2 week trip in Europe / looking at hotels/resorts
Jun 6th, 2012, 06:18 AM
#61
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We stayed at a wonderful small hotel in Rome near Termini called the Hotel Adler. We stayed in their Bellsuite rooms (I think it might be listed as a separate hotel now) which had the best air conditioning I have ever had in Europe. I think that it's a little over your price range, but you might want to check it out. They have two rooms available during your time frame.
Jun 6th, 2012, 07:17 AM
#62
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Hi, looking at the accomodation you already booked maybe a room in Casa Villa Gardenia in Mestre/Venice isn't what you want. We simply LOVED our stay there: A very nice 'lady-of-the-house' enjoying to be that, giving attention, tips and serving excellent breakfasts. The bus to Venice is in the street; in 15 min. you're there, take the public boats through the Canal Grande... Take a wallk through the gardens where the Biënnale is being held. We were there summer 2011 and will go back next year!
Try it! Enjoy your trip, greetings HJ
Try it! Enjoy your trip, greetings HJ
Jun 6th, 2012, 07:48 AM
#63
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Is the trip this year? I think you will find it next to impossible to find something in London as that is the week prior to the Olympics and rates are sky high.
Also I dont think people have mentioned this but hotels in Europe are generally not like hotels in the US - ie. they are tiny, with tiny bathrooms/showers, and do not have 2 double or queen sized beds in them. They are probably 1/3 of the size if not smaller than places I have stayed at for $250 in the US. They will most likely not have a desk with a chair, and minibar and a separate comfy chair for you to sit in. I cant imagine fitting 5 adult sized people in a room unless it was a suite or something similar. Not at all common in central places for your budget.
If you want an American style hotel you will either need to increase your budget substantially, or try Starwood hotels or other large American chains understanding that these will likely be very far from centre and will require commuting to see the sites.
Also I dont think people have mentioned this but hotels in Europe are generally not like hotels in the US - ie. they are tiny, with tiny bathrooms/showers, and do not have 2 double or queen sized beds in them. They are probably 1/3 of the size if not smaller than places I have stayed at for $250 in the US. They will most likely not have a desk with a chair, and minibar and a separate comfy chair for you to sit in. I cant imagine fitting 5 adult sized people in a room unless it was a suite or something similar. Not at all common in central places for your budget.
If you want an American style hotel you will either need to increase your budget substantially, or try Starwood hotels or other large American chains understanding that these will likely be very far from centre and will require commuting to see the sites.
Jun 6th, 2012, 08:27 AM
#64
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Although flying in Europe can be inexpensive, the airports are some distance from city centers so be sure to add in the extra cost (both time and money) of getting from the airport to the city before deciding whether to fly or train.
I would also take Cinque Terra out of the possible itinerary. As beautiful as it is, the logistics of getting there and finding appropriate accomodation while they're still cleaning up from their devestating mudslides would be difficult on such a short trip.
I agree with the previous posts. I think your itinerary is too optimistic. It would be better to cut one (or even two) cities out of your trip and have more time to enjoy your time in the remaining cities. In light of the possible nightmare the Olympics may create in London, I'd suggest Venice-Florence-Rome and save London-Paris for another trip.
I would also take Cinque Terra out of the possible itinerary. As beautiful as it is, the logistics of getting there and finding appropriate accomodation while they're still cleaning up from their devestating mudslides would be difficult on such a short trip.
I agree with the previous posts. I think your itinerary is too optimistic. It would be better to cut one (or even two) cities out of your trip and have more time to enjoy your time in the remaining cities. In light of the possible nightmare the Olympics may create in London, I'd suggest Venice-Florence-Rome and save London-Paris for another trip.
Jun 6th, 2012, 08:36 AM
#65
I think the $250 budget for five people in major cities of Europe is entirely too low. That's only 162 in pounds or 200 in euro. I just looked at the London School of Economics (they rent out their dorm rooms in summer) and even they seem to be above your budget for five people.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ratesavail.htm
Italy does drop their prices a tad in the major cities the 2nd half of July and during August as everyone tries to escape the heat in the cities.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ratesavail.htm
Italy does drop their prices a tad in the major cities the 2nd half of July and during August as everyone tries to escape the heat in the cities.
Jun 6th, 2012, 10:00 AM
#66
I think the $250 budget for five people in major cities of Europe is entirely too low. That's only 162 in pounds or 200 in euro. I just looked at the London School of Economics (they rent out their dorm rooms in summer) and even they seem to be above your budget for five people.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ratesavail.htm
Italy does drop their prices a tad in the major cities the 2nd half of July and during August as everyone tries to escape the heat in the cities.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/ratesavail.htm
Italy does drop their prices a tad in the major cities the 2nd half of July and during August as everyone tries to escape the heat in the cities.
Jun 6th, 2012, 11:43 AM
#67
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I would factor all costs based on 3 and 4 locations then take that total and look at two locations only.
You should find that you will have more to put toward a decent, centrally-located hotel or apatrment.
Obvious expenses
You should find that you will have more to put toward a decent, centrally-located hotel or apatrment.
Obvious expenses
Jun 6th, 2012, 11:51 AM
#68
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Posted too soon.
Obvious expenses include flights or trains, all transfers from airports and stations, transport into and out of city centers if staying in the 'burbs, not to mention loss of time actually in a city.
I would cut down the cities, to two, and add to the hotel budget. Particularly in London, I have seen some of those "rooms for 5", think one double, one small single and a bunk bed with a bathroom the size of a single closet.
Obvious expenses include flights or trains, all transfers from airports and stations, transport into and out of city centers if staying in the 'burbs, not to mention loss of time actually in a city.
I would cut down the cities, to two, and add to the hotel budget. Particularly in London, I have seen some of those "rooms for 5", think one double, one small single and a bunk bed with a bathroom the size of a single closet.
Jun 6th, 2012, 12:32 PM
#69
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Look at Hotel Selene in Rome, ,its not luxe resort,but rooms are fair size, have mini bars, and ac and it convenient location ( close to Terminus train bus station) .
I love love love Paris, and would never suggest skipping it, but in this case, I would not even consider it. Eiffel Tower has a broken elevator, its been broken now for some time, lines for remaining elevator are running about 2 or more hours. Only option is to take stairs, sounds like your dad would not be into that.There is one way to make Paris work.
I would skip London completely, 3 -4 day in Paris, 2 nights in Venice, and 3-4 in Rome. Fly into Paris and out of Rome.
Look at renting an apartment in Paris,, more room, often cheaper, even though some do surcharge for stays of less then a week.
Frankly, I think its a lot to for everyone to expect daddy to pay for whole trip,, the two other adults could throw in a wee bit, even 40-50 dollars a night.. why is it in some families parents are paying for holidays for apparently adult children.
And I also think you are doing your family a huge favor by doing all this research,, you are saving them some hassle preventing them from wasting time for things that do not really exist,, ( all inclusive resorts in the middle of an ancient city!!??) your dads perception of what type of accomadation is available in Europeon capitals is quite interesting.
Also, two hotel rooms can be under 100 euros each a night, maybe 120 for the triple. Its a bit late now to get the deals , so many good budget places will be filled up,, but you can look at the prices at these hotels, I have stayed at most of them, they are clean, have a/c and are very well located in Paris. ALL of them have SMALL rooms , as is the norm in Paris in the budget-moderate price range.
Hotel Eugenie
Hotel Saint Pierre( the one on rue D'Ecole de Medicine near the Sorbonne)
Hotel Diana
Hotel Des Mines
All these hotels put you in areas where you can enjoy cafes, shops and walking to many ( but not all) sites.
I love love love Paris, and would never suggest skipping it, but in this case, I would not even consider it. Eiffel Tower has a broken elevator, its been broken now for some time, lines for remaining elevator are running about 2 or more hours. Only option is to take stairs, sounds like your dad would not be into that.There is one way to make Paris work.
I would skip London completely, 3 -4 day in Paris, 2 nights in Venice, and 3-4 in Rome. Fly into Paris and out of Rome.
Look at renting an apartment in Paris,, more room, often cheaper, even though some do surcharge for stays of less then a week.
Frankly, I think its a lot to for everyone to expect daddy to pay for whole trip,, the two other adults could throw in a wee bit, even 40-50 dollars a night.. why is it in some families parents are paying for holidays for apparently adult children.
And I also think you are doing your family a huge favor by doing all this research,, you are saving them some hassle preventing them from wasting time for things that do not really exist,, ( all inclusive resorts in the middle of an ancient city!!??) your dads perception of what type of accomadation is available in Europeon capitals is quite interesting.
Also, two hotel rooms can be under 100 euros each a night, maybe 120 for the triple. Its a bit late now to get the deals , so many good budget places will be filled up,, but you can look at the prices at these hotels, I have stayed at most of them, they are clean, have a/c and are very well located in Paris. ALL of them have SMALL rooms , as is the norm in Paris in the budget-moderate price range.
Hotel Eugenie
Hotel Saint Pierre( the one on rue D'Ecole de Medicine near the Sorbonne)
Hotel Diana
Hotel Des Mines
All these hotels put you in areas where you can enjoy cafes, shops and walking to many ( but not all) sites.
Jun 6th, 2012, 12:43 PM
#70
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We're doing the same travel this June, but instead of Rome, we're heading to Madrid. The key to saving money in Europe is do your reservations in advance. We started ours in March and completed all our reservations in April. If this is your first time, it makes it even challenging bec you don't know the places to go. It helps if you know local people. For hotels, try Ryanairhotels.com. We find the cheapest ones from that site. Once you selected a hotel from this site, it directs you to another booking sites where you can do the actual reservation. Always select the known sites. Be aware of the ratings and reviews of the hotels you seclected and check out Tripadvisor.com. It's true what others say, the hotels are tiny. Use google map to see the actual streets. In Paris, beware of places in the outskirts area. Since you are going to go around the place, more than likely, you will only use the hotel for sleeping and will be getting back to the hotel very late at night.Make sure you have transportation. Taxis and trains stop much earlier. Be aware of the schedules.Some hotels also do not have 24-hour service. That means their door will be closd and you will be locked out. We also sue EasyJet airlines for local travels in Europe.They're much much cheaper, sometimes up to 80%, especially if you hit the sales.Just make sure you know that they charge much higher in luggages.Book online and travel light! If you can also pay for all your hotels and trips online, it is much cheaper and you do not get charged for local fees using your credit card.In Italy, look for aparthotels.They use school dorms as aparthotels during summer.they're much cheaper and nicer and bigger than hotels and can accommodate up to even 6 ppl or more for 2bedrooms. I dont think they have the same WITHIN Paris, but you can find some outside of Paris. Dont believe what you see on Craigslist. Also beware of aparthotels that charge you deposits that you may never recover. Read the fine prints. Ryanairhotels should show the different types. Ryanair.com also has cheap, cheap air tickets, even as low as 9.99 pounds or EU10.00 euros. But they charge up to 60lbs per luggage.This is our second trip with the family. The first trip we had, we didn't know a lot of things and messed up some of our schedules and fares.We spent many days and nights doing these researches.You'll have to do the same.There are many discounts you can get from online that you will not get if you purchase locally.For example EuroRail.In many cases, hotels or trains, 17 year old is still a child. It might not too late for you to get discounted EuroRail from London to Paris or even Paris to Venice or Italy especially when you are traveling as a family.You have to do this ONLINE. If you have the Europass, it's only EU10 euros per travel. Save you lots of money, if it matters.Good Luck!!
Jun 18th, 2012, 10:40 AM
#71
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Hey guys, thanks for the help and suggestions and all of your time. Sorry it's been awhile since I've been able to get back. We're just trying to finalize things, and my parent
s have spoken to a couple of friends and with numerous roadblocks seeming to pop up with our ideas of a Europe Trip, such as the Olympics, Eiffel Tower Maintenance, and Euro to US Dollar Conversion, we're 99% sure the trip will be changed to Ireland alone.
Many friends have made the suggestion of traveling to Ireland, and my parent's are loving the idea and have decided to save the European trip for another upcoming year of travels. I'll make a new forum/topic with the updated information and itinerary soon.
s have spoken to a couple of friends and with numerous roadblocks seeming to pop up with our ideas of a Europe Trip, such as the Olympics, Eiffel Tower Maintenance, and Euro to US Dollar Conversion, we're 99% sure the trip will be changed to Ireland alone.
Many friends have made the suggestion of traveling to Ireland, and my parent's are loving the idea and have decided to save the European trip for another upcoming year of travels. I'll make a new forum/topic with the updated information and itinerary soon.
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