Hotel recap

One of our greatest challenges on this trip was finding accommodations within the budget we had allotted for ourselves.  We had some hits and misses along the way; the following is our recap.

Barcelona: Hotel U232 - Location was great.  It was situated within a neighborhood with local bakeries and small restaurants close by.  The service and facilities were great.  The drawback was that the room was extremely small, sheets were stiff and the temperature was kept really cool (the cold one) it was about 19 degrees Celsius. Brrrr!!!! 

Melina: Doesn't recommend it.

Sophia: Even though it's cold, the service was great and it was homely.

Michael: Was at camp.  Which I preferred.

Berlin: Winters Hotel - The room was huge with a ton of storage.  The location was close to many tourist sites and there was a supermarket next door.  The staff wasn't very helpful or accommodating.  We weren't very successful finding and using the public transportation--it was way too complex for us so we walked....a lot. The hotel itself was fine; clean & comfortable.  Just a bit sterile.

Sophia: It wasn't anything special.

Melina: It was okay.  Well, maybe.

Michael: The radiator was in a terrible spot.

Prague: Pure White - This hotel was great; a huge surprise!  It was a boutique hotel located in a residential neighborhood; a bit off the beaten path with many local grocery stores and restaurants within a couple of blocks.   The room was small but they were able to accommodate 4 separate beds--we rejoiced not having to share with each other.  Due to it being fairly new and slow we secured an unbelievable rate for the class of hotel which included breakfast. The staff was incredibly helpful and we would highly recommend this...until the rates go up, which it surely will.

Michael: Their Harvey Wallbangers were great.

Sophia: It was really pretty, and surprisingly white.

Melina: The beds and sheet were really comfy. Well designed space.

Vienna: Meinenger Hostel - The best thing about this place was the staff; incredibly helpful and nice.  The pros stop there.  The cons: located next to strip bars, horrible location, very dirty, no air conditioning on the hottest day of the year in Vienna, loud, did not feel safe (street fight the one night we were there).  We bailed early and went to the Marriott.

Sophia: No comment.

Melina: Left me speechless.

Michael: Great location, I liked the neighborhood..

Vienna: Marriot - What you would expect. Used points so we could justify it within our budget :)!

Budapest: Mamaison Izabella - Actually a residence/apartment building instead of a hotel.  We were very lucky to secure our accommodations last minute because they are at 99% occupancy in August--for good reason.  The apartments have full kitchens, living rooms, gardens/balconies and washers/dryers.  After staying in one room for the previous weeks it really felt spacious.  

Michael: The people at the main desk played computer games too much.

Melina: I would live there.  It was a perfect apartment.

Sophia: It was perfect for backpacking. Just what I had hoped for!

Brasov: BellaMuzik - This hotel is really unique -an all around favorite for us all!  It is a historical building situated in the town square with an incredible ambience.  Although there are drawbacks due to the age (i.e. SMALL bathrooms!), we all fell in love with the room.  It was a 2 bedroom unit with a lofted lounge and bedroom with its own garden--really beautiful and special. 

Michael: Absolutely loved it.  Only problem was one TV didn't work.

Melina: I love it.  I loved that Sophia and I got the upstairs with the lounge.

Sophia: I liked how Melina and I had our own space and patio.