Destinations Where Hotels Are The Star Attraction

Break the mold and experience one-of-a-kind accommodation with Hotels.com this year

TORONTO, April 3, 2013 /CNW/ - We all travel for our own reasons; whether it's to get a break from daily life, to try local cuisine, or to check out a popular attraction. But have you ever travelled just to visit a specific hotel? Well, if you're looking for a break from the tried-and-true chains, or another excuse to take a vacation, the travel experts at Hotels.com® have you covered. For a unique sleeping experience Hotels.com looked to its Hotel Price Index™ (HPI™) as inspiration for this list of eight hotels where an overnight stay can be as memorable as the trip itself.

Hotel: Featherbed Railroad Company
Location: Nice, California, U.S.
What makes it stand out? If you grew up with Thomas the Tank Engine, this hotel will make your childhood dreams come true. The hotel features nine railway cabooses, all individually decorated in themes ranging from Las Vegas bordello to Easy Rider, which actually comes with an "Easy Glider" chair with saddlebags, Harley Davidson touches and a headboard with handlebars. According to the HPI, if you're Canadian you may already be planning a trip to this popular state, which has two Californian cities on the Top 10 International Destinations list. So we think a visit to "Nice" just makes sense!

Hotel: Capsule Hotel and Sauna Cosmo Plaza Akabane
Location: Tokyo, Japan
What makes it stand out? As the name suggests, it's not a big space. In fact it's just big enough for travellers to crawl in and get caught up on sleep. Not for the claustrophobic traveller, this modern sleeping area is worth checking out for those looking for a futuristic experience - plus if you're on a tight budget, this option is extremely wallet-friendly. This city is also increasingly popular among Canadians, cracking the Top 50 International Destinations list in 2012 to sit at number 31.

Hotel: Hotel Im Wasserturm
Location: Cologne, Germany
What makes it stand out? A stay in this cool hotel gets you an inside view, literally, of some of Germany's history. This landmark is the biggest water tower of the 1800s and although it was redesigned inside to house 88 rooms, it maintains its classic heritage.

Hotel: Jumbo Stay
Location: Arlanda, Sweden
What makes it stand out? The Ice Hotel has some serious competition, as this pick is made from a grounded 747 (that's a jumbo jet for non-plane enthusiasts). The décor and colours are an homage to the 1970s - known as the golden era of air travel. There are 25 guest rooms with one located in the cockpit, plus the rooms come equipped with LCD TVs where you can view the schedule of departures.

Hotel: Sarah Cruise
Location: Venice, Italy
What makes it stand out? There's no better way to get into the Venetian mood than by sleeping on the water. This eco-friendly, 25-room boat is actually a bed and breakfast so you can spend your mornings dining on the deck (weather permitting of course). Ever popular Venice is a go-to for romance. The city sailed up four spots in 2012 on the HPI Top 50 International Destinations list to number 26.

Hotel: Madonna Inn Resort & Spa
Location: San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.
What makes it stand out? Contrary to its name, this property was not named after the famous entertainer - although it is just as unique. It includes 110 guest rooms with names like "Austrian Suite," "Safari Room," and "Jungle Rock" that feature a variety of eclectic designs to cater to a range of tastes. Fans of "The Bachelor" might recognize this property since it was featured in Season 14.

Hotel: Burj Al Arab
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
What makes it stand out? While this hotel isn't for the budget-conscious (it's upwards of $2,000 per night), it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feel like royalty. Shaped like a sail and located on a private island with a private beach, this hotel takes luxury to new levels. While we expect this extravagant city would appeal to everyone, it has experienced increased interest from Canadian travellers and in 2012 entered the Top 50 International Destinations list at number 44.

Hotel: Dream Cave Pension
Location: Goreme, Turkey
What makes it stand out?
This hotel is located in an area of Turkey known for its unusual rock formations, so it only makes sense that they'd build one into a hotel, right? Although the surrounding area is quite beautiful, the option of staying in a fairy chimney makes it a good enough selling point for us.

It's time to get inspired and just because you sleep in a hotel, doesn't mean it needs to be boring. For more travel inspiration, the HPI is a great resource. Whether you're looking for five-star hotels that won't leave you broke, or the next up-and-coming destination, this report and website will give you the inside scoop. So get packing.

About the HPI™

The HPI is a biannual report that looks at hotel prices in cities all around the world. The data is based on bookings made through the Hotels.com website and the prices listed are the actual prices paid by Canadians - not advertised rates. The report examines prices paid in 2012.

About Hotels.com^®

Hotels.com (also known in Canada as Hotels.ca) is a leading online accommodation booking brand. Through the Expedia, Inc. global network of websites, Hotels.com, LP connects travellers with almost 200,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favourites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com, LP benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, obtaining the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 7 million Guest Reviews on the websites from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through Hotels.com, LP's industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards^TM, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 85,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com, LP will refund the difference. Travellers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Hotels.comCA, on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcomca and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. Hotels.com, LP is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world's best-known brands.

Hotels.com, Hotel Price Index, HPI, Finding You the Perfect Place and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2013 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50

Image with caption: "If your design tastes are best described as 'eclectic', you'll love the rooms at the Madonna Inn & Spa (CNW Group/Hotels.com)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130403_C9946_PHOTO_EN_25032.jpg

SOURCE: Hotels.com

Press contacts: 

Lauren Wasley
energi PR for Hotels.com
Phone: [phone] ext. 19
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: @energiPR

Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America 
Phone: [phone] 
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @TravelwithTLC