|
|
|
|
|
|
| Statistics |
| Profile Views: |
444 |
| Friends: |
0 |
| Files: |
2 |
| Last Update: |
2008-07-22 |
| Signup Date: |
2008-04-30 |
| Rating: |
 (info)
|
| Activity points: |
(info)
|
| Total Posts |
0 |
| Refferals |
0 |
| Last Forum Activity |
2008-04-30 04:17:15 AM |
| Forum Rank |
Junior Member |
|
|
| Personal Information |
| Name |
Pangaea Travel
|
 |
|
| Birthday |
1969-06-01 |
Send a private message to backpackernews |
| Gender |
Unspecified |
|
| Orientation |
Unspecified |
|
| Relationship Status |
Unspecified |
|
| Religion |
Unspecified |
|
| Location |
Europe
Italy |
|
|
| About Me |
| About Me |
This is the first start of an independent backpacker newspaper for travelers who like to save money, share thoughts and experiences while traveling. Independent, because it is not and never will be associated with any booking websites, hostels and travel companies, and so it will share its free opinion about all important aspects of traveling. Our goal is to help travelers to enjoy their journeys more by avoiding tourist traps, save money and perhaps, find some news that you cannot find in any guide book. Being independent means also, that we can write the truth about hostels and other accommodations, transport companies, restaurants and else in the world of tourism. We hope that this idea will spread through the backpacking world and that it will help all of you, finding what you are looking for.
|
|
|
|
| Recent Surveys |
| No survey entries found |
|
| Recent blog comments |
|
Dear Plus Team,
Thank you for responding so quickly to my blog.
Like you, I have traveled and backpacked the world many times, staying at hostels all over the world and sharing the noise of dormitories. Believe me; I do know the rules and expectations of travelers. Managing a backpacker in San Diego I also know the responsibility and challenges coming long side running a place like you do.
To give you some more inside of the happenings while experiencing the Plus Florence, let me write the following:
The phone conversation I had with one of your employees at midday was unmistakable. “We have plenty room in 8-bed dorms!” When the lady during the check-in handed me the receipt over 28 Euro, I asked her what happened to the 22 Euro 8-bed. She said that I am receiving the last bed the Plus Florence has for that day, while at the same moment the other lady (obviously the one I spoke to at the phone) said that you have bed available in an 8-bed dorm. My surprise was the look and reply she received then, “NO, WE DO NOT HAVE ANYTHING ELSE AVAILABLE!”
Asking to store my backpack in a secure room, I was directed to the luggage storage at the entrance of the hostel which wide open door I remembered when walking into the building. 15 minutes later and looking at the same door, it still was invitingly open and nobody around. Telling the reception that I have camera equipment in my pack, she stored it behind the reception area, which I am very thankful for. The responsibility of securing this door lies in the hands of the hostel, not of the people using it and not closing it. There is no real security at the front desk so nobody would be able to control who is walking into the storage room and, if ever something would be missing, the recording might be useless, but the trouble great.
Knowing that rooms with fewer beds are more expensive I understand that I had to pay more. Paying 28 Euro for a 4-bed dorm and ending up in a room with 5 people while you have a pricelist placed at the check –in desk which indicates 26 Euro for 5-6 bed dorms, well.
New to me is the fact, that couples can ask for double beds in dorms nowadays. Guess private rooms are old fashion for couples wanting to exchange hugs and kisses in the afternoon or the middle of the night. By the way, the other two travelers, brother and sister, were very annoyed by that as well.
How many travelers keep their not so good experiences to themselves, until they sit in a common room and talk to others about places they stayed? Even in times of online reviews and booking, the so called “Word of mouth” recommendation is still a big part in the backpacking community.
Opening a hostel with 450 beds is a challenge. But not only reviews of guests on websites, also travelers one meets all over Italy talk about the long waiting lines when you need something from the reception. One statement was “I spent so much time at the reception that I had to skip some sightseeing.” Same for the check-in promise of 2pm. Waiting again.
Your comment about having the best prices for meals and drinks; do research and you will find cheaper. Your comment “However once again, it is not compulsory to stay and eat and drink here, there is always the option to go out and about in Florence.” Regarding the no outside food and drinks policy, I´d like to copy in one of the comments found on Hostelworld.
“They do have a lovely dining room and kitchen, unfortunately reserved for their restaurant, so everyone who cooks their own food has to sit on the 2 piddly tables in the kitchen. The theme nights were pathetic with no one attending, luckily we smuggled our own alcohol in so we didn't have to deal with their lousy card system.”
We both agreed, backpackers and hostels are changing and it is interesting to see that change. The reviews I am writing are aimed to find the travelers doing long term trips, not 4 day party fly in students with the budget air lines who are actually changing the hostels and giving the reason to open massive accommodations. Having a pool and workout options, TV in room and all is great, of course, but one should focus first on the basic services and their prices.
Wanting to be a serious challenge to other hostels in the city and the country, one should not forget, that no matter being a restaurant, a 300€ a night hotel or a hostel, most times you have only one shot to amaze your guest.
Wishing you all the best and always satisfied guests
Opb.travel
(posted in
Plus Florence Hostel Italy, Review)
|
|
well thank you for your input on my blog. having traveled 137 countries around the globe and being in italy for about 7 times (14months at all) i think that italy deserves it to try and rip-off people visting. and the people visiting deserve doing all against it. italy is not an african, asian or arabic country. it is part of the EU and in the G7. so bargaining is only at the markets where you buy leather goods and else, not in restaurants, hostels or hotels. you always need to remember and keep in mind what country you are in, what the country shows to the world and what it asks for. italian mentality is different, true, but it does not give the right to screw the rest of the world. tourism, politics, economy etc etc. (posted in
Tourist rip-off Italy)
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Recent podcasts |
| No podcasts found |
|
|
|
| Recent topics |
| No topics found |
|
| Signature(Forum) |
|
|
|
|
