Question:

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Rome later this year.  I have come across this Hotel Lawrence (http://www.hotel-lawrence-rome.com) in my search for some budget accommodation. Has anyone stayed here before ? thanks ! Chris — NZ Photo Gallery (http://nz2002.has.it) (remove "nospamplease" from email address if responding by email)

Response:

Chan > I’m planning a trip to Rome later this year.  I have come across this > Hotel Lawrence (http://www.hotel-lawrence-rome.com) in my search for > some budget accommodation. > Has anyone stayed here before ?

I’ve never stayed there, and never even heard of it before, but I just went to their web site. It looks like it’s probably OK, but it wouldn’t be my choice, and that’s because of its location. Their web site keeps stressing the importance of having a central location, and I do too–but this isn’t it. It’s near the train station. You’ll probably get messages here telling you that being near the train station is dangerous. I don’t really think it’s dangerous, but it’s not a particularly nice part of Rome, and it’s not very central at all. I would choose other areas, like the Campo de Fiore, Piazza Navona, or Pantheon. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

>I’ve never stayed there, and never even heard of it before, but I >just went to their web site. >It looks like it’s probably OK, but it wouldn’t be my choice, and >that’s because of its location. Their web site keeps stressing >the importance of having a central location, and I do too–but >this isn’t it. It’s near the train station. You’ll probably get >messages here telling you that being near the train station is >dangerous. I don’t really think it’s dangerous, but it’s not a >particularly nice part of Rome, and it’s not very central at all. >I would choose other areas, like the Campo de Fiore, Piazza >Navona, or Pantheon.

Thanks Ken ! I figured that much as well. The place looks really nice but I have seen long threads in this newsground discussing the less than pleasant aspects of staying near Termini. cheers, Chris

Response:

Chris, I agree with Ken. Rome is a really fun city, and even at its best, the area around Termini isn’t that much fun. If you can, get some of the good guide books that feature budget accomodations in Rome, including, but not limited to, Great Sleeps in Italy; Hello Italy; and Frommer’s Italy on $70 a Day (unless the 70 has gone up!).  These list hotels in various parts of Rome that you may find acceptable. D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve never stayed there, and never even heard of it before, but I >just went to their web site. >It looks like it’s probably OK, but it wouldn’t be my choice, and >that’s because of its location. Their web site keeps stressing >the importance of having a central location, and I do too–but >this isn’t it. It’s near the train station. You’ll probably get >messages here telling you that being near the train station is >dangerous. I don’t really think it’s dangerous, but it’s not a >particularly nice part of Rome, and it’s not very central at all. >I would choose other areas, like the Campo de Fiore, Piazza >Navona, or Pantheon. > Thanks Ken ! I figured that much as well. The place looks really nice > but I have seen long threads in this newsground discussing the less > than pleasant aspects of staying near Termini. > cheers, > Chris

Response:

>Chris, I agree with Ken. Rome is a really fun city, and even at its >best, the area around Termini isn’t that much fun. >If you can, get some of the good guide books that feature budget >accomodations in Rome, including, but not limited to, Great Sleeps in >Italy; Hello Italy; and Frommer’s Italy on $70 a Day (unless the 70 has >gone up!).  These list hotels in various parts of Rome that you may find >acceptable. >D.

Thanks Debra ! I’ll look out for your recommended books at the book store. cheers, Chris — NZ Photo Gallery (http://nz2002.has.it) (remove "nospamplease" from email address if responding by email)

Response:

Hi everyone, I’m planning a trip to Rome later this year.  I have come across this Hotel Lawrence (http://www.hotel-lawrence-rome.com) in my search for some budget accommodation. Has anyone stayed here before ? thanks ! Chris — NZ Photo Gallery (http://nz2002.has.it) (remove "nospamplease" from email address if responding by email)

Response:

Chan > I’m planning a trip to Rome later this year.  I have come across this > Hotel Lawrence (http://www.hotel-lawrence-rome.com) in my search for > some budget accommodation. > Has anyone stayed here before ?

I’ve never stayed there, and never even heard of it before, but I just went to their web site. It looks like it’s probably OK, but it wouldn’t be my choice, and that’s because of its location. Their web site keeps stressing the importance of having a central location, and I do too–but this isn’t it. It’s near the train station. You’ll probably get messages here telling you that being near the train station is dangerous. I don’t really think it’s dangerous, but it’s not a particularly nice part of Rome, and it’s not very central at all. I would choose other areas, like the Campo de Fiore, Piazza Navona, or Pantheon. — Ken Blake Please reply to the newsgroup

Response:

>I’ve never stayed there, and never even heard of it before, but I >just went to their web site. >It looks like it’s probably OK, but it wouldn’t be my choice, and >that’s because of its location. Their web site keeps stressing >the importance of having a central location, and I do too–but >this isn’t it. It’s near the train station. You’ll probably get >messages here telling you that being near the train station is >dangerous. I don’t really think it’s dangerous, but it’s not a >particularly nice part of Rome, and it’s not very central at all. >I would choose other areas, like the Campo de Fiore, Piazza >Navona, or Pantheon.

Thanks Ken ! I figured that much as well. The place looks really nice but I have seen long threads in this newsground discussing the less than pleasant aspects of staying near Termini. cheers, Chris

Response:

Chris, I agree with Ken. Rome is a really fun city, and even at its best, the area around Termini isn’t that much fun. If you can, get some of the good guide books that feature budget accomodations in Rome, including, but not limited to, Great Sleeps in Italy; Hello Italy; and Frommer’s Italy on $70 a Day (unless the 70 has gone up!).  These list hotels in various parts of Rome that you may find acceptable. D. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve never stayed there, and never even heard of it before, but I >just went to their web site. >It looks like it’s probably OK, but it wouldn’t be my choice, and >that’s because of its location. Their web site keeps stressing >the importance of having a central location, and I do too–but >this isn’t it. It’s near the train station. You’ll probably get >messages here telling you that being near the train station is >dangerous. I don’t really think it’s dangerous, but it’s not a >particularly nice part of Rome, and it’s not very central at all. >I would choose other areas, like the Campo de Fiore, Piazza >Navona, or Pantheon. > Thanks Ken ! I figured that much as well. The place looks really nice > but I have seen long threads in this newsground discussing the less > than pleasant aspects of staying near Termini. > cheers, > Chris

Response:

>Chris, I agree with Ken. Rome is a really fun city, and even at its >best, the area around Termini isn’t that much fun. >If you can, get some of the good guide books that feature budget >accomodations in Rome, including, but not limited to, Great Sleeps in >Italy; Hello Italy; and Frommer’s Italy on $70 a Day (unless the 70 has >gone up!).  These list hotels in various parts of Rome that you may find >acceptable. >D.

Thanks Debra ! I’ll look out for your recommended books at the book store. cheers, Chris — NZ Photo Gallery (http://nz2002.has.it) (remove "nospamplease" from email address if responding by email)

Response:

Question:

> Thanks Lennart > What site are you using to search the Best Westerns in Florence for > availability?  I might give it a try. > thanks again, > Kurt

This one     http://www.bestwestern.com best wishes and hope you’ll have a nice trip.         L.P

Response:

Debra Weber Kurt Weber schrieb: > No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, > but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but > it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know > until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what > the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. > There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel > on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least.

In some cases, cancellation until 6 p.m. might be free of charge. Try http://www.hrs.de and look for conditions (different for each hotel). Regards, ULF

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us.

At this time of year, I would expect that you could find a room on 24 hours notice, or on arrival. I have reserved rooms up to the day before at this time. However, if you are concerned, why don’t you cancel your present accommodation and find an alternative before you leave? Barbara

Response:

> However, if you are concerned, why don’t you cancel your present > accommodation and find an alternative before you leave? > Barbara

Greetings, I apologize for being unclear. Our accomodation plans are not at a hotel or other commercial establishment, and therefore we wanted a back up plan in case they fell through. Had they been at a hotel, we would certainly not have gone forward with such plans if there were any uncertainty. The uncertaintly had to do with private arrangements, and I should have made that clear. I wanted to know just how crowded things are right now, in case we should need to find a decent hotel at the very last minute. thanks, K.

Response:

> No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, > but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but > it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know > until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what > the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. > There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel > on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least. > Thank you, > Kurt

Ok ,sorry for misunderstanding. At least I can see there are availability at most Best Western hotels at rather low prices indicating there aren’t anything especial.   Perhaps Luca have better knowledge ? best regards L.P

Response:

Thanks Lennart What site are you using to search the Best Westerns in Florence for availability?  I might give it a try. thanks again, Kurt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, > but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but > it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know > until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what > the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. > There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel > on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least. > Thank you, > Kurt > Ok ,sorry for misunderstanding. > At least I can see there are availability at most Best Western hotels at > rather low prices indicating there aren’t anything especial.   Perhaps Luca > have better knowledge ? > best regards L.P

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us. > Thank you, > K.

Why not try on-line reservation ? Can’t be too late.        L.P

Response:

No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least. Thank you, Kurt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us. > Thank you, > K. > Why not try on-line reservation ? Can’t be too late. >        L.P

Response:

Greetings We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current world conditions? We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances of securing such a place might be? Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled without reservations. This would be totally new for us. Thank you, K.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us. > Thank you, > K.

Try this site for a nice but modest accomodation in Florence. www.hotelmaximfirenze.it    

Response:

Greetings We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current world conditions? We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances of securing such a place might be? Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled without reservations. This would be totally new for us. Thank you, K.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us. > Thank you, > K.

Try this site for a nice but modest accomodation in Florence. www.hotelmaximfirenze.it    

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us. > Thank you, > K.

Why not try on-line reservation ? Can’t be too late.        L.P

Response:

No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least. Thank you, Kurt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us. > Thank you, > K. > Why not try on-line reservation ? Can’t be too late. >        L.P

Response:

> No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, > but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but > it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know > until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what > the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. > There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel > on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least. > Thank you, > Kurt

Ok ,sorry for misunderstanding. At least I can see there are availability at most Best Western hotels at rather low prices indicating there aren’t anything especial.   Perhaps Luca have better knowledge ? best regards L.P

Response:

Thanks Lennart What site are you using to search the Best Westerns in Florence for availability?  I might give it a try. thanks again, Kurt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, > but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but > it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know > until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what > the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. > There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel > on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least. > Thank you, > Kurt > Ok ,sorry for misunderstanding. > At least I can see there are availability at most Best Western hotels at > rather low prices indicating there aren’t anything especial.   Perhaps Luca > have better knowledge ? > best regards L.P

Response:

> Thanks Lennart > What site are you using to search the Best Westerns in Florence for > availability?  I might give it a try. > thanks again, > Kurt

This one     http://www.bestwestern.com best wishes and hope you’ll have a nice trip.         L.P

Response:

Debra Weber Kurt Weber schrieb: > No, it certainly can’t be too late for last minute reservations, > but our problem exists because we MAY have a place to stay, but > it might fall through at the last minute.  We might not even know > until our arrival in Florence.  That is why we are wondering what > the city is currently like in terms of crowds and availability. > There are many hotels that we could book, but if we had to cancel > on the same day, we would be charged for a full night, at least.

In some cases, cancellation until 6 p.m. might be free of charge. Try http://www.hrs.de and look for conditions (different for each hotel). Regards, ULF

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings > We are arriving in Florence on February 24. It appears that > some of our plans for accomodations may or may not come > through. Does anyone have any idea of what the tourist > situation is in both the above cities?  Are things crowded > as usual, or less so because of late winter and/or current > world conditions? > We may need a room upon arrival and due to health issues, > would need a comfortable but reasonable (up to 150 USD) > place to stay.  Would anyone care to guess what our chances > of securing such a place might be? > Due to the mentioned health problems, we have never traveled > without reservations. This would be totally new for us.

At this time of year, I would expect that you could find a room on 24 hours notice, or on arrival. I have reserved rooms up to the day before at this time. However, if you are concerned, why don’t you cancel your present accommodation and find an alternative before you leave? Barbara

Response:

> However, if you are concerned, why don’t you cancel your present > accommodation and find an alternative before you leave? > Barbara

Greetings, I apologize for being unclear. Our accomodation plans are not at a hotel or other commercial establishment, and therefore we wanted a back up plan in case they fell through. Had they been at a hotel, we would certainly not have gone forward with such plans if there were any uncertainty. The uncertaintly had to do with private arrangements, and I should have made that clear. I wanted to know just how crowded things are right now, in case we should need to find a decent hotel at the very last minute. thanks, K.

Response:

Question:

Hi Martin. Thanks for all that good info. and links. That will give us a lot to work with. Have a good one! BN

Response:

Hi Alec! Thanks a lot for that good info., much appreciated. Now we know what to look for, on the internet as well. Thanks BN

Response:

> Hi group. > We will be traveling in Germany in June. We will visit- Hamburg, > Frankfurt am Main and Berlin. >  We have got some helpful information from a lot of your posts here, on > Hostels, much appreciated. > We have heard something about "Zimmer frei" and "Guesthous rooms", but > don’t know what they are all about. Can some kind person here, give us > some more information and links to some of these places!? > It will be much appreciated. > Thank you > BN

"Zimmer Frei" is something like Bed and Breakfast

Response:

> Hi group. > We will be traveling in Germany in June. We will visit- Hamburg, > Frankfurt am Main and Berlin. >  We have got some helpful information from a lot of your posts here, on > Hostels, much appreciated. > We have heard something about "Zimmer frei" and "Guesthous rooms", but > don’t know what they are all about. Can some kind person here, give us > some more information and links to some of these places!? > It will be much appreciated. > Thank you > BN

"Zimmer frei" means "rooms free". You will find these signs normally for privat accommodation – outside the big cities. Of course more of them in tourist regions. In big cities they will normally be listed under "Privatzimmer" or "private accommodation". Normally you will find at such places only 1-3 rooms. If someone has more rooms, i.e. mostly in built to purpose buildings these are called guesthouse (G

Question:

$276.85 a night.  Yeah, that’s some bargain, all right.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Inquire w/dates of this hotel:   http://www.hotelmarconi.it > Good luck, s > We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice? Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. > Thanks for any help > JimS. > Seattle

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice? Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too.

It would be most unwise to turn up in Venice during Holy Week hoping to find an inexpensive hotel on the spot. It’s a very busy time for travelling, it’s school and college holiday, and there will be thousands of people wanting to visit and stay in Venice. You’ll find an enormous line at the tourist office, and all decent places will have been taken long ago by those who booked months ago. Yes there are plenty of hotels near Santa Lucia station, but it’s not the best place to stay and better hotels will be found all over Venice, often only a few blocks away from the main tourist drag between the Rialto bridge and San Marco square. You may well be too late now, but try looking at www.venere.it, a reliable listing of hotels in all price ranges. The least you’ll pay for a habitable pensione is around 100 euro, and 150 euro is more usual for one with private facilities. Venice is by far the most expensive city in Europe for accommodation. Alec

Response:

This site is slow, but there are hundreds of Venice small hotels listed here. http://www.veniceinfo.it/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know >hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of >my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere >myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good >idea in Venice? >We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros >a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is >the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of >private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone >have any words of wisdom on this? >I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. >Thanks for any help >JimS. >Seattle

Response:

> We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too.

I found a very inexpensive small hotel near the train station in Let’s Go. It was called the Minerva. Nothing special, but there were lots of others in Let’s Go at the same price. Some sounded nicer, but they were all booked up when I tried for a last-minute booking during Carneval. There are basically lots of little basic hotels near the station. I don’t know about the tourist office. Barbara

Response:

> It would be most unwise to turn up in Venice during Holy Week hoping to find > an inexpensive hotel on the spot. It’s a very busy time for travelling, it’s > school and college holiday, and there will be thousands of people wanting to > visit and stay in Venice. You’ll find an enormous line at the tourist > office, and all decent places will have been taken long ago by those who > booked months ago. Yes there are plenty of hotels near Santa Lucia station, > but it’s not the best place to stay and better hotels will be found all over > Venice, often only a few blocks away from the main tourist drag between the > Rialto bridge and San Marco square. You may well be too late now, but try > looking at www.venere.it, a reliable listing of hotels in all price ranges. > The least you’ll pay for a habitable pensione is around 100 euro, and 150 > euro is more usual for one with private facilities. Venice is by far the > most expensive city in Europe for accommodation.

I disagree; there are numerous hotels in the 50-60 Euro range. However, you won’t find them listed on the web, as don’t spend money on advertising. Barbara

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. > Thanks for any help > JimS. > Seattle

when i went to Venice (this was almost two years ago so i might not be very updated on this)we stayed at a place called Al Gambero in San Marco.  The rooms are pretty simple and I think for some rooms you have to share a bathroom. (but some rooms have views over the canal) What’s great about this place is that it’s close to the main shopping streets, the Piazza, and Basilica di San Marco.  The price range is  hope this helps.

Response:

It’s some years since I was in Venice, but at that time the tourist offices at Santa Lucia station and at the main car park both had computer systems listing all vacant hotel rooms (I don’t know about other kinds of rooms) in Venice proper and could book it for you according to your reasonable specification. I got the idea that the cheapest hotels (as often seems the case in Italian cities) were clustered around the station. It may not be the nicest area, but the whole area, other than that requiring a boat to reach, is not very large. At that time,  other tourist information was not offered at the station but at the main San Marco office, which did not book accommodation. — Andrew Nightingale of Cambridge (UK)

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We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good idea in Venice? We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone have any words of wisdom on this? I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. Thanks for any help JimS. Seattle

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Inquire w/dates of this hotel:   http://www.hotelmarconi.it Good luck, s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. > Thanks for any help > JimS. > Seattle

Response:

> We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice?

Going to a site recommended in this forum, I was told that there was nothing available in Venice for under 300,000 Lire, an absurd sum, and the least expensive was on Lido, a very inconvenient place. > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel,

That’s what we got for, if memory serves about $60. We had no complaints about the place or location. > Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?

Plentiful? I don’t know. We went to the train station booking office and were in our hotel in a few minutes. There were many hotel touts at the station but we ignored them.       A San Franciscan in (where else?) San Francisco     http://geocities.com/dancefest/  http://geocities.com/iconoc/ ICQ: http://wwp.mirabilis.com/19098103   IClast at SFbay Net

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We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good idea in Venice? We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone have any words of wisdom on this? I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. Thanks for any help JimS. Seattle

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Inquire w/dates of this hotel:   http://www.hotelmarconi.it Good luck, s – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. > Thanks for any help > JimS. > Seattle

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> We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice?

Going to a site recommended in this forum, I was told that there was nothing available in Venice for under 300,000 Lire, an absurd sum, and the least expensive was on Lido, a very inconvenient place. > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel,

That’s what we got for, if memory serves about $60. We had no complaints about the place or location. > Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?

Plentiful? I don’t know. We went to the train station booking office and were in our hotel in a few minutes. There were many hotel touts at the station but we ignored them.       A San Franciscan in (where else?) San Francisco     http://geocities.com/dancefest/  http://geocities.com/iconoc/ ICQ: http://wwp.mirabilis.com/19098103   IClast at SFbay Net

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$276.85 a night.  Yeah, that’s some bargain, all right.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Inquire w/dates of this hotel:   http://www.hotelmarconi.it > Good luck, s > We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice? Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. > Thanks for any help > JimS. > Seattle

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice? Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too.

It would be most unwise to turn up in Venice during Holy Week hoping to find an inexpensive hotel on the spot. It’s a very busy time for travelling, it’s school and college holiday, and there will be thousands of people wanting to visit and stay in Venice. You’ll find an enormous line at the tourist office, and all decent places will have been taken long ago by those who booked months ago. Yes there are plenty of hotels near Santa Lucia station, but it’s not the best place to stay and better hotels will be found all over Venice, often only a few blocks away from the main tourist drag between the Rialto bridge and San Marco square. You may well be too late now, but try looking at www.venere.it, a reliable listing of hotels in all price ranges. The least you’ll pay for a habitable pensione is around 100 euro, and 150 euro is more usual for one with private facilities. Venice is by far the most expensive city in Europe for accommodation. Alec

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This site is slow, but there are hundreds of Venice small hotels listed here. http://www.veniceinfo.it/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know >hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of >my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere >myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good >idea in Venice? >We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros >a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is >the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of >private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone >have any words of wisdom on this? >I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. >Thanks for any help >JimS. >Seattle

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> We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too.

I found a very inexpensive small hotel near the train station in Let’s Go. It was called the Minerva. Nothing special, but there were lots of others in Let’s Go at the same price. Some sounded nicer, but they were all booked up when I tried for a last-minute booking during Carneval. There are basically lots of little basic hotels near the station. I don’t know about the tourist office. Barbara

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> It would be most unwise to turn up in Venice during Holy Week hoping to find > an inexpensive hotel on the spot. It’s a very busy time for travelling, it’s > school and college holiday, and there will be thousands of people wanting to > visit and stay in Venice. You’ll find an enormous line at the tourist > office, and all decent places will have been taken long ago by those who > booked months ago. Yes there are plenty of hotels near Santa Lucia station, > but it’s not the best place to stay and better hotels will be found all over > Venice, often only a few blocks away from the main tourist drag between the > Rialto bridge and San Marco square. You may well be too late now, but try > looking at www.venere.it, a reliable listing of hotels in all price ranges. > The least you’ll pay for a habitable pensione is around 100 euro, and 150 > euro is more usual for one with private facilities. Venice is by far the > most expensive city in Europe for accommodation.

I disagree; there are numerous hotels in the 50-60 Euro range. However, you won’t find them listed on the web, as don’t spend money on advertising. Barbara

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > We’ll be in Venice for a couple of days the week before Easter.  I know > hotel rooms in Venice are some of the most exorbitant in Europe.  On some of > my Euro-trips I’ve gone without reservations and either found somewhere > myself or used the booking service at the train stations.  Is this a good > idea in Venice? > We’re looking for a small walk-up hotel, not a 4-star palace for 175+ Euros > a night or more.  Are small, simple hotels plentiful in central Venice?  Is > the listing service a good place to find them?  A friend told me lots of > private families greet the trains with their own rooms for rent.  Anyone > have any words of wisdom on this? > I’m also getting "The Rough Guide to Venice" too. > Thanks for any help > JimS. > Seattle

when i went to Venice (this was almost two years ago so i might not be very updated on this)we stayed at a place called Al Gambero in San Marco.  The rooms are pretty simple and I think for some rooms you have to share a bathroom. (but some rooms have views over the canal) What’s great about this place is that it’s close to the main shopping streets, the Piazza, and Basilica di San Marco.  The price range is  hope this helps.

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It’s some years since I was in Venice, but at that time the tourist offices at Santa Lucia station and at the main car park both had computer systems listing all vacant hotel rooms (I don’t know about other kinds of rooms) in Venice proper and could book it for you according to your reasonable specification. I got the idea that the cheapest hotels (as often seems the case in Italian cities) were clustered around the station. It may not be the nicest area, but the whole area, other than that requiring a boat to reach, is not very large. At that time,  other tourist information was not offered at the station but at the main San Marco office, which did not book accommodation. — Andrew Nightingale of Cambridge (UK)

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Question:

Hi! We (5 adults) are looking for a cheap accomodation in Dublin or somewhere outside of Dublin from the 13th of March to the 20th. Most of the hostels online are full. And it is really urgent to find something. So if you have an idea where we could ask, please send me an e-Mail to Thank you very much! Greetings, Marc

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> outside of Dublin from the 13th of March to the 20th. Most of the hostels

The B&Bs in Malahide and Portmarnock (suburbs just north of Dublin) are affordable, and we found the rail service to and from Dublin to be quick and near-perfect. Bus service was good too, though we preferred the metro. > an idea where we could ask, please send me an e-Mail to

I prefer to reply in newsgroups so lurkers and regulars alike can benefit. If you’ve taken the time to post here, you can surely do everyone the courtesy of returning for the responses.

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Have you checked out www.harveysdock.com They have three bedroom holiday suites that sleep five

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi! > We (5 adults) are looking for a cheap accomodation in Dublin or somewhere > outside of Dublin from the 13th of March to the 20th. Most of the hostels > online are full. And it is really urgent to find something. So if you have > an idea where we could ask, please send me an e-Mail to > Thank you very much! > Greetings, > Marc

Response:

Try Bewleys Hotels. They are very reasonably priced, and good value. The one in Ballsbridge is in a particularly good location. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi! >We (5 adults) are looking for a cheap accomodation in Dublin or somewhere >outside of Dublin from the 13th of March to the 20th. Most of the hostels >online are full. And it is really urgent to find something. So if you have >an idea where we could ask, please send me an e-Mail to >Thank you very much! >Greetings, >Marc

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> Hi! > We (5 adults) are looking for a cheap accomodation in Dublin or somewhere > outside of Dublin from the 13th of March to the 20th. Most of the hostels > online are full. And it is really urgent to find something. So if you have > an idea where we could ask, please send me an e-Mail to

Maybe you should try for places in Kildare Town or Newbridge – no real hotels there but B&Bs may be useful. Both places are on the Arrow train from Dublin (about 30 minutes). Newbridge has a hotel called the Keadeen (pronounced Kay-deen) but it doesn

Question:

hi, i would appreciate some advice on cuba. 1. for a couple traveling, what should be the daily budget? i assume backpacker-style travel, simple double room with shower, bus transport, simple meals, with a nice dinner and a couple of beers every other day. 2. do you still need to have pre-booked accommodation (at least for the first night) to get into cuba? if so, what is the easiest way about it? 3. any ideas for a decent cheap beach in the western part of the island, not too touristy. thanks a lot in advance c.

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no ideas whatsoever about the questions below??? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > hi, > i would appreciate some advice on cuba. > 1. for a couple traveling, what should be the daily budget? i assume > backpacker-style travel, simple double room with shower, bus > transport, simple meals, with a nice dinner and a couple of beers > every other day. > 2. do you still need to have pre-booked accommodation (at least for > the first night) to get into cuba? if so, what is the easiest way > about it? > 3. any ideas for a decent cheap beach in the western part of the > island, not too touristy. > thanks a lot in advance > c.

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> no ideas whatsoever about the questions below???

Fraid not. I went all-inclusive. Buying a copy of the Lonely Planet guide and/or checking out their website should answer a lot of your questions. Jason — http://www.scuba-addict.co.uk/ for Aussie diving reports including Stradbroke Island, Terrigal, Jervis Bay and Portsea

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> no ideas whatsoever about the questions below??? > hi, > i would appreciate some advice on cuba. > 1. for a couple traveling, what should be the daily budget? i assume > backpacker-style travel, simple double room with shower, bus > transport, simple meals, with a nice dinner and a couple of beers > every other day.

Cuba theoretically requires you to have $50US a day – per person, a credit card may suffice – non US most of your costs will be in $’s. car rental expensive – Viazul bus the simplest – www.viazul.cu – there are rates, schedules, and routes there breakfast $2-$5, dinner $5-$15 – some inexpensive snacks avail. beer $.85, rum – $3-$10 a bottle private licenced accomodation from $15 to $25 a night – Havana most expensive > 2. do you still need to have pre-booked accommodation (at least for > the first night) to get into cuba? if so, what is the easiest way > about it?

 - a licenced casa or hotel written on the tourist visa should work – just don’t leave it blank see http://users.pandora.be/casaparticular/frames_entry.htm for info on travel & private accomodations > 3. any ideas for a decent cheap beach in the western part of the > island, not too touristy.

Lonely Planet had a recent discussion on that topic – have a look for that and tons of other info http://thorntree.lonelyplanet.com/categories.cfm?catid=14 welcome > thanks a lot in advance > c.

– Camaron que se duerme se lo lleva la corriente Shrimp that fall asleep are carried away by the current

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>1. for a couple traveling, what should be the daily budget? i assume >backpacker-style travel, simple double room with shower, bus >transport, simple meals, with a nice dinner and a couple of beers >every other day.

About $70 per couple. >2. do you still need to have pre-booked accommodation (at least for >the first night) to get into cuba? if so, what is the easiest way >about it?

Probably good idea to have it.  Some hotels in Havana are very interesting… I’ll get back to you. >3. any ideas for a decent cheap beach in the western part of the >island, not too touristy.

Cayo Jutias was very nice and very quiet.  Not sure how much accomodation is in the area. — Ken Tough

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Hi! My mother rents a room in a very centric area in Havana. It’s an air-conditioned room with a private bath and the best conditions for only can read in Spanish) : http://casaenlahabana.tripod.com Enjoy your stay in my sweet island, Mirna – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->1. for a couple traveling, what should be the daily budget? i assume >backpacker-style travel, simple double room with shower, bus >transport, simple meals, with a nice dinner and a couple of beers >every other day. > About $70 per couple. >2. do you still need to have pre-booked accommodation (at least for >the first night) to get into cuba? if so, what is the easiest way >about it? > Probably good idea to have it.  Some hotels in Havana are > very interesting… I’ll get back to you. >3. any ideas for a decent cheap beach in the western part of the >island, not too touristy. > Cayo Jutias was very nice and very quiet.  Not sure how much > accomodation is in the area. > — > Ken Tough

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Question:

Hi all,     I find myself traveling to Amsterdam this Easter.   Is everything open in AMS at Easter.   Is it quiet?    I am worried about being bored. Bill

Response:

> Hi all, >     I find myself traveling to Amsterdam this Easter.   Is everything open > in AMS at Easter.   Is it quiet?    I am worried about being bored.

Easter is one of the busiest times of the year in Amsterdam. (tulip season!) Book your accommodation now or there is a chance you won’t find a reasonable hotel. Bars, restaurants, museums will all be open. Shops in the tourist areas will also be open. Sjoerd

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Hi all,     I find myself traveling to Amsterdam this Easter.   Is everything open in AMS at Easter.   Is it quiet?    I am worried about being bored. Bill

Response:

> Hi all, >     I find myself traveling to Amsterdam this Easter.   Is everything open > in AMS at Easter.   Is it quiet?    I am worried about being bored.

Easter is one of the busiest times of the year in Amsterdam. (tulip season!) Book your accommodation now or there is a chance you won’t find a reasonable hotel. Bars, restaurants, museums will all be open. Shops in the tourist areas will also be open. Sjoerd

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Question:

Hello Will, ejooy Prague it is a beautiful city and with Vienna makes up my two favourite cities in the whole world.    It is easy to find ones way around without any knowledge of the language. We visited Prague twice – once when it was under the Iron Curtain and so sad and then in 1992 when it had regained its freedom and its wonderful zest for life. For accommodation – very reasonable and spotlessly clean you cannot beat the B& Bs that are listed at the accommodation office at the railway station. They really spoil you – even the ladies we stayed with packed us a packed lunch to take on the train when we left !!!!   Good travelling Gwen — Gwen Kelly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > The Salvator (coincidentally also recommended in another thread here) is > good, or at any rate was when I stayed there five(?) years ago. > www.hotels-of-prague.com/salvator

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Will, just back from Prague in September. Loved it! Stayed at the Hotel Golden Star (Zlata Hvezda) on Nerudova Street just below the castle. Ask for a front room and you will be treated to one of the best views in the city. Located in Marla Strana, you are less than 10 minute walk to the Charles Bridge. As for our favorite things to do and see – start with music – they say that every Czech is a musician and I believe them. The caliber of classical music in Prague is extremely high. On a lighter note, the accordian player at "U Fleku’s" wasn’t bad either. Do visit this famous beer hall and sample some of the best bratwurst anywhere! And for the homesick moment – go to the Bohemia Bagel shop over by the university for some great bagels! Most importantly, read as much as you can on Prague before going, to fully appreciate the city. That said…"don’t try and see everything"  - we are definitely going back. John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi. > I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit > Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places for > a number of years. > I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. > Cheers > Will

Response:

>I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great.

The Salvator (coincidentally also recommended in another thread here) is good, or at any rate was when I stayed there five(?) years ago. www.hotels-of-prague.com/salvator

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Big Al: 1 1/2 pages in Real Guide to Czechoslovakia, 1991. "It  doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses".      – Mrs. Patrick Campbell (English actress)

Response:

Vysehrad is the site of one of the earliest settlements in Prague, older than the Castle.  The cemetery has graves of all the famous Czech statesmen, celebrities and artists. There is a magnificent Gothic church on the grounds and a very good restaurant just opposite the facade.  The area is very easy to reach by metro, just a few stops from Muzeum and a short walk to the fortress.  At the foot of the hill you will find the famous "cubist" apartment houses which are remarkable examples of early 20th century architecture.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been there a couple of times. > One place I really liked which isn’t on the normal tourist trail is > Vysehrad.  There are some nice gardens there and a fascinating cemetery. > The only reason I mention it is because our guidebook didn’t really mention > it, we just stumbled across it by accident because it was so close to the > hotel we were staying in. > Hi. > I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit > Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places > for > a number of years. > I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. > Cheers > Will

Response:

I’ve been there a couple of times. One place I really liked which isn’t on the normal tourist trail is Vysehrad.  There are some nice gardens there and a fascinating cemetery. The only reason I mention it is because our guidebook didn’t really mention it, we just stumbled across it by accident because it was so close to the hotel we were staying in.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi. > I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit > Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places for > a number of years. > I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. > Cheers > Will

Response:

> I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear.

Fr answers to these and other F(requently)A(sked)Q(uestions) on Prague and the Czech Republic, you can visit The Czech Republic FAQ: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~sever/Czech.homepage.html Ivan

Response:

Hi. I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places for a number of years. I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be really great. Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. Cheers Will

Response:

Hi. I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places for a number of years. I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be really great. Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. Cheers Will

Response:

> I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear.

Fr answers to these and other F(requently)A(sked)Q(uestions) on Prague and the Czech Republic, you can visit The Czech Republic FAQ: http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~sever/Czech.homepage.html Ivan

Response:

I’ve been there a couple of times. One place I really liked which isn’t on the normal tourist trail is Vysehrad.  There are some nice gardens there and a fascinating cemetery. The only reason I mention it is because our guidebook didn’t really mention it, we just stumbled across it by accident because it was so close to the hotel we were staying in.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi. > I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit > Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places for > a number of years. > I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. > Cheers > Will

Response:

Big Al: 1 1/2 pages in Real Guide to Czechoslovakia, 1991. "It  doesn’t matter what you do in the bedroom as long as you don’t do it in the street and frighten the horses".      – Mrs. Patrick Campbell (English actress)

Response:

Vysehrad is the site of one of the earliest settlements in Prague, older than the Castle.  The cemetery has graves of all the famous Czech statesmen, celebrities and artists. There is a magnificent Gothic church on the grounds and a very good restaurant just opposite the facade.  The area is very easy to reach by metro, just a few stops from Muzeum and a short walk to the fortress.  At the foot of the hill you will find the famous "cubist" apartment houses which are remarkable examples of early 20th century architecture.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve been there a couple of times. > One place I really liked which isn’t on the normal tourist trail is > Vysehrad.  There are some nice gardens there and a fascinating cemetery. > The only reason I mention it is because our guidebook didn’t really mention > it, we just stumbled across it by accident because it was so close to the > hotel we were staying in. > Hi. > I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit > Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places > for > a number of years. > I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. > Cheers > Will

Response:

>I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great.

The Salvator (coincidentally also recommended in another thread here) is good, or at any rate was when I stayed there five(?) years ago. www.hotels-of-prague.com/salvator

Response:

Hello Will, ejooy Prague it is a beautiful city and with Vienna makes up my two favourite cities in the whole world.    It is easy to find ones way around without any knowledge of the language. We visited Prague twice – once when it was under the Iron Curtain and so sad and then in 1992 when it had regained its freedom and its wonderful zest for life. For accommodation – very reasonable and spotlessly clean you cannot beat the B& Bs that are listed at the accommodation office at the railway station. They really spoil you – even the ladies we stayed with packed us a packed lunch to take on the train when we left !!!!   Good travelling Gwen — Gwen Kelly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > The Salvator (coincidentally also recommended in another thread here) is > good, or at any rate was when I stayed there five(?) years ago. > www.hotels-of-prague.com/salvator

Response:

Will, just back from Prague in September. Loved it! Stayed at the Hotel Golden Star (Zlata Hvezda) on Nerudova Street just below the castle. Ask for a front room and you will be treated to one of the best views in the city. Located in Marla Strana, you are less than 10 minute walk to the Charles Bridge. As for our favorite things to do and see – start with music – they say that every Czech is a musician and I believe them. The caliber of classical music in Prague is extremely high. On a lighter note, the accordian player at "U Fleku’s" wasn’t bad either. Do visit this famous beer hall and sample some of the best bratwurst anywhere! And for the homesick moment – go to the Bohemia Bagel shop over by the university for some great bagels! Most importantly, read as much as you can on Prague before going, to fully appreciate the city. That said…"don’t try and see everything"  - we are definitely going back. John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi. > I’ve finally got a week off from work in January, and am hoping to visit > Prague, somewhere that’s been on my list of "would love to go to" places for > a number of years. > I know a couple of friends who’ve raved about it having visited it about 6 > years ago, but was wondering if anyone here could give me any > recommendations or tips on the city.  I’ve stayed in a number of hotels > recommended by fellow travellers here in the past (in Florence & Rome in > particular), so any tips as to a comfortable hotel/pension would also be > really great. > Any or all advice, info, general wafflings would be great to hear. > Cheers > Will

Response:

Question:

Beautiful sight of the beach ceremony on the Gold Coast

Response:

I sent a few e mails to my American friends today, letting them know my family and I are thinking about them, and that we have not forgotten. I noticed that quite a few Australian (and a couple of American) flags were flying at half mast when we were driving around the Gold Coast today – I thought that was touching. The 11th of September 2001 was a horrible day.  I can hardly believe it’s been a year already.  Let’s hope nothing like that ever happens again. Best wishes. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

Dan I am so pleased you saw the beach ceremony – we "down under" feel the pain you folk have suffered – I have many friends in the USA ( more than in Australia) so maybe I feel it just that much more’.    It is really good to hear that in just some small way you were able to see that we care.   But you may be too young to know that we remember how the USA cared when we were under dire threat in WW 11. Yesterday all the churches had special services and all radio and TV held silence at the times of each of the three attacks  and all flags were at half mast , of course,- all I could do to add to that was add my prayers and i was able to send e mails to all my friends Thank you   gwen  kelly — Gwen Kelly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Beautiful sight of the beach ceremony on the Gold Coast

Response:

Dan  I live on the Gold Coast and I am so pleased you saw the beach ceremony – we "down under" feel the pain you folk have suffered – I have many friends in the USA ( more than in Australia) so maybe I feel it just that much more’.    It is really good to hear that in just some small way you were able to see that we care.   But you may be too young to know that we remember how the USA cared when we were under dire threat in WW 11. Yesterday all the churches had special services and all radio and TV held silence at the times of each of the three attacks  and all flags were at half mast , of course,- all I could do to add to that was add my prayers and i was able to send e mails to all my friends Thank you   gwen  kelly — Gwen Kelly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Beautiful sight of the beach ceremony on the Gold Coast

Response:

Where exactly was the ceremony held? I’ll be in Brisbane next May and then drive south to Sydney…..perhaps i could drive through that town for And yes I’m (only) 42, so WW II and Korea are before my time (my dad was in New Guinea and in the Melb hospital in the war)…….subs in Sydney Harbor! crazy world…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Dan I am so pleased you saw the beach ceremony – we "down under" feel the > pain you folk have suffered – I have many friends in the USA ( more than in > Australia) so maybe I feel it just that much more’.    It is really good to > hear that in just some small way you were able to see that we care.   But > you may be too young to know that we remember how the USA cared when we were > under dire threat in WW 11. > Yesterday all the churches had special services and all radio and TV held > silence at the times of each of the three attacks  and all flags were at > half mast , of course,- all I could do to add to that was add my prayers and > i was able to send e mails to all my friends > Thank you   gwen  kelly > — > Gwen Kelly > Beautiful sight of the beach ceremony on the Gold Coast

Response:

The ceremony was on the beach at Surfers Paradise, part of the Gold Coast about an hour south of Brisbane.  If you’re a petrol-head it’s where the Indy race is held in a month or two. The Gold Coast is sort of like Miami except that no-one speaks Spanish (although some speak Japanese and Chinese to talk to the tourists . I’ll be wandering through the southern US while you’re here – maybe we can compare notes then. Cheers Alan PS I drive Brisbane to Melbourne twice annually. Let me know if you want any specific info on the trip.

Response:

Great! SP has a "Sister City" relationship with Fort Lauderdale (where I there is a web-site with that pix or other info that I could get to, I’ll let our local gov’t know about it….and trust me NOTHINg is like Miami…..a third world country of its own…….if I can help w/USA cities let me know…… Brizz to Melb is out for me….going Brizz to Syd after the Golden Oldies, but thanxxx anyway!  Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > The ceremony was on the beach at Surfers Paradise, part of the Gold > Coast about an hour south of Brisbane.  If you’re a petrol-head it’s > where the Indy race is held in a month or two. > The Gold Coast is sort of like Miami except that no-one speaks Spanish > (although some speak Japanese and Chinese to talk to the tourists . > I’ll be wandering through the southern US while you’re here – maybe we > can compare notes then. Cheers Alan > PS I drive Brisbane to Melbourne twice annually. Let me know if you want > any specific info on the trip.

Response:

> Great! SP has a "Sister City" relationship with Fort Lauderdale (where I > there is a web-site with that pix or other info that I could get to, I’ll > let our local gov’t know about it….and trust me NOTHINg is like > Miami…..a third world country of its own…….if I can help w/USA cities > let me know……

If you mean the picture of the flag, it was widely reported, including here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2251037.stm Daniel — Daniel Bowen, Melbourne, Australia Visiting Australia FAQ http://www.custard.net.au/australia/

Response:

Excellent….I will forward it along to my friends…….thanxxx! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Great! SP has a "Sister City" relationship with Fort Lauderdale (where I > there is a web-site with that pix or other info that I could get to, I’ll > let our local gov’t know about it….and trust me NOTHINg is like > Miami…..a third world country of its own…….if I can help w/USA > cities > let me know…… > If you mean the picture of the flag, it was widely reported, including here: > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2251037.stm > Daniel > — > Daniel Bowen, Melbourne, Australia > Visiting Australia FAQ http://www.custard.net.au/australia/

Response:

Hey Dan ! if you are going to be in Brisbane in May we are about 70 Kilometres south at the area known as Gold Coast City which is where the service was held ( at the suberb of Surfers Paradise)   Gold Coast City in a thin  strip of city 20 miles long and beaches all the way.   We live at Currumbin about ten minutes walk to Currumbin beach – this is towards the southern end of the Gold coast so you will pass through the city on the way to Sydney. Gold Coast City is the premier tourist resort of Australia and the cheapest for food and accommodation !   Motels can still be had within five minutes walk to the beach for 30 dollars Australian  and there are also many back packers motels too. Talking of food though while in Australia feel free to dine at any of the clubs be they RSL, Football, Bowls, Surf or any other kind of club as visitors are allowed in free , all you have to do is sign the visitors book so that they know you are a visitor..  Some of the clubs are not all that cheap but certainly the bigger ones are.   We go to the Tweed Heads RSl Club ( 10 minutes form here ) and get a good meal for $7 Australian – my favourite being crumbed prawns !!!!      When in small country towns go the local hotel and ask for a counter lunch.      The average restaurant is too expensive when you can get the same meals so much cheaper at hotels and clubs. You may even like to drop in and have lunch with us on your way – you would be most welcome. What part of the USA do you come from – I have been to every State a number of times so maybe I know where your home is !!    Bye for now  Gwen — Gwen Kelly

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Where exactly was the ceremony held? I’ll be in Brisbane next May and then > drive south to Sydney…..perhaps i could drive through that town for > And yes I’m (only) 42, so WW II and Korea are before my time (my dad was in New > Guinea and in the Melb hospital in the war)…….subs in Sydney Harbor! crazy > world…. > Dan I am so pleased you saw the beach ceremony – we "down under" feel the > pain you folk have suffered – I have many friends in the USA ( more than in > Australia) so maybe I feel it just that much more’.    It is really good to > hear that in just some small way you were able to see that we care. But > you may be too young to know that we remember how the USA cared when we were > under dire threat in WW 11. > Yesterday all the churches had special services and all radio and TV held > silence at the times of each of the three attacks  and all flags were at > half mast , of course,- all I could do to add to that was add my prayers and > i was able to send e mails to all my friends > Thank you   gwen  kelly > — > Gwen Kelly > > Beautiful sight of the beach ceremony on the Gold Coast

Response:

this is the BBC link I was talking about… http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2251037.stm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hey Dan ! if you are going to be in Brisbane in May we are about 70 > Kilometres south at the area known as Gold Coast City which is where the > service was held ( at the suberb of Surfers Paradise)   Gold Coast City in a > thin  strip of city 20 miles long and beaches all the way.   We live at > Currumbin about ten minutes walk to Currumbin beach – this is towards the > southern end of the Gold coast so you will pass through the city on the way > to Sydney. > Gold Coast City is the premier tourist resort of Australia and the cheapest > for food and accommodation !   Motels can still be had within five minutes > walk to the beach for 30 dollars Australian  and there are also many back > packers motels too. > Talking of food though while in Australia feel free to dine at any of the > clubs be they RSL, Football, Bowls, Surf or any other kind of club as > visitors are allowed in free , all you have to do is sign the visitors book > so that they know you are a visitor..  Some of the clubs are not all that > cheap but certainly the bigger ones are.   We go to the Tweed Heads RSl Club > ( 10 minutes form here ) and get a good meal for $7 Australian – my > favourite being crumbed prawns !!!!      When in small country towns go the > local hotel and ask for a counter lunch.      The average restaurant is too > expensive when you can get the same meals so much cheaper at hotels and > clubs. > You may even like to drop in and have lunch with us on your way – you would > be most welcome. > What part of the USA do you come from – I have been to every State a number > of times so maybe I know where your home is !!    Bye for now  Gwen > — > Gwen Kelly > Where exactly was the ceremony held? I’ll be in Brisbane next May and then > drive south to Sydney…..perhaps i could drive through that town for > And yes I’m (only) 42, so WW II and Korea are before my time (my dad was > in New > Guinea and in the Melb hospital in the war)…….subs in Sydney Harbor! > crazy > world…. > > Dan I am so pleased you saw the beach ceremony – we "down under" feel > the > > pain you folk have suffered – I have many friends in the USA ( more than > in > > Australia) so maybe I feel it just that much more’.    It is really good > to > > hear that in just some small way you were able to see that we care. > But > > you may be too young to know that we remember how the USA cared when we > were > > under dire threat in WW 11. > > Yesterday all the churches had special services and all radio and TV > held > > silence at the times of each of the three attacks  and all flags were at > > half mast , of course,- all I could do to add to that was add my prayers > and > > i was able to send e mails to all my friends > > Thank you   gwen  kelly > > — > > Gwen Kelly > > > Beautiful sight of the beach ceremony on the Gold Coast

Response:

Question:

Melbourne Stylish Studio Apartment available for rent, end of November or early December.  Funky Flinders Lane area, close to all transport, restaurants, fully furnished, including washing machine & dryer, security entrance, security lift. Suitable for single or couple, university students or overseas students/travellers welcome. Lease by arrangement – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. No car parking on site. From only $300 per week plus outgoings. References required. Bond required.

Response:

>Melbourne Stylish Studio Apartment available for rent, end of November >or early December.  Funky Flinders Lane area, close to all transport, >restaurants, fully furnished, including washing machine & dryer, >security entrance, security lift. Suitable for single or couple, >university students or overseas students/travellers welcome. Lease by >arrangement – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. No car parking on site. >From only $300 per week plus outgoings. >References required. >Bond required.

Is this an on-going thing or just the end of this year? We’ll be going in a little over a year. Still available then? Richard

Response:

That seems like an extremely high rent!!  How big is this apartment?  How old is the furniture?  Was the apartment refurbished lately?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Melbourne Stylish Studio Apartment available for rent, end of November > or early December.  Funky Flinders Lane area, close to all transport, > restaurants, fully furnished, including washing machine & dryer, > security entrance, security lift. Suitable for single or couple, > university students or overseas students/travellers welcome. Lease by > arrangement – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. No car parking on site. > From only $300 per week plus outgoings. > References required. > Bond required.

Response:

$300 a week is ‘extremely high’? Not if you’re travelling around and want to stay for a couple of weeks or a month, when *one day* costs $100 for a basic B&B or hotel kc.rr.com>: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->That seems like an extremely high rent!!  How big is this apartment?  How >old is the furniture?  Was the apartment refurbished lately? > Melbourne Stylish Studio Apartment available for rent, end of November > or early December.  Funky Flinders Lane area, close to all transport, > restaurants, fully furnished, including washing machine & dryer, > security entrance, security lift. Suitable for single or couple, > university students or overseas students/travellers welcome. Lease by > arrangement – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. No car parking on site. > From only $300 per week plus outgoings. > References required. > Bond required.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Melbourne Stylish Studio Apartment available for rent, end of November >or early December.  Funky Flinders Lane area, close to all transport, >restaurants, fully furnished, including washing machine & dryer, >security entrance, security lift. Suitable for single or couple, >university students or overseas students/travellers welcome. Lease by >arrangement – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. No car parking on site. >From only $300 per week plus outgoings. >References required. >Bond required. > Is this an on-going thing or just the end of this year? We’ll be going in a > little over a year. Still available then? > Richard

The apartment may be available next year, depending on of course if it is not tenanted when you arrive.  I suggest that you inquire at least 3 months in advance.  Thanks for your interest.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >Melbourne Stylish Studio Apartment available for rent, end of > >November or early December.  Funky Flinders Lane area, close to all > >transport, restaurants, fully furnished, including washing machine & > >dryer, security entrance, security lift. Suitable for single or > >couple, university students or overseas students/travellers welcome. > >Lease by arrangement – 3 months, 6 months, 12 months. No car parking > >on site. From only $300 per week plus outgoings. > >References required. > >Bond required. > Is this an on-going thing or just the end of this year? We’ll be going > in a little over a year. Still available then? > Richard >The apartment may be available next year, depending on of course if it >is not tenanted when you arrive.  I suggest that you inquire at least >3 months in advance.  Thanks for your interest.

Thanks (whoever you are…)

Response:

The furniture in the studio apartment is contemporary and new.  The apartment itself has recently been fitted out. Back Packing accommodation in Melbourne close by, will cost minimum of $40 per night for a dorm or bunk bed with shared facilities, and little security. Hotel accommodation near-by starts at $150 per night, twin share basis. The studio apartment is currently tenanted by an overseas professional couple who are on a working visa. So for $300 per week rent, it is cheap accommodation, with privacy and security, as well as having independence and some style.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->The furniture in the studio apartment is contemporary and new.  The >apartment itself has recently been fitted out. >Back Packing accommodation in Melbourne close by, will cost minimum of >$40 per night for a dorm or bunk bed with shared facilities, and >little security. >Hotel accommodation near-by starts at $150 per night, twin share >basis. >The studio apartment is currently tenanted by an overseas professional >couple who are on a working visa. >So for $300 per week rent, it is cheap accommodation, with privacy and >security, as well as having independence and some style.

I’ll drop an email to see if it’s still available in a bit over a year.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->The furniture in the studio apartment is contemporary and new.  The >apartment itself has recently been fitted out. >Back Packing accommodation in Melbourne close by, will cost minimum of >$40 per night for a dorm or bunk bed with shared facilities, and >little security. >Hotel accommodation near-by starts at $150 per night, twin share >basis. >The studio apartment is currently tenanted by an overseas professional >couple who are on a working visa. >So for $300 per week rent, it is cheap accommodation, with privacy and >security, as well as having independence and some style.

Addendum: I’m assuming your email above is correct? Otherwise, please let me know how to contact you (my email is real, just remove the ‘nospam’)

Response:

>> The furniture in the studio apartment is contemporary and new.  The > apartment itself has recently been fitted out. > Back Packing accommodation in Melbourne close by, will cost minimum of > $40 per night for a dorm or bunk bed with shared facilities, and > little security.

Funny, I paid around half that at Queensberry Hill a couple years ago…

Response:

> Back Packing accommodation in Melbourne close by, will cost minimum of > $40 per night for a dorm or bunk bed with shared facilities, and > little security.

I’d say dorms are closer to $20 (and upwards) per night. > Hotel accommodation near-by starts at $150 per night, twin share > basis.

Victoria Hotel has a special at $128 per night for two. > So for $300 per week rent, it is cheap accommodation, with privacy and > security, as well as having independence and some style.

Yup. It certainly may be favourable compared to a hotel, for long stays. Daniel — Daniel Bowen, Melbourne, Australia See how I destroyed my VCR: http://www.toxiccustard.com/vcr/

Response:

Is it actually located on Flinder