I'm traveling to Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Liechtenstein, and Malta in January. What's a good way to find well-situated 3-star accommodations in these countries? Are there any relevant guidebooks? I couldn't find one by Rick Steves, whose guidebook on Iceland was outstanding for my trip last spring.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1548 posts
I've been in both Andorra and Lichtenstein in the past 6 months, and you are facing some challenges. Andorra is a ski town, and January is high season. There are a lot of places to stay, but by now most have been booked for a couple months. The other major challenge with Andorra is transport. If you drive be aware it is not an easy road and it can be dangerous. Parking in the valley is insane, and not for the faint of heart. If you take public transport you want to make sure your hotel is close to the stops, because it's a very crowded, tight, place with pedestrians basically moving between the cars. It's also cold and slippery.
Lichtenstein is different, and frankly I can't see staying there. It's an easy ride over from Lake Constance which is cheaper and has more to do. You can go up the hill to the castle, but you can't go in; it's still the royal residence.
I suggest trying Booking.com or Kayak to find a place.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
7987 posts
Just wondering … is AirB&B a resource for them?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20458 posts
Booking.com. 14 through 17 January
- Andorra: 125 Hotels with rooms (had no idea so many hotels in Androrra)
- Liechtenstein: 18 Hotels with rooms (stupid expensive)
- Monaco: 10 Hotels with rooms (stupid expensive)
- Malta: 216 Hotels with rooms (I like Mercure St. Julian's)
- San Marino: 17 Hotels with rooms (good prices too)
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33991 posts
the Novotel in Monaco (enjoyed it very much when I was there) is just over 200€ (for 1) for the night of the 17th.
There are two Adagio aparthotels just a walk of a few feet over the border in Beausoleil, France, just over 120€.
Neither of those are what I would call stupid expensive
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20458 posts
Nigel, i just looked at the first 5 or 6 that popped up on Booking.com, choked, and moved on. There are always good deals for those that take the time, like you, and do their research.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33991 posts
Mr É...............(Пан E ►)
I write from personal experience there so know where to look - until covid we were there most winters, in Jan, Feb (more usually) or March. People could do a lot worse than the Novotel, and it is just a couple of steps from both the station (middle or top entrance) and the gardens above Casino Square, near the dairy.
A lot of people write of their dislike of Monaco - my wife and I love it.
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20458 posts
Nigel, that wasn't sarcasm. It was sincere. Some day maybe I get to Monaco.
Posted by
1105 posts
OP, Mr E did your work for you. Go with it and thank him and then use his methods for your future travels.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33991 posts
didn't think it was sarcasm, just outlining my methods
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20458 posts
treemoss2, I work for American toilet paper
Posted by
70 posts
We were in San Marino in September and stayed at the Hotel Rosa. We took the bus from the train station in Rimini. One of the nice things about Hotel Rosa is that they will meet you at the bus stop which is several blocks below the long steep climb to the old town. They will also take you back to the bus stop when you leave. The 10E cost each way is more than worth it. We were there to get a passport stamped and to mail letters for a stamp collector. We booked a room with a view and a balcony only to be fogged in by wind and rain. I didn't couldn't find a book on San Marino, but they have a website that provides much of what you need to know [1]: http://sanmarinosite.com/en