BUDGET
HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION IN NEW YORK CITY -- writes
Erin in Moscow, Russia -- I recently stayed at The Guest House
(a hostel in New York City) for two nights and can recommend
this accommodation in Upper Manhattan to others. It is run
by German Fernandez, a very sincere man, who emigrated to
New York City from the Peruvian Andes 27 years ago. Both pleasant
and helpful, he operates The Guest House single-handedly and
speaks Spanish and English. Mostly international students
and backpackers are his regular clientele, but as an older
woman traveler I found it comfortable and convenient as well.
The price is $30 per night for a clean, private room, bathrooms
are communal and there is a good kitchen and eating area with
a fridge. No smoking allowed. Reservations and passports are
required and checkout time is 1 p.m. Website: http://www.guesthouseny.com
Email: info@guesthouseny.com
Phone: 212.781.1842
EDITOR'S NOTE: Looking for New York City hotel accommodation in all price ranges? Check these tips in our archives.
A
WELCOMING HOTEL IN FLORENCE ITALY -- writes
Renata in Athens, USA -- I stayed at Hotel Botticelli on my
last trip to Italy and loved it. Not only were the rooms comfortable
and spotlessly clean but the service was beyond belief. Staff
at the front desk treated all guests to quick answers, excellent
suggestions and more important to me, great warmth and friendliness.
Chiara arranged a wonderful massage for me at an appropriate
Esotetica just around the corner and made sure I knew directions
and modes of payment before I left her. The young lady who
did the coffee service at the morning breakfast made fabulous
cafe or tea to order and was always sweet and smiling. The
hotel's location, the prices, the second floor terrace and
these lovely professionals made Firenze even more of the dream
vacation than we expected. Address: Via Taddea 8 Website:
http://www.hotelbotticelli.it/
WOMAN
IN THAILAND RUNS SANCTUARY TO CARE FOR ELEPHANTS -- writes
Jennifer in San Francisco, USA -- The Elephant Nature Park
near Chaing Mai, Thailand is an amazing sanctuary for elephants
who have been rescued from abuse and neglect at the hands
of the logging and tourism trades. I did a one day visit there
(longer visits are available) and had the chance to feed,
bathe, and otherwise interact with these amazing creatures
in one of the few places in Thailand where elephants are respected
and well treated. The park was founded by an award winning
local woman named 'Lek' who has dedicated her life to saving
mistreated elephants. See her
website for lots more information. It will change your
way of looking at the world. It has mine!
EDITOR'S NOTE: Heading to Thailand? Be sure to read, GirlTalk Thailand for great women-friendly tips.
EVERY
TUESDAY THIS TURKISH BATH IN HUNGARY IS OPEN TO WOMEN ONLY
-- writes Agnes from Budapest, Hungary --
The most famous Turkish bath in Hungary, built in the 16th
century is called Rudas Bath. It's located in the very heart
of the city at the foot of the Gellert Hill. Recently restored
it has an impressive Turkish dome. This bath has six basins,
tub baths, a big lap pool, steam room and both medical and
refreshing massages. Rudas has separate 'men only' and 'women
only' days. On Tuesdays no man is allowed in the building
and the facilities belong to us, gals. Weekends are mixed.
The entry fee is about 10 Euro. Website: http://www.rudasbaths.com/
EDITOR'S NOTE: Need more spa information? Read 'She Spa's in Turkey'.
CULTURALLY
CORRECT SWIMMING IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC -- writes
Nadine in Vancouver, Canada -- In Solomon Islands as well
as most other countries in the South Pacific, shorts should
be knee length at least. Women in this part of the world do
not show their thighs. Bathing suits are only appropriate
at resorts or public beaches; swimming in a bathing suit anywhere
else, especially in or around villages, is disrespectful.
You must be fully clothed to do so.
A
BED AND BREAKFAST IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA --
writes Molly in Calgary, Canada -- In St Petersburg I stayed
at the Nevsky Inn Bed and Breakfast. This Inn takes up one
floor in a building that is being renovated floor by floor.
The rooms are spacious and I found the staff wonderful. There
are kitchen facilities in the breakfast room where guests
can come and go making tea, etc. It's located on a quiet street
within five minutes walking distance of The Hermitage (Nevsky
Prospect is just around the corner). I found it an ideal location.
Their website has
information in English that not only describes the inn's facilities
but gives you travel tips for Russia as well. P.S.
The management can arrange tours for you (5 euro fee) and
pick you up at the airport (35 euro fee) if you need these
services.
AN
INTERESTING TOUR GUIDE IN NEW YORK CITY --
writes Bronwen in Vancouver, Canada -- I can highly recommend
the walking tours called, 'Native New Yorker Walking Tours'
offered by Charles Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz was born in New
York and is very knowledgeable about each of its boroughs.
He speaks English, German and French. He is licensed and insured
and his rates are reasonable. We took two tours in the Bronx
with Mr. Schwartz and saw not only beautiful Art Deco buildings
along the Grand Concourse but lovely parks and historic homes.
A wonderful visit to the (Italian) Arthur Avenue and City
Island made up a second tour. Mr. Schwartz, unlike most other
tour guides can tailor his tours to your own interests. I
cannot recommend this interesting, informative and very affable
tour guide enough. His website is http://nyc-by-foot.com
Email: nyc.by.foot@hotmail.com
EDITOR'S NOTE: When choosing a private guide for sightseeing it's important to get recommendations from other women. At Journeywoman we've listed all our tips pertaining to guides around the world in one section. See: http://www.journeywoman.com/travel101/guides_worldwide.htm
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