Airai View Hotel, Babeldaob Island

Advantages: Truly magnificent views of Whitsundays. Handy base for exploring other islands by ferry.
Disadvantages: Could be considered impersonal - high rise resort style holiday.

...Reef View hotel, Hamilton Island offers magnificent views of the Whitsundays. Travellers tip is to stay on the upper floors - These are the Coral sea rooms it's much quieter, and the views are better. It's worth paying a little more to do this. Lower floors - known as Garden View - (especially near the night club/bar) tend to be a bit noisy from my experience. I stayed here earlier this year (2008), found the rooms spacious, clean and comfortable. I paid $290 (Australian) per night toom rate (approx 118 pounds) - a rate which included full buffet breakfast daily. They also gave me a free day cruise out to the Barrier Reef which was a highlight. Also had full use of all resort facilities, non-motorised watersports, catamarans etc. Worthy of note - be careful of stingers (venemous jellyfish) at certain times of year when swimming... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Peaceful, Fantastic Scenery, Unique
Disadvantages: 15 Minute ferry journey from the river bank, Cool winds from the river

...The first impressions of this five star hotel can be gained from the short ferry journey from a dedicated pier on the East bank of the River Nile. Arriving at night (As I first did) you round the dark shadows of Elephatine Isle to be presented with the magnificent sight that is the Isis Island Hotel. Ok, I might be exagerating slightly, but not much! After a long journey (4 hours from Luxor, or a short drive from Aswan Airport) you are greeted in the hotel foyer with a glass of cold karkadeh (a drink taken from the hibiscus flower) and comfortable seats while the tour rep introduces him/herself. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, all having a minibar/fridge, television, bath/shower and a balcony with a stunning view of the Nile and depending on which side of the hotel you stay on, a sunset view over the sand dunes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: scenic setting, great bar
Disadvantages: difficult location by public transit

...I have not stayed in the rooms of the Granville Island Hotel, so do not observe the ratings below as a reflection of the rooms. I have eaten in their bar, and I know the area well, so I am writing this review to help potential visitors who do not know the city of Vancouver. THE NEIGHBORHOOD: Quaint Granville Island has a massive public market where produce and prepared foods are available en masse. There is a thriving local theatre community in the summertime, and several great restaurants. In a way, it could be construed as a tourist trap, but residents and tourists alike seem to feel that there's good reason to flock there. The island is vibrant, safe, and welcoming. It is centrally located in Vancouver's downtown--between the trendy "West End" and the artsy Kitsilano. THE BAR: An open-concept room with panoramic views... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful