Here are all of the reviews of each of the Airbnbs and hotels via Booking.com that I have been to - this blog will be regularly updated for you!
TIRANA, ALBANIA
NOVEMBER 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on booking.com
I stayed in the heart of Tirana at Hotel Antigone. The hotel felt more of a boutique hotel and it wasn't very popular, but still it had good reviews. Well centrally located, and the room and the bed itself was quite nice. Breakfast was included, albeit nothing special but still a nice gesture. For the price I paid, €49 for 2 people for 1 night, I definitely couldn't complain! All rooms are fitted with a terrace with a garden view and feature a private bathroom with a shower, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV...
Click on the link to find more information: Hotel Antigone - Hotels Albania
BOLOGNA, ITALY
OCTOBER 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on www.booking.com
Right next to the Bologna Centrale train station and about 1km away from the city centre, BellaBo Apartment was just the place we needed to stay. With an easy check in system, no one to meet and the keys ready for when you arrive, it was perfect for arriving at any time. The apartment itself features 1 bedroom, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a bidet. Simple but fine. 2 nights here was about €200 for 2 people, equating to €50 a night per person, not bad...
Click on the link to find more information: BellaBo Apartment, Bologna
SEVILLA, SPAIN
SEPTEMBER 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Hoteles del Sur
Located in the old town of Sevilla, Spain, you will find Hoteles De Sur, an apartment complex made up of two historic neighbourhood corrals: El Corral de Manolo Caracol and El Corral de Don Fadrique. It is located in the area of Alameda de Hércules, one of the most significant areas of the city. You will find here a wide variety of bars, restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy traditional Sevillian food. The rooms themselves are very spacious and bright. They are fully equipped with Air conditioning (essential for Sevilla!) a private bathroom, large bed, television, Kitchen, etc...
Click on the link to find more information: Hoteles del Sur
KEFLAVIK, ICELAND
AUGUST 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on bankguesthouse.is
Located just towards the south-east of Keflavik International Airport, the Bank Guesthouse is a great place to choose to stay if you've arrived late or have to catch an early morning flight. The rooms themselves seem to be individual here, and they were pretty basic to be honest, and nothing too special. At the guest house the units are fitted with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a shared bathroom, and all units feature private entrance. Whilst we were here we were very close to the volcanic eruption that occurred in August 2024...
Click on the link to find more information: bankguesthouse.is
VIK, ICELAND
AUGUST 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown skammidalur.is
Just 10 minutes away by car from Vik in South Iceland and 20 minutes away from Skogafoss Waterfall, Skammidalur Cottages are a perfect place to stay for a rural getaway. There are 8 cottages in total, 4 in front and 4 behind, but staggered so each cottage has its own view. They are completely secluded and peaceful, located at the foothills of the Katla Volcano. All units come with a balcony with sea views, a kitchenette with a fridge and a dishwasher, and a private bathroom with shower...
Click on the link to find more information: Skammidalur – Guesthouse
SELFOSS, ICELAND
AUGUST 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on selfosshostel.is
After a long day exploring on the Golden Circle route, pass through the centre of Selfoss and just off the main road you can find the Selfoss HI Hostel. Rooms at Selfoss Hostel have views of either the garden or of Ingolfsfjall Mountain. Each has an in-room wash basin and access to shared bathroom and kitchen facilities. Again here you can choose to share in an 8 bed dormitory or have some privacy in your own private room, perfect for couples...
Click on the link to find more information: Selfoss Hostel
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
AUGUST 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Bus Hostel (bushostelreykjavik.com)
The Bus Hostel is located at the Bus Terminal in the city of Reykjavik; this makes it easy to hop on a bus to go tour around the island as many tour groups operate from here. The hostel itself is located about a 20-25 minute walk away from the city centre, with the nearest attraction being Hallgrimskirkja Cathedral and the Perlan Museum. Go for a private room or join the rest of the travellers in a shared room, the choice is up to you. This hostel is nice and modern and we had a pleasant stay here...
Click on the link to find more information: Bus Hostel
MENORCA, SPAIN JULY 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Located in the touristic town of Binibeca in the south of the island of Menorca, Caliu Binivell Park Apartments is a great place to unwind and relax. Essentially this place is full of white little apartments, it feels more like a holiday park more than anything, but still everything is very peaceful and secluded. The apartments themselves are fairly small but include air conditioning, and all apartments share the swimming pool on-site. For the weekend, Friday-Sunday it cost about €260 for 2 people, so it was a little on the pricey side...
Click on the link to find more information: Binivell Park - Caliu Apartments
KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
MAY 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Situated right on the waterfront in Kotor, the location is perfect, right close to the heart of the Old Town and with amazing views of the Bay of Kotor. In a historic building recently renovated Hostel Pupa provides adults-only 4 star accommodation on the seafront in Kotor. The owners offered great tips of the town with things to see and do, recommending places to eat. The facilities in the hostel itself were excellent, both in dormitories and the bathrooms itself - one of the best hostels I've stayed in! For 2 nights it cost me €47!
Click on the link to find more information: Hostel Pupa, Kotor
MOSTAR, BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA
MAY 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Hostel Miran Mostar is centrally located in the historical city of Mostar; it seems to be a house converted to become a hostel. The people who run the hostel there seemed fairly friendly, they offered tours of the local area including an 8-hour sightseeing of Blagaj Tekke Monastery, Počitelj, Kravica Falls, Međugorje and the War Tour. For just a one night short stay it was alright; costing just €15...
Click on the link to find more information: Hostel Miran Mostar
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
MAY 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Old Town Hostel is located right in the heart of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, so its easy to go and come back quickly every now and then; it's also surrounded by loads of restaurants. The owner definitely made the stay here memorable: interacting with his guests and accommodating to their needs. He even offers a Cliff Jumping Tour, whether you're a beginner or an expert, it was great fun and I highly recommend this! At the hostel, each room has a wardrobe, shared bathroom with a hairdryer, while some rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also feature mountain views. A 2 night stay here cost me €60, bargain!
Click on the link to find more information: Old Town Hostel, Dubrovnik
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
MARCH 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
On the odd rare occasion I book apartments to stay in rather than hotels or using Airbnb, and that's what I did when I went to Prague. U Zeleného Jalovce Apartments are located right in the centre of Prague in the Czech Republic, just a 5 minutes walk from the famous Old Town Square. Being so centrally located, you could easily go out sightseeing come back for a small break then head out again without worrying about wasting any time. The apartments all feature a flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. For 3 nights it was about €334, working out on average €111 per day, not so bad for being right in the heart of a very cheap city...
Click on the link to find more information: Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM
MARCH 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on www.claytonhotels.com
As previously mentioned further below, I've stayed at The Clayton Hotel numerous times but this was the first time in their Manchester location. Like other locations, The Clayton Hotel at Manchester Airport is a 4 star hotel which comes with luxurious rooms, including a comfortable double bed and flat screen TV. Downstairs, indulge in fine dining in their Aviator Bar or Grill Restaurant; and enjoy the wide selection of breakfast choices - the breakfasts here are always my favourite...
Click on the link to find more information: Clayton Hotel Manchester Airport
MADRID, SPAIN MARCH 2024
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on hotellifemadrid.es
Hotel Life is located right in the heart of Madrid, very close to nearby attractions such as Gran Via and Sol. This cute boutique hotel features a special room: guests will have a special experience as one of the suites features a hot tub jacuzzi. The suite also consists of a living room, separate bedroom and bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. I can't tell you I'm afraid how much this a one night stay in this hotel costs since my stay here was a surprise, but I'd say a ball park figure of €250 a night or so, a higher end price for a room with a jacuzzi...
Click on the link to find more information: EXPLORE HOTEL (hotellifemadrid.es)
MADRID, SPAIN DECEMBER 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on nh-hotels.com
The NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding is located in the north of Madrid, in the Chamartin district. This 4 start hotel was definitely one of the most fanciest hotels I have stayed in. The breakfast is superb, with a full range of continental choices on offer. For an extra €25 per person, you can head down to the spa (unfortunately it is not included), but it is definitely worth the extra! The room itself is spacious, contemporary, modern, open planned and comes with fantastic views of the city. I spent €200 for the night for 2 people, since it was a special occasion, but it certainly does feel like value for money...
Click on the link to find more information: Hotel NH Collection Madrid Eurobuilding | nh-hotels.com
PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN
NOVEMBER 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on marriott.com
The AC Hotel by Marriott Ciutat de Palma is located in the heart of the cosmopolitan Santa Catalina neighbourhood right nearby the promenade, perfect for the beach. The hotel has comfortable and well designed rooms, with 24hr room service, laundry, a lounge, an open-air terrace, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. During my stay breakfast was included, but for early starts, they provided me with a coffee machine in the room with coffee you can grab for on the go - that was a great touch! I'd stay here again for sure...
Click on the link to find more information: AC Hotel Ciutat de Palma (marriott.com)
SOFIA, BULGARIA OCTOBER 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on hotel-leda.com
Located on a quiet street in the heart of the city, Hotel Leda is within walking distance of key landmarks in the city centre of Sofia, Bulgaria. The hotel’s location makes it suitable for both tourists and business travellers. The reception is available 24 hours a day, and offers guests a complimentary hot drink in the morning with traditional local snacks. For 3 nights we spent €133 for 2 people; yes you can find places cheaper than this in Sofia, (and also more expensive), but this was great value for money.
Click on the link to find more information: HOTEL LEDA
STANSTED, UNITED KINGDOM
AUGUST 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on ihg.com
As a company approved hotel, I tend to stay at the Holiday Inn Express. As with my job there are a few perks; the price is fixed, transportation to and from the airport is free, breakfast starts at 4am which is great if you have a really early flight, and in the hotel room there are ironing facilities which is perfect for me to iron my uniform ready for duty. I've stayed at this hotel twice now and I'll continue to keep going back...
Click on the link to find more information: Holiday Inn Express London - Stansted Airport Hotel by IHG
DUBLIN, IRELAND AUGUST 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on www.claytonhotels.com
I've stayed quite a few times at The Clayton Hotel at Dublin Airport in Ireland, for business trips, with all expenses paid. This 4 star hotel comes with luxurious rooms, including a comfortable double bed and flat screen TV. Downstairs, indulge in fine dining in our Playwright Bar or The Italian Kitchen; and enjoy the wide selection of breakfast choices...
Click on the link to find more information:
STANSTED, UNITED KINGDOM JUNE 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
This double bed ensuite room with small kitchenette was probably the worst stay I've had at Airbnb. Don't get me wrong, for a short stay it could've been fine but for a long 6 week stay like I needed, it was not appropriate at all. Despite saying "small kitchenette containing a microwave, toaster, kettle, tea & coffee with wall table", there is nowhere to cook and no way to cook. Simply put it is a glorified shed, lacking in facilities, and overly priced. I paid approximately £1700 for a 6 week stay, I do not recommend staying here...
Click on the link to find more information:
CASTLE DONINGTON, UNITED KINGDOM MAY 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on stayviation.co.uk
I was looking for some kind of cheap accommodation in the vicinity of East Midlands Airport, and I stumbled across a site called Stayviation. Typically aimed for those working in the Aviation industry, Stayviation accommodates those who are looking for very short stays up to long stays. Simply put, rent a room and stay with a host family, and pay much cheaper rates you would do compared to a normal hotel or Airbnb. I stayed at Trudy's Home, which hosts 3 available rooms. I paid £25 per night, or an offer of £150 a week! Very pleasant stay with the family and I even went back twice to stay with them again! Would definitely recommend Stayviation!
Click on the link to find more information:
STANSTED, UNITED KINGDOM MAY 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Premier Inn.com
I never have a problem staying at Premier Inns, and the Premier Inn at London Stansted Airport was no different. With an amazing deal of £26.99 for a 2 course meal including drink + breakfast, I took advantage! Less than 10 minutes away from the airport itself it is in a great location and easily accessible, even better if you like planespotting! Just one night cost £64...
Click on the link to find more information: London Stansted Airport hotel | Premier Inn
EAST MIDLANDS, UNITED KINGDOM MAY 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
For a hotel attached to a gas station, it is more or less what you expect. The Days Inn by Wyndham Donington hotel was the cheapest hotel in the area - for 5 nights I spent approximately £173, averaging £35 per night. There is no restaurant, only a service station, but there is a Greggs and a small bar. Being just 20 minutes away from East Midlands airport, it was fine...
Click on the link to find more information: Days Inn by Wyndham Donington, Castle Donington (booking.com)
BATH, UNITED KINGDOM MARCH 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on www.haringtonshotel.co.uk
Harington's Hotel in the city centre of Bath is a fantastic getaway for a couples' weekend break; tucked away on a traditional cobbled side street that echoes Bath’s Roman heritage. This boutique hotel oozes high quality and luxury accommodation. Located right next to the main attractions of Bath such as the famous Roman Baths, Thermae Spa and Bath University - the heart of Bath really is right on the doorstep!
Click on the link to find more information:
The Hotel - Haringtons Hotel Bath | Official Website
ISTANBUL, TURKIYE FEBRUARY 2023
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Palde Hotel & Spa is located in the centre of the Old City in Istanbul, Turkiye. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries. Breakfast is available each morning, and includes a buffet with a selection of Turkish dishes. Relax in the sauna, indoor swimming pool and Turkish Hammam Bath. In my opinion the hotel itself is in need of a little bit of TLC and maintenance: the pool was cold, the sauna was not working and the breakfast was not the best. However for a 4-night stay here costing €195 (so just under €50 a night), it was not so bad...
Click on the link to find more information: www.paldehotel.com
MUNICH, GERMANY NOVEMBER 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Located directly opposite Munich Central Station, the Hotel Europaischer Hof in Munich, Germany is the ideal starting point for sightseeing tours, shopping trips, strolls and hikes through Munich’s beautiful surroundings. Some of Munich’s most beautiful landmarks and sights lie in just walking distance to the hotel. This hotel offers an incredible daily breakfast buffets featuring a wide variety of dishes made from local products. Definitely a great place to stay for a few nights!
Click on the link to find more information:
The Hotel at Munich Central Station: Hotel Europäischer Hof Munich
LERMA, SPAIN
AUGUST 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Hotel Rural El Cedro, in the peaceful, tranquil town of Lerma, was a great place to share a romantic weekend away close to home. For just €108 for 1 night, with its own swimming pool and spa bath, it couldn't get any better. Celebrating our anniversary, we were greeted with a rose, petals scattered on the bed and a bottle of champagne. As a welcome drink we were also given a beer (choice of drink) and sweets, and were allowed to enjoy it outside in the garden by the pool. It was the perfect place to stay for a romantic break, with great service and great facilities!
Click on the link to find more information:
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
JUNE 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
In the heart of the medina, and only 5 minutes walk from the famous Jamaa El-Fna square, the luxury Riad Ghali Hotel & Spa in Marrakech is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Its team will do everything possible to make you have an unforgettable stay. With its decoration borrowed from traditional Moroccan handicraft, it offers 2 patios with an indoor plunge pool, and a shady rooftop terrace with wonderful views of the city. This Riad in particular cost €178 for 3 nights. For more information about the Riad Ghali Hotel & Spa, check out "The RIAD Experience", since I have a whole blog dedicated to it!
Click on the link to find more information:
DUBLIN, IRELAND
MAY 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Premier Inn.com
The Dublin Airport Premier Inn, located next to the business-class facilities at Airside Business Park in Swords, was just what I was looking for during a short business trip. Just a 5 minute drive to the airport, or a 30 minute drive to Dublin City Centre, this hotel is easily accessible. The Premier Inn operates a shuttle bus service every half hour between the airport and the hotel for just €2.50 each way. Try a tasty meal at the restaurant, and then enjoy a good night's sleep in a super comfy Hypnos bed; also with a power shower and free Wi-Fi, the rooms have everything you need. This short stay cost me €153 for 2 nights...
Click on the link to find more information:
LISBON, PORTUGAL
APRIL 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
O Jardim da Tessa is a charming Bed & Breakfast located in Lisbon’s city centre. Breakfast is served each morning in the comfortable meal area, there is also free WiFi available, and a garden. Each room comes with a cable TV and has a private bathroom with free toiletries. O Jardim da Tessa offers double rooms and deluxe double rooms, the latter being larger and including a sofa bed. This delightful B&B cost €210 for 3 nights...
Click on the link to find more information:
BASEL, SWITZERLAND
MARCH 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Ibis Basel Bahnhof hotel on the border of Switzerland, France and Germany, is a 20 minute walk from the centre of Basel, and only a 15 minute drive away from Basel EuroAirport. All sights in Basel can be reached quickly and easily from the Ibis Basel Bahnhof on foot and by public transport. The Ibis Basel Bahnhof offers modern and spacious rooms with comfortable beds and a functional bathroom. And for only €93 for 1 night, it was a great place to stay to continue on my 'Swiss adventure'...
Click on the link to find more information:
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
MARCH 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Ibis Styles Zurich City Centre hotel welcomes you in the very heart of the city, located just 500m from the Central Train Station and the Old Town, and a 15 minute drive from the airport. With elegantly furnished guest rooms, a bistro and gourmet restaurant featuring fresh and local produce, lets you combine efficiency with luxury. This property has an optical illusion thematic. Situated right in the centre of Zurich, you can walk along the Limmat River or visit the fabulous museums and cultural attractions, the options are endless! 1 night here cost €124...
Click on the link to find more information:
ALCALA DE HENARES, SPAIN
JANUARY 2022
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on www.hcervantes.es/en
A surprise stay at the Hotel Miguel de Cervantes in Alcala de Henares on the outskirts of Madrid. This charming 16th Century former convent building is situated in the birthplace of Cervantes himself. Featured with a Michelin Star Restaurant, guests can enjoy fresh fish and grilled meats. There is also a bar, café, terrace and lounge with a flat-screen TV. For less than €100 for the night, it really is in such a great location...
Click on the link to find more information:
PALMA DE MALLORCA, SPAIN
DECEMBER 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Protur Naisa Palma Hotel in Palma de Mallorca features a restaurant, fitness centre, spa, a bar and lounge. This 4 start hotel offers free WiFi, air conditioned rooms with a desk, a flat screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy an amazing buffet breakfast served from 07:30-11:00, and take advantage of a spa centre and sauna. With a large salt water heated pool equipped also with a Hammam (Turkish bath), sauna, jacuzzi, water cascade, cyclonic shower and ice fountain. This place will certainly help you to relax, refresh and recharge! You can also discover a little urban oasis, the roof: a sky bar with an outdoor pool and an exclusive chill out terrace overlooking the city of Palma...
Click on the link to find more information:
SLIEMA, MALTA
NOVEMBER, 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Hostal Malta Md in Sliema, on the island of Malta, is just a 3 minute walk from the beach. The hostel has some good views and is in a great location by the marina. It is also very close to the Sliema-Valletta ferry port. In my opinion it was difficult to decide whether this place is a hostel or just somebody's apartment. I couldn't work out whether the guests were actually living there or not as some people were taking the trash out themselves for example; my experience was quite uncomfortable and I didn't feel welcomed there, but hey, I just used it to sleep and spent as much time out of the hostel as possible. Overall I was a bit disappointed with my stay here, perhaps if I was in another hostel I would've liked Malta better. This stay cost €29 for 2 nights...
Click on the link to find more information:
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
NOVEMBER 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Maverick City Lodge hostel is located right in the centre of Budapest. It has some great places to visit nearby, both touristy and for nightlife. The beds are super comfy and they give yourself your own privacy. Choose either a private room, which is equipped with a flat screen cable TV, or dormitory rooms which come fully furnished. Bathroom facilities as well can be en-suite or shared with other guests. The wonderfully eclectic streets in the neighbourhood are dotted with lots of restaurants featuring both local and international cuisines, as well as modern and ruin bars: all with their unique characters to explore. For €24 for 3 nights the Maverick City Lodge was exactly what I was looking for!
Click on the link to find more information:
MILAN, ITALY
NOVEMBER 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
For my first ever stay in a hostel, the QUO Milano Hostel in Milan was an incredible first experience! It exceeded my expectations; the facilities and the people there were amazing! Since it was my first time in any hostel I didn't really know what to expect. The hostel really tried hard to encourage the guests to socialise which I really liked. The people I met there were great, we had some really good experiences together and the vibe was incredible. Located in the heart of the city, you can literally walk to all the main attractions; to the world famous Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in just a 15min walk. One of the most popular hostels in Milan, my 2 night stay here cost just €57...
Click on the link to find more information:
BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
OCTOBER 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Bucharest Central Studio Apartments are renovated apartments located about 20 minutes walking distance from the centre of Bucharest. The air conditioned accommodation includes free WiFi, a flat screen TV, a kitchen and dining area, and a walk-in bathroom/shower (all in one). The apartment is in a rather run down building so some doubts arise about security, but for a super cheap price even for 3 nights, I can't really complain...
Click on the link to find more information:
BARCELONA, SPAIN
AUGUST 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Sercotel Hotel Rosellon is a 4 star hotel located in the heart of Barcelona. The hotel itself features a restaurant, fitness centre, a bar & lounge, and offers free WiFi, private parking, and air-conditioned rooms with a flat screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and take advantage of the spa centre, rooftop pool and sauna. For 2 nights a standard double hotel room cost €250 - and I have to say the bed that this hotel offers is one of the best beds I have every slept in, it was super comfy! Situated right opposite the famous Sagrada Familia, the Sercotel Hotel Rosellon is in a perfect location which offers a rooftop terrace with incredible panoramic views!
Click on the link to find more information:
LOS CRISTIANOS, TENERIFE, SPAIN
July 2021
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
Located in Los Cristianos in the South of the island of Tenerife, this apartment is in one of the best locations to relax at the beach, go hiking, or exploring, there are many things to see and do in the area. This apartment offers spectacular ocean views; with its close proximity to the many beaches in the area, just less than 10 minutes away. You can relax in the pool which is located on the top of the building with the best views to offer, or sunbathe on the spacious terrace watching the sunset. The accommodation itself is very comfortable and practical, with access to all places wherever you go. This summery one bedroom apartment cost €474 for 7 nights for 2 people - it was great value for money, and exactly what we needed to relax and travel around...
Click on the link to find more information:
LUGO, SPAIN
SEPTEMBER 2020
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Located just on the outskirts of Lugo in Galicia, Spain, Hotel Torre de Núñez offers spacious rooms with a flat-screen TV, 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and free private parking on-site. All rooms are elegantly decorated and feature a work desk, private bathroom with a big shower, some suites also have a spa bath. The restaurant inside the hotel also serves a à la carte menu, and packed lunches and gluten-free meals are available on prior request. I was only here for a night and it was a company paid trip, but I was very content with my stay at this 4 star hotel...
Click on the link to find more information:
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN
August 2020
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
This beautiful apartment in the Gros neighbourhood of San Sebastián, Spain, was a perfect place for a relaxing and well needed weekend away. Being just within minutes from Playa de Zurriola, it was in the perfect location for spending some time at the beach. The apartment has 2 beds, a double bed and a second one hides underneath (all of the reviews of this Airbnb actually say how good the bed is...and they're right, I had the best night sleep ever!) The apartment also has a small terrace where you can eat or have breakfast - that would be great but we never received any breakfast from the host, no coffee or anything neither, it was just 'AirB' without the second 'B'. We never met the host, maybe this is the new policy post COVID: avoiding contact, but regardless the host was super helpful. We arrived late about 22:30 and then on our final day asked if we could check out later since the check out time is 11:00 and the host allowed us to leave after 13:00 so we were in no rush! Generally it was good place to relax for the weekend (€258 for 2 nights)...
Click on the link to find more information:
ALASSIO, ITALY
FEBRUARY 2020
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
The Grand Hotel Mediterranee is set out right on the seafront in Alassio, Italy. It boasts a private beach, wellness centre and restaurant with a picturesque garden terrace. All air conditioned rooms come with a flat screen TV, a minibar and a private bathroom - some rooms even feature a balcony! The Mediterranee's relaxing spa is open during summer and include a Turkish bath, sauna and hot tub. Breakfast is of course Italian style, with sweet pastries, biscuits and fruit, and in the evening the beach bar serves grilled fish and salads, while the main restaurant specialises in Mediterranean cuisine...
Click on the link to find more information:
KUNOVICE, CZECH REPUBLIC
FEBRUARY 2020
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Booking.com
Due to its close proximity to the airport, Hotel Fabrika was set in a great location for a short business trip. Hotel Fabrika is situated in Uherské Hradiště, Kunovice; this 3 star hotel offers a bar and free WiFi throughout the property. There is also a restaurant serving local cuisine, and guests can enjoy a continental breakfast. The beds were not so comfy but for a 3 star hotel it could be worse...
Click on the link to find more information:
ATHENS, GREECE
November 2019
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
This apartment is located exactly in the centre of Athens, just a few minutes walking distance away from the main sites such as the Acropolis. The decoration is very simple, modern and uses relaxed colours. The apartment is fairly small but has a really cosy atmosphere. We paid around €170 or so for 2 people for 4 nights and was just what we needed! It really is situated in such a great location, you can walk anywhere and it is also very close to the nearby metro station. The owners were very kind and helpful, letting us check in early and even met us at the metro station to escort us to the apartment. I would really recommend this place; we really fell in love with Athens and with Greece during our stay here...
Click on the link to find more information:
CAIRO, EGYPT
October 2019
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
On our vacation in Cairo, Egypt, we had the pleasure of staying in this fabulous, open-planned, modern apartment. The luxury studio apartment comes complete with a bedroom and living room all in one open area, a kitchen and a bathroom. The shower is in the same space as the toilet without any glass divider or anything - when I first found out I thought this concept was slightly weird but then I got used to it and it made sense in the end, you just have to mop the floor. The apartment is actually located in Giza, but it is just a short taxi ride into the centre of Cairo (although I would use Uber in Egypt). The owner was very friendly and helpful, providing us with coffee and fruit for breakfast, suggesting places to eat, and even letting us check in in the morning. The apartment complex also has its own private security and the doorman was nice also; he made us feel safe and even gave us some breakfast one morning. I believe we paid €160 for 2 people for 4 nights and the price was worth it - all in all I would really recommend staying here if you're ever visiting Cairo...
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TOLEDO, SPAIN
August 2019
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
I stayed here for one weekend; everything was a surprise, the trip to Toledo and a night in this apartment. We only stayed here for one night (€80), but this apartment had everything we needed, it was a very modern, chic and a luxurious place which mixes styles and colours. In terms of its style, a group of architects and interior designers, have taken care of every detail, inspired by English styles. It is all open planned, the bedroom with the living room, and round the corner is the kitchen and the bathroom. The owner was very helpful from the moment of booking, he gave me loads of information on the city: places to go, things to see and do, and where to eat/drink. We were really welcomed to the apartment - driving through Toledo can be quite difficult with its narrow streets and he really helped us with parking. Breakfast was already prepared, fresh from his bakery and was simply delicious! After a long, long day of travelling and sightseeing the city, we were very happy to return back to the apartment and get some rest before continuing the next day. I would definitely recommend this place!
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MADRID, SPAIN
November 2018
Photos courtesy of the owner as shown on Airbnb
Located in the heart of Madrid, this fantastic duplex loft was a great place to stay. I stayed here for about 12 days whilst I was on a course in Madrid - there were 3 of us and we all shared this apartment. It has a modern design: on the ground floor consists of two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, and on the upper floor is the communal bedroom which holds two single beds and one double bed - hosting up to 5 people. We didn't really have an interaction with the owner, just with the security on sight, but all was well. It was a great place to study, nice views from the balcony and easily accessible from the centre of the city, right next to the Metro. We chose this specific place because it was close to where we needed to go for our course. We paid just under €900 for our stay - obviously we split the cost between us so it wasn't too bad, but booking apartments in Madrid can be quite expensive. All in all we were very happy with this place!
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Please feel free to contact me if you want more information on any of these Airbnb apartments or hotel rooms!
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