Cheap Lodging ideas???
Aug 6th, 2007, 05:27 AM
#22
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<< we have decided to eliminate Copenhagen, Berlin, Switzerland from the trip... >>
Okay - - now you're making progress. Cut out Vienna and Athens and you'll be glad you did (unless you have specific personal ties to Austria or Greece - - in which case, cut out something else, and se more in one or both of <i>those</i> two countries.
Final advice. Cut 20-40% of your nights in big cities, and get out into the small towns and countryside of at least one country. You'll find that your lodging budget will be much wisely spent, and your goal of being less "on the touristy trail" will come closer to reality.
You speak French, Italian, Dutch? or are working on which (one? more?) of those?
Okay - - now you're making progress. Cut out Vienna and Athens and you'll be glad you did (unless you have specific personal ties to Austria or Greece - - in which case, cut out something else, and se more in one or both of <i>those</i> two countries.
Final advice. Cut 20-40% of your nights in big cities, and get out into the small towns and countryside of at least one country. You'll find that your lodging budget will be much wisely spent, and your goal of being less "on the touristy trail" will come closer to reality.
You speak French, Italian, Dutch? or are working on which (one? more?) of those?
Aug 6th, 2007, 05:32 AM
#23
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Good idea to eliminate those destinations. Now your itinerary is much nicer.
I don't consider $200 a night, even at the current crappy exchange rate, to be "cheap" - maybe moderate. And it's a great idea to keep it to a reasonable amount, just because you might be able to afford more doesn't mean you should spend it. I generally spend around €100 (currently $135) for a double, and often less and almost always have loved the hotels I've stayed in. My travel companions are always very happy with my choices. Of the cities you are going to that I have been to I can recommend the following (googling any of them will bring up their websites):
Paris - Hotel St Jacques, Hotel Minerve, Hotel Champ de Mars, Hotel St Andre des Artes. I now prefer to stay in an apartment when in Paris, but for a first trip I highly recommend a hotel.
Amsterdam - Hotel Brouwer
Venice - Hotel Violino d'Oro or Hotel Canal and Walter
Florence - Hotel Desiree
Rome - Hotel Picasso (this was more expensive and not as nice as the others so I'd look elsewhere for Rome, but it was perfectly servicable and I did like the location.)
I don't consider $200 a night, even at the current crappy exchange rate, to be "cheap" - maybe moderate. And it's a great idea to keep it to a reasonable amount, just because you might be able to afford more doesn't mean you should spend it. I generally spend around €100 (currently $135) for a double, and often less and almost always have loved the hotels I've stayed in. My travel companions are always very happy with my choices. Of the cities you are going to that I have been to I can recommend the following (googling any of them will bring up their websites):
Paris - Hotel St Jacques, Hotel Minerve, Hotel Champ de Mars, Hotel St Andre des Artes. I now prefer to stay in an apartment when in Paris, but for a first trip I highly recommend a hotel.
Amsterdam - Hotel Brouwer
Venice - Hotel Violino d'Oro or Hotel Canal and Walter
Florence - Hotel Desiree
Rome - Hotel Picasso (this was more expensive and not as nice as the others so I'd look elsewhere for Rome, but it was perfectly servicable and I did like the location.)
Aug 6th, 2007, 07:12 AM
#24
ok then, that is a MUCH better itinerary. If you'll also cross off Greece (start Paris end Rome) NOW you've got a plan!!
For Venice, I'll suggest www.lacalcina.com
For Venice, I'll suggest www.lacalcina.com
