Hotel Galeon Sitges

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Having returned year on year to Sitges for my annual holiday from holidays, the Hotel Sitges group offers a selection of hotels in various classes, one of which is Hotel Galeon which at one time was a budget hotel, but now delivers a much more upscale experience, and a reason why I always choose to book here first when I return to Sitges.

When I first stayed in Hotel Galeon the rooms were basic but clean, it delivered excellent value back then, and since renovations and upgrades rooms are now delightfully decorated, comfortable beds, wooden floors and modernised bathrooms, even air conditioning is installed in the rooms for individual control for those that just can't stand the heat.

What I really like is the late breakfasts which are served until 12pm, unheard of in almost any hotel elsewhere. A choice of pillow from soft to firm, and even beach towels and umbrellas are available free (with deposit), saving you valuable luggage space and weight.

Hotel Galeon is my number one choice when I return to Sitges  it delivers and is an excellent product conveniently located in the heart of Sitges.

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Hotel Galeon - Booking.com
Hotel Galeon - Tripadvisor
Hotel Sitges

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Dreamliner to Toronto on BA

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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British Airways announces arrival of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner with routes to Toronto and Newark from September 2013. Though the BA website does have my scheduled flight listed as an operational flight, they cannot guarantee the aircraft I will be traveling on, but keeping my fingers crossed.

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner cabin interior have been designed nose to tail. A new 'smooth ride technology' is said to provide a calmer journey. There are larger windows and new ambient lighting. The aircraft is also quieter, lighter and more fuel efficient.

I'll be watching to see if my flight is lucky enough to travel on this new aircraft, and if I do, I'll be sure to let you know what it was like.

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British Airways

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Cloister Inn Hotel Review - Prague

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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A three star hotel perfectly located in Prague 1, just a few minutes walk from Old Town Prague and the famous Charles Bridge. For a hotel of this class I was impressed overall by the standards and service. Clean interiors, very good sized room, and free coffee and tea available in the lobby.

Classed as a budget hotel, rooms do not have a bathtub, but are equipped with a small fridge to keep food and drinks cold. All rooms have air conditioning units and climate control, which in summer is essential in Prague if you can't handle the heat.

Breakfast is simple with options of cereals, rolls, small selection of fruit, cold meats and cheeses, boiled eggs and sausage, which is enough to get you started for the day.

I would return to Cloister Inn simply for the location alone, and for being within budget.

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Cloister Inn Hotel - Booking.com

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Radisson Hotel Decapolis Review - Lima

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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One usually has standards when staying at a chain hotel and Radisson Decapolis Hotel in the safe neigbourhood of Miraflores in Lima is a good option. There was always enough staff on hand to answer your questions, open the doors, or serve you your pisco sour.

The location is excellent, with shopping nearby, fine dining or just want to walk along the cliff top path toward the Locamar centre or Love Park, I found the Radisson Decapolis ideal, chic and stylish with plenty of in-house services to do all you want to do in Lima.

The rooftop patio/bar, with swimming pool and glass enclosed gymnasium is a nice space, and at night becomes a good place to start the night to sip your pisco sours. In the morning the breakfasts surpass many hotels in this class with specialty menu, try the ranchero or Decapolis Special eggs which will waken your taste buds from the start.

The rooms are of excellent size but are not as modern or chic as the entrance or lobby, with a CD clock radio, perhaps it may be due for slight update. However, in no way are the rooms uncomfortable, with enough space to put your luggage away. A large bathroom with shower and bathtub, which ultimately I craved after days of trekking, a good soak and rest. Wifi worked everywhere and TV channels with enough options to view.

Ultimately the Radisson Decapolis is more expensive than others nearby, but places you in a prime spot for getting to know Lima or for a simple stop-over before discovering Peru.  The service was attentive and felt cared for, something you don't often get when staying in a hotel of this class.

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Radisson Decapolis Hotel - Booking.com

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Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel Review

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A post by Joe Mendonca

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Cusco is a charming city and being near the Plaza de Armas puts you within reach of all the most important places of interest, such is the case when staying at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel. Its outdoor terrace offers a great view of the city and the hills which surround it. Booking at Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel means airport pick-up as well for those just arriving into Cusco.

Upon registering you'll be offered coca tea to help with the altitude sickness that can sometimes hit travellers just arriving, it slowly creeps up on you as it did with me and found myself asleep very early in the evening as my body adjusted to the the new height, but fully recovered and ready the next day.

Despite booking two different types of rooms, a single on the first stay and a double room on subsequent stay, both rooms were identical in size and style. The rooms are a good size however could be small considering there could be two in a room. Bathroom are modern and clean and two bottled waters are included.

Though all rooms have large windows, there is nothing to look out to, most rooms face into courtyards, and having your curtains drawn would mean disclosing everything inside. However most just pass through Cusco and a stay here is ideally located and comfortable, and staff ensure you get on your way on time and requested taxi bookings arrive on time and a price that is correct locally (be warned, taxi drivers will make you think they are offering a fair price, but in fact the actually cost is often less than 50% of what they quote you).

There are more upscale options to stay in Cusco  but Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel is comfortable enough to enjoy and its location is ideal, considering the price too, its not a bad deal after all.

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Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza Hotel - Booking.com

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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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