A TRAVEL AND TOURISM BLOG

Its full name is Classical King George Palace Deluxe. I hope I can be forgiven if I have forgotten any "surname".

This is a hotel, where you will feel like a movie star. The location is fantastic... Syntagma Square, where every hour, you have the famous change of the guards. It is also the place where everyone meets each other... and also, the place where the strikes take place... After all, Syntagma Square (Constitution Sq.) is where the Government is placed.

It is within short walking distance from the touristic and traditional Plaka district, where you will find a huge amount of restaurants and tavernas, where you will enjoy local food.

The hotel itself is rather classical in decoration. I always prefer a much modern looking one, but this is just a matter of taste. Like Louis XIV, you walk along the extremely baroque decorated corridors until you reach your equally furnished bedroom. As you can see from the picture, I am not exaggerating. Its all frills there. (I have to say I was not welcome with a bouquet of roses... I think I should have complained, hehehe).

Rooms tend to be rather small too. You would expect that a 5 star hotel at the high rates they charge would offer you a bigger room. At least, mine was very small. The bathroom is fully equipped with soaps and other accessories from a well known brand. I even like the smell of the soap... (Sometimes you find hotels with awfully smelly soaps).

But, something that you will never forget is breakfast. It is served in the terrace on top of the hotel. There are waiters coming in an out, to offer you coffee and juices. The rest is self-service. Between bite and bite you can stare at the Acropolis and the Parthenon in particular that is ... just there. In front of you... LOOKING at you. I fell in love with the place. Outstanding...

Service was always very attentive, offering you whatever you needed. Something you really appreciate.





3 Vasileos Georgiou (Syntagma Square)
Athens 10564, Greece

Tel: +30 2810 300330
Fax:

The Corinthia Lisboa Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel. Staff is always friendly and helpful, even more if you mutter a couple of Portuguese words. The rooms, in my experience, are spacious and had a comfortable bed. As you can see from the picture, I got lost in such a big bed. (It was actually two beds put together, so... if I ended up in the middle, which usually happened, I could feel the borders of both beds. Still, moving to one side, it was a perfect bed. Also, a selection of pillows to adapt more to your needs was appreciated.

The breakfast, for me, is essential. And The Corinthia can boast to be one that has a wide range of food to offer. Fruit, cereals, cold meat, cheese, dry fruits, pastry, juices (that could improve, certainly) kitchen to have fresh fried eggs, omelettes, crêpes... you name it, and it's bound to be on offer. It even has a corner for those who look after their shape, with "light" products.

Some people say it is far away from the centre. True. It is not central, but, in my case, I need to be close to the motorway as I am going there for business and need to get out of the city fast. The ring road is barely 5 minutes away. If you do want to go to the city centre, you can always get the underground, which is just 100mts away, and it takes you directly to the Chiado. Lisbon International Airport is just 7 Km from the Corinthia, which is also another good point if you are flying back home.

There are 518 guestrooms, including double, single, twin, executive double, Club room, Executive Superior and suite.

But I also have to say that I am not very happy with the cost of the car park. The surrounding area is rather difficult to park, as there isn't much space for parking: 18 Euro per night. Also, the cost of internet connection in your room: another 18 Euro. Apparently in the hall, it is free of charge, but if you need to do some work, get some papers and so, the place is not prepared for that, therefore, I prefer to do it in the room. It is a 5 star hotel and, as such, extra services have 5 star price too, which, in my opinion, are not acceptable.
Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended hotel.

CORINTHIA HOTEL LISBONAv. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 105,


Lisbon 1099-031,


PORTUGAL

T: +351 21 7236363


F: +351 21 7236364


E: lisboa@corinthia.pt

Feeling sun-deprived? Believe it or not, both the East and West coasts of India are littered with beautiful beaches. On the West Coast you’ll find the Arabian Sea while on the East Cost you’ll find the Bay of Bengal. Each coastline is full of picturesque beaches, spectacular sea resorts, and incredible vacation opportunities.



The beaches in India are almost too numerous to list, but they’re well worth exploring. Here are some of the most popular beaches in India, broken down by region.

Andhra Pradesh Beaches

Twenty three individual districts make up the area known as Andhra Pradesh, but only eight of them give visitors access to the sea. Andhra’s coast has remained remarkably unspoiled by tourism and features clean beaches where tourists can sunbathe or swim at their leisure.

Some of the most popular Andhra Pradesh Beaches include:

• Bheemunipatnam Beach, one of the safest in Andhra Pradesh, and home to the renowned Bheemli sea resort;
• Manginapudi Beach, a remarkable beach on the outskirts of a historic port town and popular amongst tourists visiting the local health resort;
• Vodarevu Beach, a popular and somewhat secluded weekend destination amongst locals; and
• Rishikonda Beach, a beautiful golden beach popular amongst swimmers and water sport lovers.

Kerala Beaches

The beaches at Kerala aren’t necessarily the most popular but those who venture to the backwater area will find themselves surrounded by undisturbed beaches and sparkling blue waters. Relax under a coconut palm on one of these beaches and you’ll experience pure bliss!



Kerala’s most renowned beaches include:

• Marari Beach, an area relatively undiscovered by tourists. The beaches are found on the edge of a local fishing village and feature beautiful palm trees and friendly locals;
• Alappuzha Beach, an incredibly popular beach destination that features a pier that has extended into the sea for more than 140 years; and
• Muzhappilangad Beach, which is known for being the longest beach in Kerala. This beach is the only one in India on which visitors are allowed to drive.

Orissa Beaches

The beaches at Orissa are some of the most visited in the world, especially by visitors on religious pilgrimage. The white sandy beaches along the coastal belt of Orissa draw the attention of tourists from all walks of life on a regular basis.


Some of the most important beaches in Orissa are:

• Puri Beach, which is considered to be one of four important holy places in the country. The beach is on the Bay of Bengal and is one of the most beautiful on the planet.
• Konark Beach, another famous beach known for being the home of the Sun temple; and
• Gopalpur On Sea, a spectacular hot spot for swimmers, surfers, sunbathers, and anyone who merely wants to enjoy the sun, sand, and water.

Karnataka Beaches

Karnataka’s beaches are relatively calm compared to some of the more resort friendly destinations. The scenery in Karnataka is breathtaking and the area is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.


So which beaches are the most peaceful?

• Maravanthe Beach can be found in the town of Karnataka and is a great destination for beach goers interested in water sports;
• Bhatkal Beach features not only a gorgeous seascape but breathtaking hills and a beautiful temple; and
• Karwar Beach, where you’ll relax on silver sands under the swaying palm trees in a calm and peaceful environment like no other.

Goa Beaches

If you thought the beaches at Orissa were popular, you have yet to see the beaches at Goa. Goa, unlike Orissa, is a renowned beach vacation destination and draws the attention of party goers from around the world.


Where are the hottest beaches in Goa?

• Anjuna Beach features palm trees that have been painted in fluorescent colors, an incredible flea market, and infamous parties held on the eve of every full moon;
• Benaulim Beach is one of the safest beaches for those who want to swim without fearing a jellyfish encounter. The area around this beach is also well known for its culinary creations featuring seafood; and
• Pololem Beach, a spectacular bay beach featuring coconut palms, bay nuts, and an incredibly relaxing atmosphere.

No matter what part of India you visit you’re bound to find a beach destination that suites your tastes, whether you love relaxing in seclusion or immersing yourself in beach party culture. Grab your towel, pack your suntan lotion, and explore!