Chicago719

Just a follow up to message and comments on the Paris Plaza Athenee from [email protected] (10-06-02 post). We stayed at the Hotel Plaza Athenee in May of 2001 and could not believe the incredible service we received. The guest relations director upgraded us to a magnificent three-room suite with 3 balconies. The housekeeping service was actually one of the most remarkable of any hotel in which I've ever stayed -- we had asked for an iron and board, but forgot to turn off the "do-not-disturb" light that the hotel personnel sees outside. As soon as we realized it, we turned it off, and not a second later, the maid rung the bell - she had been waiting outside and did not want to disturb us! The Hotel Plaza Athenee was number 1 for us and treated us like royalty - even though we showed up early in jeans, scruffy faces and unmatched duffel bags!<BR>

Maria

Personally, I'd rather stay less nights in a 5-star hotel for the same price as stay more nights in a 3-star. The memory of the experience lingers longer in your mind when you stay in a nice hotel. I can actually have almost an anxiety attack if I stay in a place that I don't really like. I just can't sleep there. There's nothing I can do about it, I've tried - but it's just a better feeling staying in a really nice hotel.

CoachBoy

1. Pricipe de Savoie (sp?) in Milan was a real disappointment. Small rooms, mediocre service, snotty. The Westin across the street is much better - though I'd imagine if you actually paying $$$ (I stayed on points), I'd stay at the 4 seasons or Manzoni.<BR><BR>2. Hotels are an integral part of travel for many, including myself. Staying at a nice hotel dramatically changes my perception of a city. For example, last year we stayed at a dump in Rome called the Anglo American (about $140 night-cheap for Rome, apparently) of Tritone. It was so awful all I wanted to do was leave the city, and certainly not spend any time in my hotel. This year, we had a room with a huge terrace overlooking Rome at the De La Ville (Intercontinental). It was a wonderful three days.<BR><BR>I'd rather travel and stay in dumps than not travel at all, but if you can afford it, it is, IMO, certainly worth it.<BR><BR>3. Many of the people who attack on boards are either intentionally stirring things up or total losers. If you can't be helpful, ignore the post.<BR><BR> <BR>CoachBoy

xxx

Chicago719, how did you manage to get upgraded to a three room suite with three balconies? You "showed up early in jeans, scruffy faces and unmatched duffel bags". I always do this and I never get upgraded -- just kidding, but what's your secret to getting upgraded?

Frank

The Crowne Plaza hotel in madrid is a NEVER AGAIN. The service was terrible and to me the rooms were nothing special. If my company was not paying for the room I would have left straightaway.

Amy

Singapore(and others) the price you pay for posting on an open board is that you will get responses you don't like, responses which challenge your opinion, responses which are insulting, etc. I am always surprised by people who find it necessary to take the time to defend themselves or their opinions and argue with others on line, why not simply ignore those responses you find objectionable. I am sure that someone will object to this post, but I will not care. I do not know them, they do not know me, I will never meet them. If anyone can explain this need to justify ones self to strangers I would be very interested. BTW Singapore you are just the latetess to do this.

Rex

CHRIST !!!!!, Just answer the original question or SHUT UP. Some of you people are PATHETIC. I think people who attack others on this thread are the ones who have no life.... Okay off my soapbox.... Hello, Singapore I also love travelling through Europe. I usually wait for the cheapest fares (never pay over $300pp), then spend my money on nicer hotels in Europe. Needless to say, I have never been to Europe in the Summer months. One of my best memories are of the Hotel Sacher in Salzburg,Austria. As far as hotels not worth the money, that would have to be in Paris. Hotel Du Louve. The room was dark,worn and dreary feeling. The rates for the JR.Suite was round $350 per night. The hotel double charged my deposit of $800 to my AMEX, and I took a long time and to lot of headaches to dispute the charge with AMEX. Meanwhile repeated E-mail attemps and PHONE calls to the hotel never even got me the time of day. By the way, worldwide - - my biggest disappointment would have to be the Ritz in Singapore.....<BR> Rex Clark

winner

Baur au Lac in Zurich: fortunately my company was paying the outrageous price for a room so small I could not open my suitcase except on the (narrow, twin) bed. Never again!