Hotels: to splurge or not to splurge?
Oct 27th, 2005, 04:52 PM
#21
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The two star we disliked was the
Grand Hotel des Balcons. I will add here that it is a popular hotel, many people seem to like it.
The one we moved to and liked very much was the Delavigne.
Perfect except no a/c, but we were there in Jan.
Both hotels are on rue Casimir Delavigne, in the 6th.
You can search for comments on either hotel, here, or at tripadvisor.com
Mine are included, but so are many others'.
Grand Hotel des Balcons. I will add here that it is a popular hotel, many people seem to like it.
The one we moved to and liked very much was the Delavigne.
Perfect except no a/c, but we were there in Jan.
Both hotels are on rue Casimir Delavigne, in the 6th.
You can search for comments on either hotel, here, or at tripadvisor.com
Mine are included, but so are many others'.
Oct 27th, 2005, 05:07 PM
#22
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Although I would love to travel like ThinG I have to concur with Ira! But I'll add to that: + do a little bit of shopping (what semiramis said)!
ThinG, are we still traveling somewhere in the world together? I think we decided the occasional temper tantrum >
>
would be fine as long you charmed >
<
the waiter into giving me more gin in my drink. 
Florence, maybe? We could do a nice bistecca fiorentino. 
I could certainly learn a few things from you re: the art world, my dahling!!
<b><font color="orange">HAPPY
HALLOWEEN</font>, EVERYBODY!!</b>
ThinG, are we still traveling somewhere in the world together? I think we decided the occasional temper tantrum >
>would be fine as long you charmed ><the waiter into giving me more gin in my drink. Florence, maybe?
We could do a nice bistecca fiorentino. I could certainly learn a few things from you re: the art world, my dahling!!
<b><font color="orange">HAPPY
HALLOWEEN</font>, EVERYBODY!!</b>
Oct 27th, 2005, 05:25 PM
#23
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Remember hotels with swimming pools, spas, business centers and gyms usually cost more. If you cannot live without any of these things your room rate will generally reflect it, otherwise I'd choose a hotel without all the "goodies" that I'd never use.
Oct 27th, 2005, 05:33 PM
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I agree with Thingorgeous, too. You must do your homework. If you're not spending a lot of time in your room because of a lot of walking/sightseeing, then it IS important to come "home" to something comfortable and pleasant. And like Stu says, sometimes the hotel is the destination. in that case, the hotel may actually BE the vacation.
Oct 27th, 2005, 05:51 PM
#25
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Eileen Ferrier,
One of the things the internet has improved is the area of travel. Ten years ago, you did the safe thing and booked with a familiar name or maybe used the recommendations from two or three guide books.
We have stayed in perfectly fine B&Bs where you get a triple room and and good evening meal for 120 Euro. I also have stayed in a 600 year old 'castle' and had breakfast with the countess of the castle ($130 euro total for three, looking back that experience would have been worth almost any price).
I you have the time to do the research, then you need not always spend 230+ euros. (How about a mini suite, lake front on one of the most beutiful lakes in the world, 200 euro a night. Oh that includes a nice dinner as well.)
But you have do a little work (research) for yourself.
One of the things the internet has improved is the area of travel. Ten years ago, you did the safe thing and booked with a familiar name or maybe used the recommendations from two or three guide books.
We have stayed in perfectly fine B&Bs where you get a triple room and and good evening meal for 120 Euro. I also have stayed in a 600 year old 'castle' and had breakfast with the countess of the castle ($130 euro total for three, looking back that experience would have been worth almost any price).
I you have the time to do the research, then you need not always spend 230+ euros. (How about a mini suite, lake front on one of the most beutiful lakes in the world, 200 euro a night. Oh that includes a nice dinner as well.)
But you have do a little work (research) for yourself.
Oct 27th, 2005, 06:17 PM
#26
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I, personnally, rely on TripAdvisor.com for hotel reviews.
Since the difference of 60 euros/night for a 10 night trip, for example, would be quite significant, I would definitely consider whether any differences are worth the extra tariff.
If you are more concerned with economy (as with most of us) than "ammenities", view, size of the room (if any), whether there's a tub in the bathroom or shower only, the "difference" may be worth investigating, if any of those are actually important to you.
If you consider a room only where you'll sleep, shower, change, I'd go for the most economical rate at the best reviewed places.
Since the difference of 60 euros/night for a 10 night trip, for example, would be quite significant, I would definitely consider whether any differences are worth the extra tariff.
If you are more concerned with economy (as with most of us) than "ammenities", view, size of the room (if any), whether there's a tub in the bathroom or shower only, the "difference" may be worth investigating, if any of those are actually important to you.
If you consider a room only where you'll sleep, shower, change, I'd go for the most economical rate at the best reviewed places.
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:01 PM
#27
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Elaine,
The hotel was: Relais Saint Sulpice, which looks like they haven't touched it in years.
I am one that spends about 14 hours a day out in Paris, but since the hotels are locatedin a great location, the trip back there for a 1/2-1 hour break during the day, before dinner, etc.,is something I look forward to, rather than dread.
The hotel was: Relais Saint Sulpice, which looks like they haven't touched it in years.
I am one that spends about 14 hours a day out in Paris, but since the hotels are locatedin a great location, the trip back there for a 1/2-1 hour break during the day, before dinner, etc.,is something I look forward to, rather than dread.
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:10 PM
#28
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Value, value, value.
Personally, I would rather sleep in a larger, newer room out away from the center of the action for half the price.
Hotel rates reflect land values, and the central zones in European capitals are traded by the square foot. By getting a hotel perhaps 10-15 minutes by rail from the city center, I can stay twice or three times longer than otherwise, and have more amenities to boot.
Personally, I would rather sleep in a larger, newer room out away from the center of the action for half the price.
Hotel rates reflect land values, and the central zones in European capitals are traded by the square foot. By getting a hotel perhaps 10-15 minutes by rail from the city center, I can stay twice or three times longer than otherwise, and have more amenities to boot.
Oct 27th, 2005, 07:49 PM
#29
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Unlike Robespierre, I would rather sleep in a centrally located hotel where I might compromise on, say, space. I don't want an "American experience" in a hotel, either. I want a "local" experience. I'm partial to top-notch 2-stars and 3-stars without a lot of frills because I don't need frills. I want a good mattress, a quiet room, a minibar, tv, and nice bathroom, someone at the desk 24 hours a day and decent service (but not full-fledged *concierge*) available, and a good breakfast at a decent price in case it's raining and I don't feel like wandering out to the nearest café, which is what I prefer to do for breakfast anyway. I'm not a demanding customer, but I want good value for what I pay for, and I do want some *atmosphere" - I don't want to bed down thinking I might as well be in Omaha.
And when I take extended trips (4-6 weeks) I want luxury for at least a night or so every week - a spa, an old manor house, an old Palladian villa, whatever.... I'm willing to splurge a LOT for a night or two of pure unadulerated pleasure during a long trip. We used to take these 6-week trips all over Europe when our kids were babies, and we'd spend every fifth or sixth night in some spa town where we could get a luxury room at some grand hotel and then spend the following day pampering ourselves at a spa - sometimes only a series of different-temperature baths, but still, it relieved the stress of traveling and felt great.
When I retire and have the funds to do so, I think I will probably treat myself more to better accommodations, but for now, in most European venues, I've been very happy with carefully chosen 2- and 3-star places, with the occasional splurge.
And when I take extended trips (4-6 weeks) I want luxury for at least a night or so every week - a spa, an old manor house, an old Palladian villa, whatever.... I'm willing to splurge a LOT for a night or two of pure unadulerated pleasure during a long trip. We used to take these 6-week trips all over Europe when our kids were babies, and we'd spend every fifth or sixth night in some spa town where we could get a luxury room at some grand hotel and then spend the following day pampering ourselves at a spa - sometimes only a series of different-temperature baths, but still, it relieved the stress of traveling and felt great.
When I retire and have the funds to do so, I think I will probably treat myself more to better accommodations, but for now, in most European venues, I've been very happy with carefully chosen 2- and 3-star places, with the occasional splurge.
Oct 27th, 2005, 10:55 PM
#30
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there is no one rule on this for me. however, i always favour location over luxury. for example in venice, i stay simple, but in venice as opposed to "nearby".
i travel a lot and do not have the travel budget for luxury every time. it's about value for money. in asia, i always go for luxury as it is generally great value. i don't care about spending top money in places like paris as i'm never in the room.
if it's a relaxing holiday on the beach (eg spain, greece, or portugal), i increase the luxury level a bit (terrace overlooking the sea is a must, etc).
for breaks near home in the UK, i always try to pick the best recommended b&b (i.e. simple, affordable, value for money) as (except of course a few well known exceptions) the UK does not know how to do "luxury" and it can be extremely poor value for money.
i travel a lot and do not have the travel budget for luxury every time. it's about value for money. in asia, i always go for luxury as it is generally great value. i don't care about spending top money in places like paris as i'm never in the room.
if it's a relaxing holiday on the beach (eg spain, greece, or portugal), i increase the luxury level a bit (terrace overlooking the sea is a must, etc).
for breaks near home in the UK, i always try to pick the best recommended b&b (i.e. simple, affordable, value for money) as (except of course a few well known exceptions) the UK does not know how to do "luxury" and it can be extremely poor value for money.
Oct 28th, 2005, 02:13 AM
#31
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Intex, I find it really interesting that both you and I found ourselves disappointed with our choices of hotels, hotels that are both almost universally praised.
Just goes to show that everyone can research hotel reviews, but we're still taking a chance.
This month's issue of Frommer's Budget Travel magazine (a great magazine by the way) has a similar article about reading and weighing hotel reviews in books and at places like tripadvisor.com
The article is on line at
http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...101100923.html
Same issue has a pretty good article on Rome, by the way.
Just goes to show that everyone can research hotel reviews, but we're still taking a chance.
This month's issue of Frommer's Budget Travel magazine (a great magazine by the way) has a similar article about reading and weighing hotel reviews in books and at places like tripadvisor.com
The article is on line at
http://www.budgettravelonline.com/bt...101100923.html
Same issue has a pretty good article on Rome, by the way.
Oct 28th, 2005, 02:19 AM
#32
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Meant to add, StCirq and walkinaround, I agree very much with your travel philosophies.
The kind of hotel I want varies not just according to my budget, but also factors like how well I know the city,whether I'm on my own or with someone, how long I'm staying, etc.I am much more willing to compromise on space than on location, especially if I'm solo.
On an upcoming trip next spring I will be running the gamut from B&B without an elevator,to "Leading Hotel of the World", all within 10 days.
The kind of hotel I want varies not just according to my budget, but also factors like how well I know the city,whether I'm on my own or with someone, how long I'm staying, etc.I am much more willing to compromise on space than on location, especially if I'm solo.
On an upcoming trip next spring I will be running the gamut from B&B without an elevator,to "Leading Hotel of the World", all within 10 days.
Oct 28th, 2005, 02:32 AM
#33
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>...eating only last 1-2 hours, and staying, showering in the Hotel room can be 8-10 hours of your day.<
I can barely recall any of the hotel rooms in which I have stayed over the years, but I can give you a pretty good report on where and what I have eaten.
I can barely recall any of the hotel rooms in which I have stayed over the years, but I can give you a pretty good report on where and what I have eaten.
Oct 28th, 2005, 03:29 AM
#34
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"Fly cheap, sleep cheap, eat well."
This is stupid advice. For a lot of people staying at a nice hotel is a large part of travel and getting away from everyday existence. Only travel snobs like Ira think that spending money on a nice place to stay destroys the purity of the culture expoerience, blah, blah, blah.
" do understand your question, but just because one hotel is 170 and the other is 230, it doesn't mean there will be any significant difference and quite possibly the less expensive hotel could turn out to be better."
Yeah, sure. And the next lottery ticket you buy could be a winner. Both are possible but very unlikely.
This is stupid advice. For a lot of people staying at a nice hotel is a large part of travel and getting away from everyday existence. Only travel snobs like Ira think that spending money on a nice place to stay destroys the purity of the culture expoerience, blah, blah, blah.
" do understand your question, but just because one hotel is 170 and the other is 230, it doesn't mean there will be any significant difference and quite possibly the less expensive hotel could turn out to be better."
Yeah, sure. And the next lottery ticket you buy could be a winner. Both are possible but very unlikely.
Oct 28th, 2005, 03:36 AM
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Didn't have time to wade through all your replies, but---in case someone hasn't yet mentioned it---use Priceline and get a 230 GBP hotel for less than $200. Learn what hotels are available in your city in which areas by reading about it at www.betterbidding.com or www.biddingfortravel.com See what other people are paying for those 230+ rooms and bid accordingly for your length of stay and season of travel. You will be amazed at the deals to be had and wonder why you ever paid full price for a hotel (in London, particularly).
Oct 28th, 2005, 03:53 AM
#37
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>>>>
This is stupid advice.
>>>>
strong statement but not backed up with anything. unless you are referring to other threads, i don't see where he's saying expensive hotels degrade the cultural experience. i see his philosophy having more to do with priorities on how to allocate limited budget (and perhaps other resources like planning time, etc)across various parts of a trip.
growing up, my parents always chose the best hotels but we ate at the same sort of everyday places that we frequented at home. i'm not saying that the best food is always the most expensive but to my parents, the emphasis was on making sure we had the best hotel and not that we ate the best local food or even that we experienced the most the location had to offer. as a child, i remember staying at the plaza and pierre in NY but I don't remember what we ate or what we saw during those trips. in fact, many years later, when discussing travels from my childhood, my parents would reference the trip by the hotel rather than the food, experiences, etc.
This is stupid advice.
>>>>
strong statement but not backed up with anything. unless you are referring to other threads, i don't see where he's saying expensive hotels degrade the cultural experience. i see his philosophy having more to do with priorities on how to allocate limited budget (and perhaps other resources like planning time, etc)across various parts of a trip.
growing up, my parents always chose the best hotels but we ate at the same sort of everyday places that we frequented at home. i'm not saying that the best food is always the most expensive but to my parents, the emphasis was on making sure we had the best hotel and not that we ate the best local food or even that we experienced the most the location had to offer. as a child, i remember staying at the plaza and pierre in NY but I don't remember what we ate or what we saw during those trips. in fact, many years later, when discussing travels from my childhood, my parents would reference the trip by the hotel rather than the food, experiences, etc.
Oct 28th, 2005, 04:06 AM
#39
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Generally speaking 170 or 230 would not make a big difference. but better to check facilities and what are the extras charged is the point.
However a 170 Euro room hotel might have less facilities than the other ie. spa, golf, shuttle service etc....
My suggestion if you like luxury try to book a suite on 170 Euro hotel and try to pay less than 230 Euro....
Within this range you shoud really get something nice and comfy....
Happy travelling,
Murat
However a 170 Euro room hotel might have less facilities than the other ie. spa, golf, shuttle service etc....
My suggestion if you like luxury try to book a suite on 170 Euro hotel and try to pay less than 230 Euro....
Within this range you shoud really get something nice and comfy....
Happy travelling,
Murat
Oct 28th, 2005, 04:36 AM
#40
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Euro 170 versus Euro 230?
You bet it make a difference. Just like there is a difference between Euro 232 and Euro 500. For some people who have less needs or are less discerning in terms of taste and sense for finer things, the difference may be superficial and negligible.
In my travels in Europe, either for business or pleasure, I've learned the difference. My take on this is that I will only travel when I can afford to be as close to being as comfortable as, and have as much amenities that are normally available to me at, my home.
Nothing beats coming back to a clean and comrortable room, with some pampering thrown in by the staff, after a full day of doing the touristy things.
With only 3 or 4 times non-business "real" vacation travels a year for us, our motto is to fly well (as much our our mileage will allow us to upgrade at least 1 class up), sleep well and eat very well.
You bet it make a difference. Just like there is a difference between Euro 232 and Euro 500. For some people who have less needs or are less discerning in terms of taste and sense for finer things, the difference may be superficial and negligible.
In my travels in Europe, either for business or pleasure, I've learned the difference. My take on this is that I will only travel when I can afford to be as close to being as comfortable as, and have as much amenities that are normally available to me at, my home.
Nothing beats coming back to a clean and comrortable room, with some pampering thrown in by the staff, after a full day of doing the touristy things.
With only 3 or 4 times non-business "real" vacation travels a year for us, our motto is to fly well (as much our our mileage will allow us to upgrade at least 1 class up), sleep well and eat very well.
