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You are here: Home / Archives for Destinations / Europe

Europe

The Top Five Costa Brava Resorts

February 8, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

Many people who go to Spain will have visited the Costa’s on their trip. There are so many different places to visit in Spain that it is difficult to know where you should go. To make your life easier we are recommending the top five Costa Brava Resorts.

1. Tossa De Mar is one of the first places the tourists go when they take their vacation overseas. Here you will find it almost impossible to see the water during July and August because many people come here to make the most of the sun. There are a number of different beaches and coves here. Tossa has around 70 hotels of different types but very few are open outside the tourist season from Easter to October. If you want to camp then you will find some campsites here as well.
2. Girona is the largest city in Northern Catalonia. Here you enter a medieval center where you can see diverse architecture such as Gothic, Roman, and Baroque. There is a new town and both are linked by a bridge across the river. If you have an interest in buildings and different cultures, then this is the place to visit because you will see so many different influences.
3. Figueres is a well known resort because it is the place Salvador Dali created his works of art in the 60’s and 70’s. If you want to look at some of his creations then you will enjoy visiting places like Placa de Gala I Salvador Dali which has sculpture outside. You will also want to see the pink wall at Pujada del Castell.
4. L’Estartit & The Illes Medes has some of the best diving in the area. You will be able to scuba dive here but you should always check the equipment from any diving school you use. If you are an experienced diver then you can find plenty of places to dive, but if you want to get your PADI then you will have to take the five day course. This is a typical package resort that many tourists take for their vacation.
5. Platja D’ara and Palamos are the two party spots in the Costa Brava. No longer are these places full of foreigners because there is now more tourism from Spaniards. You will find many concrete building and the night life is very busy. There are many beaches and again, during the tourist seasons, they are full.

It doesn’t matter what type of vacation you are looking for you will find something in the Costa Brava which will meet your needs.

Filed Under: Europe

The Best Tourist Hotels in Valencia

February 8, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

Valencia is a business center which means that many hotels are not full on weekends. Because of this, you can normally ask for a better rate at some of the best tourist hotels in Valencia.

1. Hotel Excelsior was renovated in 2000 and now you have a hotel which is in the center of the city. The rooms are spacious and clean, with a lot of extra features including wireless internet in each room.
2. Casa Sibarita is in a village called Rafelguaraf. It is a 19th Century restored house and it is in a very peaceful location. There are beautiful gardens with a pool and it is not to far visit the rest of Valencia. There are only 5 rooms in this hotel, but you should consider booking well in advance to stay here.
3. Vincci Lys is an excellent hotel. If you want to have a balcony then you should book an executive room on the fifth and sixth floor.
4. Hotel Europa has some great reviews, and we recommend that you to ask for room 103. This room has two balconies and it has recently been refurbished. The hotel is just a 5 min walk from the Old Town.
5. Hotel Neptuno overlooks the beach. It is an ideal hotel if you want to combine a beach holiday with a cultural tour. It is a new, modern hotel and the food at their restaurant has some of the best dining will find in the area.
6. Petit Palace Bristol is a boutique hotel which was formally a 19th Century mansion but has been refurbished retaining some of its past. It is worth upgrading for one of the superior rooms on the fifth floor.
7. Hotel Reina Victoria is ideal if you want a faded charm look. It has been renovated and it is positioned in the center. The rooms are large and well-furnished.
8. Hotel Ingles is another renovated 18th Century mansion. Some of the rooms have a view of the main entrance to the Palacio del Marques de Dos Aguas.
9. Jardin Botanico is an intimate 16 room hotel. Their slogan is “Chill Out” and that is their goal for the people who stay at this hotel.
10. Ad Hoc is within the Old Quarters. The hotel was a 19th Century building which has been completely renovated but you can still see some of the original features.

Filed Under: Europe

The Best Tourist Hotels in Seville

February 7, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

Seville receives many tourists; especially around the celebration of Feria de Abril which is two weeks after Easter You should consider booking your hotel well in advance. There is a shortage of budget hotels as many have been refurbished and they now have a license which allows them to charge more. The best tourist hotels in Seville are:

1. Seville Suites is a great option for a family since you can have a small kitchenette in each room or suite.
2. Alminar Hotel is a modern hotel inside of a traditional house. You will be in the middle of the tourist center so you will find limited parking here.
3. Hotel Amadeus is a converted 18th century mansion and it is run by a musical family. There are 14 wonderfully designed rooms in this hotel and, if you are a musician, you can practice using their sound proof rooms.
4. Hotel Puerta de Sevilla is a small hotel in a great location. The rooms are well-equipped with plasma televisions.
5. Hotel Alcantara is a small friendly hotel with just 21 rooms. You will overlook the hotel’s patio so the hotel should be nice and quiet.
6. Un Patio en Santa Cruz is full of the Andalucian décor. The rooms are simple, yet stylish and the view from the roof terrace looks over Giralda, it also have great decoration and furniture, including a perfect state of the walls and roofs.
7. Apartmentos Murillo is another hotel which has other amenities including a full kitchen which might be handy if you are bringing your family here.
8. Alcoba del Rey de Sevilla is a hotel which is best-suited for those who want a romantic getaway. It is small, with just 19 rooms, but that means you will get a more personal service. If you book the Abenamar room you will experience the Islamic influence in the design and a Jacuzzi to relax in each day.
9. Becquer Hotel has been created from a former mansion. You are three blocks away from the bullring, center and cathedral.
10. Dona Manuela is in the middle of Santa Cruz and it is a perfect location if you want to see the attractions. If you are bringing your family to Seville then this is a hotel you definitely should consider.
11. Las Navezuelas has a wonderful view from the private terrace. If you book a studio room, then you will have a kitchen; as well as a bedroom/lounge. It is a family-run hotel with the family pets being around for you to enjoy.

Filed Under: Europe

The Best Tourist Hotels in Madrid

February 7, 2009 by admin 2 Comments

Gone are the days when hotels in Madrid were boring…a new range of hotels have now been opened in the city. You will find buildings from modern to traditional and the inside of the hotel reflects the outside building.

There are many hotels for those on a budget since there are many new hotels which can accommodate them. Some of the mid-range hotels have taken historic buildings; as well as modern buildings. And for the tourists who are not looking at cost as a factor, you will find some superb hotels which were previously palaces.

Some budget hotels for you to consider:-

1. Los Amigos Backpackers’ Hostel is the place to head for if you want company. This hostel is full of students and you will share dorm-rooms with them. The staff speaks English which is useful if you don’t speak Spanish.
2. Hostal Orly is a 19th Century building and it has great views. For the best view, try to get Room 11.
3. Hotel Macarena is near the Plaza Mayor. The rooms are clean, spacious and well-decorated.

Some mid-range hotels for you to consider:-

1. Hotel Senator has one room on each floor which doesn’t face the street. The views down the Grand Via are excellent from the corner rooms. Each room has wi-fi access if you need to access the internet from your room.
2. Hotel Plaza Mayor is just across from the Plaza Mayor. The building is 150 years old and the staff is very helpful at this hotel. If you have an attic room you will have a little terrace with wonderful views across central Madrid.
3. Hotel Meninas is the place to stay if you want minimalist luxury. You will have flat screen televisions, internet access and some rooms even have a laptop computer.

One the best hotels that has opened in recent years is the Petit Palace Posada del Peine. It is located just 50m from the Plaza Mayor. The building is an older building which has a great location. Even though the hotel building is historic, you will find a very modern interior. The rooms are spacious and the staff and service are exceptional.

When looking for a place to stay in Madrid you have the cheapest hostel which is perfect for backpackers, to the most luxurious hotel which is perfect for a couple celebrating a special occasion.

Filed Under: Europe

The Best Tourist Hotels in Barcelona

February 6, 2009 by admin Leave a Comment

With so many choices in accommodations, how do you find the best tourist hotels in Barcelona? The first thing you will need to do is decide on your budget and then you can see which hotels will meet your needs.

In Barcelona there is no shortage of hotels but you should book in advance if you want to use the main hotels in the city.

Depending on the type of hotel you are looking for, you can find some classic hotels like Hotel Continental where George Orwell stayed during the Civil War. This a typical hotel for those looking for a romantic place to stay.

Hotel Oriente was built in a former convent and the rooms are simple but the cloisters are now a spectacular restaurant.

If you are looking for a budget hotel then there are a few which can be recommended.

1. Hostal Campi which is basic, but has its own toilet and shower. The rooms are clean, roomy and bright.
2. Hostal Levante where the rooms come with or without your own bathroom. The best rooms are the double rooms with a balcony.
3. Alberg Hostel Itaca is near the Cathedral and has lots of dormitory rooms which sleep anywhere from 6 people up to 12 people. If you want more room then you can book a double room. You are also able to use the kitchens in this hostel.

If you are in the mid-range prices then you can also find a number of hotels.

1. Hotel Jardi is a good place and if you stay here, you will want to book the double rooms with balcony. These overlook the square in the city.
2. Hotel California is a hotel in the center. It is kept spotlessly clean, with good sized rooms.

If you have more money available for your hotel then you can look at the top end of the market.

1. Hotel Neri used to be a medieval mansion. Here you can enjoy stunning rooms which includes Plasma TV’s.

You might want to consider looking for accommodations in other regions of Barcelona.

Some areas to consider are:

* El Raval
* La Ribera
* Port Vell and the Coast
* L’Eixample
* Gracia
* Tibidabo

In these areas you can find anything from a youth hostel to the top of the line hotels. As you decide what will make the best tourist hotel in Barcelona for you and your family, you will find a lot to choose from; including some of the well known hotels which are seen worldwide.

Filed Under: Europe

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