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Alternative Accommodations

House swapping, convents and monasteries, college dorms... when it comes to beds, the less you spend, the more of Europe you experience. Others swear by renting a "flat" (apartment) or "villa" and becoming a temporary local. Any tips about fun, unique, or unusual accommodations?

I want to add my comments! 

Galway, Ireland Hotel
Galway Ireland I just spent 5 nights at the Eyre Square hotel in Galway. I booked online and the total cost was 330 euro, which included a full Irish breakfast. This is mid-price range hotel that was neat, friendly, and very convenient to everything. It sits on a block located between the new modern bus depot where tours depart and the GoBus between Dublin and Galwy departs. It is right off Eyre Square which leads into the medieval shopping, restaurant/pub streets. My stay was wonderful, in town and at this hotel. By the way, GoBus offers non stop service between the Dublin airport (15 Euro) or downtown Dublin (10 Euro) and the bus depot in downtown Galway. Very fast, clean, free internet and friendly. I also took two bus tours - a half day tour of the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren with Healy Company and a full day, delightful tour of Connemar with theGalway Bus Co. They were both nice, but the later was better.
Cynthia Heath <email>
Frankfort, IL  USA   07/03/2009

Paris Apartments--Maison Zen
In Paris we stayed at the Maison Zen (www.maisonzen.com), on a quiet courtyard off of Rue de Lyon, a little closer to Gare de Lyon than to the Bastille. A Zen center rents simple and inexpensive but pleasant studio apartments to anyone--you don't have to be a Buddhist or get involved in meditation--only take your shoes off and leave them in a cubbyhole at the door. There is a refrigerator and a small electric range (no oven).
Michael Peroz
Eagan, MN  USA   06/29/2009

Giuseppe Amorosi-Rome apartment
Let me echo Selena's February 09 post. I've stayed in apartments in many European cities and Giuseppe is in a class by himself when it comes to caring for his clients.
Jay <email>
Fairfax, VA  USA   06/26/2009

Camp di Fiori Apartment
Had a wonderful 2-room apartment in the heart of Rome....few minutes from the open market of Campo di Fiori which turns into restaurants/shops/bars at night!...close to the Vatican, the Ghetto and Trastevere! 81 Via Pellegrino (sleeps 7)...there were only 4 of us, so we had a lot of room to spread out our luggages and to hangout! At night, our street was a party scene (wine bars and quaint restaurants)! If you can't sleep w/ noise, may not be for you, but if you like to experience city life of Rome, this is it! Email Mauro Sacchetta at mauro@team-shock.it. He'll pick you up to/from FCO and provide you w/ a local cell phone....great help!!
Marian
Millbrae, CA  USA   06/24/2009

London - Kensington Gardens Hotel
This hotel is recommended by Rick. Pros: good value for London; helpful and caring staff; clean throughout; fairly large bathroom; tasteful antique furnishings; comfortable beds; there are bathrooms in the hall if the one in your room is occupied; super location near Queensway and two tube lines. Cons: very creaky floors, tiring climb to the upper rooms, not enough breakfast tables for those who arrive after 8:30; television is mounted so as to make it difficult to watch; space for using the shower is very narrow. I'm already a repeat visitor, and would stay there a third time.
Jeff <email>
Fresno, CA  USA   06/21/2009

Vernazza and the Orange Room!
My husband and I had no plans or rooms when we came upon the incredible place in Vernazza Italy! When you step off the train, do not be frightened by the tall, long-haired Italian man that approaches you and asks if you need a room... this is Egi... Vernazza's unofficial host! We stayed in his "orange room" just a few yards from the beach and square. Although you have to climb many steps, the marble steps are artistry in themselves. He will also recommend wonderful little restaurants like Il Castello, the castle. Hard to get in without reservations but Egi will give you a card to present to his family Mossimo and Monica. This will help get you entrance to this historic place. He will also tell you about the best bakery and cafe in the 5 Pirates. A little removed from the square so we would't have known it was there until Egi told us. The twins (owners) are also a lot of fun to listen to! Enjoy Vernazza... definitely wish we would have scheduled more time! Ciou!
Marie Sanchez
Palm Desert, CA  USA   06/19/2009

PARISBESTLODGE, rue du Bourg-Tibourg in le MARAIS
Bourg-Tibourg apartment from PARISBESTLODGE was wonderful to stay in. Location is perfect with Hotel de Ville metro so close by, Franprix just across the street and numerous choices of boulangeries down the street. Everything is just a hop and a skip; most certainly important with 2 kids in tow. We stayed in May 2009 and this apartment showed exactly the same way as described and pictured on the website. The apartment was well stocked with everything we needed to make ourselves at home. Thierry's attention to detail to make sure tenants are comfortable makes him a wonderful host. Excellent communication and ease of rental process was comforting for our first visit to Paris. We will most certainly recommend Parisbestlodge to our family and friends and hope to stay with him again on a future visit to Paris.
Rachel & Phil <email>
USA   06/18/2009

apartment in London
We just spent 5 days in London, staying at an apartment, which was a terrific find. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a very well-equipped kitchen which includes a washer/dryer, a large living room with dining area, and a large terrace which overlooks a private park. The location can't be beat; a few steps from Russell Square, 2 minutes to the tube station, many bus lines stopping just in front. Cafes and restaurants abound on the street (Southampton Row), and there several markets- - super and other - - nearby. Best of all, it goes for £125/night, plus a £40 cleaning fee. Contact acosentino_uk@yahoo.com about flat 17, Cranfield House.
Rosalyn <email>
Berkeley, CA  USA   06/17/2009

place to stay in the Penedes area in Spain
The Penedes area of Spain, just one hour south of Barcelona is the center of Spain's Cava (sparkling wine) production. It is a beautiful area with a great rural B & B, Arianel.la de Can Coral (www.arianelle.com) and well worth a visit. Owners Rainer and Ariane provide beautiful, very clean, and reasonable rooms and are delightful hosts. They will make your wine tasting and dining reservations and their recommendations were excellent. While in the area be sure to dine at Cal Lluis 1887 in Sant Marti Sarroca.
M Vail <email>
Amity, or  United States   06/15/2009

Istanbul
Had a wonderful time in Istanbul staying at the "Suite Home" apartments. Right in the old city and modern and comfortable. You can walk to everything. Highly recommend.
Dee
LEESBURG, VA  USA   06/15/2009

Mombaruzzo Italy Hotel
I Vigneti del Mandorio Hotel is truely a majical experience -In the beautiful wine country of Mombaruzzo is a wonderful new 8 room house/ hotel designed in a classic style with the best, most personal service we have ever experienced, fantasic all home made food by the owner/chef, large rooms with great views, very reasobaly priced, full dinner, full custom breakfast and very sweet young Italian couple Stepahano & Fiorenza are owners who love to serve - and make their own wines (we bought a case) a true delight - 4 of us are still talking about it and drinking their wine in France! - not to be missed
James McCall <email>
Kula, HI  USA   06/14/2009

Apartment Villas
My friends and I rented two Villa apartments at Villa Le Torri. Momma and Pappa and Gabriele took most wonderful care of all the guests with a fantastic meal and wine on our first night that is included in the Villa price. The grounds are gorgeous with swimming pool and outside dining areas. Le Torri is only 30 km from Florence in Chianti country. You will love momma's cooking with veggies from her own garden. You will live La Dolce Vita at Le Torri.
Janet Incerto <email>
Houston, TX  USA   06/14/2009

Villa in Tuscany
Fabulous villa outside Montepulciano, Tuscany Italy "Sant' Antonio villa". Definitely should be listed in Rick Steves Tuscany guidebook. Nico the owner is fluent in six languages and intent on making sure his guests have what they need in terms of activities, restaurants, wine tastings etc. Grounds are an outstanding peaceful environment with picnic areas, lounge areas and pool overlooking Tuscan hills. Rooms are appartments with kitchens but on Wednesdays they offer a "Tuscan evening dinner" at the villa
Barbara Ward <email>
Salt Lake City, UT  USA   06/14/2009

Hotel Wollner, Sopron, Hungary
For a wonderful little hotel in Sopron, Hungary, try the Hotel Wollner at Templom utca 20 in the old historic part of town. It was a bit noisy in the morning with all the church bells ringing but I liked it. Great room, really nice folks and a lovely restaurant.
Kathy Gabin <email>
Natrona Heights, PA  usa   06/09/2009

Couchsurfing
For connecting with locals and bunk for free check out http://www.couchsurfing.org/
Inge van Rosmalen <email>
Fort Lauderdale, Florida  USA   06/07/2009

Place to stay in Arcos , Spain
While the city of Arcos in southern Spain we stayed at a wonderful hostel with great views and very modest in price. Owner will also pick you up at the bus station for free. Try Casa Blues Hostel
B Lind
Woodbury, MN  USA   06/07/2009

Villas in Tuscany
The most unique and special Italian vacation I've just had was in renting a Garden Room at Casa Portagioia (House that brings joy) in Tuscany. Located at Castiglion Fiorentino, a short drive from Cortona, is one of the most spectacular Villas I've seen. It is beautifully constructed on acres that are surrounded by hilltop views and amazing manicured gardens. A solar-heated pool high above the Villas looks out over the countryside. This was found through their website tuscanbreaks.com. A movie and "drop-downs" await your exploration. Check it out and give yourself a break.
Sue Slivka <email>
St. Louis,, MO  USA   06/05/2009

Prague Perfected!
I'm hesitant to share this gem because I don't want to lose its charm! My husband and I shepherded 18 of his college students through Europe and spent three terrific days in Prague. All of us stayed at Sir Toby's (http://www.sirtobys.com/) and enjoyed the furnishings, the location, and the helpful desk. My husband and I were fortunate enough to get a private room, which was clean and lovely and quite large. Certainly family friendly and quiet!
Andrea
Erie, PA  USA   06/01/2009

Madrid Hotel outside the city center
Like RIck advocates, look for places to stay away from the tourism centers. In Madrid, check out the Hotel Gran Conde Duque. For 90 Euros a night, you get a hotel with old world charm and modern conveniences. Plus it fronts on a park with a bubbling fountain and children who play. It's one and a half blocks from the San Bernardo Metro entrance/exit. We found the hotel on the Internet, using Google Maps to see the ground level view. No noisy traffic at all, but plenty of families gathering in the park each evening for people watching. Great place to take a book and read, which I did!
Sarah <email>
Fallbrook, CA  USA   05/31/2009

Brugge, Belgium Hotel Navarra
This was a very elegant hotel in Brugge but our B&B had fallen through at the last minute. Turned out lucky for us because the location of the HOtel Navarra was easy walking distance of the main sites of Brugge. The room cost was comparable to what our B&B would have been.

Parking is slim but there is underground party just down the street and our charge for overnight was $11 USD. Very reasonable as the hotel charges $15.

Breakfast was very hearty with plenty to choose fromn and the staff was friendly and happy to provide information on where to find lace and chocolates. Excellent location.

website is www.hotelnavarra.com and reservatons at reservations@hotelnavarra.com
Vicki Blake <email>
Spring, Texas  USA   05/30/2009

Garden Court Hotel - London
I booked the Garden Court in London after reading good recommendations on the graffitti wall and wasn't disappointed. The staff was wonderful from check in to check out. They even let us leave our luggage in the reception area after checkout until we left for the airport. They even arranged a taxi for us.

Soon after we checked in I was separated from my friend in the tube station and spent hours trying to locate her. When I returned to the hotel the staff helped me make phone calls to the underground police and the police to try and find her. I was frantic by that time and the lady in the desk was so helpful to me. My friend was located and the story turned out fine.

There is free wifi in a room off reception with a one pound 'honesty' box. Since I carried my own computer I was just able to plug in but did use their computer to print my airline check in papers.

Breakfast was basically continental but you can request eggs at a one pound each charge.

The hotel is withoin walking distance of the Bayswater tube station and in a lovely neighborhood. Plenty of restaurants in the area and we favored the Price Alfred for a couple of meals.

www.gardencourthotel.co.uk or info@gardencourthotel.co.uk
Vicki Blake <email>
Spring, Texas  USA   05/30/2009

Rome & Cinque Terre Hotel
We stayed at Hotel Adler mentioned in Rick's books. It was very clean and well located for walking, but very noisy. Traffic and noisy halls trying to operate the keys. They forgot our wake up call at 3am, luckily I carry a clock as a back up. Stayed at Albergo Marina in Monterosso and highly recommend it. Quiet, great breakfast, free dinner from 2-7pm, yes free, convenient location and pick up from the train station.
Quiet Traveler
PORTLAND, OR  USA   05/11/2009

Loved our convent stays
I recently stayed in convents in Rome, Florence, and Venice. They were great experiences and I will always stay in them when in Italy. Clean, modern bathrooms, cheap (74-90 euros/room/night), safe, great locations, comfortable beds, large rooms, and sweet nuns. Can't beat that! To make reserving them easier, I used www monasterystays dot com. Paid a booking fee, but it was quick and easy via Internet vs. faxing the nuns who don't speak English.
Lee
USA   05/08/2009

france hotels and museum pass
My son and I recently spent a week in France - 2 nights in Nice, 2 nights in Avignon and four nights in Paris. We stayed at the Hotel de la Fontaine in Nice. Great hotel, great location and great price. If you fly in to Nice, take the 98 bus for 10 minutes (4 euro) and walk 2 blocks. It was also just a 10 min walk to the train station or bus station, and 2 blocks from the beach. We highly recommend Hotel de la Fontaine. We also enjoyed our stay in Avignon at the Hotel Kyriad. Again, a great price for a nice hotel located on the main square. We loved Avignon and day-tripped to Arles, which was also really interesting. In Paris, definitely buy the museum pass. We bought the 4 day pass and it paid off on day 2. You can even use it to visit Versailles. It was easy to get from place to place by train and subway. Everyone says France is so expensive, but we did not find it so. We generally had breakfast - coffee and a sweet or roll - from a patisserie, a sandwich for lunch (about 5 euro and there are small take-out places everywhere) and we never paid more than 15 euro for a full dinner. Two of us ate well for about 50 euro/day. Be sure to have lunch or dinner at the Muslim mosque, and don't miss the unicorn tapestries at the Cluny! (and skip the concierge - disappointingly hokey)
lori
pittsburgh, pa  USA   04/30/2009

Prague Apartment Rental
I highly recommend Arcadia Residence apartment rentals for anyone planning to visit Prague. The owner, Pasquale Guzmano has three, soon to have four, apartment buildings in the city. A couple of them are right off old town square. For the buildings that are further from the city center, they provide tram tickets and personally walk you to the station. They also do airport and train pickups. At the location away from the center, a two-tiered breakfast cart is wheeled to your room at the time of your choice, every morning. At the central location, you are provided with vouchers for the bistro downstairs. The owner and his staff are incredibly attentive, they have well-appointed kitchens if you wish to cook, and the city.....it speaks for itself. I now live two hours from Prague, and whenever I have company from the U.S., I send them to Arcadia. I know they will be safe, happy and well-attended to.
Ruth Carlon <email>
APO, AE  USA   04/25/2009

Budapest apartment rental - Budapesting
We found out about the www.budapesting.com here on the RS blogs.

We did a big trip through Czech, Hungary and Poland around Eastern and we have had a very nice stay in Budapest. We rented an apartment from Budapesting and the service they provided was fabulous. We got picked up at the airport, and a beautiful apartment was prepared for us: the Astoria Residence. The owner is a great guy, he told us everything we needed to know about Budapest and told us the places to avoid and the sights we should see. We did a trip with him to Eger as well, which was fantastic. The apartment was central, clean and newly renovated with a nice view. The washing machine and the fully equipped kitchen, as well the internet connections were very useful. We couldn't wish for anything better. In Poland and Czech we didn't have this good experiences, but that will be another post... Thanks for reading!
Emily
Boston, USA   04/22/2009

Villa Rental in Tuscany
Last summer my husband and I decided to celebrate our 40th birthdays in Tuscany. Our guest list soon became very long and we realized that we needed enough room for 45 guests, this is when we knew we needed to go with a villa. We rented two villas on the same property from Rentavilla.com and had one of the most memorable vacations we've ever had!! Yes, with 20 kids and 25 adults we were in heaven on earth just outside of Sienna. The two pools kept our little ones busy all of the time and we hired a catering service to do all of our dinners. Dinner for kids at 8pm followed by dinner for the adults at 9pm. When you are dividing up the cost between 25 it comes out very inexpensive. I definitely recommend that you check out www.rentavilla.com!!
Corinn <email>
Seattle , WA  USA   04/22/2009

Apartment in Rome
Do check references on any apartment rental. After renting several times, we got a bit careless, leading to the following experience. We were on our 7th trip to Italy and our 7th stay in Rome in late March. On this trip we were accompanied by our adult daughter and her two young adult sons. The apartment we had arranged for in Rome was in a great location in the Jewish Ghetto. When we arrived, the Owners seemed to be in the process of cleaning. We had called the previous evening to give our expected time of arrival. There were broken drawer fronts in the bedroom, which were attributed to previous renters with children. We were told the oven didn't work and what to do if the boiler stoped working. In spite of these issues, we paid our rent for the 6 nights we were to stay, plus a $200 damage deposit. The next day the toilet began failing to flush properly, so we called to report the problem. We were asked to give it until the next day. The next morning it did not flush at all (at least it wasn't overflowing, just filling, then draining very slowly). We called again and were told the owner would meet a plumber there that afternoon. We went out on planned tours. When we returned, the toilet was GONE. We began packing our things. The owner returned a short time later and explained that the plumber would be back the next day. We said that we obviously could not stay under those conditions and asked only for our damage deposit to be returned. The owner objected, stating that we were likely responsible for the plumbing problem. We finally convinced her that since she was getting 4 days rent and we would have to find a hotel and would be out that extra money it seemed only fair that she return the deposit. She relented and returned our 200 euro deposit. We then asked for an hour to complete our packing and find another place. She refused, saying she didn't have time to wait. So, we packed immediately and were on the street with our bags at 16:30 in the afternooon. We left our daughter and grandsons with the bags and walked to the Smeraldo (we stayed there previously on Rick's recommendation). They didn't have 2 rooms to accommodate us and recommended a nearby very expensive hotel, saying, "what choice do you have?" We went around the corner to the Promezia, who had a room for one night, but not the 4 we needed. We then headed to the Hotel Campo di Fiori. We had stayed in one of their apartments previously, but found them rather expensive. The manager who helped us was very sympathetic, asking what we were paying for the apartment. He said he couldn't match that rate, but would try to help us out. He didn't have rooms for that night, but did have two apartments (one for 2 persons and one for 3) for the following 3 nights. He then arranged with the Promizia to give us a substantial discount for that night on the rooms they had available and gave us a considerable break on the price for the apartments for the remaining 3 nights. We could not have been treated better if we were paying full rate for rooms in the hotel. They really saved us in a very difficult situation. I just had to share with someone how well we were treated by everyone at the hotel. Thank you for listening.

Jeane
Jeane Rhodes <email>
Lakewood, CO  USA   04/14/2009

Venice Rentals
VeniceRentals was recommended to us by our local travel agent. We had never rented an apartment in Europe, but we absoutely did not want to pay the outrageous hotel rates. So we took our chances with VeniceRentals. WOW. We rented a two bed/bath apartment in San Marco near the square for the 4 of us. The agency is more a family operation of Denise (not me) and Maurizio and they were absolutely fabulous. The number of emails I received from them - months before our trip - was outstanding and the information was dead-on. The apartment was spacious, clean, and complete with a kitchen, a washer and a TV. It had an air-conditioner, but being April, we didn't need it. Maurizio met us when we arrived at the San Angelo vaparetto stop and helped us with our bags. He sat down with us in the apt and told us all we needed to know. I highly recommend VeniceRentals to anyone traveling to Venice! It was a great experience!
Denise
Salinas, CA  USA   04/13/2009

apartment in Rome
Apartments in Rome Some friends and I have stayed in private apartment in Rome at via Luciano Manara that were rented by Giulia Cuccagna at www.houseshabotaciones.it last february. Like Angela I thought that the reviews about her could not be as good as stated. But we found out that all that is said about her and the apartments is true. The price, location and the real "Rick Steves like" experience is an added bonus for those of us who like to rub elbow's with the local people when we stay in another country. Most of the friends I was with were visiting Rome for the first time. The pick up at the airport that is a part of the apartment cost is a real bonus. We arrived tired and when we saw how far out of town the airport was we were happy to have someone with a car to drive us and the luggage right to the apartment door.
Kate
St Louis, IL  USA   04/08/2009

Great Paris Flat
Froggyflat.com offers rental of a very nice-sized one-bedroom flat in the Marais (3eme Arr.) near three Metro stations. An easy walk to the Pompidou Center, Notre Dame, etc. We were there in March and would recommend it to anyone looking for something other than a hotel in Paris.
Chris Marshall <email>
Washington, DC  USA   03/29/2009

Paris Apartment Rental Fraud
We "rented" an apartment from 24paris.com from a Casper and Emily Bulley that was a fraud. When we arrived in Paris at the given address we found that no such person or rental existed. We were left to find another place to stay with 3 children in tow. We were helped by parisattitude.com. They have a REAL office in Paris with nice employees who speak english and french. Agencies may charge a fee, but at least you will have piece of mind.
Jennifer V <email>
Las Vegas, NV  USA   03/26/2009

Chenonceaux hotel
We stayed at Le Roseraie in Chenonceaux, FR July 2008. The small town setting was great, rooms confortable, and the food was great. Laurent and Sophie make you feel like family!
Hugh Baskin
Salem, OR  USA   03/22/2009

castle Hostel in Bacharach
We loved our stay at Jugendherberge Stahleck hostel in Bacharach. It is a 12th century castle with a view of the Rhine. It is a Hosteling International dorm type environment. We had a family room with bunk beds, a great breakfast, dinners optional. We ate dinner every night. Great castle experience with dorm beds. Wow.
Grace Chimene <email>
Austin, TX  USA   03/21/2009

Hotel Monaco Padove Italy
CLOSE TO TRAIN STATION AND THAT IS ALL. room WAS OK BUT HAD AN ODOR. OUTSIDE IT LOTS OF CONSTRUCTION AND DIRT AND ROCKS. jke1558 <email>
cumming , GA  USA   03/18/2009

Giuseppe Amorosi-Rome apartment
I recently stayed in an apartment rented by Giuseppe in Rome. I found his ad on Craigslist and emailed with him for many weeks prior to my trip. He was extremely helpful in choosing a location and selecting a room. My plans changed a few times and he was always able to accommodate me. The rental rate for the 4 nights I was in Rome was very reasonable especially since it was between Christmas and New Year's. He was extremely helpful before and during the trip with questions I had including sites, transportation, language, and currency exchanges. The apartment I stayed in was split into individual rooms to share with others but each room had plenty of privacy. He has some renovated apartments, mine was not but it had lots of charm and history to admire from the 15th century building! I would highly recommend renting with Giuseppe if you are going to be in Rome. His apartments are very centrally located (15 minute walk from all the great sites), very well priced even in peak season, and he is very friendly and helpful to travelers staying with him. I'm looking forward to returning for another visit!
Selena
Orlando, FL  USA   02/24/2009

Varenna Lake Como
We booked early january to rent 3 apartments for one week in july for a wedding.Marilena house windows open to the church and this is the reason of our first choice.All the other accomodations offered more we could imagine.We very higly recommend these apartments. http://wwww.varennaflats.com We found Varenna itself a very good base for exploring Lake Como. It is handy for train travel, meaning you don't need to hire a car if travelling up from Milano or Bergamo. Perfect for boat travel too, whether cruises or the ferry to Bellagio/ Menaggio. A happy holiday in a beautiful location!
Catherine <email>
Barker, Mi  USA   02/18/2009

www.couchsurfing.com
www.couchsurfing.com is great. At first it sounds a bit strange and maybe dangerous, but once you check ot out you will see it is legit and full of kind, seasoned travelers willing to let you stay in their home and show you around. It is a great way to meet people and it's free!
Kristina <email>
Seattle, WA  USA   01/28/2009

Antik Han Hotel -- Izmir, Turkey
the Antik Han Hotel is a historic building -- the former home of Ataturk's father -- and it's charming. centered around a lovely courtyard, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, have free internet access, and it's so quiet and peaceful you'd never guess that just outside is the bustle of a major city intersection. even better, it's right behind the ancient agora of Smyrna (the old name of Izmir), which is one of the best attractions of Izmir - a fascinating ruin to wander through and explore. the staff of the hotel are friendly and helpful, and the included breakfast is good. as for the service -- the staff even returned the camera we had inadvertently left behind, sending it DHL to our USA address. we thought it was gone forever, but there it was, intact and with a very kind note, when we returned home. Antik Han is a fantastic value -- budget prices for a boutique-like experience-- and a truly wonderful find in a big city.
hadashi
Los Angeles, CA  USA   01/26/2009

The Castle Steps Hotel
This hotel is a great place to stay for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is a laid back air, but one that is happy to provide you with anything. Very pleasant, native english speakers is a nice touch. It seems a well organised place with rooms that have names.

Our apartment was named Pine. Big enough for the two of us in a beautiful attic space above reception. They seem to have many different kinds of rooms - breakfast was included but in a different building to which we stayed in.

Finally, great location near the castle - all the major hotspots of prague were in walking distance.
The Castle Steps Hotel <email>
Prague, Czech Republic   01/22/2009

Apartment rental in Rome
Just wanted to give great credit to Mauro at omtour@omtour.com. We rented the apartment at 23 via de Pellegrino on the 3rd floor, and absolutely loved it, had a wonderful experience. Mauro picked us up at the airport and pointed out places of interest on our drive in to Rome, indluding an open-air organic market, where we got cheese and some other nibbles for our stay. It was a great, great experience, and I would reccommend his service to anyone, anytime.
Cindy
Dallas, TX  USA   01/22/2009

Salzburg City Apartment
Great privately run apartment in the center of Salzburg. Ideal location for a good price, would stay here again. Loved the christmas markets, they were less than a 10 minute walk away. Owners were very accomodating. Link:

http://www.ferienhausmiete.de/ferienhaus_details.php?obj_nr=26404
Joan Cowie
Maryland, USA   01/18/2009

Accommodation london has great, inexpensive flats near the Kilburn tube stop that can be rented by the night, 4 nights or more, discounts over 14 nights. It's in Zones 1/2 so you don't have to pay any more on your oyster card than you would in London's more central parts. We paid 50 pounds for two people per night in a "studio flat" -- basically a hotel room w/a kitchen. It saved us a ton of money on food, plus we got to know another part of London -- more residential and more "real". Would recommend it to anyone.
USA   01/12/2009

Giuseppe Amorosi-Rome apartment
Just came back from a wonderful trip which included a six night stay in ROMA! It was the best experience and a major part was living like "temporary locals." I found Giuseppe on Craigslist and felt that I could'nt go wrong (was worried about getting scammed) because he does not require any money upfront! I only found one other person who did that and their place was not in the city center as our apartment was. The price was great for high season (Christmas) and he picked us up from the airport and took us to the train station when we left, for less than a taxi would have charged. The apartment was newly renovated, simple, and included washer, which saved us some euros. The bathroom was small (so were all the others we saw in hotels the rest of our visit which included Florence, Venice, and Munich)but clean and plenty of hot water for two. We stayed in Campo di Fiori near the Ponte sisto, and walked everywhere. He means it when he says it's centrally located. If you go in winter as we did, it was very cold but the rooms had their own heating (cooling in summer) appliance. Wonderful, could not be happier with our experience. Thank you very much Giuseppe, I hope to see Roma and your apartment very soon!
Carolina <email>
Guadalupe, CA  USA   01/09/2009