HALF OFF AT CONRAD HOTELS

In addition to Asia, these same breaks are yours in over 220 destinations across the UK, Europe, Middle East and Africa. Terms and conditions apply, so book early.  www.conradhotels.com

Conrad is an upscale brand of Hilton Hotels that provides convenience, glamour and other pleasant surprises at a rate that's affordable to the majority of today's travelers. I can especially recommend the Singapore, Bangkok and Dublin hotels, as I’ve stayed in all of them.

Conrad Centennial Singapore is situated in the trendy Marina district, putting you in the heart of a tourist’s dream. A six-level shopping emporium is across the street, offering everything from electronics to clothing, plus a fast food court, an outdoor plaza in the center complete with fountains, and excellent people watching. Indoors or outdoors, you will be fascinated by the activity and entertained by traditional Chinese dancers, jugglers, comics, bands and the like.

Conrad's rooms are well equipped down to the signature rubber ducky for the tub. The business center and an array of tech links in your room keep you in touch with the office or home. The Executive floor’s private lounge serves a light breakfast, daytime snacks and sunset cocktails. The dining areas offer buffet and a la carte, and combine Chinese favorites with continental cuisine.

Just around the corner is a huge arts/entertainment complex containing changing displays, shops and an Imax-type theater. The cable car is also close, taking you soaring over the busiest of harbors to serene Sentosa Island for fun rides or a day at the beach. A monorail runs from the mainland all around Sentosa Island. And Singapore's latest dazzler, the Flyer (world's tallest ferris wheel) is steps away.

Conrad Bangkok is a neighbor to the U.S. Embassy and other elegant buildings in this bustling city. It is built around a central lobby atrium. The mezzanine is home to a very unique restaurant, especially when you are dining with a group. You can be served a la carte, or wander among an elegant buffet that allows you to sample every type of ethnic Thai food along with more familiar international dishes. If you are a light eater, or have children in your entourage, there’s a price for that menu as well. Just choose from selections in a certain section of the buffet. I found this a very economical spot for dinner without sacrificing ambiance.

The hotel is connected to a shopping mall, and a very short walk from the elevated train that takes you all around Central Bangkok. On the seventh floor is a spectacular spa where treatment takes place in your own salon sporting a lotus pool and faux garden view. Some even have Japanese tubs for a relaxing soak. Just outside the spa doors is a grand outdoor pool surrounded by rows of palm trees, lounges and a bar. Yes, that’s on the seventh floor, above the street noise and closer to the sun. It’s very romantic at night, lounging under the stars, but get there early…the bar usually closes just after sunset.

The five-star luxury Conrad Dublin carries forth that Irish spirit to the letter. Located in the heart of Dublin city center, just opposite the National Concert Hall, this gem provides 190 guest rooms, including 5 suites. Around the corner is St. Stephens Green, a noted well-landscaped oasis in the city scene. In the same neighborhood, shop ‘til you drop on famous Grafton Street; or visit the Book of Kehls at Trinity College and marvel at the massive library stacks.

An exciting choice of restaurants and bars includes the Alex Restaurant, specializing in seafood. A glass screen links the restaurant to the cocktail bar, creating a warm ambience, especially around the baby grand piano. Gourmet coffee and afternoon tea are served in the Lobby Lounge. We spent some fun times in Alfie Byrne's, the hotel’s classic Dublin pub that’s a favorite with locals. I think we met everyone in the place within the first hour. 

You don’t have to give up your exercise while staying here. Jogging routes and maps are available from the front desk, and several great golf courses, including Portmaanock and Royal Dublin, are just 30 minutes away.