Elena was very patient and helpful through out the entire process of planning and then logistics during the trip. An example of the power of KimKim partnering with local guides was when we wanted to add a Flamenco experience she suggested one that provided an absolutely fabulous experience! She understood the focus of our trip and set up activities that were off the beaten path and made us feel special. All the guides, and even drivers, were top notch (and punctual!). Thank you, Elena!
Hotel Reviews
Leonardo Hotel Barcelona Gran Via
Barcelona
Great location for drop off/pick up rides because it is on one of Barcelona's 45 degree corners and restaurants right across the street.
Authenticity & Character
There wasn't anything wrong just nothing that made it stand out more than other hotels.
Location
It was close to a Hop on/Hop off bus line.
Staff
It may be a cultural thing, but twice the front staff didn't acknowledge us for a while when standing there. Once they did, they were helpful. Breakfast staff very nice.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding was comfortable.
El Castell de Ciutat
La Seu d'Urgell
They had been entered our reservation for the wrong date but were able to accommodate us. It is an old hotel that needs a facelift. The front desk, bar and restaurant staff were all very nice.
Authenticity & Character
Lots of old world charm, great view overlooking the city, spa area/pools very nice and modern. It just needs a facelift.
Location
Outside of town. It was fine for us because we had a car. It is more of a resort destination than a sightseer destination. We drove into town to walk thru the old town.
Staff
Helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
I always enjoy having a robe and slippers in the room. It took me a minute to figure out the red/green pinecone door hangers.
Hotel Vinoteca Alquezar
Alquezar
Looks old but very modern. They serve a great breakfast and dinner!
Authenticity & Character
Nothing to improve - people need to understand it is modern on the inside if they are looking for something more period.
Location
GREAT for transporting luggage so we didn't have to drive our car through the small streets. It is a hilly town so one needs to be fit to walk around. Stay at a more central hotel if you have mobility issues.
Staff
Marta and Chef were very helpful. As an American, I love my coffee so waiting for it to come after the breakfast food was served was difficult for me. I always appreciate a coffee pot in my room which many hotels outside the US do not have.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding was comfortable yet a second pillow would have been nice.
Eurostars Fuerte Ruavieja (Logroño)
Logroño
Authenticity & Character
All the stone on the inside.
Location
While it is in walking distance of the main square, it took a drive around the block to find and understanding the garage door was a bit tricky.
Staff
Helpful in understanding the city layout and dining options on a Sunday.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Bedding
Barceló Bilbao Nervión
Bilbao
Good location and great breakfast.
Authenticity & Character
It is a large, modern hotel. I'm not sure it needs any particular character.
Location
Location to the Guggenheim. It wasn't readily obvious to us how to find the parking garage when, in fact, it was right in front of us. We also didn't understand how to get out of the garage. Parking is difficult in this area so paying for the parking is understandable and we paid for a taxi so we didn't have to find parking during our daily excursions.
Staff
Helpful and friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was very nice.
Workable for the one day we were in town. Staff was friendly and helpful. Breakfast was good with a section dedicated to local foods!
Authenticity & Character
Nicely decorated but lighting in the lobby area was too dim for me to read my map. The floors of the elevators need to be renovated - they are safe but cracked and peeling.
Location
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal so I suggest staying close to a metro station if you want to see various parts of town. We were in great walking distance to some wonderful restaurants.
Staff
Extremely friendly and helpful.
Activity Reviews
Visit to La Rioja Winery
Logroño (La Rioja)
We went to Monticello. Great tour guide and fun experience with the various wine barrels.
Quality of Experience
I felt the tour was so much more than a wine tasting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
It is funny to look back on now but when we arrived we were more interested in using the bathroom than letting them know we arrived which had them perplexed - they didn't know why we were there! Everything was good once that was settled.
Transport
We drove our own car.
Eco Tuk Tuk Welcome Tour to Barcelona
Barcelona
Nice way to get a feel for the city on your first day.
Quality of Experience
It wasn't raining (sides are open) and we were able to get out at one point to walk and take pictures.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very knowledgeable and friendly.
Transport
Clean and capable.
SOMMOS winery visit
Spain
We went to Laus Winery. You get a lot of food with the wine pairing. Loved the cork stools and the video.
Quality of Experience
Historical information, our guide and the wines themselves.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and accommodated our need to not walk into the vineyard.
Transport
We had our own car. Walking on the tour was a bit difficult (standing for long periods of time) for one of our group members.
Wine tasting with tapas in Alquezar
Alquezar
Marta told us about her history with wine. We loved sampling local wines.
Quality of Experience
Having the tasting right there in our hotel meant we didn't have to worry about driving!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Marta is local and we loved hearing her stories.
Transport
None needed for us!!
Pintxos & Wine Tasting Walk
Bilbao
Crazy fun and be prepared walk, drink and to eat a lot!
Quality of Experience
History was very interesting. Be ready for any kind of weather because sometimes you are outside eating/drinking.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Funny and knowledgeable
Transport
Be prepared to walk/stand though some locations you do sit down at a table.
Tickets for Guggenheim Museum Visit
Bilbao
You have to enjoy modern art.
Quality of Experience
Nice that we could get a coffee right there while waiting for the doors to open.
Day Trip to the Douro Valley & River Cruise
Porto
This was more than a boat ride on the Douro River. Just getting there and back was so much fun with stops along the way at two wineries and lunch at a small, fabulous restaurant.
Quality of Experience
Variety of experiences
Food
Presentation, location and taste.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Carlos with Your Tours was amazing! He had to go over and above to get us on the Douro river boat due to traffic delays. We truly appreciate him!
Local specialist: Elena Anguita
