:

Innovative Technologies

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GNV leverages cutting-edge technologies to enhance the customer experience:

  • Easy Booking System: A user-friendly online booking system allows passengers to customize their trips.
  • Real-time Tracking: Keep track of ships and schedules through GNV’s real-time tracking feature.

Social Responsibility

GNV’s commitment to social responsibility is evident in their practices:

  • Environmental Protection: Energy-efficient ships, waste recycling, and other green initiatives.
  • Community Involvement: Regular collaborations with local communities and charitable organizations.

Conclusion

Grandi Navi Veloci isn’t just a ferry operator; it’s a provider of unforgettable experiences that allow passengers to explore the Mediterranean’s magic. Whether it’s the picturesque views, gourmet dining, or the comforts of modern ships, GNV brings the beauty of sea travel to life.

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