Holiday Thread

[raj101]

theres only one rod stu.

[claire]

i know he'll be good but its the price and also the fact that hes at hard rock calling too at half the price

[Diane65]

Has anyone been to Rome? I'm hoping to go early December for 3 days with 2 of my girlfriends (as in mates hence sightseeing etc ). Which area is fairly central and safe?

If money permits I also would like to do a few days in Barcelona in September/October with another girlfriend and am looking for somewhere central and safe again?

I don't want to (can't) spend loads of money as I won't be able to do them all if I do as I just want to see the places and soak up the culture, I will literally just be sleeping and having breakfast in the hotels.

Closer to home has anyone been to Reading or Oxford? My daughter and I will be visiting Universities in October we will be driving to Birmingham on Friday 7th October for the first open day then that evening driving down to Reading (for the next open day) and would be looking to stay in a Travelodge overnight and then drive up to Oxford that evening and stay in another Travelodge (not for University just for a visit - it would be a shame not to see Oxford as I have never been before and we will be so close). Is there much to see in Reading? Any recommendations as to which travelodges to stay and be able to get into the City Centres (I'm happy with public transport, Park and Ride or walking) and what to see at each place. I will need to leave Oxford at about 4pm as I'm back in work on the Monday. I've not asked about Birmingham purely as I have just been 6 months ago and I love the place with the most unbelievably friendly people.

Thank you so much for any help at all.

[havingascreen]

Has anyone been to Rome? I'm hoping to go early December for 3 days with 2 of my girlfriends (as in mates hence sightseeing etc ). Which area is fairly central and safe?

If money permits I also would like to do a few days in Barcelona in September/October with another girlfriend and am looking for somewhere central and safe again?

I don't want to (can't) spend loads of money as I won't be able to do them all if I do as I just want to see the places and soak up the culture, I will literally just be sleeping and having breakfast in the hotels.

Closer to home has anyone been to Reading or Oxford? My daughter and I will be visiting Universities in October we will be driving to Birmingham on Friday 7th October for the first open day then that evening driving down to Reading (for the next open day) and would be looking to stay in a Travelodge overnight and then drive up to Oxford that evening and stay in another Travelodge (not for University just for a visit - it would be a shame not to see Oxford as I have never been before and we will be so close). Is there much to see in Reading? Any recommendations as to which travelodges to stay and be able to get into the City Centres (I'm happy with public transport, Park and Ride or walking) and what to see at each place. I will need to leave Oxford at about 4pm as I'm back in work on the Monday. I've not asked about Birmingham purely as I have just been 6 months ago and I love the place with the most unbelievably friendly people.

Thank you so much for any help at all.

I've been to Roma this year Diane, i stayed in Hotele Tiempo Di Pallade. This hotel got mixed reviews as the rooms are not very soundproof but as we were the ones making all the noise and slept like logs we weren't too bothered by it. We stayed in a room for 3, two singles and a bunk bed. The hotel is about 10 mins from Termini. The area was a little bit mixed, we saw what we thought may have been prostitutes a few streets away and we were followed home by a guy just trying his hand one night but we thought these things were funny rather than feeling threatened. The guys were chatting us up whereever we went and not because we're all drop dead gorgeous (although great ego boast). Thats Italian men all over, totally charming!

The best sight seeing we did was to walk around the streets as Roma is so spectacularly beautiful and historic. My highlights were the Colloseum, the Vatican, Piazza Di Venezia and Popolo. Let me know if you want me to look out the restaurants we ate in, there is some brilliant ones in Roma.

Ciao ciao

[Beate]

LOL, this isn't the best endorsement for a hotel I have ever heard.

[Diane65]

LOL, this isn't the best endorsement for a hotel I have ever heard.

It made me smile, I know I said I didn't want to spend too much but sounds like I may earn some money (they would want a refund as I'm happy with a coffee and a cake).

The hotel looks fine and the places you've suggested to visit look beautiful, I just love wandering around looking at places. I would love to hear which restaurants you recommend and which airport is the easiest to get to.

Thanks so much.

[havingascreen]

LOL, this isn't the best endorsement for a hotel I have ever heard.

It made me smile, I know I said I didn't want to spend too much but sounds like I may earn some money (they would want a refund as I'm happy with a coffee and a cake).

The hotel looks fine and the places you've suggested to visit look beautiful, I just love wandering around looking at places. I would love to hear which restaurants you recommend and which airport is the easiest to get to.

Thanks so much.

Had to be honest lol. I'm a firm believer in its how you react to what you're presented with in life that makes an experience.

Finally looked out resaurant info Diane, heres my highlights:-

Tempio di Minerva, viale Manzoni - small friendly ristorante with lively atmosphere, does lovely pizza's and just round the corner from the hotel. Tinamisu was to die for.

Entoteca Barberini, Via Del Tritone 123, Via Delgi Avignonesi 69 - We had our most delicious meal here, very stylish decor, would recommend the steak.

Est Est Est, just off Via Del Concorso but don't have exact address soz but will be in guidebooks- this was a traditional place with tasty food.

Antico Caffe - Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 7a - This cafe did lovely cakes and was perfect for coffee and a slice.

There was a lovely Neopolitan restautant we went into beside the city walls but i can't remember exactly where, too much vino lol. Go by your guide book as ours was spot on every time we followed it. Make sure you eat before 3pm as we were caught out wandering the streets starving a few times, thats when we came across the horrible touristy places with cardboard meals.


We flew to Ciampino from Edinburgh, easy to get into Roma but not easy to get back, probably because we were very disorganised There are buses from Termini but its difficult to decifer exactly where you board.

Oh and i'd take extra padding for all the bum pinches you'll get

[Diane65]

Thanks so much they all sound lovely and thanks for the airport info. And I appreciate your honesty.

[nort0n]

What are some good 1-or-2-day-holiday-near-London spots?

[darren25n]

Just got back from majorca Spain, and I'm missing it already.