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When I've visited Florence before, I've stayed in cheap places with sagging mattresses and thin walls. This time since I was travelling alone from the States and wanted somewhere to recover peacefully and safely after my sightseeing, I decided to shell out a few more Euros and stayed in this hotel. I found the staff to be courteous, helpful and very accommodating, Andrea (one of the family that own the place) was really welcoming and arranged museum and restaurant reservations for me and also gave me good tips to move around.
The place (built in 1500) was very central and the neighbourhood was safe, I could walk to all the main tourist sights. Ponte Vecchio and Uffizi Gallery are about 2 blocks away. At the end I had a discount for paying cash without asking for one, the cost of my single was originally €88.00 but they gave it to me for €80.00 per night. A bargain!
The hotel also offers a left luggage facility which is handy if you have a late flight/train. I will definitely return for a longer stay in the future.
Kimbilio Lodge is a very new lodge on the Kilwa Masoko Bay. Italian-run and has excellent Mediterannean cuisine. Simple and, at the same time, sophisticated eight bungalows with air conditioning.
The atmosphere is friendly and the managers always managed to fulfil my requirements. I had a great time and superb dives. They have the only diving centre in the area.
I was surprised at the things I was able to do in Kilwa in one week - diving, visiting the Kilwa Ruins, see hippos a short boat ride from the lodge.
I flew in from Dar es Salaam, it was about one hour's flight and drove back to Dar es Salaam, four hours trip on a good road going through beautiful scenery and small traditional villages. It could have been possible to stop at the Selus Game Reserve on the way, but I left it for next time. Overall a wonderful experience.
www.kimbiliolodges.com
tel. + (255) 787211201
300 Km from Dar es Salaam, reachable by plane (Coastal aviation) or car; no need of 4x4
This is a good cheap hotel which provides bed and breakfast. I booked it using its own website. The rooms are large and clean and have fridges. You can borrow a kettle, etc from reception at no charge.
Valdemara Street, Riga. Take the number 22a bus from the airport and get off at the Art Museum, 2 stops after crossing the river. Then at the same stop take the number 8 trolley bus 4 stops. The hotel is across the road. Each fare is 0.4 Lat (about 42p!)
For an authentic rural Swedish getaway drive one hour east of Gothenburg and stay at this charming forest cottage with views over the local lake. Use this as a base to explore the very pleasant local area including the local town of Ulricehamn on the shores of Asunden lake. The cottage is well equipped with facilities but can still be the perfect getaway. We particularly enjoyed looking for chantarelle mushrooms in the surrounding forest.
Great place to stay and great place to ski. First time in Austria after years in France. What a difference! Quiet slopes, great snow, and polite locals!
www.sporthotel-igls.com/
Google map: tinyurl.com/p3kch2
The Dana Guesthouse is perched on the edge of the spectacular Wadi Dana canyon in the Dana nature reserve in southern Jordan.
It one of the most peaceful and relaxing places you can stay in the whole country, with only 9 rooms and amazing views. You can hike in the wilderness by day and gaze at starry night skies whilst contributing to Jordan's foresighted sustainable eco-tourism.
You will also be greeted with very warm hospitality and fantastic local organic food. Simple, wild, luxury.
Dana Village, 45min drive north of Petra. +962 6 4616523, rscn.org.jo
The hotel is in a residential area about 10min walk from Termini. The room and bathroom are small but clean and new. It is generally quiet at night, except for the hostelry and pizzeria close to the hotel. Very nice employees, helpful and smiling. Only problem we had was with the elevator... there wasn't an elevator!!! Within walking distance of Stazione Termini. I would definitely stay there again.
Htel Felice, Rome
www.hotelfelice.com
Phone: 0039-06-4453347
Fax: 0039-06-4460290
nearest Station: Termini
A budget riad. 150 drhs in January 08 for a two-bed room which sleeps three. Average service, no heating, no toilet paper (yes, I know their customs, but the folk who run the place should know ours, too). A manager went furious at the suggestion to keep his private party down after midnight. 20 drs for half of a cup of instant coffee. Very central, though.
A budget place (I haggled it down to 100dhrs in January 08) with predictably bare rooms (no heating), but a pretty patio and very helpful (if not English-speaking) staff. No ensuites, but bathrooms are clean and showers powerful. Thirty steps off the main tourist drag in a predictably scruffy alleyway, takes some time to locate.
10 rue Abdessalam Labadi www.riadessaouira.com 00212(0)24783323
Discovering a city? I think by foot is the only way to get a proper idea of a town. That’s why I always try to find a central accommodation.
I chose the Citystay Mitte. A good choice, not only because of the location at Hackescher Markt, an area which seems to be pure Berlin. I was allowed to find hidden places and spaces.
Rosenstraße 16, direct at Hackescher Markt, Berlin, 10178, Germany
www.citystay.de/
There are hundreds of estate agents along the French Riviera. I have dealt with these in the recent past and my experience was very positive. They are fully registered estate agents, so the buyer is protected.
They don't do rentals themselves but can put you in touch with property managers who can organise a great apartment to rent for a week or so!
Just a quick tip. Hope it helps someone.
If you're looking to book a snowboarding holiday don't fail to look this company up. The company has two chalets in the resort of Morzine, both in fantastic locations.
What I particularly liked were the little touches you don't always get with a bigger company: heated boot warmers, iPod docks and guiding by their sponsored riders to name but a few.
Top food, top location, top people -look them up!
New restaurant (opened Januaary 2008) attached to new 'eco-hotel' Chancileria on Calle Chancileria near the centre of Jerez. Chef Juan used to be a teacher at the local catering college but it hasn't stopped him producing great dishes in the modern Spanish style (good fresh local ingredients, traditional methods, attention to seasoning and detail, beautiful presentation.)
For example 'hamburguesa de cola de toro' - a little timbale of beautifully cooked oxtail off the bone with a perfect apple puree, brilliant combination - mouthwatering. Artichoke soup with foie and truffle oil also fresh and delicious. Main course fish fresh and delicious. Portions sensible size. Desserts looked good but need developing.
Mixed and slightly odd wine list (some good if predictable riojas and also lambrusco(!?) but all very reasonably priced (c.100 euros for an unstinting 3 course meal for two with aperitif and wine and dessert wine and coffee...) Much better than other recommended but more 'traditional' restaurants in the town. Go quick before everyone else discovers it and the prices go up...
Calle Chancileria, Jerez
They are state-run and organised for us an excellent bespoke itinerary complete with driver for the whole visit - airport and back to airport - for a very reasonable amount of money.
They were always prompt and efficient in all our communications as well as helpful and authoritative. I would wholeheartedly recommend them. Using them and an internet airfare can provide an excellent, reasonably priced holiday in this beautiful state.
A cosy self catering "garden shed" with all mod cons and a sea view to die for.
This accommodation at university residences is only available June - early September. In June 2007 it cost £24 a night for a single room with shared bathroom. It's a beautiful location by Holyrood Park with free car parking, and it takes around 20 minutes to walk to Princes St. The self-service breakfast is excellent.
Book online at:
www.laterooms.com/en/p1025/hotel-reservations/84026_edinburgh-first-hotel-university-edinburgh-edinburgh.aspx
Cheap especially for a single room. I paid £24 for a single ensuite room. Centrally located, 10 minutes walk from Waverley rail station and Princes St. Breakfast not great, but good if you want budget accommodation with your own bathroom at a cheap rate.
Book online at:
en.venere.com/hotels_edinburgh/hotel_minotel_osbourne_hotel.html?ref=1234
It's right in the centre of the town. It's a new hotel with bright spacious family rooms that sleep up to two adults and two kids. It cost from just £19 a night if you book online on the non-refundable saver rate at least three weeks in advance.
The Ginnel, Harrogate HG1 2RR
Book online at:
www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=1586&id=74798
It's centrally located just off the Royal Mile and you can find rooms from just £19 a night if you book online at least 3 weeks in advance on the non-refundable saver rate.
30 St Mary's Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TA
Book online at:
www.awin1.com/awclick.php?mid=1586&id=74798
In the heart of Florence's San Lorenzo district, the hotel is very convenient to the Santa Maria Novella train station. Laid out over three floors, Hotel Corona D'Italia is housed in an nineteenth-century palace with clean and pleasing lines. Its interior, decorated with beautiful Florentine ceramics and elegant stucco cornices, is large and light-filled.
Via Nazionale 14
50123, Florence, ITALY
Ph. +39.055.261501
Fax +39.055.288639
www.hotelcoronaditalia.com/en/index.htm
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