Can anyone tell me seriously that hotels are better in European cities than America?
Jun 5th, 2002, 01:03 PM
#42
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Maybe American hotels are nicer if you pay the big bucks, but the big cities in the US do not have anything that compares to the bargain hotels in Europe. For the price you can get a decent clean room with private bath in a quaint building in major European cities, you can get a divey motel in the US. Okay, so quaint means old and worn, but in the US, cheap means cheap in every respect. What do you think you can get in NYC for under $200 a night? Not what you get in Paris or London, that's for sure.
Jun 5th, 2002, 05:32 PM
#43
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As a former employee of several 4 and 5 star American hotels I can say the star designation standards in Europe do vary greatly. The same is true for parts of Latin America that I have visited. However, there is no question that the Plaza Athenee in Paris and the Cirigan Palace in Istanbul are superb hotels as was the Hotel Des Bains on the Venice Lido which was only a 4 star. I love European Hotels but we have lovely hotels in the US. I find it is important to research a hotel rather than rely on a tour company or internet site description. As far as unfriendly service, it can be universal. I find that sometimes people paying high rates mistake service for servitude and treat the "help" rudely. I was in management yet witnessed how my fellow staff members were treated poorly by guests. Yet I am one of those "odd" people that has always had friendly courteous service in Paris. Attitude and style of dress make such a difference!
Jun 9th, 2002, 11:29 AM
#44
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What does it really matter whose is best? A lot of European hotels are American owned and run. So if all you Americans want to still see the european sights from the comfort of your Marriot Holiday Inn and Best Western chains you can!!<BR><BR>I have been to the States eight times in the last 9 years and have had exactly what I paid for - good quality rooms for an average $80 - 90 a night, but I could have paid $30 if I so chose in some run down motel where the immigrant workers doss down. Obviously costs are higher in LA and New York than Oregon or Washington State. <BR>The same goes in Europe and The UK. You pays your money and takes your choice.I find asking to see the room first before paying for it helps. I appreciate if you've booked in advance it's difficult if you find fault with a room, but complaining right away works wonders. We complained about a room in a hotel in Oregon with faulty wiring and got promptly moved into the luxury suite with 2 bathrooms and a huge jaccuzzi!<BR><BR><BR> <BR><BR>
Jun 9th, 2002, 01:34 PM
#45
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Hi<BR><BR>US hotels are cheaper than in Europe.<BR>Southern Europe has cheaper wine.<BR>Thats the way it is ?<BR><BR>Pay top dollar, and the best European hotels at least equal the US equivalent. <BR><BR>Europe has less land.<BR><BR>Hotels are more expensive to build.<BR><BR>Peter<BR>
May 13th, 2003, 05:53 AM
#47
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I found this thread very interesting.
I for one have to agree with the orginal poster that dollar for dollar, most hotels in Europe provide a poor quality experience for the traveling person use to American quality standards.
I find the best hotels for the money are in China and Thailand!
I for one have to agree with the orginal poster that dollar for dollar, most hotels in Europe provide a poor quality experience for the traveling person use to American quality standards.
I find the best hotels for the money are in China and Thailand!
May 13th, 2003, 06:20 AM
#49
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You're obviously looking at the hotel cost in comparison to its amenities. If you find Asia offer more value for you, then you'll never by satisfied nor happy with European hotels.
You just have to accept it or just don't go there. If you do go don't complain because that's how it is.
You just have to accept it or just don't go there. If you do go don't complain because that's how it is.
May 13th, 2003, 06:26 AM
#50
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And it strikes me that if you're paying three or four hundred dollars a night for a hotel, you're not looking hard enough! I'm staying in the Park Hyatt in Sydney for two days between Christmas and New Year with a view overlooking the Opera House... And I'm paying less than $300 a night!!
May 13th, 2003, 06:35 AM
#51
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"As a former employee of several 4 and 5 star American hotels I can say the star designation standards in Europe do vary greatly."
This is yet another example of something that drives me MAD about this board - these generalisations about Europe. "In Europe ...blah, blah, blah." "Europeans are ... yadda, yadda, yadda." We are talking about over twenty different countries here!! As an Irish person I have as much in common with a German as I do with an American. I find Canadians as foreign as Italians. Why do you think we should all be the same? Do you seriously want to visit a landmass where the laws, culture and language don't vary? Please be aware that Europe is made up of a number of very different nations and things can, and do, vary greatly from country to country - we just happen to be stuck together on one landmass!
This is yet another example of something that drives me MAD about this board - these generalisations about Europe. "In Europe ...blah, blah, blah." "Europeans are ... yadda, yadda, yadda." We are talking about over twenty different countries here!! As an Irish person I have as much in common with a German as I do with an American. I find Canadians as foreign as Italians. Why do you think we should all be the same? Do you seriously want to visit a landmass where the laws, culture and language don't vary? Please be aware that Europe is made up of a number of very different nations and things can, and do, vary greatly from country to country - we just happen to be stuck together on one landmass!
May 13th, 2003, 07:15 AM
#54
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It depends on where in the USA. For example, New York City hotels are extremely exprensive. In much of Europe you can stay in a beautiful 4 star hotel for the same money it would cost to stay in a flea-ridden dump in Manhattan.
It is hard to generalize about this, but overall, bad hotels in Europe are usually better than bad hotels in the USA, because at least they usually have some charm.
It is hard to generalize about this, but overall, bad hotels in Europe are usually better than bad hotels in the USA, because at least they usually have some charm.
Jan 21st, 2005, 02:42 PM
#57
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I suppose that many have noticed that most of the posts on this thread date from 2002. If the compariaon of value for money in European hotels in 2002 falls short --- with the $ at its present level, first time travelers to Europe must must really be in for sticker shock.
We will be there in September, and like most of you, we will just have to take our lumps to our bank accounts in good spirit -- along with the lumpy beds.
We will be there in September, and like most of you, we will just have to take our lumps to our bank accounts in good spirit -- along with the lumpy beds.
Jan 21st, 2005, 05:13 PM
#58
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All the hotels we stayed at in Europe were very nice and had their own special charm that I've never felt while at a hotel in America? Maybe it was because we were in Europe for the first time and most of it felt like a dream anyways?
Jan 23rd, 2005, 09:27 PM
#59
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I am going to Europe (first time) with hubby this March and I've been warned that the hotels are not like Las Vegas'. I used to work at The Venetian and have sometimes helped my friends get a super-sized suite complete with Jacuzzi and exercise room for only $149/night! Very rare (I think that was after 911). Take note, all are suites at The V. No doubt first class US hotels live up to its name. We are blessed that my husband is given employee discounted hotel rates with Starwood Hotels. We do get 4-star accomodations between $29-$69. Who can complain? I'm not looking forward to comparing US and European hotels but I am looking forward to a dream vacation with all the richness of history unfold my very eyes.
