Hotels and Lodging

by Philip Wagenaar (part five of a series)

When looking for a hotel, I never book one without reading all the reviews on www.tripadvisor.com, which provides large numbers of specific opinions on destinations. It takes some processing to sort out the bozos from the normal travelers, but I’ve not been disappointed in a hotel I’ve chosen from this site in the last 10 years.

ITN is presenting subscribers’ advice on renting vacation apartments (outside of the US). Last month we covered the advantages and disadvantages of renting. This month we’re listing the sources travelers use to find vacation rentals. In later issues, readers suggest questions to ask the property owner or rental agency, cover practical matters and give appraisals of specific apartments.

We’ve traveled three times to Myanmar and have made our arrangements through a local agency which we recommend without hesitation, Tour Mandalay Co., Ltd. (No. 02/03, 2nd Floor, Pearl Condominium A, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd., Bahan Township, Yangon 11201, Myanmar; phone +95 540 475 or 541 428 or 543 801).

We have dealt with Ms. Phyu Phyu at the agency, who has always shown a high degree of professionalism. She responds quickly to e-mails, provides excellent recommendations for trips and accommodations and will arrange a visa on arrival.

by Evan Goldfischer, Pleasant Valley, NY

REPORT FROM INDIA…

Villa Laura, the actual property used in the filming of “Under the Tuscan Sun,” has been painstakingly restored and is available for rent through Doorways, Ltd. (Bryn Mawr, PA; 800/261-4460, www.villavacations.com).

On eight acres outside of Cortona, the estate contains two properties: the villa, which covers 6,000 square feet on three floors and sleeps 10, and the more rustic farmhouse, with 4,000 square feet on two floors and sleeping eight.

Advice on renting apartments: that’s what we asked for from those of you who have rented outside of the US. The responses we received were so comprehensive, we culled portions from them to present in categories. This month: the advantages and disadvantages of renting.

In future issues we’ll print subscribers’ sources for finding and selecting apartments; suggested questions to ask a property owner or rental agency; practical matters of apartment living, and appraisals of specific apartments.

My friend Mary and I stayed at the Windsor Martinique Hotel (Rua Sá Ferreira 30, Copacabana CEP 22071-100, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; phone 55 21 2195 5200, fax 2195 5222), about a half-block off the Copacabana beach, March 22-24, 2010.

The staff spoke English and was very friendly and efficient. Even though the check-in time was 1 p.m., they gave us our room immediately when we arrived hours early.