Question:

>Find somewhere quiet to sleep within the airport

Why do visions of that nice lady from Air Lingus on the Airport program who goes around looking at people sleeping in the terminal come to mind?

Response:

> I will have a 10 hour layover in London on my way back from Madrid [

flying to DFW ]. Plane from > Barajas arrives at Heathrow aboput midnight, plane to DFW leaves at 10 Am > Any recommendatrion on where to stay ? Reasonable priced hotels ????

IBIS Heathrow is OK. I stayed there once. About 65 pounds, good by London standards.       Address :       112-114 Bath Road       Hayes Middlesex       UB3 5AL LONDON       UNITED KINGDOM      Tel : (+44)208/7594888       Fax : (+44)208/5647894 You can book at www.ibishotel.com or through agents. begin 666 px.gif ` end

Response:

> >I will have a 10 hour layover in London on my way back from Madrid [ flying to DFW ]. Plane from >Barajas arrives at Heathrow aboput midnight, plane to DFW leaves at 10 Am >Any recommendatrion on where to stay ? Reasonable priced hotels ???? > Since recommended arrival time for LGW and LHR international departures is now 3 > hours prior to flight time, you won’t have much spare time to get to any hotel > other than ones in the immediate vicinity. Even then it will be a short night…

And there are NO ‘reasonably-priced hotels’ within reach of Heathrow (nearest are probably in Slough).  Find somewhere quite to sleep within the airport, or else spend a lot of money on an airport hotel, or a lot of money on taxi rides to get to Slough and back.  Otherwise, your only hope is a special offer at an airport hotel through an on-line booking service.

Response:

> > Often BA and Virgin are cheaper. Then again it is not worth it if AA > work out 75 dollars cheaper. They are not that bad, but if you have a > choice they are definately bottom of the pile! > You mentioned bad service and "horrible food". > I rarely think of food as being worth $75 for a flight. > I don’t know what kind of service you are looking for in Economy.  I > find little difference between AA and BA there. If I ask for a drink, I > get it. What other service are you looking for? > I rarely fly economy to Europe anymore, as I usually spend the miles for > the upgrade from the US West Coast.

Actually I had acknowledged that if an AA flight was $75 dollars cheaper I would take it. I am not here to have an argument, this is simply my opinion. Indeed I have many frequent flier miles with AA and find they provide adequate service. I simply find Virgin and BA to provide a better, more professional service and it starts the trip/vacation off on a better tone.

Response:

>I will have a 10 hour layover in London on my way back from Madrid [ flying to DFW ]. Plane from >Barajas arrives at Heathrow aboput midnight, plane to DFW leaves at 10 Am >Any recommendatrion on where to stay ? Reasonable priced hotels ????

Since recommended arrival time for LGW and LHR international departures is now 3 hours prior to flight time, you won’t have much spare time to get to any hotel other than ones in the immediate vicinity. Even then it will be a short night…

Response:

I will have a 10 hour layover in London on my way back from Madrid [ flying to DFW ]. Plane from Barajas arrives at Heathrow aboput midnight, plane to DFW leaves at 10 Am Any recommendatrion on where to stay ? Reasonable priced hotels ????

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly > > on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA > > fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better > > food and entertainments. Both are excellent! > > Try not to go AA though…. > Not even for the extra legroom? > If leg room is the only consideration then sure! I give equal or more > importance to good inflight entertainment, good food, free drinks and > over all, good flight attendants. AA has good leg room and probably > decent inflight entertainment for coach class in their 777s. But BA > and Virgin provide far better food and drink service, decent IFE > (Virgin’s better than BA) and BA fight attendants are the best of all > three. It comes down to what is important to you. American passengers > generally give a rats ass about inflight food and drinks (which is why > their airlines have gotten away with so much cost cutting). European > and certainly Asian travellers give very high importance to food, > drinks, IFE and attitude of the flight attendants. > Happy Flying. > Riaz

I have never flown on Virgin Atlantic but I have flown Transatlantic many times on BA, AA, United, US Airways, Delta, Sabena (now only a memory). NorthWest, KLM. All in economy/coach/steerage. I find AA generally to be better than BA (I like their UK and European product but have less than happy memories of their Transatlantic service) and I like KLM best of all. And the IFE on KLM AMS-LAX is almost non-existent but it is a good opportunity to read. JohnT

Response:

> Often BA and Virgin are cheaper. Then again it is not worth it if AA > work out 75 dollars cheaper. They are not that bad, but if you have a > choice they are definately bottom of the pile!

You mentioned bad service and "horrible food". I rarely think of food as being worth $75 for a flight. I don’t know what kind of service you are looking for in Economy.  I find little difference between AA and BA there. If I ask for a drink, I get it. What other service are you looking for? I rarely fly economy to Europe anymore, as I usually spend the miles for the upgrade from the US West Coast.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> > As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly >> > on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA >> > fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better >> > food and entertainments. Both are excellent! >> > Try not to go AA though…. >> Not even for the extra legroom? > If leg room is the only consideration then sure! I give equal or more > importance to good inflight entertainment, good food, free drinks and > over all, good flight attendants. AA has good leg room and probably > decent inflight entertainment for coach class in their 777s. But BA > and Virgin provide far better food and drink service, decent IFE > (Virgin’s better than BA) and BA fight attendants are the best of all > three. It comes down to what is important to you. American passengers > generally give a rats ass about inflight food and drinks (which is why > their airlines have gotten away with so much cost cutting). European > and certainly Asian travellers give very high importance to food, > drinks, IFE and attitude of the flight attendants. >    Actually, as it turns out, I’m going AA.  ;-) >    When I fly, I don’t especially care much about the food > or entertainment, since I’m typically asleep within a few > minutes of takeoff.  ( Or, for those occasional long > periods on the runway, before hand… )  All I ask is > a bottle of water and perhaps a piece of fruit.  And I bring > those myself, anyhow. >    Even when I’ve flown first or business, > transcontinentally, I don’t see why people are so hung > up on the food.  You’re still basically getting warmed-over > food in a less-than-pleasing environment – after all, > wouldn’t you complain if you were in a fine, groundside > restaurant, but your seats vibrated, your table > was no larger than a school desk, and there was a constant > roar coming from a few feet away? > – Rich

Please don’t get me wrong, AA are fine, but I personally prefer BA and Virgin. Take your own food and a good book (and sleeping drugs!!) and you are all set! Happy travels!

Response:

> > As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly > on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA > fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better > food and entertainments. Both are excellent! > Try not to go AA though…. > Not even for the extra legroom?

Only for the frequent flier miles!! The legroom does not make up for the bad service and the awful food. It just doesn’t set your holiday off on the right note. Usually from NYC if you pay 20-40dollars more you can go BA or Virgin and it is worth the difference. Often BA and Virgin are cheaper. Then again it is not worth it if AA work out 75 dollars cheaper. They are not that bad, but if you have a choice they are definately bottom of the pile!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> > As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly > > on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA > > fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better > > food and entertainments. Both are excellent! > > Try not to go AA though…. > Not even for the extra legroom? > If leg room is the only consideration then sure! I give equal or more > importance to good inflight entertainment, good food, free drinks and > over all, good flight attendants. AA has good leg room and probably > decent inflight entertainment for coach class in their 777s. But BA > and Virgin provide far better food and drink service, decent IFE > (Virgin’s better than BA) and BA fight attendants are the best of all > three. It comes down to what is important to you. American passengers > generally give a rats ass about inflight food and drinks (which is why > their airlines have gotten away with so much cost cutting). European > and certainly Asian travellers give very high importance to food, > drinks, IFE and attitude of the flight attendants.

   Actually, as it turns out, I’m going AA.  ;-)    When I fly, I don’t especially care much about the food or entertainment, since I’m typically asleep within a few minutes of takeoff.  ( Or, for those occasional long periods on the runway, before hand… )  All I ask is a bottle of water and perhaps a piece of fruit.  And I bring those myself, anyhow.    Even when I’ve flown first or business, transcontinentally, I don’t see why people are so hung up on the food.  You’re still basically getting warmed-over food in a less-than-pleasing environment – after all, wouldn’t you complain if you were in a fine, groundside restaurant, but your seats vibrated, your table was no larger than a school desk, and there was a constant roar coming from a few feet away? – Rich

Response:

> > As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly > on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA > fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better > food and entertainments. Both are excellent! > Try not to go AA though…. > Not even for the extra legroom?

If leg room is the only consideration then sure! I give equal or more importance to good inflight entertainment, good food, free drinks and over all, good flight attendants. AA has good leg room and probably decent inflight entertainment for coach class in their 777s. But BA and Virgin provide far better food and drink service, decent IFE (Virgin’s better than BA) and BA fight attendants are the best of all three. It comes down to what is important to you. American passengers generally give a rats ass about inflight food and drinks (which is why their airlines have gotten away with so much cost cutting). European and certainly Asian travellers give very high importance to food, drinks, IFE and attitude of the flight attendants. Happy Flying. Riaz

Response:

As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better food and entertainments. Both are excellent! Try not to go AA though….

Response:

> As someone who has flown between NYC and London over 30 times, mostly > on BA, Virgin or AA – I would put AA in a firm 3rd, and Virgin and BA > fight it out among themselves!! BA is better service, Virgin better > food and entertainments. Both are excellent! > Try not to go AA though….

Not even for the extra legroom?

Response:

<deleted> Browse through some of the passenger opinions about BA and Virgin on the following website. http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/seats.htm I have only BA. Virgin seems to have better equipment and food but one common theme across several opinions seem to be that Virgin flight attendants are too busy prancing around like models and less occupied with serving customers. BA flight attendants may not be models but they work harder with the customers. Both airlines generally are good bets. I would find it difficult to choose based on inflight experience. I choose BA because they go wherever I want to go. BA’s American partner is AA, so one can fly to and from many US cities to Europe by doing a AA/BA combination both of which have BA flight codes. Riaz

Response:

>> But both of those factors (coupled with the generally pleasanter atmosphere > on Virgin) made me choose Virgin whenever possible back when I used to fly > to London. > I find the Virgin atmosphere postively horrible, in fact my last flight > with them was bad enough that I threw away the 2nd leg of it, and chose a > different carrier for the journey rather than pay the change fee to get it > moved to when I needed it.

Wow, what happened? miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

>>> But both of those factors (coupled with the generally pleasanter atmosphere >> on Virgin) made me choose Virgin whenever possible back when I used to fly >> to London. > I find the Virgin atmosphere postively horrible, in fact my last flight > with them was bad enough that I threw away the 2nd leg of it, and chose a > different carrier for the journey rather than pay the change fee to get it > moved to when I needed it. >Wow, what happened?

Very slow processing at JHB, late without any information leaving JHB, slow, very unfriendly cabin staff…  although to be fair, whilst I had an onward leg LHR-JFK, it wasn’t actually very convenient (plans changed.) and probably would’ve cost me more and been a lot less convenient than LON-YVR I really wanted to do by the time the flight came round. Jim.

Response:

> 3. rent the gsm phone

Or buy a used unlocked one on ebay, and a SIM pack for about GBP 10 when you arrive. If you can’t find one already unlocked, get a Nokia – they’re easy to unlock (free) yourself. You’ll have the phone for future trips, or you can sell/lend it to someone else. It’s worth it for the convenience.

Response:

>But both of those factors (coupled with the generally pleasanter atmosphere >on Virgin) made me choose Virgin whenever possible back when I used to fly >to London.

I find the Virgin atmosphere postively horrible, in fact my last flight with them was bad enough that I threw away the 2nd leg of it, and chose a different carrier for the journey rather than pay the change fee to get it moved to when I needed it. Jim.

Response:

> Hi All: >    I’ll be traveling to Heathrow in the middle of June, and it looks > like I can choose between BA and Virgin for my flights.  Not to open > up any cans of worms, but is there any particular reason I should > choose one over the other?  I.E., average seat pitch, etc.  I’ll > most likely be stuck in coach.

BA have slighty better seat pitch. VS have fastly superior entertainment. VS have better food. >    Secondarily – does anyone have a general idea of what phone calls > cost from London to the U.S.?  I’m trying to find out if it’s > worth it for me to rent a GSM phone ( my current wireless provider > offers rentals at $3/day + $1.49/minute ), or just suck it up and > pay the probably rapacious hotel rates.

Buy a phone card it should cost about 5US cents a minute (cheaper than many calls within the UK).

Response:

> I’ll be traveling to Heathrow in the middle of June, and it looks > like I can choose between BA and Virgin for my flights.  Not to open > up any cans of worms, but is there any particular reason I should > choose one over the other?  I.E., average seat pitch, etc.  I’ll > most likely be stuck in coach.  

Seat pitch is the same on both. Virgin used to have better in-flight entertainment; not sure if they still do. British used to not take seat reservations for coach passengers; not sure if that’s still the case either. But both of those factors (coupled with the generally pleasanter atmosphere on Virgin) made me choose Virgin whenever possible back when I used to fly to London. > Secondarily – does anyone have a general idea of what phone calls > cost from London to the U.S.?

1p (1.7 cents)/minute (plus local call) if you get a cheap card. But really you can spend as much as you like. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

>>   Secondarily – does anyone have a general idea of what phone calls >cost from London to the U.S.?  I’m trying to find out if it’s >worth it for me to rent a GSM phone ( my current wireless provider >offers rentals at $3/day + $1.49/minute ), or just suck it up and >pay the probably rapacious hotel rates.

1. Have your current phone "unlocked" and buy a sim London, if you have an international GSM phone. You didn’t mention what kinf of phone you have or 2. Use a calling card and call the US for a few pence per minute. or 3. rent the gsm phone

Response:

> Hi All: >    I’ll be traveling to Heathrow in the middle of June, and it looks > like I can choose between BA and Virgin for my flights.  Not to open > up any cans of worms, but is there any particular reason I should > choose one over the other?  I.E., average seat pitch, etc.  I’ll > most likely be stuck in coach.  

both have sub-average seat pitch.  Is AA an option? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->    Secondarily – does anyone have a general idea of what phone calls > cost from London to the U.S.?  I’m trying to find out if it’s > worth it for me to rent a GSM phone ( my current wireless provider > offers rentals at $3/day + $1.49/minute ), or just suck it up and > pay the probably rapacious hotel rates. > Thanks, >    - Rich

Response:

Hi All:    I’ll be traveling to Heathrow in the middle of June, and it looks like I can choose between BA and Virgin for my flights.  Not to open up any cans of worms, but is there any particular reason I should choose one over the other?  I.E., average seat pitch, etc.  I’ll most likely be stuck in coach.      Secondarily – does anyone have a general idea of what phone calls cost from London to the U.S.?  I’m trying to find out if it’s worth it for me to rent a GSM phone ( my current wireless provider offers rentals at $3/day + $1.49/minute ), or just suck it up and pay the probably rapacious hotel rates. Thanks,    - Rich

Response:

Question:

> No Wifi at O’Hare yet.  There is a bid request out for vendors to > provide it.  But it will be awhile.

There is WiFi at ORD.  AA has it. Hilton has it. The SAS lounge has it. Hang out near one of the lounges and you might be OK, or better yet, actually go to the lounge.

Response:

Take a look: http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E33%257E2147134,00.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No Wifi at O’Hare yet.  There is a bid request out for vendors to > provide it.  But it will be awhile. > There is WiFi at ORD.  AA has it. Hilton has it. > The SAS lounge has it. > Hang out near one of the lounges and you might be OK, or better yet, > actually go to the lounge.

Response:

> Take a look: > http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36%257E33%257E2147134,00.html

You have to VPN back through your office if you’re using Wifi from a public access point. That, restrict your activity to encrypted protocols (https, imaps, etc.), or just accept that bored people in the airport are watching everything you do. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

No Wifi at O’Hare yet.  There is a bid request out for vendors to provide it.  But it will be awhile. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s >O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me >if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but >couldn’t find anything. >Thanks for any responses. >Bob

Response:

Still no wifi?  It really stinks…I fly to Springfield, and at that small airport they have wifi available, but not at O’Hare so far… Anyone have any other ideas or options I could purse? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> No Wifi at O’Hare yet.  There is a bid request out for vendors to > provide it.  But it will be awhile. >Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s >O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me >if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but >couldn’t find anything. >Thanks for any responses. >Bob

Response:

> Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s > O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me > if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but > couldn’t find anything. > Thanks for any responses. > Bob

    Well, as our Australian chap mentioned in the VISA COPS thread, you can extend the range by using an antenna made out of a Pringles can. That will give you a 15db gain, and allow you to be further out from a WiFi hotspot

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– Hash: SHA1 >       CYYZ does as well. Found that out quite by accident (pulled out > the laptop to check up on something, and boom! ‘net access). > Which terminal and near which gate(s)? > howard

        Mine was throughout Term. 3, at the AWE gates.                                                         BL. – — Web + NewsMaster, BOFH.. Smeghead!  | http://www.sbcglobal.net/~tyketto   PGP: 1024D/E319F0BF 6980 AAD6 7329 E9E6 D569  F620 C819 199A E319 F0BF —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFAhbV1yBkZmuMZ8L8RAse9AJ9vpfdhivKOZ1×2N7UH2tm0PjGk4gCdFIOc Bah2oH8fHCHkz0wjAoe+688= =Ra9W —–END PGP SIGNATURE—–

Response:

>    CYYZ does as well. Found that out quite by accident (pulled out > the laptop to check up on something, and boom! ‘net access).

Which terminal and near which gate(s)? howard — Univ of Toronto     *     Spam detterent at work!     *                     * For the correct address, Please *                     * remove the UpperCase characters *

Response:

>There was a recent article on free wireless at airports, and the only >large airport to provide it was Pittsburgh.

Albuquerque (ABQ) and Wichita (ICT) also offer free connections. Anyone notice that Boingo no longer offers partial day or full day options? You appear to have to subscribe to their monthly plan now.

Response:

>> Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s > O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me > if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but > couldn’t find anything. > There was a recent article on free wireless at airports, and the only > large airport to provide it was Pittsburgh.

Istanbul has it for free, as does Singapore. JFK and Long Beach have it in the JetBlue terminals. Many airports have it in the lobby of the airport hotel. Sometimes it leaks out of the club lounges. In the rest, where you have to pay $10 or so for a day pass, some nice people set their laptops up to act as repeaters. You’ll have to scan for those yourself. miguel — Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– Hash: SHA1 >There was a recent article on free wireless at airports, and the only >large airport to provide it was Pittsburgh. > Albuquerque (ABQ) and Wichita (ICT) also offer free connections.

        CYYZ does as well. Found that out quite by accident (pulled out the laptop to check up on something, and boom! ‘net access).                                                         BL. – — Web + NewsMaster, BOFH.. Smeghead!  | http://www.sbcglobal.net/~tyketto   PGP: 1024D/E319F0BF 6980 AAD6 7329 E9E6 D569  F620 C819 199A E319 F0BF —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: GnuPG v1.2.4 (GNU/Linux) iD8DBQFAhGu4yBkZmuMZ8L8RAvUdAKCNOuQZLy/P6mqY9tw4E3oJXy3EhACfVsSx 6yiE4EZN7v5IRjIJal8hcbM= =xeXG —–END PGP SIGNATURE—–

Response:

At Newark, it leaks out of the Continental Lounge near Gate 78??? (the lounge that is on a 2nd floor balcony).  If you sit in the food court under the lounge near the Pizza stand, you can get WI-FI and also have access to an AC power plug. Mike Schumann

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->> Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s >> O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me >> if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but >> couldn’t find anything. > There was a recent article on free wireless at airports, and the only > large airport to provide it was Pittsburgh. > Istanbul has it for free, as does Singapore. JFK and Long Beach have it in > the JetBlue terminals. > Many airports have it in the lobby of the airport hotel. Sometimes it leaks > out of the club lounges. > In the rest, where you have to pay $10 or so for a day pass, some nice > people set their laptops up to act as repeaters. You’ll have to scan for > those yourself. > miguel > — > Hit The Road! Photos and tales from around the world: http://travel.u.nu

Response:

> Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s > O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me > if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but > couldn’t find anything.

There was a recent article on free wireless at airports, and the only large airport to provide it was Pittsburgh.  Here is a link: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/baskas/2004-03-02-baskas_x.htm

Response:

Just got a new laptop that has a Wi-Fi card.  I travel out of Chicago’s O’Hare (typically UA and UX terminals) and wondered if anyone can tell me if there are any free wi-fi hot spots? I’ve looked at O’Hare’s website but couldn’t find anything. Thanks for any responses. Bob

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Marriott Long Wharf, Seaport Hotel, and Boston Harbor Hotel are within a > few miles. I’m rather nervous about recommending any Hiltons as many of > the ones I’ve stayed in seem to be of less quality than some Budget Inns > but charge prices of 4 or 5 star places.  I know the Marriott is great, > but also with a price to match. > All three you mention are across the harbor (can be a serious transportation > hassle) and are also three of the most expensive in town. > I’ve stayed in Hilton, Hyatt and Embassy on site several times each. Nicest > and closest is the Hilton.  Embassy is brand new (about a year old). Hyatt > is overpriced for what you get.  I’d say it’s a toss up between the Hilton > and Embassy.  I usually shoot for the Hilton first but have no second > thoughts about the Embassy.  If they’re both full, I’d go into town, > actually before I’d stay at the Hyatt.

Thanks for the feedback.  I’m going to do the Embassy Suites for my layover at BOS as I managed to snag a good deal.  The pricing at the Hyatt is ridicilous compared to the Hilton and Embassy, presuming the properties are similar in what they offer (unless the Hyatt offers a great deal more, but from looking at the Hyatt & Hilton websites, I don’t see any significant difference). The ES looks good from their website, has a 6pm cx policy vs a 4pm on the Hilton, the property has the ammenties I’m seeking, and a nice dip in the jacuzzu will be good after a long day of international travel.   Just too bad I’m departing early in the AM the next day and can’t take advantage of the breakfast included at the ES.   The later cx policy is good in case I need to back out at the last minute because of flight irregularities (not expecting any, but you just never know). I did look at the Marriott — looks good, but I don’t want to deal with any transportation hassle.  I just want to go from plane, clear US Immigrations/Customs and get to the hotel without any hassle. Steve

Response:

>Last but not least, since on the subject, how about LGW lodging?  I’ve >stayed at the LGW Marriott Renessance several times over the past few >months — I have had a couple of good stays, but have had a few bad ones. >While it’s decently priced at 60 quid, it’s been unpredictable and of five >visits, the jacuzzi has never been working/open (either chemicals out of >whack or maint problems).  Other problems include heat not working and >broken lifts (elevators) on a semi-regular basis.  I’d like to find >something with more consistency at LGW when it comes to service and >functional facilities.  When traveling to London (and using LGW), I often >stay at an LGW airport hotel the night prior to returning to the states to >avoid the trip from central London in the morning.

I’ve been happy enough with the Copthorne. There’s a on-property lesiure centre that is nice and the private bar is good also. Best thing for me is that the rooms are quiet. Can be a bit confusing to find your room though. The halls are long and not necesarily logical. Don’t think you’ll get a room there for

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:

Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! Thanks, john

Response:

> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

http://www.gsr.com.au If, as it appears, you are a foreigner, consider a flexpass.  Can work out cheaper than individual tkts.

Response:

Sydney/Adelaide possible via either Melbourne or Broken Hill.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks,

individual base-class rail tickets are not much cheaper than air on the inter-capital routes You can travel from syd-melb then melb-adel  in the green inhabited zone or syd-adel via broken hill on Indian pacific if you want to see something more open 20 years ago there were 3 buses a day Adelaide-Broken Hill  , daily through to Sydney Now that route has _no_ scheduled bus services , but there are 3 planes a day and 2 trains a week.

Response:

> http://www.gsr.com.au > If, as it appears, you are a foreigner, consider a flexpass.  Can work out > cheaper than individual tkts.

Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than that for heading East of Adelaide. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

>> http://www.gsr.com.au > If, as it appears, you are a foreigner, consider a flexpass.  Can work out > cheaper than individual tkts. > Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student > fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than > that for heading East of Adelaide.

Two days plus in the seats, plus tucker – would add up to $200 plus, easily, without anesthetic (a/k/a booze)?  Ugh.  I paid something like $550 first class on this exact itin (ADL-PER) for a single berth and including meals. Sure, not cheap, but one of life’s once-only indulgences and well worth it; and, all considered, not too much more expensive.  SYD-MEL and MEL-ADL are overnight trips and doable on a shoestring, if you wish.

Response:

>>Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student >fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than >that for heading East of Adelaide. > Two days plus in the seats, plus tucker – would add up to $200 plus, easily, > without anesthetic (a/k/a booze)?  Ugh.

I cheated: got off in Kalgoorlie and caught the Prospector a few days later so only had one night on the train.  The cheap seats weren’t so bad, although the grumpy guard who made sure everyone was wearing shoes and awake in the lounge car detracted somewhat.

Response:

If you want to avoid flying, maybe a bus then? You’ll be more flexible.. See http://www.greyhound.com.au/ or http://www.mccaffertys.com.au/.. Marcel

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

>>> Or get a YHA card: proof that you are a "backpacker" gets you student >> fares.  It was $155 from Adelaide to Perth, so should be well under than >> that for heading East of Adelaide. > Two days plus in the seats, plus tucker – would add up to $200 plus, easily, > without anesthetic (a/k/a booze)?  Ugh. > I cheated: got off in Kalgoorlie and caught the Prospector

If you stopped for an overnight in Kalgoorlie, you’re lucky the Prospector was the only thing you caught!  If the springs are rockin’….it may not just be because of the train…

Response:

> If you stopped for an overnight in Kalgoorlie, you’re lucky the Prospector > was the only thing you caught!  If the springs are rockin’….it may not > just be because of the train…

Hehe: I was intrigued by the location of the two backpackers in town – they are both in Hay Street, opposite Langtrees and the pink and red "houses".  The YHA has in fact taken over a former brothel for longtermers.

Response:

>> If you stopped for an overnight in Kalgoorlie, you’re lucky the Prospector > was the only thing you caught!  If the springs are rockin’….it may not > just be because of the train… > Hehe: I was intrigued by the location of the two backpackers in town – > they are both in Hay Street, opposite Langtrees and the pink and red > "houses".  The YHA has in fact taken over a former brothel for longtermers.

The Gold Dust (think I have that name right) is actually a former no-tell-motel.  The first hostel operators were wonderful, the ones who were in charge in 2001 were godawful (may be the same crowd…)

Response:

> Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying!

is that because ou dont like flying ? or think that there are cheaper ways to travel ?? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Thanks, > john

Response:

Train journeys are fantastic in Australia – you really get an appreciation of how big the country really is. The train is expensive though – usually more than a flight. But if you’ve got the time and the money, definitely do it. Also is cheaper if you’re a student or under 26. Go to  http://www.gsr.com.au for info. I’ve done Adelaide to Sydney (my friend’s dad works on the train and my mate and I got bumped up to FIRST CLASS – what an amazing experience) and Adelaide to Perth. That one took 3 days and 2 nights but was well worth it. Economy is a bit uncomfortable on that one as it is so long. I’d go for holiday class where you get a little cabin and fold out bunkbeds.

Response:

you can do them syd-adl on the …train… thingo pacific which runs syd-perth via adelaide. from friendly experience i’ve noticed that usually train tickets cost just as much as plane tickets (and take 10 times longer) dunno about adelaide to melbourne. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

i thought i pressed send, haven’t seen my reply though. so here goes again. you can do sydney to adelaide via train. the <something> pacific. it’s a train that runs sydney-perth and stops at adelaide. however, from epxeriences by friends, it’s very long and just as (if not more) expensive than a plane ticket/trip. dunno about adelaide to melbourne. -s- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

I  ahve hears from friends that it is to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > i thought i pressed send, haven’t seen my reply though. so here goes again. > you can do sydney to adelaide via train. the <something> pacific. it’s a > train that runs sydney-perth and stops at adelaide. > however, from epxeriences by friends, it’s very long and just as (if not > more) expensive than a plane ticket/trip. > dunno about adelaide to melbourne. > -s- > Anyone know if it is feasable to think of doing a train trip from > Sydney to Adelaide?  Also, Adelaide to Melbourne? Costs? > Just trying to think of a way to avoid flying! > Thanks, > john

Response:

Question:

Hello everyone, I’m starting to prepare for our 3 week long trip through Egypt in the beginning of April. I was hoping that perhaps someone could recommend a good (clean, with A/C, centraly located) and hopefully decently cheap hotel in Cairo.  I estimated the budget to be around 50USD per night. Can I get a good place for this (or lower) price? Also, if you have any links with a website where I could check out some Cairo hotels and perhaps make reservations (for at least first 2 nights) it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance. I’d greatly appreciate any advices and recommendations. Best regards, Alan D.

Response:

>I’m starting to prepare for our 3 week long trip through Egypt in the >beginning of April. I was hoping that perhaps someone could recommend a good >(clean, with A/C, centraly located) and hopefully decently cheap hotel in >Cairo.  I estimated the budget to be around 50USD per night. Can I get a >good place for this (or lower) price? Also, if you have any links with a >website where I could check out some Cairo hotels and perhaps make >reservations (for at least first 2 nights) it would be greatly appreciated. >Thank you all in advance. I’d greatly appreciate any advices and >recommendations.

Alan, there are lots of reasonable and partly very cheap hotels. I would even say that a reservation is not needed, unless you arrive in the middle of the night. Last time I arrived in Cairo, I just took a taxi and found myself a hotel. Be aware that the taxi drivers always try to take you to their friends’ and relatives’ hotels. I always resist that and simply tell the driver where to drive and where to turn. You can do that without any planning, though a map and a GPS helps. Can anybody else confirm this? Hans-Georg — No mail, please.

Response:

Hi Hans and hello to everyone (one more time =) Thanks for your reply. As a matter of fact I would like to make a reservation because we will arrive in Cairo after midnight, so I’d prefer just to catch a taxi and tell a driver my destination without having to worry which hotel to choose. I’d greatly appreciate if anyone has some recommendations. Thanks in advance. Best regards, Alan D.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’m starting to prepare for our 3 week long trip through Egypt in the >beginning of April. I was hoping that perhaps someone could recommend a good >(clean, with A/C, centraly located) and hopefully decently cheap hotel in >Cairo.  I estimated the budget to be around 50USD per night. Can I get a >good place for this (or lower) price? Also, if you have any links with a >website where I could check out some Cairo hotels and perhaps make >reservations (for at least first 2 nights) it would be greatly appreciated. >Thank you all in advance. I’d greatly appreciate any advices and >recommendations. > Alan, > there are lots of reasonable and partly very cheap hotels. I > would even say that a reservation is not needed, unless you > arrive in the middle of the night. Last time I arrived in Cairo, > I just took a taxi and found myself a hotel. > Be aware that the taxi drivers always try to take you to their > friends’ and relatives’ hotels. I always resist that and simply > tell the driver where to drive and where to turn. You can do > that without any planning, though a map and a GPS helps. > Can anybody else confirm this? > Hans-Georg > — > No mail, please.

Response:

>Hi Hans and hello to everyone (one more time =) >Thanks for your reply. As a matter of fact I would like to make a >reservation because we will arrive in Cairo after midnight, so I’d prefer >just to catch a taxi and tell a driver my destination without having to >worry which hotel to choose. I’d greatly appreciate if anyone has some >recommendations. Thanks in advance.

Alan, yes, in this case it’s probably better to choose a somewhat more expensive hotel where somebody is at the reception through the night. Planes can be late too. Hans-Georg — No mail, please.

Response:

> Hi Hans and hello to everyone (one more time =) > Thanks for your reply. As a matter of fact I would like to make a > reservation because we will arrive in Cairo after midnight, so I’d prefer > just to catch a taxi and tell a driver my destination without having to > worry which hotel to choose. I’d greatly appreciate if anyone has some > recommendations. Thanks in advance. > Best regards, > Alan D.

Alan, I stayed at the Windsor Hotel which is pretty close to downtown and is fairly cheap. It’s the hotel where Michael Palin stayed at in ‘Around the World…’ . It’s certainly got character!!  This could mean that  it may not be what you want. I liked it but I would definitely rate it a solid two stars (the bar alone gets one star IMHO). If you like resort type accommodation then this is not the place. The hotel is basically an old mens club and the rooms are "unique" (some big, some small, no rhyme or reason). Don’t know whether they have AC or not. I was there in January and it got cool enough at night. Most of the flights from Europe arrive late in the evening so all hotels are used to late arrivals… I wouldn’t worry about that. The Windsor definitely has a night doorman and better yet, it’s own web-site:         http://www.windsorcairo.com/mainpage.htm The bar is amazing and I recommend Stella Export (Stella is the local brand of beer). The one big caveat about Cairo: all the drivers HONK… all the time… whether they need to or not. Colin

Response:

Question:

I’ve just arrived at Hervey bay and will be here for a couple of days before I move on. Doesn’t seem like a very interesting place really, other than a starting point for going to Fraser island. Staying at Urangan I haven’t even seen a beach, so I think I’ll move on shortly. But with limited guidebooks and access to information I don’t really know where that would be. I would like to do some more surfing and swimming before I just can’t (I hear there are lots of box jellyfish north of Rockhampton, making it impossible to be in the water without special suits), so what would be a nice stop along the coast on my way up towards Rockhampton (and for that matter, when I continue further up towards Cairns). I’ve been thinking about "1770", if nothing more than curiousity for such a strangely named place, though I really don’t know much more about it than Captain Cook’s first landing place in Queensland. Suggestions anyone? I have a hop on/hop off ticket from McCafferty’s buses,so it’s basically got to be along that route. Hallvard

Response:

From Urangan back to Pialba is one long beach, but not for surfing! Yeppoon (40km from Rockhampton) is worth a visit – you should be able to hitch easily. Airlie Beach (on the bus route) is also a nice holiday resort and launch point for the Whitsunday islands. Mission Beach (on the bus route) is a nice unspoiled beach. I will leave it to others to comment on whether it is worth making the trek from Miriam Vale to 1770 (60 km).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve just arrived at Hervey bay and will be here for a couple of days > before I move on. Doesn’t seem like a very interesting place really, > other than a starting point for going to Fraser island. Staying at > Urangan I haven’t even seen a beach, so I think I’ll move on shortly. > But with limited guidebooks and access to information I don’t really > know where that would be. I would like to do some more surfing and > swimming before I just can’t (I hear there are lots of box jellyfish > north of Rockhampton, making it impossible to be in the water without > special suits), so what would be a nice stop along the coast on my way > up towards Rockhampton (and for that matter, when I continue further > up towards Cairns). > I’ve been thinking about "1770", if nothing more than curiousity for > such a strangely named place, though I really don’t know much more > about it than Captain Cook’s first landing place in Queensland. > Suggestions anyone? > I have a hop on/hop off ticket from McCafferty’s buses,so it’s > basically got to be along that route. > Hallvard

Response:

Agnes Water seems to be more popular for surfing than 1770.  I wasn’t impressed with 1770 at all but there was quite a crowd surfing at Agnes Water. You won’t get any surfing once you get inside the reef.  1770 is as far north as you will be able to surf. Airlie Beach has lots of backpackers and the Whitsundays are beautiful.  It just depends on what you are looking for. You say there is not much to do in Hervey Bay.  What is it that you want to do?  Are you looking for night clubs etc. Airlie Beach stays open very late at night. I love South Mission Beach but that is all that is there.  A beautiful beach, a caravan park, a General Store and a restaurant.  Very quiet but if there is nothing at Hervey Bay for you then there certainly isn’t anything at South Mission Beach.  Mission Beach has a few more shops and a couple of restaurants. Julie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> From Urangan back to Pialba is one long beach, but not for surfing! > Yeppoon (40km from Rockhampton) is worth a visit – you should be able > to hitch easily. > Airlie Beach (on the bus route) is also a nice holiday resort and > launch point for the Whitsunday islands. > Mission Beach (on the bus route) is a nice unspoiled beach. > I will leave it to others to comment on whether it is worth making the > trek from Miriam Vale to 1770 (60 km). > I’ve just arrived at Hervey bay and will be here for a couple of > days > before I move on. Doesn’t seem like a very interesting place really, > other than a starting point for going to Fraser island. Staying at > Urangan I haven’t even seen a beach, so I think I’ll move on > shortly. > But with limited guidebooks and access to information I don’t really > know where that would be. I would like to do some more surfing and > swimming before I just can’t (I hear there are lots of box jellyfish > north of Rockhampton, making it impossible to be in the water > without > special suits), so what would be a nice stop along the coast on my > way > up towards Rockhampton (and for that matter, when I continue further > up towards Cairns). > I’ve been thinking about "1770", if nothing more than curiousity for > such a strangely named place, though I really don’t know much more > about it than Captain Cook’s first landing place in Queensland. > Suggestions anyone? > I have a hop on/hop off ticket from McCafferty’s buses,so it’s > basically got to be along that route. > Hallvard

Response:

> Agnes Water seems to be more popular for surfing than 1770.  I wasn’t > impressed with 1770 at all but there was quite a crowd surfing at Agnes > Water.

yes, I’ve been thinking about 1770 myself as there doesn’t seem to be too many options when taking the McCafferty’s bus route as I am. I see on the map that Agnes water is further south, and apparently pretty close, but how close? Walking distance? Too far to take daytrips between the two so I have to find a way to get there from 1770 (and back, so I can continue my busride with McCafferty’s) and stay at a hostel there (assuming there are any)? > You won’t get any surfing once you get inside the reef.  1770 is as far > north as you will be able to surf.

Where does the great barrier reef start? I also hear that there are dangerous jellyfish above Rockhampton, so that probably leaves out any "in the water" activity altogether Which is why I want to surf and swim as much as I can for now. > Airlie Beach has lots of backpackers and the Whitsundays are beautiful.  It > just depends on what you are looking for.

Everybody seems to go to the Whitsundays and it seems like a very touristy thing to do which sort of puts me off. That and the cost of tours which I’m not prepared to spend. But of course I’d love to see crystal clear waters and white beaches (I already have, but even more wouldn’t hurt!). > You say there is not much to do in Hervey Bay.  What is it that you want to > do?  Are you looking for night clubs etc. Airlie Beach stays open very late > at night.

no, far from it. See things and places. Explore. this town just seems like a huge residential area with shopping malls spread out over, and you most certainly seem to need a car as well to get around. not much to see and do, even though I did take a walk along the "beach" here, enjoyed the sunset and amazing thunderstorm (we don’t get lightning likr this at home). > I love South Mission Beach but that is all that is there.  A beautiful > beach, a caravan park, a General Store and a restaurant.  Very quiet but if > there is nothing at Hervey Bay for you then there certainly isn’t anything > at South Mission Beach.  Mission Beach has a few more shops and a couple of > restaurants.

a beautiful beach will do it for me! But if i can’t go into the water (because of the jellyfish) it’s not much fun. … or is this jellyfish deal exaggerated? Hallvard

Response:

> a beautiful beach will do it for me! But if i can’t go into the water > (because of the jellyfish) it’s not much fun. > … or is this jellyfish deal exaggerated? > Hallvard

No the jelly fish thing is not exaggerated, probably the last time for a swim will be at Yeppoon nr. Rockhampton. You will see loads of lovely sunny beaches like Mission beach and most people will be up one end where the swimming enclosure nets are. However even after they "trawl" these nets the smaller Irukandji can get through. A lot of the beaches round Cairns were closed for a few days at Christmas because of stings.The life guards were pretty pissed off as some people had been stung but not reported it until they felt really ill some hours later, but by then other people had also been stung. It’s the box jelly you have to be really careful of though, as they’d had been at least one confirmed death last year due to a sting.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Agnes Water seems to be more popular for surfing than 1770.  I wasn’t > impressed with 1770 at all but there was quite a crowd surfing at Agnes > Water. > yes, I’ve been thinking about 1770 myself as there doesn’t seem to be > too many options when taking the McCafferty’s bus route as I am. > I see on the map that Agnes water is further south, and apparently > pretty close, but how close? Walking distance? > Too far to take daytrips between the two so I have to find a way to > get there from 1770 (and back, so I can continue my busride with > McCafferty’s) and stay at a hostel there (assuming there are any)? > You won’t get any surfing once you get inside the reef.  1770 is as far > north as you will be able to surf. > Where does the great barrier reef start? > I also hear that there are dangerous jellyfish above Rockhampton, so > that probably leaves out any "in the water" activity altogether > Which is why I want to surf and swim as much as I can for now. > Airlie Beach has lots of backpackers and the Whitsundays are beautiful. It > just depends on what you are looking for. > Everybody seems to go to the Whitsundays and it seems like a very > touristy thing to do which sort of puts me off. That and the cost of > tours which I’m not prepared to spend. > But of course I’d love to see crystal clear waters and white beaches > (I already have, but even more wouldn’t hurt!). > You say there is not much to do in Hervey Bay.  What is it that you want to > do?  Are you looking for night clubs etc. Airlie Beach stays open very late > at night. > no, far from it. > See things and places. Explore. > this town just seems like a huge residential area with shopping malls > spread out over, and you most certainly seem to need a car as well to > get around. > not much to see and do, even though I did take a walk along the > "beach" here, enjoyed the sunset and amazing thunderstorm (we don’t > get lightning likr this at home). > I love South Mission Beach but that is all that is there.  A beautiful > beach, a caravan park, a General Store and a restaurant.  Very quiet but if > there is nothing at Hervey Bay for you then there certainly isn’t anything > at South Mission Beach.  Mission Beach has a few more shops and a couple of > restaurants. > a beautiful beach will do it for me! But if i can’t go into the water > (because of the jellyfish) it’s not much fun. > … or is this jellyfish deal exaggerated? > Hallvard

The distance between Agnes Water and 1770 is 5.87 km according to www.travelmate.com.au Julie

Response:

> The distance between Agnes Water and 1770 is 5.87 km according to > www.travelmate.com.au

Thanks. I’m actually there right now -in Agnes Water to be exact. Arrived late last night (we had to turn the bus around because of a flooding of a bridge, making the trip 3 hours longer). A nice, relaxing place here! The town of 1770 is around 6 km north of Agnes Water as you say, just been there today and saw where captain cook landed in 1770. Been relaxing at a nice beach. Not touristy, only a few local travellers at a caravan park fishing. Saw some pelicans. I think I’ll be here a little while. I’ve also been presented the opportunity to see the south starting end of the Great Barrier Reef. As you probably know by now (reading my previous postings) I’m not much into organized tours, but then again it seems to be the only way to see the reef. And they say that Cairns (where most people apparently go from to see it) is VERY touristy with up to 300 people on a boat at once! And because of the mass tourism there’s also been a lot of damage to the reef. In addition there’s the stinger jellyfish problem where you can’t swim without a protective suit, which isn’t needed here. So….. it seems like this might be the place to go from to see it. Hallvard

Response:

Question:

I was wondering if anybody here stayed at this hotel? If so, could you please let me know you thoughts on the accommodation / facilities. Many thanks Jamie

Response:

>I was wondering if anybody here stayed at this hotel? >If so, could you please let me know you thoughts on the accommodation / >facilities.

I spent a two nights there while on business, about 3 years ago. I had booked a single room without ensuite facilities and was upgraded to a room with an ensuite (probably because I had booked a corporate rate). The Victoria is a nice basic, budget hotel. Many rooms have a shared bathroom but as I didn’t see them, I can’t tell  you much about them. The ensuite in the room I had was small, but clean and nice. Parts of the hotel can be old,  but they keep it clean. It’s in a nice location and as it’s on a smaller back street, it’s ina comparatively quiet location. I would recommend it. Geodyne

Response:

Basic rooms… a bit small Good location and fair prices The night collection of rubbish causes a loud noise in middle of night and I was up fairly high. Noisy dustman. Freda — Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I was wondering if anybody here stayed at this hotel? > If so, could you please let me know you thoughts on the accommodation / > facilities. > Many thanks > Jamie

Response:

My experience is cheap and nasty accommodation.  I didn’t like it at all. Would rather go to backpacker accommodation where the facilities are actually better.  Stayed in their Standard Room with Ensuite – very old and dilapidated.  They also have rooms where you share the bathroom down the hall.  Sorry but my feeling about the place was sleazy. — Monica

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Basic rooms… a bit small > Good location and fair prices > The night collection of rubbish causes a loud noise in middle of night and I > was up fairly high. > Noisy dustman. > Freda > — > Please reply to the list as my email address is a fake > I was wondering if anybody here stayed at this hotel? > If so, could you please let me know you thoughts on the accommodation / > facilities. > Many thanks > Jamie

Response:

Question:

Previously I have stayed in Traveller’s Oasis, but wondered where else to try. My criteria: A hostel, not a hotel. A double room that has some semblence of privacy (before now we’ve had our own room but the next room is separated only by a partition that doesn’t go all the way up, meaning you can hear everything the people next door are saying when you’d much rather be sleeping!) A fan would be good, air con better (but unlikely) A pool with a shady spot Any suggestions that we could take a look at? Thanks folks

Response:

I’ve heard some real good stories about Gilligans. It’s supposed to be brand new! vincent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Previously I have stayed in Traveller’s Oasis, but wondered where else > to try. My criteria: > A hostel, not a hotel. > A double room that has some semblence of privacy (before now we’ve had > our own room but the next room is separated only by a partition that > doesn’t go all the way up, meaning you can hear everything the people > next door are saying when you’d much rather be sleeping!) > A fan would be good, air con better (but unlikely) > A pool with a shady spot > Any suggestions that we could take a look at? > Thanks folks

Response:

Question:

If anyone has been to this hotel, could you please let me know what the food, entertainment, and accommodation were like. Thanks.

Response:

> If anyone has been to this hotel,

Yes. > could you please let me know what the > food, entertainment, and accommodation were like.

food: ok, but not that good. entertainment: in the hotel not much, in S’go I got a bit bored by these people with always the same story: I am poor, that is Fidel’s fault not mine, you are rich…. etcetera…please one dollar.  Yeah sure! accommodation: good

Response:

Thanks for the info. It confirms some other opinions I’ve heard. It turned out my wife found a deal for Brisas Santa Lucia, south of Camaguey. We left for 1 week on Jan 1. I’ll be giving a trip report in a few days. Thanks.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> If anyone has been to this hotel, > Yes. > could you please let me know what the > food, entertainment, and accommodation were like. > food: ok, but not that good. > entertainment: in the hotel not much, in S’go I got a bit bored by these > people with always the same story: I am poor, that is Fidel’s fault not > mine, you are rich…. etcetera…please one dollar.  Yeah sure! > accommodation: good

Response: