Graffiti Wall: Heroic B&B Friendliness

Home > Plan Your Trip > Graffiti Wall > Heroic B&B Friendliness

Heroic B&B Friendliness: 2007

European bed and breakfast hosts and hostesses are notorious for confounding travelers with inexplicable kindness. Share tales of B&B hosts who went above and beyond the call of touristic duty to give you a great trip.

Note: This board is for tips about great European B&Bs (not hotels). If there are multiple comments on the same place, we will delete repetitious posts. Comments about more traditional hotels should be posted in the appropriate Rick Steves guidebook forum. For specific lodging recommendations, please refer to Rick's guidebooks, and read his tips on planning your trip.

If you have a complaint about a B&B in one of Rick's books that you could not resolve with the management, we would like to hear about it; however, please do not express your misgivings here. Instead, feel free to comment in the appropriate Rick Steves guidebook forum. You can also email any complaints to Rick's editor at books@ricksteves.com.

Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.

B&B in Venice
Planning a trip to Venice ... Want tips to buy great shoes at half the price? A chance to see beautiful Venice but also real Italy - with English translation? Stay with Mary and Claudio Serafini (. I really recommend it. Rick, you should write a line about them! They are that good
Maria
Evanston , IL USA Mon 12/31/2007

2 Great B&B's in Ireland
Cliffs of Moher: My husband and I visit Ireland each year for a minimum of 30 days. We are not experts but we know a bit about where to stay. If you are looking for a wonderful B&B at the Cliffs of Moher; we highly recommend Moher Lodge! Paddy and Mary are terrific. Their Bed and Breakfast is superbly situated, between Liscannor and Doolin, overlooking Liscannor Bay. They are the nearest B&B to the Cliffs of Moher. They have become friends and Mary makes a mean Irish coffee. While they take care of business without a hitch, their Irish hearts are open to all. I have seen them do little things help their guests that are well beyond the call of duty. They welcome you as if they have known you for years even though they have never met you before. Bring cash though they do not take credit cards but their rates are very reasonable and book ahead they are usually full. The rooms and food leave nothing to be desired.

Waterford: If you are going to spend any time on the lower east coast, including Waterford, try Carrigmoorna Lodge. Mary & Mike Veale are unbelievable. I was having trouble finding a tea strainer while last I was there and I mentioned this to Mary, low and behold about 4 weeks after returning home I received a package in the mail from Mary. It was of course a new tea strainer and I use it all of the time now. She will tell you by the best brands to buy while you are there. Their Merit Award Wining B&B is surrounded by mature woodland, shaded by Comeragh Mountains. This tranquil country setting is 3 miles from a breathtaking coastline, and 6 miles from the town of Dungarvan. They offer the best of town and country! There are three golf courses nearby. Mary greats you at the door and escorts you in and has tea and biscuits waiting for you. She gives you the lowdown on everything. Fresh and local is her motto when it comes to the food she serves, and she knows everyone in town. I have never seen a finer place setting. Her tea/coffee facilities are always out and the guest lounge is welcoming. We could not start our trip without first visiting Mary and Mike.
Ken and Lyn O'Neal <email>
Camano Island, WA USA Mon 12/31/2007

Roma B&B
My wife and I alos stayed at “Le Finestre sul Vaticano” B&B in Rome back in October. You can't find a more friendly and helpful person than Lavinia. In spite of her being VERY pregnant at the time she was always up early to prepare a nice breakfast and get you on your way in the AM. She's a wealth of information and if you need to book a guide, she's the one to ask. Max was heading out of town the day we arrived so it was Hi and Goodbye, so we really didn't get to know him much. When we return to Rome we'll probably stay there again... no reason to go anywhere else. I was kidding her about their website saying they were 150 meters from the subway. Well... it's more like about 3 1/2 blocks, but convenient never the less. Had a great time. BTW... the best pizza in Rome is at the Monte Carlo and the little place down the street from the B&B is pretty darn good too. Funny story... I was at the restaurant, sporting my 10% discount card that Lavinia had given me. I was having a little trouble with the menu and the waiter knew about as much English as I knew Italian. I was trying to order a bottle of red wine. Anyway... I finally just said "vino roho" or something to that effect and he disappeared. Then I got to thinking... I probably just ordered the most expensive bottle of wine on the menu. Oops! Well I was right... but it cost a whole 12 Euros, fortnately it wasn't a 100. Another story. Lavinia told us there was a little laundry place just about across from the restaurant so we figured we'd drop some clothes off and pick them up the following day. Almost missed the place. Couldn't have been 10 feet wide. Grandpa sitting by the door with his money box on a TV tray. Mom washing clothes and the daughter doing all the ironing. No one spoke much english except the daughter. So we finally worked out that we just wanted the stuff washed, nothing special. I tried to get a ticket... so we could get our stuff back the next day. You don't need no ticket... we remember. Hmmm.... well OK. Came back the next day. Stuff was all done. All folded in a plastic bag. They recognized us as soon as we walked in. Our laundry had a tag that just said "Americans". Cost 6 euros... so I gave him 10. Hometown service, half way around the globe.
Larry
Richland, Wa USA Fri 12/28/2007

Lida House, Prague
Stayed at the Lida House in Prague which has been reviewed and commented on about a million times. Great place to meet other travelers. Great place to stay... They really make you feel at home. Jan is so funny... He works his butt off and doesn't know the word "No". We had a 6 AM flight out of Prague to Paris. He got up at 3:30 AM to take us to the airport. He'd do anything for you, just a wonderful, wonderful guy. My only suggestion for them is for breakfast... just slice the boiled eggs in half... rather than sectioning them. Much easier to handle. Had free internet too... very handy.
Larry
Richland, Wa USA Fri 12/28/2007

Pensionek Olsakovsky
This charming B & B in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic was absolutely perfect! Jana is wonderful hostess! It's also very affordable!
Sarah
Los Angeles, CA USA Thu 12/27/2007

Nice and friendly B&B in Rome
We just returned from Italy last week and we spent four nights in Rome. We stayed at B&B Smart. The room was large and nice, and very reasonably priced. It is near the train station Termini , so it makes very easy to get around by bus and Metro. It is also within walking distance of the Coliseum, and the Roman Forum. The owners were friendly and the place was incredibly clean. It was great. We definitely recommend this place for budget travelers. www.bandbromeitaly.com
Terry Thomson
New York, USA Sun 12/23/2007

Siena and Orvieto B&Bs
Just got back from Italy in mid-November. Stayed at the Palazzo Bruchi B&B in Siena. Not far from Il Campo, in a beautiful palazzo. Room was huge with big bathroom with shower. Camilla speaks English and is very nice and answers all questions. With the B&B you have own kitchen where you can keep stuff cold and make food. Also great view out your window. Recommend highly! Discount for cash payments. www.palazzobruchi.it Also, stayed at another wonderful B&B in Orvieto, named La Magnolia. Virtually right next to the Duomo in Orvieto. Another clean and big room with a huge bathroom and shower. Right where all the action is and family speaks English so no problems here also. Have fun!
Chris Rydel <email>
Waterford, MI USA Fri 12/21/2007

Salisbury, UK
Cathedral View B & B in Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, UK was phenomenal. Not only is it just a stone's throw away from the tallest church in the UK, the proprietors were just as friendly and gracious as you will ever find. Wenda & Steve made outstanding full English breakfasts, and even went so far as to let us share their Christmas dinner when we found out all the restaurants were closed. Furthermore, they went online and tracked down a bus for us that we were having trouble finding on Boxing Day. If you stay in Wiltshire, stay in Salisbury, and if you stay in Salisbury, stay at the Cathedral View B & B.
Brandon
The Commonwealth, VA USA Wed 12/19/2007

Friendly and nice B&B in Rome
My sister and I stayed at “Le Finestre sul Vaticano” B&B in Rome for 6 days, hosted by Lavinia and Max. They were exceptionally helpful and friendly, (as they already had been in our internet conversations during planning). These friendly and nice hosts know all the good places to go in Rome and outside. And Lavinia's suggestions have been very helpful such as going to Villa Adriana in Tivoli was an unexpected wonderful surprise but you have to consider to spend one full day there. Lavinia and Max are wonderful hosts with a great sense of humour and genuinely care about their guests and their B&B is lovely and comfortable and conveniently located and it is 5 minutes walking to the Vatican Museums and to the subway station. I highly recommend this place for wonderful hospitality, accommodations, location and hosts! Visit their website: www.romabandb.it Thanks again Max and Lavinia!
Christine
Bloomington, IN USA Mon 12/17/2007

London B & B
We stayed at the Melbourne House in Belgravia between Victoria Station and Pimlico Tube stop.John,his family and staff run a clean,friendly,and inviting B and B.It is an excellent value and I recommend it without reservation.It is newly renovated,conveniently situated,with a good full breakfast.We were there for most of our nearly 2 weeks in London in late Oct.2007.
Paul and Julie Hass <email>
Franklin, Indian USA Wed 12/05/2007

B&B - London
My sister and I took our first European vacation in November and of course we had to get Rick' book on England. Per his book, we stayed stayed in the Winchester Hotel B&B near Victoria Station in London. The location made it very easy to get around all of London and beyond. The B&B had comfortable rooms that were the typical small european room, barely 9 x 15 plus the ensuite bath. The service and breakfast were excellent. They also provide free internet service which we used a lot to keep up with the Paris metro strike, the next stop on our trip. If you're loooking for a reasonably priced place, well located spot, this is a good place to go,
J & P
Minneapolis, MN USA Mon 12/03/2007

Venice B&B
When visiting the Venice area, Maria Serafina's B&B is the place to stay. Her hospitality was exquisite and the breakfast bountiful. It is a quick bus ride to Venice's bus depot, with the train station a short walk for those day trips. Again, a hearty recommendation for Maria. You can reach her at smaria186@hotmail.com or +39 3408587203.
Judy Huckeby <email>
Lakewood, Colora USA Sun 12/02/2007

B&B Il Marzocco in Firenze
I saw that another poster had mentioned the B&B Il Marzocco in Firenze. Marco was a wonderful, kind host who went out of his way to look out for his guests. I was there for 2 days and then off to Ravenna for a mosaic class, planning to return to Firenze after the class. Not only did he trust me for my bill, he kept my extra luggage there for me and gave me the same room I had before I left when I got back! I felt right at home.

Marco has only been in business for about a year and is running the B&B by himself and doing a great job. He worked with an architect to design it and it turned out lovely, his taste is excellent. The rooms were clean, cosy and well decorated. Unfortunately, he only provided a continental breakfast, NOT my favorite in any country but he made up for it with his hospitality.

As a native Florentine Marco knew a lot about Florence. I would recommend this B&B to all my friends and other travelers especially those using Firenze as a base or for those visiting for the first time.

It is however, upstairs with no elevator and not easy to find as it is not clearly marked due to neighborhood restrictions. However, it is a few minutes walk from the train and bus stations which made day trips to other cities like Siena very easy. Marco knew a lot of places to eat, where the best laundromat in the neighborhood was located and how to find shops for specific items. I highly recommend him and his B&B, his warmth and kindness was not lost on this first time visitor to Italy especially since I found Firenze very crowded, dirty, and overpriced.
Margaret <email>
Reston, VA USA Wed 11/28/2007

Woodstock, England B&B
I just want to recommend a great B&B in Woodstock, England near Blenheim Palace. In Oct, 2007 I had the great pleasure of staying at the Hamilton House. The owner /host is Kay Bradford who is a wealth of information, exceptional hospitality, & a great personality. Her website is www.hamiltonhousewoodstock.co.uk The rooms are neat & comfortable. Convenient to the Cotswalds as well as Blenheim Palace.
Mike Sansom <email>
Raleigh, NC USA Mon 11/26/2007

The Stone House, Caux, (Pezenas) France
A Gem In Caux (Pezenas) France The STONE HOUSE B&B in Caux is an excellent place in which to stay while you are in the southern coastal area of France, about an hour from Montpelier. Inland by one-half hour, the town is surrounded by miles and miles of vineyards. The structure of the B&B dates back to the 11th century or so, but has been convered from a former stable into a first class B&B. The hosts, Michael and Mark are as most congenial and insure your visit is a wonderful experience. Not to far from Pezenas, the home of Moliere, relaxation can surely be found.
H J Thomas, Jr. <email>
LaGrange, Ga USA Sat 11/24/2007

Ireland B&B
I stayed at the Windsor Lodge in Dun Laoghire for 2 nites in October,2007 and what a fantastic place it is. Looking out my window I could see the Irish sea which is 1 block from the B&B. This place is near a great harbor area and some great areas to walk in. Mary O'farrell was a great hostess and made a fantastic breakfast. This place is 1 block from the DART station which makes it even more convenient. winlodge@eircom.net 20 min. from Dublin.
Walt Pleimann
colorado springs, CO USA Mon 11/19/2007

Great B & B in Siena
Le Logge di sopra outside of Siena was fabulous. It is not listed in Rick Steves guide book, but found it through one of his links. The rooms were large, very clean, and very reasonable. The hostess does not speak English - only Italian, which added to its charm. We were still able to communicate. She had a typical European breakfast ready for us each morning. She recommended great restaurants in the area. I would highly recommend this place and think Rick Steves should add this one to his book. (by the way - we never leave home without our Rick Steves Travel guide book!)
Nancy <email>
Carrollton, TX USA Thu 11/15/2007

Rome B&B
Traveled to Rome June, 2007 and stayed 2 nites in a great B&B in the Trastevere area, Arco del Lauro B&B. The owner, Lorenza was a great host. Very clean room, with A/C, T.V. and fairly new shower that you can turn around in.(a plus in Rome) Very close to sightseeing but much quieter area with great resturants where the locals eat. info@arcodellauro.it
Cat
Tampa, Fl USA Wed 11/14/2007

Great B&B in Florence, Italy
I want to tell you about a wonderful B&B where we stayed in Florence, Italy. It is called the Badia Fiorentina Guest House www.badiafiorentina.com. It is centrally located within easy walking distance to the major sites. It is elegant, charming and comfortable. Decorated with the owner’s collection of lovely antiques, oriental rugs and wonderful paintings it has a serene atmosphere. Our host was a warm, wonderful gentleman who opened his own apartment to us for breakfast. There was a refrigerator in the hall with water and wine that you signed for. Tea and coffee were provided at no charge. At the end of our trip, all four of us (all women) voted our stay there as the “best”. We all hope that you can add this B&B to your recommended list for Florence. The host was very pleased that we might ask you to include his establishment in your next book. We also met many people carrying your book. We referred to ourselves as “Rick-nicks”. Thank you for a wonderful “up-to-date” book.
Diane K. Baker <email>
Hudson, WI USA Sun 11/11/2007

Il Bargello B&B in Florence, Italy
We, along with our daughter and son-in-law, spent two nights at Il Bargello in Florence. Gabriella (speaking perfect English) hosted us to a wonderful stay with clean, comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts along with your choice of fresh brewed coffee drinks and/or tea. The sleeping rooms and the common areas are well appointed to provide a quiet place for rest and renewal while traveling in the city. Gabriella provided excellent directions to sites and great recommendations for meals. The location is central to the train station, major museums, the Duomo and other sites. Overall we spent 33 days in Italy and this B&B is one of our most remarkable and highly recommended stays. Jack & Kathleen Portland, Oregon USA
Kathleen <email>
Portland, OR USA Sun 11/11/2007

warsaw b & b
boutique b & b in warsaw had the friendliest and most helpful staff i've ever met throughout my european travels. they're listed in the eastern europe book...
L
tx USA Sun 11/11/2007

Wonderful B&B in Portsmouth, UK
My husband and I recently travelled to the UK for a week. While in Portsmouth, we had the pleasure of staying at the Birchwood Guest House. Ken & Heather Cottrell are extremely amiable hosts and provide a congenial, relaxing, unpretentious experience. Rates are competitive and include a full English breakfast (check out their website for further details). The ensuite rooms are clean, freshly decorated and extremely comfortable. Don't miss an opportunity to stay at this delightful accommodation.
Kris Nielsen
Stanwood, WA USA Sat 11/10/2007

Camp, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland
Camp Junction House was one of the highlights of our stay in Ireland. John Doyle is a most gracious host...he welcomed us with a cup of tea in front of a blazing fireplace...then helped with our touring and golfing plans...then showed us to our spotless, ensuite room with a spectacular view of lovely Tralee Bay. We woke to a delicious full-Irish breakfast and were even invited to use the kitchen for late-night coffee and snacks. The B&B is within walking distance of The Railway Tavern where you can have a few pints with the residents of Camp and enjoy the Sunday sessions featuring John's father on the accordian.
Mary Ann Beaser <email>
Plymouth, MI USA Thu 11/08/2007

Geat Pension in the Black Forest
We spent a week in the Black Forest and stayed with Martin and Anna Kraeutle at their hotel - pension in Feldberg-Neuglahutten. It was the greatest place I ever stayed. Martin was a perfect host and gave us his expertise on seeing the Black Forest. The rates were extremely reasonable and included a wonderful breakfast every morning. They have two buildings, one with 1 and 2 bedroom apartments to rent which is new and the other is the hotel. Here is their website: www.berghof-kraeutle.de
Ann
Indianola, IA USA Wed 11/07/2007

Ca' Fosca Due Torri in Bologna
Ca' Fosca Due Torri is a few steps away from the double towers in Bologna's old city. It is a large fourth-floor apartment with three bedrooms, each furnished differently, each with private bathrooms, two in suite. Breakfast and apertifs are served in a glass-enclosed verandah that opens onto a rooftop garden. An antique iron and wood elevator has been retrofitted into the oval stairwell. The B&B is run by Patrizia Ramponi, who is colorful, energetic and eager for her guests to have a good time. She loves the Tango and Maria Callas, so you are likely to hear either arias or Argentine dance music when you come in. Before you go out, she'll offer you an apertif of local wine, chunks of parmesagn, large tasty caper berries, and of course, mortadella. She will help you with restaurant reservations or let you use her PC to check email or train schedules. It's like staying at a friend's apartment. She has a website at www.cafoscaduetorri.com
James
Durham, NC USA Wed 11/07/2007

Moulin Fresquet, Gramat, France
In mid-October, we stayed two nights in the Moulin Fresquet B&B in Gramat, France, convenient to Roccamador. The 400 year old former mill, run by Gerard and Claude (who is also the chef) is a lovely oasis of beauty and comfort immediately off a newly built round-about. (It's the fourth roundabout outside Gramat coming from Roccamador.) The rooms are renovated for modern convenience but funished with lovely antiques. One is built over the mill-stream. A four course dinner is served in the beautiful glass enclosed dining area every evening at 7:30. (24 euros with unlimited Bergerac wines) The host and hostess couldn't be more accomodating, introducing each diner as honored guests in their hone. This is an excellent bargain and a real taste of rural idyllic France. Plan to spend mnore than one night.
Roxanna Albury <email>
Cashiers, NC USA Tue 11/06/2007

Haus Silbernagl
My wife and I, and our 3 adult children, traveled in Italy during September, 2007. We used Rick Steves' 2007 Guidebook for many things, including lodging recommendations. I have never posted anything online before but am motivated to do so by the outstanding service provided by Petra and her staff at Haus Silbernagl in Castelrotto (Kastelruth), Sudtirol. The rooms were the cleanest I have ever stayed in anywhere, regardless of price; the breakfast outstanding in variety and quality; the location charming and Petra was friendly, helpful and fun to visit with (indulging my rusty German language skills). We would recommend her without hesitation and hope to stay at Haus Silbernagl again sometime!
Steve Spilde
Bismarck, ND USA Tue 11/06/2007

Heroic B&Bs
If you're going to the Cinque Terra region of Italy, consider staying at the Villa Steno in Monterosso. The staff is very helpful. My wife was stung by a jellyfish on the beach and they were able to help her. In the confusion, I lost our second room key. It was not a problem, they took care of it. At breakfast we could have a second cup of cappucino- unbelievable luxury!
Paul Schultz
Falls Church, VA USA Thu 11/01/2007

New Farm, The Cotswolds
Near Morton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds, England, we delighted in staying at New Farm B&B, which is actually a 300 year old working dairy farm with lovely flower garden and yard. We slept in a 4 poster bed and enjoyed breakfasts from a menu that featured delicious Cotswold bacon. Best of all was the dynamic owner, Catherine Righton, who made our stay memorable. We had difficulty with taxi service, so Catherine jumped right in and made sure we got where we needed. We spent 6 weeks in England and France, and this B&B was adsolutely the tops and reasonable.
Ellen Cholski <email>
Olympia, WA USA Wed 10/31/2007

Tuscany / Dolce Toscana Inn
We drove down to Montescudaio from Geneva, thinking we were connoisseurs in matters Tuscan. We learned how much we didn't know with Silvia at the Dolce Toscana Inn. She is a hostess and concierge with not just intimate knowledge of the local wine/food/art scene, but personal relations with the small business owners. This individualized attention means the difference between feeling like part of a herd and feeling like family. Highly recommended!
Elena Perez Crim
Geneva, USA Fri 10/26/2007

Beautiful Casa Portagioa
Our second visit to Casa Portagioia. A truly beautiful property just a few minutes from Castiglion Fiorentino and Cortona in Tuscany. The rooms are really nice and spacious. A great Pool area to relax by after a long journey or a long day of sightseeing. The breakfast served either on the patio or in the dining room has everything you could want. Dinner (which is served twice a week) is a must - Marcello is a great chef!!! Terry and Marcello are great hosts always ready with any information or help you might need. Very convenient to a lot of beautiful towns and cities in Tuscany - Florence is only an hour by train from Castiglion Fiorentino. www.tuscanbreaks.com
Frank & Barry
Toronto, ON Canada Sun 10/21/2007

Best B&B in Rome Italy
This B&B is great!!! We found here in the graffiti wall other comments regarding this B&B in Rome ... and now we know why there are so many positive feedbacks and it's considered so friendly and lovely! It was our first time at a B&B ever and we enjoyed it. Max and Lavinia are very informative, helpful and just awesome! ^_^ Breakfast was more than enough. Lavinia even offered to make us Italian coffees, we love it! If you are planning to go traveling in Rome ... go there ... 100% guaranteed. Le Finestre sul Vaticano www.romabandb.it ... you will enjoy it!
Temsiri Juarez
Plano, TX USA Sun 10/21/2007

Great BB PLATAN in Prague
Platan has everything we wanted. Great rooms, good food, minutes away from the old town centre and cool shops. Give Platan a try and enjoy Prague. A handy base for exploring Prague. The staff's helpful and we liked being able to come and go as I pleased. Nice place. We liked the breakfasts and the location. The apartment was cool. Loved the Indian vegetarian joint on the corner.www.pmg.cz Cheers, Ahmad and Hedvika
Ahmad and Hedvika
Toronto, Canada Sun 10/21/2007

Brugge: Koen & Annemie Dieltiens B&B
Brugge: Koen and Annemie Dieltiens B&B cannot be beat! What wonderful, intelligent, talented and graceful hosts for our stay! At my age "I've been around!" - and this B&B is one of the best you will find in this wonderful city. Both Koen and Annemie are musicians, collectors of beautiful antique pieces, and have done a wonderful restoration on their house/B&B. Every morning was a joy for breakfast with wonderful pasteries, cold cuts, fruits and coffee - all served at a beautifully set communal dining table. As with all ancient buildings, stairs need to be climbed - but THESE stairs are magnificent hardwood craftsmanship at it's best! Lovely rooms, graceful hosts, and intelligent conversation - you cannot ask for more! Here's another secret - Annemie is so well respected in Brugge that she is the head of the B&B association for the area!!! www.bedandbreakfastbruges.be
Phil Lapin <email>
Boring, OR USA Sun 10/21/2007

Great/inexpensive B&B outside Venice
We spent 3 nights in the home of Mary Serafini and her husband Claudio. They take pride in offering you a clean room, unbelievably bountiful breakfast, and beyond-the-call-of-duty kindness. Their hospitality and the good price make the short 25 minute bus ride from Venice to suburban Spinea worthwhile. seal2000@libero.it (39)041-541-1137 or (39)340-858-7203.
Scott B
Tucson, AZ USA Sun 10/21/2007

Dovecote Grange:Great Shropshire B&B
We wanted to discover Shropshire, having heard of lovely countryside and market towns like Shrewsbury. This guesthouse had it all for us: Clean and tidy large bedrooms and lovely comfortable beds and the internet access is a plus. The owners, Mandy and Paul are welcoming and sent us to some lovely local pubs, where we tasted good traditionnal food and real beer! The Breakfast was generous and freshly cooked to order. We shall return there! They have a website:http://www.dovecotegrange.co.uk/
Edgar
Sarlat, France Thu 10/18/2007

B&Bs in Sorrento and Capri, Italy
While in Italy recently, my travel companion and I enjoyed a number of nice B&Bs that we learned from the Graffiti Wall but two stood out for us. First, Casa Astarita in Sorrento. www.casastarita.com is website. Nice, clean, friendly atmosphere (the nicest shower with plenty of hot water that we found on our trip). Location is on interesting street and an easy walk to the train station for day trips to Pompei, Vesuvius, surrounding towns, Amalfi Coast, etc. Met some nice people there as well. Second, La Guardia in Anacapri on Capri. http://www.capri.com/en/c/la-guardia is website. The photo on the site is realistic. The pool is wonderful and the view lovely. Host Umberto cheerily greeted us and settled us on the terrace with local vino, then gave us a run down with map of our itinerary for the next day. This was in a nice, quiet neighborhood a reasonable walk from town with a nice family-owned restaurant within easy walking distance from the B&B. Local bus stop also nearby.
Lori <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Wed 10/17/2007

Stansted, England B&B
I am a student in Belgium and my friends and I stayed in Standsted, England for the weekend. We stayed at George Green Farm Guesthouse and the service and hospitality we received was warm and welcoming. The owners are very helpful, they prepared a wonderful breakfast, drove us to and from the airport, and showed a deep interest in getting to know us. The price was reasonable and the house was clean and beautifully decorated. I would go back just to stay there again.
Brittney
St. Louis, MO USA Tue 10/16/2007

best B&B inFrance
We found a lovely B&B, Bardou Cottage, when visiting the Southeast Dordogne Region in Sept. 2007. It's 3.5 kilometers outside of Gamat not far from Rocamadour. Yves and Martha have done a beautiful job of renovating an old farmhouse. He is a former French chef who has worked around the world. Martha is Canadian and has worked in the restaurant industry. We had a large but cosy bedroom with a 3 piece bathroom. Adjoining it was a small kitchenette. All this for 65 euros. There is a smaller bedroom with a queen bed and 3 piece bathroom for 45 euros. They also have a small but cosy cottage for 55 Euros. We had a great breakfast and a lovely dinner with wine for 25 euros. They are happy to help you plan to see the local sights. I enjoyed roaming their farmland with their dogs showing me the way. We would have liked to have stayed longer. They also have a pool. They require a two night stay and the property is suitable for adults only. More information is available on their websight www.bardoucottage.com
PatGreenfield <email>
Burnaby, BC USA Sun 10/14/2007

Extraordinary service on Lake Como
Visited the B&B run by Paul and Nicole situated in Argegno, Lake Como. The options here are fantastic - efficiency apartment (sleeps up to three), double room or room with two twin beds - and at astonishingly low prices. All accommodations are wonderfully clean and food is great. However, what sets this apart is the amazing level of personal service: Need help with transportation timetables? Looking for great taxi service? Want a recommendation for restaurants, stores, accommodation in other parts of Italy? All part of the service, and you have free wireless Internet access too! Nothing is missing in this little piece of heaven. More details at www.wrightart.com.
Yolande
Philadelphia, PA USA Fri 10/12/2007

B&B in York, England
Seeing your programme on PBS about historic York reminded me about a great B&B I know in the city. Situated just outside the Marygate, and on the river, the Abbey Guest House at 13/14 Earlsborough Terrace is within easy walking distance of all the sights and even has it's own parking, which is a bonus in this city. Renovated rooms with friendly informed hosts make it a good place to stay when visiting the city. They can be found on the York accomodation website.
Liz <email>
USA Wed 10/10/2007

Cinque Terre, Italy
Lovely hotel, 5 minutes from the centre of town. The room was clean and kept like that and had a beautiful balcony. Breakfast was good and staff were friendly and helpful.Can't think of any negatives. I thought it was good value for money and would recommend.
Paul keane
New York, NY USA Tue 10/09/2007

Ireland
Our first trip to Ireland, just completed, included three different and wonderful B&Bs. In Dingle, our stay at the Cill Bhreac House featured a huge breakfast with all the local bells and whistles, plus the grains and fruits that are a traveler's best friend. Angela McCarthy was a generous and gracious host, going out of her way to make us feel at home. I have no idea why a site so wonderful has yet to make it into Rick's guidebook, but I learned about the Cill Bhreac on this website, and the poster was accurate. In a beautiful location just a short walk from the hub of Dingle town, the accommodations were excellent.

We staying in Howth, outside of Dublin, at two great B&Bs. After trying to extend our long-planned stay with Ann's of Howth, Una, our hostess, arranged a stay at Gleann na Smol, just a few blocks away, and it was a very special stop for us. Sean, the B&B operator, was glib, helpful and most friendly in making our brief stay a warm and pleasant one. His home was filled with European travelers of all ages, allowing us to enjoy an even more international visit than our Gaelic experience. His genuinely warm and helpful spirit filled his home, and his wonderful mother was a joy to meet. The breakfast there was the results of his hearty efforts alone and was excellent, featuring top-shelf breads and homemade jams that I still miss.

Our final stop at Ann's of Howth was equally memorable. Jonathan and Una have an five-star B&B in my opinion and their personal touch seals the deal. The bedroom was ample and modern, the food was exquisite and Una was most helpful in arranging things for our final day in Ireland.

The best investment we made in our vacation was in buying Rick's book -- it directed us, either in print or through this site, to a wonderful and memorable trip.

Thanks for that!
Barry Spiegel <email>
Peoria, AZ USA Sat 10/06/2007

Bath
If the first B&B helps set the tone for your whole trip, you should be lucky enough to stay at the Holly Villa in Bath. Just a short walk from the beautiful and flower-filled waterfront park, the home was beautifully equipped and hosts Keith and Jill McGarrigle were generous with their time and advice. Jill helped us adjust from our long journey, enabling us to make the most from our time in the old Roman city. Jill's pub and restaurant advice panned out, too, but they were no match for her excellent and huge traditional English breakfasts. Accompanied by the healthy breakfast cereals that help build a good foundation for full days of exploring, these breakfasts set us up for great days. The Holly Villa will be first on our next trip to England!
Barry Spiegel <email>
Peoria, AZ USA Sat 10/06/2007

Brugges, Belgium - Double Door.
Hi,

We stumbled upon a beautiful B&B in Bruges, Belgium called Double Door. We were lucky enough to be their very first customers, and it was honestly THE BEST B&B we have ever been to after travelling for 8 weeks and mostly using Rick's recommendations. Their hospitality, breakfasts and home was superb. You have your own room with ensuite (with the softest linen you'd find at a 5-star hotel), and a lounge, dining and kitchen to share with other guests if you need. The B&B comes highly recommended from myself and my partner who have stayed in B&Bs all over the world.

Contact: Junko & Pierre Site: www.doubledoor.be Contact: info@doubledoor.be
Angela <email>
Sydney, NSW USA Thu 10/04/2007

Priestville in Edinburgh
On Rick's suggestion my family and I stayed at the Priestville B&B in Edinburgh. I have to say it was the most pleasant experience. Colin was immediately helpful as soon as we walked in, explaining the house, transportation (which bus lines go where) and food options in the evenings. He asked us what activities we were interested in and guided us in the best direction.

The breakfast was outstanding, I really liked the Haggis not at all what was expected (my father told me that Scotch was created to wash down the Haggis).

Our second night we were interested in a highly touted restaurant; Colin called them and slipped us in, it was great.

One special little tidbit was in our room. We are big tea drinkers, and enjoy it sweetened, the first night there were insufficient sugar packets in the room (there were 3 of us), not wanting to bother Colin, I went to the breakfast room and borrowed a sugar bowl. Without saying anything, he replaced it the next day with a full one in the room. I thanked him and he just winked.

Kudos to Colin and to Rick for recommending him.
Chris <email>
Wimberley, TX USA Wed 10/03/2007

De'Benci B&B in Florence
I stayed at De'Benci B&B in Florence last week and it was the nicest B&B I stayed in during our 2 weeks in Italy. It felt like a hotel. The rooms were very large, the bathrooms spacious with new, modern tile and fixtures. It was the only full-sized shower we had in Italy. It was kept impeccably clean, and the price was amazing. It also had a lift, air conditioning, internet access in the room if you had your own laptop, and breakfast every morning in the large common room. I highly recommend this place. It was close to Santa Croce and a short walk to everywhere in the historic center of Florence.

http://www.debencisuite.com/en/home.htm
Beth
Baltimore, USA Wed 10/03/2007

B&Bs in Rome
I stayed in 2 different B&Bs in Rome that are both recommended.

Arena Guest House near the Colosseum was a great little place. It was clean, centrally located, had a PC in the room, and Barbara and Vincent were very friendly. Tiny rooms and tinier shower with no common areas, but it met all our needs. It was central, safe, and affordable. http://www.arenahouse.com/

The other place we stayed at was San Jouan Guest House near San Giovanni in Laterno. It was a little further out of the center, but still only 10-15 min from the Colosseum. Nestor and Stefany were nice hosts with good recommendations on where to eat and where to pick up the buses. The room was spacious, very clean, had WiFi access plus a PC in the lobby to use, nice indoor common area and courtyard, free cold bottled water, Sky satellite TV with English channels. It felt like a boutique-type B&B with its clean, modern furniture. Nestor even waited outside with us at 6am until the cab to the airport arrived.

http://www.sanjouan.it/
Beth
Baltimore, USA Wed 10/03/2007

Hotel Le Bayeux, France
On our recent trip to Normandy, we were unable to find accommodations for our last night. After a futile two hour search, which included stops in Caen and Courseulles Sur Mer, we headed inland for lodging.

We arrived in Bayeux around 9:30 p.m. and checked in at the Hotel Le Bayeux (we enjoyed our stay there earlier in the week). Though she did not have any rooms for us, hotel manager Mirelle Bajum called several other places on our behalf. She found lodging for us with a local resident who rents rooms just down the street. Relieved that we had a place for the night, we then asked if a restaurant might be open (by now it was around 10 p.m.). She informed us that it was too late, but we were more than welcome to eat in their breakfast room. We assumed she meant cold cereal, which we would have been more than content with.

Within 20 minutes, we dropped off our bags at the room, then returned to Le Bayeax for our cold cereal dinner – though the catering truck parked in the hotel driveway did catch our attention. In the breakfast room we were greeted with a fabulous hot meal and a bottle of wine. What a way to end our evening!

For their kindness and hospitality, we are grateful to Ms. Bajum and the staff at the Hotel Le Bayeux!
Anna
Tacoma, WA USA Tue 10/02/2007

Rome Accomodations
My wife and I stayed at Gulliver's B&B in Rome this past June. Sarah, the owner, was a great host. She gave us everything we neede to know about seeing Rome. The house is conveniently located near Termini , bus stops and the metro. What a nice experience.
Jerry Thomas <email>
Laguna Beach, Ca USA Tue 10/02/2007

Agriturisimo - Tuscany
My wife and I stayed at Poggio Salvi in Tuscany, near Siena this past May. What a beautiful and convenient location. Massimo was welcoming and helpful.
Jerry Thomas <email>
Laguna Beach, CA USA Tue 10/02/2007

Bruges Bed and Breakfast
Lovely rooftop room with the most comfortable bed of the trip. Tasty breakfasts by Lievtje Van Nevel that gave enough food for later snacks. Every restaurant and tour tip from Robert Van Nevel proved excellent. Wonderful to have tea and coffee makers in the room. A bargain after Amsterdam prices!
Anne and Ack <email>
Madison, Wisc USA Tue 10/02/2007

Great B & B in Tuscany!
Don't miss La Palazzina in Radicofani. I recently spent a month in Italy and found a gem of a B & B just South of Siena. The location was wonderful for visiting a number of charming hill towns including Montalcino, Montalpuciano, Pienza, Chianciano, Cortona, Pitigliano and more. The rooms were beautiful, the grounds were very peaceful and the swimming pool had a panoramic view that looked like a masterpiece painting. I have learned that the most important thing about choosing places to stay is the people who welcome you and help you to make the most of your precious time in Italy. Sylvano is the most gracious host you could imagine. His English is excellent, his knowledge of Italy is amazing, and he is happy to help with any questions, directions, tours, activities, and more. Every morning, the guests all gather for a nice breakfast and each night, Sylvano's wife Eliana prepares a delicious Italian dinner, featuring the freshest regional ingredients, wonderful wine, vegetables from the garden - and the super friendly staff makes you feel right at home. Sylvano set up an appt. at a nearby terme (spa) for my sore airplane-fatigued back, helped us ship packages, and had great suggestions every morning for activities like horseback riding, hiking, hill town visits and more. Sylvano, his family and staff all make every guest feel welcome, and of all of the B & Bs and Agriturismos I have stayed in Italy, La Palazzina is the BEST. Website: http://www.fattorialapalazzina.com and the email is info@fattorialapalazzina.com. I am hoping that Rick will put this wonderful Agriturismo in his next book so more people can experience the lovely Tuscan holiday that I did!
Gail <email>
Maui, HI USA Sun 09/30/2007

Frances and Franco in Siena
My husband and I spent two nights at Frances'Lodge in Siena last week. Cannot believe we are not reading more about them on the Graffiti Wall! They are warm, welcoming, accomodating. Their 300 year old farmhouse is spectacular, the rooms huge and the views unreal. Our first night there after getting a little lost, Franco uncorked a bottle of Chianti for us as we watched the sunset behind ancient Siena. If that isn't worth the trip I don't know what is. If you are going to Tuscany, make sure you stop for a while at Frances' Lodge. You will not be disappointed! Don't forget to try her famous home made jams and olive oil.......nothing like here at home.
Tammy
Chicago, IL USA Sat 09/29/2007

Friendliest B&B in Prague -- Guesthouse Lida
Jan and Jitka at Guesthouse Lida made us feel right at home and took a lot of time to answer our numerous questions! He made reservations for us for dinner as well as a concert and gave us wonderful recommendations for restaurants and activities. I lost one of my favorite earring at their B&B the morning that we left for the States, and they found it and are mailing it to me. I can't begin to recommend them highly enough. I have been to Europe 6 times, and they are the friendliest and most helpful B&B that I have ever stayed in! Teri
Teri Taylor <email>
Bettendorf, IA USA Thu 09/27/2007

brugges B&B
www.bedandbreakfastbruges.be We really enjoyed this beautiful and convenient B&B. Our host was most pleasant and helpful and we enjoyed our chats with her and other guests over breakfast. The home and garden was beautiful, the breakfast was varied, delicious and plentiful and we appreciated the internet access. In fact we really enjoyed Brugge - it is a beautiful city and we had great fun walking around exploring it and taking wonderful photos.
Val Baker
Adelaide, SA Australia Thu 09/27/2007

Charming B & B in Florence
If you're looking for pristine cleanliness, a good value and charming host, go to B & B Il Marzocco. Marco will make your Florence trip the most memorable. He speaks many languages, including English and will spend 10 minutes with you with his customized highlighted walking routes, as well as amazing recommendations. The rooms are next to new, and the bathroom which is a commodity is as good as a 5 star with the decor and decor. Breakfast is plentiful. We cannot recommend this place enough! It's still a best kept secret!
Leo
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 09/26/2007

Monaco in Munich
Having just returned from a week in Munchen I've been feeling a strong desire to extol the many virtues of our choice of accommodation. We (my wife and I) opted for Hotel Monaco - a business occupying the top three floors of a residential building just five minutes from the busy city centre and five minutes from the main train station. We figured two star surroundings would suffice - after all, it would mean we'd have more cash to spend on frivolous things. As it turned out the hotel was significantly more tidy and friendly than any other place I've stayed. Christine and her crew went out of their way to welcome us. The continental breakfast spread was outstanding and all of the staff's patience and help with our less-than-impressive German language skills were welcomed. I don't mean sound like I was expecting the proprietor of a two star hotel to spit in my eye - I'm simply so pleased with our choice. We've already agreed to return next year. If anybody is thinking of visiting Munich you really can't go wrong with Hotel Monaco.
N A Preston <email>
York, Yorks England Tue 09/25/2007

B&B's In Ireland
Wanted to leave some notes for travellers to Ireland about some wonderful B&B's:

Doolin, try the Dubhlinn House. Joan & Martin are excellent hosts, and have a very comfortable home. Joan also works for one of the ferry companies running service to the Aran islands. Consider Doolin and a trip to Inisheer instead of Inishmore. Sure, you don't see Dun Aengus, but Inisheer was much less crowded. The Crannmor B&B in Trim is very cheery, just as Rick suggests. If you like to fish, Marc O'Reagan knows the local waters very well, and his wife Anne is great! The Ballyogan house near Kilkenny is really a treat. Fran and Robert have a beautiful home and make you truly feel welcome. The Derrynaflan house in Cashel is a charming 400 year old farmhouse, where Sheila makes her own cheese and yogurt! Wonderful stuff, and couldn't be more friendly. And another ringing endorsement for the Milestone House. Bairbre was ever so helpful with directing us to local sites & events, and Michaels bread is awesome.
Tim <email>
Allen, TX USA Fri 09/21/2007

Paris B&B
If you're looking for a quaint out of the way place to stay in Paris, try the Dormouse house in Villene sur Seine. It's about 20 mins from the city center by train. Very welcoming hosts Lisa and Jack.
Tim <email>
Allen, TX USA Fri 09/21/2007

Glencree B&B - Penzance
I stayed four nights at Glencree B&B in Penzance. It was great, very clean, safe, with wonderful breakfasts. You could choose from a large variety of hot breakfasts. It is just off the promenade, about a 20 minute walk from the train station. I would stay there again and recommend it.
Gail
Canada Wed 09/19/2007

London B&Bs
London England, I stayed at the Cherry Court B&B. I found it posted here on the Rick Steves site by another traveler. Great location just minutes from Victoria Station. Clean and friendly. They put a breakfast basket in your room each evening.

Also I meet a couple of nice ladies in Rome who own a B&B in London too. I didn't stay there but it's worth checking out Emma & Peolo 38 Fairfax Rd. London 020 8372 2581 . They said it's a short trip into town by bus. There price is 12 to 15 pounds.
Tricia <email>
Santa Rosa Beach, FL USA Sun 09/16/2007

Venice B&B-Le Mansarde
We rented the room with small kitchen and private bath. Anna Maria is charming and very helpful. The room is clean, convenient to transportation, modern air conditioner, unlimited ice, and situated next to a small deli/bakery/grocery. Cons: sofa bed is loveseat size, and lots of stairs. Perfect for two and we highly reccommend this B&B.
Jaynee & Steve <email>
Galena, Oh USA Sat 09/15/2007

Best accommodations in Penzance
I would highly recommend staying at Warwick House in Penzance. It's almost next to Rick's suggested Camilla House. Julie and Chris do everything possible to make your stay memorable. Their breakfasts were excellent and so were the accommodations. They gave us recommendations on places to see and places to eat. While we were staying there, my father passed away, so we had to return to the states as soon as possible. They helped us cancel all of our remaining B&B reservations and change our flight plans. They gave us a free hour on their cell phone to do this.
Susan Applegate
Bellevue, WA USA Sat 09/15/2007

Best accommodations in Salisbury
Although not in Rick's guidebook, Wyndam Park Lodge in Salisbury should be. We stayed in a newly built addition to the main house in a very modern room with large bathroom. Suzanne and Peter were wonderful hosts. The breakfast was well-above the usual. It is located in a very quiet part of town, less than a 15 minute walk to the catherdral and market square. Delightful!
Susan Applegate
Bellevue, WA USA Sat 09/15/2007

Edinburgh-Priestville B&B
Priestville Guest House: Excellent choice for Edinburgh! Large Victorian house, warmly, beautifully-run by Colin and Trina,who endeared us with their generosity, helpfulness and GREAT food! Our requested double room was large, nice views over city, nice touches. Free fast internet,videos. Details in Rick's book.
Jerry/Charlene
near San Francisco, CA USA Sat 09/15/2007

Florence B&B
Dei Mori B&B, Florence, It.: Warmly run by Peter and Danny, ably assisted by Suzanne, within sight of Duomo spire. Excellent dinner and sight suggestions, reservations made and tea and fun conversation. Reasonably priced, warm home feeling.
T.J.
Long Beach, Ca. USA Fri 09/14/2007

Santorini B&B
Carlos Pansion, Santorini, Greece: Lovely, family run B&B near Akrotiri (so. end), very reasonable (30 euros nightly, double). Caring, helpful and proud of their heritage. Can provide connections to boat trips, Greek dance and insights to Greek culture. Tel: +30/22860/81370, website up soon: infor@carlospansion.gr
T.J.
Long Beach, Ca. USA Fri 09/14/2007

Paris B&B
Hotel du Champ de Mars, Paris, Rue Cler: Small, well appointed, close to Eiffel Tower (Ard. 7), a Rick rec. hotel, very well situated to sites. Breakfast extra, but shops and bars just steps away. Run by husband and wife team. Reasonable for Paris! I've stayed twice.
T.J.
Long Beach, Ca. USA Fri 09/14/2007

Great B & B in Tavistock, Devon, England
The Rosemont B & B in Tavistock, Devon, England is a wonderful place to stay. Warm, welcoming proprietors, super clean, non smoking, lovely and an excellent value. We stayed 5 nights in July '07. Super high recommendations.
Barbara D.
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 09/13/2007

Ireland - Inishduffhouse in County Donegal
My wife and I just got back from a wonderful 12 night trip to Ireland and would enthusiastically recommend the Inishduff House in Kilcar in County Donegal. What a beautiful setting, and the accomodations and host (Ethna) couldn't have been nicer!
Sam McFerran <email>
Washington, DC USA Mon 09/10/2007

Great accomodations!
We just came back from a few cities in Europe and had some recommendations. Salzburg: Haus Lindner. They were amazing and very cheap. It's just a few minutes on the regional train from the main train station. We will stay there again. Brugge: Hotel Keizerhof. Great place to stay to enjoy Brugge. Very nice staff and just a cute place to stay for a great price.
Leigh <email>
Tucson, AZ USA Sun 09/09/2007

Great Brugge B&B
My wife & I managed to get a room w/ Koen and Annemie Dieltiens (www.bedandbreakfastbruges.be) for our trip in August 2007. Rick's recommendation was spot on and our stay there was definitely a highlight of our trip. Very gracious and friendly hosts, beautiful home & rooms and a very hearty breakfast. Great value B&B and highly recommended.
Kevin <email>
Woodinville, WA USA Fri 09/07/2007

Portrush, N. Ireland B&B recommendation
My family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Anvershiel House B&B in Portrush, N. Ireland in June of 2007. Friendly, generous hosts, Erna and Victor Bow, made our stay with them a complete pleasure. Anvershiel House is a little bit out of the center of Portrush, but that just made it quieter and more peaceful for us. We highly recommend this lovely B&B.
Kathy and Blaine
Bellevue, WA USA Fri 09/07/2007

Venice: Le Mansarde
My mother and I stayed with Anna Maria in June and loved it. The location was great and the rooms were cozy.
Brooke
Ann Arbor, MI USA Fri 09/07/2007

Garnish House, Cork City, Ireland
Garnish House, Cork City, Ireland the best B& B that I have ever stayed at. They have the best irish breakfasts in the world and the owner is wonderful. the rooms were modern, immaculate and beautiful and she gave us warm scones and tea upon arrival. I highly recommend.
Melissa
Boston, MA USA Wed 09/05/2007

Nice B&B in Rome , Italy
We stayed at Downtown Accomodation for 4 nights in August.The room was nice and clean , and bed was comfortable . The location is perfect for touring Rome , in front of Roman Forum and Colosseum ... very convenient to walk to many attractions and close to public transportation . The B&B staff was friendly and room rate was very reasonably priced . www.downtownaccomodation.com
Veronica Knott
New York, USA Wed 09/05/2007

B & B Absoluut Verhulst, Brugge, Belgium
Another wonderful stay at Absoluut Verhulst. This has got to be the best B & B in Brugge. The bedrooms are spacious and extremely comfy especially after a day's sightseeing, free tea and coffee available. The hosts were exceptional as usual! It was my 3rd stay at their B&B, Frieda and Benno have made it special each time. We will definitely be back. Thank you!
linda
london, uk Tue 09/04/2007

B&B Château Normandy plus D-Day Tour
Dear All,

I would like to recommend this place to anyone interested in spending a weekend in Normandy. The tour was great, very in-depth and personalized. We loved being in a cozy Château setting with the Klinkhamers and Pia's breakfast was wonderful. We were a 10-minute ride from Bayeux and enjoyed visiting the town and surrounding areas. We are still talking about our trip...

Roel & Pia Klinkhamer Victory Tours & Chateau de Lignerolles 14490 Planquery France. Tel: 0033 2 31 51 98 14 (international) Tel: 02 31 51 98 14 (in France) Website: www.victorytours.com
Linda Aidan <email>
Paris, France Mon 09/03/2007

HAUS REICHL IN SALZBURG
We are four women and one ten year old girl (the Chinque Chicas) who had the time of our lives on a one month trip to northern Italy, Germany and Austria, thanks to yur guiddebook recommendations. Our best stay was at the Haus Reichl in Salzburg. Frau Reichl's warmth and attention to detail (right down to the homemade jam and knitted hen shaped egg cozies) made us feel like we were visiting an old friend. The rooms were extra large, clean and lovely. Arriving a little late and hungry Herr Riechl drove us to their favorite local restaurant with singing locals, music,and little girls dancing in circles. She helped us plan our visit, our next stop and even called around to find a lost sweater for us! All of this for about 22 Euros a night each...We felt so Gemuglikeit (cozy)!! Thank youfor all the effort you put into your books. Melinda Wetzel albuquerque, new mexico
MELINDA WETZEL <email>
ALBUQUERQUE, NM USA Wed 08/29/2007

CatsRest B & B near Frankfurt
Enjoyed a lovely stay at the Cats Rest last week. What a great way to experience local Germany. Charming hostess and very pleasant accomodations. 25 Minutes to the airport. Spotlessly clean with extra little creature comforts like fresh fruit and home made cookies in your room. Great breakfast. Would stay again.
The Howard's
Jupiter, FL USA Mon 08/27/2007

Copenhagen - affordable and comfortable for family of four
Great stay in the clean and comfortable Somandshjemmet Bethel, Nyhavn (affordable in an expensive city). We had a quad for our family of four - three adults and one teen. A corner room with perfect views and seabreeze-catching windows with a spacious private bathroom which was a bit musty, but easy to air out by opening bedroom windows. Two twin beds pushed together and a fold out, full-sized sofa, still with room space for reading chairs. Breakfast was continental - hardboiled eggs, bread rolls, cereals, cinnamon buns, yogurt... Walking distance from most everything, great location for access to the weekend-active Nyhavn...a party scene of drinking and restaurants if that's your interest, but also ice cream and coffee for us tamer folk. A little bit of loud partying late one night, but closed windows handled that nicely. Highly recommend this B&B - feels safe and welcoming...all staff that we encountered spoke English fluently and were eager to help in any way.
Manya
Upland, CA USA Sat 08/25/2007

Dordogne B&B
We just stayed 3 wonderful nights at Residence Versailles in Beynac. Our hosts the Fleurys are great hosts with fabulous ensuite view rooms and a fresh homemade breakfast every morning all for 60 Euros per night.
JS
Walnut Creek, Ca USA Wed 08/22/2007

Mosel Valley Germany B&B
Stayed 2 nights at the beautiful and authentic Gasthaus Winzerschenke an der Klostertreppe in story book Beilstein. excellent hosts with full brfast for 50 euros ea night.
JS
Walnut Creek, Ca USA Wed 08/22/2007

Arles, France Hotel Regence
I highly recommend the Hotel Regence in Arles. Beautifully decorated and super clean ensuite rooms along the river with ample parking. The owner was extraordinary in helping us translate and locate needed services.
JS
USA Wed 08/22/2007

Bath, Radnor Guest House
It's an easy walk into the city center from Radnor Guest House. There were wonderful breakfast options, and Peter couldn't have been a more gracious host.
Lois
Beaverton, OR USA Wed 08/22/2007

Roman Rooms B&B
This B&B is walking distance from Termini and close to a Metro stop. It is very secure, has comfortable beds and A/C! Katie was so kind and helpful. Her son, Tom, was on holiday, but I'm sure he would be wonderful too. Via Carlo Alberto n.26, Rome.
Lois
Beaverton, OR USA Wed 08/22/2007

Kwalito B&B great for children
We had a great time at Kwalito Bed and Breakfast in Bruges. Traveling with our 2 year old son we found it difficult at times to find a bed and breakfast that would accept small children as guests. The Kwalito is an exception. It is a very child friendly B&B. It was very helpful to have the flexibility of the small kitchen. The large private terrace was quite safe for a supervised child as it had a high masonry wall instead of a low railing. It is also very quiet at night as the windows and patio doors are on the courtyard and face away from the street.
Dan
White Plains, ny USA Thu 08/16/2007

Cotswolds Gem
In Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds, England, there is an adorable B&B called the Warwick House. It's run by a man named Charlie and his wife, and they can't do enough to make your stay perfect, be it chatting with you about what to see in the Cotswolds or driving you to the train station. The rooms are large, comfortable and clean (my bathroom seemed larger than our actual hotel room in London.) Can't say enough about this place, by far my favorite of the whole trip!
Betsy
Philadelphia, PA USA Thu 08/16/2007

Ardconnel House, Inverness Scotland
The Ardconnel House,Inverness was the highlight of our recent tour of the UK.

We were very impressed with the extensive menu on offer each morning, from Elizabeth's home baked goodies to John's freshly cooked to order Highland Fayre, which included haggis and black pudding. We were also impressed with the fact that we were not required to submit an order for breakfast on the day, or evening before, it was required which was the case in all the other establishments where we had stayed. How are you supposed to know the day before, what you are going to feel like eating the next morning? The levels of comfort throughout this B&B were of a very high standard. We even had a flat-screen TV with a dvd player and a selection of films in our room, which impressed us.John and Elizabeth seem to have thought of everything their guests might need.They are true professionals in a business of dubious standards. We had not realized that there was so much to see and do, in and around Inverness and the Scottish Highlands. On our next trip to Scotland, we will definitely stay longer at the Ardconnel House. We were sorry to leave the warm hospitality of John and Elizabeth
Dave & Vivien
Portland, OR USA Thu 08/16/2007

Romantic B and B stay in France
Stay in a Wonderful Chateau just 18 kms from Mont. St. Michel. The Chateau Bouceel is a wonderful space. The rooms are decorated in antiques and about 20 by 20 .They are ensuite with very large bathrooms. There are two wonderful donkeys and four geese on the grounds. The owner studied at University of Chicago. He is very interested in helping Americans enjoy their stay. The rates were 140 to 160 Euros. This is one of the best places to stay in France. We found this place because it was listed in the Karen Brown book. This place is one the Rick Steves would love to stay at and should visit.
Roger Goppelt <email>
Cottage Grove, Wi USA Thu 08/16/2007

Best B&B in Flanders, BE
The Varlet Farm B&B near Ypres Belgium is fantastic. Beautiful rooms, great breafast, free pack-your-own lunch and gracious host family. Great location for visiting WW1 battle sites, cemeteries, etc.
<email>
USA Wed 08/15/2007

L'Ecole Buissonniere near Vaison la Romaine
This restored farmhouse, hosted by the delightful John and Monique, is wonderful---relaxing, charming, and fun. We will return in a few weeks for seven nights this time.
Betty Powell
North Little Rock, AR USA Tue 08/14/2007

Best B&B near Florence, Italy
My husband and I selected La Tartaruga near Montecatini(Italy) because of its central location for visiting Tuscany and because of its proximity to a train station (50 minutes to reach Florence for about 18 dollars, return ticket).So we left our car at the station and enjoyed Florence without the stress of driving and parking.At night, we greatly appreciated the air conditioning of our large beautiful bedroom.Everything is refined and spotlessly clean.Sylvie is naturally kind and helpful. She doesn't cheat! she likes people and she likes her job.Everything has already been said concerning the gourmet quality breakfast.Last thing,the size of the B&B: it is the perfect size (3 bedrooms).It gave us the opportunity to meet people (2 charming german ladies)and on the other hand, it preserves a certain privacy you can't find in big inns.We highly recommend La Tartaruga nestled among the fabulous tuscanian countryside.
Genet Patrick <email>
Paris, France Mon 08/13/2007

Bolberger Hof in Salzburg
We recently spent 2 nights at the lovely Bloberger Hof outside of Salzburg. We stayed in a lovely family apartment with our 3 teenagers. Our hostesses were extremely friendly and helpful. They have a resturant that offers dinner to guests and the food was delicious. The B&B is situated out from the city in a beautiful, very peaceful location. I wish we could have stayed longer!!! If you are in Salzburg...you MUST check it out!
Shirley <email>
Matthews, NC USA Mon 08/13/2007

Best B&B in Rome
TERRAZZA SAN PIETRO THE BEST STUDIO APARTMENT IN ROME This was abeautiful apartment extremley clean it was on the 9th floor so views wers fabulous the owner Angelo Oliveri was extemley helpful. It was only 10 mins walk from the vatican and 2 mins to metro i would have no hesitation in returning
Susan Turner <email>
london, uk Sun 08/12/2007

Doolin, Ireland - Twin Peaks B&B
Twin Peaks B&B in Doolin was amazing. New house with clean & beautiful rooms, however, the best part of staying at Twin Peaks is your interaction with proprieter Noel O'Connor and his sister. They were wonderful and made our trip to Doolin (and Ireland), absolutely wonderful. Stay at Twin Peaks. http://www.doolin-accommodations.com
Shannon Buckner <email>
Brussels, Belgium Sun 08/12/2007

Wonderful Place in Old Town, Dubrovnik
Soba Placa in Dubrovnik is one of the best places we've ever stayed. Clean, bright, and very convenient (in the Old Town and less than five minutes' walk to everything). Lidija is friendly, helpful, and fun. And the price was excellent. http://www.dubrovnik-area.com/Eng/details.asp?SmjestajID=MM-A-0488
Agnes K
Idaho USA Wed 08/08/2007

Accomodation in Milano
I found a nice Bed and breakfast in Milano situated in a little quiet street in zona Certosa near both the Fiera of Milan and the new Fiera of Rho. www.laserenaia-bb-milano.com
Kelly
Amsterdam, Holland Tue 08/07/2007

Holly Villa, Bath, England
Just wanted to give kudos to Jill and Keith at the Holly Villa in Bath, England for a wonderful stay last week. Rick steered us right again and we found our hosts to be incredibly warm and friendly and ready to help out with whatever we needed. They provided great tourist advice, dinner ideas, and even gave us a lift out and back to our car rental. Breakfast with Jill's fresh fruit and eggs were filling and the location is only a few minutes walk to the center of town. I'd recommend this place in a heartbeat.
Mandy
Monterey, CA USA Tue 08/07/2007

Carro Elisabetta
Great apartment in Vernazza, Cinque Terre!! Clean, spacious and georgeous views, Carro Elisabetta was a great value and in a wonderful location perched slightly above the city of Vernazza about 10 minutes up the hill. The roofdeck was perfect for sunbathing and our host took the time to reccommend some fun restaurants and bars to check out during our stay. Great value, try to book ahead!
Sara M
Boston, MA USA Mon 08/06/2007

Best Affordable B&B's in London
I stayed at Cherry Court Hotel B&B in London, right near Victoria Station, the hub of London. I was there for 2 weeks. The price could NOT be beat in London, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Room was clean, service was great. We had a problem with the room, and were changed with no hassle. Mrs. Patel, helped us get discounts on bus tours, and also had advice on the best places to eat, shop, or anything we asked. She called a car service to come pick us up for our ride back to the airport. Everyone else in our workhop was paying triple what I was paying! I even had the sponsers write down the name of the B&B, so that the next year they recommended it, instead of the high priced hotels. Breakfast was fruit, breakfast bars, juice and chocolates.
Marilee Alexander <email>
Marlboro, MA USA Sun 08/05/2007

10/10 for B&B Ferme de Tayac in the Dordogne
The nicest B&B we have stayed at in 46 years of travelling. Beautiful B&B, Lovely Large and romantic room, and wonderful friendly and Genuine (english speaking) hosts, that go out of their way to make your stay a pleasant one We highly recommend Ferme de Tayac, this is one B&B that you cannot go wrong with. 10/10 with a big gold star.
Jenny Oleson
Denver, CO USA Thu 08/02/2007

B&B
Anna Marie ("Le Mansarde" B&B in Venice) asked that I post on this website to let people know that her Internet has been down for several weeks and she is not able to respond to your inquires. She would like people to contact her by telephone or fax (+39 041.718826) or via her mobile phone (+39 338.8688935).
Ann Peterson <email>
Davis, CA USA Thu 08/02/2007

Excellent B&B in Rome - Italy
My partner and I stayed at "Le Finestre sul Vaticano" (www.romabandb.it) for 4 days and this B&B and we almost felt at home during our stay, as the owners were so helpful, personal and friendly. Le Finestre sul Vaticano B&B is a bright modern apartment of exception standard. We found the accommodation very spacious, clean and modern. To be honest the photos of the B&B looked too good to be true, so when we arrived it was exactly as the photos portrayed. We were extremely impressed with our room and felt very welcomed by the owners, Max and Lavinia, they are passionate about hospitality & very welcoming … they go out of their way to help. The metro station is literally 2 minutes walk away, Capella Sistina and the Vatican just 5-10 mins walk, lots of shops and a hand full of restaurants around (Millennium ice-cream shop ... the best!!!). Using the metro, you are only few minutes from Spanish Steps, Trevi fountain and the Coliseum and Roman Forum! Overall, I would say Le Finestre sul Vaticano is a very pleasant place to stay, set in a perfect location. The owner Max was very helpful and gave a personal service that made us feel at home. I definitely highly recommend this B&B. If you are looking for convenience, this is definitely the place for you. I have already recommended this bed and breakfast to some friends! Congratulations my Italian friends, your B&B exceeds any expectations!
Joann M.
Kansas City, MO USA Thu 08/02/2007

't Geerwijn Bed and Breakfast, Brugge Belgium
When we checked in to Chris de Loof's charming establishment early this summer, my daughter found an array of Belgian chocolates including life-sized asparagus arranged on her pillow with a handwritten card congratulating her on her recent university graduation. She was captivated with this and with Zorro, the resident feline welcoming committee whose manners were impeccable as well. Thank you Chris, for your attention to detail, for the wonderful breakfasts and your lovely house. We'd stay with you again in a flash and would recommend your B&B unreservedly! It is the best value in Europe. Brugge was fun too; a safe, beautiful, walkable city with amazing pagentry during the Feast of the Precious Blood. And what food! A+++
Julie Gorwoda <email>
Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM USA Tue 07/31/2007

Bourton-on-the-Water B&B
Just got back from a wonderful trip to England. We stayed at Holly House in Bourton-on-the-Water. Paula and James Lyons were perfect hosts, the house and rooms are beautifully decorated. Our room was huge and airy with a bathroom I wish I could take home.

Holly House is a 5 minute walk from the High Street where the river is located, so it's far enough away from the downtown hustle and bustle, but close enough to walk to the pub for dinner.

We're already planning our next trip back.
Debra Taylor <email>
San Lorenzo, CA USA Sun 07/29/2007

Dingle: Bay Watch
Veronica was a superb host. Her family has been in Dingle for generations and she shared interesting 'insider' history of the area. There was no need to visit a TI, she made certain everyone was equiped with travel information for the duration of their stay. I know we enjoyed Dingle more because of staying at the Bay Watch, which was steps away from pubs, shops, Spar, etc.
Nancy Stewart <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sun 07/29/2007

B&B in Piano di Sorrento, Italy
For those visiting in the Sorrento, Italy area I highly recommend the Villa MariaRosa Charming House B&B in Piano di Sorrento. Two of us spent 19 nights there from late June to mid-July, 2007.

Piano itself is a non-touristy, friendly little town on the outskirts of Sorrento. Local shop owners were soon greeting us with smiles and waves even though none of us spoke the other’s language. The Villa is located just a two minute walk from the Circumvesuviana train station which provides easy access to Sorrento & the Amalfi coast in one direction or Pompeii, Herculaneum & Naples in the other. Traveling by train is really a bargain in this area.

Our room was spacious, exceptionally clean and had an excellent AC system. The owners, Francesco & Allesandra have done a marvelous job of restoring this 1896 Villa. They are a delightful couple who are always willing to answer questions, provide guidance and tips for making your trip more successful. And, not to be missed ~ Francesco makes a most tasty cappuccino.

This B&B is a great find and I have no reservations about recommending it to other travelers.
Veneeta
Salem, Oregon USA Fri 07/27/2007

Bayeux, France
Our family of six(four teenagers) recently returned from a one month trip to Europe. We highly recommend Les Trois Pierre Bed and Breakfast for the perfect French experience. The town of Bayeux is lovely, close to Normandy, and the LeMessiers are warm,friendly and intelligent hosts, offering great advice for sightseeing. Don't miss the terrific town market on Saturday morning where Pierre LeMessier sells his goods.

It is www.les3pierre.com.
Linda Moore <email>
Ceresco, MI USA Fri 07/27/2007

B&B in Wales
We stayed at a fabulous B&B in Ruthin, Wales, called Gorphwysfa Guest House. The innkeeper is Margaret O'Riain. The B&B is in a 16th century Tudor house that is wonderful. You just walk in the door and feel transported back in time. It was unseasonably cool when we were there in early July, and Margaret had a fire in the fireplace every day when we got in from our day's activities. She would bring us a pot of tea, and as we sat by the fire with our tea, she gave us many great suggestions for places to go that were not in our guidebook. We saw wonderful sights that we would have missed without her guidance. Our room and bath were large and comfortable, and our breakfast at the huge dining table was delicious. If you are in northwestern Wales, Gorphwysfa Guest House would be a great choice.
Tawana West <email>
Fayetteville, AR USA Thu 07/26/2007

La Ferme de Tayac in the Dordogne
A fabulous place to stay. The best bed I found on a 4 week trip around France and a gorgeous room. Mike and Suzanne make you feel so welcome. Dinner is great so make sure you eat there. They speak English and are happy to offer advice. The station is close by, there is plenty of parking and their son is happy to show you around if you don't have transport. Highly recommended!
Anne <email>
Sydney, NSW Australia Wed 07/25/2007

B&B's in England, Wales, Scotland
3 Great B&B's in England, Wales and Scotland. First of all, Treetops Guest House in Moreton-in-Marsh. Beautiful rooms and gardens. Wonderful hostess and a great price! In Wales, I highly recommend the Fishermore B& B in Conwy. Peter Dyer is a great host with lots of information and helps!!! And in Scotland: stay at the Hartree Manor in Biggar. Fantastic place about 45 minutes drive from Edinburgh. Winston Churchill used to come here and stay!! Has 2 resident "ghosts" , big beautiful rooms. Not in Rick Steve's book--needs to be!!!! Contact me for more info, I would love to tell you more!
Pam <email>
McPherson, KS USA Wed 07/25/2007

Azalea Lodge, Dublin
Our hosts, Padraig and Bernadette, were extremely kind and helpful during our stay earlier this month (July, 2007) at the Azalea Lodge in Dublin. They offered us superb care and attention, especially with regard to providing advice concerning travel and assistance in making connections.
Gisele
Champaign, IL USA Mon 07/23/2007

Angus Hotel in Carlisle
For lodging within easy commuting distance to the Lake District, consider staying at the Angus Hotel (also a B&B) in Carlisle (http://www.angus-hotel.co.uk/). We stayed there on 2 & 3 July, 2007 and found the rooms to be spotlessly clean, the breakfast superb, and the prices competitive. Also, the Angus is a great place from which to explore Hadrian's Wall, as part of the hotel actually rests on the Wall itself.
David
Laramie, WY USA Sun 07/22/2007

B&B in Prague and Rome
Just returned from 3 weeks in Europe. Stayed at Guesthouse Lida in Prague. Jan and Jiri could not have been better hosts. Their English was excellent and the location convenient yet quiet. Also stayed at Hotel Italia in Rome. Excellent experience as well. Nadine, Gabriel, Sabina were particularly helpful in meeting all of our needs.
Mamale <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 07/20/2007

B& B in Bayeux
We visited Normandy and stayed in a restored Norman house. Francois and Isabelle were fantastic hosts. Francois is a licensed guide and served as our private guide for the day. Check out the website of the B&B at bandb-bayeaux.com
Mamale <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 07/20/2007

B&B in Normandy, France
My wife, my 12 year old daughter and I were recently in Rome, Paris, the Loire Valley and Normandy for over two weeks. This was the best of the places we stayed. (The others were very good as well.) It is located in a small village near a Chateau that Malcolm Forbes brought back to life. It is close to Bayeau. To get to Balleroy, you drive through a beautiful forest. The host and hostess could not have been better. The breatfast was wondeful and pleasant. The common room was warm and cozy with a fireplace. The host built a fire for us that I tended for a couple of hours. Our room had a separate area for our daughter. All of the bathroom and breakfast products were freash and top notch. We could not have been more pleased. The price was reasonable too. I would have liked to have stayed much longer there.
Mark Dunn <email>
Draper, Utah USA Wed 07/18/2007

Cherry Court Hotel-London
My husband and I just returned from our European holiday that ended with two nights and one day in London. We chose the Cherry Court Hotel (also a B &B) because we had enjoyed it on our 2004 London trip. Yes, the room was small but outstandingly clean and the bed very comfortable. We were in London to see the city, not spend time in our hotel room. It's really close to the Victoria Train Station and metro - a hub for travel. Mr. and Mrs. Patel were very gracious to us. We tried to get rid of all our pounds before we had to leave early Monday morning. Because of the bombing scares in London and Glasgow the last weekend of June, 2007, we decided to take a taxi to the airport so we could be sure to get there in time, anticipating the long wait for security checks. Mrs. Patel called a taxi for us which was 48 pounds, but we had only 47. 24 pounds left. She made up the difference, and we had a great taxi ride and no long security waits. We will stay at the Cherry Court Hotel again when we travel to London.
Sandra Pyles <email>
Nampa, Idaho USA Wed 07/18/2007

Nua Haven in Dublin was a great place to stay.
My wife and I had a wonderful vacation in Ireland this month (July 2007) and we were fortunate to stay at Nua Haven in Dublin for our first stop. We spent 3 nights there. The first night we arrived rather late in the evening since our flight was delayed. Bruno, the ownerof the B&B, drove us into the city centre so we could have dinner, and he drove us to the car rental office on the last day. This was fortunate because we were going to walk, but there was a sudden rain storm we would have been caught in. Such unexpected but much appreciated service. By the way, the location for the B&B was very good. It was a 30 minute walk to Dame street or one block from the bus route. We preferred the walk so we could explore.
P. Stanley <email>
Maple Ridge, BC USA Wed 07/18/2007

Cimatori B&B in Florence is great!
I noticed a posting on the graffiti wall for an online booking service for Italy: cross-pollinate.com. This was an easy way to see rooms before booking and to choose the price we could afford. We were pleased with our hosts, and especially Cimatori B&B in Florence (www.cimatori.it). It was charming, had a kitchen for our use anytime, stocked with tea and cappuccino making supplies, in addition to a nice breakfast. Valeria was very kind and helpful with questions about eating and other topics. Internet was available; and the room was eleagant and just the right size and reasonably priced for our family of four. Also close to everything, including small fruit and cheese shops, handpainted pottery shop, handbag store, excellent restaurant - all within a block or across the street - and museums nearby, yet off the busiest tourist streets. Everyone in the neighborhood seems to know the owner - Domenico - who is a wonderful host.
J Taylor <email>
Seattle, Wa USA Tue 07/17/2007

Bed and Breakfast Corte Campana
Corte Campana is a place I plan to visit again!! Mr. Riccardo so kind and generous! It was easy to make the reservations and he e-mailed me promptly to confirm our stay. Even with our travel interruptions, he was accommodating and willing to meet us late in the evening. He treated us like a father. I would definitely recommend that you stay at his bed and breakfast.
Ira Williamson
Pooler, GA USA Fri 07/13/2007

Doolin Activity Lodge
Niall & Deirdre at the Doolin Activity Lodge were gracious hosts and went out of their way to make sure our stay in Ireland was perfect. In addition to providing a lovely room at a great value they were right there to help when my husband had a slight problem with our rental car. After leaving the lodge we thought we had lost our daughter’s school jacket. We contacted the Doolin and after finding it in their lost and found immediately sent it on its way to our home. The entire staff at the Doolin could not have been more attentive to our needs as travelers!
Brooke Serres <email>
Salem, OR USA Wed 07/11/2007

The Town House, Bath, UK
I highly recommend The Town House, in Bath, UK. A beautiful place run graciously by Brenda and Alan Willey. The rooms are spacious, with all the modern amenities; high quality for a fair price. Brenda and Alan are very helpful with all our questions and made some recommendations of what to see or do that made the stay in Bath even better.
Steve
Mission Viejo, CA USA Wed 07/11/2007

Venice Italy B@B
B&B "LeMansarde" in Venice provides a wonderful opportunity to experience how local Italians live! The room and bath were spotless! Hosts Anna Maria and Stefano treated us like family. Anna Maria cooked us a fabulous dinner. She can also provide you with good local contacts for shopping and eating. The location - on the main street in Venice - is very close to the train station and waterway transportation. Excellent value for the money!

Their email is: stefano.cazzaro@fastwebnet.it
tony
flower mound, Texas USA Sun 07/08/2007

Romantik Villa Salema Portugal
From the moment we arrived at the gate of Romantic Villa to the moment we left a week later, we had a FANTASTIC time! The wonderful hosts Lisa and Jost made us feel at home right away. We actually liked the place so much, we cancelled our bus trip to Evora and decided to add a few days here on the quiet beaches of Salema. If you seek a relaxing and romantic refuge, we highly recommend this place.
Jean Albers
Portland, OR USA Sun 07/08/2007

B&B's in Italy
We have just returned from 30 days in Italy; and while every place we stayed was fine, three were standouts. In upper Lazio we couldn't have found more gracious hosts than the family who own Castello di Proceno. We had a lovely, spacious room with a large terrace at the Galla Placidia B&B in Ravenna, the owner of which was also very helpful and welcoming. Finally, we enjoyed the great helpfulness and friendliness of the ownner of Casa Ciriani, a mansion-like establishment located about 6 km from Padova. The rooms in all three places were spacious and charming; and the breakfasts, more than adequate. We paid between 70-80 euros/night at each. Anyone who wants more details should feel free to e-mail me.
Rosalyn <email>
Berkeley, CA USA Sat 07/07/2007

B&B IN BAYEUX
I just got Back from a Trip to France , while i was on the Trip we stayed at a B&B In Bayeux The name of the B&B is (logis les Remparts Chambres D Hotes) WWW.LECORNU.Fr

This was my First trip to France And the Above B&B was a Great Experience for me, The Owners do a Great job with this B&B I recommend this B&B To anyone Traveling to Bayeux , The rooms , Breakfast , And Jellies they sell Are FIRST RATE , I wish the owners All the best in there business

Thanks again

A happy Traveler

Bruce Borregaard
Bruce Borregaard <email>
Vacaville , Calif USA Fri 07/06/2007

Ardconnel House B&B in Inverness
This was just the best time! Our hosts, John and Elizabeth, are simply the nicest, warmest people -- and really went out of their way to make sure we had a lovely vacation. The location was excellent – so close to everything. We had but a 5 minute walk to good restaurants and pubs, shops, the train station, the castle, and River Ness. The rooms were so clean, I'm surprised they didn't glow. Breakfast was a treat every morning -- Elizabeth usually baked some goodies the night before, and John made sure there was freshly baked bread. Porridge was very tasty (a lot creamier and smoother than our oatmeal) and the coffee was just delightful. The Guest Lounge on the 2nd floor was great for relaxing in the evening, catching up on the news or weather, and sipping a “wee dram” for a nightcap. We (my husband and I and another couple) stayed here for our entire 9-day stay and took day trips to other destinations. Elizabeth and John gave us helpful tips for the best routes, suggestions for interesting places to see that we didn't know about, and generally made sure that we had an excellent vacation. All of us fell in love with their black lab, Shadow, too. Hopefully we will get to go back someday, and sooner rather than later! I have to say Mr. Steves recommendation in this case was “spot on”!
Susan Lovett <email>
Houston, Texas USA Fri 07/06/2007

Bayeux B&B Logis Les Remparts
We just returned from France, a delightful week of which was spent at the B&B Logis Les Ramparts in Bayeux. Our hosts, Christele and Francois le Cornu, were delighful, the room and service lovely and excellent. They have a cidre farm as well, and served up the most delicious flavors of apple jelly that one can imagine. We will return again someday. www.lecornu.fr
Beverley Farrell <email>
Littleton, CO USA Fri 07/06/2007

Bryn B&B, Conwy, Wales
Bryn B&B in Conwy, Wales was a warm welcome after a day of dodging flooded towns via Britrail! Additionally, after waking up refreshed the next day, we were delighted to find that this B&B truly was a delight and that it wasn't our fatigue. Alison makes fantastic bread, Welsh cakes, and provides an excellent breakfast spread. She was above-and-beyond what we would have expected of a B&B hostess and are already planning a return to explore this idyllic place with more time. Where to stay? For us, there is no other choice than Bryn. (On top of the hospitality and beautiful home, the castle walls are in the backyard!!!) We were sad to leave.
Bryan
Chicago Suburbs, IL USA Fri 07/06/2007

Abbey Guest House, York, England
We had two really fantastic B&B experiences in the UK. Besides the Bryn B&B in Conwy, Wales, York was a warm welcome after leaving Glasgow. On this trip, my wife and I have realized that while we like the allure of the big city, we prefer a lifestyle elsewhere. York was a near-perfect elsewhere. We were greeted by Gill and Alec, who were fantastically warm and good-spirited people. They have been owners of this B&B approx. 18 months now and are not connected with the Riverside, which is where we first stumbled in, 2 doors down. (The two places were run in tandem by the previous owner, and now are run separately by different owners. We had the 2006 RS guide and were unclear on this fact at first. Breakfast is at the Abbey Guesthouse.) We made our way to the correct B&B (Abbey, where we had reservations) and were delighted with our stay. Gill and Alec will provide suggestions of local "must-sees," and an excellent breakfast spread that may include a "daily special" every now and again. Again, the service was beyond what we would have expected of our B&B hosts. Our room, despite not being a riverview, was beautiful! We were sad to leave, but plan to return to visit more of this charming region, town, home, and these warm and friendly hosts of a proper B&B!
Bryan
Chicago Suburbs, IL USA Fri 07/06/2007

Milestone in Dingle and Roughgrange Farm near Newgrange--Ireland
We really didn't put a foot wrong in Ireland in terms of places to stay, but there were a few standouts. First, believe all the raves about Milestone House B&B in Dingle--Barbara and Michael are wonderful, wonderful hosts, who went out of their way to make sure we had a great stay. The house is very pretty and cheerful (and spotless). We had a huge bathroom (with a tub), the breakfast was delicious, and Barbara and Michael were full of good tips for what to see with our children. I wished we had more time just to stay and chat with them. It was such a warm welcome, we'd love to go back. We also loved Roughgrange Farm in Donore, which is about a minute's drive from the Brú na Bóinne visitor center and an excellent choice for visiting both that incredible site and Trim. (We could see Newgrange from our room.) It's not in Rick's 2007 guidebook, but I think it should be. It's a real working farm and the farmhouse itself is a couple of hundred years old (don't worry, updated!). The room was exceedingly comfortable (we had a little suite for our family of four) and very good value, the breakfast delicious and the hosts were such lovely and helpful people. James showed us around, and the time we spent meeting the lambs and the kittens is a treasured memory from the trip. A side note: We wound up driving in to Dublin from the farm, but it would be easy to get to nearby Drogheda and take a train in. Also, the farm was convenient to the Dublin airport.
Christine Dawson
University Park, MD USA Thu 07/05/2007

B&B Royal Stewart in Brugge
Brugge, Belgium: The Royal Stewart, run by the fun, friendly and generally wonderful Maggie & Gilbert, is about as nice a place as we've stayed over the last month in Europe...and we've had great hotel experiences overall (well, except for the Muguet in Paris). Brugge is beautiful and so are these folks and theit place! Nancy Weiss & Bill Gordon, Miami
Nancy Weiss & Bill Gordon
Miami, FL USA Tue 07/03/2007

Barcelona B&B
The Five Rooms is a great B&B in Barcelona well located only a block from the Plaza Catalonia. It is literally only 5 rooms on the third floor of a grand old residential building with an all marble entry on the ground floor and a small old elevator to take you up. When you walk in off the busy street it's like entering a quiet oasis of elegance. The rooms are modern, spacious and clean with lovely contemporary art on all the walls. Great queen bed and wonderful modern bathroom and shower. Breakfast is a serve yourself affair with all the goodies laid out on the sideboard and seating at one long table. We thought it was well worth the 145 Euro per night tab.
Art Baron <email>
Sheldon, SC USA Tue 07/03/2007

Pensions in Prague, Austria, Germany & Switzerland
We just got back from a 3 week family trip to Prague, Austria, Switzerland & Germany. We stayed in Rick Steves suggested pensions the entire trip. Here are my comments about each hotel. Prague - U Tri Bubnu - GREAT location, well run, friendly staff, a bit pricey. Vienna - Pension Suzanne - Great location, well run, good breakfast. Hallstatt - Pension Hallberg - Great location, friendly helpful staff, great breakfast, favorite pension for this trip. Munich - Hotel Bauer Bock - Great location, room a little worn, but well run with fiendly staff and good breakfast. Rothenburg - Gasthof Greifen - Great location, parking, well run, good breakfast, friendly helpful staff, 2nd favorite for this trip. Ruette - Hotel Das Beck - good location, well run, good breakfast. Luzern - Hotel Goldener Stern - Great location, good price, room a bit tired and breakfast average. Wengen - Hotel Berghaus - good location, nice room, don't eat in hotel restaurant the food is expensive and average. Bern - Hotel National - Good location, well run, can be noisy with nightclub below. Bern was not very interesting to visit. St. Goar - Hotel Hauser - Great location with balcony facing Rhine, room needed some updating, breakfast good, staff friendly and helpful, low price. In general, we were pleased with all of Rick's suggestions.
Bill
Boulder, CO USA Mon 07/02/2007

review of Casa Portagioia
Casa Portagioia provided us a most tasty entree into the Tuscan countryside. Owners Terry & Marcello welcomed us deeply into their elegantly appointed, recently renovated stone farmhouse just outside of Castiglion Fiorentino. In advance they reserved spaces for touring the Florence galleries and suggested an economic car rental agency, which saved us considerable time and effort. We arrived there to find beautiful gardens, a delightful pool for evening swims, abundant choices at breakfast, an artistically presented dinner, and wonderful hosts. Cheers to their warm, generous hospitality - everything was perfect!

Casa Portagioia Pieve di Chio 56 Castiglion Fiorentino 52043 Italy
Neal Anderson & Hope Robertson
Jacksonville, OR USA Mon 07/02/2007

Bruges Bed and Breakfast..5 star!!!
Cecile and Leon are the best hosts in their 18th Century Home in Bruge. Their bed and breakfast is located right on the canal and only a 7 or so min. walk to the Market Square. The rooms are very large...living room, bath and huge bedroom. The enormous windows in the living room open up completely and the view is the best.There is also a wonderful view of their garden area from the large, plush bedroom. If you are interested in this bed and breakfast, email Leon and Cecile at: leon.de.ghelder@pandora.be They are in the process of getting a website. Please do not hesitate to contact us, if you would like more information about the de ghelder bed and breakfast. Their location in on St. Annarei, 8000 Bruges. It is only about three doors down from the Adornes Hotel. The hosts are both watercolor artists and their artwork adornes the walls. The rate is 80 Euros for one night or 75 for two nights. You will simply love this place!! Good food, too!!
Rich and Pat Perry <email>
Boise, Idaho USA Mon 07/02/2007

Hotel Bella, Selcuk, Turkey
I have just made my second trip to Turkey and second time to stay at Hotel Bella in Selcuk. WOW have these guys made some changes. Hotel terrace area and bathrooms newly renovated. New bedroom linens. I remember this place being pretty fantastic before, it is even better now if that is possible!

They still offer the same great services, running people to and from Ephesus and all around the place. Helping with travel arrangements, advice and more! And still producing wonderful reasonably priced tradt?onal food from their restaurant.

I see they have moved their carpet shop to the hotel, but I never heard any hard sell to the guests. Hotel clean, rooms clean, beds comfortable. Great breakfasts/dinner on terrace with such a great views to St Johns Baslil?ca, v?llage and the storks across the road, this place is to die for if your looking for somewhere really good to stay. I would recommend you book in advance, their rooms are booked quickly. I cant speak highly enough of these guys and their whole family who work in the hotel.Great people, sense of humour, helpful, pleasant, friendly.

Hotel Bella is a Turkish experience in itself! Hospitality plus!
Leyin
Hamilton, USA Sat 06/30/2007

El Marsam B&B, Umbertide Italy
Recently my husband, son & daughter-in-law and I traveled to Italy to stay at El Marsam, a wonderful B&B in the heart of Umbria. I confess that we went because it is owned and operated by our long-time friends, Mike and Ginda Simpson, but my motive for writing is purely to share what a wonderful place to stay Mike and Ginda have created. If you are looking for a quaint Umbrian town and friendly, knowledgeable hosts -don't pass this opportunity by. The farmhouse Mike and Ginda purchased and lovingly restored is centuries old and has a wonderful history attached to it. There is a beautiful view from the lawn that takes in the quiet countryside in several directions and looks out over well-tended vinyards. The interior is not to be overlooked however as it also has many stories to tell. It has been cleverly restored in a manner keeping with its many lives. I would be remiss not to mention the many original paintings by Ginda that grace every nook and cranny. El Marsam truely is unique among the many Bed and Breakfasts in Italy and an experience not to be missed!
Mary LeVier <email>
Englewood, CO USA Sat 06/30/2007

France The Dordogne
Some people say they would go back to a certain B&B, well we have, last year we spent 5 nights at Les Charmes de Carlucet near Sarlat in France it was fantastic so this year we went back for 10 days and it was even better. Eric and Helen Edgar and children Thomas and Emily welcome you as part of the family but they allow you to breathe and do not smother you. The house is beautiful and the breakfasts varied and fresh.There are many things to do in the area for families and if the children get bored there are huge grounds for them to play games or swim in one of the two pools.For eating out you have a large selection one of which is 5 mins walk away, the Edgars use all of the places they recommend and what better recomendation is there than that. Go soon either self catering or in the B&B you will enjoy
Malcolm Parnaby <email>
Thirsk, York England Thu 06/28/2007

Nua Haven B&B Dublin, Ireland.
Myself and my partner have been travelling around Europe and staying in B&B accommodation wherever possible. By far the best we have come across so far was NUA HAVEN B&B in Dublin, Ireland. The website www.nuahaven.com says they offer 4 Star Quality B&B and boy is that true! The house is first rate and Bruno, the host, is most helpful and kind. We couldn't recommend it strongly enough! Its too embarassing to recount all the details of the scrape we got into on our holiday, but suffice it to say Bruno went way beyond the call of duty in helping us. Many thanks again.
Brian Walsh
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 06/27/2007

Casa Portagioia B&B, Tuscany
Casa Portagioia is one of those places where you never want to leave. The owners, Terry and Marcello have done a superb job in creating an oasis in the Tuscan hills. The Property is lined with Olive groves, grapevines and Cyprus trees leading you up the drive. The Pool is set on top of a small hill lined with lavender and overlooking a beautiful valley of small towns and agricultural fields. It was quite obvious that no detail was missed in the decoration of our room. From the wonderful antiques to the fantastic mattress, we loved the gourmet mini-bar too! Dinner is offered on-site twice a week and we had the pleasure of enjoying Marcello's culinary flare! The meal was lovely and the wine selection is second to none.. I highly recommend this B&B to anyone who wants to get away from life and fall in Love with Tuscany!! Thanks again guys!
Justyn Lefebvre and Sean Lynch <email>
London, UK Wed 06/27/2007

Fabulous B&B in Amsterdam
Our family of 3 adults just returned from 2 weeks in Europe and I had to let others know about the most fabulous B&B in Amsterdam. We stayed at Suite 259. Their website is www.suite259.com Peter and Aziz were the most gracious hosts, providing a fridge full of complimentary beverages, snacks, fresh fruit and Dutch chocolates in the room, as well as a great bottle of red wine to enjoy on our private rooftop patio. We stayed in the 2-story Suite Grand Sahara. The beds were luxurious! My husband and I took the King sized bed upstairs, while our son had the main floor w/ the huge jacuzzi tub and free computer and internet to himself. The breakfasts were delicious and plentiful, but the most enjoyable thing was the conversations and site seeing tips from our hosts, Peter and Aziz. The steps were steep to get to the suite,but all of Europe seems to be that way.
susan
bismarck, nd USA Tue 06/26/2007

Frankfurt B&B
We stayed at the CatsRest B&B outside of Frankfurt for the night and could not have been more delighted. Karin was a wonderful hostess and her husband Mathaus was a great help on getting us to our next destination. It is a perfect spot if you need a place to stay before you catch a flight or need to explore the city. www.CatsRest.de
Renee Kelly
Tampa, Fla USA Tue 06/26/2007

GREAT B&B IN ROME ITALY!
We stayed at "Le Finestre sul Vaticano" bed and breakfast in May 2007. This was my first time staying at a bed and breakfast. I enjoyed my experience. Its actually a condo located right beside the vatican museum entrance and is on the 6th floor. Each room is equipped with A/C and a private bathroom. The rooms are large and are lockable and provide access to coat hangers and have a tv. There is a nice common room and a beautiful patio for everyone to enjoy.

If you've never stayed at a bed and breakfast, it is like staying with a distant relative. When you come in at night time you have to be quiet in order to respect other guests.

I think what makes this place so great are the owners (Max and Lavina). Although, Lavina was away while we were there, Max answered questions and helped us with directions and attractions. Max was so great that when we had an early morning tour he left us breakfast so we wouldn't have an empty stomach, even though it wasn't the regular breakfast time. Definitely over and above the call of duty.

The rooms are clean and beds are comfortable. There are nice restaurants nearby and a supermarket where you can pick up cheap beer and wine. The vatican area is very close (5 min) and offers more restaurants and bars.

The price is great for the location. We actually saw a best western close by to the bed and breakfast where they were asking 400 cdn dollars a night and our bed and breakfast definitely looked nicer. We paid 90 Euros and were quite happy. Max arranged for taxis and helped us get soccer tickets without being taken advantage of. Again over and above the call of duty. The area is nice and very safe!

Visit their website www.romabandb.it

If you read this Max, just wanted to say thanks again and will definitely recommend to all my friends!
bigbman
Toronto, ON CANADA Mon 06/25/2007

Dairy Farm in Normandy
We just returned from a trip which included a stay with the Sebires in Ryes. We enjoyed our wonderful breakfasts with fresh milk and such peace and quiet. It was my second stay there and was such delight to share with another of my sons. The Sebires are friendly and warm.
Julia
Chicago, IL USA Mon 06/25/2007

Residence Versailles, Beynac, Dordogne
We spent 5 wonderful weeks in France, May 1-June 5, 2007. Our B & B in the Dordogne, in the town of Beynac, was fantastic! It is the Chambres Residence Versailles (in the France guidebook, p. 362. The house was lovely and in a great location--wonderful views and quiet. The very best part of staying there was Francoise and Jean-Claude, the very caring and welcoming hosts. They were sweet, funny, and very helpful with suggestions for sights, markets, and restaurants. They served great breakfasts, a little different each day. The most wonderful surprise was to find that they would fix dinner upon request. We had two of our best meals in France with them--a four course dinner, complete with aperitif and wine for 20E!! Residence Versailles was definitely the best value at only 60E, and a very special place to remember and return to.
Sue and Bob Collard
Longmont, CO USA Mon 06/25/2007

Cortona/Tuscany - Le Oche Grigie B&B
We spent five wonderful days at the Le Oche Grigie ("the Grey Geese"). The owners, Sergio and Gigliola, were warm and welcoming hosts and helped to make our Tuscan vacation particularly enjoyable. They were very helpful and provided us with maps and other local information and also made reservations for us at museums and restaurants.

We traveled with our boys, ages ten and eight, and Sergio and Gigliola were great with our children. Our boys particularly liked their swimming pool and the pulley used to lift heavy items to the second floor of the house.

Our first night in their home, we arrived late but had not yet eaten. When we asked them where we might go to eat, they called the closest restaurant and asked the owners to stay open extra late just for us. That's the kind of special attention we received as their guests.

Our daily breakfasts always included delicious, freshly baked pastries and various fruit spreads, home-made by Gigliola.

The convenient location of Le Oche Grigie made it easy to take day trips to many neighboring hill towns including Cortona, Siena, Orvieto, San Gimignano and Assisi.

On our last evening, we were invited to join our hosts for a traditional Tuscan dinner on their terrace. We spent four wonderful hours of lively conversation in mixed English and Italian, while sampling several courses of scrumptious local dishes accompanied by locally made wine. We will always remember that excellent dinner and the spectacular view of the Tuscan hills.
Becky <email>
USA Sun 06/24/2007

A + to Galway B & B
My wife and I just returned from a 10-day trip to Ireland. The Prague House in Galway was outstanding! Hosts Mary and Charlie are wonderful people who were genuinely interested in making sure we had a great experience. They provided us with tips on the city, recommendations for sightseeing, tours and restaurants. They really made us feel welcome. On top of that, the house was very tidy/clean, the location was perfect and it was the best value on our trip. We highly recommend!
Bill Lavey <email>
Wakefield, MA USA Sun 06/24/2007

Wonderful B&B near Arles, France
My husband and I stayed in a terrific place near Arles in May 2007. It's the nicest B&B we've ever stayed in.It's called Mas du Petit Grava and it's run by two American expatriates, Ike and Jim. Our room was lovely, tastefully decorated and very roomy. It was 108E, which was an off-season rate. I think it would have been 120E in-season. It was well worth the price. The grounds are full of flowers. There is a pool and plenty of space to relax outside. But best of all, Ike and Jim really offer so much hospitality. Gourmet breakfasts are included, as are wine and light appetizers each evening, You can even have Ike cook a multi-course meal for 30E, including wine. We did this and ended up eating at a large dining table with other guests and the innkeepers. It was great.Jim is full of information on shopping and touring. He'll even take you on VanGogh tours in nearby Arles. This was the perfect place to be based during our 5 days touring Provence. The web address is www.masdupetitgrava.net
Susan <email>
Salt Lake City, UT USA Sun 06/24/2007

B&B Dordogne France
My husband and I had a wonderful experience in May of this year when we stayed at Le Moulin Neuf near Paunat in the Dordogne area of France. The place is absolutely wonderful, with beautiful gardens, spotless and pleasant rooms, exquisite breakfasts and wonderful hosts. Robert and Stuart, the owners, provided suggestions and directions to visit the caves and medieval towns in the Dordogne. They made dinner reservations at lovely little restaurants and made us feel like honored guests. You need a car to get around in this area, but the experience is worth making an effort to get there. Their website is www.the-moulin-neuf.com

Sara Allen
Sara Allen <email>
Nampa, Idaho USA Sun 06/24/2007

Accomodations in Lauterbrunne, Switzerland
We were just in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. We stayed at CeCile Maeder's place. Wonderful. Huge 2 bedroom apartment. Right off main street. Very quiet. Its called Chalet Barli. Rick should add it to his book. Only 100 dollars a night. Everywhere else was 200 a night in Switzerland. Please feel free to contact me, I will give you her email. Brad
Brad <email>
Greeley, CO USA Fri 06/22/2007

Accomodations in Geneva, Switzerland
We were just in Dully, Switzerland (just north of Geneva). We stayed at CASA Isabella. Dully is a small village that overlooks Lake Geneva. Absolutely wonderful. Beautiful place. Incredibly nice couple. Huge 2 bedroom apartment. Very quiet. Rick should add it to his book. Please feel free to contact me, I will give you her email. Brad
Brad <email>
Greeley, CO USA Fri 06/22/2007

Holiday apartment in the Dolomites (Dolomiti)
If you are visiting the Dolomites (Dolomiti) and are driving, stay outside the touristy towns of Castelrotto (Kastelruth) or Seis where every other building is a hotel or guest house. Our family of four stayed most comfortably at a well-equipped holiday apartment ('ferienwohnung' in German) with the Plunger family on their dairy farm midway between the towns of Kastelruth and Seis. The apartment has a balcony that offers a commanding view of the Italian Alps, yet is but a 5-minute drive from the stores in Kastelruth and Seis. But remember that a 'ferienwohnung' is NOT a hotel room or even a B&B (e.g., you provide your own meals, including breakfast). The apartment does come with all bed linens, towels, kitchen utensils and crockery (minor inconvenience: no clothes washer and no microwave). It's the perfect setup for a family travelling with children. Mrs. Plunger is kind and speaks English; she even provided us with laundry service for a reasonable fee. E-mail me if you want more info or photos of the farm or apartment. Their Web site in English is: http://www.kreuzerhof.com/en_willkommen.htm
Janice Wong <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Fri 06/22/2007

Great B & B in Vevey, Switzerland, near Lausanne
This is my second entry from our 28-day trip this summer. Despite Rick Steves' recommendation, we disliked Lausanne, Switzerland! We felt that there are MUCH pretties European cities out there. Instead, we chose to stay in the lovely lakeside town of VEVEY, a short drive or train ride from Lausanne, where you can spend a day if you MUST! Our B&B owners, Elisabeth and Jean-Pierre Narbel, are in the hospitalality business for all the right reasons and are able to seamlessly meld their personal lives with running a B&B. Only shortcoming: one bathroom is shared for three bedrooms. Each bedroom accomodates 2-4 guests. So, if you are a big family/group of at least 6 people (up to a total of 8) travelling, you can take up all three bedrooms and needn't worry about sharing the bathroom with strangers! But even if you are sharing the bathroom with stangers, Elisabeth keeps the bathroom fresh and clean daily -- more than meets American bathroom standards! 'Petit dejeuner' (small breakfast) in the morning consists of bread, homemade jam, creal and muesli, hot chocolate, milk, tea and coffee. Free bus ride into the towns of Vevey and Montreaux, all the way up to the Chateau de Chillon (though the not-free boat ride is prettier!). Web site: http://www.bnb.ch/index.php?p=page&id=37 (click on the camera icon for photos of the rooms).
Janice Wong <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Fri 06/22/2007

Holiday apartment in Achensee, Austria, Tirol's largest lake
We ventured outside Rick Steves' recommendations and visited the Achensee region in Austria. This region is best accessed by car and it's only a 1.5-hour drive from Munich and Salzburg and about 1 hour from Innsbruck. Achensee is 'Tirol's largest lake' and it's where the Europeans come to play (you know so for the mostly German conversations around you). We stayed at the LANDHAUS VIKTORIA holiday apartment in the town of Maurach, which is much less touristy/expensive than Pertisau. It is situated a 5-minute walk from the lake. The Filzer family owns the house that rents out two apartments -- a spacious smaller apartment for 4 downstairs and an even bigger apartment with balcony for up to 8 people upstairs. Gerlinde and Max Filzer speak English. Generic Web site that doesn't give much info but feel free to e-mail me for pictures/info: http://www.achensee.info/at/guide/114516sy,en,SCH1/objectId,ACC202441at,_area,unterkuenfte,curr,EUR,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html
Janice Wong <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Fri 06/22/2007

Stresa B&B
Would anyone have a recommendation for a nice B&B within walking distance of Stresa; either in town or just on the edge? Price no more than 100 Euro per night for two? Thanks!
Al and Kathy
Tucson, AZ USA Fri 06/22/2007

Good B&B option
B&B tip for Copenhagen: if Gitte Kongstad's rooms are unavailable, as listed in Rick's 2006 Scan. Guide, try Gitte Lykke, mobile ph. 45 25 39 93 57, RoyalBed, Badensgade 39, www.royalbed.dk Ms. Lykke found us room on short notice (500kr Db), recommended day-trip ideas in dwntwn Cope, and she has a wonderful garden for picnics. 15min walk to canals/dwntwn. Thank You, Gitte Lykke! Skol!
Charles Hedges <email>
Prineville, OR USA Thu 06/21/2007

Bruges- Hobo B & B
When the B&B recommended in the book for Bruges was booked we were given a referral to Hobo B&B run by Kristin Van Eegem. The three rooms have their own themes. We traveled with our teen age daughter and booked the black and white room and blue room which were across from each other, sharing a common WC but separate bath facilities. With doors open it was like having an apartment.The third floor flower themed room (very romantic)has its own WC and bath.You can see the rooms at www.hobo-bedandbreakfast.be The breakfasts were artistic and ample: omelettes shaped like hearts, arranged fruit salads,4-5 types of breads,etc. Kristin made sure we had maps altho the town is learned easily after a day. Her location is great- a quiet side street off the road that leads to Burg Square which is lined with restaurants. She was a wonderful host and I would love to return some day.
Deborah G
Cincinnati, OH USA Thu 06/21/2007

Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Rome
Venice: Yes, Riccardo of the Corte Campana B & B is all that he is cracked up to be. He’s very gracious and knowledgeable, and it’s evident that he loves his role as host and advisor. The location of his B&B is excellent and we’d drop by throughout our day travels to rest, refresh, and drop off souvenirs. I do wish he offered cereal at breakfast.

Florence: We stayed at Residenza Vespucci. Great location (though it can be noisy), right by the Arno River and about 3 blocks from the Ponte Vecchio. It’s also only about a mile to the other major sites of Florence – the Uffizi Gallery and the Academia. If you make a reservation here ask Francesco to book the gallery reservations for you in advance. Francesco is not quite as legendary as Riccardo – yet. The Residenza is broken up into suites and we had access to our bedroom and a rather palatial bathroom. Breakfast was great with a variety of pastries, cereal, cappuccino, and on our last day when more guests were in-house there were even some freshly made hard-boiled eggs. One item to note – if you’re non-smokers (we are) there are people (staff?) that do smoke in the Residenza’s personal living spaces. They never smoked near our suite and with our section closed off we did not notice it. But I thought I’d mention it here. Nonetheless, we’d stay there again as we liked the location, property cleanliness, and hospitality of Francesco.

Cinque Terre: Arpaiu in Manarola. Clean room with an incredible view of the water and town. No breakfast included. We only saw the friendly proprietor on day we checked in. Depending on which of the four rooms you get you may have to walk down a very steep, narrow, concrete block staircase to get to your room. Arpaiu is completely non-smoking - even up in the wonderful top floor terrace - which was a blessing to me.

Rome: Hotel Santa Maria. An oasis in the Rome desert. A lovely place with a great breakfast included (cereal, pastries, yogurt, prosciutto, cheese, fruit, scrambled eggs!). They also serve late afternoon snacks in case you need some sustenance before you find your dinner place. If you’re a light sleeper or go to bed early avoid room #2. It’s a larger room for those with kids, but it’s near a restaurant so you’ll hear clanging dishes, group singing and clapping until midnight. (We only had this room on one of our nights, the other nights we had a very peaceful and quiet room).
Sandra
Santa Rosa, CA USA Sun 06/17/2007

Normandy-Chateau Lingerolles
Roel & Pia Klinkhamer provided us with a wonderful experience. Because of late receipt of a passport, we had to reschedule much of our trip. Roel transferred our deposit to our new reservations. He booked our rental car for us, so we didn't have to negotiate the French language website. Pia DOES provide a "famous breakfast." Roel modified his tour that can be booked with room reservations to incorporate a visit to a little town where the parents of one of our group worked at a field hospital days after the invasion and he also provided a little piece of history from Utah Beach were they landed.
Ava Crow
Lawrenceburg, Ky USA Sat 06/16/2007

Tuscany B&B - La Tartaruga
We stayed at La Tartaruga for five nights in May. What a beautiful B&B it is and Sylvie Leder is absolutely delightful. All the rave reviews about this place are absolutely true! Sylvie was a gracious host and is am amazing woman (speaks several languages and is full of energy). She always had valuable information for us each day when we told her where we were going for the day -- parking information, how to get where we wanted to go, maps, and suggestions of places that might be of interest to us. She also had resaurant recommendations and was always "right on" with her recommendations. She was a delight to talk to each morning while she was preparing our breakfast. Ah, the breakfast...... what an amazing and delicious selection of food each morning - pastries, breads, meats, cheese, yogurt and cereal, plus juice and coffee -- all served in a beautifully decorated breakfast room. We stayed in the new "blue room" which is a very large room with a sitting area and a full bathroom - everything is very nicely decorated and spotlessly clean, plus we had a lovely view of the Tuscan hillside right outside our window. It doesn't get any better than this!
Al & Joyce
Bothell, WA USA Sat 06/16/2007

Dunsford Guest House in Keswick, The Lake District, England
The Dunsford Guest House in Keswick, England, was our absolute favorite! Richard and Linda were great hosts and were very interested in making all their guests comfortable. We loved their full Scottish breakfast, which included hot rolls and the best fruit mixture of raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and other fruit. Richard helps everyone with their luggage, they have off-street parking, and it was nice to find that the en-suite bathroom had washcloths and individually-wrapped bars of soap, both of which are rarities in UK B&Bs.
Don and Judy Snow <email>
Baton Rouge, LA USA Sat 06/16/2007

B&B in Amboise, France
My wife and I spent two delightful nights in Amboise, France. They were made delightful by the warm and outgoing Yveline Savin, the very French and very energetic owner of La Grange Chambres.

Yveline patiently helped us with our French, she provided us a wonderful, spacious room, she fed us exceptional breakfasts, and she taught us how to drink coffee out of our cereal bowls. One of a kind experience!
Mike Walsh <email>
Olympia, WA USA Wed 06/13/2007

Kindness extended
At the height of a heat wave in 2006, in London, I was treated with kindness and care by Sharon at James House--recommended by Rick's guidebook. As a senior, traveling alone and subject to heat exhaustion, I could not have found a better place to stay. It was extremely convenient for someone who traveled from Heathrow on the bus to Victoria Coach Station--75 steps to an a/c restaurant and 157 to James House--I counted. Esp. good when your luggage is falling apart!
Shirley Van Sickle <email>
Carlsbad, CA USA Tue 06/12/2007

Edinburgh, Scotland
Kildonan Lodge in Edinburgh was the best and most affordable accomodation in our European travels. The owner Maggie, was warm and incredibly helpful from assistance with laundry to helpful hints for sighseeing - as was Heather, her assistant. The B&B itself was charming as well as the accommodations, the huge breakfast delicious and service was excellent!
Brook Moon <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sun 06/10/2007

A vacation of a lifetime in the Dordogne
If you are planning a trip to the Dordogne, you MUST stay at B&B Ferme de Tayac. The B&B is stunning, a 12th century former monastery and farm with only 5 rooms and a very large pool. but the best thing about this B&B are the hosts Suzanne & Mike, they really go out of their way to make your stay one you will always cherish, and we personally quarentee that you will want to stay longer than planned, and that you will want to return.It's places like B&B Ferme de Tayac, and people like Suzanne & Mike that make your vacation, one of a lifetime. www.fermedetayac.com
Ben & Alison Holbrook
LA, CA USA Sun 06/10/2007

Casa Portagioia
If you are looking for the best bed & breakfast in Tuscany, look no further than Casa Portagioia. Its' setting in a restored farmhouse outside of Castiglion Fiorintino will provide you with the best experience you can imagine. It was always nice to return in the evening after a day of sightseeing to the relaxing environment. The expanse of flowers and well manicured lawns is beautiful.The owners are friendly, attentive and always willing to help. The house and rooms are beautifully decoranted and the cleanest we have ever stayed in. The breakfasts of fresh fruit, cereals, juices, eggs, toast, croissants and of course coffee are a great way to start the day. All you need to bring is the desire to rest and have a great time.

Marcello cooks dinners two days a week and it will rival the best dinners you have ever had. Their wine selection is superb.

I cannot say enough aboutCasa Poragioia. We are in the process of planning another trip to Tuscany and we will not consider staying anywhere but Casa Portagioia.
Bruce & Evie Reynolds <email>
Hermosa Beach, CA USA Sun 06/10/2007

Montalcino, Vernazza, Italy
We left our hearts in Italy. The people were warm, the food and wine incredible, and the countryside a feast for the eyes. We opted to stay out of the big cities and museums because we wanted to experience the people and culture; we were not disappointed. If you make it to Montalcino do yourself a favor and stay with Roberto and Lucilla at Palazzina Cesira, www.montalcinoitaly.com, Page 498 of Rick's 2007 guidebook. Besides being a perfect host, Roberto was a wealth of information. This quietly elegant B&B situated in the heart of town proved an excellent homebase for several days. Belvedere Bar surprised us with good food, and some of the most gorgeous sweeping views of our trip. Vernazza. With the help of Luca, one of the charming twin brothers who own II Pirates of Cinque Terre restaurant (great food!), we found great accommodations with Marco. Just steps away from the bustle of main steet, the room with private bath, and a shared kitchen was spotless and new, for 60E a night. What a deal! You can track Marco down at: www.affittacamereilfrantoio.it Vernazza is an enchanted place.
Robert and Janine Mort
Landrum, SC USA Sat 06/09/2007

Il Nido, Sorrento
I want to echo the comments about Il Nido made by Roy Leonard on 23 April 07. This place was great. Great room, million dollar view of Sorrento and the Bay of Naples, great food and excellent service. Dino drove us ,in his car, gratis, at 0700 to catch the bus to Naples Airport, after having worked in the restaurant until 0130. The food and view in the restaurant were so good we ate there both nites we were in Sorrento. Would stay there again in a heartbeat.
Eric Goodwin <email>
Cornwall, PEI Canada Fri 06/08/2007

SW Ireland B&Bs
Just returned from two weeks in SW Ireland. Most nights we stayed at B&B’s and two were exceptional.

In An Daingean (Dingle Town), we believed we saw the real Ireland while staying with Tom, Veronica and family at the Old Mill House B&B. Tom and Veronica are young, filled with energy and laughter and provide a lovely welcoming place to stay. Their two young children, especially daughter Rachel add to the experience of being immersed with a real Irish Family. Tom is a qualified archaeologist who also raises some sheep and Veronica is the daughter of a Dingle Veterinarian. During our stay she had spent one day with her dad assisting local farmers with their cattle. Their B&B is in the heart of Dingle and a short walk to the harbor and nearby pubs and restaurants. Free parking on the street right out the front door. If you want some Irish personality during your vacation, stay here.

In Lisdoonvarna we stayed at the Wood View B&B operated by Rose O’Halloran. Peaceful, quite and relaxing. Rose welcomed us with tea and scones; there was also coffee, tea and cookies available in our room. The room in which we stayed was charmingly decorated in what can only be described as “dainty”. While it is a short drive into town, our night at Wood View afforded us our best nights rest on this trip
Patrick H <email>
Gadsden, AL USA Fri 06/08/2007

italy: rome, sorrento, florence, venice
i am a person comfortable in hostels, but since i was travelling with a significant other ;-) i thought b&b's were a nice compromise between the lower prices of hostels and the privacy of a hotel. these are my comments on the places we stayed at in italy!

rome: sams room was a longish but definitely walkable distance from the train station. very close to the colloseum and forum. marco was extremely nice and the view of the courtyard was pleasant. contrary to previous review, we did have a very nice/clean bathroom attached to our double. 100 euros/night. www.samrooms.com p.s. the Rom'Antica restaurant across and up the street was good. free wifi is a plus!

sorrento: no doubt about this one, villa monica! it is about a 10 minute drive above the city center, but pasquale was amazingly accomodating (driving us to and from the city center several times a day for free, allowing free internet usage on his personal computer and offering up use of the kitchen when we wanted to have a picnic on the balcony in our room.) the view from our room (napoli room) was stunning, (vesuvius and the amalfi coast), but with the private bathroom downstairs. we opted for this room with unattached bathroom (70 euros/night) rather than a room with no view and attached bathroom (75 euros/night). the breakfast was generous, if composed primarily of pre-packaged pastry type things. i recommend the cappucino! www.villamonicasorrento.com p.s. the chair lift from anacapri to monte solare is a MUST DO!

florence: we stayed at hotel pension elite at the last minute due to a mix-up in our reservation. it was bare bones and a bit loud, but the people were incredibly nice and the location was very convenient for travel to/from the train station. 90 euros/night (no breakfast.) p.s. the restaurant la congrega on panicale is a WONDERFUL restaurant. completely reasonable prices and the people were great! the chianti della casa, gnocchi and garbanzo bean soup are to die for. gelateria grom can not get enough praise either. also, do not travel in florence on a monday, everything is closed!

venice: corte del paradiso had the most comfortable beds we stayed in, the breakfast was by far the best and the rooms/bathrooms were great. the location is seriously unbeatable. 100 euros a night and soooo worth it! we went through venere.com, but perhaps if you contacted them directly at cortedelparadiso@venere.com you may be able to arrange a lower price. p.s. the canal side osteria naranzaria was our worst european experience by far. they were incredibly rude to ourselves and other american travelers sitting near us and was horribly overpriced.

have fun!!
Ashley Devlin
Santa Monica, CA USA Fri 06/08/2007

Friar's Glen in Killarney
We just returned from a two-week trip to Ireland and stayed in nine B&B's. We were interested in visiting Muckross Abbey and Killarney National Park and booked a night at Friar's Glen nearby. This was by far our favorite B&B. It's on the edge of town away from the congestion but actually closer to the sites than those in town. The house and grounds are beautiful (they also own a garden center business so they know how to landscape). Food was good and the shower actually had good water pressure, which we found out was rare. Breakfast had the most extensive menu as well. The other B&B's were clean and neat with nice people but Friar's Glen is really special.
Alex <email>
Clermont, FL USA Thu 06/07/2007

sam rooms in rome
This is a hotel fot the price of a hostel. LCD tv, very good airconditioning, free wifi, extremely clean and comfortable bed. If the bathroom was connected to the room (each room has a personal bathroom but apart from the room) Marco could charge 3 times what he does. It is the best hotel I have stayed in in europe, and I have paid up to 150 euro for a room. Marco speaks perfect english and is very accomodating.
jon baker <email>
USA Tue 06/05/2007

St. Goar(Rhein Valley, Germany) B&B
While visit the Rhine my friend and I stayed at Frau Kurz's B&B in St. Goar. Frau Kurz was so sweet to my friend and I and very helpful. Her home was extremely clean, quiet, and well placed. Plus after being on the Rhine for a couple of days we realized that the tourists tend to avoid St. Goar's city proper making it well positioned for a quieter trip. (Trains run on the hour to Bacharach.)
Jeremy
Framingham, MA USA Tue 06/05/2007

B&B Dublin/Dun Laghaire Ireland
We booked our stay using the internet and email. John and Cathy [Inn Keepers] were very prompt with responses and questions. They make a super breakfast...their croissants rival any bakery...and they prepare the breakfast to order. I found that any question or need I had was easily taken care of by them. The house is was built in the 1800s and is walking distance from DART for traveling by rail whether to Dublin or other locales. Down the street from them is a lovely pier to walk out and super ocean views. Only a couple miles up the road is Dalkey, called the Belleaire of Ireland because of the celebrities that live there [i.e. Enya, Bono, Van Morrison]..and the city of Dun Laoghaire [pronouced Dun Leary] has shops and a nice downtow as well. Recommend a drink at 40 Foot [a bar] with water views all around. Visit their site at: http://www.ophira.ie/ Will stay there again if lucky enough to travel to Ireland!!!
Sheri Mishler <email>
Tallahassee, FL USA Sun 06/03/2007

Apartment on Lido of Venice
Based upon the comments of other travellers, we contacted Le Mansarde regarding accomodations in Venice. The person we contacted, Anna-Maria Cazzaro, was most helpful and friendly. Anna Maria was prompt, thorough, and informative in replying to our emails. While she was unable to accomodate at her B&B in Venice, she was able to provide accomodations for us at a very nice apartment on Lido of Venice- we found returning to the slower pace of life on Lido each evening to be very enjoyable. Anna Maria gave us great ideas on where to eat, and sights to see. For a wonderful experience of Italian hospitality, we heartily recommend you contact Anna-Maria [stefano.cazzaro@fastwebnet.it]for your accomodations in Venice.
Diane Ward
Parker, CO USA Sun 06/03/2007

Karin and Hans Weiss (Rothenburg)
Spent 4 nights with Karin and Hans (and other enjoyable couples from the US) Karin is a most gracious hostess and it is a good value. We will be return guests and I highly recommend their B&B

Jim Molde Bemidji, Mn
Jim Molde
Bemidji, Mn USA Sat 06/02/2007

Berchtesgaden - Konigsee Germany
We stayed in the Berchtesgaden, Germany area and found a highlight stay of our trip. Gastehaus FRIEDWIESE, halfway between Berchtesgaden and Konigsee, had the most beautiful setting with our own balcony overlooking a meadow and mountains in the distance. Luckily she had a last minute cancelation so we were able to book 2 of her 3 rooms before we arrived on a German holiday weekend that we were not aware of. http://www.friedwiese.de/

It was built in typical Bavarian style, but with a light airy feel; perhaps because of the owner’s Icelandic background. The house was designed with incredible detail. Helga, the owner, told us much of it was built by the family, from cutting their own tress, carving the detailed ceiling beams, down to some of the furniture.

She provided us with excellent restaurant and excursion recommendations, made sure we were comfortable and always took extra effort to make sure our stay was perfect which included making sure we could get a CD that she had playing in the breakfast room. Turns out her father-in-law is a musician as well as a craftsman. Between the setting and the owner’s attention, it was one of the best stays of our 2 week trip.
Robin
West Bend, WI USA Sat 06/02/2007

Corte Campana, a great B&B in Venice
Corte Campana is a great place to stay in Venice. Riccardo was very helpful and accomodating and went out of his way to make his guests feel welcome and enjoy Venice. His recommendations for eating, shopping, and sightseeing were right on the mark. Visit http://www.cortecampana.com to find out more.
Hans
Edmonds, WA USA Sat 06/02/2007

Belvurst B & B
Brugge, Belgium Absoluut Verhulst !!!!!

What a wonderful B&B in Brugge. It is Absoluut Verhulst run by Frieda & Benno. It is impeccabley clean and the breakfasts are fantastic. You should stay there, it is just a few blocks off the main square located on a quiet street. They have a beautiful garden that you can enjoy a quiet moment. I will definitely stay there if I ever visit Brugge again . You should put Brugge on your MUST DO List!!!!

The Kennedy's
The Kennedy's
Simpsonville, SXC USA Fri 06/01/2007

The Best B&B in Brugge!
My friend and I were looking for a highly recommended B&B in Brugge. Voila! We found it to be the Absoluut Verhulst B&B thanks to reading reviews on Rick Steves' Grafitti Wall. We chose the loft --its spaciousness and comfort were superb. (Benno carried our luggage upstairs which was a lifesaver!) What a relaxing place to return to at day's end. And to know we'd be greeted so warmly by Freida and Benno made it feel as if we were returning to our own home. Breakfast was always delicious with marvelous fresh fruit (cut so expertly by Freida), eggs of our choice (with or without meat) accompanied by delicious breads and condiments. Every day a different set of dishes was used--so many pretty patterns and styles. The table is located in the dining room in an open area with a lovely view of the garden. Freida and Benno were so helpful with directions, general information and interesting conversation. The location is great--comfortable walking distance to the canals, major sites, Markt, etc., as well as the busline to the train station. When I return to Brugge I will only be staying at Absoluut Verhulst! Stay there--you won't be disappointed! --Judy and Penny
Absoluut Verhulst
Brugge, Belgium Fri 06/01/2007

Jan and Jed's Cottage, Isle of Skye
My daughter and I were made to feel completely welcome and at home while at Jan and Jed's Cottage near Portree on the Isle of Skye (http://www.bedandbreakfastskye.eu/). When I emailed Jan to make reservations, she sent me a handwritten card with suggestions for the best route there. When we arrived late in the evening, we were welcomed with a roaring fire in our cottage (accommodations with a double bed are discreetly attached to owners' residence, but it seems like no one else is there). A filling Scottish breakfast was set out for us the next morning in our beautiful new breakfast room with skylights and windows looking onto the Sound of Raasay and Jan's lovely gardens. We truly enjoyed b&b hospitality the way it is meant to be, and hope to go back again someday.
Kathy
Spokane, WA USA Fri 06/01/2007

Le Couvent - Amazing B & B!
I just read the posting below from London which prompted me to write of our stay with Lizzie and Ally last month. My husband and I have been to many B & B's in different countries -but this one tops them all! What makes it so very special is the hospitality of both owners. We were treated like family! The village of Roujan and the nearby villages were beautiful! We took a bike ride through the country vineyards,and took a walk with Lizzie early in the morning over looking the country discovering all the treasures along the way. We worked up an appetite for an excellent breakfast of fresh laid eggs, fruit, pastry, breads and jams. The room was very large - a bottle of wine welcomed us. Being greeted by both Allie and Lizzy when we walked up the driveway made this a very special place for us. We left the area and moved around France, but all we could do was talk about our wonderful time here. It was great to have a computer access too. I forgot to mention the beautiful flowers/garden and the pool. It was very refreshing after our bike ride!!! This B & B is booked way in advance, and if you are lucky enough to stay here, you will know why!!! I know we will return. This area of France turned out to be my favorite.
Patti & John <email>
Ann Arbor, MI USA Wed 05/30/2007

Salema, PT Romantik Villa
This place is a treasure, a relaxing oasis located in the hills just above the sometimes frantic Algarve beach scene. Owner Lisa makes it special with her bubbly personality. Rooms are quite stylish and breakfasts on the poolside terrace are both delicious and healthy. Beautiful gardens too. Besides warm hospitality, Lisa also provided us with some restaurant suggestions and great ideas for nearby off-the-beaten-track excursions, complete with her own highlighted map. We look forward to a return visit to this wonderful spot.
Val Flesch and Larry Gibbs
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 05/30/2007

The Corner House B&B Rye England
We absolutely loved our stay at the Corner House and our hostess Yvonne Turner when we stayed in May. The Corner House has very comfortable twin rooms and a delicious breakfast in the morning. For dinner we walked next door to the Playden Oasts Inn and the atmosphere was so cute and dinner delicious! They also have a few bedrooms for rent. The bartender was so kind even though she was overwhelmed by an onslaught of diners. When in Rye give Yvonne an email at the-corner-house.com
Julie Bartz <email>
Shawano, WI USA Tue 05/29/2007

Tuscany, Really Tuscany
Looking for a base for day trips to Tuscan hill towns. Ponte a Nippo near San Gimignano is perfect. Super friendly Carla Rossi & son Francesco are building a setting that has it all. Comfortable rooms, tasty breakfasts with a great patio overlooking the new pool and chianti vinyards. It's what you come to Tuscany to see. www.rossicarla.it
Richard Inglehart <email>
Loveland, CO USA Tue 05/29/2007

Le Couvent B&B, Roujan, Languedoc, France
My wife and I stayed at Le Couvent for 4 nights in the middle week of last August. We had just driven down from non stop from London to check out the Languedoc- Roussillon region. Lizzi and Ali gave us a lovely welcome and once settled offered relaxed tea and biscuits in their large kitchen. The room was a good size with loads of books to read, bed was very comfortable and shower room had lots of hot water.

Being a technoholic, I was thrilled with the ultra high speed WiFi connection (and Lizzi completely understanding of all my technical laptop needs) and the ease with which to keep in touch with the world – not always to my wife’s liking! We wanted to explore Languedoc for a possible second home and to check out the ports and marinas for our sailing interests. Internet searches, backed by Ali and Lizzie local knowledge enabled us the scour the countryside and coast with ease and pin-point precision. With so many close airports with cheap flights and TGV stations so near, driving to Roujan from the UK is just not necessary; although, access to a local vehicle is definitely worthwhile.

We loved the easy going comforts, the relaxed breakfasts around the kitchen table with the other interesting guests, the beautiful pool and sipping the wine in the courtyard at Le Couvent. The village bar and its food was also pretty good with lots of local atmosphere.

But it was the restaurant recommendations, the nearby La Croix Belle wine estate (we bought far too much!) that set the tone for Roujan and its surrounding areas. Roujan is perfectly positioned between the sea, the cities and hills just north and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards. Do not miss the local town of Pezenas with its rich history and wonderful Saturday market. And definitely go to Bouzigues (especially Ali’s recommendation) to eat at the best fish restaurants in the world!

We spent the last morning walking the local high vineyards picking fresh figs with Lizzie and their two lovely dogs viewing the far reaching views of the Pyrenees.

Languedoc, Pezenas and the Roujan village could not be a better place for the best B&B in the region and our hosts Lizzie and Ali were absolutely lovely, so helpful and charming. We can’t wait to return.
Hendersonic
London, UK Mon 05/28/2007

B&B Recommendation in Ironbridge
Just a kudo for Lizzie and Rob who run the Library B&B in Ironbridge, England. Superb place and astute directions for all their guests. Very interesting folks with brilliant daughters. (BTW, their names are wrong in Rick's book.) As it says in the book, a great value.
John Sweeney <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sun 05/27/2007

B&B Tuscany
We agree with all who have reported on Casa Portagioia in beautiful Castiglion Fiorentino(tuscanbreaks.com) Terry and Marcello are warm, very helpful and gracious hosts. Rooms are clean,all with gorgeous views and grounds are immaculately kept. We couln't have asked for a better stay, it was perfect!
Rosemary Castiglioni <email>
Woodstown, NJ USA Sat 05/26/2007

Bed and Breakfast in London
James and Janice from the Baytree House in the London area. Amazing folks! Not expensive, they send out everyone with a bottled water, cereal bars, etc. - give information, offer tea in the evening, great breakfast! I've stayed there twice (it is very hard to get in now, though!)
Denise
FL USA Sat 05/26/2007

B&B Friendliness
Our B&B Hosts at the Stoneleigh B&B in Bristol England were so kind that when they lost power through the night and morning to guarantee our cooked breakfast, he went out in the cold and fired up the barbeque - just for us!
Cathy Meir
Richmond, BC Canada Fri 05/25/2007

Absolut Verhulst is a great place in Brugges
We highly recommend Absolut Verhulst as a B&B in Brugges. The owners, Benno and Frieda are so wonderful. We really felt well cared for and at home in their beautiful 400 year old house, just a 5-6 minute walk from the Markt Square. They went above and beyond to make our stay as pleasant as possible (let us borrow their bikes for free, hand wrote us directions on maps EVERYTIME we went somewhere, etc.). The breakfast is outstanding, their garden was lovely, and the rooms were quite comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Brugges and it was definitely influenced by Bennos and Frieda's warm hospitality. We would definitely return to stay at Absolut Verhulst and it was the highlight of our trip to Europe.
Haley Stevens <email>
Atlanta, Ga USA Thu 05/24/2007

Stay with Suzanne in Salisbury
If you plan on staying in Salisbury you have to stay at Wyndham Park Lodge with Suzanne & Peter. Rick's 2006 book didn't cover Salisbury so we went out on a limb and began emailing places close to the train and downtown areas. Suzanne answered back with a wonderful friendliness and she is even better in person. She and Peter set us up with tea and coffee in the garden when we arrived after a very long train ride. The full breakfasts are fantastic and include a delicious English pancake we didn't get anywhere else in the UK. There are four beautiful en-suite rooms (including a ground floor garden room) and large fluffy towels. The Lodge is close to downtown, bus route and train station. We plan to make it our home base on our next visit to Wiltshire county. www.wyndhamparklodge.co.uk To Rick's crew... you need to visit and take a look.
Cyndi & Kirk <email>
North Bend, WA USA Thu 05/24/2007

Priestville Guest House
What can we say, but when in Edinburgh there is no other place to stay except at the Priestville Guest House. As our very first attempt at staying in a B&B and our first one of five we stayed in while in Great Britain this month, Colin and Trina were absolutely fantastic. As a chef, Colin's breakfasts were delicious and don't be scared off by the haggis, it is not what you think... it is tasty. They know all there is to know about Edinburgh and are beyond helpful. You are just a few steps from the bus stop but in a quiet neighborhood. We slept great, ate well and laughed much with our host and hostess. What more could you ask for?
Cyndi & Kirk <email>
North Bend, WA USA Thu 05/24/2007

Karin Weiss B&B (Rothenburg, Germany)
Karin and Hans couldn't have been more friendly. Not only did they pick us up at the train station, but I believe that they actually left a family function to do it! Our room was large, comfy, and quiet with a sitting area and private bath. It was also one of the best values of our trip. We'll be repeat visitors for sure.
Marilyn Smith
Birmingham, AL USA Thu 05/24/2007

Ireland - Doolin - Daly House
We just returned from an 8 day tour of western Ireland and the best B&B we stayed in was The Daly House in Doolin. Susan was lovely and so accomidating. Coffee or tea upon arrival, suggestions for a tour during our stay, nice shower and O'Conner's Pub is a three minute walk.
Kristen Americk <email>
Bayonne, NJ USA Wed 05/23/2007

B&B - Inverness
I have just finished a two week tour of Scotland/Ireland. While in Inverness, we stayed at the Craigside Guesthouse and needless to say, it was one of the best B&B's I have ever stayed at. Janette (owner) has recently completed renovations to all the rooms, which included all the ensuites in each room as well. There is a flat screen tv in each bedroom and the breakfasts were fantastic (black pudding included). As we were midway through our trip at this point, it was time for us to do some laundry. As we were heading out the door to do our laundry, the owner stopped us and said that we could use her washer and dryer. Well, I can say that this was most unexpected and perahps the reason why I would recommend this B&B to those who are looking for a place to stay in Inverness.
Jason
Calgary, AB CAN Tue 05/22/2007

L’ecole Buissonniere
We recently returned from a 3 week tour of France, and one of the absolute highlights was our 2 nights with John and Monique, at the L’ecole Buissonniere B & B, near Vaison la Romaine. You could not hope for anything more at a B&B. Wonderful hosts, fantastic food, a charming home amid the beautiful landscape of Provence, and an incredible dog to boot! We also had the wonderfully good fortune of being there on a night they were serving dinner, it was brilliant! We cannot recommend L’ecole Buissonniere highly enough. We only wish we could have spent more time there!!!
Andrew Knudsen
Appleton, WI USA Tue 05/22/2007

Best B & B
The most wonderful place in Tuscany you will ever stay! Casa Portagioia near Castiglion Fiorentino. Owned and operated by Terry and Marcello. The grounds are beautiful, rooms great, countryside glorious, food and service by the friendliest two guys. They will help you plan your day. You cannot go wrong. Contact tuscanbreaks.com
Caroll Ahern
San Antonio, TX USA Mon 05/21/2007

The Collector B&B Amsterdam
We stayed at a wonderful Bed and Breakfast in Amsterdam over the Queen's Day celebration, The Collector, http://www.the-collector.nl/

We were warmly welcomed by Karl, who provides a very nice 3 bedroom B&B with king size beds, including full breakfast which you make yourself at any time you'd like with the food provided by Karl, free internet(slow computer), Cable tv, balcony, safety box, guest kitchen with a fridge, stove and micro wave.

There is a tram and bus stop just across the street from the B&B, so getting around Amsterdam is easy. The B&B is located close to Museumplein.

We even enjoyed fresh eggs from Karl's chickens! I've posted pictures on Trip Advisor if your interested in seeing photos!
Lorrie
Cincinnati, Ohio USA Sun 05/20/2007

Good Value for Money, Lovely B&B
My husband and I stayed 5 nights at Downtown Accomodation in April , 2007 . Our host was helpful and friendly . Most of the days we used to leave early in the morning for sight-seeing , and they were kind enough to provide breakfast for us at around 7.00 am . Room was clean & comfortable with private bathroom.Our room faced the main road ( Via Cavour ),it was bit noisy but that's pretty common in Rome . It is very centrally located , at 2 minutes walk to the Roman Furum , 5 minutes walk to the Colosseum and near to restaurants, shops and train station . Well worth a visit if you are looking for a central location that is clean at an affordable price! www.downtownaccomodation.com
Patrice Nick
New York, USA Sun 05/20/2007

perth scotland
we are travelling around scotland with our 2 boys. last night we slept at almond villa b and b in perth. best this trip. clean, very freindly and great breakfast. we found it on the web as perth is not in 'ricks tour' why? perth is a cool city
robert and marg young <email>
montgomery, al USA Sun 05/20/2007

Dingle Ireland B+B
The TowerView, recommended in the RS guidebook, was perfect. The host was very friendly and helpful and the accomodations were very nice. One place where we felt we got a great deal for what we paid.
Charles Nance
Camas, WA USA Fri 05/18/2007

Dublin Ireland / Dun Laoghaire B+B
The Ophira was perfect for us and easy to get into and out of Dublin. The hosts were very friendly and helpful. Watch out for what they charge. They tried to charge us 75Eur and when I showed the RS book and the 70Eur price quote, they quickly backed down.
Charles Nance <email>
Camas , WA USA Fri 05/18/2007

Chez Leslie, Colmar, France
We found this B&B through Rick Steves books. An elegant house brightly furnished--four rooms each with their own bathroom. Leslie speaks English( born in US), French and German. When she brought out beers on a tray with glasses for the 2 extra guests we brought her---I said this lady is exceptional. The hospitality was beyond what we expected. Staying in Colmar was the perfect antidote to busy London. The French-German mix of the area is so interesting---hopefully we can come this way again. Her sparkling personality makes the place. The decor of the house is charming.If we do come again, we'll ride the bicycles.
Anne and Al
Lakewood, cA USA Fri 05/18/2007

B&B Rome, Italy
We stayed at Hotel Paba four nights at the end of our vacation. Our owner-proprietor Alberta is everything all the reviews said--- wonderful!!! She booked a ride for us to the airport at 5:30 am the day we left, and left us breakfast so we would have something that early. Some of the early reviews talked of a small breakfast---not anymore. We had croissant, cappuccino, small rolls, butter, jam, three small cheeses, juice, yogurt, proscuitto, packaged bread. I had asked about eggs since I can't eat sweets or bread, and she was able to help with this with hard-boiled eggs. Her information about where to go in Rome was very helpful and being able to walk to the Forum in five minutes was amazing. This was the end of our trip so having an English-speaking hostess helped our brains tired from 18 days of travel. I felt like I was at my German mother-in-law's house---you could eat off the floor of our whole bedroom and bathroom. The deli across the street was helpful and lots of restaurants were close. We would stay here again for such a lovely hostess.
Anne and Al
lakewood, cA USA Fri 05/18/2007

Guest House Lida
We recently visited Prague and stayed at this friendly B&B. Jan (host) went out of his way to make our arrival and stay in Prague first class. Not in central Prague, but the hospitality and tour info made the commute worthwhile.
Gail K
Milwaukee, WI USA Thu 05/17/2007

Heroic B&B Service
Gwynfryn B&B in Conwy, North Wales. Monica and Colin go way beyond what a normal person would consider as great service. We enjoyed our two days in their lovely home and exchanged addresses so we could keep in touch. The walled city is a great place to visit too.
Mary Clark <email>
Silverthorne, CO USA Thu 05/17/2007

Karin Weiss B & B
Just returned from a lovely stay in Rothenburg, Germany. It was our second visit at a B & B operated by Karin Weiss and her husband Hans. The accomodations were excellent, squeaky clean and the breakfast was great. Karin makes every effort to ensure her guests have a comfortable and pleasant stay. We highly recommend this B & B to anyone planning a visit to Rothenburg.
Robert Baughman <email>
Sequim, WA USA Wed 05/16/2007

Pension Hohenrainer
We would like to recommend Pension Hohenrainer in Reutte, Austria.

We just returned from a recent visit there and found the Pension to be very clean, and quiet. The room was quite large. We opted for half board, if you like good homestyle cooking, this is the place to go.
Robert Baughman <email>
Sequim, WA USA Wed 05/16/2007

Northern Italy lake district
My husband and I are two senior travelers seeing Europe for the first time. We were quite hesitant at times to come. We worried about whether to drive, do the trains or what. I tried hard to figure out the trains but could not and so we decided to drive. We drive a lot in our own country so we decided to do that. As the time came for us to depart I found myself a bit fearful and was hoping my husband would say ...lets just not go. But instead he said if we dont go we never will. Well, here I am sitting at the computer in Argegno, Italy at the most fabulous bed and breakfast I/we have ever been in...to say the least. We came to the Italian lake district just because one of our friends suggested it. We found this place by just roaming the web. We overlook in three directions , Lake Como. The bedroom has its own terrace. We have use of the living room, tv, huge bathroom with tub and shower and Paul makes a lovely breakfast with yogurt,fruit and fresh pastries from the local bakery. There is also juice, and all the coffee we want. In fact Paul wanted to know if we wanted Italian style or Americano coffee. We didnt really care so he made us two pots, one of each. Paul and Nicole bought this magnificant home three or fours years ago and it is absolutely decorated to the hilt. Paul is a world famous artist and his original paintings are bringing even more life to this awesome, awe-inspiring place. We actually cant quite believe we are here. When we viewed their website it said this place is not for the diabled and so I wondered if there would be way too many stairs in which to climb. Not so for us and we are mid sixties. It would not be good if a person had difficulty in walking but this climb is worth it because of this incredible view. We can even see the Dolimites. The village of Argegno is a five minute walk. This village is all anyone would ever dream a little Italian village would be like. The town of Como is about nine miles or so. This lake is huge and in the night you can see the lights of the little fishing boats. This is a place that Rick should definately visit. My husband and I feel so fortnate that we found this place that we extended our stay and guess what....all of this for 60 Euros per night. There is so much more we could write. Feel free to write us , if you have any questions. The website of this little bit of heaven is www.wrightart.com

Pat from Boise, Idaho Pat from Boise, Idaho USA
Pat <email>
Boise, Idaho USA Tue 05/15/2007

Best B&B in Tuscany
My partner and I just returned from two weeks in Italy. By far the best four days were spent at Casa Portagioia, a Bed & Breakfast located in Valley of Chio near Catiglion Fiorentino and Areezzo. This was the best accomodations that I have ever had traveling. The hosts Terry & Marcello are running a top notch B&B. The rooms and the grounds are beautiful, the breakfasts were amazing and the company was great. Two nights we had gourmet five course meals prepared by Marcello, the best meals we had in all of Italy. Every review is saying the same and every other guest that we met said the same thing, this place was the most comfortable vacation spot I've been to. As you will read, about Terry and Marcello are like family by the time you leave. I could have stayed all summer. I definitley will return and will give it my highest recommendaation to anyone that travels to Tuscany. Thanks for a very memorable time. Jim & Dan Little Compton, RI
Jim <email>
Little Compton, RI USA Mon 05/14/2007

Le Mansarde in Venice - GREAT!!
I kept reading raves on ricksteves.com about Le Mansarde, and especially Anna-Maria, who owns and runs the place. Let me add my two cents by saying that the raves were definitely warranted. The location is fantastic, our room was completely cozy, and Anna-Maria could not have been more welcoming and helpful. She took time with us, pointed us toward some WONDERFUL restaurants off the beaten path (especially Bentigodi and L'Osteria Di Santa Marina), and made our too-short 2 day stay more relaxing and special than we ever imagined it could be. She even invited us to a rehearsal of the terrific gospel choir she sings in, which was a real treat. I couldn't recommend Le Mansarde more highly. Contact her at stefano.cazzaro@fastwebnet.it Thanks, Anna-Maria!
Michael
Glendale, CA United States Mon 05/14/2007

Ardconnel House, Inverness, Scotland Hosts: John & Elizabeth. This is an immaculate, beautiful, reasonably priced B&B that is located no more than 5 minutes from the city center. We spent our last night in Scotland there, and it was only a short walk (5 minutes)from the train station. Upon arriving, John insisted upon taking our carry on luggage to our 3rd floor room with its numerous amenities, including wash cloths. Later, we walked to a nearby restaurant to dine with our Scottish friend; afterwards, we had a nice relaxing visit with her at the B&B for over an hour in the lovely 2nd floor guest lounge. Since we had an early train the following morning & would miss breakfast, Elizabeth offered to pack a picnic continental breakfast for us to take on the train. To our surprise, she prepared both a delicious breakfast and a tasty lunch--sandwiches with homemade bread (all boxed). What an unexpected treat!!! We will be returning to Inverness and I can assure you that we will again be staying at this outstanding B&B. John & Elizabeth, thank you so much for your warm hospitality and generous gestures on our behalf.

Dr. & Mrs. Tyrrel Grohman P.S. Their web site is superior.
USA Sun 05/13/2007

Guesthouse Lida, Prague
Guesthouse Lida in Prague was great, they even helped us find someone who does genealogy in the Czech Republic so my husband can research his ancestors. We loved staying there, they go above and beyond. It is away from the central part of the city, so be prepared for the long subway and couple block walk home.
Michelle <email>
Dallas, OR USA Sun 05/13/2007

Karin Weiss and Haus Weiss B&B Rothenburg
Haus Weiss B&B in Rothenburg OdT was a great place to stay, we got lost coming into town and she came to a gas station to let us follow her home. It is well located, clean and quiet. The house reminded me of staying with relatives in a good way! Definitely a great deal.
Michelle <email>
Dallas, OR USA Sun 05/13/2007

Sorrento, Italy - B and B
Nestled in the hills above Sorrento, Villa Monica has a spectacular view of the city, Vesuvius, and the Bay of Naples. Our very accomodating host, Pasqualle Grosso willing drove us to and from the city centre and the Villa Monica on a daily basis.The Villa Monica itself , is quiet , well appointed and very clean while the staff are very friendly and hospitable- an excellent choice while staying in Sorrento or as a central point for exploring any part of Campagna.
Andrea McKenzie <email>
Prince George, BC USA Sun 05/13/2007

Milestone House, Dingle, Ireland
We stayed at Milestone House for two days and nights, and though we were a VERY large group, Barbara and Michael were completely unflustered, served delicious breakfasts, provided us with delightful accommodations, and even went so far as to provide gluten-free food for one of our party who has allergies. Given the opportunity, I will most certainly return to Milestone House. Thanks, Barbara and Michael!
Martha Wood <email>
Colorado Springs, CO USA Sat 05/12/2007

Myrtle House, Mickleton, Cotswolds
The Myrtle House was a great little place to stay while touring the Cotswold villages. Friendly and comfortable with great breakfasts. The rooms are pretty and the town is quaint and quiet. We had a fantastic meal at the local pub the King's Arms, which is just a 5-minute stroll down the road. There isn't a lot to do in Mickleton, but it's a great base for touring around the Cotswolds!
Jennifer Larsen
Denver, CO USA Thu 05/10/2007

Tuscany B & B
My husband and I spent several days in April at Casa Portagioia just outside Castiglion Fiorentino. It was our second fabulous stay there. A superior accomodation, clean, comfortable and beautiful. We will stay there every time we visit Tuscany in the years to come.
Beth Elterman Pendleton
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA USA Thu 05/10/2007

Heroic B&B Friendliness
The Milestone B&B at Dingle, Ireland was absolutely wonderful. If I ever get to go back, I wouldn't stay anywhere else!
Mary Alcorn
Fort Hancock, TX USA Tue 05/08/2007

Loire Valley, Saumur Accommdation
Loire Valley, Saumur. We have recently stayed at La Prairie near Saumur - we stayed in one of their cottages, a lovely place tucked away behind the forest and an ideal spot for visiting the Vineyards and Chateaux. They also do Bed and Breakfast accommodation - it is owned by a French 'Monsieur' (Lionel) and Samantha, who is very handily English - so her advice on out-of-way restaurants and specials finds was great! They have a swimming pool, horses to ride and it is a super place for children too! Kind, friendly hosts and a pretty location!
Glen Waters <email>
NY, USA Mon 05/07/2007

Penzion Tilia in Cesky Krumlov
We stayed in Penzion Tilia in Cesky Krumlov in Czech Republic last summer.All the B & Bs in Rick's book were fully booked and we were referred here by Penzion Danny.I highly recommend this-new and very clean rooms,nicely decorated,good breakfast.Can look at its attractive rooms in the web site www.tilia-ck.cz
Hilda W
Edmonton,Alberta, Canada Sat 05/05/2007

positive review bruges Bed and Breakfast
Just wanted to add another positive review of Aspasia bed and breakfast in the centre of Bruges BelgiumMy husband I just stayed there for 4 nights with gives us a nice reduction on the price. Out from this base camp we had a bike trip to Damme and a train visit to Gand. (Ticket was cheap and included museums and boattrip) The room, the only rent one=quiet and personal, is clean and well decorated. We had a nice bathroom attached to our room and even a little breakfast corner with coffee and tea. The instructions who to get there are on the website of aspasia Bruges; from the station it only 15 min ; bus was wating for us.
Patrick and Eve
Platteville, 52001 USA , USA Fri 05/04/2007

Dingle, Milestone House
This bed and breakfast absolutely cannot be beat! Barbara and Michael are the warmest hosts in all of Ireland. From the moment of arrival, they welcome you with open arms, tea, and cookies. They truly go out of their way to make your visit to Dingle memorable. We were a large group and they did everything from taking someone out for a bike ride to making gluten free bread for someone with a wheat allergy. This was my second stay with them, and they are constantly making the rooms more comfortable. They are a good source of local information and take pride in the local handicrafts. Where the music will be that evening, where to buy the best pottery, what routes to take when exploring, where the best food can be found. And the 2,000 year old standing stone in their front yard is impressive. Beautiful location, wonderful people, great breakfast with Michael's bread made daily. Of the six B&B's we stayed in on this trip, many were heard to say, "This place will be hard to follow."
Liz Schreiber <email>
Monument, CO USA Fri 05/04/2007

'our
We stayed at aspasia bed and breakfast in Bruges for a couple of days. They help us out to plan our trips to the great war battlefields in Ypres and to antwerp Rubens House. The room is '30 style with own privat bathroom and breakfast corner. They only rent one room so you feel at home; the great breakfast is served on your room so still you keep your privacy.

To have a good idea of a visite in bruges; you can have a look on this site: James and Jacqui in Bruges. http://www.jamesmgregg.com/europe/belgium/be_intro.htm Marc and Ann

Unique Qualities: It was a very small BandB but with everthing you needed like in a hotel. Even fire security... It was very clean and no smokers.
ann
edinbourgh, scotland Thu 05/03/2007

B & B's in Prague and Budapest
My husband and I traveled to Prague and Budapest in March and April of 07. In Prague we stayed at the Lida Pension for 6 nights after reading the rave reviews on this website. Jan and his brother Jiri were wonderful hosts and made our stay in Prague special. They made us feel like personal friends. Upon returning from Budapest to Prague at 11 pm on the back end of our trip, Jan offered to accompany my husband to the nearest gas station so we would not have to get up early the next morning for our 8am car return. He also helped us plan our trip so we could enjoy the countryside and not miss any of the special places. The B & B itself was lovely; all freshly done in modern IKEA finishes and furniture which extended to the bathroom complete with excellent shower. Breakfast was also a treat. We would highly recommend Lida Pension and the warm hospitality of Jan and Jiri. They will enhanse your stay in Prague and help make you feel at home. In Budapest we found (by accident) the lovely and reasonably priced Hotel Molnar (info@hotel-molnar.hu) high in the Buda hills above the Citadel. Its a boutique hotel with free parking, gym and free breakfast in a quiet beautiful residential neighborhood. The staff speaks English and is very friendly. We saw many German tourists and business people. Public transportation is nearby. Had we stayed in Pest or down closer to the Danube, the price would have easily doubled along with the addition of parking fees. We paid about $75 a night for first rate accomodations.
Barbara
Chicago, Il USA Thu 05/03/2007

Websters B&B in Salisbury UK
Websters B&B in Salisbury, UK, is Rick Steves worthy! We stayed there two nights at the beginning of a 2 week trek from Salisbury to Bath to London, and next time, we'll toss out the rest and just stay here! A lovely and comfortable ensuite room (ours had a view of the cathedral spire); attentive and caring hosts in John and Veronica; off the "main drag" but easily found via foot from the train station or by car, and then easy to navigate from if heading into town or out to Old Sarum, Stonehenge, Wilton or beyond. They were not mentioned in my copy of Rick's 2006 England book but should be considered for future annual printings, if not already. John had surgery the morning of our second day, and despite having other obvious things to think of, Veronica kept the place humming. We will definitely stay again, recommd it in a heart beat, and hope both John and Veronica all the best!
Nancy and Greg
Hillsboro, Oregon USA Wed 05/02/2007

sam rooms guest house in rome
We stayed at Sam's Rooms and were very pleased. Marco was welcoming and made us feel right at home. The place is very secure and in an excellent location. While the nearest station is closed due to engineering works, I recommend using the San Giovanni stop...it's only a very short walk. We had a triple room and our bathroom was private but outside the room due to building structure regulations...but we had our own key and so were able to lock it and make it our own. The noise from the road can be loud at night but that's pretty much in any place in Rome...it wasn't excessive compared to other places I've stayed so I wasn't really bothered by it. Marco brought our breakfast to our room and I HIGHLY recommend the hot chocolate :) He did prefer that we pay in cash but there is a cash machine less than five minutes from the hotel so it's not a problem at all. Just a few shops up on the same side of the room is a little bitty internet/phone place that I also highly recommend--although the hotel has wi-fi...but I didn't know this and so hadn't brought my laptop. But at this place the internet is 1 euro per hour and the people were always so friendly. It is quite small, only four or five computers but I was always able to walk in and sit down at one. I loved the convenience of it! I would definitely stay with Roman & Italian again!
Angela Johnson <email>
USA Mon 04/30/2007

B&B in Tuscany
Just returned from a 2 week stay in Tuscany and wanted to write to highly recommend a B&B in Castiglion Fiorentino, Tuscany called Casa Portagioia - www.tuscanbreaks.com run by two delightful hosts - Terry and Marcello. They were most accomodating (we were traveling with a 2 yr. old) and the accomodations were 1st class. Beautiful grounds, exquisite rooms, close to lots of sights. The small hill town was enchanting. Again, I cannot say enough good things about this home away from home - they have rooms, plus 2 apartments.
Lynne Beattie <email>
Columbia, SC USA Mon 04/30/2007

B&B in Champagne
My family just spent two nights at Le Havre du Percheron B&B in Verneuil (between Reims and Epernay) and have nothing but good things to say. A large house in the village, lovingly decorated and with a charming garden suitable for children and adults to relax in while Mme Blin offers you champagne and advice on visiting the area. Mme Blin was a delight and we hated to leave. She even phoned us when we were having dinner at the local restaurant and told us she would drive over to pick us up as a violent thunderstorm had made it dangerous for us to walk back. One of the most delightful weekends our family has had.
MLC
Den Haag, Netherlands Mon 04/30/2007

B&B Faronhof - Venezia
This small B&B is located about 30 minutes by bus from the center of Venice. Easy to find by car with no city traffic & off street parking. Stayed there last May & avoided the hassle of trying to drive into the city. Monica & Chris are the proprietors who treated us very well, including providing the bus tickets & the bikes for my wife & I to ride the mile or so to the bus stop. Comes with an Internet PC in the room & plenty of friendly advise. Price is very very reasonable! http://www.faronhof.com
Monty Hopey <email>
Beaufort, SC USA Sun 04/29/2007

Ferry House B&B outside Dublin
My daughter and I stayed in The Ferry House in Dun Laoghaire in April 2007. Pauline and her family were very kind. The room and bath were nice and large. And the breakfast was wonderful. Dun Laoghaire is a less than 10 minute Dart commuter train ride from Dublin. I am so glad we stayed in Dun Laoghaire rather than in Dublin
Diana
Houston, USA Fri 04/27/2007

Al Teatro B&B, Venice
Al Teatro is a 3-bedroom B&B right on a canal located just minutes from St. Mark's Square. Eleanora and her family have created a wonderful place that you'll be sorry to leave. Close by a vaporetto stop, Al Teatro is convenient to everything. Our room (the Amber Room) was spacious and had a balcony overlooking the canal. Watching the gondoliers pass below was a highlight of our vacation. Rooms are comfortably furnished and include large and modern bathrooms, LCD TVs, a substantial breakfast, internet access, and best of all, the opportunity to stay with an extremely hospitable Venetian family. In one of your Europe's most expensive cities, there's no reason to sacrifice convenience and comfort. Al Teatro offers both at a reasonable price. Book early!
Roy
Fredericksburg, VA USA Wed 04/25/2007

Absoluut Verhulst, Bruges
Absoluut Verhulst Bruges - thanks for the recommendation!

We were delighted to discover Absoluut Verhulst in bruge through reading the grafitti wall. What delightful hosts Benno & Frieda were! They were warm and friendly and extremely helpful, way above the call of duty. We had to leave very early for our flight and to our delight found a fabulous packed lunch waiting for us at 6am. The comfort of the room, the excellent breakfasts and the warmth of our hosts, made ours a truly excellent stay. We will definitely be staying again on our next trip to bruges. Again thanks to those who put us on to it. regards, Brian & Sandra Gallagher
Sandra Gallagher <email>
Dublin, Ireland Wed 04/25/2007

B&Bs in Provence (Le Thor and Aix en Provence)
Just returned from a trip to Provence. Two B&Bs were outstanding. The first, Le Haras de L'eau, (www.harasdeleau.com) is in Le Thor, on the outskirts of Isle sur la Sorgue; the other Pavillon de la Torse (www.latorse.com) is in Aix en Provence. Each is beautifully located, each is a large manor house with large beautiful rooms, and each provides hospitality that is second to none. Moreover, each is reasonable priced.
Steve Kraut <email>
Alexandria, Va USA Tue 04/24/2007

marie-rose debruyne B&B Brugge
Marie-Rose and husband Ronny were awesome. The rooms were very cool and the house is out of the way in a quiet neighborhood. Great breakfast and conversation.

We also stayed at Lida in Prague, but since there are already a few post about how great Jan and Jiri are, I wont waste space.
Paul V
Denver, CO USA Tue 04/24/2007

Anne's Place, Rome
Actually located about 20-30 min. away by train in Palestrina, this B&B offers a peaceful retreat after the chaos of Rome. Anne and David are English and also speak German, so there is no language issue. Anne and David are the finest hosts we've ever experienced. There is NOTHING they won't do for you, including providing free transport to and from the train station and local restaurants. Our room was large and comfortable, with a recently upgraded bath and shower, and breakfasts were substantial.
Roy Leonard <email>
Fredericksburg, VA USA Mon 04/23/2007

Il Nido, Sorrento
If the secret isn't out already (Rick added Il Nido to his 2007 guidebook), it should be - Il Nido is a hotel operated as a B&B that's an incredible value, featuring amenities you won't find elsewhere: (1) Bus pickup at the train station, into town, and return to the hotel - all included in your room rate (and take my word for it - you DON'T want to drive in Sorrento); (2) A great restaurant that rivals anything you'll find in town, at prices you absolutely can't beat; and (3) "Million dollar" views.

But what truly distingushes Il Nido is the staff - Rafaella, our driver, was an absolute sweetheart who clearly loves people; and Dino, the Il Nido's jack-of-all-trades, is a charming and patient host who nothing is too difficult for. An example: I saw that the first Il Nido bus of the day, at 8:00 AM, was going to be too late to make our departure train connection. Dino said no problem, just be down in the lobby at 7:45. I had no idea that he would drive us personally in his own vehicle, then smile and not accept a tip for his trouble.

Our room had a balcony overlooking the Bay of Naples and Vesuvius. What a spectacular sight watching the sun go down! The room was simple but clean and more than adequate. The lobby had two computers for guests' e-mail use - a nice touch. Breakfasts were hearty and started our days off right.

You won't be disappointed - stay at Il Nido.
Roy Leonard <email>
Fredericksburg, VA USA Mon 04/23/2007

Hotel in Aero, Denmark
In the summer of 2006 we stayed in the Pension Vestergade in Aero. The hotel was lovely and Susanna was the best BB host we have ever had in many years of European travel. The charm of the BB matched the beauty of the island. Neither place is to be missed!
Mitch and Helene Hamlin
Tempe,, AZ USA Sun 04/22/2007

Venice-B&B LeMansarde Wonderful Hospitality
We just returned from Venice after spending 3 outstanding nights in the immaculate a/c bedroom w/king bed & beautiful private bathroom with shower, tub, bidet, toilet etc with thick towels and quality linens in the flat of the gracious Anna-Maria Cazzaro at Le Mansarde stefano.cazzaro@fastwebnet.it Anna-Maria & her family speak English beautifully & Anna Maria provides excellent advice on using the water transportation; recommending really good restaurants & classical music venues.Her breakfasts were delightful-incredible fruit smoothies, bread, homemade brownies,biscuits, jams,juice & heavenly coffee. If that was not enough, Anna Maria washed our clothes and presented us with a parting gift so we can froth our own coffee now. We can't wait to return to her gracious home!
C.L. Robinson <email>
Amherst, NY USA Fri 04/20/2007

Bed and Breakfast in Europe
Just came back from Europe last week: Paris: Hotel de Turenne. Umberto daytime and the guys at night were very nice and helpful. Close to Ecole Militaire subway. Laundry, ATM and small grocery across street. Room for 3 cost 108E/night not the Ritz but room kept clean with clean towels everyday.

Interlaken, Switzerland: Hotel Rugenpark B&B. Ursula and Chris are awesome people, very friendly, very helpful, very sweet. Room clean and inexpensive, 10 minute walk from train station, not the Ritz, all wooden floors creak, Monty their dog amazing!

Vernazza, Cinque Terre: Albergo Barbara. Owners friendly. Nice location. Vernazza is my fave place of all, people are so nice, food and local wine superb but inexpensive, cheap rate room kept clean.

Florence: Tourist House Florence. Nice staff, close to train station, laundry, atm, internet service close by, plenty of cheap eats, close to tourist sites. Drawback Saturday noisy.

Rome: Hotel Adler-Roma. I love Rome!Alessandro Manchetti the manager is simply wonderful! So with the other staff Alessandra, Bruno and Michaelangelo and the cleaners. Breakfast buffet the best! Room looks impressive for the price, 130E for 3 people. 10 minute walk from Termini, close to tourist sites.

Venice: Allogi Barbaria. Fausto and Georgio are friendly and helpful. Georgio even let us leave our baggage for a while after check-out. Room clean and spacious. Basic breakfast. 120E/ night for 3 people in Venice is cheap.

Munich: Euro Youth Hostel Munich. Please read my comment in hostel page. Rothenburg ob der Tauber: Zur Goldenen Rose - Henriette and the other staff very friendly and helpful. Henriette went out of her way to give us a better train schedule out of Rothenburg. 15 minute walk from station, close to square, room cheap and clean.

Bacharach: Hotel Kranenturm. Mr. Kurt Engels is such a friendly and helpful host, same with his staff. Unfortunately, didn't meet his hardworking wife Fatima. She had a terrible accident, fell hanging up curtains and hurt her spine badly. We wish them the best and a speedy recovery for her. Place is not Ritz, old with old plumbing but kept clean. Breakfast is very good.
Maricel <email>
San Diego, CA USA Thu 04/19/2007

Carmers B&B/Bruges
My daughter and I spent three nights here. Although it is small, it is very bright and cheery and plenty big enough for two. I have never stayed in a cleaner place - the shower curtain and bath rug were changed every day! The breakfasts that we enjoyed in our room were different each day and included enough pastries, breads, meat, cheese, fruit,etc to last most of the day. Easter we had eggs, both hard-boiled and chocolate! Robert and Lievetje gave us a map including recommended eating places and places of interest. They also responded to e-mails that came in to us while we were there and after we left. All in all, the perfect hosts.
Linda
Frisco, CO USA Thu 04/19/2007

Incorrect spelling for Ca' Centopietre in Venice
Sorry, I spelled Ca' Centopietre incorrectly in my former post...their website is: www.centopietre.net, wonderful b&b in Venice!
Kate Sackett <email>
Seattle, WA USA Wed 04/18/2007

Questhouse Lida in Prague
On our recent trip to Prague Jan and Jiri from the Guesthouse Lida were wonderful. They had arranged to pick us up in Dresden Germany and when we arrived in Prague they sat down and answered any questions we had. They also had bus tickets we could purchase and made recomendations as to where to eat. The valuable information they gave us helped us enjoy the city--thank you Jan and Jiri-
Mary Warson
Chico , CA USA Wed 04/18/2007

The Alpenhof, Switzerland
The Alpenhof is a wonderful little bed and breakfast in the tiny village of Stechelberg, a twenty minute postal bus ride from the nearest town of Lauterbrunnen. Diane Sifis and Marc Jones run the place with friendly charm, never too busy for a conversation and always ready to give advice and help. The beds in private rooms are comfortable and clean, and a steal at 25 francs per person per night. The bathroom facilities are shared, and hot showers are a franc for five minutes. A big, delicious breakfast of locally-made yogurt, cheese, and bread, along with sliced meat, granola, fruit, juice, and coffee costs 10 francs. The kitchen is available for travellers looking to save some money, since dining out in the area can be a little expensive. The Stechelberg area is wonderful for hiking and skiing and just enjoying the beautiful Swiss countryside, and the Alpenhof, with it's wonderful owners and great facilities, is the perfect place to stay.
Michael Kaiser-Nyman <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Tue 04/17/2007

Wonderful Rome/Florence/Venice B&B's
I just returned from a trip to Rome, Florence and Venice. All three B&B's were recommendations from the Rick Steves graffiti wall and were fantastic. In Rome we stayed at the Hotel Giardino which was in the perfect location and Kate who runs the place was extremely helpful and fun. In Florence we stayed at Panella's residence, which had a terrific location, the room was large and the bathroom was enormous with a soaking tub! Graziella, the owner of the B&B was very gracious and helpful. In Venice we stayed at Ca Centriope run by Carlo, who was extremely charming and helpful. The rooms & bathrooms were teeny, but very clean and pleasant and the location by the Accademia bridge couldn't be beat. I highly recommend all of these places to anyone wanting reasonably priced, charming and centrally located accommodations in these cities.
Kate <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sat 04/14/2007

Great Florence Hotel for Single Travellers!
In Florence, the Hotel Enza is a great budget option for one step above a hostel.

I stayed in Room 29 which comes with a very comfortable single bed, with a bonus of a little balcony for sipping wine or reading.

As I write this, Rick himself stopped by a few days ago to update his listings!

The breakfast was also a deal - for 5euro you get all the coffee you can drink as well as cereal, yogurt and rolls.
Thea <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 04/12/2007

B&Bs in Sorrento & Siena
If you are looking for a charming, inexpensive place to stay while in Sorrento, try to book with Casa Astarita. We cannot say enough about this wonderful place. The hostess was very kind, making sure we had all the ammenities we needed (iron, internet, access to the kitchen). It was like home away from home. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable.

If visiting Siena, try the Palazzo Bruchi. The family-run B&B is a perfect place to stay. It is very close to all the major sites in the city. The hostesses are very kind and very helpful. Our room overlooked the palazzo's courtyard and hillside.
nadia <email>
dallas, tx USA Thu 04/12/2007

A Great Find!
My wife and I followed Rick Steves recommendation and stayed four nights at Hotel Il Bargellino. The location perfect, close to everything including the train station. Now this is not the Ritz by any means but for 75 euros a night, you just can't get a better bang for the buck. The room was spartan but comfortable, allowing us to sleep well. This is all we really needed since we were out from morning to night. The owner, Carmel is a real goldmine of information. She speaks English perfectly and was always spot on with her recommendations. All in all a great find and when next I'm in Firenze,I'll have no hesitation in staying there again.
Hotel Il Bargellino
Florence, Italy Tue 04/10/2007

Great Residenza San Maurizio : www.residenzasanmaurizio.com
Great place to stay; most central indeed. Large, clean, warm rooms We loved the decor: the murano chandelier in the launge and the marble ( venetian) floor. The bed was really good quality and we slept well. In the morning we got quite a substantial breakfast that we enjoyed: coffee, croissants, toast, jam and juice. It took us only 5 minutes to walk back from San Marco square, the place was very quiet . Overall, we would be happy to go back.
Rob & Barbara
MD USA Mon 04/09/2007

Nicolas Inn
LOVED the Nicolas Inn in Rome. The best shower you will ever have! Super nice hosts willing to help you out with whatever you need.

Eternal gratitude for resetting our clock to reflect the time change taking place in Europe or we definately would have missed our flight!
Frank Himstead
Avondale Estates, GA USA Thu 04/05/2007

B&B in Bruges, Belgium
We would like to add another recommendation for the quiet B&B on Waalestraat run by Koen and Annemie Dieltiens-Debruyne in Brugges, Belgium. It is located on a quiet street but within short walking distance to all the sights in Bruges. The owners are very friendly and the rooms clean, comfortable, and had great rooftop views of the city.
Annie McDonald
Cincinnati, OH USA Thu 04/05/2007

B&B in Switzerland
Earlier Katie was asking about friendly B&Bs in Germany and Switzerland. I am going to Switzerland in August and plan not to stay in hotels at all, but only in B&Bs or farmhouses. I found a website www.bandb.ch, where you can see them all by region. Some sound and look just like what I want - small, personable, warm, homelike. I want to see how real Swiss live and I, too, want to practice my German.
Natasha <email>
Concord, CA USA Sun 04/01/2007

Classy Bruges B&B
Here is another recommendation for the classy B&B on Waalestraat run by Koen and Annemie Dieltiens-Debruyne. There were three of us,and we had one of the top floor rooms- what a view, across the rooftops! I liked the location, as it was quiet yet close to the Burg and bus stops. The breakfast was a wonderful selection of Belgian cheeses, breads, meats and sweet rolls but the best thing was, on the coffeecup saucer, two small chocolate bars! Chocolate spread was also available for spreading on bread. Our hosts were prepared with maps of Bruges to point us out in the right direction and were very approachable and friendly. Give them a try!
Wendy Borders <email>
Kansas City, MO USA Sat 03/31/2007

B&B London, York
In March I stayed 4 nights in the Alhambra Hotel in London, and I agree with other posters--good value, good location, and family run friendly. In York I was happy with Rick's guidebook recommendation of the Sycamore B&B. Both are excellent choices for a solo budget traveler.
Eunice
Boston, MA USA Fri 03/30/2007

Recommendation for B&B
I stayed at Logis Les Remparts B&B in Bayeux, France (near Normandy landing beaches). Found the experience very nice. Received very timely response to e-mail questions, was greeted at the door by the host/owner (who speaks English), and was made to feel very welcome. Our rooms were clean and comfortable. Breakfast was prepared early and was delicious. Very good value and great location.
Tom Helmus
Villa Park, IL USA Sun 03/25/2007

B & B in Brugge
Paul & Roos Gheeraert-Vandevelde is absolutely the best in B & B's. They are wonderful hosts and the breakfast's they serve are fabulous! The rooms are spotless and spacious and the 5 days we stayed with them were wonderful. They give you extra amenities, like hair dryer, internet and converters that were especially helpful. It is such a short walk to town, seeing more, on the way, than the center of town. I would HIGHLY recommend them to everyone!
Annette
Portland, Oregon USA Sun 03/25/2007

Borgo Arginina in Chianti Region near Siena, Italy
An absolutely delightful spot in a thousand-year-old refurbished farmhouse! There are several rooms in the "big House" as well as separate villas, all with a phenomenal mountain-top view of baronial vineyards, mountains, hills and valleys. The hostess, Elena, is warm and welcoming, and was a tremendous help in suggesting excellent restaurants (though her Tuscan cooking was the best!) and hill-villages, museums and markets and sightseeing experiences near-by. We rented a car, which gave us freedom to explore, and we were totally thrilled with the Tuscan scenery, hospitality, shopping and food and sights!

The farmhouse is beautifully decorated by Elena, who, leaving a career as a fashion designer in Milan, spent 5 years in restoring Borgo Arginina. The rooms are very comfortable, and the charm of the ancient burg makes you want to stay and just enjoy being there, though there is much to see and to do that is easily accessible.

I was there in early to mid- March, and the weather was ideal, there were almost no tourists (except in larger towns such as Florence), and the pace was a pleasant slow one. I hated leaving to go to Rome!

I felt that I was able to truly savor Tuscany and its hospitality at this B & B. Cheers to Elena and this gorgeous place!
Martha Mullins
Hickory, NC USA Sat 03/24/2007

Venice-Residenza San Maurizio www.residenzasanmaurizio.com
I would recommend this Inn to anyone. Although the economy rooms are quite small they have everything you need, airconditioning and safe, plus they are the cleanest rooms I've ever seen. The lounge area is cosy and romantic
Susan <email>
Philadelphia, USA Mon 03/19/2007

Rome - Sam Rooms: www.samrooms.com
The Sam Rooms Guest House in Rome was excellent during our 4 night stay there. The rooms were modern and clean and Marco was an excellent host taking care of our needs and was nice to deal with. The location is great, near to the metro station and walkable to the Colleseum. Everything that we needed to know was stated beforehand on their website and if we had any questions, they were readily answered. We will definitely recommend this place to stay.
Kathryn
Sydney, NSW Australia Mon 03/19/2007

Geerwijn B&B in Brugge, Belgium
Geerwijn B&B in Brugge: We had a wonderful experience staying at this B&B for 4 nights. Chris Deloof, proprietress, creates a homey atmosphere by providing not only comfortable bedrooms (good mattresses and pillows!!) and a delicious breakfast of breads, meats, cheeses, homemade jams, compotes, eggs, etc., but also the guests have acccess to a cozy living room with fireplace in which to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Located just 500 meters off the Market Square on a very quiet street, this was a perfect B&B experience.
Kathy and Mike
Iowa City, IA USA Sun 03/18/2007

Ardconnel House -- Inverness, Scotland
Enjoyed our stay at the Ardconnel House very much and highly recommend it to all. Elizabeth and John are most kind, gracious and helpful hosts. Look forward to visiting again.
John, Susan and John, Jr.
Dallas, Texas USA Fri 03/16/2007

' le Mansarde' Venice
I have just returned from my second visit to Anna Maria in Venice and once again enjoyed her kind hospitality; a supper provided on our late arrival, willing pair of hands to help with luggage etc. Anna Marias new appartment to let is nearing completion and will provide wonderful views across the Venice rooftops from its private balcony. This is definitely the place to really experience Venetian life.
kim
UK Thu 03/15/2007

Wonderful Bath B&B
When I was in Bath last summer, my husband and I and another couple we traveled with stayed in a fantastic B&B in Bath, England. Cornerways Bath B&B was just the retreat we were looking for after a busy week in London. Ms. Sue Black was a perfect hostess, providing us with info on good day trips, local maps to get around, restaurants, and she even arranged to have our laundry done. She was very accommodating and pleasant. The rooms were immaculate and plush, and the breakfast was delicious. It was the most comfortable bed I'd ever slept in! We had the large room in the front while our traveling companions stayed in a smaller, but lovely room with a garden view and whirlpool tub. I can't recommend this place enough. The price was great, as was the location - close to the town center and Royal Crescent. Check out all the reviews on Trip Advisor - that's why we picked it.

http://www.cornerwaysbath.co.uk/index.htm
Beth
MD USA Thu 03/15/2007

Palazzo Bruchi B&B in Siena, Italy
The Palazzo Bruchi B&B in Siena, Italy is on page 267 of Rick's Florence & Tuscany 2007 Guide Book. We stayed there in March 2007. Very comfortable, owners were great and helpful, reasonably priced, and near all of the sights. A little cucina in the place was an added unexpected feature
Rick and Kathy Bart <email>
Taunton, MA USA Wed 03/14/2007

hotels
I wonder if not listed in Ricks book how a person would find some of these places to stay.List a email or web site.
jack <email>
sheboygan, wi USA Tue 03/13/2007

Great B&B in Venice
Just came back from my month long trip in Europe and cannot say enough good things about Corte campana. Riccardo was extremely helpful and very funny. Great location too. Couldn't be better.
Mona
Snoqualmie, WA USA Fri 03/09/2007

Ardconnel House - Inverness, Scotland
We enjoyed the hospitality of John and Elizabeth at this lovely B&B. Our room was comfortably furnished and quiet. Elisabeth gave us tips on places to eat dinner. They provided a large variety of items for breakfast, including some wonderful bacon, even though it was just the two of us.
Rob and Bonnie
Victorville, CA USA Wed 03/07/2007

Chateau Andelot - France
Château Andelot – France

I couldn’t be more enthusiastic in recommending this wonderful château B&B in the Jura Mountains near Burgundy. I stayed there for a week last summer on an artist’s retreat and was so taken with the warmth and atmosphere of the place that I am returning this summer with my family. Helena is a fantastic cook and the hosts, Anne and Michael, went out of their way to make the guests feel at home. While I was there, a British couple arrived after a long day’s drive only to realize that they had forgotten one of their bags at a hotel where they stayed the previous night. After having no luck trying to persuade the hotel to make arrangements to have the bag sent to the château, Anne and Michael drove 5 hours roundtrip to retrieve the bag themselves so that the couple could relax by the pool!

As for the facilities, the château is stunning. It was built in medieval times on top of a cliff as a fortified castle stronghold. You enter the grounds through a large, gated stone wall that spans the length between two conical towers. The gothic entry, stone buildings, and terrace views of the rural landscape with the Swiss Alps in the backdrop provided plenty of artists’ fodder for my sketching and painting activities. All of the guestrooms are large and comfortable, and the modern bathrooms have been beautifully refinished. I highly recommend this B&B for those who wish to treat themselves while traveling in the French countryside. You can find photographs and contact information on their website at www.chateauandelot.com.
Carolyn L Brown <email>
Egg Harbor, NJ USA Tue 03/06/2007

Edinburgh Trip
Our first trip to Scotland, and we were fortunate to have found the Straven Guest House. Just a short walk to the local bus, even shorter walk to the North Sea but just a tad longer to a local pub. Mac was a most gracious host, the place was spotless, excellant shower facilities, did not have any troubles sleeping, the morning breakfast will get you thru the day until your evening meal. Plan on getting up early to watch the sun come up over the bay. Nice walkway along the beach. Everybody was absolutlely friendly. Really cannot wait to get back and spend another 7 days. BUT, don't tell everybody about this place cause if you do, it will be hard to get a reservation!
Don & Pat Boland <email>
Cedar Rapids, IA USA Mon 03/05/2007

Edinburgh Trip
Just stayed 4 nights with Mac & Marion at Straven Guest House, Portobello, Edinburgh. Everything about our stay was brilliant. The accommodation is spotless and service first class. Guest house is on main bus route and only 15 minutes from city centre. Value for money, I doubt you could get better in the whole of Edinburgh. Can't wait to go back!
B Wheatley
Spalding, Lincs UK Sun 03/04/2007

Le Mansarde B&B in Venice
My sister and I were so pleased with our choice to stay at Le Mansarde B&B (decided partly on the basis of recommendations from this site). Anna-Maria is an incredibly friendly and accommodating hostess, letting us bring our luggage into her (separate) apartment in the morning, giving ideas of where to eat (and where not to) and providing directions and a map to various sites we were interested in. Her children were also polite and friendly to us, and my sister enjoyed watching and learning about a family similar to hers but living in a very different environment (and isn't that why many of us choose B&B over hotels).

The loft apartment was great - lots of space, comfy twin beds, enough hot water for two showers in the morning, useful little kitchen, quiet at night. All this for less than I was quoted for some small hotel rooms in Venice. We didn't have time to try making Gelato (this time!), but did arrange a dinner class. Anna-Maria made the experience wonderful with not only good hands-on instruction but her ability to make us feel like we had been friends for a while. Of course, we had had contact via e-mail before our arrival, which also helped establish a good relationship from the start. Anna-Maria would say her English is not very good, but she is far more than functional in this language and there are no problems in communication.

For those of you with a larger party, Anna-Marie will have another apartment available (April 2007, I think) that was in the mid-stages of renovation during our visit and which we got to look at. It will have three double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, a large common room and a decent-sized kitchen with terrace.

Anna-Maria also let us know we could arrange a number of tours in Venice with her friend Andrea and we arranged a "Hidden Venice" tour. I'd been to Venice a few times before, but was pleased that the tour took us to areas off the tourist path where I had never been. On Andrea's recommendation, I visited a few places in Venice I had not seen (including Scuola Grande di San Rocco)and was not disappointed. I feel that my sister's and my visit to Venice was made richer for having met Anna-Maria and stayed at Le Mansarde. The stay was short - three days - but we started to feel like we were not just visiting Venice. Given the opportunity, I will most certainly be visiting Anna-Maria and Le Mansarde B&B again and staying longer.
J Malainey
Vancouver, Canada Sat 03/03/2007

Bob & Jenny's
If you will be in Venice, try staying an hour away by train, in Vicenza. This is a terrific little city. Place to stay there is Bob & Jenny's B&B, located on the outskirts of town. We stayed there in an apartment in October of 2006. Was only €70 nightly,convenient to stores and some restaurants. Jenny gave birth day before we arrived, Bob was attentive to our needs despite the new arrival.
Paul n Sara <email>
USA Wed 02/28/2007

Heroic B&B
If spending a few nights on the Amalfi coast, I'd highly recommend a small hotel, called the Villa Felice. It sits on the mountainside with a beautiful view of the town of Amalfi and the Mediteranean. The host / manager and hostess were wonderfully kind and refused to allow us to drive ourselves anywhere at night, instead having someone on staff (Andreas) take us to various villages and restaurants, allowing us to enjoy our evenings without the worry of driving the very difficult roads. The room was large, they provided free internet access and everyone on staff was very, very friendly - they even gave my wife and me gifts for our wedding anniversary! It was very, very reasonably priced as well and, being in Amalfi, was perfectly located for day trips to Sorrento, Positano, etc. Enjoy!
Pete
Danbury, CT USA Mon 02/26/2007

Casa Astarita in Sorrento, Italy
Just wanted to add another positive review of Casa Astarita (www.casastarita.com) in Sorrento, Italy. My husband, 5 month-old and I just stayed there for a few nights. The management and caretaker Anna was super sweet and gave us the choice of empty rooms when we arrived. We chose the Romantico room- pleasantly decorated, comfortable, spacious, with private bath and ample breakfast. Much better than often grimy hotels.
Kelly
Rome, Italy Sun 02/25/2007

B&B in Oberammergau, GE
Rick doesn't give Oberammergau a lot of love, but the NATO School is located there and so I have to go often. I think this part of Bavaria is better than Fussen during the winter...Fussen is too far from the better slopes in Garmisch. Oberammergau is only about 20 minutes away. I have walked around Oberammergau scouting out my favorite locations and here they are:

A. Accommodations: 1. Hotel Bold (my favorite due to the owner, Rosa Marie), 2. Hotel Wittelsbach, 3. Hotel Ante Poste (all are small family owned hotels that offer breakfast included...more like B&Bs than hotels).

b. Dining: 1. Gasthof Zur Rose. 2. Muhlbartl. 3. Zauberstub'n 4. Hotel Blaue Gams (in a small town next to Oberammergau called Ettal). 5. Gaststatte Ettaler Muhle (also located in Ettal).
Jon Lowrey <email>
Brussels, Belgium Sat 02/24/2007

very good B&B novecento
B&B Novecento late September '06 for 3 nights and found it absolutely charming. The rooms are clean and well decorated. Franco & Sawako (the two proprietors)are super friendly. Every morning we were greeted in the breakfast room by a very cheery Franco who whipped up wonderful cups of cappuccino served with a wonderful brioche. A traditional Italian breakfast...yum. Just a block from the Duomo, the location is perfect - walking distance to everything (Academia, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Galleries etc). We only note that the stairs up to the B&B are numerous and not for the faint of heart (there is no lift). They do have a pulley that hoists your luggage up. Being avid walkers, this was not an issue for me or my husband. The bath in our room was small but very clean - however, the shower is open in the middle of bathroom and the floor would get all wet. That said, we really loved this B&B...it was clean and Franco & Sawako are wonderful, friendly hosts - very helpful with places to eat and sites to see. We'd definitely stay there again! B&B Novecento, Via Ricasoli, 10, Firenze, Phone: 055.214138 website:www.bbnovecentofirenze.it
John smith
new york, usa USA Fri 02/23/2007

ROME / ITALY - Heroic and Wonderful B&B
My partner and I stayed in Le Finestre sul Vaticano (www.romabandb.it) for a week. We found the accommodation very spacious, clean and modern. To be honest the photos of the B&B looked too good to be true, so when we arrived it was exactly like the photos portrayed. We were extremely impressed with our room and felt very welcomed by the owners, Max and Lavinia. We almost felt at home during our stay, as the owners were so helpful, personal and friendly. I definitely highly recommend this B&B. If you are looking for convenience, this is definitely the place for you. The metro station is literally 2 minutes walk away, Capella Sistina and the Vatican just 10 mins walk, lots of shops and a hand full of restaurants around. Using the metro you are only a minute away from Spabish Steps, Piazza Navona and the Coliseum! Overall I would say Le Finestre sul Vaticano is a very pleasant place to stay, set in a perfect location. Max and Lavinia, were very helpful and gave a personal service that made us feel at home. We will definitely be returning soon. I have already recommended this bed and breakfast to some friends! CIAO!
Christine P.
Chicago, IL USA Fri 02/23/2007

BRIGHTON - ENGLISH SOUTH COAST
After staying a few days in London at the Blades Hotel (recommended) we have had a break 'out of city' break at a hotel suggested to us by Blades at the NEW MADEIRA HOTEL in Brighton - a really cosmopolitan Victorian seaside resort less than one hour by excellent train service from London, we took a very brief taxi ride to the hotel and felt we were in an age gone bye. The staff are fun, polite and helpfull. Our three days here in this lively yet historic resort has made our trip to England awesome. We booked direct on info@newmadeirahotelcom check details on www.newmadeirahotel.com

Ask for sea front rooms - cost a little more but worth every dime as the day and night views are great with the pier lit up like a moving Christamas tree. Visit the grand Pavillion built by Queen Victoria as a palace that she eventually never lived in - AWESOME!!!!!
Janet & Bill Carlesberg <email>
San Jose, CA USA Wed 02/21/2007

Great UK B&Bs with room for 5
Our family (two parents/three teens) stayed comfortably at Six Mary's Place (Edinburgh), Castle Guest House (Dover), Ensley House (Stratford-Upon-Avon) and Lawn Guest House (Gatwick). All were well priced for their area and were safe, clean, and very friendly. Each has a ensuite family room that sleeps 5, served an exceptional Full English breakfast and had restaurants within walking distance.
Beth
Huntsville, AL USA Fri 02/16/2007

perth scotland
have just spent 3 days in perthshire scotland. perth city is wonderful with the river tay running past the centre. good food and the fantastic scone palace. we stayed at almond villa guesthouse. very old house, homely and friendly with welcoming hosts and good clean beds. breakfast was very good. we travelled up to pitlochry and down to stirling one hour by car. we found taking the train into edinburgh much better than driving into the city, we would recommend perth for a visit
george and molly collins
chicago, USA Thu 02/15/2007

Legendary hospitality in Bruges, Belgium
What a hospitable experience we encountered at B&B Speelmansrei! Run by Kees Walenkamp, an endearing gentleman ripe with enthusiastic recommendations. Kees' welcome was legendary, offering complimentary drinks at every turn & an elegant, full breakfast including meats & pastries he freshly peddled home. This modern haven inside two rebuilt historical houses wonderfully contrasts the cobblestone streets of Bruges. The intranet pics don't do justice to the true warmth & serenity. Great location in the heart of the ancient center. www.bb-speelmansrei-brugge.be Tel: 00 32 50 55 24 65. Mobile: 00 32 475 461 887. speelmansrei@telenet.be
Mari <email>
Powell, Ohio USA Sun 02/11/2007

Nice B&B in Rome
We stayed four nights in January at B&B Smart in Rome . Room was very clean , big and bright . Hostess , Isa was quite friendly and helpful. Location is quite good and safe , it is 5 minutes walk from the train station and 10 minutes to the Colosseum , and this bed and breakfast is value for money and we would highly recommend it to other people. It is one of the best places I've stayed in my trip. www.bandbromeitaly.com , e-mail : isajiang@virgilio.it
David Clark
New York, USA Fri 02/09/2007

Le Mansarde, Venice
Charlene and I are not seasoned travelers. Last spring we invested a great amount of time researching our first trip to Italy (and Europe). A travel article published in the Boston Globe highly recommended the Le Mansarde B&B as a wonderful place to stay in Venice. We reserved a room there, and our visit turned out to be the trip of our lifetime. The owner, Anna-Maria, was congenial, engaging and extremely knowledgeable. The airlines lost our luggage, and after three failed telephone attempts to retrieve it, Anna-Maria took matters into her own hands. Our luggage was delivered to Le Mansarde within hours! She shared countless amounts of her time educating us about Italian culture, local and national. Thanks to Anna-Maria, we are now able to brew a delicious cup of Italian coffee! We brought back unforgetable memories, and we plan on returning to Le Mansarde and Venice as soon as we are able.
Jim and Charlene Andreottola <email>
Ipswich, MA USA Thu 02/08/2007

B&B Novecento in Florence - Charming!
My husband & I stayed at B&B Novecento late September '06 for 3 nights and found it absolutely charming. The rooms are clean and well decorated. Franco & Sawako (the two proprietors)are super friendly. Every morning we were greeted in the breakfast room by a very cheery Franco who whipped up wonderful cups of cappuccino served with a wonderful brioche. A traditional Italian breakfast...yum. Just a block from the Duomo, the location is perfect - walking distance to everything (Academia, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Galleries etc). We only note that the stairs up to the B&B are numerous and not for the faint of heart (there is no lift). They do have a pulley that hoists your luggage up. Being avid walkers, this was not an issue for me or my husband. The bath in our room was small but very clean - however, the shower is open in the middle of bathroom and the floor would get all wet. That said, we really loved this B&B...it was clean and Franco & Sawako are wonderful, friendly hosts - very helpful with places to eat and sites to see. We'd definitely stay there again! B&B Novecento, Via Ricasoli, 10, Firenze, Phone: 055.214138
Princeton, NJ USA Wed 02/07/2007

During a recent trip to France, our friend Charlie showed us around the Champagne region. One day, he took us to the Maison du Champagne of Ployez Jacquemart located in the village of Ludes. Ludes is located just 10-15 mins. via auto Southeast of Reims. Winemaker Ms. Laurence Ployez recently had the family's estate home completely renovated, resulting in a choice of 6 individually decorated bedrooms (each with their own bathroom). All are equally charming. The breakfast spread that was layed out on the dining room table for us the next morning was so plentiful and delicious! Ms. Ployez's assistant, Benedict had really made us feel so welcome during the previous day's tour as well as at breakfast that morn. Their B&B prices are so reasonable and range from 90-150 euros! And we just received our latest Wine Spectator issue with their top scoring choices of 2006. One of Ms. Ployez's bubbly's received a most excellent 93 points! We dined at Les Crayeres in Reims and could have stayed there at its resort. And although worth a visit on its own merits, its location is on a very busy trucking route. We were very happy and felt we were much, much better off for having had the wonderful fortune of staying in such a tranquil and serene setting at Ployez Jacquemart. Not a professional photographer, but I did take photos of the rooms and grounds and have those if anyone would like to see them.
Barbara <email>
Fullerton, CA USA Mon 02/05/2007

B%B Rothenburg
No cooking lessons but good practice for German & Italian at Pension Becker (23 Rosengasse)m in Rothenburg. Location is excellent and the town ,and its Romantic Road surround, is enchanting. We think that Bayern tickets are available from here--connecting you to Munich,Frankfurt.southern Rhine towns and most of Austria. These are train tix for up to 5 persons costing only €27. Good breakfast,nice people.
Paul n Sara <email>
USA Sat 02/03/2007

B&B in Germany?
Does anyone know of a really great B&B, zimmer, etc in Germany or Switzerland? We'd love to find something with really friendly hosts who would be willing to speak some German with us - we are just learning and would be very interested in a place with some cooking lessons. Anyone have a great experience to share?
Katie <email>
Altanta, GA USA Fri 02/02/2007

Balmoral, Scotland... HELP!!!
If anyone knows of a good B&B in the Balmoral area of Scotland, I would love all the details. Thanks
Aniela <email>
Phelps, NY USA Fri 02/02/2007

Pension Hallberg
I would like to talk about our experience with Gerda and Eckbert Winkelmann who run the Pension Hallberg, in Hallstatt, Austria. When I sent an e-mail requesting reservations for one night, I got an immediate reply from Mr. Winklemann saying that we could not do justice to Hallstatt unless we stayed there a few days. What a true statement! At any rate,what we got when we arrived was a very kind welcome, a very comfortable and spacious apartment, and the opportunity to enjoy an extensive exhibit of historic artifacts collected by the Winklemanns over many years of diving in Lake Hallstatt. And on the day we left to continue our trip, Mrs. Winklemann, finding out that we were vegetarians, graciously invited us to take whatever we wanted from the buffet so we could have a good picnic lunch on the drive to Vienna - which was quite unexpected and much appreciated by us.
Suchi Raghavan
Plano, TX USA Mon 01/29/2007

Le Mansarde - a dream in Venice
I just noticed an entry about Le Mansarde in Venice and it's lovely hostess, Annamaria - and I recently picked up a copy of Rick's wonderful new Europe 2007 book - and noticed that Annamaria is no longer in there - and just wanted to say that Annamaria IS Italy to my husband and I. She absolutely made our trip. She gave us a fabulous cooking lesson - and i have used the recipe over and over. She is the one person we have met in Europe so far who i would actually trust to babysit our daughter for us to go out for an evening. We left an important bag in a vaporetto when we arrived and Annamaria actually helped call the police department and the vaporetto service who delivered it back to us. Without her help - we probably never would have seen it again. Then we took a long nap that afternoon because we were so stressed and jet-lagged and we slept soundly and did not wake up until dinner time - it was so quiet we missed the whole day. Her spaces are all newly renovated including one that has a private balcony. It was very fairly priced and kept in perfect condition. She arranged for us to eat at the best restaurants where locals eat and had heavenly food and we loved the tour we took with her. But the best part was eating the dinner we cooked together on her balcony overlooking the roof tops of Venice. It was truly a dream for us. We cannot wait to go back! Her info is tel. (00) 39 041 718826 cell 39 338 8688935 cazzar.ola@libero.it
Sharon Carroll
Panama City, FL USA Thu 01/25/2007

Palermo B&B--Giorgio's House
I stayed here in 2005 for three nights. Giorgio met me at the train station--I took the train from the airport. Giorgio speaks fluent English and is an interesting guy who goes out every morning and buys special Sicilian goodies for his guests' breakfast (it's a REAL breakfast, not just a roll and coffee!) I walked everywhere in Palermo from this B&B including to the cathedral, the castle, the harbor and downtown. It was very inexpensive (I think I paid 25 Eu/night for a single.) Contact him at: info@giorgioshouse.com.
Swan
USA Mon 01/22/2007

Rome Hotel Guiliana
Central Rome. We found a very reasonably priced, small family managed hotel that was a joy to stay in. 11 rooms with bathrooms, nice breakfast, close to main train station. Owned by an English lady, the staff is happy to help with any travelers needs. Easy on-line reservations. Contact them at: Hotel Giuliana Via Agostino Depretis 70, 00184 Roma tel. 06 488 0795 , Fax 06 4824287 www.hotelgiuliana.com
Mark Robinson <email>
Everett, WA USA Sun 01/21/2007

B&B Le Mansarde, Venice
The highlight of “B&B Le Mansarde” is the delightful owner/hostess, Anna Maria. If you are expecting Venetian grandeur this is not the place for you. The apartment is small but immaculate and appears recently renovated. Everything looks brand new and Anna Maria cleans the apartment daily -- yes, daily! It has a small but gleaming bathroom, a little living room/kitchenette with beautiful polished wood floors and a compact attic/loft sleeping area with two single beds. There is also a sofa that converts to a double bed in the living room. For a tiny loft apartment there is a surprising amount of wardrobe space. I was not living out of my suitcase. There was enough closet space for two fashion divas and the washing machine came in handy too, although Anna Maria did most of our laundry -- daily -- and without charge! Anything we left in the hamper she washed, dried AND ironed! One evening she came to deliver the freshly laundered contents of the hamper saying in her thick accent, “I found only one sock but I washed it and here it is” as she held out my single clean sock. I’d left the other one in the bedroom. The woman is a treasure.

This isn’t a traditional B&B. We had our own loft-style apartment in the building where Anna Maria and her family live. It is a nice set-up because you have your own private apartment with the bonus of the lovely Anna just a few steps away to answer all your questions. Brioche and yogurt were left in a basket outside our door every morning so we could have breakfast at our own pace without being disturbed. Our fridge was stocked with fruit juice and milk on our arrival and there is tea and coffee provided in the kitchenette. It’s always a blessing to have my coffee in the morning without having to change out of my slippers.

The location of “Le Mansarde” on my map looked a little far from all the “action” but it turned out to be quite convenient. We walked to Rialto and San Marco quite easily even in winter, though you may want to get the vaporetto back in the evening after sight-seeing all day. Just around the corner, conveniently, is “Le Guglie” vaporetto stop. Although the apartment is on a main street with markets and abundant shopping it is at the back of the building and very quiet. I think the only sound we heard during our entire stay was the church bell.
Diane <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Sat 01/20/2007

London B&B
Although not listed in Rick's book, I was fortunate to come across the Limegrove Hotel which I found to be of good value considering its central location. A recommendable B&B in my opinion.
Oztraveller
Brisbane, Qld Australia Sat 01/20/2007

Nicolas Inn - Rome Italy
Francois and Melissa are the best! They know all the best places to eat, can help you figure out trains and taxis, have wireless internet service, can help you find your way around the city, and translate italian to english! My biggest fear is that they will become so popular, I won't be able to get a reservation when *I* want to visit.

Nicolas Inn Via Cavour, 295 Scala A, Int. A Rome, Italy 00184 www.nicolasinn.com Tel: +39 06 97618483 Tel: +39 3389378387 Fax: 1-435-578-2901 (USA)
christmasinRome
seattle, wa USA Fri 01/19/2007

recommendation in Bruges
In the city of Bruges, Belgium, I spent a few nights at the B&B run by Koen and Annemie Dieltiens-Debruyne at address Wallsestraat 40. Paradoxically, it's far enough from the main road to avoid any transportation noise, and yet close enough to it for great meals and beer in mere minutes!

My room was very large and well-kept. The rooms are labeled B, A, C, and H, a hint at the composer you'll be listening to during breakfast! Their dining room has to be seen to be believed, with a piano, paintings, antiques... imagine having croissants by candlelight. I felt like a Baron in a mini-castle.

Their website is http://www.bedandbreakfastbruges.be, please enjoy a visit!
Michael l'Adorable
San Francisco, CA USA Tue 01/16/2007

Alla Madonna del Piatto - Assisi
We stayed at Alla Madonna del Piatto near Assisi in October, 2006. The B&B is one of the most beautiful we've ever stayed in and is very carefully appointed.

We were also particularly struck by the hospitality of our host, Letizia Mattiacci, who has traveled the world herself, but grew up in nearby Perugia. She loaned us maps of the area (including detailed maps of hilltop villages)and recommended excellent restaurants and secret sites to see in whatever village or city we were visiting.

Despite the fact that her husband was in bed with the flu and she was managing the B&B herself the entire time we were there, she cheerfully helped us cobble together a rich, warm experience of Assisi and Umbria despite the wind and rain which dogged nearly every step.

We heartily recommend Alla Madonna & Letizia!!
Lynn & Mary
Oakland, CA USA Mon 01/15/2007

Venice--Hotel Tivoli
This hotel provides a generous buffet breakfast, a pleasant garden/patio, and nice SE helpful front-desk people. My room (single) was comfortable and clean. And all this cost me 53Eu/night. Doubles are a little more--about 60Eu.
Swan
USA Sat 01/13/2007

Le Mansarde, Canareggio 1353/C, Venice
I wanted to spend New Year in Venice with an American friend. It was a spur of the moment decision, and my friend found Le Mansarde online - there was an opening due to a cancellation. Total serendipity, as it turned out.

We didn't want to pay a whole load of dosh for acommodation as we planned to be out and about a lot - and the price for the little Le Mansarde flat was reasonable. The flat itself was well laid out and kept immaculately clean - on a daily basis. There was ample cupboard space for a short stay and good cooking facilities - the food in Venice is not that good, and it helps to have facilities for heating up gastronomia purchases.

The landlady, Annamaria, speaks good English - a tip for those who, unlike myself, do not speak Italian - and is a delightful person. She provided help on where to eat at reasonable prices and was available to answer any questions that we had. I cannot praise her too highly.

She is red hot at ironing, too. There is a washing machine in the flat - she grabbed anything that we left in it and returned it in perfectly ironed condition.

Le Mansarde is near the Jewish Ghetto, a short walk from the Le Guglie bridge. It is handy for the station and close to the no. 41, 51 and 52 vaporetto stop.

If you want a very plush, expensive hotel Le Mansarde is not for you If you want good, clean, confortable, reasonably priced accommodation with a decent breakfast on tap and a fantastically helpful landlady - I cannot recommend Le Mansarde too highly.

cazzar.ola@libero.it

Tel: 00 39 041 718826
Ella <email>
Torino, TO Italy Tue 01/09/2007

FIRST CLASS DORDOGNE ACCOMMODATION
Les Charmes de Carlucet, Near Sarlat.

I write to HIGHLY RECOMMEND the above paradise in beautiful,unspoilt DORDOGNE. My family's visit in December was truly memorable; not only for the hospitality and warm welcome from Mr and Mrs Edgar but also the comfort of their exquisite, tastefully decorated home. The location cannot, I believe, be equalled for those wanting class, tranquility, fine food and wine and access to history, charm and features of this region. Chateaux and Caves must be seen to be believed! add to this a lovely Pub, 5 minutes walk and the view of the beautifully restored and illuminated 11th Centuty Roman Church. Our stay was for six days but our return will be for at least this long again to ensure we have more time to appreciate the spleandour and hospitality of the area. It is my opinion that this "home" be worthy of a mention in Rick's France Book and my thanks are extended to the English and French speaking Edgars for a truly memorable stay in the Dordogne.
Michael Gavin <email>
Liverpool, Mersey UK Tue 01/02/2007

Excellent B&B in Rome - Italy
Le Finestre sul Vaticano was an amazing B&B. Max & Lavinia are wonderful host and extremely helpful to our many questions. I would highly recommend this B&B for anyone visiting Rome. Excellent location. The breakfast was superb! You will not find another B&B that measures up to this place. Their direct web site is www.romabandb.it ... Thanks again Max & Lavinia for all your help and good luck in the future.
Camilla Allen
Phoenix, AZ USA Tue 01/02/2007

Guesthouse Lida
Staying at Guesthouse Lida was the best decision we made while planning our recent trip. Jan actually picked us up from the Frankfurt Airport for about the same cost for the 3 of us to take the train, and it saved us the trouble of getting from the train station. In fact, he lent us Czech money to buy food on the way, as we hadn't yet found an ATM. The rooms were much nicer than we expected, Jan went out of his way to help us make plans, they had tram tickets and postcard stamps for us,and they were just the most honest, friendly, warm people.
J. Kuhns <email>
Elma, WA USA Mon 01/01/2007

Guesthouse Lida in Prague
Brothers Jan and Jiri have a fantastic B&B in Prague. The service is excellent and the accomodations very comfortable! I had to leave on a business trip for a few days while travelling with my father. Jiri helped arrange for a tour for him and I felt completely comfortable leaving him on his own to explore knowing someone would be watching to make sure he made it home! While a bit out of the city center, the city transportation is a short walk and the restaurant prices make it well worth it. I wouldn't stay anywhere else- this one one of the best B&B's experiences I've ever had!
Jessica Lorti <email>
Chandler, AZ USA Mon 01/01/2007