International Lodging Corporation

Where Amazing Travel Experiences Begin

Checking In…Pousada Vila Óbidos (Portugal)

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The Pousada Vila Óbidos is a traditional 18th C. house in the heart of this medieval village, just 200 meters (5 minute walk) down the hill from the Castelo de Óbidos. The building previously served as the village hospital and recently underwent a total renovation to convert it to a cozy hotel with just 17 rooms.  Guests can now enjoy the intimate ambiance of staying in a charming whitewashed house with an interior courtyard in the heart of the village.

Guests of the Pousada Vila Óbidos check-in at the nearby Castelo de Óbidos, and can use the Reception services and Restaurant located in the Castle. The Reception of the Pousada Vila Óbidos is staffed from 7:30am to 4:30pm daily. Breakfast is served daily in a lovely glass walled room overlooking the interior courtyard, and a complimentary selection of tea, coffee and snacks is available for guests to enjoy throughout the day.

  • Address: Largo Dr. João Lourenço
  • Visit the 12th C. Castle, Porta da Vila, Praça de Santa Maria, Igreja de Santa Maria, Museo Municipal
  • Pousada de Ourem (82 km)
  • Pousada de Condeixa-a-Nova (123 km)
  • Pousada de Crato (188 km)
  • Airport: 50 minutes – 1 hour by taxi (80 km – Lisbon)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, direct dial telephone, WiFi, hair dryer, flat panel TV, minibar, room safe

  • No Elevator
  • Breakfast room
  • Reception (limited hour Reception onsite / 24 hour Reception at the Castle)
  • Parking (complimentary)
  • 17 guest rooms (3 floors)
  • Classic: Room with a King or Twin beds; approx. 15 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • Superior: Room with a King or Twin beds; approx. 18 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • Premium: Spacious room with a King or Twin beds; approx. 20 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • All rooms have a shower only (no bathtub)

Driving info: New traffic patterns were implemented in Óbidos to deter people who are not hotel guests from driving up to the castle. GPS apps (e.g. Google Maps) do not provide correct directions to the castle. Directions will be provided to clients who make a reservation at the Pousada. Vehicles larger than a standard size car (e.g. minivans or larger) will not be able to pass through the narrow streets in the village.

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.

Family Travel…Lodging Options in Barcelona (Spain)

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Traveling with children in Europe can present some challenges when looking for accommodations. Many hotels are housed in older buildings that have been converted to hotels with room sizes that are not as large as the rooms often found in newer hotels in the U.S. While this may add to the charm of a property, it means that you are not likely to find spacious rooms that can accommodate an entire family in one room with two full or queen size beds. Even if you are willing to foot the bill for two rooms, you can’t always find hotels with connecting rooms, and that can be a real challenge for families traveling with smaller children who do not want to be separated from them.

Luckily for families there are a number of options in Barcelona that can accommodate families traveling with children, including hotels with connecting rooms, suite hotels with multi-room options, and self-catering apartments with 1-3 bedrooms. Some options even have kitchenettes, so you can keep snacks and food on hand.

  • Midtown Apartments (pictured above) – centrally located just steps from the Paseo de Gracia, Plaza Cataluña, Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, these spacious apartments are housed in a classic 19th C. building that blends classic and modern design elements, creating a retro style. The use of exposed brick, iron and wood elements create a modern industrial design that is warm and comfortable. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments have a spacious living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen with a washer/dryer and a dishwasher, and 1 or 2 bathrooms. The rooftop swimming pool and terrace solarium is a great place to relax and unwind. For more information and reservations, click here.
  • Arai Suite Hotel – located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter close to many historic sites, this 4-star boutique suite hotel is housed in the former palace Casa dels Quatre Rius, which dates from 1702.  They offer a Family Room that can accommodate up to 4 people in a room with a bedroom area, sitting area with 2 single sofabeds, kitchenette and balcony.  For more information and reservations, click here.
  • Self-Catering Apartments – there are a number of high quality, self-catering apartments in Barcelona that offer guests apartments with more space and kitchenettes in centrally located, residential neighborhoods. They are perfect for families that do not necessarily need all of the services offered by a hotel or suite hotel, and are looking to live more like a local. The apartments range from 1 to 3 bedroom apartments in areas such as the upscale residential Eixample area, and the trendy El Born and Gràcia neighborhoods. For more information on apartments in the Eixample area, click here. For more information on apartments in El Born and Gràcia neighborhoods, click here.

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.

Checking In…Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa (Portugal)

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This stylish 5-star hotel located on the Avenida Liberdade has attracted artists, politicians and other dignitaries since the 1930s. Formerly known as the Tivoli Lisboa, the landmark 5-star hotel has recently undergone a total renovation, which has enhanced its classic yet contemporary style. The grand iconic lobby is a well-known meeting place, and the trendy rooftop Sky Bar is a great place to enjoy the panoramic views of the Castelo São Jorge and River Tagus. The lush garden and outdoor pool are a true oasis in the heart of the city.

  • Address: Avenida da Liberdade, 185
  • 10 minute walk to Rossio, the city’s main square
  • 15-20 minute walk or 10 minutes by taxi to the trendy Bairro Alto and Chiado neighborhoods
  • 20-25 minute walk or 10-15 minutes by taxi to Castelo de São Jorge (5th C. castle), Cathedral (12th C.)
  • 15 minutes by taxi to the Jerónimos Monastery (16th C.), Tower of Belém (16th C.), National Coach Museum, Maritime Museum, Age of Discovery Memorial
  • Metro Station: Avenida – 1 block away
  • Train Station: 20 minutes by taxi (Santa Apolonia)
  • Airport: 15 minutes by taxi (7 km)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, individual temperature control, telephone, Wi-Fi, hair dryer, flat panel TV, minibar, bathrobe & slippers, room safe

  • 4 Elevators
  • Wheelchair access to hotel
  • Room Service (24 hours)
  • Lobby Bar
  • Cervejaria Liberdade Restaurant
  • SEEN Lisboa Restaurant
  • Rooftop Sky Bar by SEEN (Seasonal ~ Closed October to March)
  • Meeting Facilities to 320 ~ Audiovisual equipment
  • Business Center has workstations with Internet access
  • Outdoor Swimming Pool
  • Fitness Center
  • Anantara Spa
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
  • Parking (extra charge)
  • 286 guest rooms (10 floors)
  • Deluxe: Room with a Queen/King or 2 Twin beds and views of the patio, located on floors 1-8; approx. 23 m2 (2 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe City View: Room with a Queen/King or 2 Twin beds and views of the city, located on floors 1-8; approx. 23 m2 (3 guest maximum; 2 adults + 1 child)
  • Deluxe Avenue View: Room with a Queen/King or 2 Twin beds and views of the Avenida Liberdade, located on floors 1-8; approx. 23 m2 (3 guest maximum; 2 adults + 1 child)
  • Family Deluxe: Larger room with Queen/King or 2 Twin beds and a sofabed (Full size), with views of the patio, located on floors 3-8; approx. 45 m2 (4 guest maximum; 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
  • Junior Suite: Larger room located on floors 1-8 with views of the Avenida Liberdade or patio. Has a living room with a sofabed, separate bedroom with a Queen/King bed, and bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub. Guests have access to exclusive VIP lounge; approx. 45 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Executive Suite: Larger suite located on floors 1-8 with views of the Avenida Liberdade or city. Suite has a separate bedroom with King bed, living room, walk-in closet, and bathroom with walk-in shower and bathtub. Guests have access to exclusive VIP lounge; approx. 64 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Diplomatic Suite: Large suite located on 4th floor with exclusive decor and balcony with views of the Avenida Liberdade and Tagus River. Suite has a living room, separate bedroom with a King bed, and 2 bathrooms. Guests have access to exclusive VIP lounge; approx. 77 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Presidential Suite: Large suite located on 7th floor with exclusive decor and balcony overlooking the Avenida Liberdade. Suite has a living room, closet, dining room, cooking area, separate bedroom with a King bed, and 2 bathrooms. Guests have access to exclusive VIP lounge; approx. 270 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • VIP Lounge is located on the 9th floor. It is open daily from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. and offers Executive Assistant, Printing Facilities, and all day Food & Beverages
  • Hotel offers some: Connecting rooms (Superior to Superior, Deluxe City View to Deluxe City View, Deluxe Avenue View to Deluxe Avenue View, Deluxe Avenue View to Executive Suite), 1 Handicap room (Junior Suite category)
  • Children are defined as under 12 years old
  • Hotel is Non-smoking

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.