Aparthotel Porta Westfalica, Asuncion

Advantages: Friendly, bizarre
Disadvantages:

...Asuncion, Paraguay isn't on most travellers list of top ten destinations, but I can give you a few good reasons why it is on mine! I spent 6 months in Paraguay a few years ago working as a volunteer in Asuncion. My work was with the local people and gave me a fascinating insight into the local people. For a start Asuncion is usually hot, humid and slow moving in every aspect! I found that the people were on-the-whole very friendly and generally interested in people from the West. Paraguayans are a very proud people speaking not only Spanish but the native indian language of Guarani. You will find the Spanish spoken here quite different to that spoken in Spain, almost spanish without the lisp! The public transport in Asuncion was pretty good. We tended to rely on the buses and they did come regularly if a little overcrowded... Read review

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Advantages: Bargains Galore
Disadvantages: A little dull

...OK, Asuncion, and Paraguay in general aren't that exciting, but who else has ever been there? You can impress all your mates by saying "oh yes, in Paraguay this or in Paraguay that" Asuncion is located about half way up Paraguay, but on the western border of the country with Argentina. You can see Argentina across the Rio Paraguay from the main squares. Like much of South America, expect refuse on street, poverty in your face and scammers left right and centre. In fact, in Asuncion the slums are more evident than in many cities - they are along the banks of the river and you can overlook them from one of the main squares in the city. I wouldn't advise this though - we did and nearly got chased away. Besides, it's rather rude to pry into people's lives in this way. The town centre is somewhat removed from the town itself. As I... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful views, fantastic accommodtion and service
Disadvantages: Very quiet, not much entertainment, no night life

...What a bargain! I paid less than £250 for this holiday in the luxurious and new Pestana Aparthotel, although in a very quiet area its only 15 minutes from the main city of Funchal and 10 minutes from the airport. The hotel provides a shuttle bus service between the hotel and Funchal daily until early evening, the surrounding countryside was beautiful and I can recommend the local pizza restaurant for a casual meal one evening, although we did get some local produce and had a few meals sitting on our balcony of an evening which was magical. The accommodation was faultless, very high quality and the service was high, room was cleaned everyday but you will be lucky to see anyone doing it, they are very descreet, loved Madeira and would definitley revisit.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful