Alex Rawson

We so enjoyed our 13 day trip to Ireland. It was important for us that our trip be flexible, that we could drive ourselves around, include a visit to a family castle and several other tourist stops. So we had a plan that detailed each of these with the addition of various other possibilities on route. We could choose to do these or not. One of our favorite things were the hotels we stayed in- very luxurious that included a daily amazing breakfast. They supplied addresses, tickets to events we wanted to see/ some we found were sold out if not pre-purchased. They provided a zippered notebook that we took everywhere with us with our printed tickets, itenary and directions. They even helped us with what clothes to bring for the weather. They checked in with us during the trip.

It was very customized, very professional and all in all, a hit! We would 100% recommend this amazing team to help you plan your Ireland trip.

Hotel Review

Sheen Falls Lodge

Kenmare

On our recent 13 day trip to Ireland, we stayed in 8 different hotels and I say without a doubt that this place was the best. The lounge, the restaurant, the room- amazing. The staff cleaned mud off my shoes for me overnight. The golf course discount was much appreciated and it was a remarkable course. The grounds were lovely and Kenmare is so quaint. I even had a great conversation with one of the grounds keepers about their lovely plants. The best thing also happened … shows their commitment to customer service. We took a free shuttle from the hotel to the golf course and had a great chat with the driver. So impressed. While at the golf course we mentioned that “our driver” told us to do this outing, and the golf course manager smiled and said, “your driver” was the General Manager of the whole place. He drives the shuttle often just to stay in touch with the guests and keep his hands on the pulse. Being in the service industry myself, it doesn’t get any better than that. So if you’re planning on staying here for a couple of days, make your visit longer!

Authenticity & Character

Loved the local Paintings on the wall. Piano player in reataurant. Library books about Ireland available.

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

100%

Activity Reviews

Trinity College Old Library and Book of Kells

Dublin

100% worthwhile.

Celtic Nights Traditional Irish Show

Dublin

It was OK. Did not compare to the Irish dance we saw later during our trip. Venue was questionable- in a low ceiling basement.

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Jameson Distillery Midleton

Cork

100% worth a trip

Our trip was amazing great working with Alex who planned a great vacation for us. Our driver Michael was great always punctual always accommodating and a great source of information we loved all our hotels except for the Ballyseede Castle we were looking forward to staying there but their service was terrible and so was the food big disappointment on the other hand the Wilder in Dublin and Sheen Falls were amazing places to stay with amazing service and staff. The recommendation to have dinner at 35 in Kenmare should be given to all travelers it was the best dinner we had in Ireland. Good star limo service picked us up and dropped us off at the airport it was truly a good star service

Had a wonderful trip despite the cold, wet weather. Alex was very helpful planning and then making sure things on our trip went as smoothly as possible. I really appreciated the fact that she kept in touch during the trip and continued to help us with reservations. Our guide Craig was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable, flexible to meet the entire groups needs, and had a great bedside manner. Would definitely use both of these fine people again!

Alex was great in planning our trip and taking care of all the details. We truly just walked off the plane and met our guide and had nothing to worry about until we were driven to the airport for our return trip.
Craig was a wonderful guide gave us many options on what we would prefer to do and shared his knowledge of his country’s history with a refreshing passion.
Our accommodations were all very good and each one was unique. Our favorite was the Broad Bay House.. Very picturesque, quiet and the food was amazing!
Overall I wouldn’t change a thing about the trip.

Now, that’s how you vacation!
Alex and the entire team were amazing to work with. In the past, my wife and I would research where to go, what to do every day and what/where to eat. Alex made it so easy to vacation.

We started planning this trip a few years ago in 2020. When the pandemic hit we had to pause for two years. As a result the trip had to be planned again. Kate and Alex did a remarkable job both times to create a memorable experience for my mom's 80th birthday. We flew into Edinburgh and explored that city for a few days, then travelled up into the Highlands and back down into Edinburgh. The hotels and attractions they booked were exactly what we wanted. Our trip then shifted into Ireland as we flew into Belfast and then drove around Ireland staying in a different place every night or two. Again, the hotels, restaurants and attractions were all booked for us, met the precise needs we had and were spaced very well.

I couldn't have built a better trip myself! They customized it for us and it fit us like a glove. There is no question that I would use KimKim again to plan a trip. They saved me so much planning time before the trip and during the trip I didn't have to worry about anything because they had given us such detailed plans. Also, we were able to reach out for support if we needed them.

Alex proactively checked in with us a few times to make sure all was going according to plan. The personal touch was so appreciated.

We had the pleasure of booking our trip with KimKim/Alex for our recent 10 day trip to England. She was very helpful and patient with all my questions and helped organize our trip in such a short notice. Everything was so easy, from pickups to tours to last day drop off at the airport.

Hotel Reviews

Georgian House Hotel

Pimlico

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Park Plaza London Riverbank

London

Authenticity & Character

Location

Staff

Cleanliness & Comfort

Activity Reviews

Airport Transfer

London

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Broadway to Bath, via Cotswold Villages

England

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Day Trip to Bath and Stonehenge

England

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Warner Bros Studio Tour with Coach Transfer

London

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Exploring London on a Hop On Hop Off Bus

London

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Westminster Abbey

London

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

St Paul's Cathedral

London

Quality of Experience

Guides, Drivers and Staff

Transport

Kate was wonderful. Having her a text or call away averted lots of averted frustration. The emergency number was appreciated, as well. I knew that no matter when it was, she knew I was traveling and was there to assist.

Have had great service from Greece, as well.

However, the young couple I have been working with on a trip to Europe in May for my family is not giving me much confidence. Their service doesn’t appear to be up to your standards. They have made it very plan that they are unavailable on weekends and outside of regular weekdays working hours. I will be traveling over three weekends and trouble seems to always strike after 5.

They have a language barrier. I have lots of experience with English as a Second Language folks but I am struggling. I fear I am going to be on my own in Europe in three countries for almost a month with no safety net or the kind of backup and preparatory support Kate provided.

They are in Slovenia. I am going to France, Germany, and Prague. I only speak English and my arrogant American (I try not to be that way! Ask Kate.) ways expect service for the money I invest. I recognize their background in a different culture and hope that my years of teaching cross cultural awareness pay off when I travel. However, if their future business aspirations include service to Americans, they need to soften their touch a bit and plan ahead using their knowledge to benefit travelers who will benefit from that.

For example, they have not mentioned COVID. We will need tests before flying to Europe. More critically, we will need PCR tests in Prague before flying to Bordeaux where we will board a riverboat cruise which they are aware we are booked on. I have no confidence that they have even thought of that. Who knows.. It may not be required by then. However, the cruise line has already asked us to upload vaccine records and forewarned us about the COVID test requirement prior to boarding.