Mag Park

Archive for the ‘Hotels’ Category

On a cold, gray morning in late January 2000, the historic Mapes Hotel in Reno was imploded by 75 pounds of explosives tucked into the art-deco structures support columns. The controlled demolition came despite years of effort by a number of groups within the community and nationally to preserve the building with lawsuits, redevelopment proposals, and grass roots lobbying efforts.

While the efficacy and justification of demolishing the Mapes is debatable, one thing that is not is the glorious history of the hotel. It was built in’47, and signaled the start of the modern era of casino gambling. Despite the notoriety of Bugsy Siegel and the Flamingo in Las Vegas, it was the Mapes that became the first building in the nation to have a hotel, casino and live entertainment under one roof. It also became the hotel of choice for celebrities staying in Northern Nevada. Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe stayed at The Mapes during the filming of ‘The Misfits’. Joseph McCarthy, America’s famed anti-Communist crusader, admitted to a reporter over cocktails in the Mapes Lounge that he really didn’t have a list of Communists in the US despite his frequent and vitriolic insistence to the contrary.

In the 50s and 60s it became, along with Lake Tahoes Cal-Neva Lodge the place to be seen in Northern Nevada. The top floor, window-walled Sky Room showcased performances by the legends: Sinatra, Louis Prima, Mae West, Milton Berle, Sammy Davis, Jr., and the Marx Brothers among others. Subsequent years were not kind to downtown Reno but the Mapes prospered during the 60’s and 70’s. The hotel finally closed in’82, due more to financial difficulties experienced by the Mapes family caused by one of their other Northern Nevada gaming properties than anything else.

While the last twenty years brought an amazing boom in the population and economy of Southern Nevada, the Northern part of the state didn’t see much of it at all. For that reason, the urgency of destroying the Mapes is even more questionable. In the Las Vegas area, its easy to justify the demolition of older hotels with simple economics–the older properties simply can’t compete in the current mega-resort dominated marketplace. Furthermore, the insane valuation of the land on which they sit makes it financially unfeasible to preserve them as pop culture museums.

This is not the case in Reno, where land and buildings for development in virtually every casino area are abundant. The city argued that the land on which the Mapes stood was necessary for their redevelopment efforts–a somewhat absurd position given the realities of downtown Reno and the lack of any real development on the property since the demolition. Despite receiving a number of viable concepts for the Mapes Building, the City Redevelopment Authority rejected all of them and the Mapes was destined for demolition.

The role of the City Redevelopment Authority was questioned throughout the process. Overlooking the Truckee River, the hotel was on a prime location between the downtown casino area and the riverfront district. A number of sound financial proposals were presented that would preserve the integrity of the structure including condominiums, office space, and perhaps most viable, upscale senior apartments. Oddly, all of these proposals were turned down by the citys Redevelopment Agency which continued to maintain that demolition was the only viable option despite copious evidence to the contrary.

After the demolition of The Mapes Hotel, the lot remained vacant for almost a year until a temporary ice skating rink was constructed in the winter of 2001. The site now houses a permanent ice skating rink which, while not a bad use for the land, brings into question the insistence by the City Redevelopment Agency that none of the proposals to preserve the building were viable. Clearly, they had no specific plan or even general idea of what to do with the land but for some reason wanted to see the hotel come down. This has led to all manner of speculation, ranging from financial self interest to a rumor that the structure was ‘haunted’ and needed to be destroyed to forestall future paranormal activity in Washoe County. Whatever the reason, the city of Reno lost a valuable landmark of a more civilized era.

Ross Everett is a widely published widely published freelance sports writer and respected authority on sports betting odds comparison. He writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sportsbooks and betting odds portal sites. He lives in Northern Nevada with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.

Popularity: 100% [?]

North West Airlines are a huge company that fly thousands of passengers all over the planet every year. So, North West World Vacations is an organisation that is worth huge amounts of money to the company and thus, a lot of effort is undertaken in order to make sure that the flights North West Airlines offer are comfortable and incident free.

By selecting NW airlines as their medium to enjoy their vacation, one does justice to their saving-oriented lifestyle since they can make the most of various fantastic packages at a cost they never imagined of.

The Northwest airfare linked up with the miscellanea of deals available for various travel destinations are decent. You can be sure of a summer vacation that is cost-effective in every way. Some of most attractive deals that have been on display lately are 50% off on sojourns to Mexico and $200 savings on Jamaica vacations.

The deals offered by northwest airlines are available for a myriad of continents. There is a whole range of discounts available on all of the deals that can be used up by the potential travellers on their frequent trips. With Delta Vacations, you receive accession to those parts of the world that seem beyond the reach of a regular traveller.

Air miles are also a huge part of the appeal of North West. Their Sky Miles program means that up to 10,000 bonus miles can be earned along with an air and hotel vacation. These come in addition to the miles already earned. These are extra bonuses to the fantastic services that North West offers in terms of flights and accommodation.

North West caters for the entire broad spectrum of vacations. Their deals encompass extreme trips for thrill-seekers, historical visits for those with a deep interest in the cultures of the world and even romance trips for couples that are just looking to escape from mundanity in the hope that they can find solace in a tropical paradise.

In other words, Delta Vacations are perfect getaway for people who want to fly back to the wonders and quiescence of nature and for the people who searching for the lost thrill of their lives. It is guaranteed from the company’s side that for attaining any of the former objectives, passengers won’t be required to spend a fortune.

Northwest World Vacations has been doing awesomely since its inception and I have the least of doubts as to whether they will stop doing what they do best, i.e. make people’s travel dreams come true.

About the author: Alyssa Sechrist is a traveler and travel writer. See more of his stuff at Fly with Northwest

Popularity: 7% [?]

Magpark – Orchid Lodge Costa Rica is an amazing tropical paradise. In the peak season it is a busy place; however you can always enjoy the same in off season with some attractive discount. The wonderful place has been filmed in many Hollywood and musical videos. Over the years, numerous famous celebrities had relished their stay here. There are all sorts of memorabilia and pictures of stars in different places so all visitors feel like VIP during the vacation.

The staff includes the Cordon Blue Chefs from France, and the food and service can be matched to any five star restaurant in Vacation Rentals any day. The Orchid Lodge wine sellers are well stocked, therefore you can expect to find some really special match for food that is delicious to satisfy the pallet. The first look into the place is actually just like the brochure.

However, you can look at the online pictures and video clips of the place to get the first hand feel of the surrounding area. The best part of this lodge is that each room has been designed to have a private view over looking the lush area and during the whole stay one never gets bored for a second.

Many artists have painted the beautiful surroundings, some of which can be purchased in the local art gallery and carried back as best souvenir from Orchid Lodge. The best part of being on Orchid Lodge Costa Rica is that it comes armed with the latest internet access and other similar facilities.

There is local photographer that could be hired for any special occasion also. The options for breakfast at The Orchid Lodge include a full European style breakfast consisting of fresh breads, fruit, cereal, yogurt, juices and tea, espresso or cappuccino or our full service dining available for a minimal additional cost.

Visitors can take part in the local tours, and also they can take part in the off beaten tracks, Tapanti National Park, Sarapiqui River, the rainforests and Barva volcanoes too. There are all water sport attractions also inducing excellent surfing.

Popularity: 3% [?]

As you know, New York City is the city that never sleeps, es verdad? Well, it’s certainly no wonder with so many places and stuff that would please all the senses. There’s the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the Madison Square Garden and God knows what else. But the question is…where do you stay in New York City?

We must admit about the cost of living, especially rent expenses, is still rocketing sky high in New York City. If you know where to look, a lot of restaurants offer affordable yet tasty dishes so food’s no problem. When it comes to shopping, don’t think that New York City is just all about Macy’s. Of course not! There are a lot of bazaars that are ongoing throughout New York City and all you need is an efficient guide to help you out. For tourist spots, you shouldn’t believe either that everything in New York City comes with a ticket price. Nuh-uh! In fact, just walking in downtown New York is already a sight to behold.

But, there’s one problem, yes, where are you to stay?

Before I launch on a list of New York City hotels that could interest you, first, I have to warn you that what’s termed as “affordable” in New York City may not be “affordable” in your vocabulary. So if you’re cash strapped, better check first if you’ve got some friends living in New York City who’d lend you a room for a week or two as you go sight-seeing.

New York is a city of high rise towers and a number of those are hotels that you can take your pick of. These buildings range from the five star hotels to the funky ones to hotels with “affordable” packages.

Four Season Hotel : if you’ve got kids, then you should consider staying in this kid-friendly hotel because guests under 18 can stay for free. The tallest hotel in New York City, it also provides its family guests with coloring books, a video lending library and welcome gifts for kids.

Soho Grand Hotel : if you’re the type of traveler who can’t bear to leave your behind, have no fear because there are several hotels in New York that can accommodate furry guests, just like the Soho Grand Hotel. Upon checkout, you’ll even be given a goldfish to remember your New York holiday.

Affinia 50 Suites : this particular hotel has no difficulties in landing a Top 10 spot in any survey when it comes to being the best hotel in New York City. Previously known as the Plaza 50 Suites, this is a no-fuss-comfort-zone for travelers who want basic accommodations that would also be easy on the pockets. Large suites equipped with kitchenettes are also available if you so prefer.

Hilton Time Square : Never mind Paris Hilton and her notorious antics. At least her family still hasn’t stopped in being one of the best when you’re talking about hotel services. The Hilton Time Square is one of the poshest hotels in New York City, with a twenty-five-seater theater and even its own wax museum! And just because it’s posh, don’t assume that the staff would turn its nose up on noisy, bratty kids or dirty, scrambling house pets. Nuh-uh! The Hilton Time Square aims to please all forms of guests, human and non human, adult and kids.

I hope you’ll find which hotel what you need after read this article. So now, all you need to do is choose which hotel you’re going to stay, pay the bill, enjoy the scenery and of course, tour New York City!

Popularity: 13% [?]

Mag park – I love living in Antigua because in it you will find everything really close to you, restaurants, hotels, shops and bars. In this case my husband and I wanted to have a romantic day out, so first we went out for lunch at a really cute restaurant called Cafe Flor where they serve really good Thai food. Then we went for a prvate salsa class which turned out to be an extra fun adventure.

And at the end of the day we visited a luxurious hotel of Antigua called Mezon Panza Verde for a romantic dinner I had been planning for a long time. When we were making the reservation they suggested a dinner up in the roof of the hotel where they have a Cupula. This sounded great to me because it was just what I wanted: A super private and romantic evening out with my husband.

When we got there and before they took us to our table we had to do some waiting in the lobby which was not what I wanted but it was ok because it wasn’t too long and it gave me some chance to take more pictures. Then a member of their staff took us to where our table was. To get there we had to walk across the terrace of the hotel, sadly it was a bit cloudy but we still could see the outskirts of the beautiful Agua Volcano.

When we got there I couldn’t believe how absolutely beautiful it was! La Cupula is this beautiful tiny room where they had a beautifully decorated table with candles and roses.

This ended up being a perfect day out and romantic dinner where my husband and I got the chance to relax and just be together after a long time of not having time for ourselves.

Bottom line is: Antigua isn’t just a beautiful city with lots of places to visit and photograph, it is also a great place for romantic getaways and family vacations, I know because I’ve explored it.

Popularity: 5% [?]