Lately, I encounter more and more hotels describing themselves as a boutique hotel. It sounds posh, chic, something extraordinary, But what exactly is a boutique hotel?

Boutique hotel is a term originating in North America to describe intimate, usually luxurious or quirky hotel environments. Boutique hotels differentiate themselves from larger chain/branded hotels and motels by providing personalized level accommodation and services / facilities.

Typically boutique hotels are furnished in a themed, stylish and/or aspirational manner. Although usually considerably smaller than a mainstream hotel (often ranging from 3 to 100 guest rooms), boutique hotels can often have hundreds of rooms in major cities. Guest rooms and suites are fitted with telephony and Wi-Fi Internet, air-conditioning, honesty bars and often cable/pay TV. Guest services are attended to by 24 hour hotel staff. Many boutique hotels have on-site dining facilities, and the majority offer bars and lounges which may also be open to the general public.

Basically, it’s offers all the conveniences of large chain-hotels, with the personalized service typical of smaller establishments. Such type of accommodations are on the rise in Asia, too. Here are Newsweek’s top picks:

New Majestic, Singapore - serves some of the best modern Cantonese cuisine in town
Reflections, Bangkok (photo) -visitors can view and choose their own rooms on the hotel’s web site
Jia Hong, Kong -the popular restaurant Opia offers modern European cuisine and has won awards for being one of the best restos in town.

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The International Civil Aviation Organization has issued new global security guidelines regarding carrying liquids, gels and aerosols in hand luggages. These guidelines, which are already being observed in Europe, US and some Asian airports, will take effect in most international airports starting on June 1, 2007. Here are the important points to note:

1. Liquids, aerosols, and gels must be placed in a container not over 100 milliliters (or equivalent amount of measure, i.e. ounces). (It doesn’t matter if the container is just half-full, make sure its capacity is not more than 100 ml.)

2. These items must be placed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag of a maximum capacity not exceeding 1 litre.

3. The size of the plastic bag must not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches). (Small zip-loc bags are best.)

4. The plastic bag must be presented for visual examination at the airport security screening point. Only one transparent plastic bag per passenger will be permitted to be carried.

5. Exemptions: medication (with prescriptions/medical certificates), baby milk/food and special dietary foods

To make it as hassle free as possible, just take what you absolutely must in your hand-luggage. Larger containers should go into your checked-in luggage.

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Cebu Pacific, one of the Philippines’ domestic carriers is offering a One Peso-Seat Sale for domestic flights.

You have until tomorrow (!) to book a seat for travel between July 16 and December 15, 2007. Remember, although you almost pay nothing for the airfare itself, there are taxes, fees and other surcharges applicable.

Don’t you hate it when they have short-term promos like this, forcing you to make travel plans in a rush? On the other hand, for the price of one peso (about US$0.02), one shouldn’t complain. If one is lucky enough to snatch a seat, that is. So, hurry!!!

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