World's Tallest Hotels

Afraid of Heights? Look Away

Hotel search trivago has compiled a list of the most spectacular tallest hotels in the world, presenting matchless luxury in structures that soar above 1,000 feet. These deluxe giants (all found in Asia) are guaranteed to take your breath away, not only because of their unparalleled views, but also for their magnificent interiors, futuristic designs and unrivaled grade of hospitality. Here are the outstanding 10 at the top...

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

1. The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

(Photo Source: The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong)

The 312-room Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is housed in the top 16 floors of the International Commerce Centre at 1,588 feet, making it the highest hotel in the world. Guests staying here enjoy 42-inch in-room LCDs, iPod docking stations, marble bathroom floors, as well as unbeatable views of the island and city port. A stay at this five-star Ritz is incomplete without a visit to the top floor infinity pool and outdoor terrace lounge, each the highest of its kind in the world. Rejuvenate with your head in the clouds in the 9,000-square-foot spa, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and traditional Asian healing treatments.

St. Regis Shenzhen (Shenzhen, China)

2. St. Regis Shenzhen (Shenzhen, China) 
(Photo Source: St. Regis Shenzhen, Shenzhen)

The St. Regis Shenzhen, designed by British architect Terry Farrell, is the hallmark of southern Chinese city, Shenzhen. All 297 rooms of the hotel, which occupy the top 28 floors of the Kingkey 100 building, embrace an innovative and sophisticated contemporary décor while offering guests an exclusive view of the city, top-of-the-line in-room technology and ultimate seclusion at over 1,000 feet. The St. Regis also offers several meeting rooms and a ballroom for weddings and other big social events.

Jumeirah Emirates Tower (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

3. Jumeirah Emirates Tower, Dubai

(Photo Source: Jumeirah Emirates Tower)

 

The two towers of the Jumeirah Emirates hit the skyline at over 1,000 feet, and attract the most prestigious corporate travelers with their chic design, 16 state-of-the-art meeting and conference rooms, impressive technological innovations and flawless hospitality. The hotel contains 16 restaurants, one of which sits on the top of the building, with (unsurprisingly) breathtaking views of the city. Guests at Jumeirah are granted special beach access to its sister waterfront hotels, as well as free passes and shuttle service to the nearby Wild Wadi Water Park—proven extremely popular with both children and adults.

JW Marriott Marquis (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

4. JW Marriott Marquis (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
(Photo Source: JW Marriott Marquis)

This stratospheric structure standing at a height of 1,165 feet, comprised of 77 floors, 14 restaurants and bar facilities and over 800 rooms, is bound to satisfy even the most demanding of tastes. The rooms and suites have been furnished with the highest quality materials in a modern, minimalistic style and contain stunning views overlooking the city, primarily of Dubai’s buzzing financial district. Don’t miss a trip to the majestic, 46,000-square-foot Saray Spa, where hotel guests will be pampered with local treatments and ancient healing techniques that transport them out of the hustle and bustle of Dubai.

Burj Al Arab (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

5. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
(Photo Source: Burj Al Arab)

An icon of Dubai’s modern world, the Burj Al Arab is the world’s fourth-tallest hotel (at 1,053 feet) and distinguishes itself by its sail-like form penetrating the horizon off of the city’s white sand Jumeirah beach. The property boasts a reputation of being the most luxurious hotel in the world, cutting no corners in hospitality—with a check-in service on each floor, a team of waiters available around the clock, and a fleet of white Rolls Royces taking VIPs to and from the artificial island that houses the property. In the regally decorated, gold-adorned lobby, guests will be welcomed with rose water, dates, and coffee, and are sure to be impressed by the world’s tallest atrium and a newly refurbished aquarium containing 4,000 fish.

Grand Hyatt Shanghai (Shanghai, China)

6. Grand Hyatt Shanghai
(Photo Source: Grand Hyatt Shanghai)

The Grand Hyatt Shanghai, located in the Jin Mao Tower, has held a spot on the list of the world's highest hotels since it's creation in 1999. The Grand Hayatt Shanghai is home to 555 lovely rooms distributed across 34 floors, all with a spectacular view of the city and an impressive atrium that penetrates the entire hotel. It differentiates itself from the rest through an interior that blends modern western artistry with traditional Chinese elements.

Grand Lisboa (Macau, China)

7. Grand Lisboa (Macau, China)
(Photo Source: Grand Lisboa)

Hong Kong architects Dennis Lau and Ng Chun Man joined forces to create the iconic Grand Lisboa Hotel in Macau, China, an elegant and majestic property in the heart of the city. This five-star property houses 15 highly acclaimed restaurants and more than 400 luxurious rooms and suites, each equipped with a Jacuzzi and Turkish steam bath. Besides its luxurious accommodations, the Grand Lisboa is also known for housing one of the most highly esteemed casinos in Asia—where a beloved Parisian cabaret (Crazy Paris Show) is held daily—a performance that has run in Macau for over 27 years. A stay at the Grand Lisboa also demands a visit to the Three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Robuchon au Dôme, manned by French celebrity chef Joel Robuchon, and recently named best restaurant in Asia in the foodie bible, the Miele Guide.

Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)

8. Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Bangkok, Thailand)
(Photo Source: Baiyoke Sky Hotel)

Located within the Baiyoke Tower II, the tallest building in Thailand, Baiyoke Sky Hotel offers a choice of 658 rooms lying between the 22nd and 73rd floors of the skyscraper. The top floor houses the Roof Top Bar, which offers sophistication, delectable cocktails and views that will make your knees tremble. Guests have the opportunity to explore the eight other restaurants and bars housed in the Baiyoke Tower. One of the most popular is a floating market-style buffet, where guests are presented with an assortment of authentic Thai delicacies served from actual Thai long tail boats.

Park Hyatt Shanghai (Shanghai, China)

9. Park Hyatt Shanghai (Shanghai, China)
(Photo Source: Park Hyatt Shanghai)

The Park Hyatt is perched in the top floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center in the Lujiazui financial district of Shanghai’s Pudong. To properly escape from the mad bustle of one of the world’s most populous cities, head to the 360-degree Water’s Edge Spa, a relaxation facility where the natural flow of water fuses with the wisdom of Chinese practices in an attempt to rejuvenate the body and mind. To satisfy the guests of the hotel’s 174 rooms, the Park Hyatt plays host to eight world-class restaurants, a Western whiskey bar with live music, a Tai Chi courtyard, and numerous elegant function spaces. Rooms and suites are decorated with clean-lined cream and brown furnishings that portray an understated opulence.

Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou (Guangzhou, China)

10. Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou (Guangzhou, China)
(Photo Source: Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou)

The Four Seasons Hotel in Guangzhou is located between the 74th and 98th floor of the IFC tower, an ultra-modern and stylish building in the Tianhe District of this 12.7 million-person city. Inside are 344 rooms, including 42 of the most spacious suites in the city. The 4 restaurants and 2 lounge areas provide guests with the opportunity to indulge in ultra-fine Cantonese, Italian, Japanese, and seafood cuisine. The hotel also houses a luxury spa and indoor pool overlooking the Pearl River Delta, where guests can choose from a wide range of services—from traditional Chinese massage to mud wraps and aromatherapy.

Via:HuffingTonPost

How to Get Reduced Prices and Save Money When Shopping on Amazon

We love a good deal and the convenience of Amazon, but not every bargain magically floats to the surface. The online retailer offers several ways to save money that you may not know about, and with a few strategies you can save even more.

Use Amazon's Outlet Store

Amazon doesn't conceal their outlet store outright, but most people don't know it exists. Buried within their other shopping categories, their virtual outlet shows you products discounted anywhere from 30-60% off their MSRP (manufacturer suggested retail price). If you don't want a specific item, but rather a good yet cheap TV, blender, SD card, or whatever, the outlet store will show you the biggest markdowns in pretty much any shopping category on the site.

Buy from Amazon Warehouse Deals

Somewhat in conjunction with the outlet store, Amazon Warehouse Deals offers significant discounts on open box and refurbished items. All products get tested at Amazon to ensure they function. Once posted, the online retailer cautiously described the condition of the item. I've ordered quite a few items through Warehouse Deals that claimed to have cosmetic damage and found myself hard-pressed to find a single scratch. While no company dodges errors, Amazon Warehouse Deals boasts a great track record with almost two million reviews. You get to take advantage of Amazon's standard return policy, too, so if you run into a problem you can just send it back. Overall, it's a great way to save a lot of money—especially on rarely-discounted products—without the risk usually associated (or imagined) with used or refurbished gear.

 

Set Up Price Alerts

You may not always find the price you want when shopping on Amazon, but with prices fluctuating daily you may get it at some point down the line. It's annoying to have to check the site for a better deal on a daily basis, so avoid all that hassle by setting up price alerts with OnlinePriceAlert. All you do is enter the URL of an Amazon item, your email address, and the target price. (You can do this through their bookmarklet, too, to avoid going directly to the site.) When the price drops to your target, you'll get an email. It's as simple as that.

 

Get an Affiliate Buddy

SExpand

Amazon has an affiliates program called Amazon Associates that gives you up to a 15% referral fee on any purchases people make with your affiliate links. While you can try purchasing from yourself to get an extra 15% off, Amazon tends to notice and remove your commission when they do. A better idea is to get an affiliate buddy. Basically, find another friend who shops on Amazon frequently and give them your affiliate code. Whenever they buy something, they use your code. In return, you do the same for them. This way you each get 15% back on whatever the other buys. It may not always be perfectly even, but it's a good way to generate some extra savings without cheating the system.

Via:LifeHacker

New video shows Plane Crash in San Francisco

A person recorded with mobil the instant that Asiana Plane Crashed during an emergency landing. Two Chinese students killed in the crash, published Infobae. 

This Sunday confirmed the identity of the two deceased victims of the accident.

Robert Foucrault, forensic San Mateo County, Calif., told the San Jose Mercury News that apparently one of them was thrown from the back of the plane when the line broke and the other was found near the wreckage .

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua, citing the Chinese consulate in San Francisco, said the two victims were from that country. Education authorities in China said at least 70 students and Chinese teachers were flown to summer camps.

Thus, seven dozen passengers, 141 Chinese aboard the plane are students and teachers of the eastern provinces of Shanxi and Zhejiang who went to San Francisco to participate in a summer camp.

The Chinese authorities quoted by the official Xinhua news agency confirmed Sunday that except for the two young men were killed, the rest are well and have been able to communicate with their families.

The thirty students and five teachers from Shanxi participating in an exchange of study at the School of Foreign Languages, Taiyuan, in that province, and all were unharmed from the accident.

A Boeing 777 operated by Asiana Airlines appears to be in flames in a video posted by Twitter.

I just crash landed at SFO. Tail ripped off. Most everyone seems fine. I'm ok. Surreal...

— David Eun at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (Airport)

Twitter erupted on Saturday with reports that a plane crashed at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Photos taken from other planes showed smoke billowing from the purported crash.

“Literally just witnessed a plane crash (SFO) start to finish..cannot stop crying,” said one witness.

“Huge crash on SFO. I hope and pray everyone on that plane and facility is ok,” wrote one user.

Another said that “plane on fire moments ago at SFO airport.”

ABC News tweeted that the “plane on fire at #SFO is a Boeing 777 operated by Asiana Airlines in from Taipei,” the capital of Taiwan.

The station also reported that “firefighters are on the scene of aircraft fire on the runway at San Francisco International Airport.”

A screenshot of Instagram user Dbstar's account shows another angle.

A screenshot of Twitter user Krista Seiden's account shows the purported plane crash.

Reports: 2 dead in San Francisco airport crash

Asiana Flight 214 from Seoul was attempting to land at San Francisco International Airport when it crashed.

SAN FRANCISCO -- An Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul crashed on landing at San Francisco's airport Saturday, forcing passengers to escape the aircraft using inflatable emergency exit slides. Two people were reported killed and 61 injured.

Ten people, eight adults and two children, were critically injured and being treated at San Francisco General Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Rachael Kagan said.

Images from the scene showed smoke billowing from the plane and emergency exits open from the plane's fuselage, with the tail separated from the aircraft. Gaping holes could be seen in the roof of the plane's body, blackened by fire.

San Francisco Fire Department officials said two passengers were killed and 61 injured, KTVU reported. The Associated Press said it was unable to confirm there were fatalities.

The plane was a Boeing 777, FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said. It crashed on runway 28L at San Francisco International Airport, he said.

Via:USAtoday
Via:TeePochTimes

Andy Murray broke the British Hex

WIMBLEDON, England — Andy Murray ended 77 years of futility for British men at Wimbledon, cruising past world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to win the Wimbledon crown. Murray took advantage of a mistake-prone

Andy Murray of Britain defeats Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, then he gets to kiss the trophy.(Photo: Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports)

Andy Murray's since a long time ago expected Wimbledon triumph against Novak Djokovic could indicate a tilting of a dug in dynamic.

Murray, however it enjoyed him a while to reprieve through, has turned into a noteworthy drive in the pursuit for majors.

Playing with a cool now and then needing in past battles, No. 2 Murray knocked off top-stacked up Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 6-4 on a shiningly sunny evening —consequently resolution a billow of uneasiness that has hung over Britain.

Scotland's Murray is the first British man to win Wimbledon in 77 years, since Fred Perry won the last of three in a row in 1936.

"I still can't believe it," Murray said a couple of hours after sending the Kingdom into collective delirium. "Can't get my head around that." 

Djokovic remains No. 1 in the rankings. It could be said, however, that at this moment Murray is at the top of the game.

The two 26-year-olds, born a week apart, have upped the physical stakes with Rafael Nadal and are threatening to separate themselves from Roger Federer, who turns 32 in August and has dropped to No. 5, his lowest ranking in a decade.

"You're looking at a bit of the changing of the guard," John McEnroe said Sunday. "Roger is one of the greatest, if not the greatest ever, but it's going to be harder for him to hang with these guys in long matches now. And Andy's really come into his own."

One year after a crushing defeat to Federer in the Wimbledon final, Murray returned to the All England Club lawns to capture his second Grand Slam title. He broke through in September at the U.S. Open, where he beat Serbia's Djokovic in a rousing five sets.

Murray, who also won the 2012 Olympic gold medal at Wimbledon, ran his unbeaten string on grass to 18-0 since.

"I understand how much everyone wanted to see a British winner at Wimbledon so I hope you enjoyed it," Murray told the crowd at Centre Court, where the year before he broke down into tears in his on-court interview. "I tried my best."

Grueling groundstroke rallies

Meeting in their third major final in less than a year, the world's top two players and defensive standouts exchanged many grueling groundstroke rallies. A few went 30 shots or more.

Murray was quicker around the court and steadier in the clutch, taking advantage of Djokovic's lackluster serving and bouts of error-prone play.

"The bottom line is that he was a better player in decisive moments," said Djokovic, the 2011 Wimbledon winner. "He was all over the court."

Murray had a better ratio of winners (36-31) and unforced errors (21-40) than Djokovic, and also smacked more aces (9-4). But the biggest difference was his ability to put return after return in play — 77% in all.

"Even though when I was putting my first serves in he was always getting them back in the court and making me play an extra shot," Djokovic said. "That's why he won this tournament."

Murray, too, seemed energized by the nearly 15,000 screaming fans on sold-out Centre Court and thousands more watching the big screen from the grounds.

With them at his back, he recovered from a break down in the last two sets and shook off the loss of three match points when he was serving for the match at 40-0.

"At the end, mentally, that last game will be the toughest game I'll play in my entire career, ever," Murray said.

When Djokovic netted a backhand, Murray's racket and cap went flying as he pumped two fists at his box.

Soon he was there himself, hugging his coach of the past 18 months, Ivan Lendl, his girlfriend Kim Sears, his father Bill and other members of his team and family.

The Dunblane native nearly forgot the person most responsible for putting a racket in his hand and shaping his game before reversing course to give her an embrace — his mother Judy, Britain's Fed Cup captain and a former top player in her native Scotland.

Murray credited hard work and resolve for his win — making the incremental improvements from which champions are constructed.

"I think I persevered," he said. "That's really been it, the story of my career probably."

He also learned from his losses, particularly last year's four-set defeat to Federer.

"I think it was a turning point in some ways," Judy Murray said. "He had chances in the final last year and let it get away. I think every time you have a really tough loss, a loss that really hurts you, you learn a lot from it about how to handle the occasions better going forward."

Eight-time Grand Slam champion Lendl, who like Murray lost his first four major finals, provided the voice and mind-set to help him turn the corner.

"I think he believed in me when a lot of people didn't," Murray said of Lendl, who reached two Wimbledon finals but never left with the trophy. "He would have loved to have won here, but it's the next best thing."

Murray, who skipped the French Open with a bad back, ran his record in Grand Slam finals to 2-5. He lost to Djokovic in January in the Australian Open final. Djokovic fell to 6-5.

Together, they have contested four major finals and are tied 2-2, with Djokovic beating the Scot two of the last three years in Melbourne and Murray winning here and in September in New York.

Djokovic leads their head-to-head 11-8, but meetings in the latter stages of Slams seem likely in their budding rivalry.

"I could see them playing another four times over the next three years," ESPN's Brad Gilbert said.

Hardcourt summer ahead

With the season shifting to North American hardcourts, Murray and Djokovic won't slow down. Both defensive whizzes excel on cement.

If Nadal's knee is not a problem, it sets up a tantalizing summer between the trio that will culminate at the year's final Grand Slam in New York.

The fourth-ranked Spaniard tore up the tour after returning from a seven-month absence in February, winning seven titles and a record eighth French Open. But the 27-year-old limped out of Wimbledon's first round with his chronic knee issues again flaring up.

Federer, the all-time leader with 17 majors, appears to be in slow decline. He owns one win against a top-10 player in 2013 and has captured only one small title at Halle, Germany, last month on grass.

Perhaps to get more match play, the Swiss is competing in two minor claycourt events in Europe as he prepares for the summer swing. 

"It's definitely a three-horse race for the year-end No. 1, but everything depends on how Rafa's knee is," Gilbert said. "Then we get the hardcourt season that we want."

Andy Murray and Kim Sears arrive for the Wimbledon Champions Dinner.  Jonathan Short AP

Andy Murray of Britain hoists the trophy after defeating Novak Djokovic of Serbia 6-4, 7-5, 6-4, becoming the first British man since 1936 to win Wimbledon.  Kirsty Wigglesworth, AP

Andy Murray finds his coach, Ivan Lendl. The two make a heck of a team.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports

Andy Murray finds his mom, Judy.  Susan Mullane, USA TODAY Sports

Via: USAtoday

Asiana Flight 214 from Seoul was attempting to land at San Francisco International Airport when it crashed. (+Photo, Video)

A person recorded with your phone the instant the Arlines Asiana plane crashed during an emergency landing. Two Chinese students killed in the crash, published Infobae. 

This Sunday confirmed the identity of the two deceased victims of the accident.

Robert Foucrault, forensic San Mateo County, Calif., told the San Jose Mercury News that apparently one of them was thrown from the back of the plane when the line broke and the other was found near the wreckage .

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua, citing the Chinese consulate in San Francisco, said the two victims were from that country. Education authorities in China said at least 70 students and Chinese teachers were flown to summer camps.

Thus, seven dozen passengers, 141 Chinese aboard the plane are students and teachers of the eastern provinces of Shanxi and Zhejiang who went to San Francisco to participate in a summer camp.

The Chinese authorities quoted by the official Xinhua news agency confirmed Sunday that except for the two young men were killed, the rest are well and have been able to communicate with their families.

The thirty students and five teachers from Shanxi participating in an exchange of study at the School of Foreign Languages, Taiyuan, in that province, and all were unharmed from the accident.

A Boeing 777 operated by Asiana Airlines appears to be in flames in a video posted by Twitter.

I just crash landed at SFO. Tail ripped off. Most everyone seems fine. I'm ok. Surreal...

— David Eun at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (Airport)

Twitter erupted on Saturday with reports that a plane crashed at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

Photos taken from other planes showed smoke billowing from the purported crash.

“Literally just witnessed a plane crash (SFO) start to finish..cannot stop crying,” said one witness.

“Huge crash on SFO. I hope and pray everyone on that plane and facility is ok,” wrote one user.

Another said that “plane on fire moments ago at SFO airport.”

ABC News tweeted that the “plane on fire at #SFO is a Boeing 777 operated by Asiana Airlines in from Taipei,” the capital of Taiwan.

The station also reported that “firefighters are on the scene of aircraft fire on the runway at San Francisco International Airport.”

A screenshot of Instagram user Dbstar's account shows another angle.

A screenshot of Twitter user Krista Seiden's account shows the purported plane crash.

Reports: 2 dead in San Francisco airport crash

Asiana Flight 214 from Seoul was attempting to land at San Francisco International Airport when it crashed.

SAN FRANCISCO -- An Asiana Airlines flight from Seoul crashed on landing at San Francisco's airport Saturday, forcing passengers to escape the aircraft using inflatable emergency exit slides. Two people were reported killed and 61 injured.

Ten people, eight adults and two children, were critically injured and being treated at San Francisco General Hospital, hospital spokeswoman Rachael Kagan said.

Images from the scene showed smoke billowing from the plane and emergency exits open from the plane's fuselage, with the tail separated from the aircraft. Gaping holes could be seen in the roof of the plane's body, blackened by fire.

San Francisco Fire Department officials said two passengers were killed and 61 injured, KTVU reported. The Associated Press said it was unable to confirm there were fatalities.

The plane was a Boeing 777, FAA spokesman Lynn Lunsford said. It crashed on runway 28L at San Francisco International Airport, he said.

Via:USAtoday
Via:TeePochTimes