(Rome, Italy) - Fuel prices certainly haven't taken all the fun out of international travel. If you're looking beyond a simple drive to the Oregon coast for your summer repose, some recent developments in western and eastern Europe are offering some tantalizing reasons to zip across the pond to Italy and Romania. Italian Resorts Offer 20 Percent OffStarwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. in Italy has announced a limited time offer with special rates to the legendary cities of Rome, Florence, Milan, Asolo, Venice and the island of Sardinia. Guests will receive a 20 percent discount on best available room rates including 20 percent off on food and beverage at the following hotels and resorts amongst famous brands such as Westin, Sheraton, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis.
In Rome: The St. Regis Grand Hotel, The Westin Excelsior Rome, Sheraton Roma Hotel & Conference Center are offering 20 percent off food and beverage as well. In Venice: Hotel Danieli, Hotel Gritti Palace, The Westin Europa & Regina, The Westin Excelsior Resort, Venice Lido, Hotel Des Bains, Venice Lido Resort.In Milan: The Westin Palace, Sheraton Diana Majestic, and Le Méridian Gallia.In Asolo: Hotel Villa Cipriani.In Florence, Italy (not the Oregon coast town): The Westin Excelsior Florence and The Grand Hotel.Sardina: Hotel Pitrizza, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Cervo Hotel and Hotel Romazzino.This online offer is valid for bookings made from now until July 31, 2008 for reservations up until October 31, 2008. Potential guests must visit www.italiansummervacation08.com and book through the website. Payment for reservations will be charged at time of booking. All reservations are non-changeable and non-refundable. Additional terms and conditions may apply. There are a wide choice of restaurants that offer diverse menus based on Mediterranean cooking and regional specialties. New to travelers are the totally restyled h club>diana restaurant at the Sheraton Diana Majestic in Milan and the Terrazza Danieli Restaurant at the Hotel Danieli in Venice. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. 
Rezidor Announces First Radisson SAS Hotel in RomaniaThe Rezidor Hotel Group, the Brussels-based hotel management company, announces the first Radisson SAS Hotel (www.radissonsas.com) to open in Bucharest, Romania's capital city. Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and glorious Belle Époque buildings, Bucharest is Romania's largest city, both in size and economic and political importance. Bucharest is bustling with art and culture as it is home to 37 museums, 22 theaters, opera houses, concert halls and 18 art galleries. The Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest is situated on Calea Victoriei or Victory Avenue, the oldest street in Bucharest. This avenue hosts some of the most important tourist attractions, such as the National History Museum, the Romanian Athenaeum, The National Art Museum and the Cantacuzino Palace or the Museum of Art Collections."Romania is a country in which we see promising potential for expansion," said Kurt Ritter, president & CEO of The Rezidor Hotel Group. "Bucharest represents a market which is important for Rezidor's further development in the country." 
The Radisson SAS Hotel, BucharestThe Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest offers 424 guestrooms, including 74 Business Class rooms complemented by a Business Class Lounge and 43 suites, all designed by architect Uri Blumenthal and interior designer Buki Zuker. The Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest offers the World Class Health Academy, including a fully equipped gym, aerobic and spinning classes, treatment rooms, an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Additional services include the hotel's private garden featuring an outdoor pool, pool bar, patio and Jacuzzi; the Bali Spa with specialized exotic treatments from Southeast Asia; four unique cuisine restaurants and Romania's largest and most exclusive casino, the Platinum Casino. The Radisson SAS Hotel, Bucharest is The Rezidor Hotel Group's first property to open in Romania. The second opening will follow in winter 2009 with the 186-room Radisson SAS Resort Poiana Brasov. http://www.bucharest.radissonsas.com/
Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com
Inn at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms. Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly. Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. http://www.atcannonbeach.com/.
Arch Cape Property Services. Dozens of homes in that dreamy, rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the sea.
All homes are immaculate and smoke free; some pet friendly (with a fee). Some with broadband, indoor or outdoor hot tubs, fireplaces, decks, and fire pits or barbecues. Call about tempting winter specials that go until March (not valid holidays, however). http://www.archcaperentals.com/ 866-436-1607.
Click here for video of Dec. storm aftermathOregon Coast Best of Awards for the Year And the winners are: best of Oregon coast restaurants, lodgings, science, odd events in nature and stunning moments for 2007Watching Transformations of Oregon Coast Beaches Seasons change and so do beaches, revealing different sides and a variety of eye-popping sightsStaggeringly Cool Ideas for Oregon Coast Romance Be it the season of Valentine's or be it any time of the year, Oregon's coastline has essentially cornered the market for cuddle-inducing possibilities and gushy activities for the hand-holding setDay or Night Mysteries and Merriment on Oregon Coast It's more than just nightlife that comes to life, but the beaches offer major opportunitiesOregon Coast Travel Site Goes Wireless Provides Lodging Reports - Oregon Coast Beach Connection now has mobile lodging and dining listings, along with weekly lodging availability reports
ASTORIAWhere the Columbia meets the Pacific, Land of Lewis & Clark and loads of atmosphere & history
SEASIDE
The Promenade, Tillamook Head, family fun & broad, sandy beaches
CANNON BEACHA mysterious lighthouse, upscale yet earthy, a huge monolith, fine eateries & an art mecca
NEHALEM BAY
Manzanita's beaches, Nehalem and Wheeler's quirky beauty; laid back Rockaway
TILLAMOOK BAY
Garibaldi, Barview, Bay City, Tillamook & an oceanfront ghost town
THREE CAPES LOOP
The hidden secret of the coast: Cape Meares, a lighthouse, Oceanside, Netarts and Pacific City
DEPOE BAYA spouting horn downtown, freaky hidden cliffs and whales, whales, whales
NEWPORTTime-tripping Nye Beach, a bustling bayfront, marine science-central and two lighthouses
YACHATS
Constantly dramatic wave action, a mix of the rugged & upscale
FLORENCE
A lighthouse, ancient bayfront and miles and miles of fluffy dunes
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