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Chances are you’ll cough up a little more (or even a lot), but for a once in a lifetime experience or a short stay, it’s totally worth it.
Festivals are back: 5 iconic events around the world and where to stay
If you’re travelling across the world especially for a festival you’ll want to be in a prime location to maximise your time at the event.
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Oktoberfest – Vier Zimmer
For beer lovers who want to soak every second of Oktoberfest (along with the other six million people who visit the festival), there’s a hotel just 200 metres away from Theresienwiese fairground. There’s a fully equipped kitchen to make meals and late night snacks.
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Vier Zimmer is also close to Poccistrasse underground station which means you can easily get around. When you’re beered out, there’s a lot to see close by such as Marienplatz square, the original farmer’s market (Viktualienmarkt) and the world’s most famous beer hall and tavern (the Hofbrauhaus)
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Cherry Blossom – Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Tokyo
Is seeing cherry blossoms on everyone’s bucket list or just mine? Sakura season just seems so magical as tourists and locals alike dance under the trees, giddy with excitement. The trouble is they are so spellbinding that it’ll be an en masse experience.
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To wake up with cherry blossoms from your bedroom window, stay at the Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo – even if it’s just for one night. Cherry blossoms are usually in full bloom from late March to early April in Tokyo. If you’re dining out or at a bar, ask if they have any specials with sakura. The Sakura-dipity made by Kentaro Wada at The Bar, Ritz Tokyo, is in my top five cocktails.
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Vivid Sydney – Park Hyatt, Sydney
Between the cold and the crowd, it’s easy to decide to skip Vivid. While there will be a little Vivid markup during the three week festivals, hotels will be a little less expensive during the week. Sure it’ll be a splurge, but the Park Hyatt offers uninterrupted views of the Opera House and harbour. You’ll also be at the heart of the action to stay out a bit later and not have too far to walk home.
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Book a suite for the best view and maybe BYO champagne to have a glass of bubbles as the lights dance across the Opera House sails.
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Scarlet Sails – So Sofitel, St Petersburg
Every year, during the winter solstice St Petersburg has the Scarlet Sails festival for high school graduates. Tall ships with red sails glide down the Neva River amid music concerts, ballets, fireworks and a huge party on the shore. The ship symbolises hope and a bright future, and is a modern replica of a 19th century vessel.
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At the So Sofitel, there’s a Veuve Clicquot rooftop where you can have a great view of the fireworks and feel the city buzzing.
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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – W Yas Island
The W is so close to the track that you’ll be able to smell the burning rubber and experience what must be the closest to a sonic boom as the cars wizz past.
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Located almost on the track, the W is a world-class hotel and costs around $2,000 per night on Grand Prix weekend. With multiple restaurants and lounges, spa, gym and two rooftop pools, rooms directly overlook the Formula 1 circuit. The hotel also looks over the marina and is just a few minutes away from Ferrari World, Sea World, Yas Mall, and Warner Bros World.
