Showing posts with label lodging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lodging. Show all posts

Friday, June 19, 2026

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE


Hotel Carlos V is the longest operating full service hotel in historic Toledo.

Some trivia?

Its guests have included actors and actresses of the stature of:  Catherine Deneuve, John Wayne, Rock Hudson, Rita Hayworth, Fernando Fernán Gómez, Emma Cohen, Arturo Fernández and Johnny Depp.

 

 

Thursday, June 18, 2026

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE


Toledo has so much going for it, I very highly recommend making it an overnight 2-day visit, rather than a day trip from Madrid.

The only downside of my Hotel Carlos V stay was the famous rooftop lounge, sporting the best vistas in all of the old city’s upper town, was closed for renovations. 

I knew this at the time of booking and staff said the room rate was discounted accordingly.

Still, knowing Carlos V’s perfect location and Toledo’s low rise buildings, it would have been wonderful to have a morning coffee or evening cocktail from the Azotea.

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE


Spanish plazas can generate late night noise, but at Hotel Carlos V -- 
I heard zero street noises.

I was not happy that my economy room was located right in front of the pair of elevators -- but Carlos V must draw a high caliber client, because I heard none of the loud talking often associated with tipsy tourists stepping out of an elevator.

This is not a little inn or apartment that you never get service from after getting the key.

This is a truly full service hotel.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE


Hotel Carlos V Toledo’s breakfast was never ending. All kinds of hot foods, gourmet pastries, fruits, coffee, beverages -- all for 14 euros.

I went in May, an ideal time for central Spain, and the price was well below 100 euros for the room plus taxes.

My room was small, but very well appointed, spotlessly clean and with a comfortable bed and warm shower.

Monday, June 15, 2026

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE


Hotel Carlos V Toledo’s location is in the heart of everything. 

Footsteps from the bus the circulates between the Renfe train station and the core of the ancient city.

The hotel is next to the Alcazar and very close to the main town square.

The cathedral and all historic sites in the upper town are a 15 minute, maybe 20 minute at the most walk from Carlos V.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

HOTEL CARLOS V TOLEDO SPAIN = FULL SERVICE HOTEL

IN PERFECT LOCATION AT AN STUNNINGLY GREAT VALUE


I can't imagine staying at a property other than The Hotel Carlos V in Toledo.

It is a full service property with history and renovated rooms.

The staff is top notch -- one young front desk person went on a hunt through housekeeping with me to find a pillow more to my liking.

Friday, June 12, 2026

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST


There must be 1,000 historic buildings, boasting food, drink, dessert -- very nearby Hotel Miau Madrid.

I only used rideshare once -- on a rainy day when I was visiting an historic cemetery outside the old city.

The well-trained and warm staff gave suggestions for a pair of authentic tapas bars that were within 5 minutes walking distance.

Staff also respected my request for limited housekeeping. 

Many places ignore this, but Miau's team is on top of everything.

Thursday, June 11, 2026

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST


The Hotel Miau Madrid's fridge is sleek looking and saves space with the wall mount. 

The only thing is it is cool, not really cold.

I could not find a knob to adjust it to a colder setting. 

While this was fine for sodas and bottled water, some milk I had for medication was not cold enough.

I worried a bit that it would spoil within a couple days, vs the 10 day expiry on the label.

 Once again, this is a very small deficiency at a very excellent boutique hotel.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST


Hotel Miau Madrid reviews mention hallway noise and I must say they are correct.

It is odd that the double doors tamp down raucous sound from Plaza Santa Ana, but the interior modern renovation lets noise in.

Each night, I heard fellow guests talking in the hallway (the rooms are small, so groups in 2 or 3 rooms seemed to hover in the hallway at all hours. 

They were not drinking or making trouble -- just talking loud enough to disturb my sleep.

Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. It is lavish, so it is hard to complain. 

Plus I understand that Spaniards eat small breakfasts much later than Americans.

But maybe opening at 7 a.m. on weekdays and 7:30 a.m. on weekends would be a compromise. 

I'm an early riser. 

I had to kill time before the breakfast room (2 doors down from hotel) opened. 

Again, my words are more advice than complaint.

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST


The Hotel Miau Madrid's rooms are small but quite efficient -- with a wall mounted fridge capable of cooling a soda, beer and few bottles of water.

The price point for a perfect location in May was under 200 USD fully loaded -- delicious breakfast and taxes included.

Miau -- yes it has a cat theme in its logo, etc. -- is very close to Sol, the biggest transit station in Madrid. Anton Martin and others are close by too.

Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Opera, Prado, El Rastro, Gran Via and dozens of top areas are no more than 15 minutes walking distance.

Monday, June 8, 2026

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST


Hotel Miau Madrid's soundproofing for busy and boisterous adjacent Plaza Santa Ana is amazing. 

I could hear faint sounds, but the double doors provided quiet nights in a roof with a small balcony and historic views.

The breakfast is beyond lavish. 

Most free breakfasts are crappy little cold food huts. 

The buffet has variety, hot foods, gourmet coffee and a super hardworking staff person.

My bed was super firm and comfy.

The bathroom is large and the shower tube had lots of hot water.

Sunday, June 7, 2026

HOTEL MIAU MADRID = HIGH VALUE, PERFECT LOCATION

WITH 10 STAR STAFF AND LAVISH WARM BREAKFAST


Hotel Miau Madrid's location is perfect. It is a 15 minute walk from virtually every museum, arts facility, jazz room, fine dining, mercado, tapas crawl, etc. that you would want to visit in heart of the city.

The staff is amazing.

This is a tiny, boutique hotel with barely a lobby.

I was not 100% sure it was staffed 24/7. 

Not only is it staffed, but its English speaking front desk crew is responsive in person and to emails.

Staff helped me plan for the trip and helped hugely during -- even got me a doctor in less than an hour when I couldn't shake a cold.

Saturday, May 2, 2026

COLOR BOTANICO PALERMO SOHO

PERFECT APARTHOTEL FOR A LONG STAY IN BA'S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD


Color Botanico is a 9.8 out of 10 -- one of my highest ever ratings.

I almost booked a similar sized apartment in MicroCentro.

While that area has a lot of famous spots and places the tourists go -- it is creepy after dark.

Palermo SOHO is vibrant 24-7.

A few blocks in either direction and it would have been noisy.

But this is a quiet, mostly residential street.

Lots of buses nearby as well, to make it easy to visit other parts of the city.

Two people could live in this unit for 2 weeks (4 with 2 bed configuration) and not feel crowded.

Thursday, April 30, 2026

COLOR BOTANICO PALERMO SOHO

PERFECT APARTHOTEL FOR A LONG STAY IN BA'S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD


Color Botanico ApartHotel Palermo’s unit provides lots of space to stretch out in.

There are plenty of racks to dry clothes washed in the sink, to allow for light packing.

Check in is after 3, but my flight arrived at 4 a.m.

They got me in my room a little after 10 a.m., which was great.

It is an apartment hotel, meaning it does not have an onsite restaurant, large lobby or those kinds of offerings.

There always is one person at the front desk to troubleshoot if you have an issue.

It is very secure -- they give you a code to get into the lobby.

Great working elevator.

COLOR BOTANICO PALERMO SOHO

PERFECT APARTHOTEL FOR A LONG STAY IN BA'S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD


Color Botanico ApartHotel Palermo’s balcony was great for breakfast (a half dozen grocery stores are less than 10 minutes walk from unit.)

While not presenting a gorgeous view, the courtyard-facing balcony was a great spot for end of day gelato (huge freezer in unit kept it ready for consuming) or malbec (really good less than $10 USD bottles at shops nearby).

I slept was well as I've ever slept -- and I'm a light and fussy sleeper on the road.

 

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

COLOR BOTANICO PALERMO SOHO

PERFECT APARTHOTEL FOR A LONG STAY IN BA'S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD


Color Botanico ApartHotel Palermo SOHO has outstanding full apartment amenities.

Twice, I overindulged at nearby restaurants – so I brought home the leftovers and had a great meal and saved money.

You can't do that in a tiny hotel room.

Monday, April 27, 2026

COLOR BOTANICO PALERMO SOHO

PERFECT APARTHOTEL FOR A LONG STAY IN BA'S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD


Color Botanico ApartHotel Palermo SOHO is in a great location.

World class gelato, dining (casual and fine), shops, galleries, activities – are all minutes away by foot.

The unit is more than double the size of a standard hotel room – it features a full kitchen that's nicer than what I have in my house.

Huge bed with comfy mattress, normal size pillows, great AC and extra sheets upon request.

 

Sunday, April 26, 2026

COLOR BOTANICO PALERMO SOHO

PERFECT APARTHOTEL FOR A LONG STAY IN BA'S BEST NEIGHBORHOOD


Color Botanico is in an absolutely perfect location in Palermo SOHO.

It is located within crawling distance to all the fun, but quiet at night (I did request a room not facing the street, so that helped).

One of world's best restaurants is two doors down.

Huge parks are 15-20 minute walk north.

The subway is 10-12 minute walk north.

 

Friday, December 12, 2025

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 


When I arrived at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi and saw the array of hard liquor, wine, sake and Shōchū with soda highball dispenser – I felt some trepidation.

I could see where free, unlimited booze could create some noisy, sleep-disturbing neighbors.

This was NOT the case at all on my floor, but I'm wondering out loud whether they should place some kind of limit on the free flowing alcohol.

Bottom line: Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi is the first lodging I’ve stayed, out of hundreds, worthy of 10/10 review!

 

 

Thursday, December 11, 2025

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 


During my 5 nights at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi, there were some noises from the room above -- 

kids jumping off the bunk bed? 

Person who works out at odd hours?

Or maybe it was some sound from nearby trains or freeway that I thought was in the hotel.

At any rate, using the free earplugs provided and bumping up the fan on the AC had me sleeping fine.

The mid-section of the room -- tub/shower/toilet/dressing room double sinks -- is raised.

Being 13 time zones from home and a tad disoriented, this can be a tripping hazard -- especially at night when you are getting out of bed and forgetting to step up a foot to use the toilet.