The Amazon, 3rd: The Bradt Travel Guide Review

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(More customer reviews)As an author who has published two guidebooks myself (and as a critical reader and user of guidebooks), I highly recommend Harris and Hutchison's The Amazon. This book is really two guides in one: Practical advice on where to go, where to stay, what to see and do, etc. and a valuable natural history companion. Biologist Roger Harris provides fascinating and highly readable information about the flora, fauna, and cultures you may encounter in a well-organized fashion. Not to mention thumbnail sketches of history, climate, language, health issues and other subjects of interest. The writing is rich enough to classify it as armchair travel but the hard information provided makes it practical and well worth the reasonable investment. We bought it before our trip, used it extensively during the expedition, and still refer to it now that we are home. As a writer, I'm envious of the product; as a reader I'm satisfied.

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This new edition has been completely revised with updated information on hotels, lodges, and tour operators. It covers all nine countries of the Amazon Basin and Orinoco andincludes a detailed illustrated natural history section on native species and habitats. The Amazon is an ideal place to suit the needs of eco-travelers, naturalists, sports enthusiasts, and explorers. Travelers are given sound advice on eco-travel, combating perils, and planning their own expedition.Features include:*Revised travel safety and health information*Amendments and updates to health and natural history information*Expanded language glossary

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Utah (Moon Handbooks) Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm lucky to have a good public library near me and I checked out every guidebook on Utah they had--nine or ten. The Moon guide is the best of the lot. I liked it so much I bought it and took it with me to a recent 8-day visit to the state, and was able to give it an "on the ground" trial.
The Moon guides are unique in the depth of coverage. No sketchy descriptions of attractions here--each place is covered in detail and depth. The Utah guide includes the "little things" that might interest you no matter what kinds of scenery or attractions you like--or you can pass them by. The maps are good, but of course no book map can replace a good full-size folding map. Sidebars or "boxes" in the text pick out particular bits of information that make the area come alive.
The guide is not as complete about hotel/motels as some, but I belong to AAA for that kind of information, which becomes out of date as soon as any guide is published anyway.
The quality of any guide book, whether Moon or Lonely Planet, or whatever, depends on its authors. This one hits the mark.


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Seasoned travel writers W. C. McRae and Judy Jewell know the best ways to experience all that the Beehive State has to offer. The authors include great trip strategies that utilize Utah’s amazing outdoor attractions and unique history, such as Standing High: The Best Vistas and The Old West Tour. Packed with information on dining, transportation, and accommodations, Moon Utah has lots of options for a range of travel budgets. Every Moon guidebook includes recommendations for must-see sights and many regional, area, and city-centered maps. Including expert advice on the state’s best brewpubs, first-rate ski and snowboard resorts, and amazing National Parks, Moon Utah gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience. With expert writers, first-rate strategic advice, and an essential dose of humor, Moon Handbooks are the cure for the common trip.

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Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe: Austria, Czech Republic, Italy Review

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(More customer reviews)"Good Night & God Bless" dropped into my hands directly from heaven on the wings of angels, or so it seemed.
In it, Trish Clark gives us heavenly insider information on convent and monastery accommodations in three of the most romantic and picturesque countries in Europe: Austria, the Czech Republic, and...ah!...Italy.
The actual hard information in the margins is so complete and good that it preempts questions arising from her wonderful descriptions of these remarkable lodging opportunities in the main text. The author even divides information for readers seeking spiritual retreats or those just wanting to soak up the ambiance of these sacred places.
You don't have to be a monk to sleep in a 13th century monastery in Tuscany, with a balcony overlooking a quiet, rose-clustered cloister garden -- or a nun to breakfast on coffee with steamed milk and just-out-of-the-oven pastries in a 500-year-old Austrian convent. "Good Night & God Bless" makes accessible fabled places that only the clergy and their friends knew about in times past. But more than that, the book educates us on the origins of these splendid institutions and the rich historical context in which they are set.
Whether you are planning a trip or just wanting to travel from the couch, get hold of Good Night & God Bless and read it from cover to cover -- it really is a blessing.
Joseph Dispenza, author of "The Way of the Traveler: Making Every Trip a Journey of Self-Discovery" and "God On Your Own: Finding a Spiritual Path Outside Religion."


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Ever Slept in a Bishop's Bedchamber?Good Night and God Bless is the modern traveler s Bible. This unique guide lists details of atmospheric and affordable accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys and Christian hotels across Europe. It is aimed at tourists and travelers seeking a unique experience as well as those pursuing a pilgrimage or religious retreat.Most of these alternative accommodations are run by various mainstream Christian religious denominations. Religious orders have traditionally offered hospitality as part of their ministry and a bed and a bite to eat was provided for the cost of a donation. However, these days offering hospitality has become a means of survival. Taking in overnight guests is a practical way for religious orders to raise revenue and a cheap, safe, clean and often well-located accommodation option for travelers.The book appeals not only for its quirky, eye catching, pick me up title but equally and more importantly for its very concept. It is an informal and user-friendly travel guide which brings together tantalizing cultural tidbits and tourist trivia amidst the popular and sometimes controversial, but always fascinating, backdrop of history and religion.

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Norway Bed & Breakfast Book Review

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(More customer reviews)We have been to Norway 8 times and never had seen your book. We found many places that we didn't know about. We will find it very helpful on our next trip this summer. Written well and you can find any area of the country that you want.

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Listings in English, Norwegian, and German include high-standard bed and breakfasts, small family-owned inns, private homes, cabins, townhouses, manors, farms, and even old-fashioned stabburs (storage huts). The book is equipped with excellent color maps of each region, detailed directions to each establishment, and an evaluation form encouraging guests to offer personal updates and comments on their stays. Additionally, all establishments are coded by the author per her standards, reflecting the hosts' attention to cleanliness, food quality, comfort level, amenities, and more.

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The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries Review

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(More customer reviews)I absolutely disagree with the book's critics. (CORRECTED)
We have used this book to identify lodging possibilities on several trips to Italy. I have found the contact information a good starting point. Perhaps I an showing my age, but I never rely on only one source for any information. We verify everything.
Every directory has some minor flaws. That's why you need to use information from directories with an open mind. For example, on one occasion, a fax number was answered repeatedly by a human. On a hunch, I sent the fax to the "voice" number, and it was promptly answered by the fax. Either the numbers were switched in the directory, or the numbers were correct and the equipment was switched. Either way, no problem. In another case, we found that one convent had been severaly damaged by an earthquake and was not accepting reservations.
As far as the rooms go, we have stayed in over 10 Italian convents and monasteries in the last few years. Some were relatively modern and some date back to the 11th century. Generally, convents and monasteries are in the old sections of the cities and provide more realistic experiences within the culture.
We do not expect the convents and monasteries to be a four-star hotels, nor have several hundred Euro nightly rates. Most of the rooms were modest. (One was luxurious, even by US standards.) All had modern bathrooms in the room, (except one which was 10 feet down the hall). All were very clean and orderly with good security. Some had late (or no) curfews. Some even had television.
We are quite satisfied with the accommodations because we use our room only for reflection and rest, and spend most of the time exploring Italian culture and history.
As far as getting more information on the portential lodgings, we simply plug the name of the convent into a search engine and often we are directed to a web-site for that facility, or at least that order. If you score a hit with the search engine, you may be able to conduct your transactions on-line or via e-mail. But, again, the information in this guide helps you get started with your research, by giving you the names and locations.
This book simply starts you in the right direction by telling you where to look. If I expected all my questions to be answered without having to do research, I'd consult a travel agent.
Please keep in mind that it may be helpful to send faxes during Italian business hours. Some of the convents and monasteries seem to turn their faxes off during their night-time hours. This was quite aggravating until I figured it out and send my faxes (successfully) at a different hour. Also, if there is a technical problem, their fax may be out of service for several days (or longer).
Buon viaggio, signori e signore!

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Best Places to Stay in the Caribbean, Sixth Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I got this book when planning a 20th anniversary trip to the Caribbean with my husband. I hadn't been to the Caribbean before and was overwhelmed by the choices. The book helped me narrow down my choice to two wonderful hotels on Grenada, an island I had never thought of visiting. The book's descriptions are vivid and accurate.

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The most comprehensive guide to outstanding, distinctive lodging options in the CaribbeanNo fee accepted for inclusionAlmost every kind of vacation experience is available in the Caribbean, but the first step toward reaching your vacation aspirations is choosing the right place to stay. This guide is designed to help you find what you want among lodging options that vary enormously in personality, amenities, beach accessibility, sports facilities, and other features.Based on firsthand visits and extensive research, this completely revised and updated edition of BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE CARIBBEAN recommends hundreds of accommodations throughout the Caribbean islands. * Romantic Hideaways* Chic Resorts* Family Favorites* Elegant Inns* Country Club and All-Inclusive Resorts* Beachfront Bargains* Affordable Inns and Guest Houses* Adventure Retreats

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Hotels and Country Inns of Character and Charm in Italy Review

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(More customer reviews)My husband and I used this book to choose hotels for our honeymoon in Italy, and we adored every one of our selections. Not only are the descriptions thorough and accurate, the guide thoughtfully tells you how to get to each hotel and what cities and/or major attractions are nearby. In Florence, we were five minutes' walk from the Duomo; in Siena, we stayed on the top floor of a 15-century casa torre and fed sparrows from our window. In Rome, we had breakfast on the roof, overlooking the city, and luxiurated in a bath big enough for two at night. If you want hotels with history, that truly have "charm and character," look no further than this fabulous book.
The contents run the gamut from bargain basement accomodations to hotels where you can expect to meet prime ministers and movie stars. There were a number of typos in my edition (it appeared to have been hurriedly translated) and as a translated work, you will find some places where no one speaks English. Most do, however, especially in the big cities and some of the hotels are run by native English speakers from England and elsewhere.
A must buy for travelers, especially honeymoon and other couples!!

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Rivages have become the best-selling guides of their kind in both Europe and America. Originating inParis, they set the standard for excellence with their fabulous color photographs, superb maps andcandid descriptions of the most remarkable hotels of Europe. Each book also contains a restaurantguide to the country and a color atlas pinpointing the location of every hotel and inn. More than 500establishments are profiled in this guide.

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Paris and Around (Charming Small Hotel Guides) Review

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(More customer reviews)We were in Paris in April 2000. From this book we picked a small hotel in the San Germain area, on the Left Bank. We loved the hotel, it was the perfect location for us, and great service. After reading this book, we choose five hotels that we were interested in. I am sure that any of the five hotels would have been to our liking. This book made it so easy to decided where we wanted to stay in Paris. It was recomended to us by a friend who had used it for her trip to Paris.

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A unique guide to the French capital. Charming Small Hotel Guides: Paris is the only in-depth guide to charming hotels in Paris that doesn't take money for an entry. It covers Ile de France and every arrondissement (district) of Paris with full-color photographs of each hotel along with a full-page description, maps and hotel name and location indexes. Plus it includes 100 restaurants as a back section. Each restaurant is chosen for the qualities that have made the Charming Small Hotel Guides so popular: character, charm, good but unflashy service-and of course, interesting food.

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Parisian Hideaways: Exquisite Rooms in Enchanting Hotels Review

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(More customer reviews)Paris is a mystery to everyone but Parisians. Here is a cripsly written and lavishly illustrated book that is a useful guide to the quiet hotels in scenic pockets of the city. I loved reading about the quirks of the proprietors and their tips about their neighborhoods, from scenic views to hidden shops. Parisian Hideaways is something between porn and poetry for the urbane traveler.

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From the author of French Country Hideaways comes an enticing new insider’s entree to Paris. Eschewing the larger hotels and chains, Casey O’Brien Blondes has put together an impeccable list of four-star escapes carefully selected for their interior design, authenticity, panache, and personalized service. Grouped by theme—including literary, historic, and boudoir—the hotels present an enticing range of décor, from the timeless splendor of the Raphael, with its incomparable view of the Arch de Triomphe from its lush rooftop garden restaurant, to the minimalist verve of Hotel le A, off the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where graphic black-and-white décor harmonize with Gallic élan. Each is unique, yet all share in common family or manager ownership, fewer than 100 rooms, generous room size, and very distinctive French style. With lush color photography and in-depth descriptions of each hotel, including a list of neighborhood restaurants, boutiques, gourmet treats, curiosities, or walking tours, Parisian Hideaways is a must for anyone longing to escape to or be inspired by the City of Lights.

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