If you're going to San Francisco be sure to look up the Joie de Vivre hotels which have been described as "the hippest hotels in town" by Conde Nast Traveler and "like a night in a well written romance novel" by Town & Country. This selection of highly unusual hotels is decorated on various themes such as the movies, art deco, California beach house, funky, sophisticated and so on.
More details from 567 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 or Tel: (001 415) 835 0300.
How about a Scandinavian-type holiday without having to leave Ireland? Kilcorby Log Cabins at Belturbet, Co Cavan have all you need. Traditional wooden cabins in beautiful lakeland country. Each cabin has three bedrooms, central heating and all the comforts of home. Ideal for families who like fishing, golfing, horse-riding and watersports. More details from (049) 22869.
Diners Club members can take advantage of two special offers for a winter break. The Quality Hotel in opened in June and has all the facilities you require for a nice break: swimming pool, leisure centre, and is located close to some of the best sightseeing in the country. They are offering bed and breakfast for £35 per night per person sharing based on a two night stay (091) 792244. The other offer is at the Kildare Hotel and Country Club at which also has extensive leisure facilities. The cost is £170 per room per night including breakfast, phone Mary Farrelly (01) 601 7200 for reservations.
Beer buffs who lament the lack of choice in this country might like to take themselves off to from October 8th-10th for the Real Ale Festival.
It brings together the best of British ales, from the far north to the deepest south. Up to 50 traditional ales and ciders will be available for tasting at the Royal Hotel, St Helier. Details from the Jersey Brochureline on 1850 537 739 or your local agent. Websurfers might be interested to hear that flights to Jersey go on discount sale every week from Wednesday to Friday for travel the next weekend. The fare from Stansted is £68 sterling return. You can reach them at http://www.klmuk.com.
The Northern Ireland Hospice Support Group for Fermanagh will be holding its annual Antiques and Fine Art Fair at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen on October 7th and 8th. The fair will run from noon to 10 p.m. each day, and a representative from Christies will do valuations on the Thursday afternoon. The Northern Ireland Tourist Board will help find accommodation, if you need it, 1850 230 230.
The Tesco's annual flight promotion with Aer Lingus has started and this year there are 41 destinations with all flights based on two people travelling together. For 50 points, two can travel to the for £69, to and Brussels for £129, San Francisco and for £1554. Like any promotional offers, the quicker you get in your request, the more likely you will get your first choice. Bookings can be made directly with Aer Lingus on (01) 705 3008 or with your local travel agent.