7 Tips to Remember When Staying in a Hotel for the Holidays

The holidays are over, well nearly, we've still got 2012 to ring in but already we've got a post-mortem of the 2011 holiday season from our favorite concierge, @ConciergeCorner.

1. On Shipping gifts: I will be happy to map out, recommend and even drive you to purchase gifts, but shipping and tipping, that’s on you.

2. Keep complaints to a minimum: You are visiting family but I’m away from mine, at work. Have a heart and don’t complain about the low floor of your third party booked room, thanks.

3. Restaurant reservations on Christmas Eve are tough: It’s Christmas Eve and for some reason you are under the impression that you are getting a table at the popular family owned Italian eatery. Sorry, not happening. Mr. Lucco is with his family but I’m sure Red Dragon Asian eatery has availability.

4. Same with tourist attractions: Sadly our most popular tourist attractions are closed but I can get you to the Kremlin, Dubai and Mumbai via Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, now playing.

5. Be specific about gift requests: To come to me saying you want the “it gift” is useless. Maybe I think the “it gift” is Pogs? Say what you want, mean what you say and you’re bound to have a better stay.

6. Yes, tipping is still appreciated: With hundred dollar designer shades on and hands full of shopping bags, I really don’t care to hear how you have no money to tip me cause it’s the holidays.

7. Management won't get off easy: Lucky number 7 goes out to all my senior management out there in “This has been a down year" land. Stop playing the victim and throw me a few bucks, as I know you can.

Sydney Tourism News and Information: The 10 Best Sydney Events to Impress Your Guests Over the Summer Break

There's nothing like a Sydney summer – warm days, balmy nights, and every corner of the city seems to blossom with premier cultural events and activities. The infectious vibe starts early in December and carries through until the end of January, with festivals on most weekends.

If you're holding a conference or exhibition around this time, it's a perfect opportunity to treat your delegates to a true taste of Sydney culture, entertainment, adventure and life.

You can visit the 'Events Sydney' website for a complete rundown of this year's buzzing schedule. In the meantime, here's a list of the biggest and best events and activities on the Sydney 2011-12 summer calendar.

1. Picasso, Masterpieces, Art Gallery NSW, now until 25 March

Sydney Morning Herald art critic, John McDonald, has called this exhibition the most important show to ever hit our shores. Indeed, with record-breaking attendances, this collection of masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso in Paris has become the exhibition to view this summer.

Tip: Pre-book your tickets online to avoid the queues.

View website

2. Carols by the Tree, Darling Harbour, 24 December

A little Christmas cheer does wonders for the soul, so get into the mood this year and catch the last night of this annual event before Santa arrives in town. Sing carols with hundreds of others around the enormous sparkling Christmas tree.

Tip: Head to Chinatown afterwards for dinner where the restaurants are always open late.

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3. Christmas Day on the beach

If you or your delegates are normally accustomed to snow and eggnog at this time of year, spending a hot Christmas Day on one of Sydney's iconic beaches will make for a most memorable celebration. Swap turkey for prawns and fresh seafood, and pudding for ice-cream.

Tip: To avoid the crowds, head to a less-populated beach such as Bronte or head north over the Harbour Bridge to Whale or Bungan Beach.

4. Boxing Day on Sydney Harbour, 26 December

For many locals and visitors, it's almost mandatory to be on or around Sydney Harbour on Boxing Day to watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.

A picnic on the water's edge provides the perfect backdrop to feast on Christmas Day leftovers.

Tip: Hiring a boat on the Harbour is a great way to get up close to the yachts. If that's not in the budget you can always jump on a ferry at Circular Quay to get into the spirit of things.

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5. Fireworks Celebrations, New Years Eve

At the stroke of midnight on 31 December each year, images of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House are beamed across the world – showcasing the spectacular fireworks displays that illuminate the harbour. With several excellent vantage points throughout the city and harbour foreshores, you and your guests can join more than 1.5 million Sydneysiders expected this year to watch both the 9 pm and midnight visual extravaganzas.

Tip: Visit the website to enter the competition to win an exclusive, VIP New Year's Eve experience for you and 10 of your friends.

Bonus tip! Beat the crowds and download the free iphone app, which includes an interactive map with the best vantage points and important services updates to help you get around on the night.

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6. Second Test, Australia v India, Sydney Cricket Ground, 3-7 January

Watching the Australian cricket team battle itout during summer has become as ubiquitous to locals as prawns on the barbie. What better way to experience this great Aussie traditional than to watch it live at this famous inner city ground.

Tip: This is likely to be the last Australian tour for Indian great Sachin Tendulkar so don't miss your chance to see "Little Master" in action as he chases his one hundredth century in first class cricket.

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7. Sydney Festival, 7-29 January

Sydney's premier arts and cultural festival attracts some of the world's greatest musical and performing artists. Highlights include the Festival First Night, which has become the city's biggest street party and officially kicks off the event.

Tip: Don't fret if your chosen show is sold out as "Tix for Next to Nix" sells a small allotment of tickets for each day's shows for $25. Check website for details.

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8. St George Open Air Cinema, 11 January – 18 February, 2012.

Imagine watching an outdoor film premiere at Mrs Macquaries Point, on the shores of Sydney Harbour. As the sun sets over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, a massive cinema screen rises out of the water, and so the drama begins. This world-class cinema festival is usually a sell-out but a small amount of tickets are sold each night at the venue.

Tip: The show goes on regardless of rain so if the weather is looking questionable pack your poncho and be prepared to get a little wet!

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9. Australia Day Celebrations, 26 January

For many Sydneysiders, Australia Day is spent on a boat puttering around the harbour watching the annual ferry race and waiting for the evening fireworks. For others, it's a time to celebrate our Indigenous culture and reflect on our nation's past. A unique way to start the day is at Farm Cove, within the Royal Botanic Gardens, for a traditional Aboriginal Morning Ceremony.

Tip: You could also visit La Perouse in the city's south for the annual Survival Day Concert, one of the biggest Aboriginal cultural events of the year.

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10. BridgeClimb, Sydney Harbour

For the absolute 'wow' factor, a BridgeClimb during a clear summer's day has become a must-do for locals and tourists alike. Choose from early morning walks or a beautiful sunset climb to capture the breadth of the city from the Pacific Ocean to the east, to the sprawling western suburbs and beyond to the Blue Mountains.

Tip: The bridge is closed 30-31 December. There are still places left for Christmas

Day, but it might be wise to climb before indulging in that big Christmas lunch.

View website

While there are amazing things to do all year round in Sydney, and we think of December and January as quiet times, summer really is a wonderful time to showcase the best of Aussie life to your event delegates and associates.

The 10 Best Sydney Events to Impress Your Guests Over the Summer Break

The Christmas Confessional - Are Aussies the Ultimate Grinch?

According to a recent survey held by online travel agent ZUJI Australia, Australians prefer sun over snow, family over friends and bad B.O. over crying kids as they travel over this year's Christmas season.

More than 2000 travellers participated in ZUJI's Christmas Confessional, which asked respondents a range of questions about their holiday travel plans.

Managing Director of ZUJI Australia James Gaskell, says the survey revealed Australians are typically family-minded and understanding when it comes to travelling over Christmas, but the Grinch may still lurk nearby.

More than 75% of Australians will be catching up with family members over the next few weeks, with some 40% planning to travel interstate or even internationally just to be close to their loved ones.

The survey, however, shows that even though Australians enjoy visiting family, they still like their personal space.

"Whereas some 70% of survey respondents stated that they'd travel around the world just to be with their family over the holidays, a similar number said they would prefer to book a hotel room rather than shack up with the rellies during their visit," says Gaskell.

The survey also revealed that two thirds of Aussies would rather forgo a white Christmas altogether, instead rating their ideal Christmas holiday destination as somewhere with sun and sand. And when it comes to hotels, around a third of the respondents said they valued their peace and quiet so much that they would splash out on a child-free resort.

"Travelling during the silly season means plenty of packed out flights. Interestingly, when it came to flight horrors, Australians selected neglectful parents and their wailing children as their number one nightmare, over travellers who had neglected to shower," says Gaskell.

Popular ways of dealing with these nightmare travel neighbours included giving 'the look' or simply making the cabin crew deal with it. But rather than make a scene, the great majority of Australians would rather simply grin and bear it.

(Source: Travmedia.com)

Domestic Travel to Brighten the Gloom

Concerns about the global economic crisis, natural disasters and the strength of the Australian dollar have led to a gloomy outlook for Australian tourism operators as performance hits its lowest point in three years, according to the latest TTF-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey.

With the upcoming Christmas – New Year period, operators are bracing for a struggle with more than 40 per cent expecting international tourism to be worse than usual.

Domestic tourism is expected to be more positive with 15 per cent of those surveyed forecasting for improvement. Tourism operators are not getting their hopes up too high, but hoping for better weather than Christmas and January last year, especially in Queensland.

"If there's a brighter spot, it’s that tourism operators are slightly less pessimistic about domestic travel for the upcoming holiday period, but keep in mind that expectations remain well below average,” Tourism Transport Forum chief executive John Lee said.

The survey also mentioned concern for the increasing labour shortages, with two thirds of those surveyed indicating their operations were impeded by a lack of skilled labour.

The TTF-MasterCard Tourism Industry Sentiment Survey is conducted among senior executives from some of the most important Australian tourism operators including airlines, hotels, tour operators and attractions.

(Source: eTravelblackboard.com)

Shop ’Til You Drop: Top 4 Shopping Spots in Sydney

Forget shopping for souvenirs! Sydney’s the place for a splurge. From designer wares in hip boutiques to vintage clothing, historic arcades and local handicrafts at community markets, there’s a world of temptation beckoning you from every street corner. Find your way through the maze of consumer delights with our guide to the absolute best of Sydney shopping.

1. Queen Victoria Building
Because it fills an entire city block in central Sydney, it’d be hard to miss the QVB. This handsome building dates back to 1898 and is now Sydney’s grand dame of shopping. Its five levels are packed with boutiques, chocolatiers, souvenir shops, mainstream Australian brand stores and cafes.

2. The Strand Arcade
Six years older than the QVB, the Strand Arcade has been a drawcard for shoppers for over 118 years. In the early 1900s people came from all around to see the ‘electric lights’. These days shoppers cram its elegant arcade and balconies in search of unique designer fashion and specialty stores such as the ‘Strand Hatters’.

3. Paddington Markets
Held every Saturday in the fashionable inner suburb of Paddington, Paddington Markets prides itself on showcasing the very best in emerging contemporary art, craft and fashion. You can find over 250 stalls selling a whole range of unique collectibles and fashion.

4. Bondi Markets
The inner Sydney suburb of Bondi is iconic Aussie culture at its best. Every Sunday, the Bondi market sets up next to Australia’s most famous beach with a string of stalls offering everything from designer clothing, handmade jewelry, art, craft and homewares. When you get tired of shopping, simply flake out on the golden sands of Bondi beach!

Shop ’Til You Drop: Top 4 Shopping Spots in Sydney

Aspire Hotel Sydney: Aspire Hotel Sydney Facebook Promotion: One Night's Accommodation in a Standard Room for 2 Guests

Aspire Hotel Sydney is Offering the oppertunity to win a night's Accommodation for two at Aspire Hotel Sydney Facebook Promotional Accommodation giveaway

The Prize:

One night's accommodation at Aspire Hotel Sydney staying in a standard room for up to 2 occupants*

To Enter:

1. Visit Aspire Hotel Sydney on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AspireHotelSydney

2. LIKE Aspire Hotel Sydney on Facebook

2. Describe on Aspire Hotel Sydney’s Facebook Wall in less than 100 words "Why you want a Quiet Sydney City Escape at Aspire Hotel Sydney?"

Terms and Conditions:

• Stay period: 2nd January 2012 until the 31st January 2012.
• Booking period: Must book a week prior the stay or even before.
• Winner will be chosen randomly using http://www.random.org/ where each entrant will be assigned a number, the winner will be notified through Facebook messages.
• This competition will close on Monday 19th December at 5.00 PM (Sydney Time)
• This prize is for Accommodation only and subject to terms and conditions.

Aspire Hotel Sydney Facebook Promotion: One Night's Accommodation in a Standard Room for 2 Guests

Aussies Snub Airfare War and Stronger Dollar to Spend Christmas at Home

- Up to 100% occupancies for many east coast summer holiday destinations

- 20% increase in revenues for holiday home owners over the last six months

Despite the strength of the Australian dollar and the proliferation of cheap overseas airfares, many of Australia's favourite summer holiday hot spots are reporting up to 100% occupancy rates for the Christmas 2011 holidays, according to leading real estate group Raine & Horne.

"It's pleasing to see that more Australians are ignoring cheaper airfares and a strong Aussie dollar for the tradition and relative safety of a summer holiday in Australia," said Angus Raine, CEO, Raine & Horne.

"It's also good for the Australian economy to see more of our travel dollars staying at home to support the Australian economy."

In Yamba, on the NSW north coast, the height of the summer holiday rush is expected in the first week of 2012, says Denise Jillett, Principal of Raine & Horne Yamba.

"We have 100% occupancy on our holiday homes between New Year's Eve and the end of the first week in January," said Ms Jillett, who added that there were still some vacancies between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.

"These vacancies came about as a result of cancellations, so holiday makers considering Yamba need to be quick.

"Modern two bedroom apartments close to the beach are available from $1,600 for the week plus booking fee," added Ms Jillett

The holiday market on NSW's Central Coast is also booming with increasingly more Sydney-siders choosing the region for weekend getaways and longer vacations, according to Brett Hunter, Principal of Raine & Horne Terrigal-Avoca Beach.

"We have secured a 20% increase in revenue for our owners over the last six months, and this proves the strength of the Central Coast holiday market," said Mr Hunter.

Indeed, Mr Hunter says Raine & Horne Terrigal-Avoca Beach has achieved this result by altering its approach to holiday lettings with a busy Christmas period looming.

"The Central Coast usually has a bumper crop of holidaymakers at Christmas time, with 100% occupancy of holiday properties during the two-week Christmas / New Year period.

"Knowing we can't improve on a 100% result, instead we have focused on helping people extend their vacations before and after the Christmas period, as well as assisting them with shorter stays of perhaps three or four days on multiple occasions," said Mr Hunter.

Mr Hunter says two bedroom holiday units in Terrigal, in walking distance to the beach, rent for $1,000 a week over the holiday period, while at the other end of the market, four and five bedroom homes with pools and landscaped gardens can rent for up to $15,000 a week.

In Sydney's Palm Beach, this summer is shaping up as the busiest holiday period in five years, according to Rebecca Lee, General Manager of Raine & Horne Palm Beach.

"At present, we have 80% occupancy for our holiday homes in Palm Beach, with 90% of these properties renting to ex-pat clients based in Hong Kong, Singapore, the U.S. and Europe," said Ms Lee.

Comfortable beach houses in Palm Beach start at $7,000 a week, while high-flyers seeking a luxury escape can pay up to $40,000 a week for premier properties across from the beach, some of which include personal staff.

In Queensland, the Gold Coast holiday market is picking up again after a tough year, says Clark Brackenridge, Principal of Raine & Horne Surfers Paradise.

"Our property markets are showing signs of turning the corner, and as it stands, our holiday bookings for the Christmas period are reasonably strong, and are certainly well up on this time last year," said Mr Brackenridge.

"In addition, buyers are beginning to recognise that property prices on the Gold Coast represent good buying, with good yields available to investors."

Mr Brackenridge says two bedroom, two bathroom apartments overlooking the beach can be purchased for $400,000, and rent for $250 a night as a holiday rental, or for between $500 and $550 a week to long-term tenants.

In Far North Queensland, Port Douglas is also maintaining a steady stream of holiday bookings, says David Cotton, Principal of Raine & Horne Port Douglas / Mossman.

"To date, our holiday bookings have been on a par with 2010, if not higher, and we currently have between 60% and 70% occupancy for Christmas," said Mr Cotton.

Raine & Horne is an iconic Australian property firm, with more than 370 offices worldwide. Also an established Superbrand along with the likes of Qantas, Vegemite, Woolworths and Myer, the company has four distinct property service brands including Raine & Horne Residential, Raine & Horne Commercial, Raine & Horne Financial Services and Raine & Horne Rural.

(Source: Travemedia.com)