During the spring of 1954, Walt Disney approached the Texas oil wildcatter and television pioneer Jack Wrather concerning the possibility of building accommodations for the many guests that Walt hoped would flock to his innovative “theme park,” then under construction in Anaheim, California. Since the “imagineering” and building of Disneyland was taking nearly every penny that he had, Walt approached Jack, hoping that his long-time friend would be willing to take such a huge risk. Wrather was the producer of Lassie, The Lone Ranger, and Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, popular 1950s television programs.

Originally, Walt had approached Hilton executives and other well-known hotel chains, hoping to convince them to finance the construction of a first-class hotel next to Disneyland. However, the general consensus was that such a venture was too risky. No one was certain that what was quickly becoming known as “Disney’s folly” would be successful.

In 1954, Anaheim was a little-known community, largely consisting of orange groves. The entire city had only seven small motels and hotels, accommodating only a total of 87 guests. Wrather admitted at the time that he was somewhat skeptical about building in such a small community (of approximately 30,000), next to an experimental and yet unfinished theme park. His doubts were further increased by the fact that the risky venture had already been turned down by more than one major hotel chain.

Wrather spent several days with Walt Disney, looking into the area’s potential for expansion. Legend has it that Walt had tears in his eyes while describing his dream of Disneyland to Wrather. With a sense of adventure, Wrather became convinced that the idea just might be a success. Also, with Walt showing such emotion for and dedication to his project, how could Wrather have resisted?

One of the first discussions between the two friends was where the hotel should be located. Wrather first talked of locating it near the entrance to Disneyland. Walt said, “Jack, our guests aren’t going to be thinking about a hotel when they begin their visit to Disneyland. They’ll start looking for a room when they leave the park. The best place to build your Hotel is near the Disneyland exit.” Wrather agreed with Walt’s logic and leased 60 acres of Disney-owned land on West Street directly across from the Disneyland exit. There he built what was to become known as the “Official Hotel of the Magic Kingdom.”

On March 18, 1955, Jack Wrather, Bonita Granville Wrather (his wife), and Anaheim Mayor Charles Pearson, using a three-handled shovel, officiated at the groundbreaking for the Disneyland Hotel.

The Disneyland Hotel opened on October 5, 1955, nearly three months after Disneyland’s live televised grand opening on July 17, 1955. The first guests registered at a hotel having only 104 guest rooms located in five two-story complexes, built at the southeast corner of the leased property. These were the South Garden rooms, later to be known as the Oriental Gardens. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Arnone of Inglewood, California were to be the first guests at the newly opened hotel.

The Disneyland Hotel was the first major resort to be built in Southern California since the early 1940’s. However, the number of available rooms quickly proved to be insufficient for the unexpected demand, and 96 more units of the same type were added the following year on the property’s northeast section. Built by Hodges and Vergrift Construction Company, this new addition was called the North Garden rooms, later renamed the Garden Villas.

During the first year, room rates ranged from $9 for a standard room to $22 for deluxe quarters. Rooms were advertised as accommodating four people. For an additional adult, there was a $3 charge.

At the same time that construction had begun on the additional garden rooms at the northeastern corner of the property, construction was under way on the Administration Building, which would house a lobby, restaurants, shops, and meeting rooms. The Gourmet Restaurant was opened in a converted ranch house on the property, redesigned by C. Tony Pereira. This converted ranch house had been the original Disneyland administration building.

The original hotel design, by the architectural firm of Pereira and Luckman, called for 300 motel and hotel rooms, suites and garden apartments. Also included were plans for three swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, cocktail lounges, and four restaurants. The original blueprints designated a total of 10 buildings in the South Garden or Oriental Garden section. However, only five buildings were actually built.

The opening of the Administration Building (which would later become the Travelport), and the “official” grand opening for the hotel was on August 25, 1956. It was a star-studded grand opening celebration that resembled a Hollywood movie premiere. Celebrities in attendance included Walt Disney, Art Linkletter, William Bendix, Alan Ladd, Sue Caroll, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Jeanne Crain. Also in attendance were as many as three hundred enthusiasts, observing the ribbon-cutting and taking a grand tour of the facilities.

By 1956, there were 204 guest rooms and suites at the Disneyland Hotel. As an added attraction, each garden patio had its own orange tree, a reminder of what the original property had been only a few short years earlier. This had been a part of the original plans when the grounds were being cleared to build the hotel. An additional amenity at this time was the Coral Club which included a huge 45-foot by 75-foot completely tiled and heated swimming pool, wading pools for children of all ages, fountains, sandlots, and a cabana area. The pools were surrounded by lounge furniture for guests’ relaxation and so that they might acquire a Southern California tan. One-day laundry and dry cleaning services were available, and a physician and nurse were on call. An 18-hole putting greens and shuffleboard courts were also early inclusions at the Disneyland Hotel.

Guests were able to register for a hotel room from their car or they could go into the lobby for a more traditional method of registration. There were parking spaces for 1000 cars, and parking was free. Also, limo and bus service was provided. Richfield Oil (also the Disneyland sponsor of Autopia) offered full automotive care. Even in the 1950s, every room was equipped with a television set and air conditioning.

During these early years, the attendance at Disneyland was beyond the most optimistic expectations. Even Walt had to be amazed by the overwhelming success of his dream. As a result, the City Council of Anaheim began reviewing plans for other motels and restaurants. Disneyland had proven all the skeptics to be wrong, and Disneyland was destined to bring major changes to what once had been a sleepy, orange grove community.

From the beginning, the Disneyland Hotel was one of the outstanding showplaces of Orange County. Celebrities such as Jack Benny, James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Billy Graham, and Cary Grant were often spotted at the hotel. These and other celebrities enjoyed bringing their families for a stay at the hotel and for a trip to Walt’s park. Also attracted were business people, coming for luncheons, meetings, and conventions. The Disneyland Hotel quickly had become the place to see and the place to be seen.

Room rates in 1957 were advertised from $10 to $19. Suites

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands, and is one of the largest historic cities in Europe. The city lies near two bodies of water, the Amstel river and the IJ bay. For many tourists, Amsterdam is a city which is well known and praised for its entertainment and culture. The city at this time has a population of over 700,000.

Amsterdam is a city, which had very humble beginnings. It was founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village, but didn’t begin to gain recognition until the 17th century, during the Golden Age of The Netherlands. A series of canals have been built around the older part of the city, and many luxurious mansions and homes lie near these canals.

If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam, do not expect to be bored. For those who love art, Amsterdam is well known for its many museums. The Rijksmuseum showcases art from the Golden Age, and the Van Gogh Museum along with the Rembrandt House Museum are places every art lover should visit.

Those who enjoy history may want to visit the Anne Frank House, and anyone with a love of classical music should visit the world class Concertgebouworkest. Amsterdam is also known for its red light district, called de Wallen, and the many coffee shops, some of which sell cannabis.

Amsterdam is a city that has something for everyone. If you are traveling there, it is important to get accomodations at excellent hotels. Although you can find nice hotels on a budget, Amsterdam is an upscale city. Budget travelers and backpackers may find themselves spending a little more than in other European cities.

When it comes to money, Visa or Eurocard are widely accepted. Most large purchases will require use of a credit card. For everything else, just keep fifty dollars handy. Changing your currency in Amsterdam is easy. Any post office or bank will exchange currencies for you, often at good exchange rates.

The restaurants available in Amsterdam have a very international flavour. Traditional Dutch food is fairly simple, with meats and potatoes. There are restaurants for those on a budget as well as those wanting to eat in luxury.

Restaurants in Amsterdam usually charge service fees and taxes along with the prices you pay for your meal, and tipping is always welcomed. When it comes to traveling, Amsterdam is bicycle friendly. Buses also travel heavily throughout the city, and you can always catch a taxi cab. Due to the many types of transportation available, getting around in Amsterdam is fairly cheap.

Rahul viz recommends Sightseeing and hotels in amsterdam.

When I started on a five month long tour to India, I had no idea what was in store for me. I was not even sure why I planned on a tour to India. May be I was just too fascinated by the lifestyles of the Indian Maharaja’s and wanted to see and experience for myself their lives and their palaces. My interest in Indian palaces and forts developed by reading books like ‘India Style’ by ‘Monisha Bharadwaj’, ‘The Indian Princes and their States’ by ‘Barbara N. Ramusack’, ‘The Indian Subcontinent’ by ‘Alison Arnold’ and ‘Indian temples and palaces’ by Michael Edwardes.

The palaces of the Indian Maharajas

India is a mystic land and has so many things that a traveler can discover. Almost every western traveler is sure to get a culture shock on visiting India; so it is recommended to do some travel reading before embarking on the tour.

History of India is rich and tells us of many brave kings and queens who lived and died for their kingdoms. These kings used to rule over vast kingdoms and lived extraordinarily lavish lives in their exotic and divine forts and palaces. With the passage of time most of these palaces were destroyed by invading troops; the remnants are today converted into hotels by the government of India and some others by private organizations.

Exotic Indian palaces that are converted to hotels

One of my major objectives of visiting India was to stay in one of the many palace hotels and experience the life of the maharajas (kings). I have discussed below some hotels in which I stayed and those that I cherish the most.

The Lalitha Mahal Palace in Mysore

My trip to Mysore was to reflect on my travel itinerary that needed that I visit those places that had a rich heritage and culture. The most famous palace hotel in Mysore is the ‘Lalitha Mahal Palace’. This palace was built way back in 1921 by a king named ‘Wodeyar Krishna’ and was designed by ‘E W Fritchley’ who was a famous English architect.

Today this palace is maintained by the India Tourism Development Corporation and they have done a good job with it. The outside looks show white where as the interiors are almost as good as new. All rooms of this palace over look the beautiful Chamundi hills and give the visitor a breathtaking view of Mysore city.

The palace offers all facilities that one can expect from a five star hotel that include swimming pools, golf grounds, health club, lounges and a shopping arcade.

Fern Hill Palace in Ooty

Ooty located in southern India is India’s well known tourist destination. When in Ooty I decided to stay in the Fern Hill palace hotel that has a history dating back to 1840. Back then it was used by the British as their summer resort. This palace hotel has more than 50 rooms that also include hotel rooms and cottages. Although the palace is quite old, it is well maintained and has everything that can make anyone feel like a maharaja.

This exotic palace coupled with the chilly atmosphere of the hill station gave me something that I could cherish for life.

Bolghatty Palace in Cochin

Cochin in southern India is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean and lives very much to its reputation. When in Cochin I decided to stay in Bolghatty Palace which was used as a British governor’s residence when India was colonized by the British. The kerala tourism development corporation has renovated this magnificent piece of architecture bringing it back to all its glory.

The palace has five spacious rooms and six cottages. The rooms have been renovated beautifully, not to destroy their essence. It almost looks as if time stood still in the palace since it was built way back in 1744.

Lake Palace in Udaipur

My next destination was Udaipur in Rajasthan situated in the western part of India. The Lake Palace in Udaipur is one of the most exotic hotels that I ever stayed. The hotel is located in the middle of the blue waters of lake Pichola and practically looks floating in water from a near by fort.

Built way back in 1754 by Maharana Jagat singh, the palace is today maintained by the Taj group of hotels and offers the prefect ambiance for a romantic stay. The palace has 85 beautiful rooms along with special suites and fascinates everyone with its lustrous marble pillars, ancient paintings and unbelievable works of arts including glasswork. I almost felt like staying in a fantasy island with my room overlooking a refreshing lily pond.

Udaipur also has many other palace hotels but none can be compared to the Lake Palace. I was also fascinated by the ‘Laxmi Vilas Palace’ which was once a guest house to serve British guests.

Bikaner house (Bharatpur House) In Mount Abu

Mount Abu in Rajasthan is another hill station that fascinated me. Mount Abu has a host of palace hotels as this was a favorite hill station for the Maharajas. I decided to stay in the Bikaner House palace which is located in one of the most scenic locations in Mount Abu. This palace built in 1893 was used as a summer residence for the ancient kings.

The palace is well maintained and has spacious rooms that have ancient paintings and art work. The rooms overlook mystic hills that look so much in peace with them-selves. It almost gave me a heaven on earth kind of an experience.

One more palace hotel which fascinated me in Mount Abu was the Sunrise palace which is situated in one its highest points. This palace hotel was built somewhere in the year 1920, and is quite popular with couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Nilambagh Palace in Bhavnagar

My objective of visiting Bhavnagar, a relatively lesser known tourist destination in western India was to stay in the famous Nilambagh Palace. Built by Maharaja Bhavsinghji in the year 1723 this palace looks like a piece of architecture in itself. The palace is surrounded by lush gardens and has 18 AC rooms and 5 cottages. The rooms are spacious and offer an extremely luxurious stay.

Other attractions in the palace include belgain mirrors, antique furniture, ancient chandeliers and a swimming pool that is designed like a Roman bath with marble steps and white walkways.

The palace on Wheels

The palace on Wheels is not a hotel or palace but a maharaja style train that is run by the government of India for tourism purposes. . I was recommended to make this train journey by a fellow traveler and was I glad I took his advice.

This train was designed for the purpose of giving its voyagers a taste of ancient India. The train covers all major destinations and heritage spots in Agra and Uttar Pradesh in a seven day journey. The interiors of the train look no less than a five star palace hotel. The rooms are comfy, include attached bath and takes you to a completely different world. The food is exotic and is served by waiters dressed in ancient Indian clothing.

When boarding my plane back home, there was a strange nostalgic feeling that had crept over me. But I was glad of one thing; I had lived out my dream of living like an Indian Maharaja.

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Hotels in India have an infinite variety that you can hardly fathom. Much like the diversity of its national culture, the hospitality industry in India too has different ways of treating different guests coming from different parts of India as well as from all over the world. Hotels in India have understood that the only way to survive in the rat-race is by providing anything and everything that a customer asks for. The hospitality industry has taken up the arduous task of providing guests with an unprecedented level of comfort. Be it hotels in Mumbai or hotels in Delhi, the wish of the guest is their order. People stay in hotels for various reasons and the hotels are trying to identify the exact requirement of the guest in order to provide customized service.

The economic growth of India has had an impact on the hospitality industry too. Traveling is now no more limited to leisure tourism only. People travel extensively for the sake of business and the hotels are cashing in on it. Today, the utility of a hotel is not just limited to being a place for relaxation, it is also used as a place of meeting. No wonder, hotels across India are furnishing themselves with meeting facilities. Hotels in Pune and Mumbai, the economic nerve center of India, are making sure that the guests on business tours get the best of facilities and are not troubled by petty matters. To help them focus on the business, the hotels are going all out to make them as comfortable as possible. Food too is not a problem. Whatever your food-habits are, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, hotels throughout India will serve you according to your choice of food.

Making hotel reservation in India is not at all a difficult proposition or a cause of concern. Most hotels now-a-days have the facility of online hotel booking. With the click of a mouse you can reserve a room in luxury hotels across India. If you are on a tour and are on the look out for unadulterated luxury, there are many hotels in India from which you can pick and choose.

Eco-tourism is gaining momentum and hotels are upgrading their facilities so that people who come to enjoy nature do not end up confined in a jungle of brick and concrete. Various hotels and resorts in India are offering package tours and safari tours to the guests. Hotels located near reserved forests and sanctuaries are especially benefited by the prospect of eco-tourism. Indian hotels are offering facilities that match international standard. Know more about some of the finest hotels from across India from http://www.desiya.com

There is romance to be found in the great north. Canada is a country full of majestic scenery in its many lakes, and rivers, mountains and forests, and wonderful cosmopolitan areas. There are many hotels that stand out either for their history and beautiful surroundings, or for their luxurious accommodations and amenities in the midst urban sophistication. Either of these scenarios make these hotels a perfect setting for a romantic interlude to not be forgotten.

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, Vancouver, British Columbia

The Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, located on Vancouver’s chic Robson Square, is a romantic European boutique-style hotel. Privately owned and operated, it is smaller and more intimate than some other local hotels. All of the 83 luxurious rooms at the Wedgewood feature private balconies and beautifully crafted plush furnishings. You can relax at the spa and fitness centre, which carries the renowned Epicuren cosmetic line. The Award-winning restaurant Bacchus offers outstanding dining with live entertainment nightly and is known for its exceptional weekend brunches and afternoon tea. The Wedgewood Hotel is close to many attractions in Vancouver, and there is no shortage of activities to choose from. Suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Alberta

Discovery Travel voted Chateau Lake Louise as one of the ”World’s Top 10 Honeymoon Hot Spots” and did so for a very good reason. The scenery is breathtaking and the hotel is grandiose. Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded with snow-frosted Rocky Mountain peaks and secluded next to a legendary lake. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has a full range of newly renovated rooms and elegant suites featuring either a mountain or lake view, with facilities befitting one of the world’s finest mountain resorts: award-winning cuisine in eight restaurants and lounges, and a gallery of unique boutiques to shop at. Your adventure starts right outside the Chateau’s doors. You can go hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, skiing and snowshoeing (depending on the season of course!). Or you can kick back and relax in the spa, indoor pool or hot tub.

Windsor Arms, Toronto, Ontario

Step through the Gothic inspired doorways and you will find a luxurious, two-storey lounge, richly panelled in dark oak and offering 26 suites and two luxury rooms across four floors of this deluxe boutique hotel. Located centrally in Toronto in the upscale Yorkville area, this discreet small luxury hotel offers guests Toronto’s only caviar and champagne lounge, a dance and live entertainment club, a luxury spa and an indoor pool, complete with poolside fireplace and gourmet restaurant. Traditional tea is served at 1:30pm and 3:30pm daily. Shopping and entertainment are only steps away.

The Marriot Niagra Falls Fallsview and Spa, Niagra Falls, Ontario

We all know that Niagra Falls is one of the honeymoon capitals of the world. Something about those majestic falls inspires the romantic side in couples. A room with a view is a must in this location and this new luxury property boasts that it’s the closest hotel to Niagara Falls. The hotel has 427 Fallsview guestrooms overlooking Niagara Falls. The Deluxe Fallsview Fireplace and Whirlpool Suite is an intimate Suite featuring a King sized bed, a large 2-person Whirlpool and a fireplace. This suite is located on one of the hotel’s higher floors, and offers an extraordinary view of both the Canadian and American Falls.

Chateau Montebello, Montebello, Quebec

Nestled in the midst of a private 65000 acre estate, Le Chateau Montebello is located on the shores of the Outaouais River, halfway between Ottawa and Montreal and is a great place to get away from it all. This resort opened in 1930 as a private club and became a hotel in 1971. A legendary log chateau, being the largest log-cabin in the world, the hotel is an idyllic four-season resort offering a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities including: curling, cross country skiing, skating, dog-sledding, snow-shoeing, and sleigh rides in the winter and boating, fishing, jet-skiing, lawn games, outdoor swimming, tennis, and an 18 hole golf course. Jacuzzi suites and romance packages are available.

Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Quebec

This is a magnificent castle-like structure with copper turrets and stone towers, Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is over 100 years old and a historic landmark of Quebec City. Situated on top of the Cap Diamant Cliffs in the heart of the old walled-in city, Le Chateau Frontenac overlooks the St. Lawrence River and provides some great views. Romance packages are available for any of the beautifully furnished 618 guestrooms and suites. There are exquisite restaurants, an elegant, beautiful bar and a more casual veranda bar. The Chateau also has many upscale boutique shops, art galleries, a florist and hair salon. There is also an on-site indoor pool and fitness center. When do venture out, a stay at the Chateau Frontenac permits you easy walking access to all of the wonderful sites and romantic experiences that Old Quebec has to offer.

The Casino Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Casino Nova Scotia is the only hotel located directly on the waterfront, in the heart of downtown Halifax. Guests enjoy convenient access via the walkway to Casino Nova Scotia, many boutiques, shops, restaurants, banks and entertainment hot spots. Casino Nova Scotia is located next door to the Hotel and offers you gaming, entertainment and restaurants. The hotel has two popular restaurants, with outdoor patios featuring a spectacular view of Halifax Harbour, offering an eclectic menu, two lounges, and an indoor heated swimming pool with a large modern fitness facility and full spa services. The rooms offer spectacular views of Halifax Harbour, Historic Properties, the city, or of the courtyard. . The Casino Nova Scotia offers full Concierge services, where sightseeing tours, Harbour boat ours, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, golf and other activities can be arranged. One-bedroom suites or Luxury suites are available.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com

Located on the eastern side of peninsular Malaysia, Pulau Tioman Island is one of the best Islands in the world. Nature lovers recognize it as a jewel of the sea. Finding a place amongst ten most beautiful Islands in the world, Palau Tioman has quite excellent features that mesmerize the visitors. There is a very nice myth about how this Island came into being. It is claimed to be transformed dragon princess who discontinued her journey to her Singaporean lover by the mesmerizing nature of this region and took the form of an Island. Interesting, is it not?

Whatever may be the story, the fact never changesit is really a place which competes with the best of destinations in the world. Everything is beautiful here. It is a very well known place for underwater adventure, snorkeling and windsurfing. The beautiful beaches and bountiful marine life make it a perfect place for scuba diving. Lush green landscape and majestic Cascading waterfalls add further to the charm of this largest Island in Malaysia. And one more aspect that contributes heavily in getting it recognized as one of the most beautiful Islands is excellent accommodation facility.

The magnificent beach resorts and hotels equipped with all excellent amenities offer fascinating opportunity to spend more and more time here. Most of the resorts and hotels are waterfront accommodation that attracts even more attention from the visitors. Pay Beach Resort, Salang Beach Resort, Sun Beach Resort and several others are the part of excellent Pulau Tioman hotels.

For more information please visit : http://www.stayresmalaysia.com

Niraj Singh is working as Sr. SEO in Binary Semantics Ltd. Gurgaon, India. He has 5+ yrs. of experience in the field of Search Engine Optimisation. His expertise is in the travel domain make him specialist in the field of Websites related to Travels.

Hordes of visitors gravitate to Rhode Island in the summer, bringing to the state more than a billion dollars in revenue every year. The immensely scenic state offers myriad opportunities for both the tourist looking for beaches and water-based activity, and the traveler wishing to soak in some history.

While Block Island boasts some incredible beaches, capital city Providence is an architectural delight, and Newport draws the well heeled who move en masse into their grand summer homes every year. Other attractions in Rhode Island include Touro Synagogue, the oldest in the U.S., the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence, the General Nathaniel Greene Homestead in Coventry, and Samuel Slater’s Mill in Pawtucket.

Some of the oldest and most popular hotels and inns are found on Block Island, which offers a choice of lovely beaches, excellent restaurants and interesting bike and walking trails. The centrally located Gothic Inn allows visitors to relax in true Rhode Island style, watching boats in the Old Harbor. The family-owned The Seacrest Inn in the Old Harbor historic district of New Shoreham provides modern and comfortable rooms for those seeking to escape the grind of rushed and crowded cities. Visitors looking for a rustic experience will enjoy Maple Leaf Cottage, a 19th century farmhouse-turned bed and breakfast off Beacon Hill Road, or the lovingly restored Rockwell House Inn Bed and Breakfast in Bristol’s Waterfront District.

Most hotels and inns operate from May to October, and have separate off-season rates for May and early June and after Labor Day. Visitors have a choice of accommodation ranging from rooms with private baths to two bedroom efficiency apartments. Most hotels provide a continental breakfast, complete with cereals, muffins, yogurt, juice and tea, coffee or hot cocoa! Weekends are usually busy times for the hotels, even in the off-season so a prior booking is always a good idea.

For a memorable holiday in one of the prettiest states in the U.S., head straight for Rhode Island. It might however be a good idea to find your sea legs before you do!

Rhode Island provides detailed information on Rhode Island, Newort, Rhode Island, Providence, Rhode Island, Rhode Island Hotels and more. Rhode Island is affiliated with Cape Cod Hotels.