Accommodation...
If your like me, you like to know in advance what your accommodation is like, to prevent any nasty surprises. You will receive all details of your hotels about a month prior to your departure. But as I was booked and ready to go 12 months in advance, I had plenty of time on my hands. So I researched a lot of hotels mentioned In the Rick Steves' books. Some of which we ended up staying in. To save you time I will show you pictures of the ones we were fortunate enough to stay in.
When we first arrived we were very jet lagged, and it was only 8.30 am and our rooms were not ready yet. We had flown in a day before the tour started. While waiting for our rooms we were able to spread out in the lovely terrace that spans the two buildings. My initial reaction to the rooms, were that they were old, but clean. We were soon to learn that everything in Rome is old (really old) and crumbling. Now in hindsight the rooms were fine. At the end of the day, you only sleep and shower in your room. WiFi is available in the terrace and reception area. Although our room backed onto reception, if we sat close to the window we got WiFi. There is to much to see and do to waste time in your room. The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the hotel Nardizzi.
Tuscany
Tenuta il Burchio
This was a beautiful place to stay, just like a typical Tuscan Villa. The rooms were lovely, and we really enjoyed our time in the pool at the end of each day. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. WiFi available in the Villa. We had both our evening meals here as a group and they were delicious.
Tenuta il Burchio
This was a beautiful place to stay, just like a typical Tuscan Villa. The rooms were lovely, and we really enjoyed our time in the pool at the end of each day. The staff were very friendly and accommodating. WiFi available in the Villa. We had both our evening meals here as a group and they were delicious.
Austria
Gutshof zum Schluxen
Switzerland
Hotel Falken
This was one of my favorite places to say. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular. The hotel itself was like staying at big old country house. There were no TV's in the room, not that they were needed. Downstairs was a big communal lounge with separate reading areas, games rooms, and TV room. We all gathered in the communal lounge each night after our lovely meals together in the dinning room. WiFi was available in this area. However we were in luck again as our room was positioned two floors directly above the office, so in certain positions in our room it was available.
Hotel Falken
This was one of my favorite places to say. The scenery was nothing short of spectacular. The hotel itself was like staying at big old country house. There were no TV's in the room, not that they were needed. Downstairs was a big communal lounge with separate reading areas, games rooms, and TV room. We all gathered in the communal lounge each night after our lovely meals together in the dinning room. WiFi was available in this area. However we were in luck again as our room was positioned two floors directly above the office, so in certain positions in our room it was available.
Burgundy Hotel Les Grands Chenes We had an absolute glorious time staying at the Chateau. The main building is gorgeous, as is all the outer buildings which have been converted into little cottages. WiFi is available in most of the buildings, it can drop in an out if to many people are using it at once, but once again can you be bothered. The grounds are magnificent. The hosts couldn't be any more hospitable and welcoming. |
Paris Adagio Paris Bercy Village This was our last stop on the tour. Compared to all our previous hotels this one was extremely modern. It was a shame as we had all got used to the quaint charms of the smaller more intimate hotels. This hotel was only about two years old and very large. However there was no real communal area as in the previous hotels other than the main foyer. But once again, we only slept there. |