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Tagged With "Big Idaho Potalo Hotel"

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Re: Marriott buys Canada's Delta hotel chain

Paul Heymont ·
Hotel deals seem to be a trend...only a few days ago, Intercontinental picked up the Kimpton chain of quirky boutique hotels...
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Re: El Rancho Hotel - Gallup NM

DrFumblefinger ·
What a cool and uniquely American place! If the bed was comfortable, you've just given me the name of my next hotel when in New Mexico.
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Re: Gallery: City of Balconies

IslandMan ·
Great set of pictures, PM. The balconies are fascinating to look at and I certainly never tire of them. As you mentioned, the old and new buildings are similar in appearance and structure which is what makes Malta unique. I see you also stayed at the Castille Hotel, excellent choice!
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member

PortMoresby ·
In my experience, loyalty is built with perks the customer doesn't have to think about or read the rules to decipher. I always stayed at the same hotel in Tucson prior to flying out because they were happy to let me leave my car indefinitely. I didn't have to figure it out. The wifi issue is the same, just give it to everyone. Nickel & diming leisure travelers will, I suspect, often lead them to look at other options every time they book a hotel.
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member

PortMoresby ·
And let us not forget the dreaded "resort fees". Defined as meaning anything the hotel wants it to mean. And charged whether we use the facilities it's said to cover, or not. Look in the dictionary for the definition of "chicken shit" and you'll find "resort fees". If everyone must pay it, it should rightly be included in the room rate. Even my favorite, AirBnB, makes options available for hosts - cleaning fee, security deposit, a charge for more than 1 person and even possibilities for...
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Re: Marriott to offer free wi-fi to all its Rewards member

Paul Heymont ·
I will say one thing for Airbnb, as compared to hotel resort fees: With Airbnb, before you click, you see the total of what's included, and what goes to whom. The resort fee and some of the others are often a surprise on arrival...
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Re: Hotel rooms for Millennials

DrFumblefinger ·
I have seen the future. And the future has hotel rooms that are 90% bed (by surface area), 9% flat screen tv, 1% room for walking. No room for anything else. Except for the TV part, it could have ben Caligula's design.
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

DrFumblefinger ·
Bloomberg is a big business type publication so I believe they would tend to favor the big corporate guys. And the unions they employee. And the government officials these big corporations tend to grease. I personally believe in free choice. Let people decide where they want to stay. New York City, being one of the most expensive for hotel rooms in the world, needs more consumer choices in my opinion. AirBnB is one of the most innovative products to hit the travel market in a long time.
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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

Paul Heymont ·
As a frequent Airbnb renter (about 16 times) I obviously think it's a valuable thing and want it to succeed. I also think that there's room for reasonable regulation that's sensitive to local needs, and that a reasonable compromise can be found. Let's take the case of New York City...there is a real shortage of affordable housing. While it's not caused by Airbnb, but rather by a series of market issues that I won't rehearse here, it's reasonable for the city/state to ban short-term rentals...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 25, 2014: Waterton National Park, Alberta

GarryRF ·
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 25, 2014: Waterton National Park, Alberta
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 25, 2014: Waterton National Park, Alberta

DrFumblefinger ·
DrY is vacationing this week in Cuba, GarryRF, which we know to be one of your favorite hangouts. He'll get to you when he has reliable internet connections. I posted some photos of the great Prince of Wales hotel on my blog last summer which addresses some of your questions. Here's that link if you're interested
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#43)

PortMoresby ·
I see luggage, I see what looks like a big trash can, center through the trees. First thought is it's an airport atrium. Maybe a hotel but it seems to me a passage on the way out as the left end appears to be open. And if it is open that would imply an airport in a warm place. There's also an interesting buff colored wall with moorish-looking details on the very far side. Hmm. Andalucia? All shots in the dark, I really have no idea.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 25, 2015. St. Augustine, Florida

Travel Rob ·
The dining hall at Flagler College(in your last photo) is really something to see. The Tiffany Windows are incredible.I also love the concrete used to build Flagler college , former Hotel Ponce de Leon , made from the local coquina stone.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, January 19, 2015: Tango Goemba Monastery, Bhutan

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"
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, January 19, 2015: Tango Goemba Monastery, Bhutan

MAD Travel Diaries ·
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!

DrFumblefinger ·
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!

GarryRF ·
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: Budget airlines pushing seat squeeze on new planes

GarryRF ·
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.

Paul Heymont ·
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

Ron B. ·
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: Visiting Cuba.

GarryRF ·
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

PortMoresby ·
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

DrFumblefinger ·
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?

Paul Heymont ·
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?

DrFumblefinger ·
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

Paul Heymont ·
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: A Month in Chiapas

PortMoresby ·
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?

Paul Heymont ·
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

DrFumblefinger ·
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

GarryRF ·
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: More trouble for Turkey: Delta cancels service

GarryRF ·
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: May 4, 2016: The Pend Oreille River Valley, Washington

DrFumblefinger ·
If I'd been 10 seconds faster, PHeymont, that top photo would have had a bald eagle sitting on the tip of the pine tree to the left. Just flew away as I put the camera to my eye. But maybe that would have been too perfect.... Northeastern Washington state and the Idaho panhandle are really beautiful and not that visited.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#157)

DrFumblefinger ·
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

Professorabe ·
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

Marilyn Jones ·
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: Anatomy of a Trip, Oaxaca: Food

PortMoresby ·
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

Paul Heymont ·
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

PortMoresby ·
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

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 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

Grand Escapades ·
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

DrFumblefinger ·
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: Walking across the Ohio: Big Four Bridge, Louisville

Paul Heymont ·
No big city involved, but it reminds me of early teen years, walking the old railroad-then-highway bridge across the Missouri River from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. The best part was the birds-eye view of the tugs and barges, and the long views downriver. Sadly, that one is gone, now.
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Re: Walking across the Ohio: Big Four Bridge, Louisville

Samantha ·
Great post Jonathan. I love bridges and really enjoyed reading about this one and all its history. It's definitely being adding it my to-do list! Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Walking across the Ohio: Big Four Bridge, Louisville

DrFumblefinger ·
Great travel experience and a fun place from which to see the landscape! Thanks, Jonathan.
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Re: Paris to set flat-rate airport cab fares

DrFumblefinger ·
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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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 29, 2013: Petronas Towers, Malaysia

Mac ·
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: Where in the World is Gumbo ? #4.0 12/4/13

Dan Carter ·
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

DrFumblefinger ·
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

MelanieUp ·
Aalto at Hotel La Tour for their classic food and atmosphere
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Re: Gallarus Oratory, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

rbciao ·
Three more comments concerning Dingle: 1. Leaving the wharf/tourist area in Dingle and walking uphill into the central part of the town was very interesting in that we could interact with the locals and leave the hustle & bustle of the lower part of town. We stopped at a neat cafe for coffee called the Frog St. Cafe and we were the only non-locals in the place. 2. Between Dingle town and Slea Head is the Stone House Restaurant, which overlooks the bay and an ancient fort. The restaurant...
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