ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER

Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans has zero on site staff, but the operators are quick to answer emails.

An extra blanket and sheet were quickly dropped off.

I had an issue with mold in the wall AC/heat unit.

I did not notice till I caught a respiratory issue on my final day.

Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans.the issue (and I hope -- cleaned the wall unit before the next guest used my room.

Overall, a very cost effective way to immerse in New Orleans history.

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER

The room I rented at Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans is small but efficient.

Comfy bed, full bath, mini fridge, coffee maker and just enough room to store your stuff.

I could hear other guests at the inn -- through the old walls -- but they got quiet by 11 p.m. at the latest.

The shared patio was great for sitting at while it was warm out.

Other guests were great about observing quiet hours.

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER

Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans is less than a half hour's walk to Canal Street and the CBD.

I booked a trolley-bus weeklong transit pass on my phone for $15.

I used it to save a $40 taxi ride to get from the airport to near Canal Street, then took a leisurely walk through the French Quarter to reach Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans.

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS 

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER

Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans’ AC worked well and so did the heater (temps went from near 80 to below 40 during the Christmas week.)

French Quarter architecture, history, museums, vibe, characters, dining and much more are all within walking distance.

I walked to see great musicians such as: Shawan Rice, Kermit Ruffins, Chris Christie, George Brown and others.

 

 

 

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS 

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER

Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans is in the heart of the action.

It's great to stay in an historic property so close to all the action but far enough away to sleep well.

Frenchman Street and all of its live music is a 10 minute walk away.

Favorite locals food joints Coop's Place, Clover Grill and Verti Marte are also no more than a 15 minute walk from the property.

ROYAL BARRACKS GUEST HOUSE NEW ORLEANS

HISTORIC COTTAGE WITH RARE TRANQUILITY IN FRENCH QUARTER

I did not think it was possible to find a quiet place in the French Quarter till I stayed at Royal Barracks Guest House New Orleans.

Even on New Year's Eve, there was minimal noise.

The reviews cite the tranquility.

When you read the house rules, the proprietor emphasizes quiet hours and being respectful of other guests (there are at least 4 units within the historic single story building.

LISBON NEST

MODERN COMFORT IN HISTORICAL, TRADITIONAL AREA OF MAGICAL LISBON

The local food and culture recommendations in the Lisbon Nest’s guest guidebook are amazing.

I never would have found world class restaurant Estamine and many others in the area -- without their book of prime suggestions.

Considering that this nearly 400 SF home is often priced below the cost of a barely more than 100 SF hotel room -- I would say book it every chance you get.

Bedding is super comfy.

They have thought of everything -- including a trio of space heaters for those chilly spring nights on the highest windswept hill of beautiful Lisboa.

One other thing to note, the apartment is in an old, traditional building -- but everything is super modern and updated inside.

Expect warm water in the shower and appliances that are almost brand new.

LISBON NEST

MODERN COMFORT IN HISTORICAL, TRADITIONAL AREA OF MAGICAL LISBON

The Lisbon Nest vacation apartment is naturally cooled.

I have not stayed there in June, July or August -- so they may want to put air conditioning on the list of upgrades.

It is up 15 steps in a super traditional old Lisbon neighborhood apartment complex.

It's not a knock, just a head's up that the unit is not at all suitable for people with disabilities. 

And it may not be ideal for those that have trouble doing steps -- 

though all of Lisbon is hilly and has alleys that become steep staircases, so if you're up for the city, you should do fine with Lisbon Nest.

 

 

 

 

LISBON NEST

MODERN COMFORT IN HISTORICAL, TRADITIONAL AREA OF MAGICAL LISBON

This was my second time staying a week at Lisbon Nest and the third time at a Nest property in the perfect Lisbon neighborhood of Graca.

Valeria is a wonderful point person. 

She keeps in touch via text/whatsapp, meets you the second you leave your rideshare and saves your neck when you misplace the key.

The property is big enough to live in year round.

It has everything including a big kitchen with dishwasher and clothes washer.

Everything is clean and spotless.

I slept like a baby. 

You can hear the neighbors just a tiny bit, but it's a very quiet property for an increasingly loud and bustling city.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is locked with a high gate for security. I left very early and came back after midnight -- and never waited more than 10 seconds for the staff to buzz me past the gate.

The value is amazing. I paid about 40 USD per day for a spacious modern room, a great support staff, a free gourmet breakfast, free WIFI in room and on property, very clean pool and a location close to the action but quiet enough to sleep.

I will return for sure. 

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is within 5 minutes walking distance of the best grocery store in the city, several pharmacies and some nice mom and pop restaurants and shops.

Getsemani is a 15 minute walk over a bridge.

The Walled City and its Colonial Architecture and tourist attractions, is a 25 minute maximum.

The typical Uber ride to Getsemani was 3 USD with tip. To the Old City -- about 4 USD with tip.

The hotel also is close enough to walk to the chaotic, vibrant and fantastic Mercado de Bazurto -- where all the top chefs shop early for the freshest seafood, tropical fruit and more.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

Hotel de Marques de Manga is great about closing the pool at 8 p.m. -- so no pool party noises disturb your sleep. 

It might want to think about signs specifying the common areas and gym equipment are closed from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. to let guests sleep.

Crews were rebuilding the room on the floor below mine. 

When I routinely came back from lunch for a pool plunge and nap to avoid the most extreme heat -- it was tough to rest because of the construction noises. 

But I get it, the work has to take place sometime and midday is preferable to overnight or predawn.

Again, I'm a light sleeper and these are very minor suggestions to improve a place that is already very close to 10 out of 10 stars.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

There was a fried food festival at the foot of the nearby San Felipe Fort.

On 3 of my six nights, the festival played very loud music past midnight -- even though the festival was advertised as closing at midnight.

The noise traveled over a small body of water and I could hear it in the room despite a white noise machine and ear plugs.

It's not Hotel de Marques de Manga's fault that Cartagena likes to party hard and until the wee hours. 

But perhaps when it comes time for renovations, soundproofing could be done.

Each pod of room is built over a mini lobby with seating etc. 

Mine had the weights/gym equipment. 

Sound echoed from this common area right up to my sole interior-facing window.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

My room at Hotel de Marques de Manga was quite spacious with good lighting and power outlets near the bed.

In the reception area, they sell water, soda, local beers and convenience items at a very fair price.

The pool is not large, but it is kept sparkling clean and is a fabulous place to take a refreshing plunge when midday heat is 100 degrees.

There's also a lounge chair area with plenty of fresh towels.

The property is in a sleepy neighborhood of homes and apartments -- no nearby clubs or bars to make noise.

HOTEL EL MARQUÉS DE MANGA, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, COLOMBIA

INCREDIBLE VALUE, GOURMET BREAKFAST, ATTENTIVE STAFF

IN A TRANQUIL LOCATION IN VIBRANT CARTAGENA

The staff at Hotel de Marques de Manga is outstanding.

They answered several questions before my stay -- suggesting places to eat in Manga and in nearby Getsemani and in the Old Walled City.

There is hot water.

This is a rarity in Cartagena, even at fairly costly properties.

The bed was firm and comfy -- another plus as Colombians are known to favor cement hard beds.

The breakfast was amazing. 

Dozens of fresh foods to choose from -- with an emphasis on local breads, arepas, juices and tropical fruits.

HISTORIC IS NOT AN EXCUSE FOR INACCESSIBLE

IT IS ABLEIST TO DENY FRONT DOOR ACCESS 

TO PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 

I love the 19th century cast iron buildings of New York’s SoHo.

I also reject the absurd argument that replacing their stairs with access ramps would diminish their history.

Their interiors have been 100% gutted for retail and apartments. Ramps do not alter facades.

It is ableist to claim denying front door access to people with disabilities preserves history.

Many Soho buildings have no access 34 years after the ADA.

Others have demeaning back alley access or faulty lifts.

Access for all is a basic civil right.

Those that cling to inaccessible buildings as “a part of history” are as out of bounds as those that would cling to race based deed restrictions or denying women the right to vote.

Let’s celebrate Disability Pride Month and the 34th anniversary of the ADA with inclusive design.

SOLAR ANTIGO LUXURY COIMBRA

PERFECT LOCATION, PERSONAL SERVICE, COMFY BEDS

AND AN AMAZING VALUE 

I'm exacting and demanding.

If I feel this happy with the Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra, you will be very pleased and comfortable.

When you fill out your review at Booking.com – they ask you to list negatives or things you would change.

This is the first time I’ve ever said I would not change one thing.

Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra is the best value I have ever experienced.

 

 

SOLAR ANTIGO LUXURY COIMBRA

PERFECT LOCATION, PERSONAL SERVICE, COMFY BEDS

AND AN AMAZING VALUE 

The Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra apartment, were it a tiny bit bigger, is something one could live in year round.

I cannot believe the value. It was under 100 euros including tax and everything.

The chocolate tort+champagne on check-in plus the lavish breakfast is worth 25-30 euros alone. So you are barely paying 60 euros to sleep in an historic and magical city in a privileged location.

SOLAR ANTIGO LUXURY COIMBRA

PERFECT LOCATION, PERSONAL SERVICE, COMFY BEDS

AND AN AMAZING VALUE 

The kind staff at Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra warned me it was the time of year when students party into the night -- and the road they are located on is a route the revelers use.

 I'm a light sleeper, but dozed like a baby.

The shower water was plenty warm. 

The staff is like family.

SOLAR ANTIGO LUXURY COIMBRA

PERFECT LOCATION, PERSONAL SERVICE, COMFY BEDS

AND AN AMAZING VALUE 

The Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra location is very close to the famous University of Coimbra, the museum on its grounds and the main shopping streets and historic churches in Coimbra.

On check-in, they brought me a glass of champagne and a tasty chocolate torte.

They bring breakfast to the room and it may well be worth 20 euros. Coffee, cereal, croissants, bread, jam, butter, bread, meat, cheese, fruit, juice.

I'm probably leaving something out. I certainly broke my diet for this dazzling treat!