Qype: The Grand Hotel in La Paz

La Paz

(This hotel is in Sucre – not La Paz because Qype only recognises the town of La Paz in the country of Bolivia)

This is an absoloute colonial gem, right in the heart of Sucre. It’s real old world splendour on a budget with the bonus of cable T.V.
The rooms are centered around a three level central courtyard with flowing trees, water features and lots of little private area’s with tables and benches.

The room we had was huge – more like a suite and furnished very tastefully. Everything worked too – even the hot water!

It’s popular both with backpackers, Bolivian families and buisnessmen so it’s a good idea to try and book ahead.

The location really is central, which lets you take advantage of all the groovy bars, clubs and restarants that are springing up. As well as all the local shopping, cultural events and whatever else is going on in this very interesting part of the world.

Check out my review of The Grand Hotel – I am gotiges7 – on Qype

Qype: Porn Bungalows in bangkok

This place is not in Bangok at all – it is on the island of Koh Chang – about four hours to the East. Qype wouldn’t recognise the island as an address or the closest town of Trat, so I stuck it in Bangkok.
Better get the name thing out of the way first! Porn Bungalows has nothing to do with the sex industry. Porn is the name of the owner and apparantly also means a beatiful or sacred place in the Thai language. (I’m willing to be corrected on this)

The island of Koh Chang is just another gorgeous Thai island. It has it all, the beautiful beach, the cheap and excellent food, the friendly people, the dving and swimming, the night life. But it is much less developed than the southern islands like Phuket (although it’s getting there) and is only a four hour bus ride from Bankok.

Porn Bungalows are an excellent low to middle budget option for accomodation on the island. They are in the middle of Kai Bae beach, a little away from the bigger and more expensive resorts closer to the town.

The bungalow I rented was set 30 or so meters back from the sand in a nice grassy area. It had a little verandah, a double bed and an adequate private bathroom. It didn’t have air con but only cost about £7 a night.

You can get one further along the coast for about half that price but the beach here is much nicer.

Other than the beach, the best thing about Porn Bungalow’s is the restaurant. It’s a really funky sprawling wooden tree house of a place with lots of cushions and low tables. There are also tables on the sand with more English style chairs.

The food is fresh, local and varied. The nightly fish BBQ’s being the highlight.

For 8 nights I sat here with a cold beer and a thai dish and watched the sun set over the islands.

There is a bit of a scene – quite a few young travellers playing pool and partying. (There is a pool table on the beach)

But there is also a lot of familes and older people. It’s not one of those places dominated by hippies and full moon revelers. They tend to gravitate further down the beach.

Porn Bungalow’s is a mellow and beautiful place. And I think Koh Chang is a very good alternative to the Souther Islands of Thailand.

Check out my review of Porn Bungalows – I am gotiges7 – on Qype

Qype: the dublin castle in London

London – Pubs & Bars – Pubs

I love the Dublin Castle. This is a really honest – no frills – rock music venue with a great history in the London Music scene.
It does get a bit crowded but that’s all part of the atmosphere.
I feel that many of the bar, clubs and restaurants in Camden are a little bit a victim of their own success. Maybe a little bit too scene orientated or pretentious. But the Dublin Castle cuts right through the hype. Just a good english pub with a huge mix of people and rock music at a reasonable price.
Sure some of the bands can be a bit average – but normally at least one act is exciting. I personally love this pot luck approach to live music.
One of the best and certainly one of the cheapest nights out in Camden.

Check out my review of the dublin castle – I am gotiges7 – on Qype