Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, is the latest victim to the economic downturn.

Luxist reports that ski chalet rental company Descent International has gone into liquidation meaning that guests may lose their deposits for winter vacations.

A total of nearly £500,000 including a deposit made by the Duke of York might not be returned.

Perched high above the five-star hotels and heated debate amongst global leaders in the Swiss resort of Davos, an igloo hotel offers the chance to chill out and enjoy life as an Eskimo might.

Set in the midst of the groomed, snow-clad ski slopes 2,600 metres up (8,500 feet), the cluster of igloos nonetheless takes a few liberties with the genuine polar experience.

Iglu-Dorf is built out of packed snow, but the network of 15 igloos linked by tunnels looks more like a cross between neolithic caves and an eco-housing complex perched in the Alps.

Zurich’s iconic luxury city resort, the Dolder Grand, has been honoured in the 2009 Design Awards by prestigious international travel and design magazine, Wallpaper.

The historic Zurich landmark transformed by world-renowned London architects Foster and Partners in a US$400 million facelift was voted ‘Best New or Renovated Hotel’.

Designed in 1899 by Jacques Gros, the Zürich’s Dolder Grand Hotel has a wonderful city location overlooking Lake Zürich and the Alps.