Archive for February, 2007
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
This was our final day in Granada. Sadly the weather had done nothing but worsen over night so the Alhambra was out of the question. All this meant now was that I would be returning in the summer to see it all again!
We had four appointments to make, they included Hotel Molinos, Hotel Plaza Neuva, Hotel las Nieves and Oasis Backpackers’ Hostel Granada.
All situated in very central Granada all properties are lovely. There is a general standard in all Spanish properties. All of exceptionally clean and tidy and all have wonderful and passionate staff.
The Oasis Backpackers’ is a wonderful place. It’s what I would consider a proper old school hostel. The property itself is spacious and the dorms are wonderful. However basic they still have a special charm and the communal areas within the hostel are great. Its still possible to have a bit of peace and quiet in the hostel if needs be as well as for those looking for a more social side a livelier kitchen and chill out room. Its location is ideal for the Granada night life. This hostel also has an amazing roof terrace which boasts incredible views of the Alhambra. Perfect for the summer!
After a quick lunch we went to pick up our things from the hostel and to say our goodbyes. We took a bus from Gran Via directly to the airport which took about 40 minutes.
Granada is a truly magnificent city! I cannot wait to visit again when I have bit more time and I have the weather on my side I will be sure to return. All the properties there are brilliant, there is something for everyone. From those looking for a bit of peace and quiet or those looking to party it offers it all
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
A quick tea and some toast and we were off. We caught the bus to meet with Victoria who manages both Posada Jose Bocanegra as well as Posada Dona Lupe. Victoria is delightful and so passionate about both properties. She took us around to see all the construction which was under way.There were many changes in place for the coming high season.
All the rooms in the first property we saw which was Posada Jose Bocanegra where the majority of visitors are students who are studying Spanish at the language school across the street were very basic but each was entirely private with a desk and which would be ideal for the clientele. The property is situated in an easily accessible part of Granada. With buses frequently passing its easy to commute to and from there.
Just a short drive away is Posada Dona Lupe. This was the property undergoing major reconstruction and refurbishment.
The entire place is being redone from the reception area to the tiling in each and every bathroom. This property is huge and boasts the most beautiful roof terrace as well as a massive indoor pool on the one side of the terrace. Come summer this place will be alive with activity. With the most incredible view of the Alhambra and the baking sun with a swimming pool just steps away I can’t think of a better place to spend a summer vacation.
By this stage it was already afternoon, so Victoria kindly offered us a lift to the next appointment which was at Backpackers Posada de Colon. This hostel is a true hostel. The dorms are basic but perfect for any backpacker. It’s clean, tidy and situated in a great area of the city.
We saw three more properties that afternoon. They included Hotel Carlos V which is a wonderful value for money three star hotel, the rooms are wonderfully decorated at set up. Perfect for those who have a tight budget but are looking for quiet, quality accommodation.
The next property was called Hostal Penelope, situated in the most wonderful spot and with its very own bar it’s a gorgeous place to stay. We met briefly with Sebastian who owns the hostal with a friend of his and he showed us around some of the rooms. All rooms were unique and clean and tidy.
Perhaps the biggest appeal to this property is its location as well as the bar next door. You can enjoy a couple of drinks right there and then make your way to the night club that Sebastian owns to enjoy the local DJ’s.
Our last appointment for the day was at Hostel Atenas, we met with Nacho, he showed us around the property, again this is another high quality value for money property in Granada. Situated on the high street it’s a perfect location. With buses directly to and from the airport leaving from that street it’s a great spot with endless restaurants, pubs and clubs around its also perfect for those wanting to experience the night life in Granada.
We had to get back to the Makuto Backpackers where we were staying as we had arranged to meet Yvonne for a quick chat and a show around the rest of the hostel. Having been wondering around we were exhausted, en-route home there seemed to be a bit of sunshine poking through the clouds so we were hoping it would clear enough to make it worth while making our way to the Alhambra but by the time we reached the top it had begun raining again.
I would highly recommend though that should you be travel to Granada that you visit it. From the feedback from all others staying at the hostel it’s incredible. If the views from the top are anything to go by then its certainly worth it!
On arriving back we had a quick show around the property. It must be incredible in summer in the warmer months as there is an amazing patio area and another great little tented part where you can enjoy a few drinks in the warm evening and listen to the locals playing the guitar. The hostel does have a truly wonderful energy. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly and are more than eager to help you find your way around Granada as well as offer advice on good bars and clubs to go and see.
We got back to the room and sat in the kitchen for a while discussing the day. With a little food and wine we were fast asleep by 11 that night. Exhausted, we were hoping though that the weather would improve enough for us to visit the Alhambra the following afternoon.
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
We had four appointments scheduled for the day. To begin with though we met with Antonio at Hostal Arroyo, situated in the heart of the city with access to all the best shops, bars and restaurants it’s a fine choice of accommodation. As with all properties we visited in Granada all are close to the city centre. The most you would need to travel is a short bus journey. The property was clean, tidy and well run by the most professional and friendly staff.
Having only just seen the city for the first time in the day light that morning it really was exquisite. It was sadly pouring with rain but the sights were still breath taking. We were having difficulty finding our way around the winding roads that surround the Makuto Backpackers hostel where we were staying but en-route we asked a passing student for directions and he ended up driving us to the front door of our first appointment.
The next property we went to check out is probably one of my favourite in Granada. Its called the Abadia Hotel, situated directly in the middle of the cultural and commercial center of Granada and just five minutes by bus to the Alhambra it’s a lovely choice.
The Abadia Hotel is located in a newly restored 16th Century building with extraordinary and fascinating features. The patio displays some beautiful stone work and paving and a central fountain. The rooms themselves are beautifully decorated. With lovely ceramic work and beautiful clay floors they really are warm and welcoming.
Following on from there we went for some lunch. We found a quant café just off the high street and enjoyed Paella and a glass of wine. The last appointment for the day was at Hostal Nuevas Naciones so we headed just around the corner to meet with the managers of the property, again this property was centrally located and had lovely clean and tidy rooms.
We had a bit of time to kill before heading back to the hostel for the night so we had a good look through all the shops on the high street. The shopping in Spain is heavenly with clothes and shoes that are great value for money. We had hoped to visit the Alhambra while there but the weather was making this unlikely. The rain continued into the evening and we took the bus back to right near the hostel.
The bus journey was wonderful as it took us right up to the Alhambra and back towards the hostel. Streets in this area are gorgeous, with many little side street shops selling beautiful merchandise from Northern Africa and typically Spanish attire there was lots to buy.
We got to bed quite early we thought we would save our energy for a night out later in the week
Saturday, Feb 24th, 2007
Categories: Granada
This time round it was time for me to take a work trip with Monica who works on our international sales team. She’s from Argentina and is fluent in Spanish so she was the prefect travel companion for a trip to Granada.
We took the usual trip on the Stansted Express to Stansted Airport. We were due to catch the 17:00 flight directly to heart of Granada.
On our arrival we found out that all buses had already stopped running for the evening as it was a quarter to nine so we had no choice but to take a taxi to our hostel where we would be staying for our entire stay.
The taxi cost us 30 Euros to get from the airport to Makuto Backpackers Hostel, the journey itself took about 25 minutes, the trip isn’t that far but when you get into the heart of Granada you will find tiny little narrow, cobbled streets which are difficult to get through by car.
Monica and I stayed in a twin room at the hostel which is part of a mini sort of apartment. Here you have access to your very own kitchen with all the basic necessities. The hostel boasts some beautiful decorations which the owners have collected over the several journeys they have been on around the world.
Each of the two private rooms available are totally unique. Although I think the noise level within the hostel was a bit of a problem because during the night time it’s very difficult to sleep with all of the action in the common area, one must remember though that it is a hostel and with this comes a very social aspect. This hostel is totally ideal for the seasoned backpacker who is looking for the basic comforts and for whom socializing with other like minded characters is a key factor.
That night Monica and I sat in our very own little kitchen enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while we plotted our week’s appointments out on a local map.
In bed by midnight we had to be up at seven to make the first appointment. As mentioned before sleeping wasn’t the easiest activity with the noise downstairs but soon we got used to the buzz and had a great night sleep after all.
Sunday, Feb 18th, 2007
Categories: Brighton
Originally we had two properties to see before taking the train back to London however one of them had to cancel so we went to see the later one first. We met with Hafed who manages the Beach Hotel. It’s a lovely hotel in a great location. Again it’s as many of the other properties are in Brighton, lovely and clean and tidy and in a great central location.
The two days in Brighton went really quickly. I was considering staying on for the weekend but was beginning to feel a little under the weather. We took the train back to London at around 14:30 in the afternoon, feeling exhausted from all the walking and the heavy night before both feel asleep on the train and only awoke once prodded on our arrival back in London
Sunday, Feb 18th, 2007
Categories: Brighton
Shane and I were meant to meet at Brighton train station at 9 on that Thursday morning. As thing go however the trains weren’t running to schedule so I ended up arriving early and Shane a half hour later so when I arrived I found a coffee shop in the station and waited for him there.
It was a gorgeous sunny day in Brighton but bitterly cold and windy which made walking around from hostel to hostel taxing.
The first appointment was with Hawken who took us to see both The Heathers and Willow Guest House. Both properties were lovely, although The Heathers is in a much better location as it’s just off the main road next to the beach.
Apart from the St.Christophers Hostel in Brighton there are few actual hostels. For the most part we visited B+B type accommodation as most are converted from homes.
From there we went to Budgies Guesthouse where we met with Frank. Again this guest house is in a brilliant location within a minutes walking distance to the beach. This guest house is impeccably well kept and both Frank and his wife are incredibly warm and welcoming.
By now it was lunch time and we went to the Amsterdam Café on the beach front for a burger and some hot drinks as we were still pretty frozen from having walked outside. The food was amazing and so was the view. Brighton in the summer months is bliss but I am not too sure I would recommend it in the winter.
The next appointment was at Gullivers Hotel where we met with Herve. This property is again in a great location right near the beach and also very well kept and well designed with lovely furniture and art work around the property.
The last two appointments for the day were at the Westbourne Hotel and Brighton Beach Hotel. Vishal and Anthony took us around, the Brighton Beach Hotel is actually on Marine Parade which is the main beach front road in Brighton so its location couldn’t be any more central.
By around four in the afternoon we had visited all the required properties and managed to squeeze in visiting a couple of other properties to potentially sign up.
Our original plan was to stay the night at the St.Christophers Hostel but we ended up having a night out on the town and staying on the couch at a friends place. Needless to say, waking up on the Friday morning wasn’t easy.
We went to a number of cheesy clubs and bars in Brighton and danced until about four in the morning. Having had about 10 tequilas we were well on our way. It was a brilliant night!
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
Sadly as we had so many hostels and hotels to visit we had little time to visit the many attractions in and around Naples. Today was all about visiting the properties listed on HostelBookers. First on the agenda was Hotel del Real Orto Botanico.
This hotel was exquisite with many beautiful areas to relax and enjoy a bottle of the local wine. All rooms are private with cater for anything you may need while visiting Naples. The staff too are incredibly friendly and eager to please. We met with Fabio who had plenty to tell us about the hotel. The hotel itself is situated in the historical centre of Naples and from the spacious terraces of the hotel you will enjoy a beautiful view of the Real Orto Botanico botanical garden.
The structure itself is hosted by a wonderful building which is elegantly decorated with antique furniture and great attention to detail.
Following that visit we were due t meet up with Arrigo and Alessia who are brother and sister. Arrigo and his wife run a B+B while Alessia runs her very own guest house. Arrigo’s property is called Bonapace bed and breakfast Porta Nolana.
This property is really exquisite as Arrigo is an architect it is clear from the minute you walk in the front door that space has been very carefully considered. This B+B is beautiful, it’s spacious and very well kept with brilliant original drafts decorating the rooms and bathrooms. It’s situated in a pretty intimidating road and from the outside appears to not be very spectacular but trust me, on seeing it properly from the inside I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Naples.
In between visiting Arrigo’s property he, his wife and sister took Gab and I for lunch at a local café. We enjoyed some lovely pasta and a couple of drinks before we where whisked away in Alessia’s car into the busting and somewhat crazy traffic that can inundate the centre of Naples.
Alessia’s property is called La Terrazze this is yet another beautiful property where you can experience some truly incredible views of the city. Situated in the old Town next to the Museo di Capodimonte, it’s in the very heart of the city.
The following three hotels we went to visit include Hotel Viola, Hotel Garden Napoli and Hotel Zara where all of a good standard. However the Hotel Viola is in need of renovations as all fittings and decorations are very old. Although clean and tidy it’s perhaps not as nice as Hotel Garden or Zara.
Having walked the city the entire day we had finished our appointments by 19:30 in the evening. We made our way back to our Hostel arriving there just after 20:30 and we did our usual grocery shopping which we prepared at Fabric.
After writing a bit of this blog and a bottle of wine shared with Gab we sat for a while with the lovely owners of Fabric Hostel and Club. They include Davide, Luca and Gianluca. They told us the story of how the hostel came to be and the immense amount of hard work each and every one of them had put into it.
After being open for just one year they have done exceptionally well. Having now had over 6000 guests it is no wonder this is perhaps the most popular Hostel to visit in Napoli.
I went to bed at around 22:30, I could no longer keep my eyes open after that wine however Gab stayed up until the wee hours playing table tennis against an old pro and a couple of the staff and locals, this just one of the many forms of entertainment on offer at this remarkable hostel.
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
We had our breakfast at the hostel and then spent a bit of time working out the exact whereabouts of each property of our map of Napoli. The city itself is quite big so I don’t think neither Gab nor I had realised how much walking was in store for us.
We took the metro back to the Central Station as we had done the night before and began the long walk to the first property. We battled to find the first place but all because we were unfamiliar with our surrounding. Eventually after several phone calls to Daniela we found her waiting for us along one of the surrounding streets. She along with her husband owns a number of properties around Italy so she had a lot to tell us.
The Dolcesonno Salita Trinita Degli Spagnoli was the first of her two properties. Being pushed for time we were unable to view the second one but she showed us ample pictures. From what we saw of the property in Naples it was beautiful, with many antiques and fantastic art work to decorate the apartment and the many rooms I would highly recommend this property to anyone wanting to be able to visit Napoli in their own time. The property itself is very bright and airy and full of character. Located in a very central location and what is know as the “original Napoli” it’s a perfect spot to get connections to Pompeii along with all the many other sights the city has to offer.
Following on from there and now running about 45mins behind schedule we had to hurry to find the next property. One of the few actual hostels within Naples the Hostel and Hotel Bella Capri was one place we had to make an effort to see. On our arrival we were greeted by the lovely Alfredo who is part owner of the property. He had offered Gab and I accommodation there for our stay in Naples but unfortunately we had to decline as we had already promised to stay at the Fabric Hostel.
We had a quick look through the rooms of both the Hostel and the Hotel. All were really great. The rooms of the hotel were a little more spacious some of which boasted incredible views of Mt. Vesuvius, the Sorrento Coast and the Isle of Capri.
The owners of this property are truly wonderful and very eager to please and help their guests. I would highly recommend this property for anyone visiting Napoli. The hostel is great for any youngster or backpacker and the hotel perfect for any family or those who would prefer a bit more privacy.
Next up on the list was the I Fiori Di Napoli B and B. Set on the 3rd floor of and 18th century building where at the beginning of the 20th century the famous Napolitan writer Matilde Serao lived this property has its own special charm.
All the rooms in this quaint place are tastefully decorated each of which also boasts some lovely paint work which is unique to every room.
The owners of this property are incredibly easy going and eager to help. With their beautiful dog Argo wondering about there is a real sense of family at this B+B.
So far the time had flown by. With two hours in between our appointments we thought there would be plenty of time to see some of the sights Naples had to offer us but sadly we just managed to make all of our appointments leaving no time to spare. The last for the day was at the Hostel of the Sun. When we walked through the door of the hostel we got a warm welcome from Luca. He has met some of the Hostelbookers team before so he was quite familiar with the workings of the company. He showed us around the property and we exchanged t-shirts. The hostel is brilliant, such a perfect spot for any backpacker as there are many like minded travellers around to talk to and to share stories with. The staff are passionate about travel, and they on a twice weekly basis hold small tours around the city to allow visitors to experience the best bards and pizza spots on offer. Well worth a money for such an authentic experience.
We finished that meeting at around 6 and we began our track back to the Fabric Hostel. En-route we found a supermarket to buy some goodies for our dinner. The plan was now to eat up then head to the Fabric Club/Bar to chill out and speak to some of the locals as well as some of the other travellers in the. A perfect end to a tiring day, we had the same ahead of us the following day so even though the temptation was there a quiet night was in order.
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
This week we were on our way to Naples, Gab and I left the office at around 11:00 to take the train from Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport where we would catch our flight to Naples. We had a bit of a wait at the airport so we had a drink and sat around talking before boarding our flight. The flight itself went off without a hitch and I think I had pretty much passed out by the time we eventually took off. With just over two hours flying time I managed to get a good sleep in while Gab read his book.
By the time we landed it was already dark in Naples. We took the Alibus to Garibaldi central train station where we would get our connection on the subway. Our accommodation was to be at the Fabric Hostel so we needed to make our way there.
We arrived at the Fabric Hostel at around 21:00 in the evening. Feeling rather tired from having done nothing but waiting and travelling all day. We went to drop off our bags in the room after check in and we found the nearest restaurant to enjoy dinner before bed.
By 23:00 we were in bed with al the necessary preparations in place for the following day’s appointments.
We planned to meet at 8:00 for breakfast so it was another early start for us.
Saturday, Feb 10th, 2007
Categories: Naples
I am writing today’s update from the aeroplane. Its been a terribly long day and both Gab and I are anxious to get back to London. It seemed thought that for a short while this morning we would be unlikely to make it back there because of the snow which had fallen over night over all of London. This had brought all airports to a stand still in the morning so many flights had been cancelled.
Sadly throughout our stay in Napoli it was poring with rain and plenty of hail which made the task of navigating around the city really difficult. The city in our opinion was pretty hard to get to know. Most cities I have come across on my travels were pretty straight forward and after a day or two one would feel quite comfortable getting around. Napoli as a city is a little scary and as a tourist I would highly recommend keeping ones valuable belongings at your accommodation as there are plenty of muggings taking place.
We visited two properties today, the I Vicoletti and Soggiorno Imperia Sas both of which were excellent value for money. The Soggiorno Imperia Sas is a wonderful place situated in the heart of the historical centre. All rooms are simple yet everyone you need is on offer. The staff are incredibly friendly and know all there is to know about getting around the city. I would highly recommend this property specifically for backpackers.
So now it is almost 20:00 in the evening and there is another hour of flying time left. Once we get to Stansted Airport we will have to make our way back to South London which judging by today’s events with the snow could be a bit of a challenge. I am hoping the next few hours go to plan.
