deal or no deal

Sometimes choosing a hotel is like "Deal or no deal." You can take the hotel that you have come across while you are driving along, or, and this is where Howie Mandel jumps in with the spiel on whether you have got guts, you drive on, hoping that the next town and hotel are just as good, if not better.

I started out in Ludlow where I spent a great night at the Charlton Hotel. This hotel had it all, great food, great view, and a modern bed and shower in an historic building. With that as a benchmark, I drove north through Wales, stopping in several perfectly lovely towns, but always wanting more. By noon, I was so close to the northern coast, I decided to go for it. Pull out the map and there is Rhyl. It looks like a big enough town . I get there and it is a crowded mess of shoppers, cars, and trucks. Now, the banker is smiling and thinks I should have taken the deal he offered earlier. I drive on, and it is not getting any better. It looks like I am going home with a $1 suitcase.

Then, there is Llandudno, a town on the map with the three squiggles that signify a pretty view of the North Atlantic. I am there, I am tired, it is raining, and my options for bigger payoffs are getting smaller and smaller.

The hotel is the Oak Alyn - not beautiful, but clean and close to the seaside. And, at 30 pounds a night with a full English breakfast, it is the bargain of the trip. Pay in cash because at this price the hotel owner has to keep it simple.It is a deal.

stratford

In Stratford-upon-Avon, I am staying at the Holiday Inn, located just across the canal that connects to the river Avon. There is a short walk to Shakespeare's house in the city center. The city has a great website with all the information you will need on what to do and where to stay.








The canals have colorful barges lining the banks. The river is lined with grassy parks. Swans glide gracefully by. Beautiful hanging flowers line most of the street lamps.














Shakespeare's house is well-preserved; a learning center connects with the house. Most of the other buildings built in Stratford are of a much later date. There is a drive to Mary Arden's house.

hotel pergola

This is where breakfast is served at the Hotel Pergola in Bellagio, Italy. Our room is directly above the pergola overlooking the lake.

The hotel is run by the mama, and her children, along with their spouses. A restaurant supplements their income from the hotel business.

will's choice - madrid

The drive from Segovia to Toledo is a straight shot to the south, about two hours as the crow flies. Right in the middle is Madrid.

In Toledo, we are staying high on a hill across the river Tagus from Toledo. The hotel is called Cigarral el Bosque.

Will's choice for tomorrow night is back in Madrid at the Ayre Gran Hotel Colon just to the east of the Parque del Retiro. For Madrid the price is right, coming in at 100 euros with breakfast, parking an additional 20 euro.

blue skies

Finally, blue skies, nothing but blue skies, no rain, no siri-miri drizzle, just the clear blue skies that make for a picture perfect day.

The room at the San Antonio de Real is modern, clean, and spacious. The hotel really is a converted 500 year old monastery, the church is still there tucked away in the back. The trip advisor reviews are favorable and accurate.



You can park right in front. Free wi-fi. breakfast included in the price.

hotel booking

In the past BC (short-hand for before computers and the internet), hotels were booked through the use of Fodor's, Frommer's, or by asking at the front desk for a recommendation in the next town. Now AC (after computers make it all so easy), I can go on-line and choose from a number of booking agencies that list all the hotels in the area, google map the destinations, and then list all the amenities and reviews.

The computer prints out the confirmation.

For instance, Will and I are travelling from Paris to Bordeaux, a distance of five hours. Booking.com lists hotels in the St.Emilion area, ranging in price from 40 euros to 400 euros. I was able to see pictures of the room, google map my destination, and check for parking and free internet connect. You can make the room reservation and incur no cancellation fee up to two days prior to the reservation. I got a room at Logis Hostellerie Du Château De Roques for 90 euros.


Let's see how it works.

finding hotels and hostels

If you are like me, a hotel is just a place to sleep.

I would rather save my money that I would spend on an expensive hotel room ($200 per night) and spend it on a fine restaurant. So how do you find good, but inexpensive hotels and hostels. Try the lonelyplanet site. It always starts with an inexpensive hostel and then goes up in price from there. Priceline and Travelocity are other sources. The problem with Priceline is that there is a gamble on the location. I don't have any experience with Travelocity.

The back up methods are to carry Frommers and Foders with you and look for reviews.