Category: Accommodations
Deciphering the hotel star-rating system.
If you've wandered around European cities, you've probably noticed that the star-rating system doesn't make a lot of sense. You'll see a three-star designation on an absolute dump, while that perfectly charming little auberge down the street has a solitary star.If you've wondered what's up with that, you're not alone. Many of the complaints on tripadvisor are because the reviewer expected a level of service or accommodation from the hotel's star designation that the property didn't deliver.
Here's why.
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Tips for getting a great hotel room -- Part 1.
An old real estate adage says to buy the cheapest house in a great neighborhood. And while that might be sound advice for house hunters, those looking for the perfect hotel room would do well to ignore it.You want to be in a great neighborhood, that much is true. But getting the cheapest room you can find is probably a mistake.
If you've spent any time reading traveler reviews on sites like tripadvisor, you know that even the best hotels have some unhappy guests. Read between the lines and it's almost always clear that the poor sap who had a bad experience booked the least expensive room.
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Barge accommodations in Paris.
Not long ago we wrote a post about Bateau Simpatico -- luxury barge accommodations in Paris practically at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. We loved our stay there and highly recommend it to anyone who plans to spend a week in Paris. With a beautiful living room, fully tricked-out kitchen, shower, washing machine, and topside deck right on the Seine, it has everything for a memorable week in the City of Light.More information is available at http://www.quai48parisvacation.com.
If you plan to spend less that a week in Paris and you don't want to break the bank, there's another floating alternative -- Bateau Johanna.
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Heaven on Earth -- at House Without A Key.
Years ago, when I was Director of Operations for Private Jet Expeditions, Halekulani was our preferred Honolulu hotel. The Sales Manager there took me on a tour of the property, which concluded with a drink at House Without A Key. Not only was this the highlight of the tour, it was the highlight of my trip, and I've never returned to Hawaii without stopping by for a cocktail.
Located right in the heart of Waikiki Beach -- but a million miles from the madding crowd -- the outdoor tables are sheltered by an ancient kiawe tree. With Diamond Head to your left and the Pacific Ocean a few hundred yards to the front, there's no prettier spot in Waikiki.
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Luxury barge living in Paris.
A few years ago, we went on a barge cruise in Burgundy, and fell in love with barges and barging. So when we found a barge in Paris available by the week, we were all over it.
Moored at Quai Suffren, practically at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, Bateau Simpatico is a great hotel or apartment alternative. Like all boats, she has her idiosyncrasies, and when the huge Bateaux Mouches sightseeing boats ply by, she rocks and rolls wholeheartedly in response. But we thought that was one of the best parts of living aboard.
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