La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel Review - Aquas Calientes

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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High expectations were soon dropped when I discovered the room I actually booked was not the room I got, despite paying the same price for it, and having mentioned this to reception after seeing my room, it was not the problem of the hotel, but rather the booking agent (booking.com) who incorrectly sells the room (apparently).

La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel is a basic hotel, and Aquas Calientes being a small town, any location would be a good location. Though it does have the advantage of being near the hot springs just up the hill.  Check-in was messy, despite having reservations and being picked up at the train station they processed those just off the street/walk-ins first (perhaps giving away my reserved room in the process), quoting the same price to all, which made me wonder how fair this process actually was.

I felt bitter but the room was actually decent enough to enjoy, with an outdoor balcony overlooking the alley below, small bathroom but nice hot shower, and very cosy bed.  Breakfasts starts at 5am with check-out at 9am, though I think breakfast should be served sooner, as the queue for the buses up to Machu Picchu are already long at 5am.

Wifi worked, it was clean, good size bedroom, comfy beds and outdoor space, it served its purpose for what most people will spend in Aquas Calientes, one night only.

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La Cabana Machu Picchu Hotel - Booking.com

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PeruRail Vistadome to Machu Picchu Town

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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It is one of those journeys that getting there is part of the adventure, the PeruRail trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu Town, or Aquas Calientes as it is better known, certainly is a feast for the eyes as you enter the tropical zone and into the jungles of the Andes.

There are a few options when booking your trip with PeruRail, I've opted for the Vistadome experience with panoramic windows, though the Expedition service appears to offer equal comfort, however you could always indulge in the Hiram Bingham - an exclusive luxury Orient Express service operated by PeruRail which even includes ticket entry and transportation into Machu Picchu.

Unfortunately the booking system does now allow to choose your seats, and though you may purchase more than two doesn't mean you will sit together. However most people are willing to swap around for a better arrangement. The only way of identifying if you have a window seat or not on PeruRail is as follows, even numbered seat are aisle seats and odd numbered seats are window.

Once on your way Peruvian flute music will broadcast into the rail cars as you watch the hills and mountains become more lush and green into the jungle. A light meal service of quinoa salad, potatoes and flavoured bread and butter with soft drink or tea/coffee, with alcohol for purchase on board. The outward journeys also includes an attempt to sell souvenirs such as hats and t-shirts and cd's of the music played. The return journey is different as it involves a fashion show of Peruvian materials as well as an insight and celebration of Peruvian legend, with goods offered for sale after the show.

PeruRail is comfortable and professional and is only a small part of the trip to get you to Machu Picchu  but the experience is highly enjoyable since views are breathtaking from almost any seat, which ultimately gets you there safely and on time.

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PeruRail

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Fauna Hotel Valparaiso - Review

Finding the Fauna Hotel was easy, down an ally where cars have no access and along the top of a hill which immediately gave a good view of the town below and the bay.

Unlike traditional buildings the hotel functions from top to bottom, reception/restaurant/terrace at the top, with rooms leading down the multi story building perched along the hill. The outdoor terrace offers a great point of view of the town, and in the morning one can watch the sunrise.

I've opted for the bay view room which has incredibly tall ceilings and windows, wooden floors and open yet separate seating area. A large modern bathroom with glass paneled shower and granite floors. Finding a heater in the room made me happy as winters can be tough if you don't have in room climate control, something my hotel in Santiago did not have. The bed was comfortable, pillows and soft duvet covers to ensure your warm on a cold Chilean winter night. The walls are roughly textured and earth brown as if the rooms were made from cutting into the hillside, organic with specs of mud and hay - a down to earth feeling.

I'm finding little fault with Fauna Hotel, despite having no in room television, it doesn't really bother me, the town is interesting and colourful and just steps away. A funicular is just metres from the door and for only 100 Pesos (approx 20 cents) you can descend or climb easily to the town below.

Favourite thing about Fauna? Having breakfast while the sun rises, the view, decent breakfast, style and comfort in a down to earth bohemian way.

Note: at time of my visit works were underway next door for expansion, which will provide panoramic views and expanded occupancy.

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Photos of Fauna Hotel, Valparaiso Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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A post by Joe Mendonca

Fauna Hotel on Booking.com
Fauna Hotel on Tripadvisor

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Mito Casa Hotel Review - Santiago Chile

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel is in an excellent location, within walking distant to most sites, city centre and entertainment district of Bellavista, the hotel came as a recommendation from a friend who stayed there a year earlier.

Selecting the economy double room places me in room number one just outside by the garden, which at first had its advantages by not having to go up any stairs, however soon I realised the weaknesses this had. Having a garden flat meant I was directly effected by the cold Chilean winter and with no individual control of  room climate, a small heater could have improved  this. I soon discovered the wifi was not working or strong enough to receive in my room, and despite mentioning this on my day of arrival nothing was done to rectify it, even after my second return to the hotel later in the week.

My second stay was much better as I had a room on the 3rd floor of the main building with its art deco appearance, a room overlooking the road with in-room sink but private bathroom/shower in the hallway (which is exclusive to you only - not shared).

The great features of Mito Casa Hotel is the location, the style and design, and its intimate feel, more like a bed and breakfast than a hotel. The rooftop terrace offers great views of the area and superb views of the mountain range that encloses Santiago. Location alone sells Mito Casa Hotel  however I was slightly disappointed action was not taken from issues I raised on my first stay, for this reason I suggest you stay in the main building.

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Photos of Mito Casa Hotel, Santiago Chile 2013 © Joe Mendonca

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Mito Casa Hotel - Booking.com 
Mito Casa Hotel - Tripadvisor 

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Flying Economy on American Airlines

First time flying American Airlines, economy, London to Miami on-route to Santiago. I was hoping to fly the 'new' American Airlines from adverts I've seen, but it wasn't to be.

I wasn't fortunate enough to experience the updated interiors and entertainment, inflight wifi and in seat power, instead I flew on a 777-200 with many unoccupied seats and was disappointed by expectations.



Sure there was back of seat screens for watching movies, but not on demand. Two and a half hours into the flight have been served lunch, in plastic trays, forks and knife, cellophane enclosing a simple salad, chicken and broken bits of spaghetti, though edible, it's presentation fell well below what you might get at a fast food outlet. Alcohol is available for purchase onboard, no cash accepted.

Midway through flight cheese flavoured crackers and drinks were offered and about one and a half hours before landing a hot deep dish pizza was served.

It all started right, from check-in to lounge and boarding, the service has been attentive and polite. American Airlines is pushing the 'new' a lot in its ads and online, what I experienced was mediocre.

Oh well, there is still the return flight to be had. Will I be so lucky?

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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AA Admirals Lounge Heathrow

This is the first time I'm flying American Airlines, and being a member of OneWorld alliance with elite status am lucky enough to get access to its flagship lounge at Heathrow Airport, the Admirals Lounge.



Beige interiors with open areas and private out of the way seating areas, the selection of drinks range from coffee and tea to beer, wine and spirits.

What the lounge lacks is a selection of snacks like crisps (chips to some of us), sandwiches, fruit or salads, compared to the BA Galleries which offers champaign (on request).

Overall it is comfortable and is a good way to relax before a flight, so far the service has been polite and attentive.

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Addicted to travel: Dromomania

I have always wanted to define my passion for escaping and wandering, an urge to travel and explore this world of ours. Finally, after investigating and much research I came across this this thing called dromomania, for those with an insatiable urge to travel. At last my condition has a name and something I can understand better.

Dromomania, is an uncontrollable psychological urge to wander or travel. People with this condition spontaneously depart from their routine, travel long distances (and sometimes take up different identities and occupations). The term comes from the Greek: dromos (running) and mania (insanity). The term is sometimes used to describe people who have a strong emotional or even physical need to be constantly traveling and experiencing new places.

I've been called worse things, and besides, there are worse conditions to have, but I can safely make a self diagnoses  and officially call myself a dromomaniac.

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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