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(photo by Nicolas Raymond via Flickr)

Planning the Perfect Vacation with ProntoHotel’s Fall

Hotel Guide 2014

Each of the four seasons has its own way of making you want to pack your bag and go anywhere and

everywhere, but no season brings on travel fever more than fall. Say goodbye to intense summer

heat and hello to crisp, fresh air that begs you to go out and enjoy the weather before it gets too cold.

Sandwiched between two of the most extreme seasons, the blazing summer and the freezing winter,

fall is a very welcome season indeed. It is also one of the best times in the year to travel, as crowds

thin out, kids are back in school, and, as a result, airfare and hotel rates drop in order to attract more

guests and give you a better deal.

When one thinks of autumn, what usually comes to mind are shorter days and longer nights, equating

to having less time to do daytime activities. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t get to fully enjoy

your vacation. There are plenty of things to do both day and night—and the weather around this time

of year is also the most pleasant—even more so than spring. Actually, it’s near perfect.

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Things to Do in the Fall—and Where to Do Them

(photo by Anthony Quintano via Flickr)

A vacation is not a vacation without good accommodation, and autumn is one of the best times to

travel simply because it’s considered an off season. This means that the rates for accommodation,

from hotels to bed and breakfasts, are significantly lower compared to summer and winter. Autumn

brings with it a slew of different activities that you would not normally partake in during other seasons,

and this is an important factor to take into account when choosing a place to stay. This also means

that you get to experience different things every year!

Between the brilliant reds and oranges painting the landscape as trees head in to their winter slumber

to a beautiful bounty of crops making their way from the farm to your plate, fall is a wonderful, picture-

perfect, and delicious time of year to travel. And with that, here is our seasonal guide to the things

you need to do and experience when you go on vacation in the fall.

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for The Best All-Around Hotels for Fall

Aspen Meadows Resort, Colorado, USA

An amazing resort in the Rocky Mountains, you’ll

have a unique chance to view the changing colors

of Colorado right before your eyes. With enormous

windows in each room to take in the 40 acres of

mountainous landscape around you, this property

also offers proximity to a plethora of activities,

including boutique shopping, fantastic hiking and

biking, and even ski slopes late in November.

There are also many great fall deals to be had

within both the hotel and the vibrant city of Aspen.

Book here: Aspen Meadows Resort

Address: 845 Meadows Road, Aspen, Colorado, USA

4 Stars ♦ 98 Rooms ♦ Mountains

Casa Delfino, Crete, Greece

Forget pumpkins, foliage, and the harvest—if

you’re just not ready for summer to end, this hotel

in Greece offers a wonderful respite in the sun.

With temperatures staying warm through the end of

October, the island of Crete is a great choice. This

property is housed in a beautiful Venetian-style villa

from the 17th Century with a mosaic courtyard and

stunning ocean views. Enjoy spacious guest

rooms, lots of sunlight, and a relaxing spa. Pack

your sunblock—summer’s not over here!

Book here: Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa

Address: Theofanous 9, Chania, Crete, Greece

5 Stars ♦ 24 Rooms ♦ Island

Mamaison Hotel Riverside, Prague, Czech Republic

Located on the banks of the majestic Vltava River,

this property is close to many of Prague’s main

attractions. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of both the

river and Prague Castle from your contemporary

guest room within this historic mansion. Autumn is

a particularly special time to visit Prague, with

many music festivals taking place in the city. The

cuisine is also at its best in the fall, so be sure to try

some of the typical dishes from the area, like the

dumplings, alongside a fantastic local beer.

Book here: Mamaison Hotel Riverside Prague

Address: Janáčkovo Nábřeží 15, Prague, Czech Republic

4.5 Stars ♦ 78 Rooms ♦ City

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(photo by wallconvert.com)

Watching the Landscape Change Through Your Window

The tell-tale signs that fall has set in comes when the nights become chilly and the trees start to turn

from green to yellow, red, and orange. The process is truly awe-inspiring, letting you bear witness to

Mother Nature at her finest.

Taking advantage of this scenic spectacle, one of the most popular activities during autumn is leaf-

peeping, where you get to observe and take breathtaking pictures of fall foliage. Leaf-peeping has

become a pretty big tourist attraction in many places around the globe—but there are some spots that

see a more dramatic change than others, particularly France and New England.

A good number of hotels offer special packages and rates for leaf-peepers, showcasing their prime

real estate and sharing their secret views with lucky guests.

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for The Best Hotels for Fall Foliage

Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont, USA

Sitting right at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the

tallest peak in Vermont, you can’t get a much

better location when it comes to leaf peeping. All

of the beautifully-outfitted rooms come with a

balcony and picture-perfect views of the area’s

patchwork foliage. Expect first-class service all

the way, from the helpful staff to the relaxing spa,

the climatized pool to the gondola that takes you

right up to the top of the mountain for a little

hiking and a dramatic, colorful panorama.

Book here: Stowe Mountain Lodge

Address: 7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, Vermont

5 Stars ♦ 300 Rooms ♦ Mountain

Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, France

While France may not exactly be known for its

foliage, it is known for its wine, and in the Loire

Valley, those two things combine to make one

beautiful time of year as the now-vacant vines

change color. This 4-star hotel is located in the

heart of it all, surrounded by vast woods that

were once used by hunters. The chalet seems

straight out of a fairytale, and the service you’ll

get is fit for royalty. Be sure to hop on one of the

free bicycles to explore the nature around you.

Book here: Domaine des Hauts de Loire

Address: 79 rue Gilbert Navard, Onzain, France

4 Stars ♦ 31 Rooms ♦ Wine Route

The Castle at Burg Colmberg Hotel, Germany

A stop on both the Romantic Road and the Castle

Road of Germany’s Bavaria region, this 13th

Century castle hotel will take you back in time to

the middle ages while giving you some of the

most glorious views in the area. Perched on the

edge of a mountain 511 meters high, you’ll be

able to see the entire landscape below, alive with

red, orange, and yellow. Be sure to sample some

of the regional cuisine at the on-site restaurant,

which features a cozy wood-burning fireplace.

Book here: The Castle at Burg Colmberg Hotel

Address: An der Burgenstraße, Colmberg, Germany

3 Stars ♦ 26 Rooms ♦ Romantic Road

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(photo by Liz West via Flickr)

Tasting the Season During an Amazing Harvest

Along with the best weather of the year, fall also brings with it lush harvests of different fruits and

vegetables. Depending on the area you plan to visit, your dinner plate will be full of an ever-changing

rotation of nature’s bounty.

This is also the perfect time of year to be on the lookout for harvest festivals—from wine in Italy to

black truffles in France and Spain, pumpkins in Pennsylvania to cranberries in Massachusetts.

People love to celebrate the area’s crop, and finding a harvest festival can be a great way to get to

know your destination better and to mix with the locals.

Many hotels will help you get in on the harvest action, offering everything from apple picking to wine

tasting and grape harvesting, especially in wine country USA.

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Harvest-Worthy Hotels

Cottage Grove Inn, California, USA

Napa is the most famous wine region in the United

States, and being just north of San Francisco, it is

just as convenient as it is beautiful. Fall in Napa is

one of the most magical and most exciting times

of year to visit, as the wine harvest is in full swing.

This series of cottages is the absolute perfect

place to call home, with private whirlpools for two,

wooden lounge chairs outside that just call your

name, and on-site spas and restaurants to keep

you happy and relaxed.

Book here: Cottage Grove Inn

Address: 1711 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, California

3 Stars ♦ 16 Rooms ♦ Wine Country

Le Terre di Isa, Umbria, Italy

Tucked away in the Umbrian countryside near

Lake Trasimeno, this beautiful Italian farmhouse

sits on a gorgeous piece of property lined with

olive trees. It’s the perfect setting from which to

experience the town’s Olivagando festival in

November, as well as October’s famous

Eurochocolate fair in the nearby town of Perugia.

The family that runs the B&B will make you feel

right at home, while the rustic villa will help you

feel one with the landscape around you.

Book here: Le Terre di Isa

Address: Via Case Sparse, 54, Magione, Perugia, Italy

3 Stars ♦ 7 Rooms ♦ Agriturismo

La Trufa Negra, Spain

The small town of Sarrión, Spain, is one of the

biggest producers of the amazing black truffle,

and it hosts the FItruf festival every year in early

December. See the year’s truffle crop, sample a

number of preparations, and then return to this

hotel for some star treatment, including a spa and

trendy decor. All of this in a super charming and

historic town. And since the hotel is named after

the black gold that puts the area on the map,

there’s no better place to stay during harvest time!

Book here: Hotel La Trufa Negra

Address: Av Ibáñez Martín, 10, Mora de Rubielos, Spain

4 Stars ♦ 39 Rooms ♦ Small Town

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(photo by Ryan Blyth via Flickr)

Enjoying the Open Space of Off-Season

Another neat thing to do in the fall that most people don’t is going to museums. Autumn is the perfect

time to visit your favorite museums and other tourist attractions, because their rates are usually a lot

cheaper, and are even free sometimes. This is because it’s off season, so the attractions are less

packed with people than they usually are and there is an extra effort to get people in the doors.

Also, with students having just started their fall term, the bars and pubs that they frequented during

the summer will be nearly empty. You can finally enjoy some downtime without being bothered by

sometimes rowdy crowds.

Take advantage of this time to stroll a little slower, to sip a little longer, and to stare at some of the

world’s most famous paintings for a few extra minutes.

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Hotels in the Off-Season

Thistle Kensington Gardens, London

Located directly on Kensington Gardens, this

beautiful London hotel is in the midst of all of the

action of the city. With beautiful park views and

proximity to Kensington Palace, the happening

Mayfair neighborhood, the shopping mecca

Oxford Street, and Buckingham Palace, you can

enjoy endless strolls through quiet Hyde Park

right outside of your door. The nightlife of the

West End is just a cab ride away from this

contemporary, chic retreat within the London.

Book here: Thistle Kensington Gardens

Address: 104 Bayswater Road, London, England

4 Stars ♦ 175 Rooms ♦ City

The Peninsula, Paris

This glorious, luxurious hotel in Paris just opened

in August, so by now, they’ve worked out all of

the kinks—if they had any to begin with—and yet

it’s still new enough to make you feel like you’re

discovering something exciting. Offering the

stellar service and experience for which the brand

is known, along with gorgeous accommodations

and a great terrace restaurant that has views of

the Eiffel Tower, you’ll also be down the street

from the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees.

Book here: The Peninsula Paris

Address: 19 Avenue Kléber, Paris, France

5 Stars ♦ 200 Rooms ♦ City

Raphael Hotel, Rome

If you want to be in the center of Rome while

staying in one of the best small hotels in town,

then this property will accomplish both. Just a

few streets away from Piazza Navona, you’ll live

your autumn dolce vita in style. The ivy-covered

facade of the building will set the tone, and the

interior will make you feel like royalty. The terrace

and its restaurant (one of two on site) will melt

your heart, the views of Rome’s rooftops keeping

your eyes and camera busy the whole trip!

Book here: Raphael Hotel

Address: Largo Febo 2, Rome, Italy

5 Stars ♦ 50 Rooms ♦ City

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Fun Events Throughout the Fall

(photo by Baker County Tourism via Flickr)

Because of the weather and the harvest and the lack of crowds, fall is also one of the best times of

year to find organized events and things to do. In an effort to showcase the year’s bounty and get

families outside to enjoy the last few days before winter hibernation, many towns around the globe

put on events that are all about fun.

From festivals celebrating local food and drink to harvest demonstrations and fairs where you can

pick your own apples, pumpkins, cranberries, and more, be prepared for hay rides, haunted houses,

and plenty of other activities to keep you and yours busy every weekend. Get out there and enjoy the

crisp fresh air, the warm sunshine on your back, and the sights and smells of such a beautiful season.

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(photo by 46137 via Flickr)

Beer, Beer, and More Beer

It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year—especially by those fond of hops, lederhosen, and

oversized pretzels. Of course, we’re talking about Oktoberfest.

While the celebration originated in Germany, with the beer capital being Munich, the Oktoberfest

phenomenon has quickly spread around the globe—particularly in communities with large German

populations. The festivals often take place in late September and early October, and they offer a

wonderful party atmosphere with carnival games and live music performed by different bands, along

with the opportunity to taste different international beer brands. And, while Ferris Wheels and group

dance lessons are fun and all, we know the beer is what you’re really looking forward to!

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Oktoberfest Around the Globe

Hotel Seibel, Munich, Germany

One thing’s for sure: you’re not going to get any

closer to Munich Oktoberfest than by staying here.

Located directly across from the Theresienwiese

fairgrounds, you’ll even be able to get in on the

action just by looking out your balcony or window

(don’t worry—the windows are soundproof). Both

inexpensive and convenient, you’ll get all of the

modern comforts, plus a nearby place to rest your

head once you’ve filled your belly with beer.

Book here: Hotel Seibel

Address: Theresienhöhe 9, Munich, Germany

3 Stars ♦ 50 Rooms ♦ City

Walper Hotel, Kitchener, Canada

Opened in 1893, this hotel in Canada sits in the

heart of the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich.

A full schedule, including a gala, Miss Oktoberfest,

and, yes, beer, makes this celebration one not to

be missed. The hotel will provide everything you

need: convenience, a place to rest your head, and

lots of history so that you’ll learn more than just

how many pints you can down! It has also hosted

Oktoberfest events, so you won’t have to travel far

to partake!

Book here: Walper Hotel

Address: 20 Queen Street South, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

3 Stars ♦ 79 Rooms ♦ Small Town

Emporium Hotel, Brisbane, Australia

We know, this is a fall travel guide, but we’re

making an exception to tell you about another

great Oktoberfest—this one in Brisbane. Traveling

Down Under in October will mean pairing ales with

springtime. The Brisbane Oktoberfest is a huge,

family-friendly event, and this boutique hotel is one

of the closest to the event grounds. Get some

stellar treatment in a chic environment, along with

a rooftop pool that has great views of the city and

is definitely a place to see and be seen.

Book here: Emporium Hotel

Address: 1000 Ann Street, Brisbane, Australia

5 Stars ♦ 102 Rooms ♦ City

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(Photo by creepyhalloweenimages via Flickr)

Goblins, Ghouls, and All-Around Spooks

Your year would not be complete without having even some semblance of a celebration for

Halloween during October. Some hotels have huge Halloween costume parties that might pique your

interest. After all, it’s not everyday that you get to dress up as your favorite scary character!

Kids from everywhere walk around town with candy bags in hand, going from door to door and getting

their sweet tooth fix. The sight of these characters walking up and down the road, coupled with the fall

foliage around you make for a pretty interesting atmosphere. You can also carve your own pumpkin,

or join hotels that offer pumpkin-carving contests. It’s time to show off your carving prowess!

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Halloween Hotels

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, Florida, USA

There may be no more magical place to celebrate

Halloween than at Walt Disney World. Join villains

and characters in costume for trick-or-treating at

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and then

head back to your room at this Disney resort for

even more festivities, including pumpkin carving, a

golf cart parade, a decoration contest, a campfire

sing- along, and a haunted hayride. Be sure to plan

ahead with the Disney floral and gift department for

a spooky in-room surprise!

Book here: Disney's Fort Wilderness Campground & Resort

Address: 4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail, Orlando, USA

3 Stars ♦ 408 Rooms ♦ Family-Friendly

SIXTY SoHo, New York City

New York City’s West Village becomes even more

alive every Halloween for the annual parade that

attracts thousands of onlookers. If you want to be

one of the more than 50,000 participants, pack your

costume and check in to this hotel, which is right

near the parade staging area. You won’t have to

travel far from this boutique property to get in on the

fun, and the service you’ll receive during your stay

is above par. Grab a drink at the rooftop bar for the

perfect way to end your Halloween!

Book here: SIXTY SoHo

Address: 60 Thompson Street, New York, NY, USA

4.5 Stars ♦ 97 Rooms ♦ City

Tower Hotel, Derry, Ireland

The only hotel inside of the 17th Century city walls,

this is the perfect place from which to experience

the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe’en Carnival, a

weekend celebration of scary, with tours, a parade,

fireworks, and amazing costumes. In fact, those not

dressed up are often refused service at local pubs.

This hotel lends a unique vantage point to all of the

festivities within the city, and quite a convenient

place to pass out—either from fright or exhaustion!

Book here: Tower Hotel

Address: 17-19 Butcher St, Londonderry, Ireland

3 Stars ♦ 90 Rooms ♦ City

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(photo credit Anthony Quintano via Flickr)

Giving Thanks: For Family, Friends, Food, and Travel

Perhaps the most popular holiday that everybody looks forward to is Thanksgiving. It’s one of the

most heart-felt and family-oriented Western traditions, stemming all the way back to when the

Pilgrims came in contact with Native Americans, who taught them how to grow corn to last through

the winter.

Nowadays, Thanksgiving is a holiday filled with different kinds of food, with stuffed turkey being the

main dish. Families sit down and eat together, celebrating time together and the bountiful meal before

them. But don’t be fooled—the United States isn’t the only country that gives thanks on this holiday.

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Thanks and Giving

New York Hilton Midtown, New York City

If you’re looking to experience the cornerstone

event of Thanksgiving (aside from a huge turkey

dinner, of course), then you’re looking to see the

Macy’s parade in New York. As giant balloons

weave through the streets of Manhattan, watch

comfortably from your perch at this hotel, where

the enormous characters literally float right by

your window. Located in the heart of midtown,

this property is close to transportation, attractions,

and plenty of restaurants for a great holiday meal.

Book here: New York Hilton Midtown

Address: 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, US

4 Stars ♦ 1980 Rooms ♦ City

Hotel Gault, Montreal, Canada

Though Thanksgiving is mainly associated with

the US, Canada also partakes. The celebrations

may not be as grand and the menu not as fixed,

but on the second Monday in October, Canadians

spend the long weekend breaking bread. One

custom these neighbors do share is football, and

on T-Day Canada hosts a double-header. This

year, Saskatchewan plays in Montreal, and this

hotel has plenty to be thankful for, including a

location in between Old Town and the game.

Book here: Hotel Gault

Address: 449 Rue Sainte-Hélène, Montréal, Canada 4 Stars ♦ 30 Rooms ♦ City

Mielparque Nagano, Japan

It may come as a surprise for some, but when US

troops left Japan in 1948, one tradition stuck with

locals: Thanksgiving. Every November 23,

harvest and labor celebrations happen across the

country, the most important one being in Nagano.

This beautiful hotel is located right near the high-

speed train station, and though the rooms are

basic, they help set the tone for a holiday that will

help put you back in touch with nature and give

thanks for the even the simplest things in life.

Book here: Mielparque Nagano

Address: 752-8 Tsuruga, Nagano, Japan

3.5 Stars ♦ 90 Rooms ♦ City

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(photo by maria del carmen gomes via Flickr)

Getting Your Shopping On

Another event in the United States that is very popular during fall, albeit one that has garnered very

polarized views, is Black Friday. On the day after Thanksgiving, massive amounts of goods in almost

every single store, whether online or not, drop prices as low as 80% in order to get their accounting

books out of the “red” and into the “black.” It’s also the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season.

Some people actually line up for as long as 24 hours in front of a store just so they can be the first

ones in, and once the doors open, shoppers flood in to snag some of the coveted items. It’s not for

the faint at heart, to be sure, but it can be a day full of shopping fun and fantastic savings!

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ProntoHotel’s Recommendations for Black Friday Shopping

Radisson Blu Mall of America, Minnesota, USA

Those who want to shop til they drop should look

no further than the biggest mall in the United

States, where Black Friday deals reign supreme.

This hotel is literally on the doorstep of the Mall of

America, so taking naps, grabbing meals, and

unloading your bags full of goodies will be a

breeze. Schedule a wake-up call so that you

won’t miss out on any of the deep discounts. At

the end of the day, spend some time getting

pampered at the spa—you’ve earned it!

Book here: Radisson Blu Mall of America

Address: 2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington, MN, USA

4 Stars ♦ 500 Rooms ♦ City

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza, California, USA

Just across the street from Westfield Century

City, this Los Angeles hotel is perfect for those

who want to do some high-end shopping on

Black Friday. With 150 shops within walking

distance, this property is quite convenient for

those looking to score some deals. In the

evening, enjoy two “farm to fork” restaurants right

on site, as well as a spa and a pool. Also within

close proximity to the Beverly Center, you’ll be

able to tackle nearly every retailer imaginable

within just a few minutes!

Book here: Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

Address: 2025 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA

4 Stars ♦ 726 Rooms ♦ City

InterContinental Miami, Florida, USA

Why not squeeze in a beach vacation alongside

your shopping extravaganza? This hotel is

located amid downtown Miami’s shopping district,

so while you’re not lounging at the pool, dining at

the four on-site restaurants, relaxing in the spa,

or basking in the fantastic views of the channel,

you can take a quick walk over to Flagler Street,

the heart of Miami shopping. After, zip on over to

always-happening Miami Beach to put your toes

in the sea or stroll through nearby Bayfront Park.

Book here: InterContinental Miami

Address: 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami, Florida, USA

4 Stars ♦ 641 Rooms ♦ City

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Get in on Fall Fun Before the Brilliant Colors Have Faded Away!

All in all, autumn is one of the best times to go on a vacation—even a just a weekend getaway. Low

prices, a lot of fun activities that you don’t get to do any other time of year, and the amazing and

breathtaking views of nature are just some of the things you can get to experience during this

awesome season.

No matter what you decide to do, a vacation in autumn will never let you down!