January 4th, 2017

Summer Travel, Conca dei Marini, Italy, Amalfi Coast, Hotel Belvedere, What Are You Waiting For? Costiera Amalfitana e Bella

Concai dei Marini is located in south western Italy.  It is on the hilly coast, between Amalfi and Furore.  In the Middle Ages it was trading base of the Republic of Amalfi.

An this is from the same angle the above photo was taken many years ago.

We were traveling from Terracina where we had spent a great week-end.  If you want to check that post click on September, 2016 and scroll down to the 6.  Driving in the Costa Amalfitana is an experience. The driver will not be able to do any sight seeing. It is a drive where the driver has to drive.  We did it but my friend, Judith, had done it plenty of times.

We arrived at Hotel Belvedere, located at Via Smeraldo, 19, 84010.  This hotel offers all rooms looking towards the Tyrrhenian Sea.  I had already been in touch with the Manager and Owner Mr. Antonio Barbero.  My friends have been staying there for a long time so it was like coming home.  Their website is http://www.belvederehotel.it.

The inside of the hotel was comfortable and every day at 7 p.m. we would meet in the lobby for a little drink before dinner.

The Belvedere has a salt water pool….and yes they have elevators or plenty of steps for those who want to keep in shape after all the dining and wining.

The views from Hotel Belvedere are spectacular.  We met people that have been going there for so many years at the same time.  August is a big vacation month for Europeans.

In the mornings we would sit on the terrace overlooking those amazing views and soon the sea would be filled with boats and yatchs of all sizes.

And Giuseppe, the Maitre d’ was always there to welcome us breakfast, lunch and dinner.

It seems like everywhere we went in Italy there were fireworks, a celebration! Same thing happened in Conca dei Marini where the boat parade and fireworks began early in the evening.

Jumping into the Tyrrhenian Sea was an experience.  Looking at the rocks under the water….I was freaking out, but peer pressure won and I jumped just like everyone else.

Food is coming next….

Concai Dei Marini “For the Amalfi people who go to paradise, the Day of Judgement will be a day like any other day.”  Italian Writer, Renato Fucini

Ciao

July 18th, 2016

Hotel Gault, Old Montreal, Canada, Summer Travel, Boutique Hotel, A Shout to Their Staff!! “Houssman architecture influenced by contemporary Paris”

A week-end is not enough, but that is all we had.  You certainly need a few more days when visiting Montreal, Canada.  Even though I live at the beach and this is a destination for many, for some of us getting out of town is definitely the thing to do when the beaches get too crowded.  Summer travel is great.  Everyone does it.  I was reading an article the other day that you should try to visit a new place every month.  I am trying to, and it does not have to be far away, but if you can do it please do because traveling inspires you to explore, to see the world for what it really is, regarding of the news of the day.

The Hotel Gault is located at 449, Rue Sainte-Helene, Montreal, QC, H2Y 2K9  Tel. 514-904-1616 or 1-866-904-1616  Website?  http://www.hotelgault.com

As you can see from the photo taken outside of Hotel Gault, its architecture is classic.  They mentioned that it is “Houssman architecture influenced by contemporary Paris”.  Napoleon III brought Baron George-Eugene Haussman to bring order and structure to the chaotic, cramped Paris.

Very modern inside.  The hotel showcases contemporary art from local Quebec and Canadian artists.

The hotel only has about 30 or 35 rooms.  Ours was the apartment.  Room 410.  Huge.  It really was like an apartment.  Very comfortable with good lighting.

I am giving a shout to the staff and to the hotel guests.  Looking for my key in my pocketbook I left my wallet in a cubby by the hall.  A few hours later I got a call saying a hotel guest had returned it to the Front Desk.  I had no idea I had left it so you can imagine how appreciative I was.

Hotel Gault is open to the public for dining…breakfast, brunch and lunch.  The guests have 24 hour service.

Needless to say we had great service and the location was perfect.  We could walk to all the cafes, restaurants, and shops.  Loved Old Montreal!!