Jul 13 2011

Overall, My Brendan Independent Vacation Was Great!

Hey there Alice,

I'm finally almost caught up with things overall since my return. This was one of the most difficult trips to come back from. It was great!

Overall, Brendan was pretty helpful and doing the 'limited' tour was the way to go for me. It allowed me to do what I wanted and when I wanted, but with some guidance from a local guide.

In Madrid, my transfer from the airport to the hotel was on time and the hotel was not too far. I stayed at the Hotel El Coloso.

The hotel was not the best, the staff wasn't very helpful, and the room smelled and seemed to be very, very old. It could definitely use some updating. The area, although walking distance to pretty much everything I wanted to see, was a little scary. A 'gentleman's' club on both sides of the hotel, dark alley-type streets, with no taxis anywhere to be found. I definitely would not stay there again.

The tour guide who met me at the hotel was pretty helpful. He did try and arrange a day trip to Toledo for me, but when he couldn't find anyone, he ended up taking me himself in his own car. I didn't get as much time as I would've liked, but I was happy that at least I got to see another town. It was well worth the trip!

Barcelona was my favorite part of the trip. The Hotel Medinaceli was AMAZING! It is located right by the harbor, recently renovated, nice and clean and a very helpful staff. It is about one block away from La Rambla, which leads you to the center of the city. I met some friends from LA there and we had an excellent time. It's absolutely beautiful. I would definitely visit here again.

The tour guide was on time and very helpful. He made some arrangements for me and when I missed my early train to Sevilla, he was available by cell phone. Although, he wasn't able to do much, he did advise me to go to the train station to see what they could do. I ended up having to buy a new tourista class ticket for 6% of the first class ticket. I eventually made it to Sevilla. So much for first class. lol

Sevilla was very HOT so I was happy that my time there was short. The hotel, Gran Hotel Lar, again left much to be desired. It was far worse than Madrid. The location great! But again, it could have used a nice wipe down. The bathroom was almost bigger than the bedroom. The staff pretty non-existent.

Given that I've traveled all over Europe and have experience less than optimal hotel accommodations (including youth hostels) I feel my expectations are pretty well gauged. That being said, the hotels in Madrid and Sevilla were not what I would expect for 'mid-tier' pricing. Barcelona definitely was.

Aside from that, my trip was awesome. Easy to get around; speaking the language always a big help; food, music, people and the culture were all just absolutely wonderful! Right up my alley

Thank you so much for everything. As always, you did a fantastic job at pulling it altogether. I'm already thinking about my next trip! Again thank you for everything. Hope all is well!

Take care,

Tessie

Contact a Brendan Vacations Specialist at 800-300-4567 or click HERE.

About Alice Gomez

Having been with All-Travel since March, 1990, I have seen many changes in the travel industry. As well as changes in our nation that has affected the travelling public. I am proud and continually amazed that All-Travel is always ahead of the game and on top of the next trend in travel.

I look forward to every morning as I sign on to my computer to see what the day will bring, As each day is indeed interestingly different and exciting!

I enjoy conversations with all potential travellers planning their annual vacation, maybe an escorted tour in Europe, a Mediterranean cruise, a hang loose vacation to the islands OR a challenging business itinerary as I book business travel as well as leisure.

My husband and I enjoy relaxing on a cruise, vacations in Hawaii, or visiting our son on the East coast.