Domaine de l'Aragon, Oloron-Sainte-Marie

Advantages: Good location for visiting the Périgord, interesting old building
Disadvantages: Needs more restoration, a bit over-priced, the restaurant

...almost impossible to get a proper view of it and inside it is a bit dark and with no view across these lovely grounds it is sitting in. There is a small and not very attractive terrace. Inside it is small and intimate (i.e. the tables are too close together) and the ambience was a little subdued, although every table was occupied. Nevertheless the meal was very good: 4 courses and an amuse-bouche, including a historic (with apologies to Michael Winner) cream of fennel soup and delicious filet de sandre (pike). As half-boarders we were directed to the 36€ menu "Fresh from the day's market" which had two choices per course (except the soup). Wine and coffee was of course extra but the wine list was varied with a good selection of half-bottles. The problem arose the next day. The daily market offering proved to be remarkably similar to... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Rio
Disadvantages: Violence

...Rio de Janeiro "River of January" is the second major city of Brazil, behind only São Paulo. Its 8 million inhabitants occupy an area of 485 square miles. There are three main city districts: Centre, South, and North. The city centre is the financial and business district of Rio. After the transfer of the capital to Brasília, in 1960, the process of economic transfer to São Paulo was increased. The summer months officially begin around November and end in March. Rio has a Tropical climate.The temperature can occasionally reach 40°C in inland areas of the city, The official song of Rio de Janeiro is "Cidade Maravilhosa", which means "marvelous city". The song is considered the "civic anthem" of Rio, and is the favourite song during Rio's Carnival in February.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Excellent service, beautiful grounds, superb accommodation
Disadvantages: Not close to public transport access

...excellent. One of our friends had the Thetford pork loin, one had the organic salmon, and three of us opted for the carvery which on weekends you had to have two courses, but given the selection of starters and desserts was no real trial! - We naturally went for the dessert option! We also had drinks and a couple bottles of wine - No-one in our group could fault the quality and service, especially when the member of waiting staff overheard us wishing our friend happy birthday - She asked if we would like some balloons - and a few minutes later came back with a bunch all ribboned and weighted! You can see the full selection of menus offered at Dunston Hall if you go to the De Vere website. After lunch we took and gentle stroll in the grounds, and were able to view parts of the golf course that are part of the complex. As we were only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful