TRAVEL QUESTIONS FOR KAREN:

Category: Ireland

Question:
A big family group is traveling in the west of Ireland, mainly near Clifden. Your 'Ireland' book has been wonderful. I am wondering about taking children age 8 and 16 to pubs to eat and to listen to music. Is this appropriate and comfortable? Is time of day an issue? Is music usually playing in the pubs late? Thank you.
Asked by Beth Abbott [Jan 26, 2012]

Answer:

Beth it is totally appropriate to take children to pubs to eat and listen to music in Ireland. My experience has been that Irish music sessions often do not get going till 10pm and later and on many occasions end in the early hours of the morning.

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Category: Germany

Question:
We are going to Germany for a first-time trip. We are passionate about museums and fine art. Would you suggest hiring a tour guide while we are in Berlin to help us discover art sites not commonly known and if so, how does one find a guide with a specialty in art?
Asked by A Karen Brown Traveler [Jan 20, 2012]

Answer:

Berlin is a wonderful city with lots of museums and since it is your first trip I don't think you even need to concern yourself with the "not so commonly known" as the well-known ones are excellent and ones you would NOT want to miss. A private guide is always a wonderful luxury and I would ask the hotel where you will be staying for their personal recommendation if this is something you want to pursue.  However, my recommendation would be to take a city bus tour that will provide an introduction, orientation and overview to the city and its key sightseeing attractions.  I would then suggest returning to the attractions and museums of interest to explore more leisurely on your own. A key international city you will find all museums and attractions well documented in English. Enjoy your travels! Karen

 

For our own recommendations of what to see in this incredible city, go to our website at:

http://www.karenbrown.com/List_Regional_Attractions/Germany/Berlin/53/name/page_1.php

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Category: New England

Question:
Small intimate wedding in Massachusetts, Rhode Island or Connecticut in August. Any suggestions?
Asked by A Karen Brown Traveler [Jan 19, 2012]

Answer:

Many of the inns we recommend in our guide would serve as a wonderful and intimate place for a wedding!  If a property does host weddings there will be a wedding bell icon included with other service icons found under the description on their website page or in our printed guide. We have also just started a wedding section on our website and suggested that inns publish additional information specific to weddings.  There are a few that have submitted information, but it is important to note that there are just a few so far-the list does not represent all who do host weddings.  Below is the link to access the wedding page on our website:

http://www.karenbrown.com/List_All_Wedding_Reception_Facilities/New_England/14/name/page_1.php

For specific recommendations, there are truly too many to note without knowing a little more about your preferences, but because of location and ambiance I will recommend the following to get you started in your research! 

CT: Old Mystic, Old Mytstic Inn

CT: Washington, Mayflower Inn

CT: Simsbury, Simsbury 1820 House

ME: Greenville, Lodge at Moosehead Lake

ME: Ogunquit, Hartwell House

ME: York, Dockside Guest Quarters

MA: Ipswich, Inn at Castle Hill

MA: Lee, Applegate Inn

MA: Lenox, Blantyre, Gateways

MA: Nantucket Island-Wauwinet, The Wauwinet

MA: Stockbridge, Inn at Stockbridge

.....any many more! 

Wishing you much happiness, Karen

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Category: France

Question:
I just used your France hotels guide book ( copy right 2010 version) for a trip to Paris and the Loire valley. In Paris we stayed at Saint Germain Left Bank hotel. Hotel was pretty and nice and well located, but they informed us that despite your book saying breakfast is included, they changed that policy after Dec 31, 2011 and no longer include breakfast in the price. Also I made the reservation on line using the link on your website. We had a standard room with a rate on the website of 160 Euros per night + tax and stayed there for 3 nights January 12,13, and 14, 2012. When we got to the hotel, there was a sign on the reception desk that said that this room was 140 Euros per night in low season and the sign specifically mentioned January and February as low season. When we complained about this 20 Euro per night discrepancy, the manager at the hotel tried to say that these 3 particular days in January was not low season !!! despite the fact that the sign on his desk said low season was all of January and February. Between this and needing to pay 12 Euro per person for 2 of us for le petit dejeuner each day on top of the 160 Euros, we felt like we got taken. Also I would like to write some reviews of the 3 inns from your book that we stayed at, but I cannot see on your website how to do this. Can you please direct me how I enter a review? Thanks, Sindee Sommer
Asked by Sindee Sommer [Jan 19, 2012]

Answer:

Dear Sindee,

I am sorry that the information provided in our book was not current for 2012.  I am also a bit surprised that they changed their rates to not include breakfast as this was something they offered for competitive value and I promoted it as such.  I will forward your note on to the hotel and I, too will be eager to learn their response. I personally wish they had handled the situation differently and made a concession based on the change of rates and the posted low season rates that were NOT valid for the dates of your reservation. 

As far as posting other reviews - we would welcome your feedback.  To do so, you need to set up a login through our website so that our system knows to credit you for the review (you can always submit information annonymously).  If you haven't done so, you can set up a login from the top right corner login box on any page on www.karenbrown.com.

After you have set up a login, you can post a review by going to the property page on click on the line prompt that reads: Login To Leave Your Own Review & Photo OR you can go to KB Community Tab and click on Traveler Reviews and follow the prompts.

The link to the Traveler Review tab is:

http://www.karenbrown.com/help_comments.php

Thank you so much for using our books and recommendations. I will email you once I hear back from the Saint Germain Left Bank hotel.

Kindest regards,

Karen

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Category: France

Question:
we have enjoyed your itineraries for years and are going to provence in may. my question is "could we do your entire provence itinerary staying in avignon and doing day trips from there?" if your answer is "yes, but" which other city/town would you recommend on the eastern portion of your itinerary to use as a base. we are two couples who would prefer to pack/unpack a maximum of two times on this trip and have selected la miranda in avignon for a base on the western legs of the itinerary. thanks for your advice david hirsch
Asked by david hirsch [Jan 16, 2012]

Answer:

Dear David,

Yes, it is feasible to use Avignon as a base and, although a "city" it is relatively easy to navigate in and out.  For point of reference, when looking at our itinerary map it is just 20 miles between Avignon and Arles.  One suggestion might be when you do travel to Arles which warrants a full day of exploration, you might want to take the train between the two and avoid the hassle of driving in and out of Arles and parking issues.

To visit the hilltowns of Provence I would suggest either Gordes or Crillon le Brave as a base.  Be sure to consider recommendations in both of our guides (hotels and B&Bs) - lots to choose from!

Thank you for using our guides!

Bon Voyage!

Karen

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Category: Website

Question:
I have used your books fopr over 15 years and love them but do not want to lug them around in Europe anymore. So I suppose my choice is a kindle or an IPAD. I like being able to get on the internet to look at sites for places you recommend. Any suggestions? Thanks, Geoff russell
Asked by Geoffrey Russell [Jan 6, 2012]

Answer:

Dear Geoff,

We are converting all our books to electronic book format and hopefully will have them available in March!  We are excited as they are so dynamic with interactive maps, website and email links and color photos.  It is encouraging to know that we have one customer ready and waiting!

A few of our titles are already available through Kindle but they are dated (2009) and are simply our "print guides" in kindle format and to be honest, not easy to use.

You might want to sign up for our newsletter so that you will be one of the first to know when the ebooks are released and also for special introductory offers!

Kindest regards,

Karen

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Category: Italy

Question:
Hi Karen, A few years ago we stayed at the wonderful Casa Bolsinina in Tuscany. We are looking this time to rent a villa for 2 weeks that sleeps 4. There seem to be an abundance of websites. Any suggestions on how to begin? Thanks so much!
Asked by Judith McQuistion [Nov 26, 2011]

Answer:

When you are trying to decide on a place to stay for two weeks as opposed to just one night - you want to make sure you have all the information you can possibly get to make the selection.  It is one thing when a one night stay does not work out - you can move on - but there is a real time and financial commitment with a long-term vacation rental.  My understanding is the rentals can vary dramatically and price is not always an indicator of comfort or value.  I would recommend contacting someone who has personally seen the properties they recommend so that you can get and honest appraisal.  Nicole Franchini who researches for our guide to Italy; is based in Italy; is familiar with quite a few long term rentals, and helps people with their personalized travel arrangement. If I were looking for a long-term rental I would contact her.  She can be reached via email at: franchini.nicole@gmail.com.  She is also familiar with the Casa Bolsinina so she will have an appreciation for what you like!  Enjoy your time and travels in Italy!

Kindest regards,Karen

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Category: Italy

Question:
We are planning on staying at Hotel Villa Steno, Monterossa (cinque terre) June 2012, do you have any info on the damages in that area from the Mudslide. If it is not advisable to go there what other options should we consider. Thank You, Donald Diones
Asked by Donald Diones [Nov 19, 2011]

Answer:

Dear Donald,

The properties we recommend have assured us that they will be back to normal and more than ready and eager to welcome guests by June!  There have been far too many people who cancelled reservations - so they need your visit more than ever!

Enjoy your trip!
Karen

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Category: Italy

Question:
We noticed Zicasso on your page and wondered if they are reliable. This is our first time traveling abroad and are feeling quite overwhelmed. We will take all the help we can. We plan on spending a month or more in Italy and we are planning the trip that suits us. Anyway we contacted Zicasso a a person in the Rome office wrote back. We just want to make sure that whomever we use will be the most able. I will look forward to hearing from you.l
Asked by Marisa And Jim Stewart [Nov 11, 2011]

Answer:

Dear Marisa,

For personalized trip planning assistance in Italy we highly recommend Marie Notot of Elegant Europe. (marie@elegant-europe.com) She is very knowledgeable, professional, conscientious, reliable and as a research associate for our guides is very familiar with Karen Brown recommended properties.  We no longer recommend Hidden Treasures as published in earlier editions of our guides.  I am not familiar with Zicasso. It is not a company we personally recommend.  Perhaps you saw it published as a google ad on one of our pages?  

Kindest regards,

Karen

 

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Category: General

Question:
We plan to use your Costa Brava and Beyond itinerary Dec. 16-29 this year. HOWEVER, we are worried that the roads might be snowy or icy. It's hard to tell what elevation/climate we will encounter. Could you please advise about the typical road conditions at that time of year? Thank you so much!
Asked by A Karen Brown Traveler [Oct 11, 2011]

Answer:

I apologize not to respond sooner - I was on the road researching.  In terms of roads and conditions for eastern coast of Spain, in a normal year you should be fine!  That being said, one never knows!  However, I can share with you the most wonderful experiences are when I have been detained because of weather. People are very understanding when situations arise that are out of your control and if you are forced to stay in one place the benefit is that you will befriend both innkeepers and other guests "trapped" in the same situation. But, based on normal weather patterns you should be fine on the Mediterranean Coast in December.

Thank you for using our guides and recommendations,

Karen

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Category: General

Question:
There were a few hotels recommended in your book which are not listed on your website. One was not up to scratch (Ca'Nigra in Venice) but the other two were excellent (Bonham, Edinborough and Villa Belvedere in Argegno - Lake Como) and I would have liked to have left feedback. Your book is the first we use for accommodation wherever we go. Well done.
Asked by A Karen Brown Traveler [Oct 7, 2011]

Answer:

Unfortunately, not all properties we recommend in our books choose to participate on our website for which we have a nominal administrative fee.  There is no charge to be featured in our book or to be a Karen Brown Recommended Property as we want nothing to influence our editorial or selection. It is just a shame that the properties who do not feature on our website are missing our largest and fastest growing audience.

I just read and posted all the reviews you so kindly submitted for other properties where you stayed - THANK YOU!  We so very much appreciate and value feedback based on personal experience as it is not possible for us to get back to every property we recommend every year.  I would welcome your comments on the other properties both for other travelers as well as for our own review and consideration.  I have just updated your membership level in our database to First Class which will afford you access to every property we recommend regardless of whether they participate on the website.  You will need to login so our website recognizes your level of access.  Please accept this membership level with my thanks for using our guides (first!!) and for taking the time to provide such incredible feedback!

Wishing you continued safe and wonderful travels,

Karen

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Category: General

Question:
Thank you Karen for such a lovely holiday! We are from Australia, and have returned from 5 weeks in Europe where we leased a car, linked several Karen Brown itineraries together and travelled through Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy, staying at Karen Brown recommended accommodation along the way. We had an incredible time, saw and did all the things we had planned to do, and I'd like to thank you for such a wonderful holiday. I'll post reviews for the hotels shortly.
Asked by Ann Hodge [Sep 30, 2011]

Answer:

Dear Ann,

Thank you so very much for your kind note!  I don't think you can quite appreciate how much it means to get positive feedback from the people who use our guides!  Thank you for using our recommendations and I know the properties appreciated your stay!  If I can ever be of assistance, don't hesitate to contact me....just remind me of this lovely, kind note that has made my month!

Kindest regards,

Karen

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Category: Italy

Question:
What is the best way to travel from Venice to Bellaggio Italy? What is the driving travel time? How many days would you recommend staying in the Lakes region??
Asked by Susan Kirsch [Sep 21, 2011]

Answer:

If you are going to simply settle in Bellagio, I would recommend traveling from Venice to Bellagio by train since you would not need a car in Bellagio. 

If you travel by train you will need to travel Venice to Venice to Milano Centrale and then Milano to Varenna Esino.  Once in Varenna, walk down the hill from the station to the dock and ferry to Bellagio. It is an approximate 10 minute walk from the station to the ferry dock and about a 15 minute ferry ride to Bellagio.

Below is a link for train schedules:

http://www.bahn.de/i/view/USA/en/index.shtml

If you want to explore the Lake Region I would recommend a car for flexibility and you could simply rent a car once you are ready to leave Venice.  The distance between Venice and Bellagio is only 153 miles so it is feasible to cover in day. How much time to allow for exploring the region is dependent on how many lakes you want to visit and time of year (height of season the roads are very congested and driving is very slow).  Assuming you have the luxury of time, we recommend three nights for exploring each lake to take advantage of the lake excursions and visiting the little towns and islands. Bellagio is on Lake Como but, other beautiful lakes are Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta (smaller so two nights would be sufficient.) If you have limited time, I would limit the number of lakes so you can explore them leisurely rather than trying to see them all in just a few days. Information about each lake can be found in guides to Italy; on our website, and featured on our itinerary, "Mountain & Lake Adventures".

Enjoy your time in Italy!

Regards, Karen

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Category: General

Question:
Looking for an affordable place to go for a mom and two 20-something daughters over Christmas that would be warm enough to swim
Asked by A Karen Brown Traveler [Sep 21, 2011]

Answer:

If you definitely want to count on beach/pool time I would recommend Mexico or travel to the southern hemisphere (South America, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti!) Hawaii is a popular winter destination although, December is honestly not their best climate.

Regardless of where you decide to go, it is important to remember that many people travel over the holidays and so making reservations as far in advance as possible is recommended for availability and selection.

Enjoy your vacation with your girls!

Best, Karen

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Category: France

Question:
I will be staying at Chateau Talaud in Provence, on your suggestion. Which Michelin map should I use for driving to the villages of Provence from my location near Carpentras? Thank you.
Asked by Barbara Mcshane [Sep 14, 2011]

Answer:

I would recommend Michelin Map #527 for traveling the heart and hilltowns of Provence.  It is one of their Orange "500-series" maps and is useful for close navigation within a specific region. (Scale: 1" = 6.3mi / 1cm = 4km).

Enjoy your travels and hope you love the Chateau Talaud as much as we do!

Please give them our hellos and best!

Kindest regards,

Karen

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