INTERCONTINENTAL MALTA

From the outside, it looked like a nice hotel. Little I expected of what it was waiting for me. On arrival, we found the hotel was under refurbishment, at least, the reception. As we arrived pretty early, around 13.00 the rooms were not ready and we were kindly sent to the lounge to wait. Eventually, we were given our keys.

My room was ok, but my colleagues found theirs smelly and noisy. Apparently, there were city works going on outside, that made the stay in the room impossible. But this is not a comfortable hotel. It has the rooms and consequently, the lifts, on the other side of the huge building, so you spend your stay walking... (Ok, a little exaggeration there... but it is true I wondered why there was no entry from the other road).

The cleanliness was ok, but rather tight-fisted. Normally, when you use the soap, you get a replacement, either leaving the used one where it was or putting it back to its place. Over here, they didn't even bother. It is one of those little details without relevance, but... it does not give a nice image.

In my room, the toilet flush had a leak; fortunately, it was from the tank into the toilet... not afterwards. But it meant that my clothes got wet as I was pushing the flush... It was a matter of learning how to do it properly. Breakfast... lots of things... but little appealing. The juice out of a brick and tasteless. The pineapple was brown and the rest in syrup. Thank god I found rye bread. The omelet was nice, but not the rest of the hot meals. Cheese was nice, but the cakes were mostly hard. The chocolate for the cakes was horrendous and the crepes hard. Yogurt, so, so. Coffee... disgusting, and if you wanted espresso, you had to pay for it. I really hate this mean charge, especially in a 5-star hotel.

Internet with conditions... "Please check if your room has full signal or not"... Do you tell me they don't know? What kind of management is in the hotel that doesn't know the hotel that well? In my room, there was full signal, but the wifi didn't work. I complained and the solution was to use the broadband. Difference was that whereas the wifi 24 hour scheme was for 24 hour usage, broadband, was for 24 hour from first use. So in the end, I decided to go for broadband, but the cable didn't go either. The girl behind the phone told me to plug the grey cable... Which gray cable? I only have black cables. So she told me initially there was no cable, then the cable appeared... and the guy who came to my room to give me the cable told me that the black ones, "don't tend to work"... So why are they there? At the same time, I complained about the air-conditioned. I was scorching hot, and the guy told me that he thought the aircon didn't work, so he called his colleague... who confirmed it. So he suggested opening the window.

Noise started again at 7am. Luckily, I had to wake up at that time, so this was not a problem for me, but... had I wanted to rest, I would be extremely annoyed. At check out, they wanted to charge for me for wifi and broadband... Explanations were needed and in the end, I only had to pay for broadband. Price for it was exorbitant: 19 euro. Day light robbery. It is amazing how some hotels offer it for free, and others make so much money rather than giving a service to the customers. It tells a lot about the hotel policy.

INTERCONTINENTAL MALTA
ST GEORGES BAY
ST. JULIANS, STJ 3310
MALTA
Reservations: 900 983 177
Hotel Reception: 356-21-377600
Fax: 356-21-372222
Email: malta@intercontinental.com.mt

HOTEL AFRICA EL MOURADI

I was always told that the El Mouradi Africa was the best hotel in Tunis. And it may have been... 10 years ago. The 5 star hotel lacks what a real 5-star hotel can boast of: service. Reception staff are rather basic. Not that welcoming, probably due to the area character more than lack of training. It all starts in reception. The lighting is way old fashioned. The lifts have rather small doors and seem to go the way they want. I wonder if the would be able to cater for a wheel chair. The rooms seem abandoned to time. They are clean...ish. But very basic for this rating. One of the unbearable things for me was the air conditioned, that, once you left the room, started working even if it was off, so at you return, the room was... extremely hot. If you think that I am joking, look at the thermometer in my room one night. It was thanks to the fact that the window could be opened that I managed to get the temperature down. The views from the 18th floor where I was staying were good. The room had two small beds, even though I had asked for a big bed. As you can imagine, the cover and the blanket needed to be taken off... The bathroom was old fashioned, decorated in Arabic style, and could have been cleaner. Long hairs could be found in the bath, sink... which clearly were not mine. Even a little spider...

Breakfast was generous, but most things were repeated. Fruit was not fresh apart from the odd thing that didn't look that fresh. Plenty of bread and Tunisian cakes. There was a cook waiting for your order of eggs, or crêpes. There was also some typical fried pastry, but in the end, hardly anything to eat. Cheese seemed really dry. Pain au chocolate was... ok... Coffee, horrendous. Not really my cup of tea...

Internet was ridiculous. It did not open many websites, which in the end, it was frustrating. 10 Euro for the use for 24 hours... I had to go down to reception and tell the guys there that it was not working. Initially, it was due to some problem in the building, which then turned out to be that it was a general problem with internet in the country... and of course, I said that in this condition, I could not accept the service. So I was promised I would not be charged for it and was sent to the room to give them the password back. Surprisingly enough, the following day, the bill contemplated Internet used which I refused to pay, and eventually, got deducted from my bill.

God, was I happy to leave the hotel !!!

HOTEL AFRICA EL MOURADI

50, avenue Habib Bourguiba-B.P.73 ,

1001, Tunis Ville,

Tunisia

Téléphone : + 216 71 34 74 77

Fax : + 216 71 34 74 32Site

Web : http://www.elmouradi.com/

Email : info.africa@elmouradi.com

HOTEL ZENIT SEVILLA

Zenit is a Spanish hotel chain that so far, is surprising me quite a lot. In Madrid, I have stayed in the Abeba, which was fairly good. In Barcelona, I stayed in Conde de Borrell; good, but not so happy with the breakfast. But I am here to talk about the Zenit Sevilla. It is located in the traditional district of Triana, well known for restaurants and fiesta. In fact, someone told me to avoid Triana if I wanted to sleep. Far from my reality. I got there, and the hotel was rather strange. You had to enter through a tunnel to an inside patio that gave you access to the main entrance. The staff at the desk were very nice. In fact, I asked for a big room, as I was staying there for a few days, and they gave me a bigger one. (My experience is that rooms in this hotels, tend to be rather small). The lift took us to the 4th (and last) floor. The corridor took me back to the medieval times. Really old fashioned furniture, lighting, decor in general. The room was at the end of the corridor. It was big all right. But again, more like a pseudo medieval castle than a 21st century hotel. The room had a little living room with a rather uncomfortable sofa.
The beds were comfortable, maybe too many layers, as Seville is never that cold. But as I always say, it is better to have too many and get them off than not to have enough. In terms of noise... I have to say it was really quiet. The first night someone rang on the telephone mistaken for another room, but appart from that, nothing else. Cleanliness is perfect.

The bathroom was fairly well equipped. The crisis has reduced considerable the little goodies the hotel used to offer.

TV Channels were not scarse. However, for foreigners, there weren't that many. TV was the old huge type, not a flat screen... And it was not that good placed to watch it from the bed. An important point for me is that WIFI is free of charge, so if you bring your laptop with you, you can surf the net as long as you want.

Breakfast was ok. Some fresh fruit, cereals, some cold meat, bread for toast... And only the last day, I was given some squashed tomato sauce and omelette. I was very disappointed about this. Also, the coffee was horrendous (not only in the hotel, but the whole city). I asked for some expresso and they told me the cafeteria was not open until 11, hence, the coffee machine was still not on. Good excuse.

The hotel was far from the buzz from the Cathedral side Sta. Cruz district, but well situated for some Triana restaurants... and just a few minutes walk from Sta. Cruz district... It all depends on what your plans are... but this hotel is, without any special expectation, a good hotel, specially for families and business people.

Zenit Sevilla

Pagés del Corro, 90

41010 Sevilla (España)

Tlf.+34 95 434 74 34

Fax+34 95 434 27 07

E-mail:sevilla@zenithoteles.com

RAMADA HOTEL SEOUL

According to its web, the Ramada Hotel Seoul was renovated in February 2004, although the bellboy who brought my suitcase to the room, told me the room had been recently refurbished, so... everything was new.

The hotel is in the heart of Kangnam business area, Samsung-dong, within a short walk of COEX. Location is good for business, but far away from the city centre. It is close, however, to a main road where there are plenty of shops...

My first experience was not positive. I arrived at 2.30 pm, and was told the room was STILL not ready. But they sent me to the Executive Room to have a complementary drink and some nibbles... which made my wait really short and bearable.

Staff was extremely helpful and all spoke good English. If you go to Seoul and you need to get a taxi, you need to have as much information in the local language as possible. So the extremely helpful lady in the Executive Room wrote for me the addresses I needed to visit for work.

I wanted to be adventurous and catch the Underground, but I though that with so little people speaking English, and the underground being a bit confusing to get to, (7 minute walk from Seolleung Station, Subway Line 2 or 10 minute walk from Gangnam-gu Office Station, Subway Line 7) I would probably have some problems... So opted for taxi.

The bellboy told me the room had been recently renovated, therefore everything was new. The bed was comfortable, flat TV, the bathroom well equipped. Big towels, soaps, tissues, complementary water... Even the reservation I had included free broadband Internet connection. The room was really quiet, despite the fact that there were construction works just opposite the hotel. It even had a PC available in the room, so you need not take your laptop... (but I used my own...), specially having no mobile phone. The band used in the country is still not compatible with our system...

Like with many hotels in Seoul, the Ramada has a Limousine KAL Bus shuttle (3B) that takes you from the Airport to the hotel in about 75 minutes, and drops you just outside the hotel. It costs 14000 one way and on the way back to the airport, you can get it in the same place, although it takes you to the Intercontinental hotels (COEX) prior to heading to the airport.

I would go back, without any doubt.

RAMADA HOTEL SEOUL
112-5 Samsung-dong,
Kangnam-ku,
135-090 Seoul,
South Korea
Tel: 82-2-6202-2000 Fax: 82-2-6202-2001

CARLTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

It is clearly a no-way-they-are-going-to-see-me-again-there hotel. Was I glad to get away!!!

A stop over in Singapore, with Singapore Airlines took me to this Carlton Hotel, in the Raffles area of the city. The first thing is that is undergoing expansion works, therefore, there was no reception in the ground floor. Staff were waiting for you in the entrance to take you to the provisional Reception Desk on the 6th floor... This was the beginning of the nightmare. The concierge took control of my luggage, while I got to reception. I was promised it would be sent to my room later.

Reception staff was hardly helpful. In fact, after 3 weeks in Asia, where by politeness, everyone says yes to anything that comes out of your mouth, staff here, were the "NO" Type. They put me in a twin room. I asked to get a big bed instead. No... Hotel is full... As if... The conversations were as if I was talking to trainees. They were all extremely young, I suppose cheaper to pay and there was no one who seemed to be the senior.

I asked if they could add points to my frequent flyer card, as advertised in a panel in the reception. No, the booking has been done via a travel agent

They told me that breakfast was not included... When my reservation clearly stated the price included breakfast... "No... reservation is done without breakfast".

I was given the key and sent to the 11th floor. But my key didn't work, so back to the 6th floor to get it fixed. New key given and back to the 11th. This time, I was lucky. It worked. My room was 1116, next to the lifts, so the "Cliiiiiing" of the lift arriving was noticeable all the time. My room, was facing the works, therefore, it was noisy, as the windows, clearly were not properly isolated. In fact, you could even get the noise of the planes taking off...

As my suitcase didn't arrive, I decided to go to get something to eat. On my return, about 1 hour and a half later, my suitcase was STILL NOT THERE... I had to call the concierge to ask for it...

The room was rather basic. The carpet looked really old, slightly dirty, and there were no sleepers available, so, I was a bit concerned to walk barefooted. Asia tends to offer complementary water... Over here, not even a "mirage" of it.

I had a shower and when going to get dry, noticed that the towels were unpleasantly stinking, as if they had been washed with dirty water and got dry. That made me go and complain, yet again.

They key kept not working, which made me quite worked up about it, having to go to reception to complain and complain. In the end, they came to my room with me "to show me I didn't know how to use a magnetic key". It worked for them...

The cleaner came in the morning, asking me if she could come in and do the room. I told her I was leaving that afternoon, and she said... "It's ok; I can do it for you, if you want". I said... help yourself. Strange... Nothing to complain about... (1st thing).

If you wanted to stay in, you had an old TV with some TV stations, most of them Chinese and the odd one European and English speaking. Unlike most hotels, if you wanted to see a movie, there was no free movie channel (HBO, Star, AXN...) that normally are available. Over in the "generous" (not) Carlton, you had to pay to watch a movie. Not even MTV or similar was available.

From the window, I could see the swimming pool and its floor was way far from being clean...

The worst part of it is that it wasn't cheap and I was staying there on a Stop-over from Singapore Airlines. Clearly, this airline would really have to reconsider whether to allow this hotel to be somehow related to them. Very poor image they are giving. Maybe it is also a sign that Singapore Airlines could be changing?

CARLTON HOTEL SINGAPORE

76 Bras Basah Road

189558 - Singapore

Tel: +65 6338-8333

SHERATON TAIPEI

The Sheraton Taipei is a very good 5 star hotel. Welcome is extremely friendly and efficient. Rooms spacious. There are up to 9 restaurants (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French...) to choose from. Although breakfast buffet has wide choice, but oriented mainly to the Asian...

Location is good. Only 5 minutes walk from Central Station, where you can get the Taiwanese High Speed train. And... if you don'r feel like walking you can get the MRT to the station... o to the 101 proximity... The station is... just there.

While the corridors are rather dimmed, the rooms are very tastefully decorated. Flat TV in the room, (my reservation included free broadband), a very comfortable bed, little livingroom, comlementary water and fruit in the room... The bathroom included all sorts of bits and bobs... Funnily, the bathroom was very modern decorated, whereas the room was a bit more classic.

I requested an early call in the morning... and they were on time. I hate when the call me 10 minutes earlier than what I say. As I say... staff really efficient and helpful.

I recommend this hotel, without any doubt.

SHERATON TAIPEI HOTEL
No.12, Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec.1,
Taipei 100,
Taiwan, Republic of China
Email: sheraton@sheraton-taipei.com
Tel +886-2-23215511
Fax +886-2-23944240

LE MERIDIEN, IN NEW DELHI

I have always been uneasy with Le Meridien. I have been in a few and there are always details that let you down. Fortunately, my experience in Delhi was very positive. It even had a swimming pool, that is very unusual and I didn't have the chance to try it...

First of all, as in good hotels in India, you need to get through a security control. If you arrive on a taxi, private car or even, the hotel shuttle from the airport, your vehicle is inspected at the gate. You reach the entrance and your luggage and bags are scanned. At the end of the day, security should always be an issue and you should not complain about it.

Reception staff, extremely nice. I really appreciate all the information they gave me, and of course, the fact that I was given a non-smoking room and a king-size bed. (I hate little beds against the wall).

The room was quite cosy. Enough space for the bed, the worktable and the little lounge area. Bathroom was good. At least, for me. I have to say that I love showers and I am not so keen on baths... so I suppose that those looking for a bath would not be so happy. Of course, the bathroom was full of little bits and bobs usual in this type of hotels.

Two complementary bottles of water are offered, something that you appreciate as water... would probably give you tummy problems... or not. But I am not going to take the risk. Also, a bowl with fruit, also, complementary.

The bed was comfortable, although, I was a bit hot in the room. It had air-conditioned but I don't like to sleep with it. But everything, bearable.

A flat TV with zillions of channels to choose from. Of course, I appreciated the availability of TVE. Also, a few Movie channels in English.

Breakfast was offered in the ground floor, in the ONE restaurant. It is a buffet with plenty of food to chose from, from Indian, to continental and, of course, fried eggs, omelettes... are done freshly on sight. Espresso coffee had additional charge..., which I thought it was a bit mean... but of course, that is their choice. For one person, they have a long table where they sat us. It was a good chance to talk to people from different nationalities as well as local. It also gives you the chance to see how other nationalities behave.

The building was over 25 years, but it may have been refurbished recently, as you would think it was recently opened. Very modern, and an impressive look of the panoramic lifts of the inside of the hotel.

LE MERIDIEN NEW DELHI
Windsor Place
New Delhi,
India
Phone: +91 (11) 23710101

HOLIDAY INN SANDTON RIVONIA ROAD

It's a new hotel in the Sandton Area, within walking dstance from Mandela Square and just opposite a small shopping mall full with restaurants too. The hotel has pleasant staff that always asks you how you are, but they are not very good with resolving matters.Check in is at 2pm, so those arriving early in the morning (normal for European flights) have to wait until the rooms are done. In Africa, time seems to go so slow... which is no good for westerners, which it makes you crazy and impotent. Customer service seems to have disappeared. Apparently, you can ask for a reservation to have the room ready at that time, but that is something that travel agents back home may not know. In the meantime, the shopping mall opposite offers some food and drinks that make the wait more pleasant. Of course, you can also use the hotel facilities, but my principles didn't allow me.Finally, when you reach your room, I have to say the room was big, comfortable bed, big bathroom too. I missed a nice shower, though.

When you returned in the evening, the room was extremely hot. As you need to take the card off the electricity activator as you leave the room, aircon doesn’t work, so... It feels a bit uncomfortable. And I visited in September, still winter in the area, so I wonder how it will be when summertime arrives...

Breakfast is good. Cereals, fresh fruit and in syrup (that coincides with that fresh one and one cannot think other than it was the previous day's re utilised) cheese, bacon, sausages, and a cook that will make a nice omelette or fried eggs for you. Filter coffee. If you want espresso, you need to pay for it. Toast, you need to ask, because the waiters will not ask you whether you want some.

Checking out is also complicated. Slow, understaffed and the ones in charge, with little knowledge of what they need to do, as they disappear behind the door behind the counter constantly... But they are nice.

Mixed opinions about the hotel, but will give it a pass.

HOLIDAY INN SANDTON RIVONIA ROAD
123 Rivonia Road,
Sandton, 2146
SOUTHAFRICA

MERCURE MONT SAINT MICHEL

The Mercure Mont St. Michel Hotel is, as you can tell from its name, near the Mont St Michel, in Brittany or Normandy... I believe it is just in the limit between both. Of course, if you are in the region, it is a must to visit the Abbey. Some people prefer to stay over in the mount, but hotels tend to be rather more pricy. When you see that Mercure has a hotel in the area (not in the mount, but just across the water, then you say... Fantastic!

But fantasy finishes there. The hotel is, however, rather basic for similar Mercure hotels. It's ok but lacks little details... It's clean; it's spacious... but... I don't know... It is not a Mercure. Bathroom is really small. A single bottle of soap and shampoo and little towels!!! We were given a double bedroom in the Annex building, which one thinks it will be more modern. There was no lift to it... so, luggage needed to be pulled upstairs... Thank god the room was quiet and the bed comfy.

The car park is free, strange for this type of hotels, especially in a tourist area. Prices of the minibar, I am not sure, but I guess they were expensive. Just opposite, you can find a supermarket open till 20.00 if I remember well, that has a wide offer, for a fraction of the price... Also, restaurants are available around the hotel, but I guess they will all be as good or as bad as each other.

Breakfast is about 8.50 for a buffet breakfast in the restaurant. Not bad breakfast, but... not excellent.

Overall, the stay was good. Nothing exciting but fine. Nothing to complain about, but nothing to boast about... one of those stays that leaves you... indifferent.

However, if you stay there, there is a must. Walk from the hotel to the abbey at dusk. Beautiful.

MERCURE MONT SAINT MICHEL

Route du Mont Saint Michel BP 8
50170 LE MONT SAINT MICHEL
FRANCETel : (+33) 2/33601418 -
Fax : (+33)2/33603928 -

PREMIERE CLASSE, CHEAP FRANCE, BUT... WHY MORE?

The Premiére Classe network is very extended in France. They are extremely basic hotels for up to 3 people, (double bed + 1 bunk bed) and a basic buffet for 4.50 Euro, as an extra if you want it. More basic, it can't be. They are normally hotels out of the centre, in industrial estates or shopping areas, but always within easy reach from the motorways. And they are all the same, so, no surprises... well, sometimes there are little ones. It seems it is a structure they can take anywhere... so you are not fooled by the pictures. That's that. They are ideal if you are travelling around and you want to avoid getting in the city centre... As you can see from the picture, where can you sleep for 43 Euro? Not many places... If you book it in advance, you may even get it cheaper... Sometimes, there will be no receptionist... so... you go the the check in machine,... and you check yourself in...

Please note that rooms have their one TINY sink, toilet and shower, soap is provided, TV (mainly French channels and if you are lucky, you can get some international channels, but that must be when you have been extraordinarily good boy)... some have air-conditioning and normally, WI-FI is free of charge in the rooms. Also, free car parking. However, don't expect a lift... there isn't one, so if you are sleeping on the second floor... just think that you will have to do some exercise to go to bed...

Not many frills... but at the end of the day, it has a comfortable bed, it's clean... and you only go there... to sleep after all.

PREMIERE CLASS HOTELS.

Check the one near you...

SHERATON ZAGREB

Sheraton Zagreb is a new hotel in the old part of the city. Well communicated, it lies next to a shopping mall and at short walking distance from the main square and the old town.

It is new, and if you get there with the starwood card, they put you on a special floor.

The room was spacious, the bed comfortable, free Internet, something that I also value. Bathroom was spacious too. The shower was really good. Also the soaps smelt well. I have to say I am a bit particular with smells, and certain soaps are... ARG!!!

Breakfast was good... One day the fruit was a bit... unripe, but the rest of the days, it was good. Wide selection of fruit... CHEESE... of course, omelletes or fried eggs, cakes,... nutella (I couldn't help a serving... or two) and nice bread... :=)

The hall was also quite big, which allows enough space for meetings.

The negative part was the staff. I am sorry, but I was not treated properly. Check in desk staff were quite unpreasant, straight to the point, with little time for you. You felt like you were one tin of lentils in the supermarket cash desk, after the lettuce and before the coke... Also, room service was a bit... sloppy. Called for dinner... and had to call back after an hour, because no dinner came... and they told me that the change of shift was the problem... Unnaceptable.

I think Sheraton should really look into these type of attitudes, that really make you choose this hotel or another one.


SHERATON ZAGREB
Kneza Borne 2
Zagreb 10000
Croatia
Phone: +385 (1) 455 3535
Fax: +385 (1) 455 3035

THE WESTIN GRANDE SUKHUMVIT IN BANGKOK

It may be one of the nicest hotels I hve visited recently. The Westin Grande had a very cosy room, nice bed, (maybe too many layers of sheets, but something needs to be subject of complaint...) very well furnised bathroom (loved the shower), nice choice of food for breakfast (lovely banana cake) ... What else can one ask for? And I was in a standard room. I can't imagine what an Executive Deluxe room could offer the guest. The decor was actually quite modern and made you feel at home.

Staff? Well, if you know Thai people, you will know that they are wellknown for their kindness and willing to help all the time.

Negative things? Well, from the street, you needed to get a lift to the 7th floor to get to the Hall and then, another lift to get to rooms. Also, Internet connection was not free... You would expect that for that amount of money, it could be inclusive.

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok
259 Sukhumvit
Bangkok
Thailand
Phone: +66 2207 8000

LE MERIDIEN KING EDWARD IN TORONTO

Le Méridien King Edward is said to have received guests for over 100 years. Its situation in the heart of the financial district, downtown Toronto, is ideal for business meetings in the city. It is a rather large hotel with 298 guest rooms. However, from a European perspective, this hotel is far from being modern or oriented for Europeans. The staff is nice but that is as far as it goes. You are charged for everything. Internet is available, somehow free if you manage to get your wifi to read a signal... but very unstable. The room I was in certainly was spacious... but the furniture was rather old-fashioned. The bed was comfortable but the bathroom was very basic. Thank God I was having a shower at an early hour, (due to my jetlag) but had the people in the offices opposite been working, they would have had a look at my whole naked body. The net curtain that supposedly hid the inside was extremely thin... They claim to be a modern hotel but I have to say, that either they have not visited their competition in other countries or they don't know what modern tendencies are. For me, it was an experience that made me go back 20 years.

Breakfast: Well, that was another surprise. I do travel a lot and get to stay over in many hotels, where a buffet breakfast is offered. In this hotel, you had a menu and you had to choose from something you didn't even know what would look like. Eggs Benedict were good, I have to say. But breakfast was rather... weak.

The Concierge was extremely helpful and the reception people either spoke Spanish to us or just attempted to do so, which is always something to thank for. Not so pleasant staff in the breakfast room. I have to say, in the hotel's defence that they prepared a nice packed breakfast for us to take, as we were leaving rather early in the morning. I think that was even better than the one in the restaurant, I have to admit.

LE MÉRIDIEN KING EDWARD

37 King Street East

Toronto, Ontario M5C

Canada

Tel: +1 (416) 863-9700

HOTEL CORINTHIA, IN LISBON

The Corinthia Lisboa Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel. Staff is always friendly and helpful, even more if you mutter a couple of Portuguese words. The rooms, in my experience, are spacious and had a comfortable bed. As you can see from the picture, I got lost in such a big bed. (It was actually two beds put together, so... if I ended up in the middle, which usually happened, I could feel the borders of both beds. Still, moving to one side, it was a perfect bed. Also, a selection of pillows to adapt more to your needs was appreciated.

The breakfast, for me, is essential. And The Corinthia can boast to be one that has a wide range of food to offer. Fruit, cereals, cold meat, cheese, dry fruits, pastry, juices (that could improve, certainly) kitchen to have fresh fried eggs, omelettes, crêpes... you name it, and it's bound to be on offer. It even has a corner for those who look after their shape, with "light" products.

Some people say it is far away from the centre. True. It is not central, but, in my case, I need to be close to the motorway as I am going there for business and need to get out of the city fast. The ring road is barely 5 minutes away. If you do want to go to the city centre, you can always get the underground, which is just 100mts away, and it takes you directly to the Chiado. Lisbon International Airport is just 7 Km from the Corinthia, which is also another good point if you are flying back home.

There are 518 guestrooms, including double, single, twin, executive double, Club room, Executive Superior and suite.

But I also have to say that I am not very happy with the cost of the car park. The surrounding area is rather difficult to park, as there isn't much space for parking: 18 Euro per night. Also, the cost of internet connection in your room: another 18 Euro. Apparently in the hall, it is free of charge, but if you need to do some work, get some papers and so, the place is not prepared for that, therefore, I prefer to do it in the room. It is a 5 star hotel and, as such, extra services have 5 star price too, which, in my opinion, are not acceptable.
Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended hotel.

CORINTHIA HOTEL LISBON
Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 105,


Lisbon 1099-031,


PORTUGAL

T: +351 21 7236363


F: +351 21 7236364


E: lisboa@corinthia.pt

STARHOTEL BUSINESS PALACE - A DECENT HOTEL IN MILAN, AT LAST!!!

Sleeping in Milan was a nightmare up to now. Really old hotels, not renovated, somehow difficult to access the rooms, noisy, far too expensive for what you got, getting away from that exclusive Italian Image that the city boast of. However, this has changes after my latest trip there. I stayed over in the Starhotel Business Palace. Not the best hotel I have stayed, but much better from what I was used to in Italy. It's a 4 star hotel that gets closer to the real meaning of a 4 star rating. A bit far away, true... (only two metro stops from the end of the yellow metro line in the south) but just round the corner from the station. I visited the exhibition, and the trip took around 50 minutes, with exchange in Duomo less than halfway through.

The Starhotel Business Palace has 246 rooms. Spacious, clean rooms, good service, friendly personnel and a fairly good variety in buffet breakfast. You even have a selection of pillows to choose from.

Drawback: Apart from the distance to the centre, I would like to comment on the very expensive Internet access, (22 euros per day or 10 euros per hour!). I still don't know why the cost of it is so exorbitant... Especially when the rooms are also a bit high on price.

STARHOTEL BUSINESS PALACE
Via Gaggia, 3
20139 - Milano
ITALY

T: +39 02 53545
F: +39 02 57307550
business.mi@starhotels.it

ZENIT ABEBA - MADRID

The Zenit Abeba, in the Salamanca residential district is one of those hotels where you will stay overnight and remember it quite positively. It is a no frills 4 star hotel. Rooms are clean, with wooden floor that make them quite comfortable. Somre rooms are extremely small. Other are big. Same happens with the toilet.

All rooms have free wifi (very rare among hotels of similar status to offer it for free). Toiletries are also supplied. The hotel has a carpark, where you need to pay and it is not cheap. Also, ig your luggage is heavy, bear in mind that if you park your car in the carpark, you will need to get the luggage up the stairs from the garage to reception. There is no lift to the carpark!!! But then again, you are in a quiet and high class neighbourhood. Starbucks, for those lovers of the American Franchise will have one just round the corner.

The hotel is handy if you are getting up early to go to Barajas airport, the Exhibition centre (IFEMA) or to travel towards Zaragoza or Barcelona on the A2. The city centre is a bit far away on foot, but just outside the hotel, within 20 sencond walk, you have the Underground entry, where you can choose from 4 lines to move any way in the city.

But for me, the best thing about the hotel is breakfast. A wide choice of pastries, churros, porras, fruite, yogurts, juices, even diet food, or Spanish omelet, cold meat, cheese... You will definitely forget about eating along the morning... Your stomach will be pleased after visiting the breakfast room.

Staff are always very helpful and nice to you.

ZENIT ABEBA Alcántara, 63
Madrid - 28006 Madrid (España)
Tlf.+34 91 401 16 50
Fax+34 91 402 75 91
E-mail:abeba@zenithoteles.com

HOTEL DOÑA CARLOTA - CIUDAD REAL

Doña Carlota Hotel could be considered as one of the best in the Castilian city of Ciudad Real. Doña Carlota Hotel could be considered as one of the best in the Castilian city of Ciudad Real. The city is well located on the High Speed line to Seville, and its size makes the hotel quite handy. It is within the University area. The modern façade welcomes and gives you the first impression of "Uff. I didn't make a mistake when booking it". However, the first impression stops there. The reception is rather bland and old fashioned. When asked about WIFI, they tell you it's 1 Euro per hour, which, I must say, it is rather cheap considering the fees around the world in hotels. But if you don't have a computer, you need to go... not to the Business Centre, but... the Cafeteria. Strange location!

The corridors are spartan and are without lights, waiting for the hosts to get in and automatically light them on. When you get to the room the first thought is: "Oh my God!” Where am I? Is it a 21st Century Hotel or one of those Don Quixote’s Inns?

The bathroom has really old ware, and also offers some soap, which in my case, had been open and used previously.

Breakfast was... poor in choice, but rather traditional. The "pain au chocolat" where immense and very good. Coffee was, on the contrary, rather bad. A choice of cheese, and garlic sausage, as well as minced tomato sauce, which I really liked on top of a toast. Yogurts ... doubtful! Orange juice... out of a bottle.
Doña Carlota Hotel, a 4 star hotel that should be reclassified. Staff was neither nice nor nasty. They were, basically. Foreigners may have problems, as receptionists’ knowledge of English is limited. Its 161 have air conditioning, satellite T.V. I am sorry, but if I have the choice, I would try to go to my favourite NH, which in the city is only a 3 star, but, so far, NH Hotels have not let me down so far.

Hotel Doña Carlota.
Ronda de Toledo
13003 Cuidad Real (Spain)
Tel: 926 23 16 10
Fax: 926 23 16 10

A JUMBO JET TURNED INTO A HOSTEL, IN STOCKHOLM ARLANDA

This is the first time I talk about a hotel I have never been... but I saw it and I couldn't help making a short article. The Jumbo Hostel is at Stockholm-Arlanda airport entrance and offers you an unforgetable experience. At least, it would be for me: To spend the night on board a genuine jumbo jet transformed into a hostel. Ok, you won't be flying, as the plane is retired from flying, but still, it would be worth it.

The Jumbo Hostel has a total of 72 rooms, divided into two- and three-person rooms and dormitories as well as a cockpit suite at the upper level of the plane.

In the café you can buy breakfast, take a coffee break and buy basic meals. It will also be possible to microwave food you have brought along. Which other hotel would allow you to do so?

Additionally, you can visit the Jumbo Hostel, even if you don’t spend the night. It even has a museum, so it becomes more than just a hotel...

Pricewise, it seems to be rather economical, for Sweden, I suppose... :=)

JUMBO HOSTEL

Jumbovägen 4

SE-190 47 Stockholm Arlanda

SWEDEN

Phone +46 (0)8-593 604 00

Fax +46 (0)8-593 604 11

E-mail reservation: booking@jumbohostel.com

GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME - CASTELLDEFELS (BARCELONA)

The most fashionable word nowadays is "CRISIS". You would expect that now, requirement for hotels has reduced, but, despite what they say, you still find it difficult to get a hotel in certain places. Barcelona, when there is a convention, getting a place to sleep seems to be extremely expensive. Hotels increase prices to limits that no sane person would normally pay... but, if there is a convention or an exhibition, you will find it difficult.

That is why, sometimes it is worth it to look in the outskirts. This would mean, normally, that you need a car to get to your final destination relatively easy.

In this situation, we can find the Gran Hotel Rey Don Jaime, a 4-star hotel in Castelldefels, in the outskirts of Barcelona (on the way to Sitges, 20 minutes from Barcelona and 10 minutes from El Prat airport). It is more economical than those you find in the city, but a car is essential, due to its location. It is far from the railway, far from the town, on top of the hill... far from... everywhere. Carpark is large and free of charge. The hotel was built in 1950, last reformed in 2008 and you would never think the hotel was nearly 60 years old. It looks really modern inside.

It is, however, a rather strange hotel. You access to it from the street level and, in my case, I had to go two floors down to my room. Rather strange... Don't you think?

The rooms are correct (220 all together). A big bed (and very comfy)with zillions of pillows is waiting for you. Ok, I exaggerated. 4 pillows only. Normally is quiet (there is nothing around that could be noisy... at the end of the day, you are on top of a hill, out in the countryside). Sleeping is easy. Still, if you want to use the TV, there are a few channels, but then you notice that they are pay TV... so, in the end, the choice is really reduced.

The bathroom is well equipped with soaps and other accessories. It is always good to get these things if you are coming just to stay overnight...

Breakfast is good... Could be better, as usual, but I think it is ok. Problem!!! The coffee comes out from a dispenser machine and it is really awful. Juices... so so. But there is plenty of food in the buffet to choose from. I am sure that you will not be hungry when you get out of it.

You should not miss the swimming pool either.

Staff are nice... when you get hold of them. Reception is open 24 hours but breakfast is very poorly served by staff.

Personally, I would opt for a different hotel in Barcelona, but as an emergency, and taking into consideration all these points, it is a nice place to stay... Don't expect a lively nightlife... There isn't any.

GRAN HOTEL REY DON JAIME

Avenida del Hotel,

22 08860 CASTELLDEFELS Barcelona (Spain)

Tel.: 936 651 300

Fax. 936 645 151

donjaime@grup-soteras.com

It is a SERCOTEL hotel.

HOLIDAY INN RESORT NICE - PORT ST. LAURENT

Hotels normally have grand names. Sometimes, experience tells you the name lives to reality, some others, its wishful thinking.

The Holiday Inn Resort Nice is more... tsecond option. It is close to the airport, which is convenient if you arrive late... Well, sort of. Taxis don't want to take you there because it's literally, round the corner... But you can't go there on foot. There are "navettes" (shuttle buses) that take you there... When they work, of course. If you arrive late, you end up stuck in the airport, without a "navette", as they don't work after certain hour, and no taxis wanting to take you there. Well, that's service for you.

When you get there, the reception staff are friendly and tell you all you need. You get to the room, and then your "adventure" continues. The rooms are spacious, but furnished with old times items, in desperate need of renovation. It is just an old 3-star hotel.

Bathroom and toilet are separated, which is always good if you are sharing. Bathroom kit is a bit scarce. A little hand soap and some moisteriser. For the shower, there is a soap dispenser. It smells pleasant, by the way.

Bed is big and comfortable. It is a shame the room was freezing cold and there was a draft. The windows, even with the curtains drawn, allowed a lot of cold and air to come inside.
My remote control for the TV didn't work. I was so tired that I didn't need it. But had I needed a little bit of entertainment, I would have been a bit annoyed.

Morning breakfast was a buffet... A few cold meats and cheese, yogourt, toast (that I accompanied with Nutella, my favourite) and pain au chocolait. The hot food was not that interesting... Scrambled eggs (soup version), a bland omelette, roasted tomatoes... And not much more.

Juice and cereals too. Coffee was horrendous and staff was rather slow... And the worst of it was that they only needed to pour the coffee.

I was not impressed by the hotel. I have to say that everytime they offer me a Holiday Inn, whether it is Express or the standard one, I am not very happy. I don't like them. I guess in the past they were nice hotels but now they seem abandoned.

If you have another hotel in the area to choose from, go for it. The Holiday Inn should be the last choice.


HOLIDAY INN RESORT NICE-PORT ST. LAURENT
167 PROMENADE DES FLOTS BLEUS
SAINT LAURENT DU VAR, 06700
FRANCE
Telephone: +33-4-93148000

SOFITEL CITY CENTRE DUBAI

Sofitel is a good hotel. When you stay over in one, you are staying in all, as they all have the same features. However, the Sofitel hotel in Dubai is in deep need for renovation. Its 361 rooms are old, and the typical Arab lack of maintenance shows that many years have passed since it was refurbished. It clearly gets away from the idea of a 5 star hotel, making it more like a 4 star one.

The hotel location is excellent. Only 10min from airport, and offers a free shuttle bus service. Once you finish work, the hotel offers you bars and restaurants, but the best thing is that is attached to the City Centre Shopping Mall, were you can walk, shop, eat, drink, watch a movie... You don't even need to go into the City centre in Dubai...

The rooms are reasonably big. The beds look clean and are comfortable. For some reason, I really felt good in the bed. At night, when you return to your room, your curtains are drawn for you, the bed open, and a little chocolate (extremely good, I have to say) waiting for you by the bed.

The bathroom offers a kit that is welcome, as well as two bottles of complementary water. Avoid the EVIAN, which you have to pay for...

Breakfast is good... for the first day. Then... it is very repetitive. I was expecting a little bit more. There was no fresh fruit. Only fruit out of a tin. Bakery was ok... but the best was the possibility to get a couple of fried eggs or an omelette... How many omelettes can you eat in a few days? Service was a bit slow, but pleasant.

My rate included free internet connection, which allowed me to keep up with the office.

The bellboys were rather slow, careless, distracted, and not that helpful... but their managers weren't either. It was a nightmare to get a taxi unless one came to unload... This is a general problem in Dubai, but a little bit of interest from the bellboys would have improved things.

My flight was an evening one (I think they normally are... Who flies from Dubai in the morning?) and I got an extension until 4pm to do the checkout, something I am really grateful about.

SOFITEL CITY CENTRE
Hotel contact details
Near City Centre Shopping Mall,
Deira, DUBAI,
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel +971 4294 1222
reservation@citycentrehotel.ae

HOTEL IBIS MONS CENTRE GARE

An Ibis is an Ibis. There is not much you can say about them. You go to one and you could go to a different one to see that there is not much difference. However, Ibis Mons Centre Gare has 72 spacious rooms (a bit cold in winter, as you get there and the radiators are cold...) and big bathroom. Still, they have the same functional style that characterises the chain.

It is just opposite the railway and bus station, it is only 500m from the historic town centre of Mons, numerous activities are nearby. Getting to it is also easy. The motorway exit 24 will take you into Mons centre, and then follow the signs to "GARE".

Breakfast is more than what I had expected. Coffee was good. Juice as well. There was some cold meat, cheese, yogurt, wonderful pain au chocolate and croissants, that in this part of the world, are excellent... toast... well, a relatively good breakfast to enjoy.

Parking is easy. It has a safe car park at the back of the hotel, and if required, but don't think it comes free. You need to pay for it. But, you can always park opposite the hotel, in the street. Mons doesn't seem that dangerous city.

WiFi Internet access and you have to pay for it, using your credit card... A system, which under my point of view, is not very attractive.

Hotel Ibis Mons Centre Gare
Boulevard Charles Quint 27b -

7000 - MONS

BELGIUM

Tel : (+32)65/847440

Fax : (+32)65/847441

THE KING GEORGE PALACE IN ATHENS

Its full name is Classical King George Palace Deluxe. I hope I can be forgiven if I have forgotten any "surname".

This is a hotel, where you will feel like a movie star. The location is fantastic... Syntagma Square, where every hour, you have the famous change of the guards. It is also the place where everyone meets each other... and also, the place where the strikes take place... After all, Syntagma Square (Constitution Sq.) is where the Government is placed.

It is within short walking distance from the touristic and traditional Plaka district, where you will find a huge amount of restaurants and tavernas, where you will enjoy local food.

The hotel itself is rather classical in decoration. I always prefer a much modern looking one, but this is just a matter of taste. Like Louis XIV, you walk along the extremely baroque decorated corridors until you reach your equally furnished bedroom. As you can see from the picture, I am not exaggerating. Its all frills there. (I have to say I was not welcome with a bouquet of roses... I think I should have complained, hehehe).

Rooms tend to be rather small too. You would expect that a 5 star hotel at the high rates they charge would offer you a bigger room. At least, mine was very small. The bathroom is fully equipped with soaps and other accessories from a well known brand. I even like the smell of the soap... (Sometimes you find hotels with awfully smelly soaps).

But, something that you will never forget is breakfast. It is served in the terrace on top of the hotel. There are waiters coming in an out, to offer you coffee and juices. The rest is self-service. Between bite and bite you can stare at the Acropolis and the Parthenon in particular that is ... just there. In front of you... LOOKING at you. I fell in love with the place. Outstanding...

Service was always very attentive, offering you whatever you needed. Something you really appreciate.



THE CLASSICAL KING GEORGE PALACE DELUXE

3 Vasileos Georgiou (Syntagma Square)
Athens 10564, Greece

Tel: +30 2810 300330
Fax: +30 2810 220785

THE LEGEND CHIANG RAI RESORT

Thai people tend to show their good manners and are always polite to you. When it comes to a nice hotel with nice staff, then, it is a plus. The Legend Chiang Rai Resort is situated somewhere in Chiang Rai, by the Mae Kok river.

The place is peaceful. Several Villas scattered in the grounds give you the privacy you need, yet, you are part of a group of houses. The Villas are beautifully decorated in a stylish rural decor. Beds have nets hanging for the nights, to avoid mosquitoes to bite you during the night...

The bathrooms have a Jacuzzi to enjoy your relaxed time. Depending on the room, you may have a terrace overlooking the river. Nearby, you have a swimming pool where you can just refresh yourself. If you feel like doing some exercise, then, you have a gym and spa too. You should not forget the Thai Massage.

Food is served in an open restaurant by the river. Breakfast and dinners tend to be buffet style, where you will find a lot of Asian food, so... be prepared. It is all excellently presented and tastes good.

The City is only a few minutes away by car. There is a minibus shuttle service (you need to pay for it) but on the way back, you should try a tuc-tuc. Not expensive. In the city, don't miss the night market. Worth a visit.

We also had booked a trip up river (3 hours) in a long tail boat, which was impressive. The Hotel has its own jetty from where you can board the boat.

THE LEGEND CHIANG RAI

124/15 Moo 21 Kohloy Road,
Amphur Muang,
Chiang Rai 57000,
Thailand

Tel: +66(0)53 910 400
Fax: +66(0)53 719 650
Email: info@TheLegend-ChiangRai.com

THE BRITANNIA ADELPHI HOTEL IN LIVERPOOL

It may be one of those buildings you cannot miss in Liverpool. The Adelphi Hotel is very well situated, next to the railway station and the buzzing shopping district. Public transport (buses and underground) are also quite at hand. The reception staff were not that interested in the guests, who, of course, had to wait for them to come out, while conversations and laughs about their private lifes were taking place behind the mirror wall.

The building it self shows the splendour the city once had... It has 402 bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. According to the hotel, they are beautifully presented in Edwardian style with plenty of character. In my opinion, I got the impression of being in a huge Russian Hotel... I felt it was quite bare in decoration, poorly lit, and quite basic. I had been told that the hotel seemed as though it had been important a long time back, but since that time, little renovation had taken place... and the comments were not exaggerate. I must say that I felt a bit let down by the hotel. Rooms are big but extremely basic. The furniture and door frames had undergone several layers of paint throughout the years. The bathroom was big, and it had a Jacuzzi bath tub... but little extras there.

Like any bed and breakfast, the room had its TV on a really cheap and nasty wheeled table, Telephone, and Tea & Coffee making facilities (also hot chocolate). This hotel also features 2 great restaurants, 2 bars and a pizzeria. You can also find a gymnasium. Additionally, there is also a Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and solarium in addition to the beautiful heated marble swimming pool.

If you are travelling by car, it has a car park, but they charge you for the space... They still do it the old way. You take the car, then they park it for you until the car park is full... and I mean full. They even park cars in the corridors to maximise spaces.

Breakfast... Well, what can I say about breakfast...? Very sad. You feel like being inside a local cafe, rather than in a Hotel. The Continental breakfast offers you a rather "cheap" looking variety of products. Personally, I didn't go for English breakfast, although, other guests seemed to like it extremely. Shockingly enough, there were people who just came in the Hotel to have "breakky".

Summarising my stay, I can say that the hotel was clean, handy for visiting the city, but far away from a decently stylish hotel. Breakfast needs to improve considerable; so does the decoration. There is nothing wrong with old style decoration... But one thing is old... another, the "abandoned" state the hotel is...

I am sure that if the hotel was taken to 21st century standards, it would be a reference hotel. For now, I have to say, it is a poor choice, and will think twice before checking in again.


BRITANNIA ADELPHI HOTEL - LIVERPOOL
Ranelagh Place, Liverpool L3 5UL United Kingdom
Tel: +44 0871 222 0029
Fax: +44 0871 222 7009
Email : res700@britanniahotels.com

NH KENSINGTON - LONDON

London is a huge city... Thousands of hotels to chose from... They could be good, but if you don't know the place, you are taking too many chances. If you are just one night, then you could be ok anywhere, on condition the place is clean... but there are many factors to take into consideration.

I have to say that I am in love with the NH Hotels. It is a safe choice, true... so there is very little where to explore... I have to say that the NH Kensington is a bit far off the centre... However, it is situated in the exclusive Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and Earls Court Underground station is only 5 minutes walk away.

I arrive on New Year's Eve, and at reception, I showed my voucher, and they told me that the double room I had booked was not available, but a suite was. I would not be charged extra for it... So of course, we accepted... (see picture below... would you have refused?)

The room was a bit small, but comfy. It was a two floor room, with even two bathrooms and a living room on the top floor. Flat TVs on both floors...

There was a little detail I didn't like about it. Normally, you get soap, shampoo and other bathroom accessories as standard. The bathroom was bare... Just soap and shampoo. Of course, I had to complain. The excuse was the exchange rate and the ecological issue of trying to save chemicals thrown to the sewers... What does a comb (to say something) have to do with it? I thought, that after the cost of the room, specially, with it being a suite, I would have expected a better service.

Breakfast, buffet, of course. Cereals, yogurts, fruit, nutella (extra point for me) bread, veggies, scrambled eggs, meats, biscuits, tarts... you name it... there was. It is true that if you were expecting a Full English Breakfast, it was not the right place... but after all, I believe the hotel is focused for Spaniards (at the end of the chain is Spanish) or other European. While I was there, there were also many Italians.

Bus 94 stopped right outside the hotel, taking you straight into Harrod's, Harvey Nickols... It also has a night bus, if you want to have the night bus experience. As I said earlier, it is withn short walking distance from Earl's Court Underground station. There are other buses nearby that will take you somewhere, although, I didn't check where.

Staff was friendly and helpful...

As I always say... you are not deceived with an NH Hotel. Of course, it is not the cheapest, but... cheaper are not that far away in price, but yet again, what you get in exchange, is considerably less. NH is a bit pricy, but worth paying for.

REFERENCE:

NH Kensington
Address: Cromwell Road 202-220,

SW5 0SW LONDON,

United Kingdom

Contact details:
E-mail: nhkensington@nh-hotels.com

Tel.: +44 207 2441 441

Fax: +44 207 244 1442

Category: 4 Stars