Dreaming of a holiday in California? When it comes to hotels in San Francisco there’s plenty of variety, including ones that are tailormade to provide the city break experience you’re yearning for. Whether you're a fan of impressive architecture, a shopaholic, or an adventurous foodie, the perfect San Francisco Hotel awaits your arrival.
Are you blown away by impressive architecture? Then a stay at the 5 star Fairmont San Francisco is a must. This Beaux Arts landmark opened in 1907 and was given a starring role in the movie ‘Kiss Them for Me’. Film fans will also recognise numerous streets around the hotel from ‘Invasion of the Body Snatchers’, ‘The Last Black Man in San Francisco’ and numerous other movies. For getting around the city the streetcar stops on the hotel’s doorstep. If you’re especially interested in San Fran’s unique transport system, a museum dedicated to the history of the cable car is just a few minutes walk away. When it comes to eating and drinking some of the best options are at the hotel itself. The Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar has not only been called the best in San Francisco, the late Anthony Bourdain described it as the greatest in the world.
As the name suggests Hilton San Francisco Union Square is adjacent to Union Square - the city’s high end shopping area, home to Tiffany’s, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. It’s also where you’ll find the iconic Macy’s store. Each year they sponsor the city’s largest Christmas tree, host Dickens Village and provide a movie-like Santa’s grotto experience, making it a dream destination for families. Despite boasting a central location Hilton San Francisco Union Square offers many of the luxuries you’d only normally get at beach resorts, including an outdoor swimming pool and a choice of bars and restaurants. If you’re hiring a car you can go for an electric option, as there’s EV charging points too.
Fancy a stay near the harbour? You won’t regret booking a stay at RIU Plaza Fisherman's Wharf. Not only will you be close to the departure points for ferries across the bay, where you can admire the Golden Gate Bridge in its full glory, you’ll be a short stroll from the sea lion observation point. If, like the cute little mammals, you love to eat fish, there’s a range of seafood restaurants for you to choose from. The hotel boasts an outdoor pool and to prep you for a day of sightseeing they offer a delicious American-style buffet breakfast, as well as a Grab & Go service.
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Las Vegas
Holidays to Las Vegas are all about once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Where else in the world can you tie the knot at the top of the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a three-course meal next to an erupting volcano, and whiz around New York on a huge rollercoaster? When the sun goes down, this glittering metropolis pulsates with dazzling shows, world-famous casinos and its famous neon glow.
And alongside its attention-grabbing Strip, Las Vegas holidays are rich in outdoor adventure. Head just two hours east to tick off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World from your bucket list. The Grand Canyon's West Rim invites thrill-seekers to walk the glass bridge, suspended 4000 feet above the ground. You could try your hand at whitewater rafting down the Colorado River from here. And, if you hire a car for the trip, stop off at Hoover Dam.
Things to do
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! After all, if you can let your hair down anywhere, it’s in Sin City. Whether you want to play poker, hit the shops, or party all night long, nowhere on the planet is as bold, glitzy and outrageous.
By day, if you’re not sightseeing, it’s all about relaxing and preparing yourself for the big night ahead; so why not grab an ice-cold drink and soak up the sun by your hotel pool before the main event? And when you do want to get out and about, here are the sights you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Las Vegas.
Experience the Las Vegas Strip
Neon lights, jumping fountains, and the world's tallest observation wheel. Las Vegas city breaks are full of thrills! Take your pick from spectacular Cirque du Soleil shows, iconic landmarks like Caesars Palace, wow-worthy views from the Stratosphere Tower, and legendary performances by the likes of Elton John.
The Strip is the ultimate playground, and the energy is infectious. Dominated by iconic museums, award-winning restaurants and the best nightclubs in the city - where you can party from happy hour to sunrise. Hotspots include Marquee in Cosmopolitan, renowned for its rooftop pool parties, and XS, the most glamorous club on the Strip.
Rub shoulders with high-rollers
Almost every movie featuring Las Vegas includes shots of Fremont Street. If you haven’t been to this historic gaming spot, can you really say you’ve been to Las Vegas? It’s where it all began, well before the birth of the Strip. Try your hand at blackjack inside the oldest casino in the city, Golden Gate. It first opened its doors in 1906 and holds a legacy that spans the Roaring 20s, Prohibition, and the whole Rat Pack era.
If you want to test your luck on the slot machines, you’ll also need to bring some dollar bills with you! Order your Thomas Cook Travel Money online, and you’ll beat most high street rates. Just make sure you only play with what you can afford to lose - there’s a reason free drinks flow at the gaming table!
Natural wonders
Swap the glitz of the city for some awe-inspiring nature. The Grand Canyon is just a two-hour drive away. You can join a tour, hire a car, or, for the ultimate treat, take an unforgettable Grand Canyon helicopter ride.
And what trip to Las Vegas would be complete without ripping through the red sands of Nevada on the desert dune buggies. It's such an exciting way to get stuck into the city’s natural outback! The best months to give it a go are from March to May and September to November when the weather in Las Vegas is slightly cooler.
Vegas family trips
Thinking of treating the family to the trip of a lifetime? There are so many things to do with the kids in Las Vegas. Become an agent at Marvel Avengers. Come face-to-face with giant rays, rare golden crocodiles and sharks at Mandalay Bay. Along the Strip, you’ll also find spellbinding shows, from Witches and Warlocks to comedy magic.
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