safarichuck

Patty,
Could you elaborate on the "Yotel"? Last March we were unable to check into the regular airport hotel because they had major construction underway. I didn't know there was another hotel inside the airport. Thanks
Chuck

Patty

Here's their website www.yotel.com. I haven't stayed there myself and I believe it opened sometime in latter part of 2008 so it didn't exist when you went through last March. There is a review toward the bottom of this thread http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35148415

Both the Yotel and Mercure are airside.

safarichuck

Patty,
I checked it out and it looks good. It's those 5 hour + layovers that drive me nuts. Not enough time to leave the airport and no place to clean up and shower. Now if KLM would get their act together we might arrive ready to hit the ground. I wonder if air traffic to Africa (all destinations) is showing the effects of the economic downturn? Flights more or less full etc.?
Chuck

Patty

You can also just pay for a shower at the Mercure if you just want to freshen up and don't need a room http://www.schiphol.com/web/show/id=86676/langid=42

sunny_california

KLM stinks!

andybiggs

Yeah, I am still amazed that during my phone conversation with KLM they hung up the phone on me. So I call with a complaint about their service and I actually receive worse service.

I sent a long message through their web site, but haven't heard a single peep out of them in 4 days.

What is sad is that I have no other choice for my airline carrier when I fly to Tanzania. I am not in the mood to fly to Nairobi first, and KLM is the only direct flight from Europe into Kilimanjaro.

Joburg is another story. I have many other options, and I will likely be using those other options.

cybor

Hate that!

Glad you finally made it back. Once you get settled I'm hoping that you'll treat us with some baby elle. pics.

Would also love to hear more about your overall experience.
No Rush, though.

andybiggs

Sorry about the delay in getting a proper trip report written up, as well as some (any?) images. I always seem to find myself smack dab in the middle of gazillions of emails and voicemails. And that doesn't even mention my other job of being a father and husband, which doesn't wait for me to process my images.

cybor

Take your time Andy. It's hell days before going and when returning.
Particularly when you lost a couple days out of your life.
Poli, poli.