Holden VS Commodore

Trip Summary

Launceston -> Hobart

Drive

I didn't actually drive this, so you'll have to take Slokky's word for it. There is a tendency to slightly oversteer. It is well balanced but a little jittery when braking. There is good power and good torte. Being a Commodore, it was fitted with the standard ABS, cruise control, electric mirrors and doors...etc

Rating - 3

Comfort

Surprisingly for such a huge car, the ride was pretty bumpy. Either the roads in Tassie are worst than NSW or this car's suspension is worst. I'm inclined to think it's the latter. It certainly wasn't as comfortable as the Ford Focus.

In terms of creature comfort. The seats are wide, designed for the "average" Australian no doubt. The cushioning and support are pretty good, and of course there's plenty of leg room. The noise insulation for terrible. We could hear wind noises and you can't use fresh air with the air conditioning!

Rating - 3

Service

The people at Avis were excellent. We got our car sorted out at the airport ages before our luggage was even ready to be picked up. It was the same when we dropped the car off. As soon as we pulled in the Avis car park, an attendent has checked our car over and printed our receipt, before we'd even got out of the car!

Rating - 4.5

Value

We asked for a manual Corolla and get upgraded to an auto Commodore. However, this baby sucks fuel up like there's no tommorow! Hehe, they don't even bother displaying fuel consumption on the trip computer because it's just too depressing to know otherwise!

Rating - 3.5

Clean

Cleaned very well. There were a few minor scratches on the car, but that's even better for us, we didn't have to be that careful.

Rating - 4.5

Zoom Points - 18.5

Info

Website

North Lodge Apartment

Room

One word, HUGE. We were in the "penthouse", and the room consisted of one very very long room, with a bedroom with a queen sized bed and bay window and dresser on one end, to two single beds and the tiniest, and I mean the tiniest, bathroom I've seen (about the size of Japan's). In between all this there's a dining room and a pretty big kitchen. It all sounds really good doesn't it, but it's not as it seems. The penthouse was opened in 1982 and obviously hasn't been renovated since then. The furnishing were worn. The cupboard doors and tiles were falling off the kitchen and all the cutlery and appliances were also from the 80s. The bathroom was so impractical we brushed our teeth in the kitchen.

The good points though, there was plenty of room, the bed was nice and comfy, with very nice pillows. We had a pretty big TV and the largest wrap-around balcony with great views over the Launceston hills.

If they renovate this place they can probably charge an outrageous amount for it. I wonder what the rate is normally? I'd hate to imagine what the "studio" we originally booked would be like...

Rating - 3.5

Facilities

There's a full kitchen, laundry, lots of beds. But all this is matched by cheap coffee (International House), a small bottle of milk, shampoo and conditioner. The kitchen holds lots of bits and pieces, but they are all falling apart, plus, stuff were so dirty I didn't really want to touch them.

The guy who ran the place forgot about me, and questioned me heaps about whether I really had a booking. upon producing my email confirmation though, he turned nice and accomodating, and had to give us the only room left, the "penthouse", out of the whole place. He was very helpful actually, if only the first impression he gave didn't turn me off.

Rating - 3

Location

Great, very close to the city centre, right next to Kings Park. From our balcony you can get a view of the park and the surrounding hills. We didn't really make good use of it though.

Rating - 4

Value

Only because we got the penthouse was this place worth $90 a night. Granted it's quite close to the city centre, but this IS Launceston we're talking about, it's not like the city centre is the centre of everything. Despite all our times in Tasmania, we haven't spent very much time in Launceston at all! I don't appreciate misleading advertising on their website though, they made everything sound much better than they really are.

Rating - 2.5

Snooze Points - 13

Info

7 Brisbane Street
Launceston
TAS 7250
Phone (03) 6331 9966
Website

Jetstar Flight JQ 127

Time

The plane left 1/2 an hour late. It took ages to board the plane, ages to get our luggage, in the rain! About the only thing that was quick was check in. But I was surprised they didn't even ASK if we had anything flammable in our bags.

Rating - 1

Comfort

Like all the other jetstar planes. It was 3 across and no middle asile. The leathers seats are pretty wide, with a fair amount of leg room. The plane was nearly full, but there were 3 or 4 spare seats scattered around. Slokky and I had to sit separately, but it meant we were more comfortable.

Rating - 4

Service

Was ok. The check-in was cold as usual. The air hostesses kept giggling and gossiping amoung themselves. The servie was ok. I was surprised there was actually an announcement to tell us to clean up our own seats, and to throw our rubbish away!

Rating - 3

Allowance/Gifts

We only had the one bag but I think they are pretty strict.

Rating - 3

Food

They serve the usual stuff on board and charge an ok price for being up in the air.

Rating - 3

Value

$44.50 one way. We only travel on discounts!

Rating - 5

Jumbo Points - 19

Info

Sydney -> Launceston
8 Feb 07, 19:40 - 21:00
Website

Day 1 8/2/07 - Australia

Sydney -> Launceston

Highlight

• Our holiday got off to its usual start, with Slokky being late in meeting me as we were going to the airport.
• There were tons of people at the airport. You couldn't even find a place to sit in the food court.
• The plane was late. There were heaps of rude people on board, who all decide to stand in the aisle and not let anyone else through.
• We travelled with lots of old people and babies (which will become the constant recurrence on this trip, but we didn't know it yet).
• After we landed late, we had to get off the plane in the pouring rain at Launceston Airport. Yes it was primitive and they don't actually have connection corridor.
• We had to wait ages for our luggage. They don't have luggage belts and all the luggage gets driven in on a cart. It's the same at Hobart Airport too.
• Luckily the rain eased when we drove into Launceston. Our hotel, the North Lodge Apartments actually forgot me, so we ended up staying in the "penthouse". For more on this story read my review.

Tasmania 2007

Simple Plan:
Oz

Expaneded Plan:
Sydney - Launceston - Burnie - Stanley - Hobart - Sydney

Date:
8/2/07 - 12/2/07

Flying:
JetStar

Cost:
$$$

Easyjet Flight 5292

Time

Because we ended up arriving at the airport late (thanks to Italian public transport), there was no line at check in, but it also meant we boarded the aircraft almost last and there was no choice of good seats left. The plane was delayed for about 20 minutes.

Rating - 2.5

Comfort

ok for a budget airline, but not very comfy.

Rating - 2.5

Service

All the staff were cool but had no sense of humour and definitely have an attitude problem, or where they just being English? They could certainly be friendlier or warmer.

Rating - 2

Allowance/Gifts

They were extremely strict on the limit, which I thought they might be for a budget airline, so we tried to make our luggage as light as possible. They were being a bit anal though as they won't even let on 41kg.

Rating - 2

Food

Of course food is not included in the price, but you can buy on board. Their selection included loads of chain store food, and I'm certainly not sad I missed trying it.

Rating - 1

Value

69.48 Euros for 2. They had a special on not long after I got my tix, so it could've been even cheaper. Oh well, you get what you pay for I suppose.

Rating - 3.5

Jumbo Points - 13.5

Info

Milan -> London
Website

Air Canada Flight AC 33

Time

Wow, what a difference a country makes. We got to the airport very early but it still took ages to check in. The airport staff didn't inform us that once we checked in, there was no customs, so we couldn't claim our tax back. They operate on Canada time, which is a bit slower than Australia time but faster than Italy time.

Rating - 3

Comfort

Unfortunately this was the least comfortable of all the airlines we flew this trip and this was our longest flight yet. Everything was old and needed a rehaul or at least some refurbishment. The headrests didn't fold to the side, and personal screens? ha. The best thing was that the flight was not very full so we could move around to seats we wanted. If it was a full flight it would be VERY uncomfortable as the leg room and seating were crap.

Rating - 3

Service

Hey, at least they don't discriminate. The Air Canada air hostess were the oldest and ugliest I have seen, they were also extremely slow but they were very very friendly and willing to serve, it was just that their ability to serve was not great. Hmmm, which one is better, efficiency or friendliness?

Rating - 3.5

Allowance/Gifts

Well, because we were flying through the US, it meant that we could have lots more luggage as long as each bag is not more than 20kg. So we managed to haul all our chocolate home! As for gifts, we were happy to get a meal, as some people actually missed out.

Rating - 3

Food

Before I describe the food, just remember that this is America, and they don't serve Asian food. The food was the worst of all the airlines on this world trip. The pasta was damp and tasteless. They actually ran out of choices of food so I only got to try one meal. The best thing they served was probably the ice-cream. All the desserts were too sweet for my taste. Their redeeming grace though, were the Clamato drink, yup, you guessed it, a combination of clam and tomato juice, which I thought would taste very strange, but in actual fact, is quite addictive.

Rating - 2.5

Value

This was our last leg of our Round the World Fare with Lufthansa, which costs a total of $1779 + $665 in taxes, not bad for the amount of travel you get. We could've got it cheaper but Flight Centre ripped us off.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 19.5

Info

Vancouver -> Sydney
Website

Lufthansa Flight LH 492

Time

The lines were really slow and long, so I was pretty frustrated.

Rating - 2.5

Comfort

We were originally in the 2 middle seats out of the 4, but fortunately we were able to swap for the 1 side aisle seat instead. We got to sit next to some interesting Canadians, a mum and her son, traveling back home. The mum used to be a flight attendant and spoke fluent German. I watched them try to get upgrades but it didn't work. They laughed really loud at Rumours Has It, so I don't know about their taste...Speaking of movies, their entertainment program was pretty bad. I've seen both the movies and Harry Potter before, and it was really difficult to see the screen from my seat. One thing I have to commend them for is the set up of the toilet area (very important!), it was in one big space downstairs where you wait. It was pretty quick and there are refreshments available while you wait (the setup is better than it sounds!)

In terms of seating and gifts, by this time we knew what to expect from Lufthansa flights.

Rating - 3

Service

The staff were friendlier at the airport and more lenient, except for the cold no word dude at passport control. One particular air steward by the name of Alex M deserved special mention for his good looks, charming and friendly manner and efficiency. I didn't see any rings on his finger and two ladies were openly flirting with him and he played along...

I'd come to expect this from Lufthansa, they were able to handle the request for new headphones while they were also serving lunch...if I'd asked Qantas...well...

Rating - 4.5

Allowance/Gifts

We had no problems with the 43kg and the extra hand carry.

Rating - 3.5

Food

The usual excellent standard from Lufthansa (See list). The bread roll was dry but they had that morish chocolate cake again...I didn't drink the beer this time though...

Rating - 4.5

Value

This was our 5th leg of our Round the World Fare with Lufthansa, which costs a total of $1779 + $665 in taxes, not bad for the amount of travel you get. We could've got it cheaper but Flight Centre ripped us off.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 21.5

Info

Frankfurt -> Vancouver
Website

Lufthansa Flight LH 4751

Time

We left on a busy time from Heathrow so I was expecting chaos, but no such drama. The plane took off and landed around 10 minutes from scheduled time.

Rating - 4

Comfort

Yup, the same seat as the other flight except this time of course the middle is filled. I think they are not bad for short haul. And there was no entertainment or anything to report on, not to mention any gifts.

Rating - 3.5

Service

Being our 3rd Lufthansa flight, I was starting to expect some pretty nice and decent service. The attendants were ok at Heathrow and ok on the flight, but my expectations had been raised.

Rating - 3.5

Allowance/Gifts

They let through 48kg, and the process was pretty fast, nothing like the horror stories I've heard about Heathrow. We didn't get any upgrades though. Again no gifts not it was to be another short
flight.

Rating - 3.5

Food

ok for a 1.5 hour flight. We got a bread roll with some pretty tasty cheese and lettuce. It was not bad but it was nothing compared to business class. I'll actually like to know what they get in business class normally, you would almost eat non-stop!

Rating - 3.5

Value

This was our 4th leg of our Round the World Fare with Lufthansa, which costs a total of $1779 + $665 in taxes, not bad for the amount of travel you get. We could've got it cheaper but Flight Centre ripped us off.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 22.5

Info

London -> Munich
Website

Lufthansa Flight LH 4088

Time

Because this was a "domestic" flight, everything was quick - no customs or passport checks needed. We flew out just about on time.

Rating - 4

Comfort

We were upgraded to business (yeah!) but the seats were all the same. There was plenty of leg room and the seats were covered in comfy leather. The only difference was that instead of sitting 3 across, we had a seat between us free so it was more roomy. Unfortunately this was the shortest leg of our flight, being only about 1 hour, so we really didn't get to get comfortable.

I thought we might get some gifts or our own TV in business, but no such luck. We were kept pretty busy just trying to eat all the stuff they brought out for us anyway.

Rating - 4

Service

They were extra nice to us, delivering everything with a smile, and they were very attentive, but was that because we were flying business?

Rating - 4.5

Allowance/Gifts

We had 49kg this time, but was told we could only be allowed max 44kg, so we had to remove some stuff from check-in luggage into hand-luggage. Fortunately our hand carry was light, but it wasn't pleasant carrying around a few kilos while waiting to board the plane. At least we didn't have to pay extra.

No gifts but I wasn't expecting anything for such a short flight.

Rating - 4

Food

As usual, the standard was good, and we did get a feast compared to what they were given in economy (see the list). My only gripe was the fruit tart's pastry was a bit too soft. The staff's timing on food delivery was impeccable.

Rating - 4.5

Value

This was our 3rd leg of our Round the World Fare with Lufthansa, which costs a total of $1779 + $665 in taxes, not bad for the amount of travel you get. We could've got it cheaper but Flight Centre ripped us off.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 25.5

Info

Frankfurt -> Venice
Website

Lufthansa Flight LH 211

Time

We arrived right in the middle of peak time, and waited in queues for everything - check-in, security check, passport, check, immigration, boarding AND getting INTO the departure gate. The plane took off a half hour later than the scheduled time and also landed EXACTLY half hour later. At least the Germans are exact on everything, even how late they are going to be...

Rating - 2.5

Comfort

The seats are slightly narrower and shorter than Qantas but not by much, again it had the adjustable headrest, but alas, no personal TV. You really notice the difference especially when they are playing crap movies.

Rating - 3

Service

Very friendly and more importantly, very efficient, just the way I like it!

Rating - 4

Allowance/Gifts

We were 10kg over the limit at 51kg but they let us through. Maybe they didn't have time to argue with us? There were no gift bags though.

Rating - 4

Food

I won't recall everything we had again (click here if you want to know) but I was very impressed. The beer tasted great with the pretzel.

Lunch was very impressive. The sushi actually tasted fresh and I loved the vermicelli salad. They also bring out water, drinks and tasty snacks at the right moments.

The standout from the again excellent dinner was the chocolate cake.

Rating - 4

Value

This was our 2nd leg of our Round the World Fare with Lufthansa, which costs a total of $1779 + $665 in taxes, not bad for the amount of travel you get. We could've got it cheaper but Flight Centre ripped us off.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 22

Info

Tokyo -> Frankfurt
Website

Qantas Flight QF 21

Time

We waited for about 10 minutes in each queue and another 10 minutes to pick up our luggage, so it was all good but we were travelling in the dead time. The plane actually got to Tokyo early and we had to circle around because we couldn't land before the curfew of 6am.

Rating - 4

Comfort

The seats had a pretty decent amount of leg room. You can adjust the headrest and fold up the sides to sleep on now. The best thing though, was having our own TV screen to choose our own programs to watch. I think the facilities are pretty first rate for economy - although I didn't really watch any good movies (see my comments).

Rating - 3

Service

You know how everyone is always complaining about Qantas staff. I didn't find any problems with them. They were a bit strict but they worked much more efficiently than I thought. Maybe they were more polite on this trip since we were flying to Japan?

Rating - 3

Allowance/Gifts

We were just over at 41kg for 2 so they let it go. However, I saw heaps of people pulling stuff out of their bags so it seems they are quite strict.

We all got little amenities kit that contained a toothbrush, mask and socks, all in a stylish zip-bag.

Rating - 4.5

Food

Hit and miss. The bread roll served with dinner was dry and the wine list unimaginative, but they was nothing I couldn't eat. My favourite was probably the chocolate coated macadamia.

Rating - 3

Value

This was our 1st leg of our Round the World Fare with Lufthansa, which costs a total of $1779 + $665 in taxes, not bad for the amount of travel you get. We could've got it cheaper but Flight Centre ripped us off.

Rating - 4.5

Jumbo Points - 22

Info

Sydney -> Tokyo
Website

Mercedes E200 Kompressor

Trip Summary

Munich -> Frankfurt am Main

Drive

Well, we got "upgraded" to an auto, so that was very good for my peace of mind. As you know, there ain't no speed limit in Germany so we made sure we tested the baby out. At one stage we reached 220km/h and I have to say, this baby handled it no probs. Slokky said it was very good to drive so I'll take his word for it.

Rating - 5

Comfort

So this is what's it's like to have a luxury car. Electric seat, adjustable for height and tilt, loads of storage room, individual reading light, individual temperature control, everything is adjustable from the steering wheel to the radio. There's plenty of leg room and the interior is of course leather. The best thing though, the sun roof. I LOVE sun roofs, I think I will get one in my next car...

Rating - 4.5

Service

I didn't see the staff at Munich but they were really strict on the time of pick-up and drop off, but like the rest of Germany, were extremely efficient. At drop off, they were also efficient, but they were more lenient on the time (we got stuck in a traffic jam so was late) and they were helpful, as well as being pretty good looking... (they were females)

Rating - 4

Value

It was $410 for the 2 days so I guess this is what you get. I guess if you can afford it then go for it.

Rating - 3

Clean

Back to the standard I expect. It was very clean inside, but there was a bit of dirt on the outside.

Rating - 4

Zoom Points - 20.5

Info

Mercedes E200 Kompressor

Website

Volkswagen Bora (a.k.a Jetta)

Trip Summary

Bath -> Salisbury

Drive

I'd been a Volkswagen fan since the family Passat from years back. They are reliable and sturdy, and this one wa no different. The Bora came with a powerful diesel engine and really went. We got to test it out on a few highways.

Rating - 4

Comfort

Soft head rest which is easily adjustable. The interior was soft and has much more mod-con to play with. However, there is not much legroom at the back - a reason why we didn't buy a Golf when were were buying our car.

Rating - 3.5

Service

I didn't deal directly with them but they were undersing when stupid Slokky forgot to bring BOTH his license and his voucher when we went to the hiring office. They kept the office open for him to go back and get his stuff, so understanding staff always score with me!

Rating - 4.5

Value

Well, everything in England is expensive, so you need to measure this on relatvie value. It is much much cheaper than catching a train definitely. Plus, we got upgraded from a Holden Astra.

Rating - 4

Clean

Very clean, but then so is just about everything in England. I think they have an obsession with hygiene, maybe their past has something to do with this?

Rating - 4.5

Zoom Points - 20.5

Info

Website

Fiat Panda Unleaded

Trip Summary

Florence -> La Spezia

Drive

The unleaded Panda has less power than the diesel, but apart from that, everything else was the same.

Rating - 3

Comfort

We got a brand new car this time, but you still get the same headrest problems.

Rating - 2

Service

Well, after the Venice experience, these people were like angels. They still did their Italian thing (i.e., slow as anything), but at least they knew what they were doing.

Rating - 2.5

Value

Because of our villa stay, this worked out to be about $29 a day ($1291 for villa + car). However, unleaded costs A LOT more money than diesel, getting up to 1.39 Euros per litre.

Rating - 3.5

Clean

So it wasn't Italians that don't have clean cars, it was just that particular Avis. Yup, the car was very clean.

Rating - 4.5

Zoom Points - 15.5

Info

Fiat Pana

Website

Fiat Panda Diesel

Trip Summary

Venice -> Rome

Drive

It handles worst than the Jazz, and that's not a good thing. Apparently the turning circle is not crash hot and the engine is on the smaller side. But it is pretty zippy so great for getting around the narrow city streets.

Rating - 3.5

Comfort

There's ok room for a small car, however, the headrests are rock hard and non height adjustable. I had to attach my own cushion on the heat so I don't get a sore head every time we go over some bumps. The seats themselves could be a bit more comfy, and all the gadgets are of the lower-hand variety.

Rating - 1

Service

I think this is where I got the true taste of Italy, but at this stage I wasn't used to the way things work yet. The Avis people were 20 minutes late for our 4pm booking which I totally don't understand, what's the point of BOOKING if they decide to staff the office at whatever time they feel like? Anyway, I found out that the Avis people just decided to go for a coffee so closed the shop. We were left waiting on the sidewalk with our huge suitcases and nowhere to go. What's worst, they worked so slowly once they decided to serve us, and they didn't know what they were doing! Hmmm, actually learning your job instead of taking breaks might help. We didn't get out of there until about 4:40 pm.

Rating - 0

Value

$39 a day is ok for the car you get. It's pretty fuel efficient, using 2.2 L of diesel per 100 km, however the service can't be excused.

Rating - 3

Clean

I was already fuming when I got in the car, but imagine my disbelief when I got in. The car hadn't been cleaned since the last hire, and it was filthy! The outside had mud and dirt all over it, the windows were dirty. I can put up with that, but the inside! There was dirt, food crumbs, bits of biscuits everywhere. And it wasn't just a few things, it was ALL OVER THE CAR! I couldn't stand it and went back to the office to complain, and what do they do? Come out with a hand-held vacuum to get rid of some of the crap. When it comes to cleaning, they sure worked quickly though, less than 1 minute later they returned the car to me. All the obvious dirt was gone, but there was still heaps of food crumbs between the brakes and the gear stick and the harder to reach places. Since I had already been so inconvenienced and was way behind schedule, I decided to not bother complaining further.

Rating - 0

Zoom Points - 7.5

Info

Fiat Panda

Website

Things you see everywhere in Canada

Vancouver/Richmond

• Asians
• Asian shopping malls
• Asian food stores
• cars - especially huge four-wheel drives
• flowers and gardens
• totems
• wooden houses
• Starbucks
• fast food stores

Victoria/Vancouver Island

• seaside
• gardens
• chain stores
• fast food outlets
• fat people
• boats
• fish & chips

Travelodge Victoria

Room

All hotels just reflect cultural differences...well from my review of Hotel Waterview, what does that say about Australia? Anyway, I digress. This is somehow so typical of hotels in the little town. It's a 2 level rectangular brick building with a veranda running along one side. You park your car next to the building and enter. There are 2 huge beds (I think they are doubles, but they may be singles...) in the room, with a huge TV, a huge cupboard and wardrobe. The furnishings are quite new, and the theme is green. Because of the veranda and only 1 window, there's not much privacy so you have to keep the blinds closed. The bathroom actually has a bath tub! The beds were also very comfy and there were many pillows, so I didn't have to worry about any flat pillows.

Rating - 4

Facilities

I found the strangest things in the drawers. Besides the bedside bible, the bathroom toiletries also include make-up remover... What's more, there's a digital bathroom scale! Hehe, maybe they are trying to make a point? Of course now that we're out of Europe, there are the usual coffee & tea making facilities, including a huge percolator in every room!

We made good use of their big indoor swimming pool and had a go at their not bad gym equipment too.

The staff were Canadian friendly and were able to cater to a dog.

Rating - 4

Location

Ummm, there's a Travelodge in every town? You wouldn't stay there unless you have a car anyway.

Rating - 3

Value

Well we didn't pay but according to the Internet, it costs from $65 CDN plus taxes for a double, so great!

Rating - 4

Snooze Points - 15

Info

229 Gorge Road East
Victoria, B.C, Canada
V9A 1L1
Phone (250) 388-6611 or 1-800-565-3777
Website

Krönlein im Weinberg

Room

Finally, we found a hotel in Germany that's actually different to all the others. This place is situated in a suburban area. It's basically a very big house, in the style of the big attics. And that's where we got to stay. The room looked very cool, with a huge slope ceiling and a window that you open sideways. Unfortunately that meant the room was quite small, but still bigger than Japan and Centro Turistico Citte di Bologna. It also meant we had to carry our luggage up 2 flights of stairs. The bed was big, but the blankets and pillwos the same as all the other German hotels. Still, they made some effort with the room, with some better asthetically looking furniture.

Rating - 1.5

Facilities

They have unique touches, like a shoe shine machine, a sewing kit, bottled water, but no fridge. The lollies on the pillow were from the famous German brand Haribo.

The staff really reflect the philosophy of the hotel, they were the friendliest and warmest in Germany. They were able to accomodate our reqeust for an earlier breakfast because we had a flight to catch, and they made us feel very welcomed.

Rating - 4.5

Location

As mentioned, this is away from the touristy area, but there were parking and it was nice to look out to see farms and trees. The location was especially lovely when you could have breakfast out on the balcony, with a great view over all of this.

Rating - 4

Food

The breakfast was defintely worth the wait. A few types of very yummy bread and 5 different liver/sausage spread along, not to mention jams, honey, nutella, cold cuts, cheeses, as well s the German breads, muesli, a really yummy chocolate cereal, yoghurt and fresh and dried fruit. The boiled eggs were cooked just right and they made freshly brewed coffee (unfortunately Italian coffee beats it any day) and I'm happy to report, not a croissant or pastry in site!

Rating - 4.5

Value

We paid 58 Euros, not bad considering the excellent breakfast. And the hosts had charm, which is more than you can say for a lot of these places!

Rating - 4

Snooze Points - 14.5

Info

Gerbrunner Strasse / Krönlein 5, D-97236 Würzburg-Randersacker
Phone +43-1-40 40 20
Website

Achat in Augsburg

Room

I'm beginning to think that German hotels all look the same! I didn't know that Achat is actually a chain until I arrived. The building was huge but ugly, the room was again, quite big, with nice blankets, big beds, but flat pillows.

Rating - 3

Facilities

Not too bad, they had all the usuals, plus a nice bowl of lollies at the front. Finally finding somewhere where they supply the shower caps was good too. Again, no fridge or Internet.

The staff were nice and friendly. They did make a mistake with our bill, charging us for breakfast when we didn't have any. This was all fixed quickly when I told them the mistake though.

Rating - 3

Location

It's outside the city centre, but we had a car and there were plenty of parking. There's good public transport, with trams not that far away, so it's all good.

Rating - 3.5

Value

We paid 51 Euro, which was ok for that area and size. The breakfast that we were slugged was actually 12 Euros - good thing you can choose not to have it, as I think you can definitely eat A LOT with 12 Euros.

Rating - 3.5

Snooze Points - 13

Info

Servicezentrale,
Untere Hauptstrasse 11,
68766 Hockenheim
Phone +49-(0) 62 05-20 49 0
Website