TripAdvisor reveals its dirtiest hotels in Britain awards

Everyone has their chance or reason to stay in the hotel but do you know how clean the hotels are before you check-in???? Of course we don’t and perhaps some people rely on the review websites to provide more information and more details, and therefore those are the result from reviewers' opinions.

Dirtiest Hotels - United Kingdom
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.Cromwell Crown, London, England
2.Corbigoe Hotel, London, England
3.Nanford Guest House, Oxford, England
4.Cosmopolitan Hotel, Brighton, England
5.Eden Plaza Hotel, London, England
6.Hanover Hotel, London, England
7.Rose Court Hotel, London, England
8.Imperial Hotel, Manchester, England
9.Gresham Hotel Bloomsbury, London, England
10.Park Hotel, London, England

Dirtiest Hotels - United States
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.Hotel Carter, New York City, New York
2.Continental Bayside Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida
3.New York Inn, New York City, New York
4.Eden Roc Motel, Wildwood, New Jersey
5.Days Inn Cleveland Airport, Brook Park, Ohio
6.Days Inn Airport / Stadium Tampa, Tampa, Florida
7.Travelodge Bangor, Bangor, Maine
8.Velda Rose Resort Hotel, Hot Springs, Arkansas
9.Ramada Plaza Hotel JFK International Airport, Jamaica, New York
10.Days Inn & Suites Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Dirtiest Hotels - Asia (Pacific)
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.First Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
2.Hotel Grand Central, Singapore, Singapore
3.The Imperial Hotel, Hong Kong, China
4.Royal Peacock Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
5.Woraburi Sukhumvit Hotel and Resort, Bangkok, Thailand
6.Colmar Tropicale, A French-Themed Resort, Bentung, Malaysia
7.Oxford Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
8.City Gate Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
9.Royal Parkview Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
10.Aseania Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

Dirtiest Hotels - France
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.Hotel Merryl, Paris, France
2.Hotel Bristol Republique, Paris, France
3.Hotel Lebron, Paris, France
4.Hotel Altona, Paris, France
5.Comfort Hotel Airport CDG, Roissy, France
6.Notre Dame Hotel, Paris, France
7.PV-Holidays Village Pierre & Vacances du Cap Esterel, Agay, France
8.Abotel Hibiscus, Paris, France
9.Plaza Opera Hotel, Paris, France
10.Hotel Saintonge, Paris, France

Dirtiest Hotels - Germany
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
We looked everywhere, honest. But our members tell us there aren't that many dirty hotels in Germany.
1.Hotel Modern, Munich, Germany
2.Central Hotel am Dom, Cologne, Germany
3.Ludwig Hotel, Munich, Germany
(Beg to differ? Write a review and warn fellow travelers!)

Dirtiest Hotels - India
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.Centaur Hotel, IGI Airport, New Delhi, India
2.Hotel Regent Continental, New Delhi, India
3.Ashok Hotel, New Delhi, India
4.Marina Hotel New Delhi, New Delhi, India
5.Jupiter Spa & Resort, Salcette, India
6.Ajanta Hotel, New Delhi, India
7.The Connaught, New Delhi, India
8.Hotel Janpath Ashok, New Delhi, India
9.Hotel Welcome Palace, New Delhi, India
10.Hotel Yamuna View, Agra, India

Dirtiest Hotels - Italy
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.Hotel Nizza, Rome, Italy
2.Hotel Anglo Americano, Rome, Italy
3.Repubblica Hotel, Rome, Italy
4.Hotel Club Florence, Florence, Italy
5.Piccolo Hotel Il Palio, Siena, Italy
6.Hotel Ascot Florence, Florence, Italy
7.Blue Paradise Resort, Parghelia, Italy
8.Casa Olmata, Rome, Italy
9.Hotel Guelfa, Florence, Italy
10.Hotel Delle Nazioni, Milan, Italy

Dirtiest Hotels - Spain
(based on TripAdvisor traveler reviews)
1.Playamar, S'illot, Spain
2.Catalonia Gardens, Salou, Spain
3.Rambla & Catalunya Hostel, Barcelona, Spain
4.Amalia Apartments, Benidorm, Spain
5.Hostal Abrevadero, Barcelona, Spain
6.Althay Apartments, Costa Calma, Spain
7.HTOP Gran Casino Royal, Lloret de Mar, Spain
8.Hotel Veracruz, Sitges, Spain
9.Hotel Emperador, El Arenal, Spain
10.Guitart Capri, Lloret de Mar, Spain

Oh dear, have you ever been to these hotels before and what do you reckon!?

Happy Ox Year 2009!!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

One of the video clips were taken in front of Believe It or Not Museum of Orlando.

As the building was leaning on one side, it literally made me walk funny and could NOT walk in a straight line. >_<

Orlando08 Fundays

Make a Smilebox slideshow

A View in El Djem

El Djem (Latin Thysdrus) is a town in Mahdia Governorate, Tunisia। It is home to some of the most impressive Roman remains in Africa, the ruins of the amphitheatre were declared a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Apart from the Roman coliseum, the sights of El Djem are also in a good condition and the city of El Djem is busier than ever due to many travellers and tourisms pay their visit daily. I could image how greater atmospheres and powerful states were at that time, and I have to say, it was magnificent view and amazed.

Its My Turn

For most of my friends, they know I don’t enjoying cooking but I like to make dumplings. It happens when is in a special occasion, for instance food fest, birthday or small party.

It was a food fest with friends a weekend just after the New Year. The menu was my dumplings (Chinese style) as a starter and then followed with two main courses massala fish (Indian style) and sausages with mash potato (English style), of course and dessert.

In fact, dumpling is not difficult to make but a few hours are needed from preparing and be patience when go through the procedures while making it. I remember when I was little, mum always grabbed me to sit next to her and made dumplings. I hesitated for a few minutes and was going to play out with neighbours at that time but I stayed, watched her and did the copy cat.

In the early evening before the food fest, I started putting the filling (meat, sea food or veggies) in the middle of the pastry, and folded the pastry up in half which just covered the whole filling, I made 60 dumplings that evening for friends and by the time we started, it went just like flicked the fingers – was quick. There is a technique in order to seal the dumpling well and looks nice and is something I feel proud of myself that I had a full training with my mum.

British Design Classics

Royal Mail recently issues design classics stamps, most images are my favourite and are very classic British sign; i.e. Mail Box, Double Decker, Tube Map, Miniskirt and Mini. I also heard, Royal Mail will issue different design especially when is near Valentine’s Day every year.

However, I believe it is an old fashion or an old activity if you like to collect unused stamps or used stamps। I have already started to collect it a few years ago, and I also keep the completed franking mark on the stamp all together, as these marks were also designed in different sharps or layouts especially when they were sent from different companies, and locations or countries.

What Can You Do?!

I can't help it and only laughs can explain how I feel. I bet it is hard to make a business nowadays but, with them - it will be even harder.

“Shoganai” in Japanese means “nothing you can do about it”,so “shogafuckinai” is like “nothing the f*** you can do about it”.

Camel Ride

Enjoy a memorable camel ride through farmland the picturesque huge olives trees and old fashion building in the middle of farmland.

It was breath taken and I said to myself "clam down he/she won’t kick you". In fact, there were two people assisted me in order to get me on camel’s back; and how it worked: two people held one of my each leg, and I was push onto it. It was like to sit on the Double Decker, that was high and was in a very good view.

It was a 3 hours return journey excluded the time when was collected from the hotel. It was a great opportunity to see elsewhere rather than the city, as well as how the living style was in the old day in Tunisia. The trip also offered a traditional Tunisian Quick Lunch, which were home-made bread, tomato and olive oil. Actually, I found it was very healthy eating, as they spread olive oil first on the bread and placed a few slices of tomato inside the bread. The bread was like a Naan Bread, crispy on the surface and very soft inside.

What to wear on the day: casual (trousers is better) with trainer and dress according to the weather for that day. It is recommended you take a sunhat, sunglasses and a bottle of water. It may be a good idea if you do not wear fragrance on the day, as it may irritate camels.

My Experience in Tunisia (4)

A quick view of the Hotel Lobby: I like the decorations especially the ceiling, is Mediterranean style. Arab and African decoration objects, such as marble, ceramics and pottery, as well as glass lamps, ceiling lights.

Tunisian food is well prepared and delicious and Tunisian dishes are cooked with olive oil, spiced with aniseed, coriander, cumin, caraway, cinnamon or saffron. The light starter I had it was, some olives, spicy pickle cabbages, hummus and harissa with very nice cispy breads.

I skiped the main course and strighted to the coffee afterward.

I have to say, it was a very nice light lunch I ever had.

Year of the Ox

Throughout the ages the Ox has worked dutifully, carrying out the tasks man has set, whether toiling in fields or pulling ploughs, the Ox has proved a strong and faithful worker. And these qualities are so often found in those born under the second of the Chinese signs – Neil Somerville.

It’s Chinese New Year soon; most of family will be preparing for the coming year and is blissful time for the majority of children during this time of the year; they will be dressed up from head to toe with all brand new outfits and wait for Red Envelop. The festival traditionally begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th; this day is called Lantern Festival.

2009 is the Year of the Ox, which is also known by Chinese Astrology its formal name of Yi Chou (己丑). The Chinese Zodiac is a 12 year cycle. Each year of the 12 year cycle is named after one of the original 12 animals. Each animal has a different personality and different characteristics. The animal is believed to be the main factor in each person's life that gives them their traits, success, and happiness in their lifetime.

My Experience in Tunisia (3)

Tunisia.

I fear I may have seen Tunisia for the last time. As the plane lifted off from Monastir Airport in December 2008, I looked out the window and thought: I like travelling and I am not 40 yet. I will probably not be coming back within a few years unless through reason and chance. And it made me sad.

I am also sad that, more items have been crossed out from "something I’ve got to do in my lifetime list", with this in mind and I want to travel more: I want to see, hear and try. Travelling to me is like a child waiting to open the sweet box, blissfully and surprisingly excited, you never know until it is opened and how good it will be.

Last year, I spent some times in the countries which were surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. I truly liked the atmospheres, foods and weather, with surprising cultures and with the most amazing histories. For me, it is like unveiling the country provides me with lots of self-awareness; especially as a woman when I travel to Muslim countries. Surely I do not advise a woman to travel alone there; and good preparation for your perspectives before you travel is strongly recommended.

Consequently, you "have to" learn to haggle and learn to be hassled. For instance, there are similar cultures between Egypt and Tunisia, in both countries you needed to haggle when purchasing, whereas there seems to be less hassling in Tunisia than in Egypt. Hotel management is kind of letting me down in Tunisia. What they called the Entertainment Department was obviously to entertain in-house guests but did not set a very good example when we were hassled within the hotel. The waiters would tell you how much they were paid per month to earn your sympathy in order to receive tips or more tips. Otherwise, any spare after-shaves or fragrances? He asked us. People speak good French or English in Tunisia - far better than in Egypt; however it has created chances to communicate with tourist worldwide and sometimes not in an agreeable way. They did try hard in any case, of course they worked hard too, somehow I just wasn’t drunk enough to respond as they wished and went away or went back to the room on many occasions.

My Experience in Tunisia (2)

Tunisia.

Although Tunisia is only one hour in front of GMT but my body clock didn’t adapt to the time instantly; plus the plane was delayed before I departed, and travelling between the shuttle bus and hotel bus made me very tired and exhausted.

After I landed and checked in to the room, I looked for mineral water. I was in a dehydrated condition for a few hours, and I was aware not to drink the tap water from the room so I had it boiled with the travel kettle I had brought with me. Unfortunately, my digestive system did not accept the water of Tunisia even it was after boiled and combined with my tiredness I was ill in the first day of my holiday.

I had no any desires for food, only sleep; I believe I slept for almost 12 hours and finally became better after I went to a “Turkish Bath”. The hot steam made my airway clear and then the cold shower in the next minutes to soften the body skin, and then repeating the process of hot steam and cold shower for around 10 minutes. After that, I had my bikini on and went through all the procedures and then to follow was a body peel and full body massage from head to toes.

My Experience in Tunisia (1)

Tunisia.

It’s a short flight between England and Tunisia: only about 3 and half hours. When we landed in Tunisia, north of Africa, my first impression was of quiet atmospheres and dry and chilly air when I walked out from the cabin.

There was no air-bridge to connect the cabin and the airport gate, just a bus to transfer me and I was told to make my own way to the immigrant check-in desk inside the Tunisian Airport. I waited behind a long queue, and luckily I was offered to queue behind a new open check-in desk after they requested more staff to help the checking and I went through straightaway. After I collected my luggage, while I was amazed the fast track service, another checking was ahead. I have to admit that the attention of security level is high in this country and is far better than in Egypt.

On the shuttle bus between the airport and the hotel, I mixed with lots of other travellers but they were staying in the different hotels or resorts to mine. Due to it being Christmas week, the bus was full: it seemed everyone just wanted to get away from the “cold” weather and come for the winter sun. For me, I just fancy a quiet holiday away from work and busy shoppers, especially at Christmas.

On the way, after we set off from the airport, a strange thing happened. There were a few young teens on the street and they threw rocks toward our bus, which hit the window just like gun shots and left a few marks on it. I thought the window was going to break and fall apart, but it didn’t although it was a huge shock to all of us. With this in mind, I realised that it may be secure in the airport but it doesn’t mean it will be on the street. I still have no clue why on earth these teens attacked our bus and I was annoyed.

Finally I arrived at the hotel and unpacked everything, I felt exhausted and tired and ready for bed as it was almost 2.30 am.

Get Me Out Of… This Mess!

I was frustrating this morning as my bike (motorbike) was broken.

It might have a sort of notice or a sign but I didn’t realise it was, or I’d say I didn’t actually know it was. I wonder what was caused this happened perhaps, the weather?? Recently the weather is extremely cold and below zero in England, but there isn’t an evidence to say cold weather makes your bike break down. Could it be my driving hobby to cause it break down?? I really don’t want to think through it and actually I am a well-behaved driver.

Sadly the bike will not be picking up until late this evening and may be next day morning (it has to be arranged), so I am expecting more oncoming hassles. It’s like when you rely on one particular method to transfer you from A to B or to elsewhere, and you sudden lost that ability. Despite to arrange the bike and be picking up, I also arranging myself being able to travel to the office, and that is worrying me.

Train service, it only takes me further away from office;
Bus method, there is no direct line and are two journeys each way;
Walking method, come on… no joke especially it is already after new year holiday; Push bike, there isn’t a consideration to do a “hard” work before I have breakfast.
So therefore there is no way to get me to work.

I was in a sort of disappointing mood while I was thinking the next step, my colleagues were kindly offered me lifts both way to work and to home. Consequently it has resolved travelling issue and hopeful my bike will be fixed in a very short time.

PS: thanks to my colleagues, they are really kind and lovely!!

Five Ways to Slay the Beast Of 2009

With post-Christmas blues and three months of dark evenings looming, January is never the happiest of months. But this year there is the added anxiety that we keep being told what a difficult year it is going to be; so how to combat the depression enveloping the nation? BBC asked five experts to offer their advice.

GO TO A CHURCH CONCERT
PLANT A BRASSICA
GET BOXING
HAVE A 'POTLUCK' SUPPER
SEND LOVE THROUGH MEDITATION

I’d be honest; there aren’t my first choices if I make this list (obviously I am not an expert). Well, I do not dare having my choices made base on the title but sharing, perhaps sounds a bit of sensible.

I don’t go to church unless, there is a reason. In particular, when is in Christmas period, lots of activities going on and I don’t mind to get involved.

I love gardening and have my own little playground in the back grad however, I say to myself “as long as it doesn’t grow higher than me (good job that I am not short), it’s fine and acceptable” before I plant any items. No jungle allowed in my garden but I agree “life gets a bit slower and the rewards are huge”.

Excise gets me happy and health, that’s true but not boxing. It reminds me Thai Boxing. There are awful lots of type of boxing popular in land and all I can see is painful, ugly and unhealthy. Definitely isn’t my cuppa tea.

It sounds like a dinner party to me. It’s good and fun dinning with friends or people you don’t really know, and I am admittedly the more we dine, the fatter we will be. Imagine, as the dark evenings falling ahead for the next coming months, I cannot see the benefit of it to have a POTLUCK SUPPER.

Silence Is Golden. It was hard when I learned to be silence. I guess you suppose not to speak when is processing meditation, do you? That is why I cannot send my love through meditation. Naah… such typical!

Peace, Including "Her"!

Wow, what a cat can do such funny faces and just like a prayer for the peace and quiet(I don't think so). Look at her (I guess is a female cat), she closes her eyes and maintains her balance; she stands still on the fence. She has such pure white fur with a peace of mind, I won't be able to do it; I won't be able to keep quiet more than 5 minutes (friends told me, but I don't believe it).

Mediation, phew... she is good!!

Don't Stop Me Now ... It's 2009!!

New Year Resolution, we always say that every time and every year. Do you?

It reminds me and feels like when we do something dangerous, it dumps a load of dopamine into our heads that makes us euphoric. You see the effects of this on the face of a footballer after he’s scored a goal. He’s taken a chance, got away with it, and for a moment or two he is completely our of control. Lost in a sea of pure ecstasy.

I don’t know what resolution is like or should be like; neither my close friends nor I know it... but surely we all make one, because it is fashion...!!