GRAND HOTEL SOFIA

It's one of the 5-star hotels in the Bulgarian capital city. It's located in the city centre, next to the National Theatre, and within a short distance from the beautiful cathedral, museums and ministries.

The hotel itself is recently renovated. Accessibility is a bit limited as there are no ramps and some steps that makes it s bit uncomfortable to travel with luggage.

Reception staff is nice... If you don't have a problem. If there is a problem of overbooking, which seems to happen, you are relocated in another hotel, on the other side of the city which is only a 4 star hotel. That is unacceptable. But it happens.

The rooms are very classically decorated. But, they are huge. We are talking that they could easily be around 65 m2. It is a big difference with other hotels where the rooms are minuscule. You have a living room area, a work desk, old fashioned TV set, a huge bed. And lots of space to do a party. I have been there before, and I remember being in bed and saying. "Uff! The bathroom is so far that I am not sure whether to go! Ok. It's an exaggeration, but really, the room size is huge. Too much, but at the same time, it's like being at home. You don't feel claustrophobic.

Internet is free of charge, both wireless or with cable. You need a password and you can surf the net easily at a very good speed. You are given two bottles of complementary water, which is another thing worth nothing but it's a nice thing. Sleepers are also available.

The bed is huge and comfortable. There were two pillows, and maybe, I would have liked a couple more to watch TV in bed. But, they were brilliant to sleep. The duvet was shorter than the bed, so I guess that if there are two people, there is a risk of getting some leg or arm out of the duvet. And the heater was very strange, as it was hardly noticeable. It was cold even sometimes. I had to switch it off at night due to the noise. The curtains were, again, too short to cover the huge window to the main road. But still, I could sleep well.

The bathroom, too, was big, with a bath, a shower, bidet, toilet and sink. And toiletries are available.

Breakfast was good, but very little selection of fruit. Bread could have been better. I asked for the traditional cheese and tomato omelet, and they needed to be returned to the cook to finish them off, as they were not completely cooked. I asked for a double espresso and was good.

The checking out was easy, a bit slow but easy. I god a transfer back to the airport, that was payable.

GRAND HOTEL SOFIA
1, Gurko Str.,
1000 Sofia,
Bulgaria
tel: (+359 2) 811 0811
fax: (+359 2) 811 0953
e-mail: concierge@grandhotelsofia.bg

ELYSÉE PALACE IN NICE

I got a taxi to the hotel from the airport, and it set me back 38 Euros for a trip that could have lasted, maximum 8 minutes. This is not the hotel fault, but it would help if a transfer was organised. It's only a few meters away from the Legendary Negresco, on the side of the Boulevard des Anglais, within a short walk to the main centre part of the city. I guess you can use the bus from the airport too, route 98, if you know where to get off.

Checking in was ok. No problem at all. It is a Four Points by Sheraton. The hotel looks ok, and the interior seems to have been renovated lately.

Internet was free of charge but needed a password that I could barely read from the front desk guy's handwriting.

I got room 704, on the top floor. It was supposed to be a room with beach view... but it was only sideways.

The room had been renovated lately. A bit plasticky, specially for the chair, the bedside tables and lamps. It tried to be stylish... but I suppose it is not mine. The closet didn't have doors. Instead, it had curtains. There was a clear excess of curtains in the room.

Room was quiet, and the bed comfortable, which at the end of the day, it is what you need.

The bathroom had a bath, and plenty of toiletries.

Breakfast was on the ground floor, and had some fruit, cold meats, scrambled eggs, hot meats, and pastry. Coffee was "industrial" American coffee... and basically, the choice was so, so.

Checking out was also good.

The hotel is good, a bit plasticky all around, but for Nice, it is good value for money.

HÔTEL ELYSEE PALACE
59 promenade des anglais /Entrée Rue Honoré SAUVAN
06000 NICE -
Téléphone : + 33 (0)4 93 97 90 90
Fax : +33 (0)4 93 44 50 40
e-mail : reservation@elyseepalace.com

ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL, IN ATHENS

Electra Palace Hotel is an unexpectedly big hotel in the heart of Plaka, the most touristic district of the Greek capital. However, that doesn't mean that is noisy at all. It is also near Syntagma, the main square in the city.

The hotel is rather classical. Its huge hall leads to the reception area. Two or three people will do the check in. Quick, although you need to fill in the form, as you normally do, even, when you have the voucher with all the information. The staff at reception is ever so nice. Really helpful at all times.

The lifts are too small, and rather unsafe. I got one where the doors would not close, so I got out, but could not call the other, because according to the system, the (defective) lift was still there. So I had to find my way downstairs.

The room was very old-fashioned, and to an extent, with lack of taste. It felt it was decorated in the 80s... and had remained like that since. The big problem for my room was that it was extremely hot. I put on the air conditioned, and I realized that hot air was coming out. I called reception and was told that it was either heating or air conditioned... and because customers had complained about the cold, they had to put the heater on. It was around 25 outside. How could people complain about cold rooms!!!

Internet is free of charge, but you need to go via cable. But again, it is positive.

Breakfast was rather weak. Good natural Orange Juice. Fruit salad is something that makes me wonder the origin of the food. And that was available every day. Bread was also nice, especially the cheese bread with sesame. Scrambled eggs or poached eggs... didn't look that attractive. I have to say... that I have had better breakfast.

Checking out was fast too... If I have the choice, I think I would try another hotel. It is clearly not a 5 star hotel, despite the traditional decor.

ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL ATHENS
18-20, N.Nikodimou Str
10557 Athens
Greece
Tel : +30 210 33 70 000
Fax: + 30 210 32 41 875

EUROSTARS DAS ARTES, IN PORTO

Getting to Porto from Lisbon was easy. Getting to the Eurostar Das Artes Hotel was a bit of a nightmare. I didn’t have a GPS with me, so there I was like in the old times… with a map in hand… and following signs. I have to say that from the ring road, the signs were clear and without any mistake, so you could reach the hotel easily… but the traffic around the hospital that is near the hotel was chaotic, extremely slow and clearly, the traffic lights didn’t allow enough cars to avoid congestion. But… eventually, I got there.

The hotel is inside a historic building, near the centre but not quite in there. The metro stop is within walking distance. To start with, you need to climb a few steps to get to the reception. Staff was nice and gave me all sorts of indications. I had to pay for my car parking space in the back yard. Outside, in the neighbouring streets, carparking may be complicated... and expensive, as it is blue area of pay and display.

The room I got, was on the 2nd floor of the module that was next the the street, but it was an inside room, therefore, it was very quiet. The room was huge, with a big comfortable bed and sufficient space for a sitting watching the flat screen TV.

The bathroom was huge too. Very long, with a bath and a shower, and plenty of soaps.

In the morning, on the lower ground floor, a massive buffet is waiting for you. Wide choice that surely will meet your expectations.

EUROSTARS DAS ARTES
RUA DO ROSARIO, 160-164
Porto
Portugal
Telephone: (+34) 902 93 24 24
Fax: (+34) 93 268 19 45

NH CAMPO GRANDE, IN LISBON

The NH hotels can be of two types. Old buildings refurbished and new buildings. The NH Campo Grande is a relatively new building but the hotel itself looks as if it was an old one... that had not been touch for a long time... except for the common areas.

The Reception area is ok. When I got there, it was rather quiet, so I checked it relatively fast. The lifts were just next to the reception, but one of them was not working well. So thank God there was not that many people.

The room was ok. I got 403 that offered a "nice" view to the main road. Fortunately, it was well isolated. Bed was comfortable, rather small for a new hotel. A little living room area, with a pair of chairs and a table, with a Nespresso Coffee Machine and some tablets to make a coffee.

The bathroom with much less toiletries than in the good times... Logical if they want to reduce costs... but... do you go to a hotel that has an attractive price but you don't find half of the things you find a similar status hotel? Very poor.

Internet has also a cost. 15 Euro for the basic connection and 18 for the business. Nowadays, there are hotels that are offering it for free, for god sake, and this hotel not only asks you to pay for it, but it has two types. I am not sure what the business rate was like, but the basic one was constantly offline, and took a couple of minutes to get you back online.

Breakfast was also... simple. A buffet was available with some cold meats, cheese, fruit (very scarce) and some bakery products. Coffee was prepared (not that bad) and so was the orange juice. The restaurant was overlooking the main road too and traffic was intense, so... definitely, was not a relaxing experience, especially for me, who had a car hired.

Checking out was fast too. I had my car in the car park... which according to them is payable, but they didn't charge me for it, even when I remarked I had my car there... So... good point there for the hotel.

I think that the 4 stars they claim to have... should be more like 3... But it's ok...

NH CAMPO GRANDE

Campo Grande, 7.

1700-087 Lisboa (Portugal)

Tel. +35.121.7917600

Fax: +35.121.7957500

E-mail: nhcampogrande@nh-hotels.com

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL CALI

My visit to Cali was brief. I arrived late in the evening and I went straight into the Intercontinental, which was managed by Estelar Hoteles. Nevertheless, I could still use my Intercontinental Priority Club card.

I got there and there wasn’t anyone at reception, so staff was only for me so checking in was really fast. The girl behind the counter was really helpful and indicated everything very well.
I got a floor on the 5th floor. As soon as I got in the room, I noticed the noise of a fan… and taking into consideration I had a terrible headache, I decided to go back to reception and get a nother room. I was also given another on the 5th floor, 529, and the noise was still there, but much more attenuated. It seemed that isolation was much better in this room.

The room was fairly big, but rather old fashioned. I guess Intercontinental had opened it, and for some reason, did not get the expected results, so… it was handed over to local group Estelar, who had done little renovation.

The bed was comfortable… and pillows were also available.

The living room area, as you can see from the picture, was also old fashioned. Wireless Internet was free of charge, but believe me, it was like a torture. Extremely slow that took you away from it… The Flat screen was a much relaxed option… Mainly, Colombian TV channels.

The bathroom is wide and so is the bath. Toiletries are still Intercontinental branded, but the philosophy is Estelar, that is, to pay for toothbrush, shaving kit… which I think is a bit mean.
As for the breakfast, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the fact, I had to ask what everything was and of course, I had to try it… and it was delicious, specially the typical arepa with melted cheese and the cheesy breads… Fruit was exceptional and so was the yogurt. There was a type of scrambled eggs with corn, with ham and some other I cannot remember, and specially, the typically dressed cook that was behind the counter who was ever so kind, informative and… got me to try everything…

It seems to be the best hotel in Cali... It may look like a modern hotel from outside... but it is clearly a very poor 5-star hotel and clearly under the Intercontinental standard.

Checking out was also easy.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL CALI
AVENIDA COLOMBIA #2-72,
P.O. BOX 7457
CALI
COLOMBIA
Front Desk: +57-2-8823225
Fax: +57-2-8939494

HOTEL ALMIRANTE CARTAGENA ESTELAR, IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

If you are ever visiting Colombia, make sure you visit Cartagena de Indias. It is a lovely city by the sea. We chose to stay in the Almirante Cartagena Estelar Hotel, which is in a safe area, Bocagrande, where many other hotels are.

The hotel is new, modern in the outside, and it seems it used an old building that is preserved inside. So far so good...

Checking in, was very slow. We were in a group and it took ages to go through the queue and the checking procedure, that even asked me to get my computer out to write down the serial number. It seems they may have had some problems in the past... Hence, security is very tight. You need to go up the stairs to the second floor to access the main lifts that will take you to the rooms. And you need to get past the security person, that will require you to identify yourself, before allowing you in the lift. The lift, however, requires you to put the room key in, so no one without a key would be allowed in.

The room (604) was big, but clrealy, old fashioned. The good thing was the views, as it over look the beach and gifted you with nice sunsets. The bed was big and comfortable, with a choice of pillows (two hard, two soft). The fridge, however, had to be plugged off as it was extremely noisy. The room itself could do with a better isolation, as you could hear clearly what was going on out in the street. And also, the general aircon or ventilation system was present as a soft constant noise.

Toilet was spartan. A wide bath with a fix shower. As for toiletries, it was rather complete. It even had a mouthwash, which is normally not there. On the contrary, a shaver, toothbrush and deodorant were included in the offer of the minibar, therefore, at a cost.

TV as also very old, (of course, not flat screen) and had a variety of TV channels. The hotel had a Gym and a pool too. Good thing: Free Wireless Internet connection for the duration of your stay, after requesting for user name and password.

Breakfast was so, so. It had a wide variety of things to choose from, mainly local dishes. The lady who did my omelette, tried hard... but in the end, it came out to be more like scrambled eggs. Fruit was delicious (mainly pineapple) and juices were really watered, therefore, hardly tasty. As for the coffee... I don't know whether to say this. Let's say the coffee was not Colombia standard. It was more like British coffee (with due respect). It was horrendous. Thank god, round the corner you had a Juan Valdes Coffee shop where the good coffee was available.

It is a very basic 5 star hotel... More like a 3-4 star hotel.

HOTEL ALMIRANTE CARTAGENA ESTELAR

Av.San Martín, Calle 6 Esquina

Bocagrande

Cartagena

Colombia

Tel: +57 (5) 6658811

Fax: +57 (5) 6658269

Central de Reservas en Bogotá: +57 (1) 608 8080 / +57 (1) 5931900

Toll Free Colombia :018000-978000

Toll Free Canadá y USA: 18665998703

E-Mail: reservas@hotelesestelar.com

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON PANAMA

The Four Points Sheraton Panama is well located in the financial centre of Panama City. Checking in was a bit slow, as we were in a group and it was clearly short staffed, even with them expecting us and having part of the check in process prepared.

The room I got was on the 8th floor (801) and was quite big. Old fashioned furniture but clean. The big flat TV screen was the only new item in the room. There was also a living room area and a work table, but as you can see, all decorated with a rather clasical style.

Wireless Internet is available, at a fee, and it doesn't stand out for being extremely fast. It was free in the reception, which really annoys me. What sort of service is that for customers, specially to members of the Starwood preferred? Not that happy about that.

Being on the 8th floor and trying to get up or down in one of the 3 lifts was also rather slow. And I know it is for security reasons, but it is rather annoying to have to use the room card to be able to use the lift. Security? Maybe not so, as you could select any floor with one same card .

The queen bed was comfortable, with several pillows. Air con was extremely noisy, so, I switched it on only when I was not in. The room itself was quiet.

The bathroom area was divided into two. The sink area, without any door, and hosted the mini bar, fridge, coffee machine and hair dryer. Strange combination, as they had saved on an additional piece of furniture. Very strange for this hotel category.

Toiletries were available but very scarce. No shaving kit nor toothbrush. Also, no gown nor slippers. There were 3 sets of towels, that after the first night, became only two.

Breakfast was also weak. Fruit was excellent but little choice of savoury. Juice was natural, but highly watered. And omelettes were available, but just by chance I knew about it, as they were not publicised.

The Breakfast room is on the same level as the swimming pool. Rather small for a full hotel, but seems that no one uses it, at least at the times when I was in the hotel.


FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON PANAMA
Calle 53, Marbella y Ave 5A B Sur
Panama City, 832-0239
Panamá
Tel +507 (2) 65-3636

BARCELO SAN JOSE PALACIO

This is a nice hotel near the centre of San José. You can chose to get a hotel transfer from the airport or just make your own way by cab.

Checking in was rather slow too for the group. It's all the filling required that seems to slow it down.

The room I got was on the 1st floor (119) and was big, with living room area and two double beds. I didn't quite like the idea of open the doors outwards.

The beds were comfortable, and there was a choice of pillows. Wireless Internet was available at a fee, and a bit slow some times.

The bathroom had a complete set of toiletry goodies and a gown and slippers. Room floor with carpet and bed spreads, rather old fashioned.

Breakfast was good. Choice of bread, jams and marmalade (and peanut butter) as well as garlic tomato. Natural juice and impressive fruit. Really sweet. Many cheeses to choose from and also cooked things, as well as a choice of omelettes and fried eggs.

Even though the restaurant was big, there was a peak time in which it was very difficult to get a table, specially, after a flight cancellation from Iberia due to weather conditions, that brought a complete plane to the hotel. The following morning, the staff seemed to be overpowered by the excessive amount of people.

The swimming pool, at the back, recreated a little paradise lake, among bushes and palm trees. At the pool side, the Rancho restaurant offered food (same range as the room service) during the day. There was also a Japanese restaurant, that I could say I will not remember it as the best Japonese restaurant. Some bits were good, others, were really poor.

Checking out was easy and fast.

HOTEL SAN JOSÉ PALACIO
Residencial El Robledal,
La Uruca, 4581150
San José de Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Teléfono: 506 2220 20 34
Fax: 506 2220 20 36
E-mail: sanjosepalacio@barcelo.com

DREAM ISLAND HOTEL IN SANTORINI

Those of us, who travel a lot, know that when you enter a hotel, it is going to be the place where you are going to be for the next hours, days... but you are fully aware that it is not home. A hotel is, after all, a hotel. However, when I entered the Dream Island, I never thought I was at home either, but believe me... I wanted to stay and live there.

Santorini is a very busy island. Traffic, tourist ... everywhere. The Dream Island is, as the name says, a dream island. Quiet, rest, peace... is what you feel there.

The hotel is like a little village, surrounding a lovely swimming pool, and overlooking a non famous church with a blue dome... Yet, you are only a minute away from the main road from Oia to Fira, and within 3 minutes walk from Fira Centre. The cable care to the caldera boats is 5 minutes away on foot.

The first good experience comes when you are picked up from the airport or the ferry boat. It is actually the owner of this family hotel who comes. You don't need to look for a taxi or a bus that takes you anywhere. They come and pick you up. The hotel reception is huge and they are really nice. They give you all sorts of information and as guests normally are there for a short time, they make sure you are aware of the excursions available, especially, the one that takes you swimming to different beaches and the Volcano.

The room we got was rather small, but we were told so when we booked it, so there is no complain about it. Still, it was very tastefully decorated. Apparently, it was done by the mother of the family, who seems to be crazy about decoration. The bathroom was very modern too and full of good quality toiletries.

I was concerned that at night, with the swimmingpool being so close, it would be noisy. On the contrary, peacefull during the day, peacefull at night.

The swimming pool was, without any doubt, one of the best things. The weather was hot and... it was a nice way to cool down. We were lucky that when we used it, we were alone. There were deck chairs around it, with plenty of shade or sun, so as to decide where you want to be.

Breakfast is housed in the cellar. Also, beautifully decorated and with plenty of readymade things. Water Melon seemed to be the fruit available at the time and it was well worth having it. Yoghurt, outstanding, and some little croissants stuffed with chocolate... impressive. All in all, it was good.

The dreadful time to check out came, and as ours was in the evening, we asked about having a shower and changing clothes... As with everything in the hotel, there was no problem. Nice shower and we were taken to the airport. Clearly, the best hotel from all my stay and would definitely, love to go back... It would help if it got slightly cheaper... but then again, it seems it is fully booked during the summer...

DREAM ISLAND HOTEL
Fira (Santorini) Greece
Tel: +30 22860 24122
Fax: +30 22860 23922
E-mail: info@dreamislandhotel.gr

AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL, IN RETHYMNO

This five star hotel is near the centre, in a place where parking was a bit complicated… although, I was lucky and parked the car just outside the hotel. It has the reputation of being one of the most luxurious and modern hotels in Rethymno. I will not enter into that, but what I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed my stay there.

Reception staff was really nice, especially Eva, who gave us all the help we needed, as well as told us all what we could get in the hotel. We were upgraded, although I would have appreciated if we would have been advised that the room was a smoking room, but I decided to keep it because it was a really nice room, with direct view to the beach, on the main road. If I complained and requested another room, I would probably get an interior room, with view to the swimming pool, which, of course, is not the same.

The room was up to what you could expect from a five star hotel: complementary house wine, water and fruit, sleepers, full set of toiletries, bath gown …

It had a private beach, with deck chairs and towels available, as well as shower. Of course, I had to use it. You only needed to cross the street, and there you were, in the sandy beach with clear water...

Back in the hotel, a gym is available for those in need to do some sport, as well as a spa, with Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and steam room. Massage parlour is chargeable.

As I had waken up early, done some exercise and enjoyed a nice walk in the city, I was tired, so I went early to bed. The bar, belonging to the same hotel, was just under my room and it was rather loud. However, music stopped within a reasonable time before midnight.

Buffet breakfast was very good. I loved the freshly squeezed orange machine. You did it yourself... how fresher you can get it? Fruit was available as well as cereals, cold meat and cheese, jams, breads... One thing is for sure. You didn't leave the restaurant needing food.

It was a pity to leave... but we had to continue our schedule... Checking out was also fast.

AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL
Sikelianou & Venizelou 52A,
74100 Rethymno, Crete,
Greece
Tel.: +30 28310 50432 / 52182 / 51980
Fax: + 30 28310 27825

ODYSSEON HOTEL IN KALAMBAKA

This was a little bit like the hotel from hell. It says it was renovated in 2004. God! How must have it been then! You visit the web, everything seems new. When you get there, the story begins to tell the truth.

We arrived early, and as I suspected, our room was not ready, so we headed into town to have early lunch. On our return, we were given our room and I was rather disappointed.

The room was extremely hot, insects inside. Towels were hidden in the wardrobe, the bed sheets were... clean but looked worn out. It looked really old. TV set was minuscule and signal poor. Choice of channels limited. The bed was comfortable and quiet at night.

The shower was a joke that could not cope with the water that was gathered in the curtain (too short) so it flooded the bathroom that had a whole on the floor to cater for the excess of water. The toilet and sink were extremely close to the shower. The bathroom was minute and certainly, not renovated. The flush was rather unusual for today. And as in other areas in Greece, no toilet paper in the toilet...

The curtain in the main window, was not wide enough, so had light in the morning, that woke me up early. No problem... because I needed to get out early, as I was heading to Athens.

Internet was free... but in the lobby area. It was good for visiting the different Meteora monasteries, but the photocopy they gave you with timetables and routes to get there, was outdated. Parking is not a problem. Since the hotel is not in the centre of Kalabaka, there is plenty of space. Shops and restaurants are only 5 minutes walk away.

Breakfast was very weak. It is supposed to be a 3 star hotel, but I think some stars should fall. I could not see the time for getting out of there.

ODYSSEION HOTEL

Patriarchou Dimitriou 50,
Kalambaka 42200,
Greece
Tel: +30 24320 22320,
Fax: +30 24320 75307

ASTORIA CAPSIS HOTEL IN HERAKLION

The hotel is centrally located, at short distance from the port which I believe it will be the main reason to stay over in the city of Heraklion, in Crete, as well as to visit the well known Cnossos Palace.

The reception staff is very pleasant and helpful. Check-in, with our voucher was fast, although I had to fill in a form with all the data. I was given a map and indications of what to see and do in the city. The porter insisted in taking my luggage to my room.

The room was fairly modern and right size, on the 4th floor, overlooking the main square, where the evening teenage rendez-vous are, but no noise came in the room.

Bed was comfortable. The air conditioned needed to stay on, because the moment you switched it off, you started to sweat. If you opened the balcony, it automatically disconnected, a measure to save electricity, so you needed to make sure you had it on when you closed it again.

The Greek TV channels signal was not that good, but funnily, the Spanish TVE 24 hours was available and with good one. Bathroom had all toiletries and towels were big. The hotel has a nice open swimming pool on the top floor, with deck chairs and towels available. Wireless internet connection is available and free of charge.

Buffet breakfast was wide, although I must say that there was little choice of fruit and lots of bread. Nevertheless, it was good.

Checking out was also fast.

CAPSIS ASTORIA HERAKLION
11 Eleftherias sq. ,
T.K. 712 01 ,
Heraklion (Crete) Greece
e-mail info@astoriacapsis.gr
Tel.: +30 2810 343080
Fax: +30 2810 229078

ACROPOLE HOTEL IN DELFOS

The hotel was in one of the lower streets in the town centre of Delfos, 400 mts on foot from the main archaeological area. The problem was parking, which, according to the hotel information is available, but don’t get that fool you. There are a couple of spaces in front of the hotel, but once occupied, you need to look for a place to leave the car. The place is small, so it may not be that far, but considering the steps or the uphill of the road... it may not be that easy.

Checking in staff were helpful, but all the information they had from the town was in French, funnily enough. The room was rather small, and so was the bath/shower. And it was waiting for us at 33 degrees. Of course, the Aircon was switched on... and didn’t get off until we left.

The towels were rather small too, and only two supposed to be bath towels, spread on the bedspread, one of the dirtiest parts in a room... I was not impressed and requested at least, another towel for the hands. I got two.

The bathroom was small, and the bath was extremely small and on top of that, got a step bath... so the place to have the shower was... minimal. We did get recommended a restaurant, Epikouros, belonging to the same owner, it seems... and I have to say that the recommendation was really good; big quantities, good food and normal price. On top of that, 10% discount for staying in the hotel.

It was comfortable and quiet to sleep in, which, at the end of the day, is what you need. Nevertheless, a very spartan 3 star hotel.

Breakfast was basic. Yogurt was good but weak on the fruit and bakery side.

ACROPOLE HOTEL,
13 Filellinon Str,
Delfos 33054,
Greece

OLYMIPION ASTY HOTEL, IN OLYMPIA

Certainly a nice hotel on top of the hill. Olympia is not a big town, although it has many visitors due to the old ruins, which are well worth a visit. It was a bit of a pity I didn't get there earlier, as I would have loved a swim in the lovely swimming pool.

The reception was in the main building and the rooms are in nearby pavilions. If you are with luggage, please note that depending which pavilion you are allocated in, you may have a few stairs.

The room was big and comfortable. It even had a living room area. The bathrooms also had all the toiletries available. Free wireless internet is always a positive point.

As the place didn’t seem to have much to do at night and was dark, we decided to stay over in the hotel for dinner. It was good, I will still remember those olives and melitsano salata I had. And it was not that expensive either. We had dinner in the garden, with the sky above us and the lovely swimming pool at the side. The place was quiet and the bed comfortable... What else can you ask for when you need some rest?

Breakfast was good, although it had room for improvement, especially in the juice area and bakery. But in essence, it was not a bad one.

Checking out was fast too.

OLYMIPION ASTY HOTEL

Drouvas Hill 27065
Ancient Olympia, Ilia,
Greece
Tel.: +30 26240 23665
Fax: +30 26240 23123

E-mail: olasty@otenet.gr

THE DIOSCOURI HOTEL IN SPARTA

It is rare that you end up in Sparta anyway, but if you are like me, who didn’t know the area, you may fall in this hotel, especially, with the good rating it has in Tripadvisor. If you can prevent it, please look elsewhere, as you are likely going to be better off. IT is well located, near the town centre, the Museum and on the way to one of the area attractions: The old city of Mistra.

The outside was rather strange. It looked as if the hotel, when built, it was not finished. You can look at the balconies, and you will see that the cement is there. Same happens inside the rooms in the ceiling. Style or intention? I will leave that up to you. It is a poor 3 star hotel.

Reception was rather old fashioned. You are given a key by the receptionist (probably the owner, who loiters around with the rest of the family watching Greek Soap Operas in the lobby TV) with a huge key ring, as in the old times. The lift looks from other times too. Buttons that don’t operate until the door is close (no memory).

The room was … basic, to put it nice. The Air conditioned was not on, so, it was the first thing I did, and stayed on throughout our stay. In summertime, and with the sun falling in our window, the room was really hot. The Décor was simple… specially the ceilings, that also showed the cement, as I said, as if it had not been finished. Internet was wireless… and free of charge.

The nearby (opposite) church played the bells throughout the night on the hour, until it got to 7am (I think it was) that a serenade of bells started to play… God! I was on holidays… Do I need to be woken up by the Church bells?

Breakfast was … I don’t know how to describe it. It was a bit of a disgrace. Yogurt was good, but that was about everything. The rest was… disgusting. All the things were out of a packet or a tin. Nothing fresh.

As I had my travel agent voucher, I didn’t need to do much at checking out.

THE DIOSCOURI HOTEL
Lycourgou 182 & Atridon Street,
Sparta 23100
Greece

THE AETOMA TRADITIONAL IN NAFPLION

The Aetoma Traditional is a very familiar hotel in the Middle of the old town in Nafplion, first capital of Greece. It is how old things used to be. It is meant to be a 18th Century mansion, therefore, you will see that it has a rather old fashioned structure, specially when it comes to staris. No lift, which, if you have low mobility or children in push chairs, you will have a bit of a hard time climbing the stairs. But that is as far as the negative things go with this hotel.

Parking is an issue, but it seems the hotel has a very good management of spaces in the street and you can park the car outside, in the little square. It worked for me. Staff is very nice… extremely nice, giving you all sort of indications to visit the city it the touristic way or doing it yourself. Restaurants, better views, what to do, what to visit in the surrounding areas… everything.

The room we got (only 5 in the hotel) was decorated in a classical style, but comfortable. In fact it was the KIONOKRANO ROOM. It clashes with the modern bathroom, with a nice hydromassage shower, that without wanting, keeps you longer inside.

Even though the hotel is within the pedestrian streets, it is pretty quiet. By the way, wireless Internet connection is free of charge, with a password given by the reception.

The best thing came in the morning, when breakfast was served in the balcony. It was a first for me to have breakfast in the room. The choice is there, whether to have it in the hall or in the balcony. Given the choice, the balcony was the obvious, although, it was pretty hot, even at that time of the day... but nothing to do with the hotel. Still, it was a very good choice of breakfast, which I could not finish. (The picture below only shows what I could manage to put in the little table... but inside the room, there was plenty more).

Both checking in and out was pretty easy. The hotel is one to recommend anyone visiting the area.

AETOMA TRADITIONAL HOTEL
2 Saint Spyridon Square,
Nafplion,
Peloponnese,
Greece

TELEPHONE: +30-27520-27373
FAX: +30-27520-27009

EMAIL: sales@nafplionhotel.com

AC ATOCHA IN MADRID

Having my usual hotel in Madrid closed for renovation, I had to look for a new one. The option was wide but I was looking for something in particular. The fact that it is close to the railway station (200 mts away). Atocha, is near the centre, well connected with the main commercial area by underground. And so is the AC Atocha Hotel. Within 5 minutes from the train platform, it is really convenient.

The hotel is surrounded by restaurants that will probably be of your liking, if you don’t want to eat in.
Reception is, as it normally is in this type of hotels, fast, friendly and efficient. You are handed the key and told how to get to your room. If you get it in the other module, it is a bit of a nuisance, having to get the lift to go one flight down, get across the corridor, go out to the back patio and get in the module, and then it is like a normal hotel. It is a bit of a walk... not that much of a problem unless you are a winger...

The hotel is nice... but not my taste. I don't quite like the "cold" feeling you get among those black walls, from the corridors and rooms. The hotel is very impersonal. Empty rooms, no background music... you... and yourself, which in some cases can be good... but, it may not be in others.

When you enter your room, everything is modern. Bed is comfortable. The wardrobe is unusual... Neither doors nor covers. It is a metal structure where the hangers are hanging.

The bathroom is no different. What strikes is the clear glass shower. You can see who is taking a shower from the bed... Normally, you are going to travel with someone you know... but... not that good for just friends... unless, of course, you want to take the chance to move further... Toilet is separate and... Closed to the rest of the room. Soaps and other toiletries are available too.

Breakfast is on the main module. It is a buffet with fruit, biscuits, cold meat and cheese, yogurt, bakery...

What really irritates me from this hotel is the fact that Wi-Fi is free of charge in the lobby but available for a fee in the room. I think it is mean.

AC ATOCHA
Calle Delicias, 42
28045 MADRID
Spain
T. 91 506 22 21
F. 91 506 22 22
acatocha@ac-hotels.com

SCANDIC GARDERMOEN OSLO AIRPORT

Unlike most Scandic Hotels I have visited, that were basic hotels, the Scandic Gardermoen Oslo Airport, is a completely new hotel, recently opened. It has a modern look, quite spacious reception and a lot of design.

It is on the other side of the runway from the Terminal. There is a shuttle bus that takes you to the hotel every 20 minutes, for a mere 60 kroner (7.5 Euro approximately) each way, on a trip that takes barely 5 minutes. Something to bear in mind if you compare prices with Radisson Blu, which is situated just across the street from the Terminal building.

Checking in, doesn’t take long, if you are quick to get off the bus and try to be first at the counter. After all, it has 243 rooms. Otherwise, you will need to wait until the staff finish with previous guests. I feel they were a bit “cold”. Not unpleasant, but distant. They did their job.

Reaching the room was somehow long. The corridors are long and my room was a bit far away. And rather dark. I don’t know… it must be the latest fashion, to have light that doesn’t give light.

The room was “tight”. Modern in look, but not much space. I asked for a big bed… All sold out… (As if!!!). I got two twins. Next to it, a small table with hardly space to move around.

The hotel is nice… but there isn’t anything around, so you need to make sure you reach there late, unless, of course, you want to use the gym. TV stations are very limited, and you have to depend on a TV channel that offers some film or series in English… If there isn’t and you don’t know Norwegian, you will have a rather boring evening.

Internet is free of charge, as in the rest of the Scandic, so that is a positive point.

Despite what you get from its website, Sauna is still not opened. I normally don't use them, but on this ocasion, I had been working long throught the day and needed to relax. The only option was a warm shower...

Breakfast was good and lots of choice; very well presented buffet.

It is a hotel that seems to give you a better image of what it is. It is not bad, but there are certain points that will make me reconsider whether I would like to return to it. Probably, if the price difference is not much, I would go to the Radisson Blu.

SCANDIC GARDERMOEN OSLO AIRPORT

Ravinevegen 15 2060
Gardermoen
Norway
Phone: +47 23 15 59 00
Fax: +47 23 15 59 11
E-mail: osloairport@scandichotels.com

SCANDIC HØVIK

The Scandic Høvik is really a Motel. At 15 minutes bus ride from Oslo Centre, situated in a Service Station, is that… a Motel. Getting there is not complicated, if you are choosing to use public transport. Taxis are out of the question due to the distance and the high fares you will be charged. It’s Norway after all, and nothing is cheap there.

The hotel rooms are basic. Scandic hotels tend to be that… In my case, I got a ground floor room, with basic bed (actually, two twins) and basic bathroom. Do you need more? Not really. Unlike what I thought initially, the rooms were quite silent. You could not hear the cars passing by or the train, which was a positive point.

Staff was helpful and gave me indications on how to get into Oslo Central the fastest way. That is, by bus, route 151 to be precise. Although, bus stop is 5 minutes away, and the route to it is a bit… tricky, as you have to cross the entrance to the services from the highway. There is a train station, but I got told it was a bit more complicated.

Breakfast was basic. Not bad but had had much better ones. Nothing compared with other Scandic Hotel ones. In my opinion, if you can get a closer hotel to the centre and need to head that way, it is better you use another hotel.

SCANDIC HØVIK

Drammensveien 507

1363 Oslo

Norway

Phone: +47 23 15 53 00

Fax: +47 23 15 53 11

E-mail:

hovik@scandichotels.com

Reservation & Customer service:

+46 8 517 517 20