I found Vienna to be the most disappointing -- not clean and lovely as I'd heard, but covered in graffiti, with dog crap on the sidewalks and horse crap in the streets. The people there are the most xenophobic I've ever encountered, and their rudeness reached heights I never even knew existed. If you were Austrian, you received all considerations; any other nationality -- look out! And yes, I speak a fair amount of German -- didn't matter in the least.

We were recently in Venice (Oct 1999). I was disappointed with the pigeons, waiters standing outside of restaurants and hawking for patrons. It was a disappointment but I am glad I went. Murano and Burano were nice. Sorry to hear that Interlaken has deteriorated so. About 15 years ago it was delightful. There were a few tourist shops but nothing like it sounds now. After seeing Interlaken and the surrounding ski areas, it was my favorite (in the winter) for Europe. We loved London and would go back at any chance. Most disappointing - none. Every culture is different and has something to offer. However, Morocco was something else. Would not go back.

Well folks, this string sounds more like Lonely Planet's observations of some of the places you mention rather than Fodor's :-) Peg.

I think this is a great topic- research doesn't preclude disappointment (neither does a large travel budget-in response to Peg's lonely planet comment), and feedback from "real" experiences are always helpful. I've always enjoyed my trips but have sometimes found hotels recommended in guide books to be disappointing: <BR> <BR>The Savoy in Florence - Great location for shopping but rooms were rather shabby. Bathroom needed serious remodelling. The Sofitel where I stayed on a previous trip was much nicer and far better value for money. <BR> <BR>The Sheraton Park Lane in London is terrible. Was just there in Jan 00- my "executive" room was one of the renovated ones with a new carpet and soft furnishings but the wallpaper had a large tear, the desk was badly scratched up and the combined aircon/heater did not work reliably. The worst part was the service which was terrible- front desk staff who were unresponsive to requests/ complaints. <BR> <BR>The Clift in San Francisco (formerly a Four Seasons Hotel and now an Ian Shrager property)- would not recommend staying here without getting a detailed description of your room. Stayed in March last year and although the room was huge, the bathroom was the size of a closet. The Park Hyatt where I stayed at on a visit in Nov 99 was more modern and better appointed but still overpriced for the quality. The Park Hyatt in Tokyo on the other hand is worth every dollar. Easily the best city hotel I have stayed at- very large (I think 50 sq metres), modern and very luxurious rooms with great views (the hotel rooms start above the 30th floor), a great bar/restaurant on the 52nd storey, very convenient for shopping and great service. (incidently, the Regent in Jakarta, Indonesia has amazing service- far better than the Grand Hyatt there.) <BR> <BR> <BR>

I agree that Venice is disappointing because of all of the hype. That's why one must really stick and move. Go, look around, eat a sandwich, spend the night if you must, and move along to better food and lodging. I think it is a must on a first trip to Italy, though. <BR> <BR>My personal great disappointment was pretty much all of Germany. I had spent a month in Europe, including Spain and Italy, but Germany (including Munich, Heidleberg, and East and West Berlin) just didn't do it for me. Maybe I went to the wrong places. I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes, but it just didn't compare to Rome and Florence or Seville. The people were really, really nice in Germany, but I couldn't say much for the food or the sights. I couldn't wait to leave. Oh well.

If I was as old as Athens I would be pretty dirty also. My biggest disappointment: British Airways! Lousy food, surley attendants, herd cow atmosphere at Heathrow, waiting 6 months for reimbursement for repair of my smashed travel bag.

My biggest disappointment was the overly hyped Prague. <BR> <BR>The castle was mostly closed, so you couldn't see much of it. The cathedral on the hill is nice as churches go, but it's not that different from just about every other Gothic cathedral you've ever seen. <BR> <BR>The golden row, that was supposed to be so charming, was really just a strip of tiny schlock shops that had once been tiny houses. <BR> <BR>The Charles Bridge, reputedly charming, quaint, a vision all lit up at night... <BR> <BR>During the day it was an open ended cattle corral. Tourists shuffled cheek to jowl from one end to the other. Every 10 yards some sort of leather goods and key chain vendor, or caricature artist had set up shop. <BR> <BR>At night it was just a big solid looking bridge with some lights shone at it, not particularly special. <BR> <BR>This isn't to say that Prague was an utter wash. It just isn't worthy of the non-stop adulation it gets, IMO.

Sometimes we cause our greatesd disappointments without knowing it. Our group's biggest disappointment was Madrid. Oh, we loved El Prado, and eating squid's ink without knowing it, but we went to old town which was too big for five tired travelers who walked all over the place on narrow, rough sidewalks, found a great cheese shop, postponed our purchases there, then couldn't find it again, perspired in the May heat, and became quite grumpy with each other. That was the only city or town in Spain that we really didn't like -- wonder why?

Now I really KNEW that I wasn't going to find Sherlock Holmes in London but I had hoped to find 22B Baker Street. And where was Runpole of the Old Bailey? We didn't find him but sat in on a couple of trials and that was most interesting...try it. Another disapointment...I couldn't buy a beret in Paris!!!

I have to defend Venice! It still stands as my favorite place. When my boyfriend and I stepped out of the train station into this beautiful place it took my breath away. <BR> <BR>I always recommend going in April/May, before the boats of tourists arrive and the canals don't smell yet from the heat. We stayed in a small hotel on a tiny cobblestone alley next to a pastry shop. We had wonderful food and wine in small sidewalk cafes and spent the evenings strolling through the winding alleys in the moonlight. It was the meandering through side streets looking in the tiny old churches and gorgeous hidden gardens that was so romantic and beautiful. I think we only spent one day around St Marks. <BR> <BR>I think my biggest dissapointment was a recent Europe trip when everything had scaffolding on it! Notre Dame, the Paris Opera House...I'm glad they're renovating but I was bummed. <BR>(ps. I really recommend taking the steps to the very top of Notre Dame. You get a great view standing right next to those famous gargoyles.)