Hi Stephanie
Thank you!
You were so lovely and helpful.
I gather that you are now telling the airlines and hotels that it is our honeymoon. Thank you so much for that. That is very kind of you.
Do please let your boss know from me that I was delighted with all your help and assistance and that we will certainly book our next trip through you again!
Nina
Monday, 1 November 2010
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Turkey
Thank you for organising another wonderful holiday.
The Bodrum Princess is a really lovely hotel, in a very quiet setting down about a 5 mile road that doesn't go anywhere else. The hotel is built onto the peninsula at the end of the road, which provides a lovely sheltered small shady beach and glorious sea bathing area. The sea was warmer that the pools!
The room was excellent, with a partial pool/sea view. Huge king bed. Loads of wardrobe space. Wonderful shower and, unusually, lots of space in the bathroom to put one's stuff.
The buffet food was also excellent for all meals. On top of which there were four restaurants available at this time of year for booking: Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, Turkish. We ate in three of the four. You must book and booking opens at 11.00. If you don't get to Customer Relations in good time, you can be disappointed. We ate in two of the snack restaurants for lunch, but the buffet is the much better option.
There are games and entertainment all day, every day. You can join in or not. The evening entertainment wasn't that great, but it passed an hour or so after dinner. There is also a quiet pool if you want to escape completely....and a beautiful spa, where the indoor pool and gym are included in the package.
The staff and service (drinks etc) were excellent. No problem there.
There is a local bus (dolmus) into Bodrum several times a day for Turkish Lira 10 return, if you want some town life. There is nothing around the hotel.
The weather was perfect. Low 30s but cool at night, so you didn't need the air conditioning on (good!) but you probably needed a sweater in the evning.
All in all, highly recommendable for a quiet, relaxing, self-indulgent holiday.
The Bodrum Princess is a really lovely hotel, in a very quiet setting down about a 5 mile road that doesn't go anywhere else. The hotel is built onto the peninsula at the end of the road, which provides a lovely sheltered small shady beach and glorious sea bathing area. The sea was warmer that the pools!
The room was excellent, with a partial pool/sea view. Huge king bed. Loads of wardrobe space. Wonderful shower and, unusually, lots of space in the bathroom to put one's stuff.
The buffet food was also excellent for all meals. On top of which there were four restaurants available at this time of year for booking: Mediterranean, Italian, Seafood, Turkish. We ate in three of the four. You must book and booking opens at 11.00. If you don't get to Customer Relations in good time, you can be disappointed. We ate in two of the snack restaurants for lunch, but the buffet is the much better option.
There are games and entertainment all day, every day. You can join in or not. The evening entertainment wasn't that great, but it passed an hour or so after dinner. There is also a quiet pool if you want to escape completely....and a beautiful spa, where the indoor pool and gym are included in the package.
The staff and service (drinks etc) were excellent. No problem there.
There is a local bus (dolmus) into Bodrum several times a day for Turkish Lira 10 return, if you want some town life. There is nothing around the hotel.
The weather was perfect. Low 30s but cool at night, so you didn't need the air conditioning on (good!) but you probably needed a sweater in the evning.
All in all, highly recommendable for a quiet, relaxing, self-indulgent holiday.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
E Candy Bruges Trip
Our Bruge trip is one we shall always remember. The hotel Heritage we stayed in was delightful and the destination was magical. Travelling via Eurostar was relaxing and no stress at all. We are well travelled, business and pleasure and this was one of our best over 30 years.
E. Candy
E. Candy
Saturday, 4 September 2010
George Parker - My Summer Trip (Age 9)
This summer I spent two weeks visiting different cities in the USA with my Mum and Dad. We spent four nights in Washington which was a great city for children and we stayed at the Holiday Inn Capitol. The hotel was really child-friendly and gave you vouchers for free breakfasts and evening meals as long as your parents at there. The smithsonian Air and Space Museum was really close which was great because it was all free, really interesting and air-conditioned! It was 99oF when we were there. We walked to all the memorials from our hotel and my favourite was the Lincoln Memorial because I had seen it in "Night at the Musuem 2". We caught the sightseeing bus tour from a stop right outside by our hotel. We thought was a good way to get to Arlington Cemetery and all the other sights. This was fun. The only bad thing about the hotel was the railway line at the back of the hotel which was a bit noisy but we were tired from all the walking so it wasnt really a problem.
Next we caught the Amtrak train to New York. The trains were brilliant and really comfortable. Everyone gets a seat and they are like big armchairs with foot rests. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt for four nights in New York. We were on the 34th floor and looked into the Chrysler building. We had our breakfast in Grand Central Terminal because it was too expensive in the hotel. My favourite sights were the tour round the United Nations building and our trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We also visited Boston and Rhode Island on our trip but Washington was my favourite place.
Thank you
George
Next we caught the Amtrak train to New York. The trains were brilliant and really comfortable. Everyone gets a seat and they are like big armchairs with foot rests. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt for four nights in New York. We were on the 34th floor and looked into the Chrysler building. We had our breakfast in Grand Central Terminal because it was too expensive in the hotel. My favourite sights were the tour round the United Nations building and our trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. We also visited Boston and Rhode Island on our trip but Washington was my favourite place.
Thank you
George
Monday, 2 August 2010
Emma-Lou
We had a great holiday in The Dominican Republic-thanks to Carrick travel and Emma-Louise in particular. Parking at Birmingham airport was easy and checking in went smoothly after following your advice and booking seats for free on line. Our flights were on time and trouble free and airport transfer was on a brand new bus.
The hotel Rui Palace Macoa lived up to all our expectations and the staff were brilliant. We went on one organised trip which went off with out a hitch even taking nto a/c the tropical storm. All in all a good holiday and we will be using Carrick again for next years holiday
Regards
Dave
The hotel Rui Palace Macoa lived up to all our expectations and the staff were brilliant. We went on one organised trip which went off with out a hitch even taking nto a/c the tropical storm. All in all a good holiday and we will be using Carrick again for next years holiday
Regards
Dave
Friday, 23 July 2010
Hotel Pestana Cascais Portugal
Sue,
Well, you did it again! Found us a lovely hotel, in a wonderful setting.
The Pestana Hotel is a little out of the centre of Cascais in a residential area. There is a small but well stocked supermarket right opposite, with an ATM. The rooms are very comfortable, with two rings and some cooking utensils and a fridge. We didn't cook, but it was useful for making lunch and keeping drinks cold. I would recommend people to pay the extra for the sea view, and you would need to be on the 4th floor or higher (top 6th) to get this. The other rooms on that side of the hotel would view the pool and gardens, which are lovely as well.
The pool and surrounding area are very good and the gardens offer plenty of shade. The pool is indoors/outdoors. The outdoor pool runs into the inside, under perspex pool, which for obvious reasons is much warmer. The jacuzzi is there too. There is a snack bar for lunch. Plenty of sunbeds and pool towels are free from reception.
We only had one meal in the evening in the hotel on our first night. It was good, with plenty of choice, but rather expensive especially when you add on hotel drinks. The breakfast buffet is quite fine too.
When we were there, the hotel was pretty full - many people from Ireland and Holland. I think we were the only English there. Not that it is a problem, all the staff speak good English and are very helpful.
Cascais is still a lovely village/town. The small square in the centre is the main area of activity and where everyone congregates. If you head north off the square, up a small side street, we found a charming local patisserie/restaurant, where a daily changing menu offered excellent meals, with a main dish costing Euro 4.95! At the top of the town, by McDonalds, we also found another lovely local restaurant. We dined on quail a couple of times and couldn't send £20 on a meal for two with local wine. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, however, whatever your price range and taste. Even a couple of Indians and a Thai.
The hotel runs a complimentary bus service into town during the day, from the hotel to the railway station at the top of the town, and does a couple of runs to a nearby beach during high season. In the evenings, till 10pm weekdays and midnight weekends, a local bus "Buscas" (pronounced "Bushcash") runs every 10 minutes. It costs Euro 0.65 per trip and you can jump on or off at any of the stops on the circular route. Its stops (different going to coming back) are a short walk (3 minutes) from the Pestana.
We took the train into Lisbon for the day. A very easy journey even for us oldies; an enjoyable ride along the coast and Lisbon itself is an interesting city to see. We also took a day trip to the summer palace at Sintra. Well worth doing.
Can't think of anything else important to share. All in all, a great place, only 2hrs 10mins flying from London.
Well done and thanks again for another lovely holiday,
Sally & Dave Rogers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Well, you did it again! Found us a lovely hotel, in a wonderful setting.
The Pestana Hotel is a little out of the centre of Cascais in a residential area. There is a small but well stocked supermarket right opposite, with an ATM. The rooms are very comfortable, with two rings and some cooking utensils and a fridge. We didn't cook, but it was useful for making lunch and keeping drinks cold. I would recommend people to pay the extra for the sea view, and you would need to be on the 4th floor or higher (top 6th) to get this. The other rooms on that side of the hotel would view the pool and gardens, which are lovely as well.
The pool and surrounding area are very good and the gardens offer plenty of shade. The pool is indoors/outdoors. The outdoor pool runs into the inside, under perspex pool, which for obvious reasons is much warmer. The jacuzzi is there too. There is a snack bar for lunch. Plenty of sunbeds and pool towels are free from reception.
We only had one meal in the evening in the hotel on our first night. It was good, with plenty of choice, but rather expensive especially when you add on hotel drinks. The breakfast buffet is quite fine too.
When we were there, the hotel was pretty full - many people from Ireland and Holland. I think we were the only English there. Not that it is a problem, all the staff speak good English and are very helpful.
Cascais is still a lovely village/town. The small square in the centre is the main area of activity and where everyone congregates. If you head north off the square, up a small side street, we found a charming local patisserie/restaurant, where a daily changing menu offered excellent meals, with a main dish costing Euro 4.95! At the top of the town, by McDonalds, we also found another lovely local restaurant. We dined on quail a couple of times and couldn't send £20 on a meal for two with local wine. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, however, whatever your price range and taste. Even a couple of Indians and a Thai.
The hotel runs a complimentary bus service into town during the day, from the hotel to the railway station at the top of the town, and does a couple of runs to a nearby beach during high season. In the evenings, till 10pm weekdays and midnight weekends, a local bus "Buscas" (pronounced "Bushcash") runs every 10 minutes. It costs Euro 0.65 per trip and you can jump on or off at any of the stops on the circular route. Its stops (different going to coming back) are a short walk (3 minutes) from the Pestana.
We took the train into Lisbon for the day. A very easy journey even for us oldies; an enjoyable ride along the coast and Lisbon itself is an interesting city to see. We also took a day trip to the summer palace at Sintra. Well worth doing.
Can't think of anything else important to share. All in all, a great place, only 2hrs 10mins flying from London.
Well done and thanks again for another lovely holiday,
Sally & Dave Rogers
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Tuesday, 13 July 2010
The Rocks Hotel Kyrenia Northern Cyprus
Hi Sue,
A very big thank you from Ian and me for a wonderful holiday in Northern Cyprus. Everything went to plan - extra leg room seats on plane, private transfer to and from resort and a wonderful hotel.
We would definitely recommend the Rocks Hotel. The staff are friendly and cannot do enough for you. You just have to ask.
Hotel
For some reason they gave us a twin room, but as soon as we said we wanted a double, they changed it immediately. The rooms are spacious and have everything you need (hairdryer, mini bar, safe, etc).
The staff speak some English and you can generally make yourself understood. We particularly liked the pool staff who were always up for some friendly banter. The pool area is perfect. Lots of sunbeds, towels provided and a bar as well as a lovely, clean swimming pool and access to the sea below (though there is no sand if people are looking for this).
The general manager keeps a close check on his staff and is somewhat ubiquitous. We used to count the number of times we saw him each day. It was always 3 or 4 times (as he comes round to check breakfast, the pool, etc).
Breakfast was a huge buffet with breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, salad, fruit, and hot food which included Haloumi, sausages, bacon, baked beans, and a very friendly egg-chef who would do omelettes, pancakes, etc.
We didn't eat in the hotel at night as there was so much choice down by the harbour.
Spa
Whilst we were there we both enjoyed massages in the spa part of the hotel and I also had a manicure, pedicure and hair cut. All were excellent and it didn't seem to cost very much when you compare it to the UK. Ian also used the gym and whilst there was plenty of equipment, it was a bit hot (more air conditioning needed here).
Kyrenia
Kyrenia harbour is just a few minutes walk from the hotel and on route you pass some stallholders and walk along the water front. There are lots of restaurants to choose between for dinner and plenty of bars offering brandy sours. We were also pleasantly surprised by the local dry white wine which we drank all holiday (gone are the days of dodgy Retsina and Aphrodite!)
We particularly enjoyed eating Meze and fresh fish - just bear in mind you need a big appetite. But there are plenty of restaurants offering more British food (burgers, etc) and Full English Breakfast if that's what you want.
Just bear in mind that the waitors will always try to draw you in as you walk past their places. At the start of the holiday we found this amusing, towards the end we were getting a little fed up - but I guess they are just doing their job.
Diving
We tried two different scuba diving schools. The one we would recommend is Amphora Dive Centre on Escape Beach which you need to take a taxi to. The dive instructor was very professional, the equipment good and the staff friendly and helpful. They also speak perfect English. Escape Beach is lovely so well worth a visit anyway.
We would not recommend the British Dive School (based on Turtle Beach).
Things to do
We took a taxi over to Bellapais monastery and also St Hilarion castle nearby (though you can go on coach tours). Both worth a visit with good descriptions on site. The walls of Kyrenia fort are also worth wandering round.
All in all a brilliant trip.
Thanks a million
Jo and Ian
Jo Cooper
A very big thank you from Ian and me for a wonderful holiday in Northern Cyprus. Everything went to plan - extra leg room seats on plane, private transfer to and from resort and a wonderful hotel.
We would definitely recommend the Rocks Hotel. The staff are friendly and cannot do enough for you. You just have to ask.
Hotel
For some reason they gave us a twin room, but as soon as we said we wanted a double, they changed it immediately. The rooms are spacious and have everything you need (hairdryer, mini bar, safe, etc).
The staff speak some English and you can generally make yourself understood. We particularly liked the pool staff who were always up for some friendly banter. The pool area is perfect. Lots of sunbeds, towels provided and a bar as well as a lovely, clean swimming pool and access to the sea below (though there is no sand if people are looking for this).
The general manager keeps a close check on his staff and is somewhat ubiquitous. We used to count the number of times we saw him each day. It was always 3 or 4 times (as he comes round to check breakfast, the pool, etc).
Breakfast was a huge buffet with breads, pastries, meats, cheeses, salad, fruit, and hot food which included Haloumi, sausages, bacon, baked beans, and a very friendly egg-chef who would do omelettes, pancakes, etc.
We didn't eat in the hotel at night as there was so much choice down by the harbour.
Spa
Whilst we were there we both enjoyed massages in the spa part of the hotel and I also had a manicure, pedicure and hair cut. All were excellent and it didn't seem to cost very much when you compare it to the UK. Ian also used the gym and whilst there was plenty of equipment, it was a bit hot (more air conditioning needed here).
Kyrenia
Kyrenia harbour is just a few minutes walk from the hotel and on route you pass some stallholders and walk along the water front. There are lots of restaurants to choose between for dinner and plenty of bars offering brandy sours. We were also pleasantly surprised by the local dry white wine which we drank all holiday (gone are the days of dodgy Retsina and Aphrodite!)
We particularly enjoyed eating Meze and fresh fish - just bear in mind you need a big appetite. But there are plenty of restaurants offering more British food (burgers, etc) and Full English Breakfast if that's what you want.
Just bear in mind that the waitors will always try to draw you in as you walk past their places. At the start of the holiday we found this amusing, towards the end we were getting a little fed up - but I guess they are just doing their job.
Diving
We tried two different scuba diving schools. The one we would recommend is Amphora Dive Centre on Escape Beach which you need to take a taxi to. The dive instructor was very professional, the equipment good and the staff friendly and helpful. They also speak perfect English. Escape Beach is lovely so well worth a visit anyway.
We would not recommend the British Dive School (based on Turtle Beach).
Things to do
We took a taxi over to Bellapais monastery and also St Hilarion castle nearby (though you can go on coach tours). Both worth a visit with good descriptions on site. The walls of Kyrenia fort are also worth wandering round.
All in all a brilliant trip.
Thanks a million
Jo and Ian
Jo Cooper
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