Archive for August 31st, 2009

Best Hotels in Havana

Monday, August 31st, 2009

I would like to introduce you in this article to what in my modest opinion represent the best hotels in Havana. Please complement this information with reviews in trip advisor before you decide which hotel to go for in Havana.

Santa Isabel Hotel

Santa Isabel offers cosy rooms that are decorated in luxurious colonial style. It is here where John Paul II stayed in 1998 when he visited Havana. This Colonial Palace is located only few steps from Havana’s Cathedral and it is just next to where Havana was founded almost 400 years ego.

Saratoga Hotel

This hotel was constructed in the early 1930’s and was immediately well known for its excellent cuisine. Its Open-air pedestrian arcades are a pleasure to walk through. This 5 star hotel enjoys an excellent location in the very heart of the Old Town. Its roof top swimming pool is one of the best spots to contemplate Havana’s reach architecture.

NH Parque Central

This 5 star hotel is located in the centre of the old colonial Havana, surrounded by numerous famous buildings, like the Capitol, the “Teatro Garcia Lorca” and the Museum for Modern Arts. Here the elegance of the Spanish colonial style combines with much more modern features. From the terrace and swimming pool bar in the uppermost floor of the hotel, one can enjoy the most spectacular view over old Havana.

Havana - Florida Hotel

At a centric corner of the street Obispo raises majestically the Hotel Florida. Few meters from Plaza de Armas this hotel is surrounded by businesses, art galleries and interesting museums that provide a magic atmosphere in its vicinity. A distinguished ambience and a customized service invite you to discover the magic of the past in the 21st century.

Havana - Raquel Hotel

The classic Raquel hotel stands out for its beautiful art-nouveau architecture style and is just few minutes walk from Plaza Vieja in Havana?s Old Town. This 4 star hotel houses 37 rooms, gym, one a la carte restaurant, buffet restaurant and a beautiful terrace from where you can enjoy fantastic views of Havana.

Please visit Cuba tours web site by J. M. Maurette for further information on Havana Hotels

TRAVEL INSURANCE ONLINE - ATLAS INTERNATIONAL PLAN

Monday, August 31st, 2009

If you’re traveling overseas, chances are that you are concerned about falling ill at the destination. Atlas travel insurance offers a short-term plan to put to rest just that concern, with a plan that is geared toward those traveling for pleasure, business, and study.

Most of the Atlas international travel insurance plan benefits are medical, and cover a wide range: right from getting to the hospital (ambulance costs), getting treated (outpatient charges) and treatment at the hospital (hospitalization and indemnity benefits). Physical therapy is also covered, as are emergency dental procedures. The plan covers the cost of medical evacuation in case of a life-threatening situation, and on purchase of an additional sports rider, even conditions arising from performing risky sports.

Seniors are often uninsured or under insured simply because of the clauses that exclude pre-existing conditions from the plan. If a person under 70 suffers a serious recurrence of a previously existing condition that requires hospitalization, the travel insurance plan covers the medical and evacuation costs. Also, if a covered minor will be left alone when the insured is hospitalized, the plan includes the cost of sending the minor home.

Apart from general medical expenses, the plan also covers costs borne due to natural disasters, both while traveling (for accommodation), and at home. In case the disaster results in damage of the home of the insured, the plan covers his/her immediate travel home. The Atlas travel insurance online plan also covers return in case of political chaos and evacuation, and injuries resulting from terrorist attacks. The plan also covers the cost of sending the remains home, in case the insured dies overseas.

The Atlas travelers medical insurance plan provides coverage in the home country with optional 30-day coverage after the plan holder returns home. Additional trips home during the plan period are also covered for up to 15 days in a 3-month period.

Other benefits of the travel insurance plan include help with lost baggage or travel documents, and identifying and working with doctors and lawyers if required. The insured does not have to worry about payment if the insured is treated by a PPO network doctor or hospital—the entire sum is covered (after the deductible).

Applicants to the Atlas international travel insurance plan must be at least 14 days old. Plans can be for a minimum of 5 days and a maximum of 12 months, with options for extension. An Web-based client zone helps plan holders work with and perform tasks associated with the plan. Round-the-clock, round-the-world customer service is available through toll-free phone numbers.

The minimum coverage of the Atlas international travel insurance plan is $50,000 and the maximum is $1,000,000. Different premium slabs are available, depending on the coverage requested, the applicant’s age, and whether the risky sports coverage is opted for.