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 nice location Visited: July 2009 |
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| Posted by wpfund | |
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I agree with the person before us, the location was amazing. We loved Happy Bay and Friars Beach. The views from the house were beautiful and we love St. Martin in general. The only things I could add are the Jacuzzi is not hot, it's just another small pool above the main pool. We were told differently. Also we came with older children and the layout was difficult for us as well. The daily staff only speek French, this was a problem if you needed to ask for anything like pool towels. We also got "locked in" the house one day when the current went out and we had not been instructed on how to open the gate manually. The phone does not work when the power goes out so we could not call anyone, fortunately for us it came back on in a short while. This could have been a major problem had the power not come on so soon. We would go back to St. Martin again but I'm not sure where we would stay. Hi, Thanks for this . Most of the issues mentioned have been fixed I think : Jacuzzi – there is no Jacuzzi Housekeeper: she has been replaced. The new housekeeper speaks good English Caretaker: He has gone and the new housekeeper lives onsite in the caretaker's apartment Gate to manual: the new housekeeper will be able to assist guests with problems as she speaks English and lives on site Phone: I have asked the owner to change the phone to a standard model that does not need an electrical supply to operate. Thanks for the feedback and can you please add my comment onto your website as a reply to your clients feedback Many thanks and have a good weekend Lisa - Property Manager |
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| Wonderful location, house is good for families Visited: May 2009 |
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| Posted by aimeeand92 | |
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I'll start with the good. This house has an amazing view, you have a perfect view of Grand Case as well as Happy Bay. The pools are really nice, a little on the small side, but if you want more swim space, the ocean is a 10 minute walk. The kitchen has all of the most up to date amenities. The locals in Grand Case are very hospitable, the restaurants serve amazing food. You have to spend a day at Friar's Bay (next to Happy Bay), great food and drinks. The bad: the house layout is odd. The main living area is on one side of the house, the 3 bedrooms are all connected on the other side, which means that you have to walk through each room to get to last room (which is the master), or you have to go outside to get to the master. The "4th" room is downstairs and doesn't look like its prepared for a visitor. There is only one king bed, not 3 as was advertised when we booked. One of the rooms has a loft which opens to the living area. Since the main living area of the house is NOT air conditioned, this bedroom tends to get a little warm. The outside tile is not slip proof, you have to be very careful walking if it's wet. We dove with Octopus Divers, wouldn't recommend them. I think this house would work well for a family, but not for individual couples because of the bedroom set up. We really enjoyed our stay, would definitely return to Happy Bay. |
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| 3 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 This is the best view on the island. Visited: February 2009 |
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| Posted by fletch1 | |
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We stayed at Happy Bay Villa Feb. 5-12 2009 with one other couple. We had the time of our lives. It was very beautiful with a great view. It was better than the pictures on the net. We had great dinners in Grand Case, and made the rounds to most of the beaches. We will come back for more sun and fun next year. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 La California has a beautiful view, but horrible staff. |
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| Posted by sxmtourist | |
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La California looks nice from the outside, but the servers are terrible. Also, the food was poorly prepared, the seafood was questionable, and the owner was a nasty man with no ability to take feedback or criticism of his lousy food and service. Please don't waste your money here. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| Don't leave without trying the coconut rum! |
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| Posted by kelly123 | |
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Order the Old Wives fish for lunch. It is not on the menu. You just ask for it in the morning, and let Kali know what time you want to eat. It is unbelievable! Not to mention, you will be served on china plates while on the beach! In addition, the Coconut Rum that Kali makes is great! If you are visiting during the full moon, go to the party on Friars Beach! |
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| It was perfect! Visited: November 2008 |
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| Posted by kelly123 | |
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My husband and I spent a wonderful week at Happy Bay! The home was lovely, had everything we needed, and the owner was very gracious. The views, and the privacy were perfect, and the short hike/walk down to Happy Bay or Friars Beach was enjoyable. We are currently planning our return trip. |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| Villa Rainbow is highly recommended. Visited: March 2008 |
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| Posted by rmisaac | |
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The drive up was a challenge, but fun. The hosts were very hospitable. It had a great view. It was a quiet, lovely place, full of plants. They also had a swimming pool, and a good amount of privacy. Breakfast was offered each morning. It was in a good location near Marigot and Grand Case. Also, it was near zip-line tour down the hill (which had a restaurant/bar, too). Villa Rainbow provided great memories. |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 Our stay Visited: May 2008 |
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| Posted by smitsfamily | |
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Happy Bay Villa is very beautiful. The gardening and landscaping are perfect, the maintenance of the house is great. The housekeeper is super friendly. It has a nice layout. The walk to the beach part is not a real way to say it, and so I give 3 stars because not everyone can walk to the beach. My husband is very fit, but this downhill, viney and rocky path should be termed a "hike", and while it is a beautiful beach there is nothing there. So folks would want to also try and carry towels and drinks, and it is a challenge that was too big for our family to do. The other beach has a nice restaurant, but I do not either see a practical way to walk/hike there. The road is dusty, and it is very buggy in the grasses. Also, the pool does not have a shallow end for children. But it was a bench seat down to the deeper water, so still not a shallow "swim area". The breeze from the outer gazebo area is very pleasant, the kitchen is super well equipped, and for grownups the pool is great. And, again, a picture could be taken anywhere outside on the property as it is beautifully kept. The Smits Family Rotterdam, NL |
| 1 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| Happy Bay Villa is simply the best! Visited: September 2008 |
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| Posted by jeanjanet | |
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We arrived in Happy Bay after long months of hard work, and were immediately restored by the exceptionnal view. We've traveled in the Caribbean renting villas in Anguilla, Tortola, St. Lucia, Antigua, etc., and Happy Bay is the best value. Living areas were spacious and very well appointed. With a TV room (flat screen, dishnetwork and lots of DVDs and books for rainy days), a computer station and Wireless Internet, it was easy to stay in touch with family. The rooms were all tastefully decorated with extraodinary tasteful boathrooms (lots of space in the bathtub and large travertin showers). Also, the kitchen was fully loaded with great appliances (Bosche and Gaggeneau s'il vous plait). The pool area was spectacular, and we have to admit we did little visiting. We just simply bathed in the great pool, sipped margaritas and sunbathed. The gazebo area was delightful, and gave us views of beautiful sunsets. Another big plus was the massage table in the Master bedroom that came in very handy. The housekeeping lady was just a marvel. The beach at Happy Bay was a five-minute walk down (a little more up!), and was most of the time it was totally empty! After a couple of days, we met some people who had been in other villas in Lowlands and the Happy Bay area, and they came to visit and are trying to change their booking to Happy Bay Villa. They said that in the Happy Bay area, Happy Bay Villa was the best. Overall, it was simply the best! |
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| 5 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| This is an incredible house. Visited: August 2008 |
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| Posted by gonzalo | |
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I stayed at Happy Bay Villa with four friends. We were looking for relaxation, and indeed, we found it at an incredible house. It offered us everything for getting the most out of it for our relaxation. Futhermore, incredible views and an outstanding beach were close at hand. |
| 4 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was absolutely beautiful! Visited: December 2007 |
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| Posted by tanyak | |
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We had such a wonderful time at Happy Bay Villa. The villa was everything we expected - and more. They even had a pool alarm for children - which was great for our three-year-old. It was very tastefully appointed, with great appliances (Bosch dishwasher), and a wonderfully stocked kitchen (with three chefs in our family - always a plus!!). They also had a computer monitor with Internet connection, a washer/dryer on the property, and books and a few DVDs to utilize. Julia, our housekeeper, was there every day, and rarely did we find sand inside. The walk down to the beach needed some attention, though. My husband and I are very fit and do a lot of hiking. However, unless you have a good pair of shoes (no flip flops) some areas are a bit slippery/rocky, especially after a rain. Plus, it was very overgrown, and needed to be cut back - but it's really no man's land so no one is responsible. The best (least overgrown) way to get down to the beach is that once on the trail, at the first two forks in the trail, take the right path. We were so pleased with everything, and definitely plan to return! It was A+++! |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We had a great time in a perfect accommodation. Visited: February 2008 |
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| Posted by soxandpats | |
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We second the description of the apartment given by the preceeding review. We spent a week in a secnd floor, two-room apartment with a kitchen. We had a balcony overlooking the beach next to the bedroom/living room, and a back room with another balcony overlooking a small parking area next to the street. The apartment was very well furnished, especially the kitchen. We had a hard time leaving that balcony. It was comfortable, and the view was so excellent. Also, the apartment was very secure, especially with the automated roll down hurricane shutter (which we were asked to close every night and when away. It was to protect the furnishings (from rain). Beach lounge chairs were available. The beach was miles long, and had a gentle surf. The hotel was about 1/2 mile from the main pier in a somewhat rougher neighborhood. Walking along the road back to the restaurants could be a bit intimdating, given the volume and speed of traffic. So, we often walked up the beach. In our opinion, Grand Case is heaven, and Zuzu provides excellent accommodations. This was apartment living, not hotel living. |
| 2 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was beautiful! Visited: February 2008 |
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| Posted by jimmiek | |
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This was a welcoming guest house with amazing views. Online photos did not do it justice. It was quiet and peaceful, and in a secluded and lush tropical setting. The hosts were gracious and helpful. The rooms were large, they had a beautiful pool, and it was close to Marigot and Grand Case with their wonderful French cuisine! |
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| 11 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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 It was two stars - don't expect more. Visited: March 2008 |
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| Posted by chicagobeacher | |
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Yes, Grand Case Hotel is convenient and relatively affordable. If that's what you want, fine. However, don't expect more than tiny rooms, a so-so restaurant, narrow beach, and a lot of retirees. It's amazing what $100 a day more brings at La Domaine. |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 23 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It is a very nice and convenient resort. Visited: January 2008 |
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| Posted by montauk | |
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My wife and I stayed here five days in January 2008. We stayed in a studio with a loft that was lovely. It was up the stairs on the third floor, with a beautiful view of the water. Sunsets were magnificent! It had a living room with a balcony overlooking the water. Also, there were a kitchen and bath on the same floor. You went up the staircase to the bedroom, which was fine - although the ceiling was low and we had to walk down the stairs to use the bathroom. Of the two beaches available, Le Petit Plage was by far. There were lounge chairs and food and beverage service. There was a great view, with nice sand, watersports, and calm, clear water. It was quite quiet and peaceful. Also, it was nice walking along. The other beach, Grand Case, was quite narrow with an area roped off for you to swim in. The Sunset Cafe was fantastic! Coffee and pastry was included, or you can order a full breakfast. Also, it was very good for lunch, dinner, or a cocktail. They had good, friendly service with a great menu in a wonderful setting. It was a very convenient walk to the center of Grand Case. We walked each night to one of the many restaurants, with one better than the other. It was a nice, easy well lit stroll back to digest our meal. We used taxis to visit some of the other beaches, that we arranged through the front desk very efficiently. We went to Friar's, Happy Bay and Pinel which were all great and beautiful. Overall, we enjoyed out stay here. While not luxurious, it was very nice with a great beach, Sunset Cafe, and proximity to Grand Case. |
| 26 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was paradise found! Visited: November 2007 |
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| Posted by marigotsmom | |
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This was our third time staying here, so obviously we love it! The one-bedroom is plenty of room for the two of us. The apartment is always kept very clean. Zuzu, the owner, is the most gracious and welcoming host! The one-bedroom loft is charming and comfortable. The kitchen has many essentials such as a coffee maker, a full size refrigerator, dishes, and utensils. The balcony overlooking the beach and Grand Case Bay has to be our favorite spot! We enjoy breakfast overlooking the turquoise sea, "front row" seating to spectacular sunsets, and starlit nights that will dazzle! The apartment itself is perfect for us, not to mention the terrific location, right in the heart of Grand Case along the boulevard. We can stroll nightly, reading all the menus, choosing our restaurant...it's the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Breakfast for us always has to include the scrumptious chocolate croissants, fresh from the patisserie (bakery) just a short walk on the boulevard. Food markets are within walking distance, also. Will we return? You bet we will! Zuzu knows to expect us around the same time each November, as it is our anniversary. It truly is our paradise on earth! |
| 6 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was absolutely amazing in every way! |
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| Posted by islander13 | |
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This villa was phenomenal in every way. The staff was amazing-helpful, kind, fun, and there to help with anything. They had excellent suggestions for a variety of activities. The rooms and views could not be beat, and we did not ever want to leave the house. There was plenty to do close by if we wanted! I wish we could go every year! |
| 9 users found this review helpful. 4 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| It was absolutely wonderful. Visited: December 2007 |
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| Posted by birdeesan | |
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This was an absolutely magnificent high-end villa! Each bedroom was private and opened to the pool deck. Every bedroom had fantastic views of the beautiful blue Caribbean and jaw-dropping sunsets. From the moment we arrived at Petite Plage 4, we knew we were in paradise. The grounds of the villa were beautiful--the landscape was lush and tropical with lots of palm trees, seagrapes, bouganvillea, and many other beautiful shrubs and flowers. The pictures online do not do justice to the villa’s very beautiful landscape. The kitchen was beautiful, and was fully equipped with enough to serve 50 people, I believe. There was every kind of upscale utensil, pot and pan. Also, there were plenty plates, glasses, silverware, everything. The kitchen was just in back of the gazebo, so serving was super easy. It had two sinks, an eight-burner stove, granite countertops and stainless steel throughout. Two things not mentioned online were that there was a washer/dryer and small bathroom behind the kitchen. Also, there was a lovely half bath located alongside the villa. It was perfect when using the pool or sunning on the deck. The bathrooms were splendid—huge with marble everywhere. The toiletries were top of the line--from L'Occitane. I loved the almond cleansing gel! Halfway through our stay, we discovered mini fridges which were tucked away in each bedroom's closet--how thoughtful! The bedrooms were beautiful and super comfortable. Each had a large flat screen TV with satellite and a DVD player. Also, the living room had a huge projection screen TV/DVD player which I did not think we would ever use, but we used it just about every evening! It had superb picture quality and sound! Oh, and the views from the villa were simply breathtaking! Waking up every morning to beautiful vistas of the sea was something everyone in this life should experience! The location of the villa was perfect - another little bonus! The villa was a two-minute drive to all the magnificent restaurants and shops of Grand Case. You could walk there in less than ten minutes. The villa was also within a four-minute walk to the Grand Case Beach Club. I could go on and on about this villa and still not describe all the wonders of Petite Plage 4. It goes without saying that I highly, highly recommend it. My only problem is that I want to go back this year, and the villa was not cheap. Lastly, let me say, if this villa is in your budget, please rent it for your vacation. It is simply superb. We toured three other villas while in St. Martin--one beachfront like Petite Plage 4 and two hillside. Even though they were in the same price range, they did not even come close to Petite Plage 4 in any respect! |
| 17 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| We enjoyed this beautiful villa! Visited: June 2007 |
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| Posted by or2sxm | |
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There were eight of us in our party, and we could not have picked a more perfect villa. We were met at the airport by a greeter, and we were escorted to the villa. He explained in detail everything we needed to know (how to lock up, use of the plantation shutters, the alarm system, TV, internet, etc.). The villa was very secure, having the alarm system and a gate that could be latched from inside. There was also plenty of parking in front. A pool man and gardner came once a week; and the maid, Julia, came each day (except Sunday). She completly cleaned all the rooms and changed the bedding. She was wonderful - cheerful, helpful, and thorough. The villa was spotless upon arrival, and Julia kept it that way the entire week. The bedrooms were all nicely appointed with very comfortable beds and fine linens. All four opened up to the pool deck, and had great views of the ocean. The kitchen was very modern with new appliances, a large refrigerator/freezer and shutters that opened up the bar to the pool deck. It was equipped with anything you would need. A large welcome basket of fresh fruit was on the table, and the refrigerator was stocked with some beer, wine, and juices, plus assorted other snacks were left for us. The bathrooms (there was one in each bedroom, plus a half bath) were modern and spotless, with great showers. We had one minor problem. The water pressure was not good (only one person could shower at a time). After a couple of days, there was no water at all. We called the owners, and within ten minutes (literally), a plumber was at our door to change the filter to the water system, and problem solved! It was great service! The living areas were spacious with both an indoor dining table and an outdoor table on the pool deck - where we spent most of our time. The pool was large with an infinity edge - great for viewing Happy Bay Beach and the sea beyond. The pool area was very private. The gazebo became our favorite gathering place, especially for the killer sunsets! Happy Bay Beach was beautiful, quiet, and calm. It became our favorite beach. It was a bit of a hike down the path, but this 60-year- old made it several times! There were no facilities on Happy Bay, but it was a short hike over to Friars for lunch. Grand Case for morning pastries and fabulous dinners was just a five-minute drive, and Orient Bay was only ten minutes away. It was a perfect location! All in all, we would rent this villa again in a heartbeat. It actually exceeded our expectations. I really can't think of a bad thing to say about it. If you are looking for a private and modern villa on St. Martin, you won't be sorry if you choose Happy Bay Villa! |
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| 18 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful. | |
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| I thought it was dreadful! Visited: April 2007 |
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| Posted by islandtraveler | |
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Chez Martine is not a value. Breakfast consisted of coffee, juice, pastry, and bread with butter and jelly. There was no cheese or meat - as indicated in other reviews. So, don't be expecting it! Whomever cleans Chez Martine does an excellent job. It was clean. I had to keep reminding us of this in view of the bad accommodations. Everything else was pretty shabby. The bed(s) looked, felt and sounded like they were from a flop-house. The dark bedspread was a scary thing. There was a single bed in the room as well, which we used to keep our suitcases off the floor. The towels were stained and fraying, and there were no washcloths (thankfully, we travel with one). Also, the cracked toilet was patched up and the seat was worn. There was only one light in the bathroom lit, making it dim. The shower curtain was clean and cute. In addition, there was no clock in the room and no phone. If you have to get up early for a flight or anything, it is difficult. The lighting was bad. It was almost impossible to read at night. Also, there was no chair in the room, just a little bench seat under the desk, but only one person could sit. I spent a lot of time standing. There was no door latch, either. The only way to keep the door shut was to lock it with the key. There was no "turn thing" to lock it, you needed the key. If one person went "out", the other person was locked "in" (and one was either locked in or out and had to wait for the other to return as there was only one key). If you shut the door, but didn't lock it-the wind pulled it open and it crashed into the building. Also, there was a strange green curtain, like a sheet or shower curtain-just one big piece of fabric on the window, which added to the gloom of the room. There was an open-air, noisy bar or music place directly across the tiny street, so the loud music, shrieking laughter and voices could be heard far into the morning hours, making it impossible to sleep. Then, around 6:00 am, the street traffic picks up-so you can't "sleep in". Most cars andtrucks sounded like they were rumbling into our room! The water was not always hot, either. The AC worked well, thankfully. The people operating the restaurant were very helpful and pleasant. The restaurant exchanges Euros for US dollars on a one to one basis-odd the hotel zaps you the full Euro amount! I would never suggest anyone stay here! However, the restaurant and the pleasant accommodating folks who own it and work there are definitely worth stopping in for a drink or dinner! |
| 8 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful. | |
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