Question:

> Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco?  I’ll > be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific > Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to > spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites?

One of my favorites is the Hotel Boheme. It is in North Beach area of San Franscisco. Ther are a lot of excellant restaurants in the area. It is also within walking distance of Chinatown. — Charles

Response:

There are certainly lots of good restaurants. Here’s the Chronicle’s list of the 100 best: http://www.sfgate.com/eguide/food/restaurants/top100/ KK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco?  I’ll > be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific > Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to > spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites? > Thanks in advance. > Jim Cassidy > CruisesOnly > 1-800-CRUISES

Response:

We stayed in the Vintage Court Hotel.  Address is 650 Bush Street, Union Square.  It is a boutique type hotel, very European looking.  Extremely well located and moderately priced.  Check it out on the internet.  Lots of the discount hotel sites have it on their list.  Rooms vary in size and price, but considering the location, it’s extremely reasonable.

Response:

> Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco? I’ll > be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific > Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to > spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites?

If you like garlic, try The Stinking Rose.  It’s in the North Beach area. — John

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Sometimes the St. Francis has deals sometimes. It’s simply the best hotel in SF. For a restaurant, try Masa’s. The chef there won on Japan’s Iron Chef program. My wife and I had an incredible meal there. It’s expensive, though. — Jordan Zimmerman http://www.jordanzimmerman.com

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Our favorites are Gary Danko (must make reservations exactly two months in advance) and Boulevard.  Both expensive and worth it!

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Check out: http://www.kimptongroup.com/hotels.html They have some lovely boutique hotels around Union Square. I’ve stayed at the Monticello Inn, Galleria Park, Cartwright and will be staying at the Villa Florence soon and the Monticello in January. The manager of Villa Florence gets us great deals.:) (He used to be at the Cartwright Hotel.) You can always elect to stay at one of the "generic chains" such as Grand Hyatt, Hilton, etc. But then you wouldn’t be experiencing the true flavor of SF. While the Westin St. Francis is pretty, I find the lobby area to be overwhelming, whereas the intimate lobbies in many of the smaller boutique hotels make me feel right at home. I suppose it’s the way some folks feel about their ships. ~Lindsay

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When I went to SF in 1999 I stayed at the Hotel Lambourn (hope I spelled that right) on Pine Street (on Nob Hill).  It is a wonderful small hotel with excellent service.  My room was also very large by SF standards.  It is within walking distance of Union Square and North Beach and Chinatown. Eve

Response:

Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco?  I’ll be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites? Thanks in advance. Jim Cassidy CruisesOnly 1-800-CRUISES

Response:

Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco?  I’ll be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites? Thanks in advance. Jim Cassidy CruisesOnly 1-800-CRUISES

Response:

> Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco?  I’ll > be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific > Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to > spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites?

One of my favorites is the Hotel Boheme. It is in North Beach area of San Franscisco. Ther are a lot of excellant restaurants in the area. It is also within walking distance of Chinatown. — Charles

Response:

There are certainly lots of good restaurants. Here’s the Chronicle’s list of the 100 best: http://www.sfgate.com/eguide/food/restaurants/top100/ KK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco?  I’ll > be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific > Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to > spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites? > Thanks in advance. > Jim Cassidy > CruisesOnly > 1-800-CRUISES

Response:

We stayed in the Vintage Court Hotel.  Address is 650 Bush Street, Union Square.  It is a boutique type hotel, very European looking.  Extremely well located and moderately priced.  Check it out on the internet.  Lots of the discount hotel sites have it on their list.  Rooms vary in size and price, but considering the location, it’s extremely reasonable.

Response:

> Can anyone recommend a nice hotel and/or restaurant in San Francisco? I’ll > be going there for just 2-3 nights in September to visit the Pacific > Princess.  Of course the Four-Seasons and Ritz are nice, but I’m looking to > spend between $125-$175/night .  Anyone want to share their favorites?

If you like garlic, try The Stinking Rose.  It’s in the North Beach area. — John

Response:

Sometimes the St. Francis has deals sometimes. It’s simply the best hotel in SF. For a restaurant, try Masa’s. The chef there won on Japan’s Iron Chef program. My wife and I had an incredible meal there. It’s expensive, though. — Jordan Zimmerman http://www.jordanzimmerman.com

Response:

Our favorites are Gary Danko (must make reservations exactly two months in advance) and Boulevard.  Both expensive and worth it!

Response:

Check out: http://www.kimptongroup.com/hotels.html They have some lovely boutique hotels around Union Square. I’ve stayed at the Monticello Inn, Galleria Park, Cartwright and will be staying at the Villa Florence soon and the Monticello in January. The manager of Villa Florence gets us great deals.:) (He used to be at the Cartwright Hotel.) You can always elect to stay at one of the "generic chains" such as Grand Hyatt, Hilton, etc. But then you wouldn’t be experiencing the true flavor of SF. While the Westin St. Francis is pretty, I find the lobby area to be overwhelming, whereas the intimate lobbies in many of the smaller boutique hotels make me feel right at home. I suppose it’s the way some folks feel about their ships. ~Lindsay

Response:

When I went to SF in 1999 I stayed at the Hotel Lambourn (hope I spelled that right) on Pine Street (on Nob Hill).  It is a wonderful small hotel with excellent service.  My room was also very large by SF standards.  It is within walking distance of Union Square and North Beach and Chinatown. Eve

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Question:

wow island girl you were helpfull good for you

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. >We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive. > Any of the Island Outpost Group hotels would do with special emphasis > at the Tide or Kent. > http://www.islandoutpost.com/

Response:

Depends on what you want to spend.  If money is not an object, the Delano is fabulous, but be wary of the restaurant there (The Blue Room, owned by Madonna).  Didn’t have a particulalry good meal there last Thanksgiving but saw a few celebs hanging around.  It starts around $300 a night, but if you call direct, you might could cut a deal.  Other hotels down there, be careful.  Most are all under some sort of ongoing restoration, with exception of the ones IG mentioned, but they are $175 and up a night.  Go on hotels.com or any of the discount hotel sites that offer reviews.  That helps a little. C – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. >We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive.

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Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you. B

Response:

>Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. >We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive.

Any of the Island Outpost Group hotels would do with special emphasis at the Tide or Kent. http://www.islandoutpost.com/

Response:

Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you. B

Response:

>Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. >We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive.

Any of the Island Outpost Group hotels would do with special emphasis at the Tide or Kent. http://www.islandoutpost.com/

Response:

Depends on what you want to spend.  If money is not an object, the Delano is fabulous, but be wary of the restaurant there (The Blue Room, owned by Madonna).  Didn’t have a particulalry good meal there last Thanksgiving but saw a few celebs hanging around.  It starts around $300 a night, but if you call direct, you might could cut a deal.  Other hotels down there, be careful.  Most are all under some sort of ongoing restoration, with exception of the ones IG mentioned, but they are $175 and up a night.  Go on hotels.com or any of the discount hotel sites that offer reviews.  That helps a little. C – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. >We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive.

Response:

wow island girl you were helpfull good for you

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Looking for suggestions on a post cruise hotel in South Beach Miami. >We are interested in the Art Deco style on Ocean Drive. > Any of the Island Outpost Group hotels would do with special emphasis > at the Tide or Kent. > http://www.islandoutpost.com/

Response:

Question:

>  Maybe we’re talking about the same thing.  . . .

 I was not aware of another hotel with the same >name as one of the Mercures.

I have seen both Mercures and was in Avignon last month, the hotel we seek is not either Mercure but can be seen from (IIRC) the Cite des Papes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->  Alan

Response:

There are two hotels named Palais des Papes.  I was not referring to the Mercure.  The one I know is at 1 Rue Gerard Philippe.  It can be visited online at www.avignon-et-provence.com/hotel-le-lutrin-palais-des-papes Danielle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You won’t get a cheap 3/4 star hotel anywhere in France!  There are nice > hotels in Avignon, like the Hotel du Palais des Papes (2 stars): check it > out at www.avignon-et-provence.com/hotel-le-lutrin-palais-des-papes; > everyone likes it, and it is beautifully located in the center of the city > (Le Lutrin is their restaurant which serves excellent food at reasonable > prices).  Danielle > > I’m looking for an inexpensive 3/4 star in Avignon, preferably an > old/quaint > > hotel. > You won’t get a cheap 3/4 star hotel anywhere in France!  There are nice > hotels in Avignon, like the Hotel du Palais des Papes (2 stars): check it > out at www.avignon-et-provence.com/hotel-le-lutrin-palais-des-papes; > everyone likes it, and it is beautifully located in the center of the city > (Le Lutrin is their restaurant which serves excellent food at reasonable > prices).  Danielle > The Palais des Papes is now part of the Mercure hotel chain.  The rooms are > acceptable for a three roof rating in Michelin.  The staff is very nice and the > beakfast is a good spread with all kinds of goodies.  However I am not aware of > a restaurant.  When we were there the restaurant was not operating and the ‘99 > Michelin lists the hotel as sans rest.".

Response:

I think Jack’s website lists hotels in Avignon, www.jack-travel.com Avignon is a major tourist destination and NOT inexpensive.  You might do better across the river in Villeneuve-l

Question:

Hi. I’m planning to travel next summer to Denmark and Norway; I’ll be staying in Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Oslo and possibly Bergen. I’m looking for advice, based on experience, with discount coupons for hotels in those cities. I last travelled in Scandinavia in 1994, with my wife and two kids. We had leased a car in Amsterdam and drove up through Denmark, then Sweden and around the Gulf of Bothnia into Finland, then back by ferry to Sweden, Denmark and back to Amsterdam. Before leaving Canada we bought a booklet of discount coupons redeemable at various 3- and 4-star hotels throughout Denmark, Sweden and Finland. I felt they were a really good deal — for about $100 per night, plus breakfast, we got a room for the whole family. I won’t be travelling with the kids this time, but my wife and I would like to stay in hotels again, using the same kind of discount coupon package if at all possible. I know that hotels are very pricey in Scandinavia (and no, I do not want to stay in hostels); these coupons seemed a very good deal. Do these kinds of deals still exist? Does anyone know where I can get more information about them? I assume that they must be purchased in North America, before entering Scandinavia, so any advice or suggestions would be most welcome. Please respond not only to this newsgroup but also to my e-mail address. Thanks. Olaf Janzen Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi. I’m planning to travel next summer to Denmark and Norway; I’ll be > staying in Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Oslo and possibly Bergen. I’m looking for > advice, based on experience, with discount coupons for hotels in those > cities. > I last travelled in Scandinavia in 1994, with my wife and two kids. > We had leased a car in Amsterdam and drove up through Denmark, then Sweden > and around the Gulf of Bothnia into Finland, then back by ferry to Sweden, > Denmark and back to Amsterdam. Before leaving Canada we bought a booklet > of discount coupons redeemable at various 3- and 4-star hotels throughout > Denmark, Sweden and Finland. I felt they were a really good deal — for > about $100 per night, plus breakfast, we got a room for the whole family. > I won’t be travelling with the kids this time, but my wife and I would > like to stay in hotels again, using the same kind of discount coupon > package if at all possible. I know that hotels are very pricey in > Scandinavia (and no, I do not want to stay in hostels); these coupons > seemed a very good deal. Do these kinds of deals still exist? Does anyone > know where I can get more information about them? I assume that they must > be purchased in North America, before entering Scandinavia, so any advice > or suggestions would be most welcome. > Please respond not only to this newsgroup but also to my e-mail address. > Thanks. > Olaf Janzen > Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Hi Olaf! I visited Copenhagen and Norway this past May and June. Copenhagen is quite pricey, so check around the web for places to stay. Oslo, there are several choices downtown, which is a good place to be based. Do not totally cross off hostels, as many offer private accomodations. Especially if you decide to go to Bergen, because the hotels there are very expensive. The Bergen hostel is really nice and has nice private rooms. Please, do go to Bergen. You won’t regret it. It is the most beautiful city I have ever seen.

Response:

Hi. I’m planning to travel next summer to Denmark and Norway; I’ll be staying in Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Oslo and possibly Bergen. I’m looking for advice, based on experience, with discount coupons for hotels in those cities. I last travelled in Scandinavia in 1994, with my wife and two kids. We had leased a car in Amsterdam and drove up through Denmark, then Sweden and around the Gulf of Bothnia into Finland, then back by ferry to Sweden, Denmark and back to Amsterdam. Before leaving Canada we bought a booklet of discount coupons redeemable at various 3- and 4-star hotels throughout Denmark, Sweden and Finland. I felt they were a really good deal — for about $100 per night, plus breakfast, we got a room for the whole family. I won’t be travelling with the kids this time, but my wife and I would like to stay in hotels again, using the same kind of discount coupon package if at all possible. I know that hotels are very pricey in Scandinavia (and no, I do not want to stay in hostels); these coupons seemed a very good deal. Do these kinds of deals still exist? Does anyone know where I can get more information about them? I assume that they must be purchased in North America, before entering Scandinavia, so any advice or suggestions would be most welcome. Please respond not only to this newsgroup but also to my e-mail address. Thanks. Olaf Janzen Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi. I’m planning to travel next summer to Denmark and Norway; I’ll be > staying in Copenhagen, Esbjerg, Oslo and possibly Bergen. I’m looking for > advice, based on experience, with discount coupons for hotels in those > cities. > I last travelled in Scandinavia in 1994, with my wife and two kids. > We had leased a car in Amsterdam and drove up through Denmark, then Sweden > and around the Gulf of Bothnia into Finland, then back by ferry to Sweden, > Denmark and back to Amsterdam. Before leaving Canada we bought a booklet > of discount coupons redeemable at various 3- and 4-star hotels throughout > Denmark, Sweden and Finland. I felt they were a really good deal — for > about $100 per night, plus breakfast, we got a room for the whole family. > I won’t be travelling with the kids this time, but my wife and I would > like to stay in hotels again, using the same kind of discount coupon > package if at all possible. I know that hotels are very pricey in > Scandinavia (and no, I do not want to stay in hostels); these coupons > seemed a very good deal. Do these kinds of deals still exist? Does anyone > know where I can get more information about them? I assume that they must > be purchased in North America, before entering Scandinavia, so any advice > or suggestions would be most welcome. > Please respond not only to this newsgroup but also to my e-mail address. > Thanks. > Olaf Janzen > Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Hi Olaf! I visited Copenhagen and Norway this past May and June. Copenhagen is quite pricey, so check around the web for places to stay. Oslo, there are several choices downtown, which is a good place to be based. Do not totally cross off hostels, as many offer private accomodations. Especially if you decide to go to Bergen, because the hotels there are very expensive. The Bergen hostel is really nice and has nice private rooms. Please, do go to Bergen. You won’t regret it. It is the most beautiful city I have ever seen.

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Question:

The Rhodes Hotel by Paddington Station is Clean, cheap, and the people are very nice.  They have a WEB page http://www.rhodeshotel.co.uk

Response:

I myself am staying at Royal Norfolk Hotel at 25 London st right off Paddington station…take Heathrow express rooms are very nice. double and twin beds toilet/bath or shower full english breakfast. I’ve asked to have food brought to room no problem manager said. also, got a first floor room  ground floor to americans. can check in early in morning if room is clean. no problem 6 nights cost me 627 dollars total

Question:

I recall reading a message about the availability last minute travel opportunities.  I had thought it was a "travel auction," buit have been unsuccessful searching on this word.   Am I imagining it, or was there such a note on this newsgroup?   Let me know as I am interested in availing myself of this service.    THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

Response:

> I recall reading a message about the availability last minute travel > opportunities.  I had thought it was a "travel auction," buit have been > unsuccessful searching on this word. >   Am I imagining it, or was there such a note on this newsgroup? >   Let me know as I am interested in availing myself of this service. >    THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

These are some companies that specialize in discount hotel rooms in various areas.  They may save 50% +/- of the rack price. Hotel Resv No’s.: 1800-96-HOTEL Quickbook: 1800-789-9887 AC, LV, NY, Chi, etc.: 1800-444-7666 US, Carib, Eur, Asia: 1800-846-7000 Las Vegas: 1800733-6644

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Question:

>Recently there have been some postings for travel discount cards and >(retail$24.95) being offered for free(plus shipping and handling).  The >card offering discount hotel stays and other travel discounts for $39.95 . >Are these legitimate?  Are they worth the costs?  Has anyone used these >and had good or bad experiences in the past?  I’d appreciate a reply from >anyone who might be able to help. Thanks in advance! >John Dent >Johnny D.  That’s me!

Yes, these cards are legitimate.  You must keep in mind that the price that these cards discount from is the "rack rate" comparable to full retail.  If you are involved with computers you know that software usually sells at a discount to list price.  So it often is with travel.  My own best guess is that these are a good way to save if you aren’t getting a package deal. In the case of tour packages you should check costs and compare with what you can get with the card.  The interesting thing is that almost all of these cards have some kind of unconditional guarantee.  Therefore, use some git up ‘n go and plan a vacation to some place you plan to go using a card and then do it the best you can by yourself or with a travel agent. If the card doesn’t save you several times its price get your money back. The cards also vary in what they cover.  The card that we sell (Hotel Express) covers hotels, airline tickets, cruises, restaurants, and car rentals.  We have a separate card that covers golf.  A card offered by John Richardson in this group also covers health care items(drugs, etc.) and skiing as well as the items that I mentioned.(hotels, etc)  I suggest that you get information from both of us and see which one you like the best. Steve Stringfellow (still looking for the 105% discount card) COMMERCIAL MODE ON HOTEL EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL is the card that millions have bought for $49.95 and $39.95.  Now you can have it for only $29.95. This card includes: 50 to 65% off regular prices for hotels and motels around the world 5% cash rebates off the lowest published domestic air fares up to 60% off published international air fares up to 50% off cruises(over 1000 – all major lines) 25% off or 2 for 1 discounts at participating hotel/motel restaurants up to 25% off car rentals from National, Alamo, or Avis wholesale vacation packages – no agency markup NOT $49.95!!  NOT $39.95!!  A MEASLY $29.95 will get you this fine card. Also, we have the Hale Irwin Golfer’s Passport for only $59.95. All cards unconditionally guaranteed for 3 months. or call: Jim Calvin 309 673 6967 THANK YOU AND HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Response:

Recently there have been some postings for travel discount cards and (retail$24.95) being offered for free(plus shipping and handling).  The card offering discount hotel stays and other travel discounts for $39.95 . Are these legitimate?  Are they worth the costs?  Has anyone used these and had good or bad experiences in the past?  I’d appreciate a reply from anyone who might be able to help. Thanks in advance! John Dent Johnny D.  That’s me!

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