Club Gascon is a Michelin-starred restaurant in London where you can dine for 14 euros, without fear of getting sent to the kitchen to wash the dishes afterwards. It’s not the only one either. Thirteen restaurants with one or two Michelin stars have decided to offer their customers menus for less than 30 pounds (33.6 euros). Michelin Pied à Terre and the Foliage are two such restaurants. In the case of Club Gascon, which offers the lowest price, the menu includes a dish of the day, a glass of wine, dessert and coffee. The owners of these establishments say the crisis is the main reason why they are promoting this initiative. This means that on the London tube, you could here the following conversation between three friends backpacking around Europe:
“Where do you want to eat today?”
“Let’s get out the Michelin guide and look for a cheap restaurant.
“What do you think? One or two stars today?”

We can get ourselves lost, but not our mobiles. Every day more programmes are being developed (the majority of which are based on GPS technology) that allow travellers to move around more freely in the cities they visit, thanks to their mobile phones. They detect our location. Not only do they know where we are, but they also tell us where to find nearby restaurants, ATM’s or the closest tube station. Just like in the movie “Minority Report,” in the not too distant future, we will be able to personalise our mobile phone so that it only shows us the information we want it to. Many telephone and videogame companies are currently investing heavily in this direction. The Iphone 3GS is one of these devices with the most applications of this type. It has a built-in GPS and compass. iTacitus is the name of a European Union project that aims to apply these technologies to provide the reconstructed images of the buildings that we visit that are in ruins . With the help of your mobile, not only can you walk in between the ruins in Rome (some of which require the traveller to have a very vivid imagination), but you can also get an idea of what the ground that you are standing on actually looked like originally. Did you know that the Parthenon in Greece used to be blue and red? Are we perhaps facing the beginning of the end of tourist guidebooks?

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, we have compiled a few recommendations for diabetes sufferers who are planning on taking a trip. There is no reason why a person with diabetes should not be able to travel anywhere in the world. That said, it is a good idea to visit your doctor before setting off on your trip. It is important to take with you everything you need for every day that you will be away, along with an extra prescription just in case. In order to avoid any misunderstandings at airports, we recommend taking a medical report with you, explaining why you need to take the required material onboard. In the United States, for example, you can simply show the labelled product, as it can only be sold at the chemist with a doctor’s prescription. Keep time differences in mind, due to the fact that, depending on whether you are travelling east or west, you may need to inject an extra dose or avoid taking one. Insulin will withstand travel, but keep an eye out if your destination is a place with high temperatures. In this case, you could take a small cooler or a special case for insulin to keep it cool. We recommend taking a small amount of food with you in case you need it, as well as wearing a bracelet or medallion that indicates that you are diabetic. In the event that you will be walking considerable distances, be sure to examine your feet everyday. Lastly, go to a doctor if you have any problems. And above all, have a wonderful trip!

A mining company in search of gold has apparently destroyed 100 metres of the Great Wall of China. The most well-known monument and tourist attraction in China was built 2000 years ago to protect its borders from invaders attacking from northern Asia. Until this mining company decided to blow it sky high, the Great Wall of China was 6,000 kilometres long. Previously, it had reached 8,000 kilometres, but with the passing of time and human intervention, parts of the wall are now in ruins or have disappeared. When travellers visit the wall, they might come across country houses nearby that were built with stones from this monument. Destroying the wall today could involve a hefty jail sentence. Many walls have been built and many others destroyed over the last 2,000 years, but the Great Wall of China stands proud, like a gigantic dragon, enduring the tests of time. It is simply amazing. Fortunately for the travellers who have yet to admire it in person, there are still 5,900 kilometres left standing.

On the occasion of the Agrotur Trade Fair held at the Feria de Cornellà Exhibition Centre, the newspaper “ Periodico de Cataluña” interviewed Enric Brufau, the director of this event. In times of crisis, the rural tourism industry is not only holding up, but it is even managing to continue growing. Enric Brufau believes that the crisis has caused travellers’ habits to shift. Now they opt for shorter stays in destinations that are closer to home, instead of going on long overseas trips. He also declared in the interview that sitting in front of a fireplace is an excellent therapy for relieving stress.
Quite a few years ago, rural tourism began to become an attractive option to consider when planning a holiday. At the beginning, this alternative popped up almost spontaneously and there were no regulations set up control it. Nowadays however, rural tourism is a sound alternative for travellers. Now that there is no more arguing about whether it’s time to put the heavy duvet on the bed, shall we sit in front the fireplace? Maybe we aren’t that stressed out or maybe we can’t get rid of all of it, but isn’t it worth it just to enjoy this moment?

The destination of the month in Hotelopia is like a city taken out of a fairy tale: Prague. Its bridges, the river and its colourful houses that contrast with its emblematic dark stone buildings give it a mystical, imaginary splendour. This dreamy sensation is magnified by its Art Nouveau, which became very popular in the capital of the Czech Republic in the 20th century. The Municipal House, the Hotel Europa or the first Exhibition Grounds are a reflection of the extent to which this artistic style has influenced Prague’s architecture. The force of its Art Deco or Modernism (as it’s called in Spain) however, can be felt in many other parts of the city, not only at these prominent buildings. When you are meandering through the streets of Prague, remember to look up. You might find a painted female figure smiling down at you from the top of a house. Maybe, when you open the door to a shop, you’ll find that the iron door handle is in the shape of a climbing plant. Inside a café, a mirror could reflect your image surrounded by a wooden frame showing the craftsmanship of virtuosity. Even in the hotel, its winding staircase will add a touch of magic to your stay. When in Prague, visitors do not need to look for Art Nouveau; they will find it all around them, accompanying them during their stay.

It’s Monday again?! Where did Saturday and Sunday go to?  Why haven’t I had more time to rest? When will I? In the last months of the year, the days always seem to drag on in an endless cycle of cold weather, dark afternoons and loads of work. Why is everyone in such a rush and why is the deadline always asap?

I guess complaining doesn’t help, but that doesn’t mean that inside us there isn’t a voice that is asking for a little break, a 2-day getaway, that would do us a world of good.  Spa hotels are perfect for a weekend getaway. Thermal baths and therapies that will help us to disconnect from a daily routine that is satisfactory, although now and again it’s good to stop and put things into perspective. This type of hotel focuses on our physical and mental well-being. We feel better, more creative and renewed. We listen to ourselves and discover many new things. We rest and we recover energy. We give ourselves a weekend gift. Why? Because we deserve it, or simply because we feel like it.

The much loved all American Greyhound bus service has just launched on British shores and has already started a price war with fares starting from just £1.

For anyone who has travelled around the USA on these budget friendly busses will know that the Greyhound service has provided something of a lifeline to those wanting to explore the country for less.  It’s hoped that the UK service will give travellers a similar taste of freedom.

The service offered currently runs between Southampton, Portsmouth and London (Victoria) to cater for the tourist and student masses, but there are hopes it will expand to include other UK destinations in the near future.

If you’ve experienced the American version of the Greyhound, then you’ll be in for a surprise with British service.  The sleek blue busses are fully equipped and boast reclining seats, plenty of leg room, guaranteed comfort, plug in points for laptops and even a free newspaper.

And judging by the rave reviews in the national press today, National Express will be quaking in their boots.

The world’s first hotel made of key cards has been launched in New York.  Measuring 400 square feet, the hotel is decked out with over 200,000 of the Hilton hotel’s finest unused key cards.

Visitors to New York don’t have to book at stay to see this record breaking downtown Manhattan masterpiece but are invited to pop in and take a look around.  The hotel is open to the public from 17 September through 21 September on South Street Seaport.

Built by professional card stacker Bryan Berg, the hotel took some four months to construct.  During the five day event, Bryan will build a freestanding nine-foot replica of New York’s Empire State Building in the lobby of the Key Card Hotel, using Holiday Inn branded playing cards.

Commenting on his achievement, he said,  “This is my largest card stacking challenge to date and the only card creation I have ever made at full human scale.”

Built to celebrate a milestone in Hilton’s hotel history, the Hilton Key Card hotel room isn’t yet available to book on Hotelopia yet, but many other hotels in New York are.  Click here to view.

Latin America boasts unbelievably beautiful scenery, from tropical beaches to some of the peaks of the world.  What’s more, this month, Hotelopia brings you a Latin American extravaganza, as we’ve sourced some of the very best hotels right through the continent.  So check out our mini-country guides and pick a destination and book a break.  What the heck, make it a gap year of it and see the lot!

Panama
Much overlooked by those embarking on the LatinAmerican trail, there are many hidden gems to be found here aside from the Panama Canal. Much of its coastline remains unspoilt and its mountains and rainforests are rich with a wealth of flora and fauna.

Venezuela
Venezuela is home to the longest stretch of Caribbean coastline which makes this a great reason to book a break here. Explore the tropical Canaima national park which is home to the magnificent Angel Falls. What’s more, Caracas is a lively, colourful and cosmopolitan city, not to mention home to controversial president Hugo Chavez.

Ecuador
This multi-ethnic masterpiece allows you to explore the depths of the Amazon Basin to the heights of the Andean volcanoes. The cities Cuenca and Quito are now designated World Heritage sites while the country is also home to the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s greatest nature reserves.

Caribbean Islands
Get guaranteed fantastic weather in possibly Europe’s favourite winter destination. Find your own piece of paradise in islands including: Aruba, Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, Curacao, and Martinique.
Peru
Home to Machu Picchu, one of the new wonders of the world, see this amazing phenomenon before the government threatens to restrict access. With its fascinating history of Inca empires and Spanish conquistadors, this country is a must-see for those hitting the Latin American trail.

Bolivia
Take a deep breath now, since getting to the capital La Paz, may just require extra oxygen. This is the highest capital city in the world and why travellers head to explore this space which is as atmospherically challenging as it is indigenously varied.

Brazil
Famed for soccer, music, carnivals, and captivating capoeira dancing, Brazilians certainly know how to enjoy the finer things in life. While everyone knows Rio de Janerio, the country’s colourful capital, get out and explore other areas including Ouro Prêto or Olinda.

Chile
There are few places in the world where you can either sizzle or freeze to the extent that can be experienced in Chile. From the volcanic peaks to the neighbouring Antarctic, Chile is a land of massive extremes. What’s more, it’s one of the most fascinating and diverse countries on the continent.

Argentina
Creators of the tango and possibly the greatest tasting steaks on the planet, Argentina is a Latin paradise of cultural extremes. Soak up the fun in Buenos Aires, and then breathe in the fresh air in the wilds of Patagonia.

Uruguay
While Montevideo pulls in the crowds, travellers are finally cottoning onto the fact that Uruguay is often overlooked on the South American trail. Check out hidden highlights including Maldonado and Punta del Diablo.