"We'll only be in the room to shower and sleep..."
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:27 PM
#41
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On Paris specifically:
I don't know about you, but I find Paris to be an exhausting city (in a good, stimulating way). I want to come "home" to a hotel that feels welcoming, safe and has no worries in terms of cleanliness and comfort. Luxury and charm are relative terms - I just want enough of each to reassure me, not necessarily thrill me. If I'm too tired to go out in the evening, I don't want to be in a hotel room that depresses me. I personally am quite picky about the bathroom being clean and pleasant - it is, after all, the place where I'm "reborn" in terms of energy and well-being.
I don't know about you, but I find Paris to be an exhausting city (in a good, stimulating way). I want to come "home" to a hotel that feels welcoming, safe and has no worries in terms of cleanliness and comfort. Luxury and charm are relative terms - I just want enough of each to reassure me, not necessarily thrill me. If I'm too tired to go out in the evening, I don't want to be in a hotel room that depresses me. I personally am quite picky about the bathroom being clean and pleasant - it is, after all, the place where I'm "reborn" in terms of energy and well-being.
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:28 PM
#42
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I like the suggestion of starting a thread re: 1-Star wonders . . . then we could do 2 stars too. There are some good values out there and if people don't mind sharing the info, it sure would be helpful to many!
I would start, but I don't have a 1 star that I can offer a comment on . . . anybody?
I would start, but I don't have a 1 star that I can offer a comment on . . . anybody?
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:29 PM
#43
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On Paris specifically:
I don't know about you, but I find Paris to be an exhausting city (in a good, stimulating way). I want to come "home" to a hotel that feels welcoming, safe and has no worries in terms of cleanliness and comfort. Luxury and charm are relative terms - I just want enough of each to reassure me, not necessarily thrill me. If I'm too tired to go out in the evening, I don't want to be in a hotel room that depresses me. I personally am quite picky about the bathroom being clean and pleasant. And no T.V. on a stem sticking out of the wall....and please, no rubber sheet under the regular sheet - ick - those things make me feel poorer than I need to!
I don't know about you, but I find Paris to be an exhausting city (in a good, stimulating way). I want to come "home" to a hotel that feels welcoming, safe and has no worries in terms of cleanliness and comfort. Luxury and charm are relative terms - I just want enough of each to reassure me, not necessarily thrill me. If I'm too tired to go out in the evening, I don't want to be in a hotel room that depresses me. I personally am quite picky about the bathroom being clean and pleasant. And no T.V. on a stem sticking out of the wall....and please, no rubber sheet under the regular sheet - ick - those things make me feel poorer than I need to!
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:32 PM
#44
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dovima, that was what we felt on this visit staying in an apt. We staggered back to the apt, our feet and legs giving out, up that tiny elevator and into that warm and light pretty apt with the huge bed and nice big sofa.
And a Nepresso coffee maker (that I want if anyone wants to give me a present) that made coffee in an instant.
That sense of <i>Aahhh I'm home</i> is what makes a hotel or any room perfect!
And a Nepresso coffee maker (that I want if anyone wants to give me a present) that made coffee in an instant.
That sense of <i>Aahhh I'm home</i> is what makes a hotel or any room perfect!
Jun 6th, 2005, 03:43 PM
#45
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dovima, you raise another good point.
Sometimes it depends on the city.
For example, Florence: it's quite small, the major and minor sites are almost all within walking distance (25 minutes, tops) of each other, the city has a lot of charm already built in, and there are many well-reviewed simpler hotels. I can see myself next time going with a simple pension or small hotel if budget is an issue, rather than the more expensive places I stayed at before.
London, known for being a relatively expensive city. On my last visit winter 2004 I stayed in a small "hotel", a B&B really, though I had a private bathroom. No elevator, VERY small single room, excruciatingly small bathroom (literally, a converted closet). Very good (not perfect, but very good) location in outer Bloomsbury. Absolutely clean, though I wouldn't call it recently upgraded. At the time, it was 45 pounds for the single. I swore that was as low as I'd go in London, never again, wintertime made it seem depressing, etc. But now that some time has passed, if I had a chance to take a quick jaunt to London, I might consider that place again, but would spend 10-15 extra pounds per night and splurge on a double. The bathroom wouldn't be any larger (I saw the double rooms) but the room would be less cell-like.
Paris: So close to my heart, you'd think it doesn't matter where I stay, but that's really not true, this past January my TC and I fled from a popular, well-located, but shabby 2-star down the street to a lovely 3-star that was only about 20 euro more per night for the room. The difference in price was small (especially between the two of us), the difference in ambiance was HUGE.
etc etc
Sometimes it depends on the city.
For example, Florence: it's quite small, the major and minor sites are almost all within walking distance (25 minutes, tops) of each other, the city has a lot of charm already built in, and there are many well-reviewed simpler hotels. I can see myself next time going with a simple pension or small hotel if budget is an issue, rather than the more expensive places I stayed at before.
London, known for being a relatively expensive city. On my last visit winter 2004 I stayed in a small "hotel", a B&B really, though I had a private bathroom. No elevator, VERY small single room, excruciatingly small bathroom (literally, a converted closet). Very good (not perfect, but very good) location in outer Bloomsbury. Absolutely clean, though I wouldn't call it recently upgraded. At the time, it was 45 pounds for the single. I swore that was as low as I'd go in London, never again, wintertime made it seem depressing, etc. But now that some time has passed, if I had a chance to take a quick jaunt to London, I might consider that place again, but would spend 10-15 extra pounds per night and splurge on a double. The bathroom wouldn't be any larger (I saw the double rooms) but the room would be less cell-like.
Paris: So close to my heart, you'd think it doesn't matter where I stay, but that's really not true, this past January my TC and I fled from a popular, well-located, but shabby 2-star down the street to a lovely 3-star that was only about 20 euro more per night for the room. The difference in price was small (especially between the two of us), the difference in ambiance was HUGE.
etc etc
Jun 6th, 2005, 04:04 PM
#46
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I disagree completely. We all spend a significant amount of time in the hotel - even if just sleeping - and we often relax in the room before dinner - or even have room service once in a while if the weather is bad- or we;re especially tired.
So I want a hotel that is as least as comfortable as our apartment. Natually we want the best price possible - but I want comfy beds and pillows, nice soft chairs to relax in, a good tV with all the basic international channels and a nice selectin of movies, a good desk for writing at, convenient closet and drawer space - and most important a really comfy bath and shower with tons of hot water for relaxing.
I mean - it's a vacation - to be enjoyed and savored - not suffered through.
So I want a hotel that is as least as comfortable as our apartment. Natually we want the best price possible - but I want comfy beds and pillows, nice soft chairs to relax in, a good tV with all the basic international channels and a nice selectin of movies, a good desk for writing at, convenient closet and drawer space - and most important a really comfy bath and shower with tons of hot water for relaxing.
I mean - it's a vacation - to be enjoyed and savored - not suffered through.
Jun 6th, 2005, 04:07 PM
#47
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nytraveler, I don't disagree with you most people want all those things, but the amenities that you describe most often increase the price, and for some people price differentials make the difference as to length of the trip, time of year, or whether they can take the trip at all. Sometimes compromises have to be made. What's interesting is which compromises each of us chooses.
Jun 6th, 2005, 04:44 PM
#48
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I haven't decided how much more I'd pay for this, but it is certainly nice to have a bathroom where one person can bring his/her clothes and shower, dress, and groom without worry about getting anything wet, and with enough space to move around. It makes life somewhat more awkward if this isn't the case, particularly if the travel partners aren't spouses. But it's certainly possible to get an expensive hotel which doesn't meet this specification.
Jun 6th, 2005, 04:46 PM
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Oh yes, I believe it matters quite alot.
The hotel stay is a significant part of my trip experience. It influences my first impressions of a city, how I feel when I get up in the morning and whether I have a sense of security when I tuck in at night.
Even a simple room that's clean, comfortable and welcoming can add that dash of romantic (in the larger sense) excitement that is the opiate of the traveller.
I spend quite a bit of planning time choosing the right hotel in the best location that I can afford. It's always time well spent.
When I pine for Paris, my favorite 7eme hotel usually figures into it.
J
The hotel stay is a significant part of my trip experience. It influences my first impressions of a city, how I feel when I get up in the morning and whether I have a sense of security when I tuck in at night.
Even a simple room that's clean, comfortable and welcoming can add that dash of romantic (in the larger sense) excitement that is the opiate of the traveller.
I spend quite a bit of planning time choosing the right hotel in the best location that I can afford. It's always time well spent.
When I pine for Paris, my favorite 7eme hotel usually figures into it.
J
Jun 6th, 2005, 04:57 PM
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My "musts" in hotels are :
Clean
Good Beds
Elevator (disability)
Ensuite bathroom
If I go with a friend, a twin room.
AC in summer (well, maybe if I go to Scandinavia I won't need it.)
Very near to transport.
I must have these things but I don't care very much of any other. I mean, the more..the better but I just look at places with the things I need for the lowest rate posible
All this usually means not least of a 3 star hotel so if I have no money...just don't travel or travel nearer just a few days (like is the case this year)
Clean
Good Beds
Elevator (disability)
Ensuite bathroom
If I go with a friend, a twin room.
AC in summer (well, maybe if I go to Scandinavia I won't need it.)
Very near to transport.
I must have these things but I don't care very much of any other. I mean, the more..the better but I just look at places with the things I need for the lowest rate posible
All this usually means not least of a 3 star hotel so if I have no money...just don't travel or travel nearer just a few days (like is the case this year)
Jun 6th, 2005, 05:06 PM
#51
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Someone mentioned AGE in here, and I think that's a big factor. During my college travel days, I really only did did a room to sleep (and often would share a shower), but alas, now that I'm older, I really like being in a nice room where I can relax (and sometimes even take a bath). That doesn't always mean 4 or 5 stars, but at least 3.
But I am on a budget and do like a good bargain too, which is why I love Fodors, Priceline, and the Paradores in Spain. By doing some research and with some patience, I've been able to find some GREAT places at really good rates.
But I am on a budget and do like a good bargain too, which is why I love Fodors, Priceline, and the Paradores in Spain. By doing some research and with some patience, I've been able to find some GREAT places at really good rates.
Jun 6th, 2005, 05:19 PM
#52
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I'll second an earlier poster and acknowledge that the time spent in the room is significant in number of hours and important in its purpose.
I chuckle when I read that disclaimer. "We'll only be in the room to shower and sleep" implies that the activities of sleeping and bathing are easy to do, when if one can manage those activities to one's satisfaction at a price point one can afford, this is no small achievement. No "only" about it! This is particularly true in cities which are vibrant (read: noisy) and in which the hotels are often conversions from older buildings. Consider the oh-so-taken-for-granted shower. This board abounds with tales of people who managed to shower just about everything in the room except themselves - that is if they could fit under the shower nozzle in the first place....and heaven help you should drop the soap in some shower cubicles I've used, which were so tiny they would make a phone kiosk look like a ballroom. When I emerged battered but shining clean, it was a moment of triumph!
In terms of value for money, I think you get the best return on 2 or 3 star hotels. The majority of the hotels on the market fall in this range, and thus to the extent that competition ensures a good product, this range is where you'll find the most competition for your hotel buck. That said, I know that if all someone can afford to pay is X dollars a night, it is amazing how the list of 'must haves' shortens.
I chuckle when I read that disclaimer. "We'll only be in the room to shower and sleep" implies that the activities of sleeping and bathing are easy to do, when if one can manage those activities to one's satisfaction at a price point one can afford, this is no small achievement. No "only" about it! This is particularly true in cities which are vibrant (read: noisy) and in which the hotels are often conversions from older buildings. Consider the oh-so-taken-for-granted shower. This board abounds with tales of people who managed to shower just about everything in the room except themselves - that is if they could fit under the shower nozzle in the first place....and heaven help you should drop the soap in some shower cubicles I've used, which were so tiny they would make a phone kiosk look like a ballroom. When I emerged battered but shining clean, it was a moment of triumph!
In terms of value for money, I think you get the best return on 2 or 3 star hotels. The majority of the hotels on the market fall in this range, and thus to the extent that competition ensures a good product, this range is where you'll find the most competition for your hotel buck. That said, I know that if all someone can afford to pay is X dollars a night, it is amazing how the list of 'must haves' shortens.
Jun 6th, 2005, 05:43 PM
#53
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Given the experience we just had in Rome, never again will I budget for a hotel and use the "We'll only be in the room to shower and sleep." Next time I would rather not go somewhere until I can afford comfortable accomodations.
I still have jet lag but will write my trip report this week. The biggest disappointment was the B&B we stayed in Rome. It was a total dump!
I still have jet lag but will write my trip report this week. The biggest disappointment was the B&B we stayed in Rome. It was a total dump!
Jun 6th, 2005, 06:37 PM
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Wow - - only five hours old, and this thread has already attracted 50+ posts! Leave here for a few hours, and some posts sure go off on a tear! LOL...
I tried - - and I think that I never really succeeded - - on three different threads before our most recent trip, to get at the criteria that are/were important to me - - and this thread speaks to the heart of what I was trying to get at.
I very <u>much</u> care about the places I/we choose - - and for me, I have this notion of needing to marry the elusive quality of "really nice" with "really good bargain".
I'll spell this out in the trip report that I really am working on (honest!) - - and in general, I think we succeded, with a few qualifications. Four for four were excellent bargains (and of course, the overnight couchette train ride was an excellent bargain - - I couned it as a "freebie" since it cost 30 euro LESS than the viamichelin estimate of the tolls and fuel cost for Biarritz-Paris).
I think that the issue of location is one of the hardest to evaluate. Some places are universally agree to have an excellent location - - the aforementioned Albergo del Senato in Rome is a good example - - and there are numerous examples in Venice (Ala, Bonvecchiati, Rialto, and no doubt a lot of the really expensive places)...
...but I am also happy with a very <u>pretty</u> location well outside a city. We just recently stayed 40 miles outside Bilbao, for example, not far from the extraordinary Balkon de Euskadi - - in a beautiful, forested <i>casa rural</i>. I guess I am really in love with rural settings in Europe, even if/when we're going to head for a town to fill our day.
Even when I'm on a whirlwind, I'm seeking some of the same "feel" I strive to find on a "slowtrav" trip.
And I think I found success - - even with the newer "more expensive euro" - - that you can find all of what you want (with no bathrooms down the hall or other serious compromises), and stay on a budget...
...it helps to enjoy combing through hundreds of choices to find the ones that speak to <u>you</u>.
Best wishes,
Rex
I tried - - and I think that I never really succeeded - - on three different threads before our most recent trip, to get at the criteria that are/were important to me - - and this thread speaks to the heart of what I was trying to get at.
I very <u>much</u> care about the places I/we choose - - and for me, I have this notion of needing to marry the elusive quality of "really nice" with "really good bargain".
I'll spell this out in the trip report that I really am working on (honest!) - - and in general, I think we succeded, with a few qualifications. Four for four were excellent bargains (and of course, the overnight couchette train ride was an excellent bargain - - I couned it as a "freebie" since it cost 30 euro LESS than the viamichelin estimate of the tolls and fuel cost for Biarritz-Paris).
I think that the issue of location is one of the hardest to evaluate. Some places are universally agree to have an excellent location - - the aforementioned Albergo del Senato in Rome is a good example - - and there are numerous examples in Venice (Ala, Bonvecchiati, Rialto, and no doubt a lot of the really expensive places)...
...but I am also happy with a very <u>pretty</u> location well outside a city. We just recently stayed 40 miles outside Bilbao, for example, not far from the extraordinary Balkon de Euskadi - - in a beautiful, forested <i>casa rural</i>. I guess I am really in love with rural settings in Europe, even if/when we're going to head for a town to fill our day.
Even when I'm on a whirlwind, I'm seeking some of the same "feel" I strive to find on a "slowtrav" trip.
And I think I found success - - even with the newer "more expensive euro" - - that you can find all of what you want (with no bathrooms down the hall or other serious compromises), and stay on a budget...
...it helps to enjoy combing through hundreds of choices to find the ones that speak to <u>you</u>.
Best wishes,
Rex
Jun 6th, 2005, 06:49 PM
#56
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I'd love to say and really mean it about a room being merely a place to sleep/shower but.....some showers just trickle and some beds are not conducive to sleep.
I am definitely getting more spoiled as time goes on and will try to get the best within what I consider to be reasonable.
However my strategy when moving from city to city is to build from lesser to better. So if you scrimp do it at the beginning by the end luxe is really appreciated. In Vienna I stayed at an amazing place then moved to get a triple at a hotel w/ more stars that was not even close, it was miserable to go from plush to plain.
I am definitely getting more spoiled as time goes on and will try to get the best within what I consider to be reasonable.
However my strategy when moving from city to city is to build from lesser to better. So if you scrimp do it at the beginning by the end luxe is really appreciated. In Vienna I stayed at an amazing place then moved to get a triple at a hotel w/ more stars that was not even close, it was miserable to go from plush to plain.
Jun 6th, 2005, 07:01 PM
#57
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As travelling abroad 4-5 months every year, I am always looking for good bargains-from B&B to any stars.
My only must:
Centre location- easy access to public transport.
Ensuite.
Clean and quite (rather have a room facing back yard than by noisy street).
Don't need any view or amenities: such as TV, room service, mini-bar, spa, exercise room...etc.
My only must:
Centre location- easy access to public transport.
Ensuite.
Clean and quite (rather have a room facing back yard than by noisy street).
Don't need any view or amenities: such as TV, room service, mini-bar, spa, exercise room...etc.
Jun 6th, 2005, 08:22 PM
#58
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I would never stay at a hotel that the best thing I could say about it was "we'll only be in the room to shower and sleep..."
I live in a very nice home and see no need to lower my standards just because I'm on vacation! So that is my benchmark of what is acceptable: Is it as pleasant and comfortable as what I live in every day? Funny that depending on where in Europe I might be, it doesn' need to cost a king's ransom to keep me in the style to which I am accustomed!
All I really need is a firm bed with quality linens, no drab or dowdy decorations, nothing threadbare or tatty, an ensuite bathroom, reasonable access to public transportation if it's a city, and I'm happy.
My one upgrade in a hotel room--one that I never try to go without--is a mini-bar. I think it's great to have a cold drink or snack available whenever I feel like it. At home I have to walk downstairs to the fridge.
I live in a very nice home and see no need to lower my standards just because I'm on vacation! So that is my benchmark of what is acceptable: Is it as pleasant and comfortable as what I live in every day? Funny that depending on where in Europe I might be, it doesn' need to cost a king's ransom to keep me in the style to which I am accustomed!
All I really need is a firm bed with quality linens, no drab or dowdy decorations, nothing threadbare or tatty, an ensuite bathroom, reasonable access to public transportation if it's a city, and I'm happy.
My one upgrade in a hotel room--one that I never try to go without--is a mini-bar. I think it's great to have a cold drink or snack available whenever I feel like it. At home I have to walk downstairs to the fridge.
Jun 6th, 2005, 09:02 PM
#59
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I must be really, really lucky in my choices of budget hotels. Your stories of spring-expelling beds, threadbare linens and non-functional showers have me wondering if I should keep pushing that luck.
Surely I can't be the only one who's ever been pleasantly surprised by a simple hotel and disappointed in a more expensive one. Please, if there are any more of us out there, join in! I can't bear the bargain guilt alone!
Surely I can't be the only one who's ever been pleasantly surprised by a simple hotel and disappointed in a more expensive one. Please, if there are any more of us out there, join in! I can't bear the bargain guilt alone!
Jun 6th, 2005, 09:05 PM
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The #1 thing I look for in a hotel is cleanliness. If a hotel is dirty, this will totally ruin my mood and I start to feel negative about the whole area.
The #2 & #3 on my list are correlated. I try to find the best priced hotel (preferably economical) for the area I am staying in. Location is important to me, since I like to walk to as many major sights as possible. I figure this way I am saving money on transportation and time.
mv_rd:
do you mind me asking what B&B you stayed at in Rome and why it was so bad?
The #2 & #3 on my list are correlated. I try to find the best priced hotel (preferably economical) for the area I am staying in. Location is important to me, since I like to walk to as many major sights as possible. I figure this way I am saving money on transportation and time.
mv_rd:
do you mind me asking what B&B you stayed at in Rome and why it was so bad?
