Question:

Lo All My plane will be arriving in Casablanca pretty much on midnight. Can anyone a cheapish hotel that I’m going to be able to access at that hour ?? And how easy will it be to get from the airport to the city at midnight ? Cheers Greg

Response:

Close to an hour from the airport to the center of Casablanca. Take a taxi. The Ibiss is a 3 star hotel chain and very good.  It you go, tell Nezly- the manager- that I recommended it in a group… E. Elena Hall, Co Director Blue Men of Morocco Co. Visit us in Morocco! http://www.bluemenofmorocco.com message – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Lo All > My plane will be arriving in Casablanca pretty much on midnight. Can > anyone a cheapish hotel that I’m going to be able to access at that hour > ?? And how easy will it be to get from the airport to the city at > midnight ? > Cheers > Greg

Response:

Question:

> It always amazes me how many people travel without proper insurance and then > go crying foul when something happens.

Agreed!  My wife and I have renter’s insurance on our apartment, which covers me when I travel.  But I have an additional rider on the policy which lists my computer gear, watches, and cameras, and specifies that they ARE covered if they go walkabout or are damaged.  One has to take responsibility for the areas where one can. Best Regards, Bill Mattocks

Response:

Yes, most hotels will have storage space to park your bags for a few hours

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> obviously this is the first time for me to go to travel by myself. i > totally forget about the check in time and the check out time for the > hotel when i book my flight. the check in time is 3pm and check out > time is at noon. but my arrive time to honolulu is noon and my > departure time is 11ish pm. my question is, does the hotel have a > place for you to store your package even though after u check out > until you are ready to go to the airport? cuz i’m going to stay at a 2 > or 3 star hotel (hawaiian monarch hotel), i wonder if i can do that. > thanks~

Response:

> Excellent amplification of James Robinson’s answer. > Thanks!  I think that it’s important to emphasize what mrtravel said > as well – most hotels take NO LIABILITY if they allow you to store > your stuff at their concierge desk or storage facility.  If something > goes walkabout, it’s on you.

As such, it’s a good idea to have proper insurance that will cover one for such losses.  As they say, shit happens. It always amazes me how many people travel without proper insurance and then go crying foul when something happens. Best, Steve

Response:

> Excellent amplification of James Robinson’s answer.

Thanks!  I think that it’s important to emphasize what mrtravel said as well – most hotels take NO LIABILITY if they allow you to store your stuff at their concierge desk or storage facility.  If something goes walkabout, it’s on you. That said, I’ve never had a problem.  Sometimes I have left my bags over the weekend when I know I’m coming back the next week, never had anything go missing. Best Regards, Bill Mattocks

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > my question is, does the hotel have a > > place for you to store your package even though after u check out > > until you are ready to go to the airport? > Yes, the bellman will be able to store your bags after you check out. > Hotels usually do this at no charge, but you should probably plan on > tipping the bellman a couple of dollars a bag. > Depends on the hotel, but generally, yes, I agree with you.  I’ve done > it a few times myself.  Some low-end hotels / motels either have no > such capability *or* I would not trust them with my bags.  Rule of > thumb – if the hotel *has* a Concierge Desk or a Bell Captain, then > it’s probably going to be fine.

Excellent amplification of James Robinson’s answer. When I went to Cairns to dive the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, I checked two pieces of luggage (mostly scuba gears) at the Hilton FOR A WEEK when I flew to Sydney (not expecting to dive there) because those pieces were the max size allowable by CO and most other airlines, but too big for Qantas!   I knew that in advance, and had cleared with the Cairns Hilton in advance that it was alright to do so.   Other hotels may be less accommodating. On my return flight home through Cairns, I merely took a taxi to the hotel to pick up those two pieces and checked them with the rest of the luggage on the return flight. — Bob.

Response:

> > my question is, does the hotel have a > place for you to store your package even though after u check out > until you are ready to go to the airport? > Yes, the bellman will be able to store your bags after you check out. > Hotels usually do this at no charge, but you should probably plan on > tipping the bellman a couple of dollars a bag.

Depends on the hotel, but generally, yes, I agree with you.  I’ve done it a few times myself.  Some low-end hotels / motels either have no such capability *or* I would not trust them with my bags.  Rule of thumb – if the hotel *has* a Concierge Desk or a Bell Captain, then it’s probably going to be fine. Another alternative is to find out if that hotel chain has a loyalty program (like Marriott Rewards).  If so, it may offer late check-out as a privilege.  You can usually join for free. Or, perhaps you can enquire at the front desk about making arrangements for late check-out for a small fee. Best Regards, Bill Mattocks

Response:

> obviously this is the first time for me to go to travel by myself. i > totally forget about the check in time and the check out time for the > hotel when i book my flight. the check in time is 3pm and check out > time is at noon. but my arrive time to honolulu is noon and my > departure time is 11ish pm. my question is, does the hotel have a > place for you to store your package even though after u check out > until you are ready to go to the airport? cuz i’m going to stay at a 2 > or 3 star hotel (hawaiian monarch hotel), i wonder if i can do that.

It’s not really a stupid question. First, if the room is available, you might be able to check in before 3pm. Additionally, for a fee or no fee, the hotel might let you extend the check out time. They might even offer   a day rate at a cheaper price than the nightly rate. The hotel should have a storage facility for your bags, though liability for lost or stolen luggage will vary. Have a nice trip, and wave as you fly over California. Hawaii is a good place for someone named "Shell"

Response:

obviously this is the first time for me to go to travel by myself. i totally forget about the check in time and the check out time for the hotel when i book my flight. the check in time is 3pm and check out time is at noon. but my arrive time to honolulu is noon and my departure time is 11ish pm. my question is, does the hotel have a place for you to store your package even though after u check out until you are ready to go to the airport? cuz i’m going to stay at a 2 or 3 star hotel (hawaiian monarch hotel), i wonder if i can do that. @ thanks~

Response:

> my question is, does the hotel have a > place for you to store your package even though after u check out > until you are ready to go to the airport?

Yes, the bellman will be able to store your bags after you check out. Hotels usually do this at no charge, but you should probably plan on tipping the bellman a couple of dollars a bag.

Response:

Question:

> http://www.haciendahotel.com/welcome.asp > Excellent advice on this place. Weekend rates are usually about $59.00 for > King and Queen rooms. Nice staff, decent food and 5 minutes to the airport. > It’s located South after going under the runway tunnel. > BH

The semi-annual Los Angeles Airliner Expo (LAAX) collectibles shows are held at the Hacienda.  Was just there two weeks ago.

Response:

> Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle. > Thanks, > Jeff > The Furama on Lincoln (N of LAX) should meet your three objectives. > Popular with Asian flight and cabin crews.

I’ve heard good things about the Furama also (never stayed there, but have stayed at one of their other hotels).  You can get pretty good rates at that place on hotels.com, all-hotels.com, or one of the other discount web sites.

Response:

Motel 6 (if they don’t have their own shuttle, a cab won’t cost much)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle. > Thanks, > Jeff

Response:

Thanks for all the suggestions. After checking the rates, I decided to give Priceline.com a try. I ended up with a room at the Quality Hotel for $35.00. Probably not very quiet, but it will do.  And it also has a shuttle. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Motel 6 (if they don’t have their own shuttle, a cab won’t cost much) > Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle. > Thanks, > Jeff

Response:

> I ended up with a room at the Quality Hotel for $35.00. > Probably not very quiet, but it will do.  And it also has a shuttle.

If it’s the one on Century Blvd., I’ve stayed there, and found it quite nice.  The building is well soundproofed, and is about 2 miles from the airport, so the shuttle trip is relatively short.

Response:

>I ended up with a room at the Quality Hotel for $35.00. >Probably not very quiet, but it will do.  And it also has a shuttle.

It is a fine place.  Relatives of mine stayed there during a stopover in L.A. on the way from Australia to the Eastern USA.

Response:

>I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning.

There is a Culver City Radisson near the Hughes Center where the USAirways and Varig crews stay. (It is not the Airport Radisson, but has a shuttle)

Response:

> > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle.

Crowne Plaza, just outside the airport entrance.  Perfectly satisfactory, decent restaurant. Stayed there for $60 recently (Internet booking). — "Power tends to corrupt.  Absolute power corrupts absolutely."   Lord Acton (1834-1902) "Dependence on advertising tends to corrupt.  Total dependence on advertising  corrupts totally." (today’s equivalent)  

Response:

> > Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle. > I know several people that like to stay at the Hacienda Hotel when > making stopovers in LA.  It might be what you are looking for. I’ve > never stayed there, since my company insists on using other chain > hotels.

He said "quiet."  The Hacienda is Noise City.  You can hear the roaring takeoffs all night long.

Response:

> Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle.

There are dozens of hotels in the LAX area. Dont expect a lot of quiet because they’re close to AN AIRPORT, but many are nice. What’s a reasonable price is entirely up to you. You can easily find a wide choice of hotels in the LAX area by looking on the usual travel related Web sites such as http://www.expedia.com or http://www.travelocity.com and for a specific recommendation, consider the Sheraton near the airport. A friend and I stayed there a few years ago and it was nice and at something like $80 per night, the room rate was affordable to us.

Response:

Hello, I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle. Thanks, Jeff

Response:

> Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle.

I know several people that like to stay at the Hacienda Hotel when making stopovers in LA.  It might be what you are looking for. I’ve never stayed there, since my company insists on using other chain hotels. http://www.haciendahotel.com/welcome.asp

Response:

The Travelodge on Century is quiet and close to the airport–I think it may have been the first Hyatt House. There is also a Motel 6 high rise on Century–not as highly recommended.

Response:

http://www.haciendahotel.com/welcome.asp Excellent advice on this place. Weekend rates are usually about $59.00 for King and Queen rooms. Nice staff, decent food and 5 minutes to the airport. It’s located South after going under the runway tunnel. BH

Response:

> Hello, > I am arriving LAX in the evening and departing the following morning. > Looking for something quiet, reasonably priced with an airport shuttle. > Thanks, > Jeff

The Furama on Lincoln (N of LAX) should meet your three objectives. Popular with Asian flight and cabin crews.

Response:

Whatever you do don’t waste your money on the LAX Airport Hilton.  (I just stayed there two nights ago).  It’s priced the same or similar to the Gateway Sheraton but is far inferior.  The lobby is great, but the rooms are small, totally outdated in a rattan furniture/ beige color scheme sort of way and not particularly clean.  Also the doors and walls are thin and I didn’t get a very good night’s sleep since I could hear every door opening and closing all night long, and the noise early the next morning was vexing.  Also the toilet clogged up (okay.. don’t even go there with any snide remarks people) and I was aroused promptly at 8:00 a.m. by the cleaning lady who apologized profusely (albeit too late..damage done).  I’d hung a "do not disturb" sign on the doorknob but she either slyly removed it before she knocked or some guest borrowed it for their door after I went to bed. Sheraton Gateway is better (I thought I’d give Hilton a try since they were three dollars cheaper) but I’m not sure what the regular rate for either hotel is because both of them honored a special crew member rate for me.  When I’m working, I stay at the LAX Renaissance which is great, but not inexpensive ($119.00/ night was their crew rate!!)  You might want to also try Sheraton Four Points.  I didn’t think to call them the night I was stranded in LAX but they are located right on Century right next to all the other chains and in Chicago they offer great rates.  Basically, just about any chain you can think of has an LAX property with complimentary shuttle.  I’d just start calling around since their rates vary widely or even better, if you still have time go online and search there… you’re bound to find a better rate online than by calling.  I wouldn’t expect you’d have to pay more than 50 or 60 for a major hotel chain per night as long as you book in advance (i.e. priceline) and aren’t picky which brand it is.  Just pray you don’t get Hilton LAX!! Good luck!

Response:

Question:

Just back from a quick trip to Germany. I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. Turned out they had no room for me. Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder whether I should get angry and do something about it.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Just back from a quick trip to Germany. > I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with > Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. > Turned out they had no room for me. > Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place > to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare > to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly > as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. > Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that > apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder > whether I should get angry and do something about it.

Maybe that depends upon whether you plan to use that hotel chain again, elsewhere – although they might like to know if that sort of thing is happening frequently. (I probably would simply book other hotels in future – if I get cheated once, I can blame it on my own inexperience, but I make damned sure it doesn’t happen again!)  FWIW, although I have booked accommodation through Expedia.com and a "Discount" hotel site (for the U.S.), I always get a confirmation directly from the hotel, too – I don’t like trusting in third parties to do things right.

Response:

< I always get a confirmation > directly from the hotel, too – I don’t like trusting in > third parties to do things right.

In Europe, if I’m arriving in the late afternoon or later (even with a credit card guaranteed reservation) I usually give a call around 10 in the morning to tell them what time I’ll be getting in.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Just back from a quick trip to Germany. >I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with >Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. >Turned out they had no room for me. >Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place >to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare >to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly >as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. >Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that >apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder >whether I should get angry and do something about it.

I’m afraid this has become standard practice these days, I hear about it frequently. Hotels now overbook. A truly cool book: The World Is Already Yours Conscious living in the real world www.alreadyyours.com (sample chapter, etc…)

Response:

> Just back from a quick trip to Germany. > I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with > Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. > Turned out they had no room for me. > Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place > to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare > to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly > as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. > Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that > apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder > whether I should get angry and do something about it.

Such things happens.  Reason to believe you’re disappointed as Steigenberger is an upclass chain.  But anyway as they did the best to accommodate you I think there’s not so much to do.   They paid the cab OK , but I think a voucher for a free dinner or so couldn’t be wrong. Was on a business conference recently where they had missed something in the booking, got nevertheless adequate and nice accommodation and was satisfied with that.  In addition I got a voucher for "a free drink,an aperitif and an avec ".           L.P

Response:

devil schrieb: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just back from a quick trip to Germany. > I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with > Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. > Turned out they had no room for me. > Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place > to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare > to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly > as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. > Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that > apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder > whether I should get angry and do something about it.

As a matter of interest, a few questions. 1. which city and which hotel 2. was a trade fair on 3. did you show up late 4. did you have a guaranteed booking. Normally, if you have a guaranteed booking and announced late arrival, they will keep the room for you all night. Conversely, if you have a guaranteed booking and announced late arrival, they will charge you for a no-show. If you had neither a guaranteed booking nor announced late arrival, then they provided excellent service. Tom — Note: the sender’s address which is displayed in the header may be different from the real address.  To reply, please be sure to mail "tandp at freenet dot de" but I guess you knew that already.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > devil schrieb: >Just back from a quick trip to Germany. >I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with >Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. >Turned out they had no room for me. >Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place >to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare >to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly >as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. >Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that >apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder >whether I should get angry and do something about it. > As a matter of interest, a few questions. > 1. which city and which hotel

Osnabrueck.  Remarque. > 2. was a trade fair on

Not that I am aware of. > 3. did you show up late

No.  Actually, I showed up in the morning.  They told me they had no room let, and you can check in later all right, and we’ll keep your luggage. > 4. did you have a guaranteed booking.

Yes. > Normally, if you have a guaranteed booking and announced late arrival, > they will keep the room for you all night. > Conversely, if you have a guaranteed booking and announced late arrival, > they will charge you for a no-show. > If you had neither a guaranteed booking nor announced late arrival, then > they provided excellent service.

But I had.

Response:

Originally posted by Devil: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Just back from a quick trip to Germany. > I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with > Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. > Turned out they had no room for me. > Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate > place > to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare > to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly > as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. > Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that > apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder > whether I should get angry and do something about it.

Give us more details. Was your reservation credit card guaranteed (ie whether you arrive or not, they still get full payment)? If not, no sympathy if you arrived later than 5pm as hotels need to make a profit and there are lots of no-shows in the industry. — Posted via http://britishexpats.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Originally posted by Devil: >Just back from a quick trip to Germany. >I had a reservation for one night at a hotel affiliated with >Steigenberger.   Booked through Travelocity and SRS Worldhotels. >Turned out they had no room for me. >Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate >place >to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare >to get there.  The alternate place was more or less OK, but not nearly >as nice; price was EUR 14 cheaper.   Restaurant was not bad. >Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that >apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder >whether I should get angry and do something about it. > Give us more details. Was your reservation credit card guaranteed (ie > whether you arrive or not, they still get full payment)?

Yes it was guaranteed. > If not, no sympathy if you arrived later than 5pm as hotels need to make > a profit and there are lots of no-shows in the industry.

And I actually first showed up at 10:30 am.  Which was too early and they had no room yet.  So I just left my bag and proceeded dealing with my business.  When I came back around 8 pm, they had no room for me. But they did for other folks arriving when I was already there.

Response:

>Of course, they were quite apologetic.  They found me an alternate place >to stay, although 5 miles away from the city center.  Paid my cab fare

Same level (stars)? >Still, this isn’t the way to do business.  And given the rules that

ACK >apparently exist in Germany, as per a previous thread here, I wonder

The rules says, that a hotel has to find you a place with the same level and they have to pay additional transports – which means not only the way to the other hotel but also the way back. (I remember a hotel here in Cologne – 20 years ago -, which did overbook during a trade show. The next hotel with the same level was nearly 100 km ago – and the hotel did pay two times a day the taxi.) Greetings from Cologne Andreas — Hans-Hasso Stamer in de.comp.sys.mac.soc: F’ups sind die kr

Question:

Much as been written about the relative value of earning frequent flyer miles with many U.S. based airlines but a search of the world wide web yields virtually no information comparing the various hotel frequent stay/travel programs. Since some of these programs are clearly better than others, one should give consideration to staying with certain hotel chains if earning "free night stays" is high on your priority list! This author has attempted to ascertain what a typical consumer would need to accomplish in order to earn a free night’s stay at a participating hotel chain. Because there are several variables (1-7), such a comparison is not cut and dry! So it only seems appropriate to use one hundred U.S. dollars ($100) as the standard cost associated with a typical one night’s stay at each of the hotel chains being evaluated. This will allow a fair comparison of how each of the major hotel frequent stay programs stack-up against one another. Enrollment in all the highlighted programs is free! Visit http://hotelrewards.tripod.com to see the results!

Response:

n.b. I don’t know who said it but "you can’t please all the people all the time!"  What I have attempted to do here is to compare what an average traveler would need to accomplish under normal circumstances to earn a "free night’s stay" with any of the major hotel frequent guest programs reviewed. In another’s words, I am analyzing and commenting on what falls under the typical bell shaped curve, not the outliers! Sure, there will be free hotel nights to be had (at the extremes) for staying at higher-end properties in far-away lands for next to nothing (ie. redemption of far fewer points than would otherwise be possible). The approach highlighted here is for the average consumer who travels domestically and stays for business or pleasure with well-known hotel chains not far off the beaten path! In the absence of any other such comparisons, "people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw rocks!"  For the years 2000 and 2001, the average daily room rate worldwide for the hotel industry was $113 per night (Pegasus Solutions, 2002) …rounding to an average rate of $100 per night (as was done here for comparison purposes only) is really quite logical !!! To those who disagree… write and publish your own comparison!

Response:

Some rotten POS didn’t care for my assessment so they complained to Tripod.com. To whomever you are… you know where you’re next meal hangs don’t you? Meanwhile, you poured gas on this fire! This is the NEW URL: http://www.geocities.com/hotelrewards

Response:

While it wasn’t me who complained, I don’t think it was your assessment they were complaining about, but the fact you are posting it over and over again across all the newsgroups.  Most people would consider your relentless posting of the same thing across so many groups and replying to posts in newsgroups different then were they were made SPAM. There’s no questioning that you have put some time in putting it together, it’s just your recent spamming of so many newsgroups is sure to piss off the people who consider themselves newsgroup police. Calling people rotten POS’s is sure to keep them happy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Some rotten POS didn’t care for my assessment so they complained to > Tripod.com. To whomever you are… you know where you’re next meal > hangs don’t you? Meanwhile, you poured gas on this fire! > This is the NEW URL: > http://www.geocities.com/hotelrewards

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Question:

A friend of mine wishes to spend about one month In Milan Italy and she would prefer to find some furnished appartment instead of a hotel. She speaks Italian . Does anyone have any suggestion on how she might be able to find such resources on the internet ?

Response:

> A friend of mine wishes to spend about one month In Milan Italy and she would > prefer to find some furnished appartment instead of a hotel. She speaks > Italian . > Does anyone have any suggestion on how she might be able to find such > resources on the internet ?

There use to be quite a lot of them…thats is: long term apartment style accommodation yet also having concierge services, but with the growing importance of Milan as a top tier Banking center… many of these type places have been bought out by large biz class hotels and converted.  The one I lived in for almost a year in now a Inter-Continental Hotel and another I new of is now another Hotel chain. The month your friend wants to go could have a strong impact on choices… but thats true for many places. jay Sat, Apr 6, 2002 — Legend insists that as he finished his abject… Galileo muttered under his breath: "Nevertheless, it does move."

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Question:

I think that it comes down to what Orbitz gives me that no one else does. I think with their web fares they give me the lowest price much of the time and with their customer care email or PDA updates they give me great service.  Not to mention an easy to navigate site, but price and service are the keys.  I think Mike is right when he points out their webfare savings.  $5 seems like a nominal fee for all that you get there.  And they were right up front about it. I think that’s important. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Because there are times that Orbitz has better fares then you can get on any > other source, for example a flight I booked on it last week (before the fee) > was $40 per ticket lower then the same flights from the airline directly. > Most times that isn’t the case, you can get the flights for the same price > at the airline site (or others), but there are times when Orbitz has the > absolute lowest price available. > So why wouldn’t savvy consumers do the research on Orbitz, then book > the desired itinerary on a fee-free site, be it the carrier itself or > another entity?

Response:

I would pay a yearly fee   (or hourly as it once was via Compuserve) for an Eaasy Sabre type service.  Hourly might be fairer to those of us who would only use it once a month or so.   …mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Is the next step we’re about to see (to prevent the above scenario) > the imposition of charges to browse air fares and schdules? If so, > we’re back to the original OAG online model from ten years ago! > Yep. If I had money, this is the type of service I would put on-line. Fixed > annual fee to access essentially easy-sabre but with additional information > such as allowable routings etc etc. Reservations would be allowed but would be > sent to the originating airline for ticketing – as a convenience to the > customer, not as a revenue source . > And it would be mostly all text based to speed and efficiency. Aimed at the > saavy traveller, not the masses.  (seat allocation maps can be done with > tables but I guess could be done with graphics.)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Because there are times that Orbitz has better fares then you can get on any > other source, for example a flight I booked on it last week (before the fee) > was $40 per ticket lower then the same flights from the airline directly. > Most times that isn’t the case, you can get the flights for the same price > at the airline site (or others), but there are times when Orbitz has the > absolute lowest price available. > So why wouldn’t savvy consumers do the research on Orbitz, then book > the desired itinerary on a fee-free site, be it the carrier itself or > another entity?

That’s what I’m going to do from this point forward. I’ll run the search on Orbitz, but book on SideStep. I really like SideStep’s low fare search tool and have booked through them several times. They don’t charge a fee, and I can’t believe Orbitz is going to try to hit me for $5 when I get the same Web-only fares for free from SideStep.

Response:

<< Well, there’s nothing to stop that. But truth be told, I don’t think there will be much backlash from this. And there really shouldn’t be. Orbitz is a business and has to generate revenue. As airlines continue cutting commissions, they have to find some way to make up that lost revenue. If Orbitz proves to consistently find low fares, >> Has everyone forgotten that Orbitz was set up and is owned by 5 or 6 of the major airlines. That is why Orbitz has fares from time to time even lower than the airlines website. It is a way for them to dump flights with low bookings. Now they are charging you to book your flights with them(the airlines) At least when the TA charges a fee they have done the work.

Response:

> That’s what I’m going to do from this point forward. I’ll run the > search on Orbitz, but book on SideStep. I really like SideStep’s low > fare search tool and have booked through them several times. They > don’t charge a fee, and I can’t believe Orbitz is going to try to hit > me for $5 when I get the same Web-only fares for free from SideStep.

Although, the fact that you WORK FOR SIDESTEP – and fail to disclose it – doesn’t bias you in any way. Matthew

Response:

> That’s what I’m going to do from this point forward. I’ll run the > search on Orbitz, but book on SideStep. I really like SideStep’s low > fare search tool and have booked through them several times. They > don’t charge a fee, and I can’t believe Orbitz is going to try to hit > me for $5 when I get the same Web-only fares for free from SideStep.

Carol…..  Give it a rest.. Are you suggesting that I can book an aa.com web only fare on sidestep? I haven’t tried that, but I did try it for a hotel chain with web specials. It didn’t get me the same or better rate. Why is EVERY reply you make to rta an ad for Sidestep? Why is it that your NNTP posting host is 208.177.165.243 and the mailhost for sidestep.com is 208.177.165.245 Pretending to be an innocent bystander in a newgroup while promoting a web site is not cool.

Response:

> Is the next step we’re about to see (to prevent the above scenario) > the imposition of charges to browse air fares and schdules? If so, > we’re back to the original OAG online model from ten years ago!

As if cutting commissions wasn’t enough, that’s the last thing the airlines need to do, deluge every travel agency in America with fare inquiries. Matthew

Response:

> That’s what I’m going to do from this point forward. I’ll run the search > on Orbitz, but book on SideStep. I really like SideStep’s low fare search > tool and have booked through them several times. They don’t charge a fee, > and I can’t believe Orbitz is going to try to hit me for $5 when I get the > same Web-only fares for free from SideStep.

And thus ends another episode of rec.travel.air spam shill theatre. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Because there are times that Orbitz has better fares then you can get on >any > other source, for example a flight I booked on it last week (before the >fee) > was $40 per ticket lower then the same flights from the airline directly. > Most times that isn’t the case, you can get the flights for the same price > at the airline site (or others), but there are times when Orbitz has the > absolute lowest price available. > > So why wouldn’t savvy consumers do the research on Orbitz, then book > > the desired itinerary on a fee-free site, be it the carrier itself or > > another entity? >That’s what I’m going to do from this point forward. I’ll run the >search on Orbitz, but book on SideStep. I really like SideStep’s low >fare search tool and have booked through them several times. They >don’t charge a fee, and I can’t believe Orbitz is going to try to hit >me for $5 when I get the same Web-only fares for free from SideStep.

Isn’t it a bad sign when your company has to resort to fake testemonials on newsgroups? John Fernandez

Response:

while I agree that we might be better served by not having multiple posts from an employee about how good their system is, I never knew it existed and it DOES seem quite a bit faster (at least in my trials).  It sort of looks like what the TAs see (from what I remember of "over shoulder monitor surfing)  I think it looks like a great place to start (even if I won’t actually BUY there)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> That’s what I’m going to do from this point forward. I’ll run the > search on Orbitz, but book on SideStep. I really like SideStep’s low > fare search tool and have booked through them several times. They > don’t charge a fee, and I can’t believe Orbitz is going to try to hit > me for $5 when I get the same Web-only fares for free from SideStep. > Carol…..  Give it a rest.. > Are you suggesting that I can book an aa.com web only fare on sidestep? > I haven’t tried that, but I did try it for a hotel chain with web > specials. > It didn’t get me the same or better rate. > Why is EVERY reply you make to rta an ad for Sidestep? > Why is it that your NNTP posting host is 208.177.165.243 > and the mailhost for sidestep.com is 208.177.165.245 > Pretending to be an innocent bystander in a newgroup while promoting a > web site is not > cool.

Response:

Let me make two points here: 1. I think that by garnering an independent revenue stream by charging a low flat fee, Orbitz is moving towards being a more independent entity from the airlines.  The airlines own it because they ponied up the start-up money.  Orbitz is following a normal business model and I’d bet would like to go public at some point (like every other biz thought up during the dot com boom) but it’s got top be profitable first.  The online travel industry has got plenty of potential $$-wise.  And let’s be frank here, at least Orbitz making this effort at an independent revenue stream, Travelocity is owned by Sabre and Expedia is (still) owned by Microsoft, so let’s not lose sight of that. 2. As far as Mezei’s point about the future of online travel inquiries going to a paid model – I don’t see it.  Orbitz levied a nominal fee, capped at $10 for two or more tickets – it’s free to look, inquire, finagle – whatever.  I see no evidence why this would move to a fee-accessed model.  Nobody pays for those now, nor will they in the future.  I think orbitz has done a good job trying to announce this move.  I am sure they’ll take some flak, but it makes sense, and they’re still cheaper most of the time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > << Well, there’s nothing to stop that. But truth be told, I don’t think > there will be much backlash from this. And there really shouldn’t be. > Orbitz is a business and has to generate revenue. As airlines continue > cutting commissions, they have to find some way to make up that lost > revenue. If Orbitz proves to consistently find low fares, >> > Has everyone forgotten that Orbitz was set up and is owned by 5 or 6 of the > major airlines. That is why Orbitz has fares from time to time even lower than > the airlines website. It is a way for them to dump flights with low bookings. > Now they are charging you to book your flights with them(the airlines) At least > when the TA charges a fee they have done the work.

Response:

> while I agree that we might be better served by not having multiple > posts from an employee about how good their system is

Multiple posts from an employee who doesn’t disclose her affiliation and writes her posts as if it was something "she just discovered".  In other words, she’s shilling for it and being deceptive in the process. — Put location information in your DNS! <URL:http://www.ckdhr.com/dns-loc/>   Bill, n. 2. A writing binding the signer [...] to pay [...]   Gates, n. 4. The places which command the entrances or access [...]

Response:

> Is the next step we’re about to see (to prevent the above scenario) > the imposition of charges to browse air fares and schdules? If so, > we’re back to the original OAG online model from ten years ago!

Yep. If I had money, this is the type of service I would put on-line. Fixed annual fee to access essentially easy-sabre but with additional information such as allowable routings etc etc. Reservations would be allowed but would be sent to the originating airline for ticketing – as a convenience to the customer, not as a revenue source . And it would be mostly all text based to speed and efficiency. Aimed at the saavy traveller, not the masses.  (seat allocation maps can be done with tables but I guess could be done with graphics.)

Response:

>Orbitz has announced plans to start charging a small fee for every >online booking.

It’s true.  The fee is $5 if you buy one ticket, $10 if you buy two or more.  There’s no fee on your first booking (or your next booking if you’ve bought there before) through Jan 14th.  There’s a link on the "Travel Watch" section of the Orbitz home page with the details. As airlines continue to cut their commissions to zero, I’ll be surprised if all the online agencies don’t end up with some sort of fees.  It’s either that or make special deals with airlines and steer the customers to those rather than to the lowest available price. (Claimer: I’m on Orbitz’ consumer advisory board.  Sometimes they take my advice, sometimes they don’t.) — John R. Levine, IECC, POB 727, Trumansburg NY 14886 +1 607 387 6869 Member, Provisional board, Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail

Response:

>Orbitz has announced plans to start charging a small fee for every >online booking.

So why wouldn’t savvy consumers do the research on Orbitz, then book the desired itinerary on a fee-free site, be it the carrier itself or another entity? Is the next step we’re about to see (to prevent the above scenario) the imposition of charges to browse air fares and schdules? If so, we’re back to the original OAG online model from ten years ago!

Response:

> >Orbitz has announced plans to start charging a small fee for every >online booking. > So why wouldn’t savvy consumers do the research on Orbitz, then book > the desired itinerary on a fee-free site, be it the carrier itself or > another entity?

Do you mean like QIXO.. I remember, originally, QIXO stated where the fares came from.

Response:

Because there are times that Orbitz has better fares then you can get on any other source, for example a flight I booked on it last week (before the fee) was $40 per ticket lower then the same flights from the airline directly. Most times that isn’t the case, you can get the flights for the same price at the airline site (or others), but there are times when Orbitz has the absolute lowest price available.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > So why wouldn’t savvy consumers do the research on Orbitz, then book > the desired itinerary on a fee-free site, be it the carrier itself or > another entity?

Response:

Question:

Is their beach pretty? White sand? Beautiful blue water? Is there a better hotel with a nicer beach area?

Response:

>Is their beach pretty? White sand? Beautiful blue water? Is there a better >hotel with a nicer beach area?

In the little I know, I think beaches are public. There is no hotel owner of a specific beach area. Bye

Response:

Is their beach pretty? Yes, very pretty. Clean and Wide. White sand? I never seen more white sand. Beautiful blue water? Transparent, with turquoise tones Is there a better hotel with a nicer beach area? All the Cancun beaches, along 18 kilometers have the same characteristics. The north area of Cancun in front Isla Mujeres the sea is like a big pool, with very calm waters, there you have the Hotel Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach it is one of the best’s hotels in Cancun, of the same category of the Ritz, The beaches of the East Side where is the Ritz Carlton are more wide and the Sea has more waves, and more impetuos. Any way you can swim, but is more easy swim in the north side of the island. Regards… Jaime

Response:

> Is their beach pretty? > Yes, very pretty. Clean and Wide. > White sand? > I never seen more white sand. > Beautiful blue water? > Transparent, with turquoise tones

But not tranquil.  It is very rough.  Not really swimable. > Is there a better hotel with a nicer beach area? > All the Cancun beaches, along 18 kilometers have the same > characteristics.

Some places are better for swimming.

Response:

> In the little I know, I think beaches are public.

All the beaches in Mexico are public, you are right, Any way you don’t see locals in the beaches in front of the resorts, you only see guests. The question is about how is the beach, No Who is the owner of the Beach, understood?

Response:

I have been to Cancun numerous times, and I am told that I Ritz Carlton in one of the most, if the not the most, expensive hotel in Cancun. When I heard this, it obviously peeked my interest and I visited the hotel. What I saw was VERY DISAPPOINTING. First, let’s start with the exterior. It looks downright ugly, no character, this huge white cement blob. The interior had several paintings and wood-panel walls, which looked super-expensive but seemed out of place in the Caribbean. It looked and feeled more like a museum rather than a hotel lobby in the Caribbean. The beach and pool area were nice but nothing special compared to the hundreds of other hotels in Cancun. I have never stayed at the Ritz Carlton, but from what I saw, exterior, interior lobby and pool/beach area, it is not worth the huge amount of money they probably ask for the rooms. Mind you, I never saw the rooms themselves, so maybe that will justify the price. My favorite hotel in Cancun is the Hyatt Cancun Caribe, NOT to be confused with the Hyatt Regency Cancun, which does not have a very good beach area. The Westin Regina Cancun is pretty good too, though location-wise, it’s a bit far from the main action, but perhaps quieter. The Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is of the largest and nicest and is right there by the Convention Center. In short, there are probably numerous other hotels that are better than the Ritz Carlton Cancun. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Is their beach pretty? White sand? Beautiful blue water? Is there a better > hotel with a nicer beach area?

Response:

I agree with CBBJ completely. I think that the pool was worse than "nice, but nothing special". Tiny pool, I thought. My wife and I had a 2 room suite at the Hilton, and we went to the Ritz-Carlton to check it out and have lunch. My wife had a drink called a "Mudslide". Hard liquor and a couple of liquers in it. Small glass(poolside). Guess how much?? Try $16.50!!!! Went back to our hotel, walked up to the bar, asked how much a mudslide was….$8.00!!!!!Bigger glass too!! I was still steamed when I got home, sent an e-mail to Ritz-Carlton and complained. They e-mailed me back and basically said "tough". I will never stay at their hotel . CBBJ is right, the hotel looks just like a museum. Not tropical at all!! Food was also very expensive, we looked at the dinner menus outside the restaurants. AVOID the Ritz-Carlton!!! Go to the Hilton instead, pool area is just gorgeous, very big, and a beach that you can actually swim at and not drown!! Swimming at other hotels is downright dangerous, except "as CBBJ says" at the Fiesta Americana Coral Beach. Hilton also has their very own golf course, and it’s pretty good. I play a lot of golf, and it met my needs.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have been to Cancun numerous times, and I am told that I Ritz Carlton > in one of the most, if the not the most, expensive hotel in Cancun. > When I heard this, it obviously peeked my interest and I visited the > hotel. What I saw was VERY DISAPPOINTING. First, let’s start with the > exterior. It looks downright ugly, no character, this huge white cement > blob. The interior had several paintings and wood-panel walls, which > looked super-expensive but seemed out of place in the Caribbean. It > looked and feeled more like a museum rather than a hotel lobby in the > Caribbean. The beach and pool area were nice but nothing special > compared to the hundreds of other hotels in Cancun. I have never stayed > at the Ritz Carlton, but from what I saw, exterior, interior lobby and > pool/beach area, it is not worth the huge amount of money they probably > ask for the rooms. Mind you, I never saw the rooms themselves, so maybe > that will justify the price. > My favorite hotel in Cancun is the Hyatt Cancun Caribe, NOT to be > confused with the Hyatt Regency Cancun, which does not have a very > good beach area. The Westin Regina Cancun is pretty good too, though > location-wise, it’s a bit far from the main action, but perhaps quieter. > The Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is of the largest and nicest and > is right there by the Convention Center. In short, there are probably > numerous other hotels that are better than the Ritz Carlton Cancun. > Is their beach pretty? White sand? Beautiful blue water? Is there a better > hotel with a nicer beach area?

Response:

But you have to realise that the Ritz has a certain reputation of being this really swank, super-classy, elitist hotel chain. They try to maintain that tradition and doing so entails charging absolutely ridiculous prices at the bar. I always try to get an idea of what a drink costs before I head into a place and even if I’d been to your hotel’s bar, I would have turned around and walked right out the moment I heard that a mudslide was $8 USD because the last time I got one in Mexico (Guanajuato to be specific) it cost me all of 30 pesos ($3.30 USD) and by Mexican standards even that was a little on the pricey side. For what it’s worth, the last time I set foot in a Ritz-Carleton was about 6 years ago for a big dinner. Not only was the service a disorganised mess but about half the people at my table had to send their plates back because the roast beef was far too under-cooked. Oh and by the way a mudslide is half an ounce of vodka, half an ounce of kahlua and a quater ounce of irish cream blended with ice. Richard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I agree with CBBJ completely. I think that the pool was worse than "nice, > but nothing special". Tiny pool, I thought. My wife and I had a 2 room suite > at the Hilton, and we went to the Ritz-Carlton to check it out and have > lunch. My wife had a drink called a "Mudslide". Hard liquor and a couple of > liquers in it. Small glass(poolside). Guess how much?? Try $16.50!!!! Went > back to our hotel, walked up to the bar, asked how much a mudslide > was….$8.00!!!!!Bigger glass too!! I was still steamed when I got home, > sent an e-mail to Ritz-Carlton and complained. They e-mailed me back and > basically said "tough". I will never stay at their hotel . > CBBJ is right, the hotel looks just like a museum. Not tropical at all!! > Food was also very expensive, we looked at the dinner menus outside the > restaurants. > AVOID the Ritz-Carlton!!! Go to the Hilton instead, pool area is just > gorgeous, very big, and a beach that you can actually swim at and not > drown!! Swimming at other hotels is downright dangerous, except "as CBBJ > says" at the Fiesta Americana Coral Beach. Hilton also has their very own > golf course, and it’s pretty good. I play a lot of golf, and it met my > needs. > I have been to Cancun numerous times, and I am told that I Ritz Carlton > in one of the most, if the not the most, expensive hotel in Cancun. > When I heard this, it obviously peeked my interest and I visited the > hotel. What I saw was VERY DISAPPOINTING. First, let’s start with the > exterior. It looks downright ugly, no character, this huge white cement > blob. The interior had several paintings and wood-panel walls, which > looked super-expensive but seemed out of place in the Caribbean. It > looked and feeled more like a museum rather than a hotel lobby in the > Caribbean. The beach and pool area were nice but nothing special > compared to the hundreds of other hotels in Cancun. I have never stayed > at the Ritz Carlton, but from what I saw, exterior, interior lobby and > pool/beach area, it is not worth the huge amount of money they probably > ask for the rooms. Mind you, I never saw the rooms themselves, so maybe > that will justify the price. > My favorite hotel in Cancun is the Hyatt Cancun Caribe, NOT to be > confused with the Hyatt Regency Cancun, which does not have a very > good beach area. The Westin Regina Cancun is pretty good too, though > location-wise, it’s a bit far from the main action, but perhaps quieter. > The Fiesta Americana Coral Beach is of the largest and nicest and > is right there by the Convention Center. In short, there are probably > numerous other hotels that are better than the Ritz Carlton Cancun. > > Is their beach pretty? White sand? Beautiful blue water? Is there a > better > > hotel with a nicer beach area?

Response:

Question:

-SC in Dunwoody  :) Then you know which Hilton I am referring to….I called about the room rate for a single-bed, non-smoking room (for someone that might have been coming from out of town, trip never happened, plans changed), and was shocked to find the rate just as much as the Crowne Plaza up the street. I guess I have this thing about paying more for "less" service (i.e. the limited-service properties should have lower rates). It woudn’t make sense financially to pay a fulll-service rate at less than a full-service hotel. Just my .02 cents.

Response:

Love Hilton!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I am really fond of Sofitel.. > Didn’t know they were still around—I stayed at their Miami airport > property on an overnight stay before departing on a Club Med trip, (our > charter left at 6AM the next morning)….thought I would have the room > to myself (sheer bliss!) but since CM pairs you up with a same-sex > roommate, I had the roommate from hell (for one night). Is this property > still open-haven’t heard a lot about Sofitel in the US for years. > BTW, I get the weekly Hilton.com email—is it me or are they building > more of those Hilton Garden Inns (the limited service properties) > instead of the full-service "regular" hotels? There is one up the street > from me (has been open about a year, trying to compete with the "W" and > the Crowne Plaza up the street)–but this one is charging full-service > HIlton-style prices—wondering how you feel about these types of > properties. > I was meeting a friend of mine at a Hampton Inn and was early for my > appointment-so I had breakfast downstairs….not a place to sit down and > ended up eating at a dirty table someone just vacated, and other guests > were trying to balance plates of bacon and eggs sitting on the couch. > Maryanne > ….just checked my posting on spell-checker and spelled Hampton > wrong–the spell checker said the correct spelling was HILTON!  

Response:

>>Does it differ for business and pleasure travel? >Stay in a chain hotel? Eugh. That would be almost as bad as eating in >a chain restaurant. >–==++AJC++==–

Your shit don’t stink, does it?

Response:

>BTW, I get the weekly Hilton.com email—is it me or are they building >more of those Hilton Garden Inns (the limited service properties) >instead of the full-service "regular" hotels? There is one up the street

It isn’t just you. I actually PREFER properties like Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard, etc. for routine business travel.  I don’t *need* a minibar, room service, etc. — but I *do* need either high-speed Internet access or cheap local calls, which those type of properties usually offer.  If I am taking a personal trip and want to be pampered, that’s a different story… FWIW, I land up in Hilton properties (Hampton Inns, Garden Inns, and regular Hiltons) a LOT.  Not only do I land up in Hiltons on "regular" reservations from my company’s TA, it seems I get a lot of Hiltons out of Priceline too (I only use PL for hotels and cars, NOT for airline tickets!  Yes, I post to Sheryl’s board ) for personal trips.  And when I can’t do Priceline I tend to fall back on Hampton…  Lately it seems I’m in Marriotts (mainly Courtyard) more than in the past.  I’m almost *never* in Starwood hotels for some reason… -SC in Dunwoody — Stanley Cline — sc1 at roamer1 dot org — http://www.roamer1.org/ … "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.  There might be a law against it by that time."  -/usr/games/fortune

Response:

I am really fond of Sofitel.  I "discovered" them in Brussels a few years ago and ever since then, I go out of my way to give them business. This is not the reason I like them so much, but the shampoo they provide smells REALLY good!! Eric

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Does it differ for business and pleasure travel?

Response:

>I am really fond of Sofitel..

Didn’t know they were still around—I stayed at their Miami airport property on an overnight stay before departing on a Club Med trip, (our charter left at 6AM the next morning)….thought I would have the room to myself (sheer bliss!) but since CM pairs you up with a same-sex roommate, I had the roommate from hell (for one night). Is this property still open-haven’t heard a lot about Sofitel in the US for years. BTW, I get the weekly Hilton.com email—is it me or are they building more of those Hilton Garden Inns (the limited service properties) instead of the full-service "regular" hotels? There is one up the street from me (has been open about a year, trying to compete with the "W" and the Crowne Plaza up the street)–but this one is charging full-service HIlton-style prices—wondering how you feel about these types of properties. I was meeting a friend of mine at a Hampton Inn and was early for my appointment-so I had breakfast downstairs….not a place to sit down and ended up eating at a dirty table someone just vacated, and other guests were trying to balance plates of bacon and eggs sitting on the couch. Maryanne ….just checked my posting on spell-checker and spelled Hampton wrong–the spell checker said the correct spelling was HILTON!  

Response:

Does it differ for business and pleasure travel?

Response:

1)  Relais & Chateaux (when the exchange rates are REALLY favorable) http://www.relaischateaux.com/ 2)  Romantik (lots of character, mostly family owned & operated) http://www.romantikhotels.com/

Response:

>Does it differ for business and pleasure travel?

Stay in a chain hotel? Eugh. That would be almost as bad as eating in a chain restaurant. –==++AJC++==–

Response:

Hyatt – have used them for years and I have yet to be disappointed.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does it differ for business and pleasure travel?

Response:

Question:

Next summer a friend and I would like to rent an apartment in Paris for about a month. We figure it woud be cheaper than a hotel, of course, what with a small kitchen, etc. Anyone have this experience?  Let me knoe. Thanks,  Kurt

Response:

> >Next summer a friend and I would like to rent an apartment in Paris for about a >month. We figure it woud be cheaper than a hotel, of course, what with a small >kitchen, etc. >Anyone have this experience?  Let me knoe. >Thanks,  Kurt

In addition to the 2 websites already given : http://www.rentparis.com/ http://www.untours.com , from the folowing websites, http://www.paris-touristoffice.com/ http://www.paris-web.com (in french but usefull too) I found : 1) http://www.paris-touristoffice.com/cgi-bin/homeva.cgi?Frame=_sejour&T… – For furnished apartments, choose "furnished apartments" which gives 29 results. (For those interested I add : – For B & B, choose "bed and breakfast" wich gives 12 results. – For All suite hotels (aparthotels), choose "… category", then "All suite hotels", then click first on "search" (without filling the file in order to have the complete list of 78 results with the number of stars indicated on the left of the hotel’s name) then click eventually on "detailed search". The main groups of All suite hotels in Paris seem to be : http://www.citadines.com  : 17 all suite hotels in Paris http://www.pierre-vacances.fr/  : 7 all suite hotels in Paris www.libertel-hotels.com  : 3 all suite hotels in Paris) 2) http://www.paris-web.com/Hebergement This page gives mainly 8 results without making distinction between furnished apartments and B&B. Some similar to those of the first website above. (You can try to find some All suite hotels too by choosing "hotels" on the page, then "groupes" (of hotels) or "guides". but All suite hotels are not specially distinguished from others). I describe mostly the 8 main results of the first page of this last website. On the countrary the first website makes a distinction between B&B and furnished apartments (FA) but I gave up after checking about a quarter of the 29 FA results… http://www.321international.com/  200 classified advertisements (FA), location maps, interior photos and full descriptions http://www.ifrance.com/parislodging/ classified advertisements, photos and descriptions http://www.qconline.com/parispsr/32fr.htm in french, 600 apartments, interior photos, full descriptions http://perso.wanadoo.fr/athomeinparis/  apartments in Paris region + 470 in Paris, little descriptions http://www.homerental.fr/defaulta.htm  about 100 apartments, photos, little descriptions http://www.apartment-living.com/ 26 apartments, excellent interior photos and descriptions, apartments’ and location maps http://www.servissimo.com/ 25 apartments, interior photos, full descriptions, apartments’ maps http://www.france-hotels.net/english/apartment.asp 24 apartments, interior and exterior photos, full descriptions http://www.enfin-chez-soi-a-paris.mgn.fr/ in french, number of apartments ??, interior and exterior photos, descriptions, apartment map http://195.5.220.169/presentation.htm Paris and its region, descriptions http://www.holidayshomes.com/paris.htm 11 B & B apartments, 1 interior photo, full descriptions, owners’ informations didier Meurgues

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I think renting an apt. for this length of time is a good idea.  You usually get more space and the building may have laundry facilities, etc. which makes things easier.  Also, everybody gets tired of eating out ALL the time. If you are unsure about renting a private apt., try www.citadines.com for an apartment-hotel chain with several buildings in Paris.  They give all the advantages of an apt. with any hotel service you want, but don’t HAVE to take.  Also, they give discounts on stays over 6 days.  The one near the Austerlitz train station is quite reasonably priced.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Next summer a friend and I would like to rent an apartment in Paris for about a >month. We figure it woud be cheaper than a hotel, of course, what with a small >kitchen, etc. >Anyone have this experience?  Let me knoe. >Thanks,  Kurt > Hello Kurt, > You may rent my apartment if you like. It is tiny but bright and > very central, and prices are much cheaper than those I saw > from other people. You may check my offer by clicking > http://www.Christoph-Grandt.com/paris.html > Anyway, have a nice time in Paris and good luck! > Chris > — > Christoph Grandt > www.Christoph-Grandt.com

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>Next summer a friend and I would like to rent an apartment in Paris for about a >month. We figure it woud be cheaper than a hotel, of course, what with a small >kitchen, etc. >Anyone have this experience?  Let me knoe. >Thanks,  Kurt

Hello Kurt, You may rent my apartment if you like. It is tiny but bright and very central, and prices are much cheaper than those I saw from other people. You may check my offer by clicking http://www.Christoph-Grandt.com/paris.html Anyway, have a nice time in Paris and good luck! Chris — Christoph Grandt www.Christoph-Grandt.com

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Try http://www.untours.com They have a wonderful choice of apartments for periods of 2 or 4 weeks with the extra advantage of having a local rep to give you help in arranging sightseeing trips. My husband and I had 2 weeks in an incredible apt. in the 6th arr. in summer 2000. The cost was comparable to renting a cottage at the beach in the U.S. for 2 weeks. It was a fantastic experience. > Next summer a friend and I would like to rent an apartment in Paris for about a > month. We figure it woud be cheaper than a hotel, of course, what with a small > kitchen, etc. > Anyone have this experience?  Let me knoe. > Thanks,  Kurt

– Allison Williams Richmond, VA The next best thing to knowing something is knowing where to find it.         –Samuel Johnson

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If I were U I would try to contact someone who live in Paris to rent directly his appartment… this newsgroup is full of French people that can help U. B R, Guislain

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Try: http://www.rentparis.com/  Their website has a lot of information and apartments of all sizes, all prices, all over the city.  I think the prices are reasonable, all the more because you’ll be sharing.  Danielle

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Next summer a friend and I would like to rent an apartment in Paris for about a > month. We figure it woud be cheaper than a hotel, of course, what with a small > kitchen, etc. > Anyone have this experience?  Let me knoe. > Thanks,  Kurt

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> I would like to rent an apartment in Paris

We were pleased with the accommodations provided by Pierre Boyges: