Tuesday 20 September 2011

The Colourful World of Mondo Hotels in Belgium

Many hotels these days look the same. Don´t get me wrong, I like minimalist chic but sometimes it is fun to have a little colour around. People who stay in hotels frequently sometimes forget their room number, the name of the hotel or even the city they are staying in! One hotel room looks just like the next.

If you would like to stay somewhere a little different, then I suggest you look at Mondo Hotels. They are a privately-owned group of four hotels in Brussels, Antwerp and Ostend in Belgium.

I love all three cities. Quirky Brussels with its Mannekin Pis statue, the most beautiful square in the world, the Grand Place/Grote Markt, the Tintin museum, great shopping and some wonderful old bars where you can relax and enjoy Brussels beers eg Gueuze, Faro, Lambic and Framboise. Of all the 500 odd beers produced in Belgium, these four are some of my favourites. In fact, there are several varieties of Gueuze. More info on my Squidoo site.

Antwerp has its fantastic harbor with bars lining the old quaysides, or Kaai in Dutch, the new MAS – Museum Aan de Stroom overlooking the inner harbour, even better shopping and unbeatable nightlife.

Ostend (Oostende) is loved by Brits and it is easy to see why. A beautiful golden sandy beach, go karts of every sort to hire, a fresh fish market and stalls selling small platters of seafood, some expensive gin palace boats to drool over in the Mercator yacht harbor, more great shops and a never-ending choice of restaurants. That is if you are not full from all the delicious seafood on the harbour front. Of course, there are plenty of bars for enjoying Belgian beers. I spent four nights in Ostend in August on our own boat and did not want to leave. The luxury residential cruise ship “The World” also visited for two nights whilst we were there.

Mondo Hotels offer a colourful location in each of these three cities so whether you are visiting on business, a one night stop-over or want to make a weekend city break, I recommend Mondo Hotels.

Have a look at Mondo Hotels

Mondo Leopold Brussels is near the European Commission & Parliament but also within walking distance of the Royal Palace, the museums and the Grand Place/Grote Markt.



Mondo Eden Antwerp near the sublimely beautiful Centraal Station which is next door to the Zoo.




Or Mondo Empire Antwerp in the middle of the famous Diamond district.







Mondo Hotel Ostend is a hip and trendy art deco hotel near the seafront, Casino, shops and the beach.





Learn all about Gueuze beers.

Read about my visit to the MAS-Museum Aan de Stroom in Antwerp.

Visit European Travel blog for European travel ideas and special offers.

Tuesday 13 September 2011

2 for 1 on Mini Cruise to Amsterdam

Have you thought about a mini-cruise from Newcastle to Amsterdam?

DFDS Seaways know that money is a little tight after the Summer holidays but we still want to spoil ourselves and have fun so they have a great offer right now
2 for 1 is back!

Yes, for selected departures between September-December, you can now book a Mini Cruise to Amsterdam from only £79 for 2 people.



It´s perfect for an Autumn/Winter getaway, whether you want a short break with your friends or partner, a relaxing break in one of Europe's finest cities, or use the trip to start your Christmas shopping, with a vast number of shops from small boutiques to designer department stores.

A Mini Cruise to Amsterdam includes;
• 2 nights accommodation in an en suite cabin
• Coach transfers to/from Amsterdam city Centre
• Live entertainment onboard
• Approx. 5 hours in Amsterdam

Click DFDS Mini-cruise to Amsterdam for details.

• FROM £79 FOR 2 PEOPLE

There are also a variety of 2 for 1 offers available on the DFDS Seaways Themed Mini Cruise range, including the annual and ever popular Halloween Mini Cruise, Haarlem Mini Cruise, School Disco Mini Cruise, Tropical Party Mini Cruise, Christmas Panto Mini Cruise and Utrecht Mini Cruise.

In addition to great restaurants, bars and the famous on-board entertainment, DFDS now offer the Wildlife Watching Experience

Learn about the wildlife of the North Sea as you sail to Amsterdam. Led by the leading wildlife charity ORCA, the the wildlife experience is fun for both kids and adults.
All of these special offer cruises can be found at DFDS Mini-cruise to Amsterdam

Visit European Travel blog for European travel ideas and special offers.