Hot Deal: Hotel Duquesa de Cardona

As the snow melts and temperatures begin to rise, we know nothing gets the blood flowing better than a hot deal. Today we're featuring a fantastic set of offers for Hotel Duequesa de Cardona - a stylish 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Overlooking the Olympic Port, Columbus monument, the World Trade Center and Las Ramblas, Duequesa de Carbona provides the perfect home base for an unforgettable Spanish experience.

Our hot deals are as follows:

• April Special - Weekday (Minimum stay of 3 consecutive nights required): Valid April 1 through April 30
  
  Rates: Start at €137.70 + 7% Iva tax, per night (based upon double occupancy in a Classic Room). Offer is subject to availability. Rates with breakfast included also available.


• April Special - Weekend (Minimum stay of 3 consecutive nights required): Valid April 1 through April 30
  
  Rates: Start at €165.24 + 7% Iva tax, per night (based upon double occupancy in a Classic Room). Offer is subject to availability. Rates with breakfast included also available.


• Free Night Offer: February 1 through March 31 (except February 15-20), and July 1 through August 31
  
  Stay for 3 consecutive nights and pay for only 2 nights. Offer is subject to availability.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Films Of Spain

It's certainly no surprise that Spanish cinema continues to grow in international popularity. The country's beautiful scenery has served as a great inspiration to both local and foreign directors. Luis Buñuel was the first to receive major international recognition. Then the 1980s brought the legendary Pedro Almodóvar - a renowned auteur who has inspired recent cinematic sojourns to Spain from filmmakers such as Woody Allen.

Spanish cinema is also gaining local popularity. Around 15 percent of box office receipts are now from domestic films. The government openly supports this trend and has made sure that national television stations have appropriate funding to film and screen local work.

Due to Spain's beautiful terrain (and its subsequent ability to produce amazing cinematography), many Spanish films are produced in English. Famous examples include: The Machinist, The Others, Goya's Ghosts and an upcoming film by American critical darling Jim Jarmusch.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

The Politics Of Spain

While it may not affect one's day-to-day life, it's always a good thing to know about the political system in the country you're about to visit. Today, we take a look at Spain's government.

Spanish politics take place in a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy. Sound confusing? Well, this basically reflects Spanish history all the way from Kings of yeseryear to modern political science. The Monarch is officially the Head of State (similar to England) and the Prime Minister (or President of the Government) is equivalent to Barack Obama's role in the United States. The parliament represents a multi-party system with representation based on national elections.

As far as legislative power, there are two chambers of parliament (similar to the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S.). The judiciary is completely indepedent of both of the other branches.

The current Prime Minister of Spain is José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who is better known as just Zapatero. He has been nominated to this role twice by King Juan Carlos, and elected by the Congress both times (2004 and 2008). His party is called the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party, and they have won a plurality of seats in the Congress of Deputies.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

El Greco: A True Original

Any initial research into Spain will demonstrate a rich history of unique art - from gothic and religious perfection to the modern stylings of Picasso - and El Greco really stands on his own as one of the true classics. A painter, sculptor and architect working during the renaissance, El Greco (aka The Greek) touched on many styles such as Mannerism and Venetian Renaissance. His influence really became fomidable in the 20th century when poets and painters in the Expressionist and Cubist styles picked up memes from his work and took them into the modern era.

For more information on El Greco, check out his wikipedia entry.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Street Shots: Madrid

One of our main interests at ILC has always been street photography. What a great, innovative way to capture a city in its pure state! With improvised snapshots and a wandering eye, photographers can provide an unparalleled view into unique populations.

We came across the Flickr page for a user named Publikaccion this morning. This is a whimsical set of street photographs in Madrid that includes citizens and tourists from all walks of life while demonstrating vibrant urban scenes in an uncontrived and spontaneous style. If you're thinking about booking a trip to Madrid with us, this black-and-white set should surely get you in the mood.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Hot Deal: Casa Romana

Located in beautiful Seville, Casa Romana is a 19th century mansion that was transformed into a hotel in 2004. The property has surely maintained its classic old world architecture and charm, yet the addition of modern amenities make Casa Romana the perfect destination for today's travelers.

The hotel is near Plaza del Duque and a short walk to the Cathedral, Giralda, Barrio de Santa Cruz. A 15 minute stroll takes you to the Plaza de España (a splendid tiled treasure), María Luisa Park (once a private royal park and site of the 1929 Spanish American Exhibition) and Museo de Bellas Artes - a local fine arts musueum.

The ILC special offer is valid until December 23, 2008. Rates start at €100.00 + 7% Iva tax, per night (based upon double occupancy in a Standard Room) and include buffet breakfast.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Parque de Maria Louisa

This magnificent park was donated by Infant Princess Maria Luisa d’Orleans. Walking through the land’s majestic statues and elm trees is a truly wondrous experience. The mixture of foliage filtering the foggy light and birds buzzing amongst thousands of flowers makes this the perfect Seville setting to stage your own romantic fairytale.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Made In Spain Returns

We've blogged about PBS' fantastic Made In Spain series before, but there's certainly no harm in reminding that the show is returning with 13 new episodes this fall. Local listings do vary, but you can check out PBS and find when the program airs in your neck of the woods.
Citing the PBS press release, here's a few episode descriptions to whet your appetite:

In “Paella Day,” José takes viewers to Valencia, famed for its rice fields and as the birthplace of this renowned rice dish. Later, he teaches Americans how to cook their own version on a backyard barbeque. In “Cold Soup and Hot Flamenco,” he journeys to the Andalucian city of Granada and concocts gazpacho and ajo blanco. Later he dances his way through one of Spain’s popular festivals, the Feria de Abril in another Andalucian city, Seville. Tune in for “The Land of Fire” as José visits the fabled Castile and León – full of castles and cathedrals – and samples the region’s delicious roast suckling pig and roast lamb. Here, he encounters one of the country’s great delicacies, the Iberico ham from the black-footed pigs that feed on acorns. Once unavailable in the U.S., it has recently become a sought after addition to menus across the country. In “The Onion That Would Be King,” José explores Catalonia and attends the Calçot Festival in honor of the region’s unusual onion. While on the trail of a local cheese, in “A Tale of the Drunken Goat,” he visits Murcia and the Roman theatre at Cartagena and tries his hand at a unique style of fishing.

Sounds delicious to us!
As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Hot Deal: Hotel Alhambra Palace

ILC is proud to announce a special deal for booking a stay at the historic Hotel Alhambra Palace. Inaugurated by His Majesty the King Alfonso XIII, this 4-star Moorish castle-style hotel was built in 1910 and is located on the Alhambra Hill in Granada.
The property is a short 5 minute walk to the Alhambra palace (built in the 13th century) and the Generalife summer palace and garden retreat. It's also a 5 minute ride to the city center, which includes Capilla Real (a royal chapel), a 16th century cathedral, Albaicin (old Moorish quarter), the Archeology Museum and the Sacromonte.

Rates for this hot deal start at €150.00 + 7% Iva tax, per night (based upon double occupancy).
Click here for more information.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Cal Pep: Catalan Dining in Barcelona

Cal Pep has long been a favorite of locals in Barcelona. Serving a variety of Catalan dishes - from tallarines saltadas to brazo de gitano de patata - the restaurant features a wide variety of flavors in a vibrant yet casual setting. When planning a trip to Barcelona, this is some authentic local cuisine that we highly recommend.

Click here for the Cal Pep Web site or call (93) 310-7961 for reservations.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Grilled Clams With Smoked Chili-Cachucha Mojo and Bacon

Hello and happy friday!

Here's another great tapas recipe to try soon.

MOJO:

• 5 smoked chipotle chili pods, toasted and minced


• 1/2 cup cachucha peppers, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped


• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced


• 1/4 cup scallions, white and green parts


• 1/4 cup red onion, minced


• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced


• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped


• 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice


• 6 ounces light olive oil


• Salt and freshly ground pepper

To make mojo, mix all ingredients together in a bowl and slightly chill before serving.

Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Place bacon in a saucepan over grill and cook until crisp. With a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel. Discard bacon fat.

• 4 dozen clams, scrubbed


• 8 ounces bacon, finely diced

Next, arrange clams directly over the grate of the grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until shells open. Transfer clams to serving plate and discard any clams that haven't opened. Spoon a teaspoon of mojo into shells and sprinkle with crisp bacon. Serve immediately.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Wine Pleasures Wine Tourism Workshop

At this point, it's no secret that we at ILC are into wine culture. Today we've come across a great opportunity to pass on to our travel professional readers: The Wine Pleasures Wine Tourism Workshop. This event, taking place January 27-28, 2009 at the Port Sitges Resort in Barcelona, will bring together European wine providers and tour operators/travel agents at a unique event devoted to achieving results and growing international wine tourism in Europe.

The event draws a distinction with normal trade fairs and exhibitions as it takes place in a private environment that is perfect for one-on-one business meetings between wine providers (wineries, hotels, restaurants, cultural venues, etc.) and travel professionals.

This is a great way to secure those important business relationships without having to travel all over the continent in search of the right people.

You can get further registration information here.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

First Soccer, Now Cycling

Hot on the heels of the landmark Spanish victory in the Euro 2008 tournament comes the news that Carlos Sastre (a Spaniard) has won his year's Tour de France. Sastre had finished in the top-10 five times before the 2008 race, but finally focused more on time trials and came out the victor.

A huge congratulations goes to Carlos Sastre. Check out more commentary and some great photos at the New York Times.

Spain has always put an emphasis on cycling. Keep in mind this can be a great activity and mode of transportation when you explore the great cities the country has to offer.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Hotel Claris in Barcelona

Today we'd like to feature the wondrous Hotel Claris in Barcelona.

This contemporary 5-star G.L. (Gran Luxe) hotel was built within the former 19th C. Palace of Count Vedruna, and offers guests classic old world style. It is located in one of the finest areas of Barcelona, on one of the best shopping blocks in the city

• Only 1 block from the Paseo de Gracia, a block made famous by Antonio Gaudí’s two most distinctive buildings, the Casa Batlló and Casa Milá


• A short walk to the Plaza Cataluña, Las Ramblas, and the Gothic Quarter (old section of the city)


• In the old section, visit the Cathedral of Barcelona (13th C.), La Boquería Market (7th C.), Gran Teatre del Liceu (1847 Opera House), Frederic Marés Museum, Olympic Port & Aquarium, Picasso Museum


• 10 minutes by taxi to the Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc, Museum of Catalán Art, Miró Foundation


• Metro Station: Passeig de Gracia - 2 blocks away


• Train Station: Sants - 10 minutes by taxi or metro


• Airport: 15-20 minutes by taxi (12 km)

Visit our site on Hotel Claris for more information and some amazing photography.

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.

Canapé de Atu (Tuna Tapas)

The following recipe makes 6–8 canapés.

You'll need:

• 1 jar (7.76 ounce) Ortiz Tuna with oil


• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar


• 1 tablespoon capers


• 2 teaspoons minced red onion


• 1 tablespoon chopped Call Vall piquillo pepper


• salt and pepper to taste


• sliced baguette (toasted, if desired)

In a small bowl, mix together tuna (leave some large chunks), vinegar, capers, onion and peppers. Season and let marinate for several hours or overnight. Serve atop pieces of bread (or salad greens.)

As usual, thanks for reading. Please visit International Lodging Corporation at our home page.