Tagged With "Galle Face Hotel"
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, January 19, 2015: Tango Goemba Monastery, Bhutan
Originally Posted by GarryRF: I was surprised to find the teachings of Buddha in my hotel bedroom bedside draw.. During a tropical rainstorm I was stuck in my room for a few hours. What a fascinating read it was ! Never had time to finish it. Had to buy a copy when I got home. My favourite quote was: "Man who commits adultery likes licking jam off a sharp knife" Lol, I love that quote, I'm going to have to use it.
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Re: Thinking Cuba? Tickets not so easy yet!
I've also heard that there are concerns not enough hotel rooms exist in Cuba for the expected flood of American tourists. Besides flights, it's important to have a room reservation at hand. I truly hope the flood of tourist money will be of benefit to the Cuban people whose plight I have great empathy for.
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Re: Thinking Cuba? Tickets not so easy yet!
Many Americans travel to the Capital - Havana. Its a big - overgrown and mostly poor city. Not really a flavour of the real Cuba and its people. Wherever you go on the Island they do 2-3 day trips to Havana. The stores are mostly empty and food is strictly rationed to the locals. So you'll be better going to one of the hundreds of All Inclusive Hotels that line the coast. Inclusive vacations fly from Toronto to Resorts all around the Island. Very much like Dominican Republic - without the...
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
It's a great photoessay of a special place, Travellinn, thanks for sharing these wonderful photos with us. I generally just traveled through Galle, never stopping much except perhaps to look around for an hour or get something to eat. The fort is very impressive, a massive structure of rock and coral. The last time I visited Galle was just after the great tsunami of 2004. The town was one of the most damaged by that tragedy as several massive waves washed through it. Hundreds were killed or...
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
How did you discover Galle ? Did you read of its existence prior to your travels ? Or merely stumble upon it and get the urge to explore further. It appears to be untouched by tourism - or is it on the tourist itinerary ? After all these invaders what language do they speak now ? Good collection of photos - gives a real taste of this town.
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Re: The Historic Fort and Town of Galle, Sri Lanka
DrFumblefinger, then you should absolutely spend some time in Galle next time you visit Sri Lanka! GarryRF, the plan was originally to go to Unawatuna (30 min away) staying there and doing a day trip to Galle. But after doing a little bit research online, we found out that Unawatuna would not fit us, and ended up doing the opposite. On our daytrip to Unawatuna we certainly got confirmed that staying in Galle was a much better option. See my thought about that on...
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Re: Boeing's 'Cuddle Seat' tackles the economy snooze
I can think up a few problems but maybe the've factored for those. it looks like,instead of getting your knees hit by a reclining seat, it could be your face. And I could imagine getting all twisted up in the straps by the time I wake up.
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Re: Boeing's 'Cuddle Seat' tackles the economy snooze
It looks to me as if any impact by the seat in front would be on the edge of your face pillow rather than your face. And since the straps go one over each shoulder, you'd have to perform an amazing contortion to turn yourself over and twist the straps. I've got a different concern: could I really sleep facing forward and down? Where do my arms go?
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Re: Budget airlines pushing seat squeeze on new planes
Thomas Cook do charter flights - they sell you a complete vacation. Hotel, food, car rental, adventure tours from your hotel and flights. Probably find something in there that's not up to scratch. But complain ? No... not I. I'm looking forward to your report from Berlin. Maybe we'll do a long weekend from Liverpool to Schoenefeld (nr. Berlin) Easy Jet do it for £25 - £45 each way. And for that price I'll sit on the wing for 2 hours !! Would TravelGumbo sponsor you to write a report on this...
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Re: How do you see Airbnb? The Times keeps track.
In the beginning, it wasn't so much not positive, as puzzled by what this strange new thing was. All the early articles try to explain by comparing with hotels, couch-surfing, etc. These days, things are often described as being "Airbnb-like." One of those Times articles, in late '09 or early '10, was the first I had noticed and it was a revelation, because we simply don't like hotel rooms. We love being able to be in two or more rooms, and do some cooking and feel like we're living...
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Re: La Chocolatta, Puenta Arenas, Chile
Visited the city as a port stop 28 January 2003. Cloudy when we arrived but soon the rain pounded us. Here's a pic of the maid's room in the Museo Regional Braun Menedez. A really outstanding lunch was at the Hotel Jose Nogueira's La Pergola restaurant while the rain showered its glass roof.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 28, 2015: The Golden Temple In Amritsar, Punjab, India
Again some amazing photos, Gilles! The people interest me as much or perhaps even more than the beautiful temple. Studies of the human face are often difficult to capture in a digital image. but these are great. Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Visiting Cuba.
Hi HistoryDigger. We always get the leader of the Animation Team - he organises the shows and dancing inside the hotel. He knows all the local places of interest. Obviously It depends on which region you'll be visiting. He'll organise a 12 seat Hyundai van for the day 8 - 4pm. Including gas and driver it costs us around $200 equivalent. (Divide that by 10 in the group) Lunch in a restaurant another $15 each. Nice tip for the driver when you start off and he'll be your friend for ever ! The...
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Re: Max Gate - home of British author Thomas Hardy
It was right at the end of about a week walking on that killer path, the Southwest Coast Path, and isn't SO far from Dorchester. But you don't need to be impressed, Mac, I ran out of gas just as I was leaving Hardy's Cottage to start back and instead of returning on foot, called the hotel and had them send a taxi to fetch us. But walking does put me in the mood to visit historic places. Arriving by car, which I've done with friends and in rental cars, just isn't the same. There's nothing...
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Re: Another Vegas Landmark Hotel to be Torn Down
The Riveria was one of the oldest hotels remaining in Vegas and I'm not surprised that it's on the chopping block. I am a little surprised that the convention center is expanding that much. Many of the hotels in Vegas have their own (smaller) convention centers, in addition to the large center that is near the old Hilton hotel, so there seems to be no shortage of convention space in town. Always I wonder where they'll get the people to fill these places, but somehow they keep coming....
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Re: Do Airlines offer the Best Loyalty Rewards Programs?
A very interesting interview...and one of the points that comes clear from it is the one I've always made: What are you looking for? He gives examples, for instance, of how younger people may want low-cost rewards (dinner, say) that they can get immediately. Others may be mainly interested in the free wifi, lounges and upgrades some hotels offer. And others, like I, who seldom stay in hotels (Airbnb, thank you!) are interested mainly in convertibility to air travel. For those in my...
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Re: Do Airlines offer the Best Loyalty Rewards Programs?
Agreed, especially if you are clever enough to find a great back door to use your points the way you like. I think the point of the video was that your hotel gives you a lot more for the money you spend there than airlines do. I use a generic rewards card in Canada that builds up a dollar amount of bonus. I buy the hotel, flight, car rental I want and the money is returned to me. That way it's simple and easy.
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Re: Venice gets OK to tax day-trippers
It seems in line with the per-night local taxes that many, maybe most, cities impose on hotel rooms. And since it was approved by the parliament, perhaps that's an indicator that something may happen soon on plans to keep the huge ships away from the city itself. One hopes.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#340)
Here is Friday's clue; after this there will be two clues a day. Meanwhile, a funny face and two topless females. It can't be a church – or is it? Does the inscription help to identify the location?”
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Re: A Month in Chiapas
I think I'd have to say, probably not. Neither was perfect and we're always looking for some sort of perfection, aren't we? I am certainly, not a member of the "it's only a place to sleep" club. It's my home for the time I'm there & even on a paltry budget, I'm fussy. I liked the 1st place, in part because I had it to myself nearly the entire 2 weeks. But the bed wasn't great. The 2nd place (located on booking.com, my other favorite site) was very comfortable but the noise would rule it...
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Re: Shelter in hotel: New trend?
For those with money to burn and a bit of disdain for 'the rest of us,' there's an alternative in Zurich: Le Bijou Hotel and Resort, formerly a luxury apartment building and now renting out as "quarantine apartments" for $12-14,000 a night. As an add-on, the hotel is offering a $500 virus screening test by a local clinic: "You don't need to expose yourself to infected patients and hospital infections: Together with our healthcare partner Double Check, we provide medical check-ups and...
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Re: Hotel desks disappearing in mobile age
I like having a desk in my hotel room. A sofa or easy chair would work, but I dislike working in bed. I hope we're given some options.
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France
We enjoy camping here. And we have our own equipment. And we can put it up in 10 minutes too. But going to an area of Europe and getting budget accommodation that's central to exploring Paris - Berlin - Munich - Marseilles - St Tropez - Brussels - the Spanish Costa's etc and all at a budget price. With toilets - showers - hairdryers - on site stores for wine and food - then even the Ladies can't complain. And a car park so you can be off touring the caves and vineyards. Staying in a Budget...
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Re: 'Uncomfortable memory' tour faces Barcelona slave history
It is good that a people face up to and learn from the past. We must learn from the lessons of history, but I do hope this will not become a "self-flagellation" exercise. At the end of the 18th century, everyone had slaves. Every people, every race, every culture, every country participated in the buying, selling and owning of other people. It was the norm. Fortunately, with a few rare exceptions, modern society has become enlightened and the rights of individuals is now a central focus of...
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Re: More trouble for Turkey: Delta cancels service
Hotel Voyage. Beach and Golf Resort. Belek. Turkey. Turkey is still a bargain. Don't deny yourself a visit to a beautiful country. The people are educated. well mannered and courteous. I'd be back there tomorrow if I could.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#157)
Time for today's clues.....some art outside the hotel. Where might you find this?
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Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling
We bought a couple of sturdy Samsonite hard cases in 2003; one is still going strong, the other sadly passed away last year - after being bounced up several flights of stairs by a hotel porter in India. We were very disappointed with the two new Samsonite spinners we bought following this incident. Expensive, but quite flimsy. We have already had to put in warranty claims on both of them and I doubt whether they'll see much of 2018.
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Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling
Isn't is aggravating to get a new piece of luggage from a reputable company and it just isn't the quality of its 'ancestor'? I'm sorry to hear this, but glad they were under warranty.
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Re: How do you buy your travel?
Interesting topic and rather timely as I am in the midst of finalizing my plans for my upcoming trip. Hotels: This upcoming trip the first I've used Booking.com. I have used a variety of sources in the past (i.e. Travelocity, Expedia, etc.) and have also found that booking directly through the hotel is sometimes cheaper...sometimes. But, I love the option to be able to change or cancel my reservation, if needed. Flights: I prefer to book directly through the airline. Have never used a...
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Re: How do you buy your travel?
For accommodation, I almost always use an online travel agency now. I've found that the prices are usually lower and i'm more likely to get an upgrade. There is also a recourse if the hotel tries to charge an undisclosed fee. Booking.com is my favorite, although I've been using Expedia, Priceline and Airbnb . Roger Wade had an interesting article about some of the reasons he thinks booking hotels online is the way to go now. http://www.priceoftravel.com/3...en-get-better-rooms/
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Re: Anatomy of a Trip, Oaxaca: Food
I think it was definitely the right place for me, Rob. And not entirely because it was so inexpensive but, in addition, it was inexpensive. Including abandoning my prepaid lodging and paying for another for 2 weeks in a modest nice hotel, the private mezcal tour and all other expenses, I spent about $1000 for the 3 weeks, not including airfare. That was $340 on Aeromexico. I think a return visit may be in my future. The 1 thing I'd change next time is I'd find an apartment instead of a room.
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Re: World's largest hotel to open in 2017
I know it sounds like sour grapes, but anyway: after experiencing big-hotel check-in at Las Vegas, I don't want to go to this one anyway.
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Re: World's largest hotel to open in 2017
Last night I had what seemed like a very long dream, hanging out with Joan Rivers. Not that it wasn't fun, but I'm as likely to think about staying in a hotel of this size anywhere as it is likely for that dream to come true.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, August 23, 2015: Victoria Falls - “The Smoke That Thunders”, Zimbabwe
That certainly brings back memories! Sometime in the late 1970's my wife and I were lucky enough to travel to Zambia and drove down to the falls from Lusaka staying at a hotel close by. The next morning we decided to follow the foot path that went down to the bottom of the falls, through the bush, well watered by the spray of the falls. It was only on arrival at the bottom that we were greeted by a large notice saying "Beware of snakes" at which we beat a hasty retreat back to the hotel!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, August 23, 2015: Victoria Falls - “The Smoke That Thunders”, Zimbabwe
I didn't know you could walk to the bottom of the falls... Must have been an incredible sight (and quite a wet experience as well...) Cheers, Gilles Originally Posted by Mac: That certainly brings back memories! Sometime in the late 1970's my wife and I were lucky enough to travel to Zambia and drove down to the falls from Lusaka staying at a hotel close by. The next morning we decided to follow the foot path that went down to the bottom of the falls, through the bush, well watered by the...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, August 23, 2015: Victoria Falls - “The Smoke That Thunders”, Zimbabwe
Originally Posted by Mac: That certainly brings back memories! Sometime in the late 1970's my wife and I were lucky enough to travel to Zambia and drove down to the falls from Lusaka staying at a hotel close by. The next morning we decided to follow the foot path that went down to the bottom of the falls, through the bush, well watered by the spray of the falls. It was only on arrival at the bottom that we were greeted by a large notice saying "Beware of snakes" at which we beat a hasty...
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Re: A shout-out for Ryanair...no kidding!
My reason for boycotting Ryanair is philosophical, rather than the practical considerations you mention and I'm sure I'm not alone. The few times I flew them I had no particular complaints. But at one point, after one more obnoxious attempt to get our attention by the CEO, I resolved that if Ryanair was the only way to get somewhere, I just wouldn't go there. I can only elaborate by comparing my feelings about the airline to those regarding some hotels. Under no circumstances would I stay in...
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Re: A kind word for Booking.com
That's good to know. Many companies don't understand how important good customer service is. Booking.com is my preferred hotel booking site when I travel abroad because they do such a good job describing the accommodations. You'll pretty much know exactly what kind of room to expect. Also, if you are a frequent user you qualify for your their "genius" discounts from select hotels -- an extra 10% off. Nice! For example, when we visited Palermo, we stayed at a top quality hotel with excellent...
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Re: Paris to set flat-rate airport cab fares
I like these set taxi prices because there are so many dishonest cabbies in the world. I don't mind taking train or bus if I'm not to tired, but sometimes at the end of a long journey I like to splurge on a cab to get us directly to our hotel. Much more pleasant that way and to me often worth the extra few Euros.
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rajasthantourism
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Re: Mediation for AA/US Airways Merger
In a nutshell: AA and USAir are making exactly the argument you are, and the Justice Dept. is saying, in effect, "We shoulda stopped them, too." Obviously a lot of issues (both in terms of fares and of maintaining service to smaller cities), but not clear why the line's been drawn here. Meanwhile, Texas pulled out of the suit, Florida may follow, mayors of cities with AA and USAir hubs have backed the merger, airport operators are chiming in...so the mediation may end up being Justice's way...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
A lot of questions! Let me try a few answers... Absolutely I'd say stop in Iceland. Every place in the world is unique, but Iceland is more so, geographically, in climate, and in history. Half a week (or even a week) won't do more than scratch the surface, but you'll be able to visit incredible waterfalls, climb on glaciers, see evidence of recent volcanic activity, and realize that under it all is a huge pool of thermally heated water that provides over 70% of the nation's energy. If that...
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Re: Is a stopover in Iceland worthwhile
Well, I said so much about Iceland, I decided to leave the rest for another post. Getting from Barcelona (or Madrid) to Lisbon: the only practical way is to fly. Train takes too long for this one, and costs more! From Barcelona to Lisbon, flights on Vueling, Iberia, TAP, etc. run from $35 one-way to about $80 before you hit the high-priced ones. I just looked in May; Vueling and Iberia have $68 in the morning and $35 at 7:30 pm. Madrid-Lisbon, there's a $40 mid-day flight, but most other...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 29, 2013: Petronas Towers, Malaysia
Yes, I have enjoyed the Empire State Tower visit but it has to be said that the Petronas Towers are into another league. Petronas Towers are probably just as impressive now as the Empire State was when it was new. Really an amazing experience and even more amazing that one can see exactly that view from the hotel room across from the the towers.
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Costs for the existing parks is mostly maintenance and salary. In the face of a broke federal government, I would favor increased user fees. $10-20 for a family to visit a national park for a week is the greatest bargain out there. People who love the parks would happily pay twice as much and I don't think the extra cost would be a deterent. Also, it's reasonable for those with concessions to pay up more than they are. They are given a monopoly and some of those profits should go back to the...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo ? #4.0 12/4/13
Wasn't that ship sold to be a hotel in Hong Kong? the scene looks kinda right for that. One of the Queens, I think.
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Re: Sri Lanka: A Land Like No Other (Part 8) Hill Country
Thanks, PortMoresby! There's lots of interesting places to stay in the Hill Country, some in tea plantations themselves. My favorite place here was the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. A bit of historic elegance. Where else can you find a "cigar room" (where men gather to smoke) and a "billiards room" anymore?
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Re: Name Your Favorite Restaurants for Atmosphere, Past or Present
Aalto at Hotel La Tour for their classic food and atmosphere
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Re: Hotel Rewards Programs. Worthwhile or not?
Using the points for the expensive properties works well. We have stayed at the Marriott very close to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It was a treat just to see the Leidesplein and Vondlepark from our room . We have used points to stay at the Hotel George V in Paris, just around the corner from Champs-Élysées . Why stay extra nights in Des Moines when you can be in Paris ? Not knocking Des Moines - but, hey, Des Moinesians would go to Paris, too.
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Re: Hotel Rewards Programs. Worthwhile or not?
Interesting to see this many people actually using hotel rewards programs for...hotels! I always looked for ones whose points could be traded for airline miles...not as easy as it used to be!