Holiday Thread

[canadian_turtle]

My laptop is clunky and heavy so I rather not lug it around, thanks though!

[Celini]

according to most of your criteria (cheapest/most decent/closest to gare du nord) is Hotel Cambrai, bvd Magenta http://www.hotel-cambrai.com/index.html , 69EUR for a twin room, no wifi, no breakfast though... I doubt you'd find better deal.

[a_person]

(and Paris is definitely more expensive than Rome)

Yep, that's what I meant - Paris is one of the most expensive cities to live in so I would think hotel prices would reflect that. That's why I said to be reconsider requirements by prioritising as I don't know many that would offer that without a nice price tag next to it.

@ c_t - see if you can find a Best Western Hotel in Paris or something as I think they are somewhat similar to Travelodge. And maybe start looking at B&Bs before hotels as I generally find them to be cheaper in price and sometimes very well located near metros. And since nobody seems to be able to recommend you a hotel, I'd really recommend starting a thread on tripadvisor asking as there are some really knowledgeable people on there and they perhaps would be able to recommend you something that suits your needs.

[Mesa7719]

Thanks. I always thought Iceland was a popular destination. I know nothing about the country so not attempting a freestyle holiday - package tour all the way. Just thought someone might have tips on which tour operators they had used in the past.

Hi Beate
I went to Iceland a good few years ago and it was arranged for by work.
However, my friend went to Iceland the weekend just gone and she said she used icelimo and Eskimos tour operaters.
Not sure if they will be of any help, but you can at least take a look.

[Diane65]

Been back nearly a week from Prague now and thought it was about time to write my review. What a stunning city, the architecture and atmosphere is almost fairytale like. The weather was perfect cold with bright sunshine, it was lovely just strolling around the old unspoilt (by streets war or anything else). Charles Bridge is just lovely and there were some elderley gentlemen playing jazz which was delightful (it brought a tear to my eye as it was so lovely). I adored the churches they are beautiful inside and out, I regret not having gone into a Synagogue but wasn't sure if we were allowed in.

The walk up to the castle is just lovely and they serve the best hot chocolates ever (first left over the bridge), you can walk around the grounds of the Palace and Castle free of charge and then watch the changing of the guards at noon. It wasn't busy at all in Prague, enough people to give it an atmosphere but not too many so you can't see things.
We also went for a boat trip on the river to little Venice where one of the James Bond films was shot.

The Czech people are so sweet, friendly and almost humble in nature they make you feel so welcome everywhere you go and not just in the tourist areas. You can do the whole city on foot apart from getting from the airport I walked everywhere. The public transport is excellent and very cheap (90p for a bus and train from the airport to the city centre)

I really recommend Prague for a city break and look forward to hearing about hdaniel82's trip (the lucky lady is there now )

[prettyxcool]

That's lovely Diane65, it is a fairytale city! I loved it and been twice! Glad you enjoyed it too!


@c_t - have you tried the guesthouses?
http://www.paris-economy-hotels.com/gue ... _paris.htm

I don't know what they are like in Paris, but in Cape Town I stayed at Backpackers hostels and they were really nice - ensuite as well including breakfast, and really cheap better than the 3 star hotel we stayed at one night! Perhaps worth a look in Paris. I always look at guesthouses, hostels, and backpackers if I want to stay cheaply, as my criteria is just a clean bed for the night and breakfast, as I am out sightseeing all day. Hope this helps.

[canadian_turtle]

Sorry I never mentioned it here, but I sorted our accommodation! Considering I am going with my mum I didn't want to book something quite as cheap as I'd be willing to put up with myself (I too have used hostels around the world), so we have a nice-ish hotel now. Thanks for all the help though, guys!

[prettyxcool]

oh, well done, c_t. What did you go for in the end?

[canadian_turtle]

A 3 star hotel near Bercy (easy to get to from Garde du Nord and a short walk to Gare de Lyon to get the RER in Disney) with unlimited wifi and a buffet breakfast

[Yinster]

Sitting in my room in the Premier Inn next to the airport. Getting excited now about going to NYC tomorrow morning.