M_kingdom2: Barcelona (Hotel Arts); Bilbao (Sheraton Hotel)
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:32 PM
#21
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I was disappointed with the Sheraton, I expected far better things from a brand new property!
Hotel Arts - just goes to show that the Condé Nast Gold/Reader's choice lists are a load of ill advised rubbish! The hotel was very good, but by no means one of the world's best. It lacked subtle touches, and was opposite a casino, not one with class - I went there for half an hour one evening, was lucky with four of a kind on poker, and I left, hardly "les ambassadeurs" in St James's but there you are!
I can't really fault Hotel Arts, it was just the little things and attention to detail that was lacking. One person's perfect is very different from another's, so I will be very lucky to find something that is near perfect. Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens was virtually perfection - it had a spa, grand rooms with modern touches, carefully thought out features, fabulous cuisine, and above all, atmosphere! I'd like to see if any other Hotel Arts guests share my views!
Hotel Arts - just goes to show that the Condé Nast Gold/Reader's choice lists are a load of ill advised rubbish! The hotel was very good, but by no means one of the world's best. It lacked subtle touches, and was opposite a casino, not one with class - I went there for half an hour one evening, was lucky with four of a kind on poker, and I left, hardly "les ambassadeurs" in St James's but there you are!
I can't really fault Hotel Arts, it was just the little things and attention to detail that was lacking. One person's perfect is very different from another's, so I will be very lucky to find something that is near perfect. Hotel Grande Bretagne in Athens was virtually perfection - it had a spa, grand rooms with modern touches, carefully thought out features, fabulous cuisine, and above all, atmosphere! I'd like to see if any other Hotel Arts guests share my views!
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:34 PM
#22
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I live in London, so perhaps am not the best person to comment on this, I found Athens pollution free in winter, Bilbao seemed very clean, both with regards to air and the city itself. The major industrial areas seem to be located on the outskirts of the city, so any pollution, I'd imagine isn't at full strength!
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:44 PM
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The Ritz was located on a very busy corner on an enormous road - at the end of the day it was wonderful to retire to the beach/marina area which is far more relaxed with an "holiday" atmosphere. A city and seaside break rolled into one.
Jul 26th, 2004, 01:58 PM
#26
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I must try Villa D'este sometime, but I'm not a fan of the Italian lakes.
Another interesting point, is that one who stays for a couple of nights has a very different experience to one who stays for a few nights or longer. Holes will always appear, even if they are tiny.
Another interesting point, is that one who stays for a couple of nights has a very different experience to one who stays for a few nights or longer. Holes will always appear, even if they are tiny.
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:07 PM
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Thanks for taking the time to report on the hotels in so much detail - it's the kind of detail I really like to read when making choices for my own trip and it's much appreciated.
I am one of those who adored Barcelona (not that I was blind to it's negatives but my list of those is different to yours).
But it's horses for courses and I enjoyed reading your perspective.
Thank you.
I am one of those who adored Barcelona (not that I was blind to it's negatives but my list of those is different to yours).
But it's horses for courses and I enjoyed reading your perspective.
Thank you.
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:24 PM
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Positives
1)Found it much more welcoming and friendly to visitors than destinations such as Paris that have known for decades, even centuries, that the tourists will come and don't give a hoot about encouraging them or discouraging them. Barcelona made it easy to be a visitor and their attitude towards visitors seemed to be more positive.
2) Loved the wide range of attractions - the calm up on the Mount with it's incredible views, the beach, the buzzing ramblas, the gothic quarter, the modern centre and park guell (which I really liked).
3) Transport - found it very easy to get around
4) La Boqueria - I'm a sucker for fruit markets
Negatives
1) Crime - we observed slick and quick crimes (against others) with our own eyes - so fast and practiced they were gone before we could even react.
2) Weren't that impressed with our hotel either though it was chosen on price and location, so wasn't expecting wonderland. Rooms were clean and comfy with a good power shower but bland and lacking atmosphere/ design.
3) Can't say the food blew me away.
That's off the top of my head, I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I hit the POST button...
1)Found it much more welcoming and friendly to visitors than destinations such as Paris that have known for decades, even centuries, that the tourists will come and don't give a hoot about encouraging them or discouraging them. Barcelona made it easy to be a visitor and their attitude towards visitors seemed to be more positive.
2) Loved the wide range of attractions - the calm up on the Mount with it's incredible views, the beach, the buzzing ramblas, the gothic quarter, the modern centre and park guell (which I really liked).
3) Transport - found it very easy to get around
4) La Boqueria - I'm a sucker for fruit markets
Negatives
1) Crime - we observed slick and quick crimes (against others) with our own eyes - so fast and practiced they were gone before we could even react.
2) Weren't that impressed with our hotel either though it was chosen on price and location, so wasn't expecting wonderland. Rooms were clean and comfy with a good power shower but bland and lacking atmosphere/ design.
3) Can't say the food blew me away.
That's off the top of my head, I'm sure I'll think of more as soon as I hit the POST button...
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:32 PM
#30
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Thank you for those - I find your crime observation very interesting, I read in all the guidebooks about pickpockets etcetra, I never noticed any of them, and was not a victim myelf, perhaps I was just lucky. I'll also agree with the restaurants - unless one was to get specific recommendations, the average restaurant, was, er, average!
As for welcoming, it is very tourist friendly which is pleasant, but there was just something that didn't grab me.
Hotel Arts was like a Mercedes S class - a top of the range saloon car with lots of bells and whistles, but no soul. I prefer a Bentley (not the vulgar new GT) which isn't quite so reliable but once it's going it's a far more rewarding driving experience. Princess Anne always drives a Bentley, and has been stopped on numerous occasions for speeding. Bentleys have passion and tradition, Mercedes have none of that.
As for welcoming, it is very tourist friendly which is pleasant, but there was just something that didn't grab me.
Hotel Arts was like a Mercedes S class - a top of the range saloon car with lots of bells and whistles, but no soul. I prefer a Bentley (not the vulgar new GT) which isn't quite so reliable but once it's going it's a far more rewarding driving experience. Princess Anne always drives a Bentley, and has been stopped on numerous occasions for speeding. Bentleys have passion and tradition, Mercedes have none of that.
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:36 PM
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Maybe it's even just the mood we're in - some holidays just work... everything seems to go well and the negatives just seem irrelevant. I've also had places that just didn't grab me quite as much as they have other people... I've enjoyed more than one trip to Rome but can't say it's a city I personally could rave about - although there are many individual things about it I liked very much.
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:50 PM
#32
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Mercedes have no tradition, MK2??? I think I'll take issue with that. Apparently you've never seen any 007 films (among, many, many others) with Sean Connery tearing around some mountain corner in a big lovely 60's Mercedes, with that elegant 60's grille-much nicer than the new ones of today.
I wouldn't drive anything other than a classic E class-S class I don't like-they're a bit "vulgar" -as you would say. Mercedes represents nothing BUT tradition!
I wouldn't drive anything other than a classic E class-S class I don't like-they're a bit "vulgar" -as you would say. Mercedes represents nothing BUT tradition!
Jul 26th, 2004, 02:55 PM
#33
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Mercedes do have tradition, but they don't play on their heritage, their current ranges are all new with no classic lines. Bentley always have classic lines (even the vulgar GT) and racing pedigree.
The Gull-wing was one of the most emblematic cars produced, classic ones are very very much in vogue, modern post 80s ones certainly are not.
The Gull-wing was one of the most emblematic cars produced, classic ones are very very much in vogue, modern post 80s ones certainly are not.
Jul 26th, 2004, 03:18 PM
#34
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Bentley is just another German luxury premium brand. Sadly the racing pedigree goes back so far that it predates even you or I MkII. It is about as relevant as chariot design.
As Bentley is to Volkswagon, Leica is to Panasonic. Isn't change wonderful ? Make sure you visit the Omm next time. I am so heartbroken that you are not a fan of Lake Como.
As Bentley is to Volkswagon, Leica is to Panasonic. Isn't change wonderful ? Make sure you visit the Omm next time. I am so heartbroken that you are not a fan of Lake Como.
Jul 26th, 2004, 03:22 PM
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The Italian lakes are a little dull for my liking. The Neapolitan riviera is my favourite Italian destination, although I am tiring a little now of Italy after going there for so many years. Although I don't think I'm tired of Capri yet.
My next holiday is Prague in a few weeks time, staying at Carlo IV - an Italian hotel, will it be perfect? Certainly not, well maybe I will be surprised, pleasantly that is!
My next holiday is Prague in a few weeks time, staying at Carlo IV - an Italian hotel, will it be perfect? Certainly not, well maybe I will be surprised, pleasantly that is!
Jul 26th, 2004, 03:53 PM
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I am travelling to Prague with a close friend, and they wanted over 600EUR per night for a twin room as opposed to around 300EUR for a king. I called the hotel, as I thought this was a confusion with the internet booking system, it turned out that it wasn't.
Also, as Hotel Arts confirmed, I'm not an huge fan of American style service so I will try this hotel, it's very reasonable - 245EUR for a deluxe room with breakfast. I'm only there five nights, surely it won't be anything too terrible. Also there is a beautiful swimming pool in the basement, with Italian style detailing. I'm hoping for something a little different, hopefully no unpleasant surprises lurking around the corner.
Also, as Hotel Arts confirmed, I'm not an huge fan of American style service so I will try this hotel, it's very reasonable - 245EUR for a deluxe room with breakfast. I'm only there five nights, surely it won't be anything too terrible. Also there is a beautiful swimming pool in the basement, with Italian style detailing. I'm hoping for something a little different, hopefully no unpleasant surprises lurking around the corner.
Jul 26th, 2004, 04:03 PM
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I will endeavour to provide plenty of details, as I have done with the Spanish properties. I am hoping for some atmosphere in Prague, but this seems so rare in modern hotels these days.
