Friday, January 31, 2014

Introduction to the Netherlands

I went to Amsterdam 3 times. It is so beautiful and I had so much fun every time I went, but of course  it has problems like every big city in the world.

On the fun side, you can explore Amsterdam like the Dutch, from the seat of a bicycle. You will see that a bicycle is the favorite form of transportation for the people of Amsterdam and the best way for tourist to get around. From your bike, you can cruise by the curved canals, gabled architecture, famous districts, and even the well publicized smoke houses. A short ride in any direction brings you to any one of the famous museums and I am sure you will find a few surprises along your route.  For example, delicate Delft statues and table ware and markets with red and yellow wrapped rounds of cheese can be found in any of the border towns you pass by. Many have lovely sandy beaches that are ideal for a picnic if you are out of Amsterdam.  As you ride out into the countryside, you will find picturesque windmills and in the Spring, fields of magnificent tulips.

However you may see problems in Amsterdam as well. Recently, the Dutch have been seeing more crime that you would expect. I will talk about crime later so be sure to check out my "Being Safe" section.
 
Population of the Netherlands is 16,805,037 (July 2013 est.)
Area is 16,033 sq miles (41,526 km²)
Language is Dutch
Capitol is Amsterdam

Have a great trip  and safe trip to the Netherlands.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Where to stay in Budapest

Due to the turmoil that Budapest and Hungry have endured, it is difficult to find a hotel in Budapest that isn't modern architecture. For my taste, I think if you are going to spend your money, you should at least stay in a hotel that has some character. After all, absorbing the local character is why many of us travel abroad. That said, these are the ones that I chose for you, best location, best price and best accommodations.

Corinthia Hotel (5 starts)
For me this is the best Hotel to stay in Budapest. It is really beautiful, the rooms are very spacious.
The hotel is situated in a gorgeous building with an abundance of old style elegance. It´s located within walking distance to many of the sights and there is public transport just outside.

It was fully restored in 2003 while maintaining its neoclassical facade and it's two magnificent glass atrium. The fully restored 19th-century spa, indoor pool, saunas, steam bath, Jacuzzi, fitness room, massage treatment rooms, and more provide an excellent place to relax.





Address: 1073 Budapest, Erzsébet körút 43-49.
Phone: +36 1479 4000
+36 1 479 4000
+36 1 479 4000
+36 1 479 4000
+36 1 479 4000
+36 1 479 4000
+36 1 479 4000
Price starts at $184 dollars, very reasonable for a 5 stars hotel.



Regnum Residence (4 stars)
The Regnum Residence is very convenient and has some great, business friendly amenities.  It is located in the Castle Hill section of Budapest, on a quite street and within walking distance to Kiraly Baths, Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica. The guest rooms are quite spacious when compared to European hotels. They also have family rooms that allow you to stay with your children in comfort!  


Guest rooms have balconies with views of the river, city or the mountains. Rooms are air-conditioned and include:
  • Complimentary wireless and high-speed wired Internet connections
  • 32 inch LED TV's with satellite channel service
  • Complimentary newspapers
  • Direct dial phones
  • In-room safe and minibar
  • Personal amenities such as bathrobes, designer toiletries, makeup and saving mirrors, bottled water and coffee/tea makers
Housekeeping is offered daily.  In addition, you can request in-room massages, irons/ironing boards, and hypo-allergenic bedding.




Address: Ganz Utca 8 Budapest, Hungary 1025
Phone: +36 1 265 5090
Price starts at $75 dollars per night, extremely reasonable.

If you book with them directly, they will give 10% discount.

 




7 Seasons Apartments (3 stars) 
This hotel is ideal for a family or an extended stay. The staff is very friendly and it is convenient for shopping.
7 Seasons Apartments offers spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Budapest, within walking distance to Deak Ferenc tér, a major public transportation hub.
Wireless Internet access is available in all apartments free of charge.


The lobby has a 24 hour front desk local newspapers. All apartments feature an equipped kitchen and dining area where guests can prepare their own meals. You will find a 24-hour grocery store in the immediate vicinity as well.

If you prefer to eat out, you can find many cafes and restaurants close by. Also sites such as: St. Stephen's Basilica, the Great Synagogue, the State Opera House and the Hungarian Parliament are within walking distance.



Address: 1061 Budapest, Király utca 8
Phone: +36 20 274 7777
Price starts at $55 dollars



Reasonable Accommodations 
King's Hotel 
Sometimes we need to be frugal in our travels. If so, this hotel is a good choice.
It is convenient, located in the Erzsebetvaros area, in the heart of Budapest. It is within walking distance to the Hungarian State Opera House, Dohany Street Synagogue, and the Hungarian National Museum.  The rooms are clean and comfortable and they serve a breakfast buffet of hot and cold items each morning (surcharge). The Diofa restaurant offers Hungarian and international dishes, as well as a bar and a café.

Complimentary wireless and wired Internet access is provided in public areas. The multilingual staff can arrange business services and currency exchange. Laundry facilities are located on site. Guest parking is available nearby (surcharge). This pet friendly hotel is a smoke-free property (fines apply for violations) and specified areas are designated for smoking. With advanced notice King’s Hotel provides round trip airport service and train station pick-up
 (surcharge).


Address: Nagydiofa utca 25-27, Budapest, 1072, Hungary
Phone: +36 1 352 7675
Price starts at $33 dollars


Have a great stay in Budapest!