Back to Roma!!

My bud's nephew is going "backpacking" around Europe next week, and I gave him a buddy pass. So, the kid's never been out of the country, and his parents are a bit nervous. Sooooo, I told him if he left on my days off, I'd go with him and at least help get his feet on the ground, so to speak.

We're leaving Tuesday, and I'm coming back Thursday. I'm trying a different hotel, Hotel in ROMA - Book your hotel Mercure Roma Piazza Bologna
The Sofitel's prices were thru the roof, even with our discount. I've been happy at other Mercure hotels. I'll have enough points for Silver status after this!!

What a good friend. I've seen a lot of price changes in the last few days w/Accor for Asia. mercure and Novotel are both good--we use Novotel alot for crew stays (along w/NH hotels--NW throwback) How long are you going with him?
Just make sure the little bugger constantly stays in touch at least online with his folks--under penalty of death!! My siblings were the same way w/their kids--I still have a nephew hanging around in Argentina--he left on BP in January! But, he is 35...

I'm just going for one day, I can't get anyone to cover my shifts next weekend. :( He's 22, so he will be fine. We did a 5 hour planning session tonight, got his Rome hostel set up for when I leave and his Eurorail pass done. I tried to pass on the million and one details that might bite him in the ass. I think he's ready.

That's alot of ass-on-seat for only one day! That Italian babe would have to be real fine for me to do this.

I don't mind it. I try to do a lot of these, it's nothing for me to jet off to London, Paris, etc. for one day. Gets me out of the house, and I get a decent couple of meals out of it (assuming I make it up front lol)

Ay Caramba talk about a short turnaround. When I traveled to TLV I got there on Tuesday at 1:30 PM and was on a flight back Wednesday at 11:55 PM. I was there for work so I was tired and did not feel like spending some extra time in Israel. I traveled from the west coast so the 10 hour time change put me in a tail spin. The crazy things we airline employees do. Have fun in Rome an eat good food, hope you get Envoy going and coming back.
If you ever go to FRA avoid the Mercure Wings FRA airport, in my opinion a dump in the middle of nowere.

Thanks for that heads-up Chepos! Now due to last minute senior frickin nonrevs deciding at the last minute they want to go to Rome, we may not even make it. If I'm stuck in the back for 9 hours Ima be a very UNhappy camper lol.

Aaaaaand we were in the back. This is gonna turn into a mini rant so click the "next' button if you don't wanna hear me moan lol.

It's been since 2003 since I flew us internationally in coach. I was appalled at how basic everything is. It's prolly common to most if not all US carriers, but I swear....charging for cheap earbuds, charging for beer/wine/liquor, no amenity kits of any kind.....just a cheap pillow and a cheap blanket. Also a very minimalist meal, and a flat muffin upon wakeup prior to landing. At least since we've upgraded the entertainment system on all our 330's to the Panasonic system, that part wasn't too bad.

I honestly think, if I'm flying internationally again and I can't get Envoy, I'm going to just get a zed on a real international carrier (non-US registered carrier lol). I was embarrassed for my guest but on the other hand it only cost me 41 bucks to sit in back. Made it up front on the way home tho! Yay!

Btw the hotel was pretty awesome too. About 3 blocks from Bologna metro station, lots of little restaurants and shops around. Room was nice, if small, and service was good.

Yey, you got there. Enjoy your time in Italy.

Ohh, I'm home already lol. Fast trip. :)

Biggest question I always have about a hotel is - does it look like the professional photos they have on the website?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MRSDS1DONNA

Biggest question I always have about a hotel is - does it look like the professional photos they have on the website?

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I rely on travelers' photos on tripadvisor--you can get a better picture of the reality of a hotel. There is a website that explores/compares hotels one with theirs. Now, if I can just find it...
TA DA!!!
Oyster.com: Expert Hotel Reviews and Undoctored Photos

I've had good luck with Trip Advisor too. I'll check out the other site.

I am sometimes careful with the trip advisor recommendations, I stayed at a hotel in Puerto Vallarta that was highly rated, It was a DUMP!
The same happened with the Hampton Inn, Mexico City (HIGHLY RATED ON TRIP ADVISOR)- 1st time we stayed there great experience. Second time0 the disco next door was going on until 5 am- it sounded like it was in the room next door and the A/C did not work for the three days we were there. After complaining numerous times the best they could so was bring us a mini fan. The add salt to the wound I complained to hilton Customer satusfactiona nd they never responded - GRRRR!

Saludos desde Barcelona!

I toss out the pickiest/worst review, along with the most glowing, sort thru the source--age, location, type of traveler, etc. Sometimes I send PM and ask more details. Then I read posts in the forums, decide who to trust and take my chances!
I find that middle of the road chain hotels are hardly accurately reviewed--most people don't care since they often stay for a day or two. Inexcusable for any hotel to NOT acknowledge anything as bad as no AC.