Hotel Reviews

Every time my wife's grandparents travel to Paris, they stay at the Hotel Bonaparte. When we prepared to head to Paris for our honeymoon, we followed their lead and book a room for three nights at the Hotel Bonaparte. The combination of price, location (in the heart of the upscale Latin Quarter), and charm (the same family has welcomed guests for four generations) is hard to beat. My wife and I love to walk and we could easily get to the big Paris attractions (The Louvre, Notre Dame, The Eiffel Tower) within a half hour. For those who prefer buses or subway, a bus stop is 50 meters from the hotel door and two metro stops are just down the street. If you travel one block east (to Rue des Canettes), a row of delicious and affordable restaurants cater to most palettes.

The Hotel Bonaparte ranks as a 2 star hotel and the worn interior is clear the moment you enter. However, the staff keeps the rooms very clean and our bathroom was clearly renovated (including a big tub for soaking). The manager remembered my wife's grandparents (even though it has been years since they stayed there) and was extremely helpful when it came to planning a walking tour or picking a restaurant. Everyone we encountered who worked at the Bonaparte spoke from functional to excellent English and were always eager to help. The croissants were a highlight of the wonderful breakfasts enjoyed in the quaint dining room or served to your room by a real French maid (complete with outfit).

If you are looking for a charming, quiet hotel in Paris that is comfortable enough for grandparents yet affordable enough for a young couple, give the Bonaparte a chance to impress you.

For anyone interested in being right in the middle of Barcelona, consider a stay at the Alexandra Hotel. Located five blocks northwest of Gran Via de les Cortes Catalanes between Rambla de Catalunya and Passeig de Gracia, the Hotel Alexandra is minutes away from some of the best eating and shopping that Barcelona has to offer, yet is just enough off the major roads to be a bit more quiet. Some guests have complained about traffic noise in the morning but that is the price to pay for being so close to the tourist heart of the city. Other guests found the rooms quiet and cozy.

The hotel offers 5 different types of rooms. The 54 standard rooms were remodeled in 2006 and offer the basic hotel amenities for around 100 euro a night (winter 2006 rate). The 35 Deluxe rooms run about 15 euro a night more and are basically the same as the standard with more designer touches throughout. The 14 Superior rooms (129 euro) are larger than the standard or deluxe rooms and are located on the upper floors (some with views of the Rambla Catalunya). If you are looking for top-floor luxury, the 3 Junior Suites or 3 regular Suites will cost you 210 and 290 euro respectively. Check out the hotel’s website for special deals like the Birthday, Anniversary, or Super Romantic packages; winter online discount rates; or a free breakfast buffet. Mini-bar and wi-fi service are available in all rooms for an extra charge.

Some of the very best hotels can also be some of the most unknown believe it or not. The Seven Bridges in Amsterdam is one such hotel. It features a great location, beautiful interiors, friendly service and an overall is a very good hotel. Some even say it’s the most romantic little hotel in all of Amsterdam. 300-years ago, the Seven Bridges was a merchant's house. It is located where Herensgracht and Keizersgracht meet beneath seven small arched bridges.

Are you inspired by interior decorating? You'll find inspiration here. Although there are only eight rooms, they are all styled in their own way with antique bedspreads, wooden floors, exquisite rugs and mirrors as well as "art deco" themed bathrooms. The hotel is a tall, narrow building and has no communal dining room. Rooms range from £70-£200 a night.

If you want to see the city, get away from the touristy places close to the train station and go towards the canals. There, you will see the true character of the city. Stroll around, sample the local fare and pick up a few souvenirs.

Amsterdam - and the Seven Bridges hotel will be remembered for a lifetime.

Stay in one of the coolest little hotels in Spain, the Casa Camper. Its hip, it's happening, and it has nice rooms. You'll enjoy all the little comforts and facilities, which include complimentary food and some of the best views in the city at the roof terrace.

The rooms are a little unique, as the bedroom and living area are distinctly separate. The living area features a comfortable sofa, and a "state if the art" television. But, the beds are incredible and each bathroom is exquisite. Need some slippers and a bathrobe? No problem, they can accommodate you. There's also a very welcoming hammock for relaxation. The buffet breakfast and lunches are very good.

Casa Camper is very close to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), the Centre of Contemporary Culture (CCCB), the Ramblas and El Raval's trendiest bars and restaurants. They even have a free 24-hour serve-yourself cafeteria in the lobby and the private 'mini-lounge' across a corridor from each room. The bedrooms are great - every amenity has been accounted for. Be sure to get a standard room. They are better than the suites, offering two separate spaces for the price of one.

Looking for a good time to go? June for the annual Sónar International Festival of Advanced Music and Multimedia Art.

Casa Camper Barcelona, Carrer Elisabets 11, Barcelona, Spain (00 34 93 342 62 80; fax: 342 75 63; or visit the web Casa Camper web site.

The Swissotel Berlin is relatively new, opening in 2001. It's got a great location too - right in the center of the city, on its most famous streets, the Kurfrstendamm, and the Gedchtniskirche. The hotel features 316 nicely appointed rooms. If you are a business traveler, you'll find the hotel is perfect for your needs; it is hi tech equipped, and provides all the necessary services. The Swissotel has two Executive Levels, which feature the ultimate in style and comfort.

The Swissotel restaurant is great too, designed in a contemporary look and feel. For private functions, it has three exclusive private dining rooms. The cuisine is innovative and delectable. Looking for the bar? You found it. The Palermo Bar and Grande Galerie are perfect for enjoying a drink and meeting new people.

Also - get this - Every room has a Lavazza espresso machine along with a Bang & Olufsen stereo. How about that? If you are looking to take the party outside, you'll enjoy cruising the downtown western Berlin area.

Augsburger Strasse 44 Postcode: 10789 Tel: 22 01 00 Fax: 2 20 10 22 22

Email: berlin@swissotel.com Website: www.swissotel.com Location: 400 yds SW of Europa Center, on busy crossroads in city centre. Bus stop 100 yds. Augsburgerstrasse underground 200 yds.