Beside the seaside: Until October 31, Vietnam Airlines is offering four-day/three-night holidays to the seaside resort of Phan Thiet, on the south-east coast of Vietnam. Prices range from $4,388 for a deluxe room at the Saigon Mui Ne Resort (
www.saigonmuineresort.com) to $5,330 for a villa at the Coco Beach Resort (
www.cocobeach.net), and include return economy flights to Ho Chi Minh City, private car transfers (three hours each way) and daily breakfast.
A range of tours is also available (from $210) including visits to the Mui Ne Sand Dunes and a climb of Takou Mountain. All prices based on twin share and a high-season surcharge of $800 will be applicable between October 16 and 19. Call Concorde Travel on 2526 3319 or visit
www.concorde-travel.com for more details.
While away the hours: Fans of The Hours and the writings of Virginia Woolf (played by Nicole Kidman, above) can now stay in the London house where she was born and raised (now five apartments). Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Kensington/Knightsbridge area, where neighbours have included Sir Winston Churchill and sculptor Jacob Epstein, the owner is offering a double room overlooking the garden, with an ensuite bathroom for #75 (HK$917) a night (single occupancy #57.50). Price includes a full English breakfast served in the sitting room which was once the bedroom in which Woolf was born (Hyde Park Gate, Kensington, London, SW7). Book through At Home in London which offers accommodation in over 80 homes in London (tel: [44 20] 8748 1943;
www.athomeinlondon.co.uk).
Summer savings: Until September 10, the Great Eagle Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui (above) is reducing its rates by 50 per cent, with rooms being offered at between $1,000 and $1,200 a night. For an extra $200, you can opt for the Executive Business Package, which includes daily breakfast for up to two guests in the Sun Cafe; 20 per cent discount on pressing and laundry; and 10 per cent discount at all restaurants and bars.
Suites, meanwhile, are available at $2,200 or $2,600 a night (normally $4,000 or $6,000) and perks include a welcome fruit plate; daily newspaper; free pressing and laundry; two hours use of the Business Centre meeting rooms; and access to the 24-hour health club, rooftop swimming pool and newly renovated Club Lounge (where complimentary food and drinks are available all day). Call 2378 9313 or visit
www.gehotel.com for more details.
City slickers: Results of the America's Favourite Cities survey as voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine and visitors to the AOL Travel Channel
Prettiest
1. San Francisco
2. Washington, DC
3. Honolulu
4. San Diego
5. Chicago
(Least attractive: Los Angeles)
Most romantic
1. San Juan, Puerto Rico
2. Honolulu
3. San Francisco
4. New Orleans
5. San Diego
(Least romantic: Atlanta)
Best cultural attractions
1. New York
2. Chicago
3. San Francisco
4. Austin
5. New Orleans
(Worst cultural attractions: Phoenix-Scottsdale)
Best nightlife
1. New Orleans
2. Miami
3. Las Vegas
4. New York
5. Austin
(Worst nightlife: Washington, DC)
Friendliest people
1. Nashville
2. Honolulu
3. San Antonio
4. Minneapolis-St Paul
5. Austin
(Least friendly people: Los Angeles)
Best-looking people
1. San Diego
2. Honolulu
3. Austin
4. San Juan
5. San Francisco
(Worst-looking people: Baltimore)
