Posts Tagged ‘Hotel & Accomodation’

A Quality Stay at a Budget Hotel

November 29th, 2009

Newly renovated in 2009, Days Inn of Elk Grove, Illinois has received a Real Traveler rating of 3.6 out of 5 from 67 reviews across the web.

The Days Inn is the perfect place for budget travelers who are looking for a quality stay. Jodie Moore, Sales Manager at the hotel, interacts with guests on a daily basis and build relationships in order to ensure that guests’ expectations are exceeded. She elaborates, “The old saying that you get what you pay for isn’t always true.” Moore explains that the words “budget hotel” and “economy hotel” aren’t to be viewed as “bad words.” Instead, guests at the Days Inn Elk Grove get more than their money’s worth. Described as having a warm and sunny atmosphere, the hotel is a great fit for those who don’t want to break their budget. With complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi internet, and coffee service 24 hours a day, the hotel strives to accomodate low budget travelers. One guest describes the hotel as “Super clean, spacious, comfortable rooms, nice breakfast, and excellent customer service.”

Those traveling with pets will be pleased to hear about the “Pets Package” as the hotel wishes to “include everyone in the family whether they have fur or not.” From toys and treats to food and water bowls, as well as a guide to the area’s dog parks, this package is perfect for pet-lovers!

Continuing its commitment to its customers, the Days Inn Elk Grove makes an effort to get to know their guests, as each guest is treated as a person, “not a confirmation number.” One example of outstanding customer service occured last November. One guest, who had an extended stay at the hotel, struck up a friendship with the front desk clerk, Mary. When Mary realized that the guest had no where to go for Thanksgiving dinner, she invited the guest to her family’s home to share in their Thanksgiving festivities. Going out of her way to make a guest feel like family, Mary is a prime example of superior customer service at the Days Inn Elk Grove.

For those looking for a hotel that won’t break the bank, and goes above and beyond the old adage of “getting what you pay for,” the Days Inn Elk Grove is the perfect choice.

Hotel Monteleone Bringing Literary History to Life

November 20th, 2009

Family owned and operated for four generations, the Hotel Monteleone has received a Real Traveler rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 792 reviews from across the web.

Guests staying at this hotel enjoy its boutique atmosphere. After completing a 70 million dollar remodel in 2004 the hotel now has beautiful raised ceilings, upscale amenities, granite and marble bathrooms, and a roof-top swimming pool. Many also like to visit the luxurious Aria Spa. A rather unique aspect–the hotel is both a literary and historical landmark. With only three literary landmarks in all of the United States, this hotel has housed authors such as Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Anne Rice and Richard Ford–many of these authors have actually included the hotel in their works. Guest also enjoy visiting the “Carosoul Bar” made famous by Ernest Hemmingway’s writings.

Family owned and operated, the hotel is proud to say that many of its staff members have worked there for 25 years, some have even provided as many as 40 to 50 years of service. In particularly special cases, staff members have known guests since they were children visiting the hotel with their parents. With years of experience, staff at the hotel are known for their excellent hospitality services. Whether it is helping a guest who has misplaced their wallet, fixing a flat tire, or taking a guest’s dog for a walk, the staff is always happy to lend a helping hand. One happy traveler comments, “The attention to detail, the professionalism of the staff, and the overall feel of the hotel itself couldn’t be better.”

Overlooking the Mississippi River and the French Quarter, the hotel receives a 5 out of 5 stars for its prime location. One guest comments, “This hotel is the best—it is located a block from the French Quarters.” Close enough to the fun of New Orleans, but far enough from the noise, guests love all the action in the surrounding neighborhood. Described as a place for leisure travelers, Hotel Monteleone is also a great place for business travelers. With 24,000 square feet of meeting space and 25 meeting rooms, many business travelers bring their spouse along for an extended leisurely stay at the hotel. The hotel also offers a “Girlfriend’s Getaway” which includes the Tale of Cocktails tour around famous New Orleans bars and the “Romantic Interlude” package complete with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, a three-course dinner at The Hunt Room Grill and breakfast at Brennan’s.

For those looking for a piece a literary history, combined with the luxurious amenities in the the heart of New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone is the place to be.

Apartments and Longer Stays in Barcelona Tips

September 6th, 2009
Short-term Rentals in Barcelona, Spain
Short-term Rentals in Barcelona, Spain

For those from the United States  planning to travel to Spain, be prepared: the dollar to euro exchange isn’t what it used to be! To stretch your dollar, consider renting a short-term apartment in Barcelona (and indeed all over Spain and Europe) instead of staying in a hotel.

Apartments have many perks. First of all, you can cook in an apartment, which will save you money on eating out. Having breakfast and lunch in will save you at least 30 euros a day. If you share an apartment with a group of friends or your family, you can usually get a pretty good price per night divided between you. Also, cooking group dinners in an apartment can be a fun way to test out the local market’s offerings. After  dinner at home, head out for a night on the town – Barcelona will not disappoint!

There are many agencies that offer short-term apartment rentals in the city. One of the best, which mostly offers apartments in the old center of the city near many worthwhile tourist sites, is Akaza.

Another place to search for private parties renting out their apartments, is on Loquo.com. Careful though, Loquo.com is like Craig’s List, so there are some folks on it who are less than honest.