As many of you know, we are not rich... so we have to travel on a budget. But, we have to travel! As most of our trip is not spent in the hotel, we usually look for clean hotels near transport, and we try to avoid big chains in favor of local inns with some character.
And as I have said before, most hotel rooms look the same when you turn out the lights; so, to an extent, the hotel does not matter as much as what they are close to. But that does not mean we have not had favorites, or hotels that no only fit our mold, but that others might like or that we would recommend.
We are really looking forward to Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki... a former prison? You can't beat that for character. And it looks wonderful, as well. And it has a tram stop just outside.
Our hotel in Barcelona, Hotel Paral-lel was very chic and modern, great breakfast and even had an elevator, but the 5th floor walk up, Hotel Amarys Simart, in Paris near Sacré-Cœur, was worth the trip up the stairs to us. It had a great vibe, and a wonderful staff.
Our last trip to London we stayed in the tiniest hotel room we had ever been in, at a Saba hotel; but the bed was nice, and the proximity to Hammersmith and tube stations keep it on our list, if we return to the UK.
Another noteworthy place was near Washington DC. I can't believe I am saying there is anything good at all in the US Capitol at the moment, but the Americana Hotel in Arlington recalled a time now long past... a motor lodge with 50's decor and rotary dial phones. Clean, comfortable, and within walking distance of a subway station.
Another favorite had to be the converted luxury apartment in Bucharest: Orhideea. We were traveling with our daughters, and this place had more than enough room for us all; as a matter of fact, the suite has two bathrooms, and was probably bigger than our house. But because we were traveling in the off season (dead of winter, with a blizzard in the middle of our visit) we were able to afford the room, and enjoyed how close it was to the metros... if you don't mind walking in the snow.
Our least favorite hotel? While it would have been fine for a business traveler, but the Scandic in Copenhagen to us lacked soul. I wouldn't tell you not to stay there, but we'll find a more local place next time.
PS There is only one hotel we have ever stayed at twice: Donnybrook Hall, near Dublin. Quaint, nice breakfast, near a bus stop, but the owners just made us feel so at home. They probably will see us again.
