Q: I am planning a road/train trip from Budapest in Hungary to Geneva in Switzerland next June, and I was wondering if you could help me with tips on how to make my way between the two cities. I already have a Schengen visa. - Leopoldo Amaral
A: You can fly on a number of low-cost airlines in Europe, but your questions suggest you prefer to travel by train or bus. The best train service I could find will take you around 17 hours for the journey via Munich and Zurich. I did a sample booking departing Budapest on Friday, 19 June, 2009. The service departs Budapest-Keleti station at 21.05 and arrives at Geneva the next day at 14.46. You change trains at Munich and Zurich, but the route you travel passes through Vienna, Linz, Inssbruck and Bern. From Budapest to Munich you travel on the Euro Night (EN 462) service arriving at 06.15 in the morning. You transfer to the Eurocity (EC 196) service, departing at 07.12, arriving in Zurich at 11.44. Your final train is the Intercity service (IC 522) departing Zurich at 12.04, arriving in Geneva at 14.46. I could not get fares for the trip, which is subject to many variables. You can get further information from the www.bahn.de website. I could not find details of bus services between the two cities. Train travel seems far more popular. I found a bus service from Budapest to Zurich, with a one-way fare of 17000 forint (57 Euros), which seems very reasonable. The service is aimed at students, but uses luxurious coaches and has no age limits. Check the www.studentagencybus.com website.
Friday, 24 April 2009
Pod hotels at Heathrow
Q: I need accommodation at Heathrow Airport, but do not want to spend too much. I read that easyJet have started a Japanese-style "pod" hotel at the airport. Do you have any details? - Fran Lexington
A: There are two "pod-style" hotels serving Heathrow Airport in London. Both offer rooms that are bigger than the traditional Japanese cubicle, and are more luxurious. The easyhotel London Heathrow offers rooms ranging from just under 10 square metres without a window to rooms of 16 square metres with a window. Rates start at 24.95 British pounds per night for a double room. The rooms have a double bed, two towels, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and air conditioning. There are additional charges for TV usage (5 pounds for 10 channels for 24 hours), internet access (5 pounds per hour) and extra towels. The hotel is not directly at the airport, but is a 10-minute drive from terminals 1, 2 and 3, with terminals 4 and 5 a little further away. Book at www.easyhotel.com. The other "pod" hotel is the Yotel Heathrow, which is accessible from terminal 4. The tiny rooms range from seven square metre bunk rooms (similar to a train compartment) to premium cabins, which have double beds. The rooms are luxuriously appointed (similar to first class airline cabins) and offer en-suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs, free wireless internet and 24-hour room service. Yotel rooms can be booked in four-hour segments. I made a test booking for June 2009 and was offered a single cabin for four hours at 26.50 pounds and a premium double-bed cabin for eight hours at 80.50 pounds. Bookings can be made on www.yotel.com. Both hotels accept credit cards and are non-smoking.
A: There are two "pod-style" hotels serving Heathrow Airport in London. Both offer rooms that are bigger than the traditional Japanese cubicle, and are more luxurious. The easyhotel London Heathrow offers rooms ranging from just under 10 square metres without a window to rooms of 16 square metres with a window. Rates start at 24.95 British pounds per night for a double room. The rooms have a double bed, two towels, an en-suite bathroom with a shower and air conditioning. There are additional charges for TV usage (5 pounds for 10 channels for 24 hours), internet access (5 pounds per hour) and extra towels. The hotel is not directly at the airport, but is a 10-minute drive from terminals 1, 2 and 3, with terminals 4 and 5 a little further away. Book at www.easyhotel.com. The other "pod" hotel is the Yotel Heathrow, which is accessible from terminal 4. The tiny rooms range from seven square metre bunk rooms (similar to a train compartment) to premium cabins, which have double beds. The rooms are luxuriously appointed (similar to first class airline cabins) and offer en-suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs, free wireless internet and 24-hour room service. Yotel rooms can be booked in four-hour segments. I made a test booking for June 2009 and was offered a single cabin for four hours at 26.50 pounds and a premium double-bed cabin for eight hours at 80.50 pounds. Bookings can be made on www.yotel.com. Both hotels accept credit cards and are non-smoking.
Cities close to Berlin
Q: We will be in Berlin for three weeks and would like to take a weekend break in another country nearby. Can you recommend cities (outside of Germany) within easy reach of Berlin? - Emily James
A: You have a fairly wide choice of destinations, but three of the best can be reached by train, which should enhance the experience. They are Prague in the Czech Republic, Krakow in Poland and Basel in Switzerland. Prague can be reached within five or six hours by train. It has emerged as a major tourist destination, so there is no shortage of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. However, its real charm is its history, architecture and overall ambience. For an even more historical excursion, visit Krakow. It takes about 10 hours by train, but you will find a pretty town that is linked to the heroism of Oskar Schindler and the horror of nearby Auschwitz. Far from being a dull, regional cente, Krakow has become very popular among young Europeans and has a bohemian feel in its many clubs and bars. At the other end of the scale is refined, sophisticated Basel, a seven-hour journey from Berlin. Located on the Rhine River, it offers an overdose of culture, with many museums and is home to the Basel Art Fair and Switzerland's largest carnival, the Fasnacht.
A: You have a fairly wide choice of destinations, but three of the best can be reached by train, which should enhance the experience. They are Prague in the Czech Republic, Krakow in Poland and Basel in Switzerland. Prague can be reached within five or six hours by train. It has emerged as a major tourist destination, so there is no shortage of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. However, its real charm is its history, architecture and overall ambience. For an even more historical excursion, visit Krakow. It takes about 10 hours by train, but you will find a pretty town that is linked to the heroism of Oskar Schindler and the horror of nearby Auschwitz. Far from being a dull, regional cente, Krakow has become very popular among young Europeans and has a bohemian feel in its many clubs and bars. At the other end of the scale is refined, sophisticated Basel, a seven-hour journey from Berlin. Located on the Rhine River, it offers an overdose of culture, with many museums and is home to the Basel Art Fair and Switzerland's largest carnival, the Fasnacht.
Cost of Paris Museums
Q: On a visit to Paris in July, I am keen to visit the top museums (the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Pompidou) and would like to know how much it is likely to cost me in entrance fees. Are there any museums that offer free entry? - Jannie Human.
A: The entry fee to the Louvre is 9 Euros, the Musee d'Orsay costs 8 Euros and the Pompidou Centre will set you back 12 Euros. You can get into all three museums for free on the first Sunday of every month, but you will have to battle your way through big crowds. For a total cost of 29 Euros (around R340) in a city where a cup of coffee can cost you five euros, it makes sense to pay up for a better viewing experience. The good news is that there are at least 20 museums in the French capital that offer free entrance. These include the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris (history of Paris), Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (modern art) and 11 avenue du Président Wilson. You can find a full list of free museums at www.parisinfo.com.
A: The entry fee to the Louvre is 9 Euros, the Musee d'Orsay costs 8 Euros and the Pompidou Centre will set you back 12 Euros. You can get into all three museums for free on the first Sunday of every month, but you will have to battle your way through big crowds. For a total cost of 29 Euros (around R340) in a city where a cup of coffee can cost you five euros, it makes sense to pay up for a better viewing experience. The good news is that there are at least 20 museums in the French capital that offer free entrance. These include the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris (history of Paris), Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (modern art) and 11 avenue du Président Wilson. You can find a full list of free museums at www.parisinfo.com.
Rome on a Shoestring
Q: We will be in Rome this summer on a very limited budget. Our accommodation is sorted out, but can you suggest ways to enjoy the city without paying a fortune for food, transport and sightseeing? - Helen Forrester.
A: Dining out can be costly in Rome, so think twice before you sit down in a charming pizseria. Rather opt for a pizza-by-the-slice eatery or a tavola calda (hot table) cafeteria, where you can choose from a variety of meats and vegetables. You should also try to drink coffee and eat breakfast or snack food standing up. Sitting down in a cafe, especially outdoors, will almost always cost you more than to stand at the bar. Shop at the markets or "alimentari" (food stores), and picnic as much as possible. You can strike it lucky if you visit a bakery at closing time, as you can end up with free items. Europeans are hooked on bottled water, but you don't have to pay two or three euros for yours. Stock up at a supermarket and then refill your bottles at a public drinking fountain; the water is perfectly drinkable.
Travelling around the city by bus and metro is not expensive, so make full use of it. You can get a one-day pass for four euros or a three-day tourist ticket for 11 euros. For an inexpensive tour of Rome's historical sites, take the 2-hour trip on the number 110 bus from Termini station at 2:30 pm.
There are a number of free museums. Check out some of the 20,000 items related to the making of money at the Numismatic Museum of the Italian Mint and then view works by Raffaello, Canova and Van Dyck at the Galleria Nazionale Di San Luca, which has free entrance on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-2pm. The Aula Ottaganale near the church of Santa Maria degli Angelio has a superb collection of Roman sculptures and it offers free entrance from 10am-7pm daily. On the last Sunday of every month, you can get free entrance to the very popular Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums. For discounts of up to 50 percent on the shows at Rome's main theatres, visit Botteghino Last Minute at Via Bari 20 near Piazza Bologna. A free puppet show is available at the Park Gianicolo on Janiculum Hill. Even if you don't understand Italian, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
A: Dining out can be costly in Rome, so think twice before you sit down in a charming pizseria. Rather opt for a pizza-by-the-slice eatery or a tavola calda (hot table) cafeteria, where you can choose from a variety of meats and vegetables. You should also try to drink coffee and eat breakfast or snack food standing up. Sitting down in a cafe, especially outdoors, will almost always cost you more than to stand at the bar. Shop at the markets or "alimentari" (food stores), and picnic as much as possible. You can strike it lucky if you visit a bakery at closing time, as you can end up with free items. Europeans are hooked on bottled water, but you don't have to pay two or three euros for yours. Stock up at a supermarket and then refill your bottles at a public drinking fountain; the water is perfectly drinkable.
Travelling around the city by bus and metro is not expensive, so make full use of it. You can get a one-day pass for four euros or a three-day tourist ticket for 11 euros. For an inexpensive tour of Rome's historical sites, take the 2-hour trip on the number 110 bus from Termini station at 2:30 pm.
There are a number of free museums. Check out some of the 20,000 items related to the making of money at the Numismatic Museum of the Italian Mint and then view works by Raffaello, Canova and Van Dyck at the Galleria Nazionale Di San Luca, which has free entrance on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am-2pm. The Aula Ottaganale near the church of Santa Maria degli Angelio has a superb collection of Roman sculptures and it offers free entrance from 10am-7pm daily. On the last Sunday of every month, you can get free entrance to the very popular Vatican Museums and the Capitoline Museums. For discounts of up to 50 percent on the shows at Rome's main theatres, visit Botteghino Last Minute at Via Bari 20 near Piazza Bologna. A free puppet show is available at the Park Gianicolo on Janiculum Hill. Even if you don't understand Italian, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the city.
Sleep near Charles de Gaulle
Q: We are looking for a very reasonably priced B&B or hotel for one night close to Charles De Gaulle airport in Paris at the end of June, as we have an early morning start for our flight back to South Africa. Can you make any suggestions please? - Marion Spinks
A: With the euro-rand exchange rate, there are very few bargains close to the airport. A night at a perfect location in the heart of the airport at the Hotel Ibis Charles de Gaulle Aéroport / Terminal will cost you around 140 euros (R1700) per room. However, you can stay at the Hotel Ibis Paris Porte de Bagnolet 15 kilometres away for 99 euros (R1200). Depending on your date, you could find special rates at substantially lower prices at these budget hotels (www.ibishotels.com). Only five minutes from the airport is thePremiere Classe Hotel Roissy Villepinte Parc des Expositions Paris. The official rate on the hotel website is 75 euros (R900), but the hotel is being offered for just under R500 a night on the www.hotelclub.com website. Other hotels close to the airport available on this website include the Campanile Roissy Hotel Paris ( R793 per room), Best Hotel Baillet en France (R781) and the Premiere Classe Paris Nord 2 Hotel Roissy (R524). One the www.hoteltravel.com website, you can book a room at the Comfort Hotel Airport Charles de Gaulle for 86 euros (R1000). A room at the Express By Holiday Inn Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will cost you around 125 euros (R1500) if booked directly on the www.ichotels.com website. This rate includes breakfast.
A: With the euro-rand exchange rate, there are very few bargains close to the airport. A night at a perfect location in the heart of the airport at the Hotel Ibis Charles de Gaulle Aéroport / Terminal will cost you around 140 euros (R1700) per room. However, you can stay at the Hotel Ibis Paris Porte de Bagnolet 15 kilometres away for 99 euros (R1200). Depending on your date, you could find special rates at substantially lower prices at these budget hotels (www.ibishotels.com). Only five minutes from the airport is thePremiere Classe Hotel Roissy Villepinte Parc des Expositions Paris. The official rate on the hotel website is 75 euros (R900), but the hotel is being offered for just under R500 a night on the www.hotelclub.com website. Other hotels close to the airport available on this website include the Campanile Roissy Hotel Paris ( R793 per room), Best Hotel Baillet en France (R781) and the Premiere Classe Paris Nord 2 Hotel Roissy (R524). One the www.hoteltravel.com website, you can book a room at the Comfort Hotel Airport Charles de Gaulle for 86 euros (R1000). A room at the Express By Holiday Inn Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport will cost you around 125 euros (R1500) if booked directly on the www.ichotels.com website. This rate includes breakfast.
Free Internet at Changi
Q: During a stopover at Singapore airport I would like to work on my laptop. What Internet facilities are available in the airport terminals? - Johan de Lange
A: Changi Airport in Singapore has excellent facilities for passengers wishing to do their emails or surf the web. Free wireless broadband Internet is available throughout all four terminals, although you need to get a password from the service provider. There are also 400 free Internet kiosks spread throughout the airport and 80 laptop Ethernet access points.
A: Changi Airport in Singapore has excellent facilities for passengers wishing to do their emails or surf the web. Free wireless broadband Internet is available throughout all four terminals, although you need to get a password from the service provider. There are also 400 free Internet kiosks spread throughout the airport and 80 laptop Ethernet access points.
Planning for Petra
Q: I would like to visit Petra in Jordan. Can you suggest the easiest way to get there, the cost involved in visit the sites, when I should go and how long I should stay? - Andy King
A: To get there, most visitors fly to Amman (you can get there via Egypt or the Middle East), and then take a three-hour drive to Wadi Musa, the town nearest to Petra. The roads are good, so you can hire a car for around 50 US dollars a day. The ruins are only 15 minutes drive from Wadi Musa, so it makes sense to base yourself there. Petra has an extreme climate, with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters, so the best time to visit is during April and May, when the weather is temperate. To make the most of your stay, try to arrive at the main gate when it opens at 6am every day to avoid the tour groups. Three days will give you enough time to see the sights at a leisurely pace. Tickets are available at the main gate for one day (28 US dollars), two days (37 US dollars) and three days (44 US dollars). You can hire an English-speaking guides (28 US dollars for a half day, 70 US dollars for a full day).
A: To get there, most visitors fly to Amman (you can get there via Egypt or the Middle East), and then take a three-hour drive to Wadi Musa, the town nearest to Petra. The roads are good, so you can hire a car for around 50 US dollars a day. The ruins are only 15 minutes drive from Wadi Musa, so it makes sense to base yourself there. Petra has an extreme climate, with very hot summers and bitterly cold winters, so the best time to visit is during April and May, when the weather is temperate. To make the most of your stay, try to arrive at the main gate when it opens at 6am every day to avoid the tour groups. Three days will give you enough time to see the sights at a leisurely pace. Tickets are available at the main gate for one day (28 US dollars), two days (37 US dollars) and three days (44 US dollars). You can hire an English-speaking guides (28 US dollars for a half day, 70 US dollars for a full day).
Saturday, 4 April 2009
Rent a villa in Europe
Q: We would like to rent a villa in Europe this summer. Could you give me some reputable websites to try? - Angela van Dyk
A: Most companies advertise themselves as "villa" rental agencies, but offer a wide range of properties including apartments, farmhouses, cottages and castles. Some of the popular ones are www.Rentvillas.com, www.europeanescapes.com, www.drawbridgetoeurope.com. However, make sure you know what you are being offered, by checking on number of bedrooms (as opposed to number of beds), the conditions of the deposit refund (and the time it takes) and exact distance to the nearest shops or towns.
A: Most companies advertise themselves as "villa" rental agencies, but offer a wide range of properties including apartments, farmhouses, cottages and castles. Some of the popular ones are www.Rentvillas.com, www.europeanescapes.com, www.drawbridgetoeurope.com. However, make sure you know what you are being offered, by checking on number of bedrooms (as opposed to number of beds), the conditions of the deposit refund (and the time it takes) and exact distance to the nearest shops or towns.
Which beach on Koh Samui?
Q: We are hoping to visit Koh Samui in Thailand in July. We have been offered accommodation on three beaches - Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. We are looking for a relaxing break with good swimming. Can you advise which one might suit us best? - Ellie Jacobson.
A: Both Chaweng and Lamai offer good swimming beaches. However, Chaweng is the more developed of the two and has a big choice of restaurants, bars and clubs. It is the most popular beach and this is the resort to choose if you enjoy a very lively nightlife. Lamai is similar to Chaweng, but quieter. There are a number of bars, restaurants and fast food joints (including a McDonalds!), but it is more laid-back and great for couples who want a relaxing break. Bophut is a totally different type of resort. The beach is not great for swimming, but it more than makes up for it with its "fisherman's village" atmosphere and excellent range of small bistros, bars and boutiques. Overall, though, it is pretty easy to get around the island by motorbike and tuk-tuk taxi, so you should probably let the actual hotel and affordability influence your choice.
A: Both Chaweng and Lamai offer good swimming beaches. However, Chaweng is the more developed of the two and has a big choice of restaurants, bars and clubs. It is the most popular beach and this is the resort to choose if you enjoy a very lively nightlife. Lamai is similar to Chaweng, but quieter. There are a number of bars, restaurants and fast food joints (including a McDonalds!), but it is more laid-back and great for couples who want a relaxing break. Bophut is a totally different type of resort. The beach is not great for swimming, but it more than makes up for it with its "fisherman's village" atmosphere and excellent range of small bistros, bars and boutiques. Overall, though, it is pretty easy to get around the island by motorbike and tuk-tuk taxi, so you should probably let the actual hotel and affordability influence your choice.
Free booze in Spain
Q: We have been offered a fully-inclusive rate at a hotel in Spain during summer. The rate includes all three meals a day, alcoholic and soft drinks and coffee/tea. As we are not heavy heavy drinkers, we are unsure as to whether the offer represents value for money. Could you give us some pointers and tips? - Rene Carlton
A: These offers are very popular in that you know how much you will spend on the "extras" that can make a holiday more expensive than you planned. Most resorts set their rate based on their calculation of what the average holidaymaker usually spends, so you only benefit if you make full use of the free service. If the daily figure is around what you expected to spend on food and beverages, then you may as well accept the offer and have the peace of mind of knowing your final bill in advance. However, make sure you check the exceptions to the "free" selection. Some hotels will make you pay a surcharge for special meals such as seafood or barbecues, or limit the number of bars where the free drinks are available. Some drinks, such is imported wines, spirits and freshly-squeezed fruit juices may be excluded from the offer as well. You should also check whether there is a cut-off time for the free service and whether room service and mini-bar items are included. Be sure to read some customer reviews of the resort (www.tripadvisor.com) to discover what others had to say about the merits of the all-inclusive rate. You may also learn that there is a supermarket next door to the resort where items can be purchased at inexpensive prices.
A: These offers are very popular in that you know how much you will spend on the "extras" that can make a holiday more expensive than you planned. Most resorts set their rate based on their calculation of what the average holidaymaker usually spends, so you only benefit if you make full use of the free service. If the daily figure is around what you expected to spend on food and beverages, then you may as well accept the offer and have the peace of mind of knowing your final bill in advance. However, make sure you check the exceptions to the "free" selection. Some hotels will make you pay a surcharge for special meals such as seafood or barbecues, or limit the number of bars where the free drinks are available. Some drinks, such is imported wines, spirits and freshly-squeezed fruit juices may be excluded from the offer as well. You should also check whether there is a cut-off time for the free service and whether room service and mini-bar items are included. Be sure to read some customer reviews of the resort (www.tripadvisor.com) to discover what others had to say about the merits of the all-inclusive rate. You may also learn that there is a supermarket next door to the resort where items can be purchased at inexpensive prices.
Visa for UK
Q: Where can I get information about the new visa requirements to visit the UK. Where do I apply for this visa and how much will it cost? - Johan De Beer
A: With regard to visas, the UK Border Agency and the British High Commission in South Africa is working in partnership with a commercial organisation, Visa Facilitation Service (VFS). You can find out full details of the visa requirements and branches on the www.vfs-uk-za.com website. You can also call VFS on 082 234 4450. The charge for an ordinary tourist visa is R991.
A: With regard to visas, the UK Border Agency and the British High Commission in South Africa is working in partnership with a commercial organisation, Visa Facilitation Service (VFS). You can find out full details of the visa requirements and branches on the www.vfs-uk-za.com website. You can also call VFS on 082 234 4450. The charge for an ordinary tourist visa is R991.
On the rails in Scotland
Q: My wife and I love travelling by train. We are visiting England and Scotland in August and would like to find out about luxury train trips during this period, but we would prefer not to leave the U.K. We would be grateful for any information.- Andrew Grey
A: Britain's most famous train, the Royal Scotsman, has a full itinerary of great trips around Scotland during August this year. Ranging from two to seven nights, there are five different routes to choose from. Life onboard the Edwardian-style train includes all meals, comfortable sleeping cars (the train stops every night so that you are assured a good night's sleep) and fantastic vistas from the Observation Car. A local clansman will entertain you with stories from the region after dinner. The two-night Highland journey goes via Inverness and Aberdeen to Dundee and back to Edinburgh. This journey is ideal for those who like outdoor activity - at Rothiemurchus Estate, for example, there will be the opportunity to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, venturing out with the Estate's rangers on a Highland safari or just enjoying a Highland walk. The fare, which includes all food, alcohol, beverages and excursions, starts at a rather pricey 3610 US dollars per person. The four-night trip - regarded as the quintessential Royal Scotsman experience, follows the east coast up to Keith and then across to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton. It then heads for Inverness and then south to Perth. A private ceilidh at Strathisla and your personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch, with its magnificent house and gardens, are just two of the highlights. Along the way there is time and opportunity for fishing, clay pigeon shooting or guided walking along Caledonian pine forest trails. Fares start at 6620 US dollars. Check out the website (www.royalscotsman.com) or telephone 0845 077 2222.
A: Britain's most famous train, the Royal Scotsman, has a full itinerary of great trips around Scotland during August this year. Ranging from two to seven nights, there are five different routes to choose from. Life onboard the Edwardian-style train includes all meals, comfortable sleeping cars (the train stops every night so that you are assured a good night's sleep) and fantastic vistas from the Observation Car. A local clansman will entertain you with stories from the region after dinner. The two-night Highland journey goes via Inverness and Aberdeen to Dundee and back to Edinburgh. This journey is ideal for those who like outdoor activity - at Rothiemurchus Estate, for example, there will be the opportunity to try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, venturing out with the Estate's rangers on a Highland safari or just enjoying a Highland walk. The fare, which includes all food, alcohol, beverages and excursions, starts at a rather pricey 3610 US dollars per person. The four-night trip - regarded as the quintessential Royal Scotsman experience, follows the east coast up to Keith and then across to the picturesque west coast village of Plockton. It then heads for Inverness and then south to Perth. A private ceilidh at Strathisla and your personal invitation to visit Ballindalloch, with its magnificent house and gardens, are just two of the highlights. Along the way there is time and opportunity for fishing, clay pigeon shooting or guided walking along Caledonian pine forest trails. Fares start at 6620 US dollars. Check out the website (www.royalscotsman.com) or telephone 0845 077 2222.
Small Hotels in Berlin
Q: We are going to travel to Berlin, Germany in August this year. We would like to stay at a small hotel near the "Kaufhaus des Westens", which I seem to remember to be quite central. Can you recommend any hotel which is moderately priced and in that area? - Maren Booysen
A: There are plenty of hotels in the vicinity of this superb department store (regarded as the "Harrods of Berlin" and commonly referred to as KaDeWe), but its very central location means that bargain deals at the major hotels are not easy to come by. One of the best choices for a mid-range hotel would be the 29-room Comfort Hotel Auberge in Bayreuther Strasse, perfectly located just around the corner from KaDeWe. Very comfortable, it offers perks such as free Internet, breakfast, coffee-makers in rooms and free local phone calls. Rooms start at 87 Euros, with one double bed, to 147 Euros for a room with two double beds (www.choicehotels.de). Even closer is the Pension Classic in Wittenbergplatz, a 15-room bed and breakfast-style hotel located across the road from the store. Comfortable double rooms with breakfast range from 60 Euros to 129 Euros (www.classic-hotel-berlin.de). Another guest house within walking distance is the Pension Nuernberger Eck. Charmingly old-fashioned, its' eight rooms all have their own character. Double rooms range from 70-92 Euros (www.nuernberger-eck.de).
A: There are plenty of hotels in the vicinity of this superb department store (regarded as the "Harrods of Berlin" and commonly referred to as KaDeWe), but its very central location means that bargain deals at the major hotels are not easy to come by. One of the best choices for a mid-range hotel would be the 29-room Comfort Hotel Auberge in Bayreuther Strasse, perfectly located just around the corner from KaDeWe. Very comfortable, it offers perks such as free Internet, breakfast, coffee-makers in rooms and free local phone calls. Rooms start at 87 Euros, with one double bed, to 147 Euros for a room with two double beds (www.choicehotels.de). Even closer is the Pension Classic in Wittenbergplatz, a 15-room bed and breakfast-style hotel located across the road from the store. Comfortable double rooms with breakfast range from 60 Euros to 129 Euros (www.classic-hotel-berlin.de). Another guest house within walking distance is the Pension Nuernberger Eck. Charmingly old-fashioned, its' eight rooms all have their own character. Double rooms range from 70-92 Euros (www.nuernberger-eck.de).
Guesthouse in Paternoster
Q: I would be grateful if you could recommend hotel or guesthouse accommodation in Paternoster in the Western Cape. - Moira McKessar
A; There are some delightful guesthouses in this charming village. For a beachfront location, try the Paternoster Dunes. Boasting comfortable rooms and a swimming pool, rates ranging from R350-R750 (tel: 083 560 5600). Another guesthouse with a superb location on the beach is the The Oystercatcher's Haven. The rate is R625 per person (tel: 083 267 7051). Another enticing one worth trying is the Ah! Guest House, a very comfortable thatched home 30 metres from the beach. Rates range from R375-R600 per person (tel: 082 464 5898). All these guesthouses are available on the www.stayinpaternoster.co.za website. You can also try the www.safarinow.com website for a large selection of self-catering options.
A; There are some delightful guesthouses in this charming village. For a beachfront location, try the Paternoster Dunes. Boasting comfortable rooms and a swimming pool, rates ranging from R350-R750 (tel: 083 560 5600). Another guesthouse with a superb location on the beach is the The Oystercatcher's Haven. The rate is R625 per person (tel: 083 267 7051). Another enticing one worth trying is the Ah! Guest House, a very comfortable thatched home 30 metres from the beach. Rates range from R375-R600 per person (tel: 082 464 5898). All these guesthouses are available on the www.stayinpaternoster.co.za website. You can also try the www.safarinow.com website for a large selection of self-catering options.
Hotels in Greece
Q: We are going to Greece in June for 2 weeks and would like to know of cheap accommodation in Athens. Also which islands do you recommend visiting and where would you recommend staying – also reasonably priced. - Lorraine du Buisson
The best areas to stay in are those bordering the Acropolis and the archaeological around it. Among these are the Plaka, Makrianni, Koukaki, Thission, Syntagma and Monastiraki. They have everything you will need as a tourist. Now using the euro currency, hotels in Athens are no longer cheap, especially in high season. You can expect to pay 60-90 euros for a double room at a decent hotel in a good location. One of the highly recommended hotels is the Hotel Attalos, which is located near the Plaka at reasonable rates. (www.attaloshotel.com). Another is the Adonis Hotel, which has nice, modern rooms on a pedestrian street near the Plaka (www.hotel-adonis.gr) or the Cecil Hotel, housed in a neo-classical building in the heart of old Athens near the Acropolis (www.cecil.gr). For a very comfortable hotel in a good location you could stretch your budget to the Plaka Hotel, but use discount websites to get the best rate (www.asiarooms.com).
You do not need to book your island trips in advance, seeing you are travelling in June (July and August are very different). You can use a travel agent in Athens, who will arrange your ferry (or flight) ticket and accommodation for you, generally at lower prices than you can get outside of the country. At least you won't be stuck with a hotel room that you can't get to. You can also take a chance on finding a bargain from one of the vendors that crowd any port when a ferry arrives. When it comes to deciding which islands to visit, you have a huge choice. However, the picture-postcard islands (and the most popular) are Mykonos and Santorini. With its little white houses, gorgeous beaches and exciting nightlife, Mykonos fulfills most people's "island dream" and in June it won't be crowded and noisy. For a touch of history, visit Delos only a 20-minute boat ride away. Santorini is famous for its fabulous views from its cliffside villas, reachable by donkey ride from the ferry landing and beach down below. Alternative islands you might consider are Naxos (my favourite, a quiet, relaxed agricultural island) and Paros (a quieter version of Mykonos). However, discuss your requirements with a travel agent in Athens and they will be able to give you the best up-to-date advice.
The best areas to stay in are those bordering the Acropolis and the archaeological around it. Among these are the Plaka, Makrianni, Koukaki, Thission, Syntagma and Monastiraki. They have everything you will need as a tourist. Now using the euro currency, hotels in Athens are no longer cheap, especially in high season. You can expect to pay 60-90 euros for a double room at a decent hotel in a good location. One of the highly recommended hotels is the Hotel Attalos, which is located near the Plaka at reasonable rates. (www.attaloshotel.com). Another is the Adonis Hotel, which has nice, modern rooms on a pedestrian street near the Plaka (www.hotel-adonis.gr) or the Cecil Hotel, housed in a neo-classical building in the heart of old Athens near the Acropolis (www.cecil.gr). For a very comfortable hotel in a good location you could stretch your budget to the Plaka Hotel, but use discount websites to get the best rate (www.asiarooms.com).
You do not need to book your island trips in advance, seeing you are travelling in June (July and August are very different). You can use a travel agent in Athens, who will arrange your ferry (or flight) ticket and accommodation for you, generally at lower prices than you can get outside of the country. At least you won't be stuck with a hotel room that you can't get to. You can also take a chance on finding a bargain from one of the vendors that crowd any port when a ferry arrives. When it comes to deciding which islands to visit, you have a huge choice. However, the picture-postcard islands (and the most popular) are Mykonos and Santorini. With its little white houses, gorgeous beaches and exciting nightlife, Mykonos fulfills most people's "island dream" and in June it won't be crowded and noisy. For a touch of history, visit Delos only a 20-minute boat ride away. Santorini is famous for its fabulous views from its cliffside villas, reachable by donkey ride from the ferry landing and beach down below. Alternative islands you might consider are Naxos (my favourite, a quiet, relaxed agricultural island) and Paros (a quieter version of Mykonos). However, discuss your requirements with a travel agent in Athens and they will be able to give you the best up-to-date advice.
Afternoon tea in London
Q: During a visit to London in July, I would like to impress friends by taking them for a traditional English tea at one of the posh establishments. However, I would prefer to find a spot that has not been overtaken by tourists. Do you have some hidden gems up your sleeve? - Andrea Berry
A: After consulting friends in London, I received a pretty diverse list of places to go, proof that the afternoon tea is still very popular. Most people topped their lists with the "Pret-a-Portea" at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, a rather quirky choice. Besides a wide selection of teas, the cakes and sweets replicate the shoes, handbags and other creations of top fashion designers. Hotel guests, businessmen and society dames get to nibble away at Manolo Blahnik stilettos and Christian Dior handbags - based on their very latest ranges. I am assured it is all far less "cheesey" than it sounds and the experience certainly won't be forgotten. Reservations are recommended. Available from 1pm-6pm for 40 British pounds. For a really classy affair, head for Apsleys at the Lanesborough Hotel in Belgravia. The afternoon tea is given an international twist with selected foreign dishes and the city's first tea sommelier, but the sense of tradition and "old money" hangs heavily in this rarified air. Afternoon tea is served from 4-6pm for around 25 pounds (www.lanesborough.com). If you really want to show off your "insider" knowledge of London, surprise your guests with tea at the Tangerine Dream Cafe at the Chelsea Psychic Garden. The garden was set up in 1673 to study medicinal plants and is located off Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea near the Thames. Place your order in the rather plain tearoom and then carry your meal out onto the lovely terrace. The menu is a la carte, with some delicious savoury choices, such as crostini of buffalo mozzarella and tapenade and the regular scones, tarts and cakes. Tea and entrance will cost around 15 pounds. Find details and days of operation of the Tangerine Dream Cafe on the Internet (www.chelseapsychicgarden.co.uk). Surprisingly, Harrods is still regarded as a respectable choice for tea, but avoid the sprawling Georgian Restaurant on the fourth floor and head instead for Laduree Tearoom on the ground floor. With its own entrance on Hans Road, this is where well-heeled local residents pop in for take-aways from a macaroon boutique or tea with cake and scones at tables in the double-storey tearoom. Afternoon tea is served from 3.30-6pm for around 27 pounds (www.laduree.com).
A: After consulting friends in London, I received a pretty diverse list of places to go, proof that the afternoon tea is still very popular. Most people topped their lists with the "Pret-a-Portea" at the Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge, a rather quirky choice. Besides a wide selection of teas, the cakes and sweets replicate the shoes, handbags and other creations of top fashion designers. Hotel guests, businessmen and society dames get to nibble away at Manolo Blahnik stilettos and Christian Dior handbags - based on their very latest ranges. I am assured it is all far less "cheesey" than it sounds and the experience certainly won't be forgotten. Reservations are recommended. Available from 1pm-6pm for 40 British pounds. For a really classy affair, head for Apsleys at the Lanesborough Hotel in Belgravia. The afternoon tea is given an international twist with selected foreign dishes and the city's first tea sommelier, but the sense of tradition and "old money" hangs heavily in this rarified air. Afternoon tea is served from 4-6pm for around 25 pounds (www.lanesborough.com). If you really want to show off your "insider" knowledge of London, surprise your guests with tea at the Tangerine Dream Cafe at the Chelsea Psychic Garden. The garden was set up in 1673 to study medicinal plants and is located off Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea near the Thames. Place your order in the rather plain tearoom and then carry your meal out onto the lovely terrace. The menu is a la carte, with some delicious savoury choices, such as crostini of buffalo mozzarella and tapenade and the regular scones, tarts and cakes. Tea and entrance will cost around 15 pounds. Find details and days of operation of the Tangerine Dream Cafe on the Internet (www.chelseapsychicgarden.co.uk). Surprisingly, Harrods is still regarded as a respectable choice for tea, but avoid the sprawling Georgian Restaurant on the fourth floor and head instead for Laduree Tearoom on the ground floor. With its own entrance on Hans Road, this is where well-heeled local residents pop in for take-aways from a macaroon boutique or tea with cake and scones at tables in the double-storey tearoom. Afternoon tea is served from 3.30-6pm for around 27 pounds (www.laduree.com).
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