Castaway Island Hotel, Castaway Island

Advantages: Quality hotel at affordable price
Disadvantages: Not on the beach

...it's one of the cheap-flight routes out of my local airport and, um, I felt like it. I chose to stay at the Best Western Castaways Resort in Freeport on Grand Bahama island because of the big brand name and the price - for the equivalent of a Liverpool Travelodge I could stay at an upscale hotel in paradise. The hotel is exterior corridor, but more secure than some because to get to those corridors you have to pass through the lobby and swipe through a door. The rooms are spread over 4 floors with the best being on the ground floor - these are mainly suites with fridges, sofas and private terraces. I was in a regular room on the 3rd floor, and had a mini balcony which was barely deep enough to step out onto, but useful for when you wanted to sit in the sun while in bed (open the sliding doors and you could do just that... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very 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