dbh62ark

We've been lucky to have spent a lot of days in Rome too and would also recommend 3 for a first-time stay. Frommers has some suggested itineraries, but basically you could spend one day at the Vatican/St. Peter's Basilica, one day at the Colosseum and Pantheon and etc., and one day seeing the Piazza Navona and other beautiful squares. The evenings are really wonderful, and you can do what we call the fountain crawl (similar to the pub crawl in London) to see the beautiful fountains lit at night. If you have more than 3 days, I would use the extra time to get out and see other parts of Italy.

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

Donna,

 

We purchased this hotel through priceline and was wondering if you did to. We were under the assumption that it didn't include breakfast. If it did not, how much was it?

 

Thanks.

Sorry--I also wish I could help with this info but like Patti had used hotel points to stay at the Hilton. You all are getting a great, great deal for Venice to stay in the Hilton Molino Stucky through Priceline, so enjoy. My personal experience (we've been fortunate to be able to travel to Europe yearly for the past 17 years) is that if you have to purchase the breakfast separately, it's pricey in European hotels. I think I did read on TripAdvisor that an affordable breakfast is available nearby.

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

Oh, one other things. There is a Servicio Gondola that is a stripped down gondola that will take you across some of the canels in Venice. They are 2 euros. We used those a few times.

Patti

Patti, I'm glad you enjoyed the Hilton too. There are many types of boats in Venice (it's confusing), and the boats that go across the Grand Canal for 2 Euros are traghettos. (Just FYI for others reading this thread--there are only a few bridges across the Grand Canal, so the traghettos are used for transportation across in between the bridges.)

 

Happy travels,

Donna

How was the Hilton?

 

Donna

I'm going to answer my own question--it was great!!! Very nice hotel, and the rooftop hotel is very unique and just to die for. It was very interesting to note that since this hotel has opened, it has changed the convention business in Venice. They've never before had a hotel that could house 400+ rooms. For those who are getting this on Priceline, you are getting quite a bargain indeed.

 

The only tip I have is to check the shuttle schedules very carefully because the boat operators take a dinner break in the evening. We thought they ran literally every hour (I'm sure this had something to do with jetlag too), but what's not to like about an extra hour in Venice?

 

Breakfast is abundant and in very nice rooms. I hope you all enjoy as much as we did.

 

Happy travels,

Donna

I was wondering if you got an answer to this question. We are on a different cruise on a different date, but the question is the same.

 

Thanks,

Alan

Alan, I think you may have tried to copy a question??? Anyway, if you let us know which question was not answered, maybe we can help.

 

Donna

We then took our luggage up the ramp to the parking lot and there were free buses to take px to their respective cruise ships.

I was warned that this may not work for some passengers because those free buses only operate on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and are not always in operation all of those days either. Just FYI.

 

Donna

Thanks for posting this info for those who are still weighing their options. How was the Hilton?

 

Donna

Your cruise is getting close!! I hope you have a wonderful time and please be sure to post a review on your return.

Will do. :)

You're welcome, and I hope you all have a great trip.

 

:) Donna

Yes, we've had 6 in a water taxi before. You may be charged an extra 8 Euros for 2 extra passengers. Some of the water taxi boats are larger than others, and we've had 8 plus luggage in a water taxi before.

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

When I sent the hotel a link to this thread, the manager called to be sure that all our questions were answered. So based on the service before we arrive in Venice, I think we're all in for a treat staying at the Hilton Molino Stucky.

 

The first tip that I think will be most helpful is that this Hilton has a microsite that has more info than the main Hilton site.

 

http://molinostuckyhilton.com/index.php

 

And the direct link to transportation information is http://molinostuckyhilton.com/transferinformation.php#contentRight.

 

The Hilton shuttle boat schedule is also on the microsite.

 

Hotel to ship

Private water taxi from hotel to ship is 60 Euros for 4 passengers. This is cheaper than a water taxi from the St. Mark's Square area because the Guidecca island is closer to the cruise ship terminal. I know from personal experience that after arriving by water taxi at the dock, the ship's employees are waiting for you and your luggage, and this is a very easy option (we’ve been fortunate to have sailed from Venice several times). The hotel will book the water taxi for you in advance. And when I've stayed in hotels Venice in the past, they will at least try to find someone to split the cost if you can't find someone in advance on your roll call.

 

Tronchetto is the Alilaguna public water bus stop for the cruise ships. But the manager recommended against this option for most cruise passengers because after you arrive at the Tronchetto stop, you have to walk to the cruise ships. He said that considering the fact that you have to follow the road, you would likely want to take a land taxi from the Tronchetto stop to the ship. The hotel needs to book that in advance to ensure that you are able to get a taxi. He said that if you can find someone to share a water taxi, it's not much more (15 Euros per person via private water taxi vs. approx 10 Euros per person via Alilaguna + water taxi).

 

Airport to hotel

Private water taxi from airport to hotel is 100 Euros (see note above about location of the Guidecca island) for 4 passengers. Some water taxis may impose a fee of 8 Euros for each extra passenger. The water taxis are located near the airport exit (you have to walk a little further to Alilaguna).

 

The last Alilaguna public water boat to the Hilton Molino Stucky leaves the airport at 7:15 p.m. (19:15). The information on the Alilaguna site has not been updated, so the most current and accurate timetable is on the Hilton Molino Stucky microsite (see link above). This option takes 1.5 hours as compared to a half hour for the private water taxi.

 

Here's a link to the roll call threads to trade messages with others from your sailing before your trip: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=34. And you can possibly find others to share the cost of a water taxi there.

 

The hotel does not know of any luggage storage facilities in the St. Mark’s Square area, so you would need to return to the hotel to collect any luggage that you leave during the day while you are sightseeing before boarding the ship.

 

On a personal note, I’ve spent 46 days in Venice and have made the mistake of trying to take luggage on the vaporettos (will not do that again). Just my opinion, but this is one area where you may want to splurge and do it the easy way by water taxi. And if you can find someone to split the cost, the water taxis are not much more expensive and way more convenient. I don't know how to put a price on this, but it's just fun and very scenic to ride the water taxis, so that's quite a treat. Seeing the sights of Venice from this perspective is not the same as seeing it 10 stories up from a cruise ship deck. And after you arrive on a long international flight, you're really tired, so that's a consideration too. Luggage on the Alilaguna public water buses (not the same boats as the vaporettos) is not an issue.

 

Happy travels,

Donna

I guess there are a bunch of us waiting for your reply! Thanks for taking the time to get the info for us.:)

You're welcome. I haven't heard back from him yet but am going to give him another day or two. (We're accustomed to next day reply here in the U.S., but I respect the fact that the Europeans GENERALLY have a better work/life balance than we have in the U.S., so they don't check their e-mail every day and have more time off.)

 

In the meantime, here's the Alilaguna timetable in question--note that the last Alilaguna from the airport to the hotel is at 16:45 (we have another couple from our roll call board arriving after 5:00 p.m.): http://www.alilaguna.it/?funzione=1&contesto=1&valore=8&modo=6&fascia=2

 

I think the Tronchetto stop is the cruise ship terminal. If anyone has info to the contrary, please post it.

 

Donna

Thanks Cathy that's fantastic info. By googling Alilaguna I found this web site:

http://www.alilaguna.it/

 

It seems to indicate that the line also goes all the way to the Hilton (its listed as a stop on the "BLU line" but there's no corresponding entry for the cost of this trip in their price list). Is the Red Line the only one that actually runs? Any idea what the difference between a "ticket" (13 euro) and "cartavenezia" (6 euro as you mentioned) is?

 

Thanks again.

Welcome to CruiseCritic. I noticed this on the Alilaguna site, so I e-mailed the concierge at the Hilton Molino Stucky for info. I'll post as soon as I hear from him.

 

Donna

luvmy3girls and Donna, like the lady on 40 Rock says, "I want to go there!"

I'm didn't even think about doing a search on Google. (I am one of the stupid few people in the world who almost never use that site!) THANK you both so much for this info! Now, how do I figure out how we can get there? We are already renting in cars in 3 of our 4 ports, plus in Portugal, Spain, (can't take one over their borders or it costs $700!), and Greece for land portions of our trip. And most of the low cost agencies do not have GPS systems, which means LOTS of "thinking" and getting lost! Maybe a train to Rome and then??? But will we have time? (Gotta definitely research this!) Thanks again, ladies!

You're welcome, and I hope you have a great trip.

 

:) Donna

Can someone tell me more about this: Civita de Banoregio (magical!!!!) This is the third reference in the last two days, before which I had never heard of it! We MAY decide to drive from Civ. to Venice and if this(whatever it is) is so great we better plan to stop there!!

 

Thx for any info

Cathy

 

Donna, I just did a search using the places you said you did a private tour to outside of Civitaveccia and turned up almost NOTHING on Tripadvisor! A few hotels, and a photo of a fort or castle-like structure on one hotel review. Nothing under "things to do" for those places. How/where did you get the private tour?

 

Civita de Bagnoregio is a wonderful place to visit. It's a small village that is only accessed by a footbridge. Our friend Walt said that he felt like he was walking up to see God! :) The scenery in that area is really nice too, and you have great views from the village of the surrounding mountains. This is called a dying village because only a few residents live in the village now.

 

http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/civitabd.htm

 

http://www.romeartlover.it/Bagnoregio.html

 

http://www.romeartlover.it/Bagnaia.html

 

http://www.romeartlover.it/Tuscania.html

 

We used Monti Tours, which was recommended in Rick Steves' book, but I think any of the Civitavecchia private drivers will take you into Umbria instead of Rome. We were not at all interested in the Etruscan tombs that are a big attraction in this area, so we just based our day on the wonderful villages.

 

I don't have my photos online (sorry--I sell some of my travel photos professionally), but you can preview more on http://www.flickr.com.

 

Happy travels,

Donna

That is great info. Did that train leave from Rome's Termini or could you access it directly from Civitavecchia? If from Rome it would mean a cruise passenger would need to take the train into Rome (about 1:15 each way) and than take the train back out to the Ostia Antica.

Hank

Yes, we went from Rome. I checked it out from Civitavecchia last year and noted the same thing you did (that cruise passengers coming from Civitavecchia would have to go through Rome using public transportation to get to Ostia Antica).

 

But I think Tuscania is a short and easy train ride from Civitavecchia for those who have "done" Rome, and Tuscania is great. My favorite excursion from Civitavecchia was a private tour to Tuscania, Civita de Banoregio (magical!!!!), and Bagnaia.

 

Donna

We also love the ruins at Ostia Antica which are located a short way from the FCO airport...but again, it does not work well with public transit.Hank

Hank, we went to Ostia Antica via a local train that we called the "graffiti express." At the Ostia stop, we walked over a pedestrian bridge and hired a guide, and it was less than 100 yards.

 

Donna

As for Civitaveccia, we have stayed in Rome a couple of times but will probably go in again. We'll probably take the train in, not really knowing what we'll do there this time. And frankly, we just don't want to reserve ANOTHER car! We'll probably just hang out, walk around, etc. Are there any towns which are exceptionally interesting and/or beautiful near Rome that that would be worth a visit,and that we could easily visit by train or bus from Civitaveccia?

Check out Tuscania. But if you really want treat and decide to rent a car, Civita de Bagnoregio is amazing, and we did this from the port of Civitavecchia.

 

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=bagnoregio

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

We have been to Lisbon twice and this time would like to venture out of town. Does anyone have any advice and experience with taking the train to Sintra? Is it interesting? Is it easy? Is there somewhere else we should head?

 

Thanks

I've taken the train to Sintra while we were staying in Lisbon. Are you calling there for a port stop or staying there? The train is easy and cheap, but note that I would advise against women taking it unless you have a male companion. There were some people with mental problems on the train--and not just those pretending to have mental problems to get money--and it was a little scary. My husband is 6'1" and fairly buff, so no one messes with us. Just FYI.

 

My favorite in Sintra is Pena Palace. Note that it is a loooonnnnggg walk uphill, so you can take a taxi up. It's very interesting and unique. Sintra is quite a treat, but I don't know that I would do it in a port stop unless you have a really long port stop (one hour each way by train).

 

Hank,

Are you there?

Hank is a wonderful resource. He doesn't post when he's on long trips, and he's currently gone for a couple of months.

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

Thank you for posting your opinion that the Chesterfield Mayfair was significantly better than Royal Horseguards. This caused me to really look into it. My first thought, when looking at the location on the map, was that the Royal Horseguards was superior in location for a short stay. I then checked rates at Chesterfield Mayfair and they were 224 pounds per night for when I wanted to stay next April. That's a lot of money in U.S. currency. Finding a London hotel with a reasonably priced rate is becoming impossible. I think this might end up being my last visit to London until the currency situation does some correction. This may never happen. London is certainly feeling like the most expensive city in Europe when you compare the exchange rate to the countries using the Euro.

Oh yes, I understand. The Royal Horseguards is very well located for tourist attractions and is in a busy area. The Chesterfield Mayfair is well located in a different way if you like walking in lovely areas close to the beaten path but very serene with beautiful small parks, etc. But that's immaterial if a property is not in your price range. The Red Carnation hotels have a lot of specials on the web site (you have to click around), but it may still not be an option for you. We found great specials on the RC web site for our stay in August and then for our in-laws in September last year. I'm sure you will enjoy the Royal Horseguards if you stay there. When we were in London last year, I thought the exchange rates were pitiful then as compared to our previous trips, but I know it's even worse now with no relief in sight. We will be there next year but will likely spend more time outside London because as you said, some places in Europe are just becoming too outrageously expensive to enjoy.

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

I have been to the Thistle Hotels website but couldn't find out about rates & availability because I keep getting the message that " this property is restricted." By, to or from whom ????????????????????? Can someone explain???:eek: :eek: :eek:

I was in the Royal Horseguards visiting friends who were staying there, and it is nice. But they visited us at our hotel, the Chesterfield Mayfair on that trip (Red Carnation hotel), and we all agreed that it was significantly better. I've stayed in the Thistle Hyde Park, and this is the old Whites Hotel. It was nice too.

 

Have a great trip,

Donna

Hi:

Just booked 6 days for 3 people on aug 25, 2007 at the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum thru Hotwire.com. GREAT deal. Way cheaper than anything decent. even 10 lbs cheaper than Luna & Simone. click the 3 1/5 star. US 200/night good Luck

For others reading the thread, be aware of what you are and aren't buying when using an opaque site. Check http://www.betterbidding.com and http://www.biddingfortravel.com to check out the possibilities. We use good old $$ or hotel program points for hotels in Europe because we've found that many of the ones who are selling rooms on Hotwire and Priceline have very bad reviews on http://www.tripadvisor.com, so it's not worth it to us for international stays. There's a thread currently open from a board member who sounds as if they have buyer's remorse (3* Gatwick hotel with really bad ratings on Tripadvisor). Priceline and Hotwire are great to save $$, but they have some major disadvantages too.

 

Donna

Donna, sorry to not respond. I guess I wrote my bit of wisdom, and then forgot about this thread. We have now lived in Fayetteville for more than 35 years. As would be expected, I was a prof at the University, but have now been retired for several years. The University has been a great place to be. Due to the University, we have lived in Europe almost a year while teaching there.

 

Although this area now has over a third of a million people, we think of Tulsa as our primary "big city", not Little Rock. We used to shop fairly frequently in Tulsa, but now our Tulsa trips are usually limited to three nights a year for The Tulsa Opera. (OK, you Yankees out there who might be reading this, it is not "Grand Old Opry". The Tulsa Opera presents great operas by Verdi, Puccini, and the like.)

 

Our next cruise is on the Brilliance, December 2 from Barcelona to Miami. There are still cabins available.

 

Bob :cool:

I've been off the boards a few days and saw your message. My husband attended law school in Fayetteville (is not practicing now and works in the insurance industry), but I guess it would be rare to live in Arkansas and not have a connection to the U of A Fayetteville. :) I can imagine that it was a great job for you and that you have seen so many changes in that part of the state in the last few decades. We have relatives in Tulsa so will have to add the opera performances to our "wish list."

 

I wish we could book the Brilliance, but we have already used a lot of our vacation time this year (May 25th Millennium Med with precruise on Amalfi Coast and Lake Como, which was wonderful) and will use the remainder for family visits and events. We're in our mid-40s so still have the work scheduling issues. :) I hope we can do a Transatlantic one year and send our best wishes to you for a great trip in December.

 

It was nice to hear back from you, so I'll keep an eye out on the boards for your messages and will hope to meet you in the future.

 

Donna

We also stayed at Rubens our last trip to London. Yes, check their specials. We booked one and the Mews View we booked was gone when we arrived, but we were then put in a much nicer room with not much view. I was impressed when I arrived at Harwich and realized that I had left my sport coat in the hotel room before checking out. I phoned and asked that they send the coat back to my U. S. home using my credit card. When I returned home I found the coat delivered at no cost to me. That was real service. The doorman also arranged two taxis at reasonable prices for us and friends to the rail station we needed for transport to Harwich.

Bob :cool:

I'm not surprised to hear this story because we've stayed at other Red Carnation hotels in addition to the Rubens and found that the whole chain has excellent service.

 

By the way, I see you are from Fayetteville. We are in Little Rock and hope to meet you in our future travels. In the meantime, happy travels.

 

Donna

I've stayed at at least a dozen hotels in London and like the Rubens at the Palace the best (part of the Red Carnation hotel chain). It's a 4-star but was much better for us than several 5-stars that we've stayed at in London. The Rubens is well located and well worth the price (good specials on their web site).

 

Have a great trip,

Donna