Great time to rent in Barcelona with Keystay, thanks to strong pound
Fab time to rent in Barcelona with Keystay, thanks to strong pound.
Brighton Holiday Homes & Self catering Apartments
Take away from the #BookDirect hashtag campaign Source : vrmintel.com
Owners & property managers across the globe are using the HASHTAG #bookdirect to help educate guests on the advantages of booking directly with owners and property managers to obtain the best price for bookings.
There are many advantages in bypassing third-party channels to book directly with management companies and homeowners.
Both management companies and owners strive every single day to provide amazing experiences for guests. OTAs ( Online Travel Agencies ) like AirBnb Homeaway TripAdvisor etc and third party sites have made recent changes to their business models that are detrimental to BOTH guests and vacation rental providers (including managers, owners, and hosts).
Did you know that Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and TripAdvisor add hundreds of dollars & pounds worth of fees to your booking total?
The best price isn’t on the OTAs:
Unlike hotels, OTAs and aggregators (like Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO.com, HomeAway, TripAdvisor, and FlipKey) don’t have the best price for travelers. In fact, you can save hundreds by booking direct and booking local.
How you may ask ? How can you #BookDirect?
You can usually find clues in the property listings on the online travel agency ( OTA) sites eg the Property name or the Property management name in the owner / manager details visible on the listing.
It is always worth a Google search on the property name or right click the image to search Google by image you will see all the sites that use the image and find your way to the direct source of the property listing. Just compare prices! You will be glad you did you can save £100’s !! and Dollars and Euro’s!
Try local or regional listing sites Lots of owners have their own web pages or advertise on small local agency websites such as KeyStay who work very hard o answer guest queries on owners behalf.
You can search by area or name. Also, check for a local or regional “groups’ . You will find many owners on these groups and you can post what you are looking for or ask for recommendations.
Use StaySavr.com to unveil owner contact info on Homeaway. You can either use their new look up tool at http://www.staysavr.com/look/ or install the browser extension called “staysavr” on your desktop browser. It is available from http://www.staysavr.com . Once installed, you can visit Homeaway. Owners Direct & Travel Mob A reported 70% of the listings will now show the owner’s phone or email address and you can contact them directly! Either option is a great way to save big $.
Use the major listing sites to search for properties you like.
Make note of the “name” the owner has given the property….like Parkers Pad or Upper North Street. Then go to Google and search for that name, chances are the owner has a website or a local agency that will allow you to book direct.
If you are using Google’s Chrome browser, simply right click on the main photo of the house and select “Search Google for image” to find that image on the web. There is a good chance the owner uses the same images on his own site.
When you book direct, you have direct contact with the manager or owner: When booking a vacation rental, peace of mind is important. Want to know if there is a stairgate, a garden, a grocery store close by, more in depth parking information? When you book direct, you can find out answers to many of these questions and before you commit to booking.
Managers and owners have intimate knowledge about the local destination: They can direct you the best rental for your needs and send you to the best activities, restaurants, and area service providers.
If you have SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, a manager or homeowner can help: Looking for help with your family’s special requests or help with pets? A manager or owner can work with you directly to help with any of your individual needs and give you these assurances before you commit to a booking.
During non-peak travel times, managers and owners have SPECIAL OFFERS available: From events and activities to special rates to onsite services, with direct communication with managers and owners, you get insider knowledge and the best LAST MINUTE DEALS & offers.
So remember to use the hashtag #BookDirect #Brighton @key_stay on Twitter to find your way to us !
Good Luck!
Love & best wishes from Jane of KeyStay Brighton !!
Happy searching
Fab time to rent in Barcelona with Keystay, thanks to strong pound.
Saturdays, 13 & 20 December, 10am-5pm
This Christmas, the studios and stalls at The Open Market have teamed up to offer Brighton the chance to make some amazing Christmas gifts at the market!
The traders in the market are opening up their units on the two Saturdays before Christmas and offering their special skills to help Brightonians create perfect Christmas presents for the people they love. More and more people are looking to give gifts that come from the heart and support local businesses rather than from faceless chain stores. Plus, there will be live Christmas music throughout both days and Father Christmas will be visiting from 10am-12pm on both days.
Just some of the Make it at the Market activities are listed below. A full list of activities will be posted in the market on the mornings of the 13th and 20th.
For more information about the Make it at the Market days or anything to do with The Open Market, please contact Lisa Lepki onlisa@ethicalproperty.co.uk or 07419374276
Brighton Open Market
Marshall’s Row
Brighton BN1 4JU
tel: +44 (0)7419 374276
email: lisa@ethicalproperty.co.uk
web: www.brightonopenmarket.co.uk
Please note: my usual hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 5pm, though this is subject to change.
Registered Office: Ethical Property Company, The Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 1JE – Registered No: 02961327
http://www.buzzfeed.com/kimberleydadds/things-you-simply-must-do-in-brighton
Snoopers Paradise a wondrous treasure trove of vintage tat and antiques. In the North Laines Kensington Gardens, a unique Brighton collective featuring over 20 designers, makers and hoarders selling goods. You’re bound to leave with something.
With somewhere as creative and free spirited as Brighton, there is a lot of street art in and around the town. But none more so than through the North Laine.
Based in the North Laine, you’ll find this gem of a fudge shop. Roly’s Fudge Pantry with the best crumbly fudge ever. Pop in and devour.
Chocolate and art you say? Choccywoccydoodah is home to a dedicated team of artists, designers and chocolatiers who specialise in creating decadent, bespoke wedding cakes, chocolate birthday cakes and unique chocolate gifts. They’re almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
If you’ve not found what you’re looking for, there are plenty more places to come across a unique find in the city. So if you want antiques, furniture or interesting old items pop along to the flea market at the weekends or on bank holidays.
Never knew Brighton was so good for shopping? Well, it is. Especially for something unique. On Saturday’s Upper Gardner Street is home to a market of all sorts of odds and sods and is full of buzzing character. Head there for old records, artisan jewellery and cool vintage finds.
This venue is the place to go to for comedy nights, from household names to up and coming artists. They also hold cabaret and club nights, too so you’ll never be bored.
You’re by the seaside, so of course you want to sample some nice fresh fish. Head down to The Regency, which is still one of the oldest and most popular seafront restaurants. You can pick from traditional fish and chips, or try their mussels.
It’s the perfect place for a “kick arse” caffeine fix in the South Laine. And if you have room, try out their “life changing” cakes as well.
Close to Marwoods you have Cloud 9, perfect for an amazing sweet treat. We recommend the brownies, but there’s ice cream and plenty else on offer, too.
As you’d expect for a busy city by the sea, there are plenty of water sports on offer for the more adventurous or active. Brighton Water Sports let’s you hire kayaks for £10 per person per hour.
If you fancy staying dry then bike hire is the next best thing. Either enjoy a cycle along the promenade, or make it a slightly bigger excursion and cycle along to Rottingdean. Perfect on a lovely day.
Take off your shoes and take a paddle around the pier. It’s great for reflection while soaking up the atmosphere of the beach.
You can even enjoy rum tastings at this popular Brighton haunt as it runs theBrighton Rum Club. Brimmed full of different types of Rum, it’s also home to some delicious Thai food. What’s not to like?
Head to The Great Eastern for a fine selection of whiskeys to happily get you on your way.
Well then you have The Office. Located on Sydney Street this light and airy bar boasts dozens of gins to take your fancy. Spoilt for choice.
For authentic Indian food to soak up all that alcohol, look no further than Indian Summer.
For the finest vegetarian cuisine, head to Terre à Terre, where vegetarianism is “more about indulgence than abstinence”. Situated in the historic lanes, the restaurant is just a stone’s throw from Brighton Beach. And not only does it taste delicious, but the presentation is a huge highlight as well.
Situated in Brighton’s cultural quarter, the Brighton Dome always has an exciting schedule of events going on. Everything from dance shows, to gigs, to plays and workshops are held at the iconic building.
Brighton is one of the main stop offs for music acts touring the country, so you’re bound to see someone you like there. But aside from big names, there are many local groups entertaining the locals and visitors alike throughout the many venues in the city. For a definitive list click here.
If you fancy a reminder of your trip that’s a little more lasting then there’s nowhere better to get inked than the Nine Tattoo Studio. The bespoke tattooists is home to several talented skin artists. You can find them between The Coal Shed Restaurant and the Fiddlers Elbow Public House on Boyces Street.
Brighton Pier may seem like a tourist trap, but you can’t not take a visit there at least once. Buy yourself a pint, wander into the arcade, have a stroll and reflect on one of the coolest cities around. Walk to the end and it gives you a great view looking back on the bohemian beauty.
Awesome cocktails, awesome staff AND you even get to choose the music being played. If you want cocktails, then Shuffle Bar is your place.
If you’ve got your dancing shoes on then avoid the tourist spots and head to theGreen Door Store under the station. There are plenty of club nights on offer and live music is sometimes available, covering everything from reggae to jazz and soul.
It’s a Brighton absolute must. Bill’s is the place to go for a perfect breakfast the morning after the night before. Formerly a bus depot, there’s plenty to look at inside while you while away your morning with friends and chow down on your breakfast.
If you’re in Brighton on a Sunday, then it’s a necessity to head to a pub and enjoy one of the cities finest roast dinners. You can’t go wrong with Earth and Stars or Lion and Lobster.
You might not fancy taking part yourself, but head to Brighton during its annualmarathon and you’re sure to be surrounded by a good vibe. It’s usually held the first weekend in April.
Brighton’s known for its extravagant and fun Gay Pride in August. Expect to see colourful people in an extremely colourful atmosphere. Fun guaranteed.
It’s become one of the staple events in the Brighton diary. The Beach Of The Deadzombie march can be quite terrifying for visitors not expecting to see drunk zombies crawling around town. But a lot of fun for those involved. In fact, Halloween is a great time of year to visit Brighton as it’s celebrated in a huge way there.
Okay, so this one won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. The annual Brighton Naked Bike Ride is quite the spectical, however. The perfect celebration of cycling and the human body.
There are many free festivals taking place throughout the year in Brighton. Two of the best include Kemp Town Carnival (in June) and the St Ann’s Well Gardens Spring Festival (in May). Expect a lovely vibe, music and food.
Brighton Festival is an annual celebration of music, theatre, dance, circus, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and family events – taking place across the whole of Brighton & Hove for three whole weeks every May. Be in awe and enjoy the varied events on offer. And make sure you also check out Brighton Fringe, one of the largest fringe festivals in the world held throughout May.
The people of Brighton & Hove gather together to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach as a token for the end of the year. Every year on 21st December, the shortest day of the year, the Burning the Clockstakes place. The event combines a family lantern procession with a spectacular fire and fireworks show, bringing the whole city together to celebrate.
Situated right on the seafront next to Brighton’s iconic pier, SEA LIFE Brighton is the world’s oldest operating aquarium and provides an awe inspiring look at life below the waves.
The “adult boutique” has even won awards thanks to its naughty goods inside. If you want to come away from Brighton with some bondage toys, this is your place.
Yes, you can watch a movie on the beach! And what makes it even better is that it’s completely free. From mid June til mid July members of the public can sit and enjoy an outside communal film.
If the weather’s not as good then the Duke Of York Picture House is the perfect place to enjoy a film in the city. The art house cinema is pretty enough to just look at itself.
If it’s Mexican that you fancy head straight to Carlito Burrito. With promises of a burrito bar, mexican street food, seafood tapas, mexican beers, Organic Mezcals, Tequilas, cocktails, great tunes and festival vibes all year long, you will not be disappointed.
Or if you fancy cooking yourself then head into Taj Groceries and lap up the smell sensations. Shop for any spice you can possibly imagine and stock up on tons of international food.
Come on, you have to! It’s a Brighton landmark you can’t miss from the outside. But head inside and you’ll be able to lap up the history. Built for the Prince Regent, later King George IV, in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out.
It’s the latest water sport people are going crazy about. And there’s no better place to do it than in Brighton. Stand up and paddle along in the water and you’ll get some much needed zen time.
There are boats that take you out to sea for a spot of mackerel fishing. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous for a day with a difference you can even try to trade in your haul with a top restaurant for a three course lunch with wine! Although it’s certainly not the norm.
You get some beautiful sunsets stretching out in front of you across Brighton beach. And sitting in front of the burnt down west pier is one of the best places to be. Just beautiful.
If you’d prefer to watch the day come to an end on a pub bench with a drink in your hand, then The Setting Sun is obviously the place to head.
Will you regret it? Probably or maybe even most definitely. But it’s something that has to be ticked off the list at least once.
While the shops and markets dotted throughout The Lanes may have been enough shopping for you, there’s still more delights to be found at the giant car boot sales at the Marina. You can make it a fun day out with street performers and food stalls in the vicinity.
The beach side city is often full of classic cars, none more so than during the annualClassic Car Show. Perfect for spotting some beautiful motors.
Up to 15 players battle it out rolling balls into coloured holes which moves your dolphin through the waves, racing the other dolphins to the finish line – a prize is won every time. And yes, it is mighty good fun.
Marvel at the skateboarders’ talents or take in the new paddling pool, also on The Level.
There are many yoga studios to choose from in the city. Or even enjoy some stretching as the sun goes down on the beach.
Madness at THE BRIGHTON CENTRE
Tel: +44 (0)844 847 1515
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Admission | £45.00 per ticket |
Admission | £35.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Open All Year |
---|
06/12/2014 |
---|
* 6:30pm doors
Tel: +44 (0)844 8717650
One of the most popular films of all…
View original post 492 more words
Madness at THE BRIGHTON CENTRE
Tel: +44 (0)844 847 1515
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Admission | £45.00 per ticket |
Admission | £35.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
Open All Year |
---|
06/12/2014 |
---|
* 6:30pm doors
Tel: +44 (0)844 8717650
One of the most popular films of all time comes to the stage in this dazzling new production of Miracle on 34th Street the Musical.
Kris Kringle takes on the non believers in all singing , all dancing, all snowing adaptation of this festival favourite. A white bearded gentleman claiming to be the real Santa claus brings about a genuine miracle on 34th Street, spreading joy throughout New York city.
Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
---|---|
Minimum of 1 Adult, 4 Tickets | £60.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
01/12/2014 – 03/12/2014 |
---|
* Opening times: Evening performances at 7.30pm with matinees at 1pm on Tuesday & Wednesday
Tel: +44 (0)844 8472352
The South East’s most beautiful winter ice rink will open for its fifth year on November 8th to January 18 on the Royal Pavilion’s Eastern lawns in Brighton.
With the former Royal pleasure palace as backdrop, huge rink-side bar and restaurant and 40m terrace, the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is beautifully lit at night and is a great choice for those wanting to skate in a beautiful setting and sit down to eat rinkside apres ice.
The 800 square metre rink has space for 250 skaters per session, with a beginners’ area, penguin skate aids and skate sizes from ‘just walking’ to adult. There’s no charge for spectating for those who prefer to sit and soak up the atmosphere in the stunning rinkside Bar & Kitchen, offering mouth-watering patisserie and festive toffee apples for a Christmas treat, a quick drink after work with the best view in the City or a full three-course meal with family and friends.
Ice skating tickets cost from £10 for adults (aged 12 and over) and £7 for juniors (children under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 10.15pm daily. Club Rinkidinks (10am – 11am daily) offers children under 5 the chance to skate for free when accompanied onto the ice by an adult paying full price. There are also season tickets for those who want to learn to skate (check website for details) and great concessions for students. Box office is open from 9.30am to 9.45pm, but it is advisable to book tickets in advance.
Christmas Artists Open Houses offers a chance for artists and makers to open their houses and studios, providing art lovers the opportunity to browse and buy original artwork direct from the artist. The Artists Open Houses festival is free for visitors and open to everyone.
Visitors can expect to see a wide range of art including jewellery, ceramics and textiles, paintings, sculpture, printmaking, photography and many other media whilst also having the opportunity to chat directly with the artists.
The Lantern Fayre is a 3 day arts, music and cinematic festival . The event features some of the best local talent and is brought to you by the Kemptown Carnival team. Featuring cinema, arts and crafts, storytelling, theatre, great food, drink, night markets, live music and circus skills workshops…lots of family fun!
Near the seafront at the Brighton Wheel, beautifully restored classic VW’s Beetle & camper vans. A Free event for all the family, Madeira Drive takes a slow paced trip back in time with stunning custom cars, stalls and events. VW owners proudly parade their restored vintage beauties.
From the classic retro favourite of the beach scene to a Great British work horse of the countryside. Following on from Breeze, Sunday sees the equally cool Land Rover London to Brighton run. With vintage and modern Land Rovers spanning the 65 years of manufacture on display, along with activities and stalls Madeira Drive is alive with the pride of British manufacturing. A free event for all the family to enjoy.
The city of Brighton is known for its style and Brighton Fashion Week is no exception. Showcasing some of Brighton’s finest talent with eccentrically extravagant and stylish. To be viewed, across various locations throughout the city. http://www.brightonfashionweek.com/
Brighton comes alive with laughter as the Brighton Comedy Festival comes to town. If you want to have a laugh then Brighton is the place to be in October! The HUGE Brighton Comedy Festival runs from the 10th to the 25th October at some of Brighton’s best loved venues: Jack Dee, Sean Lock, Shappi Khorsandi, Simon Amstell, Jon Richardson, Jason Bryne and Seann Walsh are all in town! Book your tickets quickly before it all sells out and of course book somewhere to stay Keystay! http://www.brightoncomedyfestival.com/
Annual motorcycle event held in aid of charity and organised by local bikers. Madeira Drive once again hosts this festival of motorcycles. Amazing custom motorcycles, live music across four stages, exhibits, stalls and much more.
Vintage stall holders come together once again at the Hove Centre to sell original vintage homeware, clothing and jewellery from 1920’s to 1970’s. If you’re looking for that special vintage lamp or mirror to make a room complete, or if dressing vintage is your thing, the Art Deco Fair is the perfect place for a spot of shopping.
If you love your music, then the Oxjam Brighton Takeover is just for you. Held to raise money to help fight poverty, Oxjam with showcase over 50 live acts. Local unsigned talent as well as acts from across the country will be performing in various location in the city.http://oxjambrighton.co.uk/
Brighton is the top location in the country for same sex weddings and has a varied choice of venues to celebrate your special day . A wedding fayre with everything you need all under one roof.
What better night to discover the long history of the supernatural of Preston Manor than on Old Hallows Eve? With sightings such as The Lady in White, the disembodied hands, door knobs turning for no reason and uncanny noises in the dark it’s sure to be a truly haunting experience.
Do you believe in ghosts? Come and take a guide tour of Britain’s second most haunted city on the most haunted of nights. Feel the hairs on the back of your neck rise, as you are guided through the most haunted quarter of Brighton in the dark and intertwining old fishing village of the Lanes. A ‘high spirits’ tour suitable for all ages.ghostwalkbrighton.co.uk
Autumn is a great time to visit Brighton & Hove and experience some of the city’s fantastic festival offering. T From digital culture to food, comedy and music, here’s the best of the festival & arts events coming up in September and October.
Brighton Digital Festival returns on 1st September for a month long celebration of digital culture. 100 events bring together the city’s arts and digital communities through a range of exhibitions, performances, conferences, meet-ups, workshops and outdoor events. www.brightondigitalfestival.co.uk
Or if food is more up your street, tantalise your taste buds at the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Autumn Harvest Festival (4-14 September), which showcases the very best of the fantastic food & drink to be found in the city and surrounding Sussex. brightonfoodfestival.com
For art lovers, the Brighton Art Fair (26-28 September) brings a more personal feel to the viewing and buying process, as visitors get to view art from and meet over 100 of the best contemporary artists from the UK and abroad.www.brightonartfair.co.uk
If moshing is your thing, 2014 sees the Breakout Festival hit Brighton Racecourse on 27 September. Brighton’s first outdoor rock and metal festival, the Breakout line-up includes Funeral for a Friend, Skindred and The Blackout.breakoutfestival.co.uk
Brighton Photo Biennial, the UK’s largest international photography festival, returns from 4 October to 2 November. BPB14 takes place online and in public spaces, galleries and pop-up venues across Brighton & Hove and beyond, involving more than 45 photographers and collaborators all bound by a common approach. bpb.org.uk/2014
The Brighton Comedy Festival is sure to put a smile on your face from 10-25 October, as yet another stellar line-up of top and up and coming comedians have the city rolling in the aisles. 2014’s line-up includes Dave Gorman, Shappi Khorsandi and Jason Byrne. www.brightoncomedyfestival.com
From 24 October to 9 November the popular Brighton Early Music Festival takes on the theme of Cities, Musical centres and the journeys between them. Events include Venetian festivities with La Serenissima and Nine Daies Wonder from The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments. www.bremf.org.uk
For more arts events across the city, visit our What’s On section.
Need somewhere to stay ? Find a fabulous place to stay in Brighton on Keystay.co.uk!
Another reminder of why people and families visit Brighton
This morning, after an early start (as per), we decided to hop in the car and drive the hour or so down to the south coast for a day in Brighton. Brighton is somewhere both Adam and I have spent many a time- both on wild weekends away, and a few times since both F & S were born. In fact, it was one of the first trips I took with Freddie and my Mum when Freddie was only several weeks old.
One of the joys of waking up at 6am on a weekend (I’m really trying to positive about these early starts at the moment!), is that you can be out of the house by 8am, and walking along the seafront by 9, having avoided the mad Brighton traffic and parking queues (take that, lazy, bed-loving folk!). The children were really excited to be going to the beach again…
View original post 375 more words