Kimkim Trip Reviews

4.8
Based on 19,438 ratings
Read 19,438 verified reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim. You can also read reviews about kimkim on 3rd party sites including Google, TrustPilot and Yelp.

Wonderful first experience with KimKim!
Thailand | Mar 24 - Mar 30, 2024

T
Toby C.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
My assigned local Specialist, Hilda, was amazing! She responded to questions and requests for adjustments to the itinerary right away on the front end. And then throughout the trip, she reached out and checked in to make sure all was going well and that I knew the next contact/scheduled item. All of our guides were great. In particular, Lid, our guide for Ayutthaya, was very knowledgeable and friendly, and worked hard to make sure that a vegetarian member of our party had good options for... Read more

My assigned local Specialist, Hilda, was amazing! She responded to questions and requests for adjustments to the itinerary right away on the front end. And then throughout the trip, she reached out and checked in to make sure all was going well and that I knew the next contact/scheduled item.

All of our guides were great. In particular, Lid, our guide for Ayutthaya, was very knowledgeable and friendly, and worked hard to make sure that a vegetarian member of our party had good options for lunch.

The hotel transfers were even more helpful than I expected as the guides went in with us to the airport to make sure we could figure out the process quickly and had a translator available.

Activity Reviews
Full Day Ayutthaya tour(driving only) (with lunch) within 10 hrs,usu. 8:30-17:00
Full Day Ayutthaya tour(driving only) (with lunch) within 10 hrs,usu. 8:30-17:00
Bangkok
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Khao Sok safari with Elephant activities (Join in basis) (07.00-18.00)
Full day Khao Sok safari with Elephant activities (Join in basis) (07.00-18.00)
Phuket
Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Hilda Yang
Hilda
Hilda Yang
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Apr 15, 2024
Dear Toby, Hope you are doing fantastic and Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with us.It is my great honor and pleasure to address your questions and adjust the itinerary for you and your party. We're also delighted to hear your appreciation for Lid, your guide for Ayutthaya with his excellent knowledge and friendly service.He is very happy to know you like the vegetarian food he recommended. Regarding the hotel transfers, we're pleased that they exceeded your... Read more

Dear Toby,

Hope you are doing fantastic and Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience with us.It is my great honor and pleasure to address your questions and adjust the itinerary for you and your party.

We're also delighted to hear your appreciation for Lid, your guide for Ayutthaya with his excellent knowledge and friendly service.He is very happy to know you like the vegetarian food he recommended.

Regarding the hotel transfers, we're pleased that they exceeded your expectations and provided valuable assistance, including accompanying you to the airport to ease the process and offering translation services.

We appreciate your feedback and look forward to assisting you with any future travel plans.

Best regards,
Hilda

Trust Kim Kim! You’re in good hands!
Thailand | Mar 3 - Mar 19, 2024

Kristen
Kristen M.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Planning this trip with Lacey was so easy! She was incredible. Perfect itinerary and always there with a quick response when we had a question. I would highly recommend Kim Kim to anyone. The only activity I would have left out was the bike ride in Bangkok. It was nice and the guide was lovely but it was soooooo hot. My only other SLIGHTLY negative comments are I wish we had more down time and I think having a driver and a guide were superfluous in some instances. Particularly to and... Read more

Planning this trip with Lacey was so easy! She was incredible. Perfect itinerary and always there with a quick response when we had a question. I would highly recommend Kim Kim to anyone.

The only activity I would have left out was the bike ride in Bangkok. It was nice and the guide was lovely but it was soooooo hot. My only other SLIGHTLY negative comments are I wish we had more down time and I think having a driver and a guide were superfluous in some instances. Particularly to and from The Float House.

Chiang Mai was our favourite part of the trip and we absolutely loved Bam. What a lovely lady! Our two excursions in Phuket were also wonderful.

Overall, this was a trip of a lifetime. Great experience.

Hotel Reviews
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Samut Prakan

Great hotel

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Smile Lanna Hotel Chiang Mai

I loved this hotel! Great room and wonderful staff!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa
Phuket

Beautiful setting and gardens. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Didn’t love having to take the cable car up and down and the rooms could use an update. You get 2 bottles of water a day and there’s no place to buy more. I felt like we were being nickled and dimed for everything. Would choose a different hotel next time.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The FloatHouse River Kwai
Chang Wat Kanchanaburi

Amazing hotel with a very crappy buffet. Rooms were gorgeous! Loved being on the water! The food was like a bad western Chinese buffet.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Villa De Pranakorn
Bangkok

Solid hotel. Would stay again.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Full day)
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary (Full day)
Chiang Mai

It was great. We spent all the time we wanted with the elephants. There was a Mom and baby in their own enclosure and they seemed somewhat stressed. The mom was swaying back and forth and this we were told was because of the elephants weight? If you google why elephants do that, it’s because they’re stressed. Other than that the elephants looked well taken care of and the experience was fantastic.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sunrise Phi Phi Island Joining Tour
Sunrise Phi Phi Island Joining Tour
Phuket

The Phi Phi islands do not disappoint! Stunningly beautiful! Swimming and snorkeling in one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been. Fantastic tour company. Highly recommend!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
John Gray's sea canoe - Hong by Starlight - Joining excursion
John Gray's sea canoe - Hong by Starlight - Joining excursion
Phuket

Amazing! Such gorgeous scenery! Highly recommend!! I wish I could add videos.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Araksa Tea Experience & Adventure at Sri Lanna National Park
Araksa Tea Experience & Adventure at Sri Lanna National Park
Chiang Mai

Lovely relaxing day. We had fun picking tea leaves. I didn’t want to stop. Beautiful location. We’ve really enjoyed the teas we bought there. Next was lunch on a float house and some swimming.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Nature Walk and Culture
Doi Inthanon National Park - A Nature Walk and Culture
Chiang Mai

One of our favourite days. Beautiful walk along the river with Bam and our Karon guide with a coffee and delicious lunch in the village. Last stop was up to the King and Queen’s pagoda.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lanna Lifestyle & Cooking Experience with A Local Family with dinner
Lanna Lifestyle & Cooking Experience with A Local Family with dinner
Chiang Mai

We had a really good time learning to cook some traditional Thai dishes. I thought it would be a bit more of an intimate family gathering but this is a business . Really cool setting on the family land.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Alms Giving, Doi Suthep and Jungle Temple
Alms Giving, Doi Suthep and Jungle Temple
Chiang Mai

A really amazing experience .

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Trek The Erawan National Park
Trek The Erawan National Park
Kanchanaburi

Beautiful park! Loved swimming in the pools and getting nibbled on by the fish. We only made it up to the 5th waterfall. It was over 40 degrees Celsius. We had a delicious lunch afterwards.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Bangkok Symbolic Temples
Bangkok Symbolic Temples
Bangkok

Great day touring the temples. Absolutely beautiful!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Night Street Food Tour After Dark by Tuk Tuk
Bangkok

Really cool to experience Chinatown and the flower market. We were very particular about only eating food that was cooked fresh. I wish we had tried a bunch of little things and not just had one meal but maybe our guide was getting vibes from my husband because he was very squeamish.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Half Day Bang Krachao Cycling Tour
Half Day Bang Krachao Cycling Tour
Bangkok

Wasn’t a must see in our opinion. Super hot. Really nice guide!

Quality of Experience
Food
One of my favourite meals of the trip
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manohra Dinner Cruise
Manohra Dinner Cruise
Bangkok

Lovely cruise with an amazing dinner.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Lacey Ngo
Lacey
Lacey Ngo
Local specialist in Hanoi | Replied on Apr 11, 2024

Dear Kristen,
Thank you very much for your valuable and detailed feedback. This will help us a lot to improve ourselves and do our better job. Hope to accompany you in your next trip to Southeast Asia :)
From Exotic Voyages team with thanks!

Athens and Napflios week vacation
Greece | Mar 31 - Apr 7, 2024

B
Beth Z.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Our food tour with Hercules, triple swim with Nikos and Meteora are stand out events for me. The guides were so knowledgeable and friendly. Athens by Bike is the best way to see the area and our tour of the castle in Napflios was top notch. Athens is a good visit for a day but not more in my opinion. Read more

Our food tour with Hercules, triple swim with Nikos and Meteora are stand out events for me. The guides were so knowledgeable and friendly. Athens by Bike is the best way to see the area and our tour of the castle in Napflios was top notch. Athens is a good visit for a day but not more in my opinion.

Hotel Reviews
Adiandi and Amymone Hotel
Nafplio

I loved everything about this hotel. It has a family boutique feel. The breakfast is amazing!! Staff is friendly and accommodating. On mornings when we could not eat, for tours, they made us to go bags.

Authenticity & Character
Uniques art pieces. Worth staying to see.
Location
In old part of town next to shops and restaurants
Staff
The owner so friendly and accomodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms cleaned every day.
NLH Monastiraki
Athens

Very nice hotel, clean and friendly helpful staff. Our room was next to techno bar and we could hear music until 4am. For a family not ideal. We should have asked to change rooms.

Authenticity & Character
Our room had a loft and lobby is modern
Location
Centrally located in Athens
Staff
So helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were cleaned every day.
Activity Reviews
Car Rental Drop-off
Greece

Super easy drop off at departures. Love love love! Wish we could do in the US.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Drop off at hotel, easy.
Triple Swim Day Trip near Corinth
Triple Swim Day Trip near Corinth
Greece

Made the entire trip for us. We loved this experience.

Quality of Experience
Nature and it’s beauty
Food
The snacks and lunch was top notch.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nikos loves what he does and it shows.
Transport
Nikos drove.
Hiking Palamidi Castle
Hiking Palamidi Castle
Nafplio

You have to go into the dungeon. I would have gone mad spending even a day there.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Came to the hotel.
Private Nafplio Food Tour
Private Nafplio Food Tour
Nafplio

I loved meeting the shops and owners. Hercules was knowledgeable and shared so much history with us

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Came to our hotel.
Day Trip to Meteora by bus
Day Trip to Meteora by bus
Athens

I wish it was not so far away. Teens hated the commute. Loved the tour and monasteries. Maybe better for adults.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Enjoy Athens by Bike!
Enjoy Athens by Bike!
Athens

Best way to see Athens!

Quality of Experience
Bikes was in good condition and smooth ride
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Totally chill guide
Local specialist: Tasos Mylonas

Great trip. A big thanks to Emily and Cathy a...
Scotland | Mar 17 - Apr 6, 2024

K
Kevin S.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Great trip. A big thanks to Emily and Cathy and the High Point Holidays team for all their help planning the trip to Scotland and Ireland and for there assistance when we were there. Everything went off quite smoothly and we had a great time. I’d also like to thank Safari Steve for a great day driving around Aviemore and to Maura in Killarney for all her selfless help and guidance with our driving route along the Slea Head trail. Read more

Great trip. A big thanks to Emily and Cathy and the High Point Holidays team for all their help planning the trip to Scotland and Ireland and for there assistance when we were there. Everything went off quite smoothly and we had a great time. I’d also like to thank Safari Steve for a great day driving around Aviemore and to Maura in Killarney for all her selfless help and guidance with our driving route along the Slea Head trail.

Hotel Reviews
King Sitric Guesthouse
Howth

Very good location. Right at the end of the main street and close to everything. Room was pretty small and nothing special but the sound of the ocean was nice. Staff at the restaurant were nice but we felt the food was highly overpriced for what we got and not that great. Expected a full crab dinner for the inflated price but received a few small leg pieces and a minced crab salad of some kind. Guesthouse is okay but wouldn’t recommend the restaurant. I’d try the busy pub next door instead.

Authenticity & Character
It has character for sure.
Location
Very good location. Close to the water and on the main street.
Staff
Staff were nice enough. The place is small though so don’t expect someone at the front desk after core working hours.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Place was clean but a little cramped.
Renvyle House Hotel
Renvyle

This hotel is hard to describe. Definitely more suited to families with younger children than a couple in my opinion. Lots of history to this hotel and a nice view of the ocean but I didn’t love the overall vibe of this place. Some guests were a little snooty for my liking and although the staff were helpful and professional they were very serious. You could feel the tension, almost felt like everyone was afraid they’d lose their job. I think this is a hotel you’ll either like or not like, depending on who you are.

Authenticity & Character
This place has character, just not the character for me.
Location
Nice location right on the ocean and close drive to Kylemore Abbey and National Park. Unfortunately, a half hour drive from Clifdon
Staff
Good professional service but you guys really need to lighten up a little.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were large and comfortable enough. No complaints.
The Victoria Hotel
Killarney

Best hotel experience in Ireland! Great staff, good food, fun pub, nice rooms and the place has character. Huge thank you to Maura for her help mapping out our driving route to the Slea Head trail and to Clifdon. Maura you are truly awesome and a wonderful person, very glad to have met you.

Authenticity & Character
Just stay here. This place and the people are pretty special.
Location
Only small negative about this hotel is that it’s a 25 minute walk to town. Many hotels are closer…but I’d still stay here again in a heartbeat.
Staff
The staff were amazing. Fun but professional. They make you feel like you’re at home.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and comfortable. Good size room and bathroom also.
Clayton Hotel Cork City
cork

Nice clean modern hotel with a great location. Walking distance to everything.

Authenticity & Character
Nice place but quite modern so no big points for character.
Location
Location was perfect. Downtown is 2 blocks away and you have the river across the street.
Staff
Staff were mixed. Some were great, some weren’t. To be fair it was Easter weekend so I don’t think anyone really wanted to be be working.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was large enough and very clean. We did tell someone that the bathroom sink was plugged when we arrived and they noted it but it didn’t get fixed while we were there. Not a big deal and I chalk it up to reduced staff over the Easter weekend but would have been nice to have sink that didn’t take 30 minutes to drain. Good breakfast though.
Ashling Hotel Dublin
Dublin

Almost gets 5 stars but it’s about a 15 minute walk to the action so I’m giving it 4 for that reason alone. Rooms, staff and the hotel were great otherwise despite the renovations that were being done to the bar area.

Authenticity & Character
Friendly staff, nice rooms, cozy dining area. Very good breakfast and dinner also.
Location
A bit further walk to the Temple Bar area than some other places but close to the Jameson distillery and the Guinness plant if those two things are on your list (and they should be).
Staff
Staff were all friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The room was quite large with a view of the city and countryside. Huge bathroom too. Very clean and comfortable.
Motel One Glasgow
Glasgow

The location is great, you’re walking distance to everything and the train/tram is right outside your front door if you need them. Room and bar were nothing special but the location can’t be beat.

Authenticity & Character
Not a ton of character like many other spots in Europe but a fine place to stay.
Location
Right in the centre of town close to everything.
Staff
Staff were all pretty nice and helpful with directions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room was a bit cramped and not that comfortable but it did the trick. Very busy lobby, small and hectic breakfast area and the unfriendly pub would certainly make me pause before going back.
Perle Oban Hotel & Spa
Oban

Perfect location, large room and view of the town and ocean. Staff were very friendly and breakfast was top notch. Highly recommend this hotel and a visit to Oban.

Authenticity & Character
Old building but very well maintained. Place has a great vibe.
Location
Town and the ocean are right outside your front door and you can walk to everything. Location can’t be beat.
Staff
The staff were all great. Very friendly vibe and service was quite good.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Skeabost House Hotel
Portree

This hotel was a bit of a drive but well worth it. The garden room was quite large with a nice view of the water. Great vibe to this place and friendly staff.

Authenticity & Character
Nice rooms, cozy bar and restaurant and pretty good food.
Location
As noted this hotel is a farther drive than many others but very peaceful place to spend a couple nights.
Staff
Everyone was quite friendly and helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
This place is very comfy and well maintained. Large rooms, nice view, comfy beds, heated floor in the bathroom and huge shower and tub. Couldn’t ask for more.
Cairngorm Hotel
Aviemore

This is the place to stay in Aviemore! This hotel has character, very good food and friendly staff. The restaurant and pub are frequented by guests and locals alike so even though this is a smallish inn this is literally the centre of town. Highly recommend staying here, eating here and going to the pub for a drink and some live music. The hotel is also very close to the mountains and lots of activities so the location is right on point.This hotel was one of the highlights of the trip for sure.

Authenticity & Character
This place has authenticity and character in spades. Just spend a couple nights and you’ll see what I mean.
Location
You’re walking distance or a short drive to everything you’ll need or want to do in or around Aviemore.
Staff
Staff were very friendly and helpful with advice. These people like where they work and it shows.
Cleanliness & Comfort
View of the mountains from your room and very comfortable bed. The only thing I could complain about was the very cramped shower in our particular room but the rest of the experience more than made up for that.
The Stirling Highland Hotel
Stirling

Very nice hotel. Large rooms and walking distance to the castle and town. Would recommend for a night or possibly two.

Authenticity & Character
Nice place to stay and very quiet for being close to a main street.
Location
Close to everything you’ll need in Stirling.
Staff
Staff were quite nice and helpful with directions.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Good size rooms for Europe and very clean. Well done.
Mercure Edinburgh City Princes Street Hotel
Edinburgh

The room was a little outdated and cramped but the location was great. You can walk to all the main sights with ease and close to numerous restaurants and pubs. The trams, buses and trains are also directly in front of you so getting around was a breeze. Great breakfast too.

Authenticity & Character
Quaint, friendly service, good food.
Location
Close to everything you’ll need and want. Perfect location for everything.
Staff
Everyone was friendly and quite helpful.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The hotel has everything you need but it could use a little updating. Rooms are quite small.
Activity Reviews
Kylemore Abbey
Kylemore Abbey
Scotland

I thought this would be on the boring side but the Abbey and its history was quite impressive. Spent 2 1/2 hours walking the grounds and the garden also. Nice place to go just for the scenery alone. Recommended.

Quality of Experience
Very nice place to visit.
Visit Blarney Castle and Kiss the Stone
Visit Blarney Castle and Kiss the Stone
Scotland

Definitely worth a visit. The castle is great, and well you just gotta kiss the stone if you’re there. The grounds are quite nice for walking also.

Quality of Experience
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Guinness & Jameson Irish Experience Tour
Dublin

Very touristy but also a very fun day. If you’re in Dublin you kinda have to visit these two places. The Jameson tour was fine, educational and the right length at 1 hour. Guinness, you just have to go and experience. Both activities are recommended and the 4 hour tour allows you to skip lines at both spots.

Quality of Experience
Just a fun day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was pretty good, no complaints. The tour guide at Jameson (forget his name) was really good - made it fun and he was a very charismatic speaker/presenter.
Transport
It’s a walking tour. My feet did a great job.
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Boat tour from Oban - see the coast of Mull
Oban

Nice comfy boat ride. Friendly staff and good views of Oban, the islands and a few castles along the way. Lots of birds and some seals too. Good way to spend 2 hours if the weather is nice.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Friendly staff.
Transport
Nice boat.
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban Distillery Tour
Oban

Decent experience. Definitely worth a stop in Oban if you want to learn about the history of the brand and the distilling process. You get to sample 3 whiskeys too which isn’t so bad.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide was just okay. Seemed a little bored but not sure I blame him if he has to repeat the same info to a new group every hour.
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Cairngorms National Park Wildlife Tour with a Specialist
Scotland

Safari Steve was awesome! Just book the trip. Great guy in every way, very fun tour and you couldn’t ask for a nicer ride. If you like birds, animals, learning about just about everything by an expert guide and naturalist and you want to see four very different and very stunning ecosystems all in one day then this trip is for you. One of the highlights of our trip to Scotland for sure.

Quality of Experience
Pretty darn good day.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Would give 6 stars if I could.
Transport
I want a Land Rover (and a highland coo) now.
Hill Trips Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Hill Trips Cairngorm Reindeer Herd
Scotland

The reindeer were pretty amazing. Unfortunately, the weather was not in the last week of March. Would recommend this trip for sure but try not to go when it’s too windy. The winds were around 75 km/h which made it quite cold and hard to stand up at times. You’ll be on the mountain and will have to walk through boggy peat so make sure you are sure on your feet. All that said, I’m glad I made the trip.

Quality of Experience
Reindeer were very cool.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Couldn’t hear the staff due to the high winds. Was a little surprised they didn’t cancel the tour due to the weather conditions. You’re very exposed on the mountain so safety should be a little more of a priority I think. That said, I still went on the hike.
Stirling Castle Tickets
Stirling Castle Tickets
Scotland

Very nice castle with interesting and important history. Nice views of the town and countryside too.

Quality of Experience
Very nice castle and interesting history.
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh Castle Tickets
Edinburgh

It’s a pretty impressive castle. Would definitely recommend going.

Quality of Experience
Nice castle with interesting history.
Walk up Calton Hill
Walk up Calton Hill
Edinburgh

Definitely worth the trip and it’s only a short walk from downtown. Great view of the city and a great thing to do before everything starts opening up.

Quality of Experience
Very nice walk and great views of the city.
Local specialist: Emily Reilly

Chilean Adventure: Valparaiso, Santiago and RapaNui (Easter Island)
Chile | Mar 25 - Mar 31, 2024

Ellen
Ellen F.
Taos, NM | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
From the beginning of planning our time in Santiago with a trip to Easter Island, Angel our travel agent was incredibly responsive. He listened to what we wanted and demonstrated a willingness to adjust mid trip. He responded almost immediately to any questions or concerns. On first day in Santiago we had a full day private tour organized including seeing Valparaiso, Vina Del Mar and a visit to a vineyard. We were met at the port (at the end of our expedition through the glaciers and... Read more

From the beginning of planning our time in Santiago with a trip to Easter Island, Angel our travel agent was incredibly responsive. He listened to what we wanted and demonstrated a willingness to adjust mid trip. He responded almost immediately to any questions or concerns.

On first day in Santiago we had a full day private tour organized including seeing Valparaiso, Vina Del Mar and a visit to a vineyard. We were met at the port (at the end of our expedition through the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia) by our driver Eduardo and an English speaking guide, Consuelo Ibarra. Eduardo was a great driver and Consuelo an excellent guide.

We were able to see and understand Valparaiso through her eyes as she lives here and she provided a great overview of everywhere we visited. Quickly learning our interests she was able to fill us in on history, politics, art and so much more. It was an excellent day and Consuelo provided us with excellent guidance for our second day exploring Santiago including great local vegetarian food, art installations, green space, many places not to miss when visiting Santiago.

After two days based in Santiago we flew to Rapa Nui, (Easter Island).

All of our airport transfers were taken care of and the drivers arrived promptly to pick us up or meet our flights. Additionally our hotel which we really liked, LaReve was in a great neighborhood, and very accommodating. As we would return here for one more day in Santiago they were happy to store our luggage.

On Easter Island we were booked for a private full day tour and a half day tour with our guide Alex, who met us at the airport. Alex was great and despite the wild weather, fog, rain, high winds, we managed to see all the sites with remarkably few tourists. Alex knew how to sequence our visits to each site. He was very knowledgeable. He was also quite thoughtful, orienting us to the Island before dropping us at the hotel so we knew where we could head on our own.

Despite the weather we had an excellent visit to this extraordinary remote historic island.

Our last day in Santiago was Easter and one of our scheduled tour visits the Bahai Temple was closed. Angel helped us rearrange the day and we received a prompt refund for the cancelled tours.

It was a great trip and the perfect addition to our exploration of remote southern Chile.

Activity Review
Explore Viña del Mar, Valparaiso & Wine Tasting in Casablanca Starting from San Antonio In Private
Explore Viña del Mar, Valparaiso & Wine Tasting in Casablanca Starting from San Antonio In Private
Chile

Our guide Consuelo made this tour exceptional. Her deep knowledge of the areas we visited made it very special . The wines we tasted were also excellent. Would have liked more knowledge about the specific wine making processes used here.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Prompt, clean vehicles, good drivers
Local specialist: Angel Gutierrez
Angel
Angel Gutierrez
Local specialist in Santiago | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Hi Ellen!
Thank you very much for your kind words :)
My team and I are very happy to read this and see those beautiful pictures, they look amazing
Eduardo & Consuelo are some of the best, It's great you get along with them, also Alex in Easter Island, I will send this to them I'm sure they will like it too!

I hope we can help you plan a new trip in the future, it can be Galapagos, Machu Pichu, Iguazu Falls, and many more! Who knows?

I wish you the best Ellen!
Kind Regards,
Angel.

Stellar family trip of five (then seven)
Morocco | Mar 17 - Mar 30, 2024

E
Eri K.
Japan | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Extremely well-organized trip for our family of five (which later became seven after our elderly parents joined us in the last third of the trip). KimKim (through Original Travels) organized a fabulous two week itinerary for us and arranged our transport and lodging. At several locations, KimKim also set up local English-speaking guides, most of whom were amazing and provided a chance to chat with locals. The family's highlight was visiting the desert. The kids loved sandboarding... Read more

Extremely well-organized trip for our family of five (which later became seven after our elderly parents joined us in the last third of the trip). KimKim (through Original Travels) organized a fabulous two week itinerary for us and arranged our transport and lodging. At several locations, KimKim also set up local English-speaking guides, most of whom were amazing and provided a chance to chat with locals.

The family's highlight was visiting the desert. The kids loved sandboarding and riding the camels. We on our own would never have been able to comfortably visit such a location with young children. This is where the expertise of a company like KimKim comes into play. We drove from Casablanca to the desert over the course of several days, stopping at Chefchaouen, Volubilis and Fez. Upon our arriving near the desert camp, KimKim arranged for a local guide to show us some of the communities that lived on the edge of the desert.

My personal favorite was our stay at a magnificent riad in Skoura, an oasis town on the south side of the Atlas mountains where we enjoyed the most memorable meal ever. I would have loved to have lingered in this town. So much to see and experience in this vast, beautiful country.

We spent a lot of our two weeks with Tarik our stellar English-speaking driver as we crisscrossed the country. He did a magnificent job transitioning our seven member group from place to place. He was also able to answer our many questions as well as set up dinners, one with music, adding depth to our experience. As an experienced tour driver, Tarik knew where to buy the best dates for example. He bought his own box and we our own and we couldn't agree more--the best dates! Tarik was friendly, flexible and able to adapt quickly to our group's varied needs.

Hotel Reviews
Dar Jasmine
Chefchaouen

Terrific views and the food was very elegantly prepared and tasty. One of our favorite meals, coming in second after our meal at Ksar Kabbaba Kasba in Skoura. This place had the best service striking the balance between being attentive but not hovering. The rooms each has a theme. We were in the Monaco room and the kids in the Istanbul room. Hotel is short fifteen minute walk away from the medina. The hotel is located on a steep slope so there are a lot of stairs before reaching its entrance but there are porters to help.

Authenticity & Character
Welcome tea in garden was quite nice. Our rooms each had a balcony to enjoy the morning and sunset views.
Location
Beautiful views of the village and surrounding mountains but the hotel itself is perched on a steep hill so there are many, many stairs before one even reaches the hotel. The porters carry the bags for you but for older people, the climb would be too hard. Luckily, our parents had not yet joined our trip.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ksar El Kabbaba
Skoura

We enjoyed the best meals in our entire trip here. The dinner was amazing as was the breakfast. Everything from the pigeon? (chicken) to the yogurt in the breakfast. The dining room was very elegantly appointed with a stately feel with high backed chairs. Staffing was extremely attentive. I would have loved to have had more time to stay here and explore Skoura. The pool is not heated so at end of March, it was a touch too chilly for kids to enjoy though they tried.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa
Essaouira

We were originally supposed to stay at the Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea and Spa near Essaouira's medina. It was on our itinerary but for some reason, maybe error, we were in fact, booked at the sister Sofitel hotel, the Mogador Golf& Spa located ten minutes away. Maybe when our party grew from five to seven at Marrakesh, we no longer all fit at the original lodging and a new reservation was created but this change had not been communicated to me or to Tarik our driver. We drove up to the Thalassa Sea and Spa only to find we had no reservation there. So, we drove to the Sofitel Mogador Golf & Spa. For families who love golf this may be a good place but the Mogador Golf & Spa itself is in need of serious repairs, both structural and general maintenance, and is in need of more staffing. Presumably, the current price is lower to reflect these issues but the resort missed the mark on some basics. When the hotel opened in 2015, I suspect it was truly beautiful. The lobby and grounds have been kept up meticulously, but the water damage in the upper floor where we stayed is frankly, quite bad. The walls and ceilings of our hallway showed extensive cracking and peeling; in fact, there was even water leaking into a bucket outside our room! Stranger still, one of the doors that led to an outdoor bridge which connects two guest wings did not close properly and the door to the opposite side was missing entirely. Our kids were housed in this separate, second wing. Without immediate remediation, the building will suffer from mold and possibly major structural issues. The hotel room itself was nicely designed but also in need of basic maintenance. The multiple sliding doors in our room did not slide smoothly. One sliding door which was intended to act as a privacy screen to the shower area, did not, in fact, move. Upon inspection, it had come off its rails. The hair dryer in our room was broken and the bath tub in our parents' room did not function--though a call to the repair man fixed the issue. The beds were on the hand, super clean. These minor 'glitches' alone were not a problem, but in the aggregate, add up to a not-so-stellar impression. The spa being closed was also an issue, especially for our parents who were looking forward to soaking in a tub. So, in the end, we opened up a bottle of wine and sat on the veranda and enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The Mogador Golf & Spa is located in a somewhat desolate area, away from the medina about a ten minute car ride. If we enjoyed golf, or the temperature were warm enough to use the multiple pools, or the spa were open, it is conceivable that a guest would not feel the need to leave. However, with the spa being closed and it not being quite warm enough for us to swim, we would have much preferred to be near the medina. The Mogador Golf & Spa does operate a shuttle bus to the medina, but the last run to the medina ended at 5pm (perhaps because of Ramadan.) The resort's immediate surrounding area does not have restaurants, so guests are stuck eating at the hotel, which sadly did not have the best food. Luckily for us, we had Tarik who graciously drove our group to the medina for dinner and back. To put some of the things into perspective, we stayed during a transition time before peak tourist season. It seemed to me however, that the resort had not adjusted its staffing fast enough to accommodate an increasing flow of guests. The breakfast area for example was disorganized as there were not enough people to set up and clear tables. Compounding the issue were things like non-functioning juice dispensers. Because the juice dispenser would clog, a staff person would need to stand nearby and manually pour out juices to the guests, taking him away from clearing tables and setting up tableware. I suspect this pattern applied to other instances in the hotel's operations. Is any of this the end of the world? Of course not, but I don't recommend putting guests here unless its warm enough to use the outdoor pool or at least to make sure that the spa is working. The resort's far distance from the medina, is simply not worth the other things the hotel presently, can offer.

Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Karawan Riad
Fès

Beautiful riad and great location. The kids' room was spacious and clean. They appreciate the English books in their room and we found a photo documentary book which was especially good. Our room was appointed in a West-African style. The hotel generally has a quirky design vibe rather than classic "Morrocan" decor. The breakfast was great and dinner was solid. The dining space is intimate and cozy. Felt very much taken care of and at home.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Our room was on the top floor and had a lot of privacy which was nice. It space felt carved out or repurposed into a guest room which was fun for us but it had a lot of steps which would not be appropriate for older guests or young children.
La Maison Arabe Hotel
Marrakech

I loved this hotel, a very close second after my favorte Ksar El Kabbaba Kaspa & Spa. La Maison Arabe has beautifully appointed rooms and good food and music. Wonderful ambiance. Not our best meals in Morroco but very, very good. The heated pool was a super plus for our children. The stairs were a bit hard for our elderly parents but the staff were lovely and helpful with bags etc. We did not take advantage of the sister country club but in warmer weather, it may be a very enticing benefit. I would come back in a heartbeat.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Saïd Nayt Addi
Abdellatif
Abdellatif Benaissa
Local specialist in Marrakesh | Replied on Apr 12, 2024
Hi Eri, Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that your family had such a wonderful time exploring Morocco with us through Original Travels. It's heartwarming to know that we could facilitate such cherished memories for your family, especially with the addition of your elderly parents later on in the trip. We're delighted that the desert experience, complete with sandboarding and camel rides, was a highlight for your children. Providing opportunities for... Read more

Hi Eri,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that your family had such a wonderful time exploring Morocco with us through Original Travels. It's heartwarming to know that we could facilitate such cherished memories for your family, especially with the addition of your elderly parents later on in the trip.

We're delighted that the desert experience, complete with sandboarding and camel rides, was a highlight for your children. Providing opportunities for families to comfortably immerse themselves in such unique experiences is exactly what we strive for.

We're especially grateful for your kind words about Tarik, our dedicated driver. It's wonderful to hear that he not only ensured smooth transitions between destinations but also enhanced your journey with his local insights and ability to cater to your group's needs. We'll be sure to pass on your compliments to him.

Thank you once again for entrusting us with your travel arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you and your family back for more unforgettable adventures in the future!

Best Wishes,
Abdel

Mie in Kyoto and Osaka was the best guide!!! ...
Japan | Mar 25 - Apr 6, 2024

Ana
Ana W.
Mexico | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Mie in Kyoto and Osaka was the best guide!!! She was so kind and helpful, Layla in Tokyo was nice the only problem was that she was all the time in the cellphone like every minute, and Mina in takayama and Emily there were nice I liked the trip…. The other thing was that I noticed was missing that the tour was nice but had a lot of anime and a few spots in the cities that were important… so sometimes we had a chance to change the itinerary a bit but other times we couldn’t… so it was a... Read more

Mie in Kyoto and Osaka was the best guide!!! She was so kind and helpful, Layla in Tokyo was nice the only problem was that she was all the time in the cellphone like every minute, and Mina in takayama and Emily there were nice I liked the trip….

The other thing was that I noticed was missing that the tour was nice but had a lot of anime and a few spots in the cities that were important… so sometimes we had a chance to change the itinerary a bit but other times we couldn’t… so it was a bit disappointing no to see the city specially in Tokyo and Kyoto but we were able to manage things!!

The drivers were very helpful and the van is excellent!!!! I really enjoyed having a van and it was not a usual van it was in perfect conditions

Hotel Reviews
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto

The beds were perfecto for a family of 3!!! And very nice the breakfast buffet, well located

Authenticity & Character
Location
Everything was close
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ryokan Asunaro
Takayama

The best experience in Japan !!! I love the tradicional hotel, the staff was very nice!!! And it was perfect

Authenticity & Character
The tradicional stile
Location
Everything is really near!! Restaurants, the market, train station
Staff
Very nice and kind
Cleanliness & Comfort
The comforter of the bed is the best I’ve tried, and everything was very clean and in their place
Activity Reviews
Half Day Afternoon Make Your Own Anime Tour By Public Transport
Half Day Afternoon Make Your Own Anime Tour By Public Transport
Tokyo

I’m giving 4 stars because we didn’t go to the museum, instead we change the itinerary so we could know the city more since I’m not a fan of anime!! And the guide took us to Meiji which was a must and we didn’t have it in the original plan! And she took us to a restaurant I had made plans so it was nice and we got to travel by publicly transportation which was a nice experience as well

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
I’ll just tell Layla to use the cellphone less
Transport
Full Day Kyoto Arashiyama Tour by Private Car (Okochi Mountain Villa, Bamboo Groves, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryuji Temple, Vegetarian Shojin-ryori Lunch, Monkey Park, Sagano Scenic Railway)
Full Day Kyoto Arashiyama Tour by Private Car (Okochi Mountain Villa, Bamboo Groves, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryuji Temple, Vegetarian Shojin-ryori Lunch, Monkey Park, Sagano Scenic Railway)
Kyoto

We had a great time!!!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Emily was very nice, she saw we were very tired this day so she made the trip less stressful and understanding with us!! She knows a lot of the culture and had a very interesting was of explaining things
Transport
Full Day Osaka Highlights Tour(Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Umeda Sky Building)
Full Day Osaka Highlights Tour(Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, Umeda Sky Building)
Osaka

It’s was nice I would have skipped the kimagata museum! But all of the rest was very nice !!! Since we had Mie as well and she is from Osaka she knew exactly where to take us!!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Full day Kyoto Tour by Private Vehicle
Full day Kyoto Tour by Private Vehicle
Kyoto

Mie the guide made everything better!!! She is the best guide tour, helpful and nice!!!! And Kyoto is amazing city

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
the best best guide ever Mie!!!!!! She is a must in this tour!!!!
Transport
Full Day Takayama & Shirakawago Tour by Private Car(Miyagawa Market, Takayama Jinya, Shirakawa-go region )
Full Day Takayama & Shirakawago Tour by Private Car(Miyagawa Market, Takayama Jinya, Shirakawa-go region )
Takayama

Loved both places!!!!

Quality of Experience
The vans that took us everywhere were the best traveling vans ever!!! Very comfortable
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Cathy Chen

Perfect trip to Columbia!
Colombia | Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2024

Kristin
Kristin C.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024

Michael put together the perfect itinerary for us and it was executed perfectly! He even scheduled some ad hoc requests durning the trip. Super responsive and have already recommended him to family and friends.

Local specialist: Michael Gold
Michael
Michael Gold
Local specialist in San Agustín, Huila, Colombia | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Dear Kristin,
Thank you so much for your feedback! I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed the trip and that everything went smoothly during your trip. Your recommendation means a lot to us. If you ever need assistance in the future or if your family and friends require travel planning services in Colombia, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Warm regards,
Michael & The Chaska Tours Team

We were thrilled with all aspects of the trip...
South Africa | Apr 4 - Apr 6, 2024

M
Melissa M.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
We were thrilled with all aspects of the trip, including all planning contact with Ann-Marie and team. Special shout out to the Bushtracks team, especially Mbusi. He is an absolute gem - kind, informative, made everything easy and fun. Finally, Shongwe Lookoit was fantastic - clean, comfortable and the nicest staff. We can’t say enough good things! Read more

We were thrilled with all aspects of the trip, including all planning contact with Ann-Marie and team.

Special shout out to the Bushtracks team, especially Mbusi. He is an absolute gem - kind, informative, made everything easy and fun.

Finally, Shongwe Lookoit was fantastic - clean, comfortable and the nicest staff.

We can’t say enough good things!

Hotel Review
Shongwe Lookout
Victoria Falls

Amazing above and beyond service, beautiful and comfortable hotel!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Quiet!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Guided Tour of Vic Falls
Victoria Falls

Mbusi made sure we did this at the best time of the day, and gave us a ton of history and information about the falls. It was a beautiful walk with so many viewpoints- we were all in awe!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Chobe Day Trip
Chobe Day Trip
Victoria Falls

Everything was taken care of for us, we had a nice drive to the border, then our hands were held for the immigration process to enter Botswana. The guides on the Botswana side were great, as was Mbusi in Zimbabwe. The morning game drive was great - we saw so much! Lunch delicious at a gorgeous locale, then the afternoon on the water surprised us with even closer views of the animals. Great experience!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Premium River Safari Sunset Cruise
Victoria Falls

This was so far above and beyond expectations! The boat was stunning, the staff treated us like family, the drinks delicious and the food - wow! So much and so delicious. Not to mention the gorgeous scenery, hippos and mist from the falls. Such a fun evening!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Anna-marie Mocke
Anna-marie
Anna-marie Mocke
Local specialist in Cape, Winelands | Replied on Apr 11, 2024

Hello Melissa

Thank you very much for your great review. I am so happy that you had a great time at Victoria Falls. It is for sure one of my favorite destinations.

Please get in touch whenever you are planning a trip to Africa again.

Warm greetings
Anna-marie

Amazing trip with Grandaughter!! Thank you!!
Greece | Mar 31 - Apr 8, 2024

Vana
Vana N.
Nantucket, MA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Our Greek trip with our 14 year old granddaughter was extraordinary thanks to Afroditi’s careful planning and exceptional care with arrangements! We are all thrilled! Each of the lovely boutique hotels were perfectly located and progressively more luxurious! We especially loved the one in Heraklion with its little spa and amazing service. We were so impressed with the pickup and drop off service! Afroditi sent us knowledgeable, English speaking drivers who stood waiting for us at every... Read more

Our Greek trip with our 14 year old granddaughter was extraordinary thanks to Afroditi’s careful planning and exceptional care with arrangements! We are all thrilled! Each of the lovely boutique hotels were perfectly located and progressively more luxurious! We especially loved the one in Heraklion with its little spa and amazing service. We were so impressed with the pickup and drop off service! Afroditi sent us knowledgeable, English speaking drivers who stood waiting for us at every location. The walking tours were wonderful. We really enjoyed the Agora and the major sites of Athens, and of course the amazing Acropolis, the day trip to Delphi was moving, the museum and the ruins in Knossos with their emphasis on the myths and their comparison to historic findings enlightening. All were very well done!!! Mykonos was beautiful and even in April our granddaughter was able to use the pool and swim in the ocean. Our night and final day in Chania provided the perfect end with its stunning sea side promenade and shops. Our final experience -the drive up the mountains to a traditional Crete cooking class where we feed our hosts sheep and made fresh herb and cheese pies and stuffed vegetables with produce from her garden following ancient recipes. She arranged for us to work at a table outside gazing at the snow capped peaks, surrounded by spring flowers , and sipping local wine! A perfect holiday!

Hotel Review
Dimargio Hotel and Spa
Heraklion, Crete

Amazing service!! Welcome drink, took our bags up for us! Very helpful in finding a great restaurant close to the hotel! We reserved a massage and soak in the lovely little spa…and had a perfectly mixed cocktail or two And the best breakfast of our entire tour!!!

Authenticity & Character
Location
So close to shops and great reaturabts
Staff
Katarina, the hosts at the desk, was a delight!!!!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
It is a small new hotel and was just way above expectations!
Local specialist: Afroditi Kalogerakou
Afroditi
Afroditi Kalogerakou
Local specialist in Athens, Greece | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Dear Vanna,

Thank you so much for your appreciation and your kind words! ❤
I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed your time here with your husband & grandaughter 🥰
It was a pleasure working with you, always kind & considerate!
Wishing you safe travels!

Warm regards from Athens,
Afroditi

Our family had a fabulous trip to Morocco. Th...
Morocco | Mar 20 - Apr 1, 2024

S
Shelli A.
Aspen Hill, MD | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Our family had a fabulous trip to Morocco. The trip was well planned and implemented, and we really enjoyed the variety of settings and places as well as the planned tours and activities. We had a nice balance of planned time and open time. We enjoyed each city that we stayed in and each riad was more beautiful than the one before. The mountain and desert trip was a highlight! Rooms, service, and breakfast were excellent at all of our stays. Our driver (also named Yassine) was the best!... Read more

Our family had a fabulous trip to Morocco. The trip was well planned and implemented, and we really enjoyed the variety of settings and places as well as the planned tours and activities. We had a nice balance of planned time and open time. We enjoyed each city that we stayed in and each riad was more beautiful than the one before. The mountain and desert trip was a highlight! Rooms, service, and breakfast were excellent at all of our stays. Our driver (also named Yassine) was the best! He was fantastic; driving us through all sorts of weather, during Ramadan, and always with a warm smile. He helped organize our in country activities, coordinating with our guides, hammam, and cooking class...showing us to our Riads, etc. He was also helpful with dinner and sighteeing recommendations. He was really our main contact throughtout and he made the trip a memorable one for us. As for planning, the trip was super easy to plan with Yassine! I had done some research and shared my ideas at the start, and Yassine crafted them in to a fabulous itinerary. He was responsive to our changes and many questions and made helpful suggestions. Great experience overall. Will recommend to all of our friends!

Hotel Reviews
One Hotel Casablanca
Casablanca

We stayed here the night before our trip home (early the next morning). Hotel fit our needs and was comfortable. Staff brought us a nice piece of cake to celebrate our stay. Staff were extremely courteous and helpful.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Atrium & Spa
Marrakesh

Amazingly beautiful and comfortable Riad. The green tiles and complementary textiles are stunning. So many colorful and tasteful touches throughout. It felt very upscale, but welcoming. Breakfast on the terrace was a nice touch. Food was delicious and service was kind, quick, and courteous. It is about a 20 min walk to the main square, which we did not mind as it was good exercise (just be mindful you need to cross some busy streets). But closer to Saadian tombs, Cafe Clock, and other sites. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Caravane
Ouarzazate

One of our favorite stays during our two weeks in Morocco. We loved the contemporary esthetic of the place - so many amazing "touches" and accents throughout. The staff were extremely kind, courteous and accommodating. Our room was very charming and comfortable. Location was great, with a 15 min walk through "the garden" tp Ait Ben Haddou. one of the highlights was the three course dinner. one of the best meals during our two weeks. Really excellent overall.

Authenticity & Character
so very charming
Location
15 min walk to ait behaddou
Staff
extremely kind and courteous
Cleanliness & Comfort
perfect!
Luxury Camp Chebbi
Merzouga

Wonderful glamping experience! Despite the blowing winds when we arrived, our dinner and stay at the camp was phenomenal. The food was delicious, exceeding all expectations; ,the tents very well appointed and comfortable, and the staff very entertaining. This is a not to miss place during a trip to Morocco!

Authenticity & Character
Location
stunning!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Sayeda Alhora
Fes

Gorgeous and spacious Riad in Fes,. We cannot say enough about the beauty of this place - the tiles, the ceilings, the beautiful doors. incredible. The staff were courteous and helpful. As a convenience, we were able to pay a small amount to have some laundry done. Breakfast was delicious and set up in a stunning salon. The Riad is conveniently located near a gate to meet our driver and about a 12 minute walk to the main commercial area and the blue gate. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Stunning, much original craft work.
Location
convenient!
Staff
very courteous and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
great!
Riad Kalaa 2
Rabat

Rias Kalaa2 is a fabulous and conveniently located riad in Rabat. We loved the contemporary decor; the whole place was very charming with a combination of traditional and contemporary decor. We shared a family suite with two bathrooms, and it was very comfortable for three.. The rooftop deck and pool were a treat. Breakfast and tea service were excellent and the food delicious. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
so very charming; old world craft with contemporary accents
Location
good location between souks and gates for easy access to services nd parking outside of the medina
Staff
very polite and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
perfect!
Activity Reviews
Traditional Cooking Class
Traditional Cooking Class
Morocco

Another wonderful and can't miss experience in Marrakech. After a nice coffee and tea break, we selected our three course menu, shopped with our chef, and started prepping and cooking. Our chef taught us techniques and made suggestions of when to take pics so we would be able to recreate at home. While things were cooking, we enjoyed fresh squeezed juices and a lovely breeze on the terrace. Once ready, we enjoyed our meal. We so very impressed with the meal that we helped create. The prep and cooking was fun, educational and entertaining. We are now inspried to make more Moroccan dishes at home!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Marrakesh

We had a lovely tour in Marrakech seeing most of the important sites, with a nice midday break. Despite winds and rain, we covered a lot in the medina and the Jardin Majorelle. Moulay Rashid very knowledgeable and entertaining and full of energy! We learned so much about Moroccan hisotory and culture... as well as our way around the souks.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Overnight in the Sahara Desert with Sunset Camel Ride
Overnight in the Sahara Desert with Sunset Camel Ride
Morocco

Must do if this is your first trip to Morocco. The whole experience was incredible - luxury camping, excellent food, exceptional views, serene camel rides, plus entertainment. A ver memorable 18 hours.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The staff at the camp were very courteous and helpful. Our driver, Yassine, was amazing, drove us through snow, rain, and blowing sand to get us there safely and on time!
Transport
Hammam Visit: Traditional Body Scrub
Hammam Visit: Traditional Body Scrub
Morocco

Good experience, good scrubbing, rejuvenating. We were told by our agency that materials were included but then had to pay for them on site, The protocol was not clear, but we eventually caught on after some awkward moments.

Quality of Experience
Transport
our driver was amazing!
Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fes
Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fes
Fes

We had a great time with Zara exploring some of Fes' main sites and the souks. We went to a lot of craft coops but the vendors were not pushy, so we were able to learn about the crafts without feeling a strong obligation to purchase.

Quality of Experience
all day tour, tailored in part to our interests
Food
The recommended restaurant for lunch was very good.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our driver, Yassine, was fantastic and took care of all coordination with the guide.
Transport
perfect!
Local specialist: Yassine Echcherki
Yassine
Yassine Echcherki
Local specialist in Morocco, New York, Spain | Replied on Apr 12, 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that your family had such a fabulous trip to Morocco and that our services exceeded your expectations. It brings us so much joy to know that you enjoyed the variety of settings, tours, and activities we arranged for you, as well as the balance between planned and open time. Morocco truly offers a wealth of experiences, from vibrant cities to serene desert landscapes, and we're delighted... Read more

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with us! We are thrilled to hear that your family had such a fabulous trip to Morocco and that our services exceeded your expectations. It brings us so much joy to know that you enjoyed the variety of settings, tours, and activities we arranged for you, as well as the balance between planned and open time. Morocco truly offers a wealth of experiences, from vibrant cities to serene desert landscapes, and we're delighted that you were able to immerse yourselves in its beauty. We're especially glad to hear that your driver left such a positive impression. It's fantastic to know that he went above and beyond to ensure your comfort and satisfaction, from navigating diverse weather conditions to providing invaluable recommendations and assistance with organizing activities. We will make sure to pass along your kind words to him. At our core, we strive to make the trip-planning process as seamless as possible, and we're delighted that you found it super easy to plan with us. Your research and ideas provided a great foundation for crafting your itinerary, and we're grateful for the opportunity to bring your vision to life. Thank you once again for choosing us for your Moroccan adventure, and for recommending us to your friends. It was truly a joy to work with you to plan your Morocco adventures! We look forward to welcoming you back in the future and creating more memorable experiences together!

Amazing trip in the south of Spain
Spain | Mar 29 - Apr 8, 2024

T
t jay f.
San Leandro, CA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Alfonso was patient with us as we made multiple changes to our itinerary. We prefer solo guides, private your family and each guide was top notch, friendly, knowledgeable and fun! All of the hotels (with one exception — the last hotel) were great. Alfonso kept in contact daily - we felt very supported and informed. Great trip! Read more

Alfonso was patient with us as we made multiple changes to our itinerary. We prefer solo guides, private your family and each guide was top notch, friendly, knowledgeable and fun! All of the hotels (with one exception — the last hotel) were great. Alfonso kept in contact daily - we felt very supported and informed. Great trip!

Activity Review
Private Evening Tapas Stroll with Locals
Private Evening Tapas Stroll with Locals
Madrid

Gerardo - local! - was an amazing guide and was an expert in navigating the crowds and processions. Smart, funny, informative and a real pleasure to spend the evening with.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Alfonso Nuñez
Alfonso
Alfonso Nuñez
Local specialist in San Sebastian - Spain | Replied on Apr 09, 2024

Dear family. Guides were also very happy with your positive attitude. Thanks for trusting in us!

Vicky was very helpful when we had an issue w...
Australia | Mar 26 - Apr 2, 2024

Margie
Margie H.
Arvada, CO | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Vicky was very helpful when we had an issue with a hotel that was sub par. All the tour guides we had were great, we felt so welcomed, entertained & learned so much about the land people & culture of Australia. Such wonderful, friendly people! However I need the following information to send to my Insurance Co. To try & get a refund for the Reef Palms Hotel Booking Confirmation from your Travel Supplier
Proof of refunds/credits (Any coresspondance saying they won't refund?)
Proof of...
Read more

Vicky was very helpful when we had an issue with a hotel that was sub par. All the tour guides we had were great, we felt so welcomed, entertained & learned so much about the land people & culture of Australia. Such wonderful, friendly people! However I need the following information to send to my Insurance Co. To try & get a refund for the Reef Palms Hotel Booking Confirmation from your Travel Supplier
Proof of refunds/credits (Any coresspondance saying they won't refund?)
Proof of Payment for Claimed Expenses (I need this)
Accident, incident, or police report: (I can fill out)
Evidence of Damage to home/destination and evidence of event ( I will do)
Photos (Which I have)

Hotel Reviews
Medusa Hotel
Sydney

Very quaint boutique hotel in a lively neighborhood, close enough to a train or a bus to get anywhere. Enjoy our stay there, highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Great neighborhood, close to public transportation.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Reef Palms Motel
Cairns

Right after we checked in the manager left before we saw the room, on fist sight the couch had a rip, the A/C was off &?it was sweltering in the room, the sliding door was open, when we tried to close it to get the A/C going it wouldn’t lock or shut properly. They only had one plate & cup in the kitchen for two people. The bathroom had mold. We went back to the desk to complain & the manager was gone & office locked. My husband was able to get into our room from the deck due to sliding door not locking & there was no lock box to hide valuables when we were out of the hotel. We refused to stay. This is not a 3 star place more like a 1 or 2 star.

Authenticity & Character
Everything, especially their rating system.
Location
Had to walk a log way to find a restaurant that was open.
Staff
They could refund our money!!!!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything, clean it up, fix doors new couch, more kitchen supplies.
Activity Reviews
Silverswift to the Outer Barrier Reef - ex Cairns
Silverswift to the Outer Barrier Reef - ex Cairns
Australia

It was always a bucket list to see the Barrier Reef.

Quality of Experience
Once in a life-time experience
Food
They had a good variety for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
They helped us when we’re sick, feed us great food, taught us about the reef
Transport
It was so choppy, otherwise a great day.
The Rocks Signature Walking Tour
The Rocks Signature Walking Tour
Sydney

Fascinating experience to learn about the beginning of Sydney’s history with the Convicts.

Quality of Experience
Fascinating history of the conflicts and all they did to make it a city.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was so knowledgeable
Transport
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney Opera House Tour
Sydney

Enjoyed the informative tour..

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Vicky Steinhardt
Vicky
Vicky Steinhardt
Local specialist in Noosa, Australia | Replied on Apr 10, 2024

Hi Margie,
Thanks for your feedback. I am glad you enjoyed Australia and our people and hospitality. I will pass your feedback on to our partners and guides too.
I will let you know when I have more feedback on the sub-standard Hotel
Thanks again,
Vicky

Barbara was incredibly attuned to our needs a...
Italy | Mar 19 - Apr 8, 2024

J
Jeff T.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2024
Barbara was incredibly attuned to our needs and preferences. She was promptly responsive to our questions and adapted to our changing needs. We couldn't have hoped for a better facilitator. Rafaella and Daniella were phenomenal. They consistently informed us regarding upcoming activities and kept us informed about itineraries, guides, drivers, et cetera. All of our drivers were fantastic (with one exception). Not a significant factor. Our absolute favorite was Daniele. He... Read more

Barbara was incredibly attuned to our needs and preferences. She was promptly responsive to our questions and adapted to our changing needs. We couldn't have hoped for a better facilitator.

Rafaella and Daniella were phenomenal. They consistently informed us regarding upcoming activities and kept us informed about itineraries, guides, drivers, et cetera.

All of our drivers were fantastic (with one exception). Not a significant factor.

Our absolute favorite was Daniele. He deserves special recognition!

We will definitely use KimKim again, and will highly recommend them to our friends and family for any future travel plans!

Local specialist:
Barbara
Barbara Rebella
Local specialist in Kirkland WA | Replied on Apr 15, 2024

Jeff, Caroline.
Thank you very much from all my Team for your kind words.
We work hard to satisfy all our Traveler's needs, and reading such excellent reviews melts our hearts.
We are so glad you enjoyed your vacation in our beautiful country, and we are proud to have allowed you to experience so many beautiful places, especially your Italian roots!!
Once again, thank you so much, and I look forward to assisting you again on your next travel adventure! I wish you and Caroline all the best.
Arrivederci a presto!!
Barbara

Wonderful trip to Costa Rica arranged by Kimkim!
Costa Rica | Mar 30 - Apr 7, 2024

Amy
Amy S.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
Kimkim planned the most amazing trip to Costa Rica for us. We first worked with Yenyi, then Jessica, our local specialist in Costa Rica finalized our trip. We provided an initial idea of what we wanted to do and see while in Costa Rica, and gave information on the flights we had reserved. From there, everything on our 9-day trip was planned for us, and communicated on our online itinerary. We had the opportunity to review, and ask questions along the way in the planning. We enjoyed our... Read more

Kimkim planned the most amazing trip to Costa Rica for us. We first worked with Yenyi, then Jessica, our local specialist in Costa Rica finalized our trip. We provided an initial idea of what we wanted to do and see while in Costa Rica, and gave information on the flights we had reserved. From there, everything on our 9-day trip was planned for us, and communicated on our online itinerary. We had the opportunity to review, and ask questions along the way in the planning. We enjoyed our accommodations, the activities we had scheduled (lots of eco-tourism, which we LOVED) and the transportation service lined up for us was top-notch. We had the perfect balance of hiking and excursions to down time where we could choose what we wanted to do. Lots of information about what to do in Costa Rica, what to pack, etc. was included. Somewhere in the emails with Jessica, I must have mentioned that this trip was to celebrate our 30th anniversary, because the hotels we stayed in all recognized us with some form of celebration, including a dinner at a nice restaurant (from Kimkim) and a bottle of wine (from the hotel.) We chose Kimkim based on all the positive reviews, having never used an online travel service before. Kimkim totally lived up to their reputation. I would not hesitate to use Kimkim again - it was a fabulous experience.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

This hotel sits at the top of a hill, a little outside of town. It has a great view from the restaurant and pool. The rooms were nice, with great views from the patio.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The only "comfort" issue we had was that the light into the bathroom is on a motion detector with a timer (that makes a noise) There isn't a door separating the where the beds and bathroom - if someone needs to use the bathroom in the night, the light goes on with an audible click and stays on for several minutes. It came on by itself once during the night .
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde

This is a cute hotel, located on the edge of town. There are a few aces to eat and shop nearby. Santa Elena is a few minutes walking distance. The restaurant was nice.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The Monteverde area is amazing. Santa Elena has a small downtown area, mostly filled with souvenir shops and a few restaurants.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort - Adults Only
Fortuna

This was a wonderful hotel. The rooms all had balconies with views of the Arenal Volcano. The thermal springs were amazing - there are at least a dozen places to enjoy the springs, all with varying temperatures. The morning buffet was extensive, as were both the restaurants in the hotel. The staff were so friendly and helpful. The hotel is located outside town, and there isn't a lot within walking distance, so you need to take a taxi or Uber if you want to explore the area. Would definitely recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Loved the open feel, tiled floors, nice decor.
Location
The only thing to know about the location is that is isn't walking distance to restaurants or shipping. It is a short ride to town, so it wasn't a problem for us.
Staff
Everyone was helpful and friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

This trip involved a walk into the park, noticing the animals and birds that lived there. We saw sloths, snakes, birds, insects and monkeys. We had time at the beach to swim in the Pacific Ocean before heading back on a different path.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Coffee Experience and Nighttime Nature Walk
Monteverde

This was a highlight of our time in Monteverde. We were picked up at our hotel and driven to a small coffee farm. We first got to press some sugar cane and a lime, and had some to drink. Then we learned abut how coffee is grown, roasted and what gives it unique qualities. We sampled several roasts of coffee beans. We then ventured out into the forest when it got dark, with flashlights and nerves on edge! We saw a mother and baby sloth, armadillos, tarantula, a couple of snakes, and frogs. We purchased some coffee that had been grown there to bring home. Our guide, Junior, was knowledgeable, entertaining as heck, and passionate about growing coffee. This was one of the best experiences of our trip!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
Monteverde

Don't miss this one! On this guided tour, we saw so many types of birds, it was wonderful. We learned all about the cloud forest, the plants that live there, and what makes this area unique.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Our guide was Micheal. In addition to be an highly educated naturalist, we was local to Monteverde and provided insight into what is what like growing up in the mountains.
Transport
Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Hike
Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our guide belonged to an indigenous tribe from Costa Rica, and explained how a lot of the plants in the area have been used for years and years. We did the 3-mile loop, and had a really nice time.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

We saw so many animals on this hike. The guide (Jason) was great. He kept the kids in our small group engaged. It was fun crossing the bridges.

Quality of Experience
We learned so much about the area! The guides are knowledgeable and make the trip for for everyone.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist:

Amazing experience and five-star service from...
Morocco | Mar 23 - Mar 31, 2024

Lisa
Lisa A.
Mamaroneck, NY | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
Amazing experience and five-star service from start to finish! Both Yassine (our trip planner) and Younes (our driver in Morocco) went above and beyond. Yassine was always available and patient to answer all of my questions - and I often have a lot of questions. He was also super knowledgeable and helpful. This was the first time I used a tour operator to help construct an itinerary as I usually like to do it on my own. I was still able to build my own itinerary as we opted for a private tour... Read more

Amazing experience and five-star service from start to finish! Both Yassine (our trip planner) and Younes (our driver in Morocco) went above and beyond. Yassine was always available and patient to answer all of my questions - and I often have a lot of questions. He was also super knowledgeable and helpful. This was the first time I used a tour operator to help construct an itinerary as I usually like to do it on my own. I was still able to build my own itinerary as we opted for a private tour but having Yassine's knowledge of the country was priceless. And Younes, our driver, was amazing and helped make our trip and experience that much better. He was with us every step of the way and he made us feel more like family than tourists. My kids (ages 7 and 9) still say how they miss him since we've come back home. I would definitely recommend KimKim to help plan your next adventure, and if you can opt for both Yassine and Younes don't hesitate!!

Hotel Reviews
Riad Spice
Marrakech
Luxury Camp Chebbi
Merzouga
Location
Riad Kalaa 2
Rabat
Riad Laaroussa
Fez medina

Another great stay with a two-story room that was spacious enough to relax and hang out all together. The location was great, and the service was excellent, including the option to purchase local Moroccan wine.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Riad Ksar Ighnda
Asfalou

Beautiful hotel and grounds - our room was perfect for a family of four and had more than enough space with amazing views!

Authenticity & Character
Beautiful hotel and grounds with amazing views of the area.
Location
Staff
Everyone was so nice and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Dar Jasmine
Chefchaouen

Amazing views and beautiful grounds. It's a hike to get to but well worth it! We were only there for one night and walked into and out of town four times and would do it again to stay here.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Views alone are worth the hike to get here
Staff
Everyone was so nice and helpful!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Exploring the Medina and Historical Sites Of Marrakesh
Marrakesh

This private group tour in Marrakesh was informative and the guide was knowledgeable about the area. The intricate medina can be confusing, but the guide helped navigate us through it. However, there were frequent stops at cooperatives, which felt like pushy sales tactics which we did not like.

Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fes
Exploring the Imperial City and Medieval Medina of Fes
Fes

This private group tour in Fez was informative and the guide was knowledgeable about the area. The intricate medina can be confusing, but the guide helped navigate us through it. However, there were frequent stops at cooperatives, which felt like pushy sales tactics which we did not like.

Overnight in the Sahara Desert with Sunset Camel Ride
Overnight in the Sahara Desert with Sunset Camel Ride
Morocco

A night we will never forget! It's a long drive to get to but WORTH every second! Everything was amazing - riding the camel to our camp during sunset, great dinner prepared for us, comfortable and clean tents with private bathrooms, traditional music by the campfire while staring at the stars, sunrise over the dunes in the morning, and finally sand boarding! Worth the drive and was the highlight of our trip to Morocco!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Yassine Echcherki
Yassine
Yassine Echcherki
Local specialist in Morocco, New York, Spain | Replied on Apr 16, 2024
Lisa, Thank you so much for the review! I'm thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience during your trip to Morocco, and I'm honored to have been a part of it. It was my pleasure to assist you in planning your adventure and to share my knowledge of Morocco with you. Your kind words about Younes are incredibly heartwarming - he's truly a gem, and I'm delighted that he made your trip even more special. It's wonderful to hear that your kids still talk about him! Thank you so much... Read more

Lisa, Thank you so much for the review! I'm thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing experience during your trip to Morocco, and I'm honored to have been a part of it. It was my pleasure to assist you in planning your adventure and to share my knowledge of Morocco with you. Your kind words about Younes are incredibly heartwarming - he's truly a gem, and I'm delighted that he made your trip even more special. It's wonderful to hear that your kids still talk about him! Thank you so much for traveling with us and for recommending both me and Younes. Please feel free to reach out to me if you ever want to return to Morocco, we will be so delighted to host you again!

Our Costa Rica trip
Costa Rica | Mar 26 - Apr 3, 2024

Zeynep
Zeynep B.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
My husband and I had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. We started our journey in San Jose and embarked on an unforgettable adventure, visiting breathtaking destinations such as Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Throughout our travels, our guide Priscila played an integral role in ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Her knowledge of the local culture, wildlife, and history added depth to our excursions, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the beauty of Costa... Read more

My husband and I had a wonderful trip to Costa Rica. We started our journey in San Jose and embarked on an unforgettable adventure, visiting breathtaking destinations such as Tortuguero, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Throughout our travels, our guide Priscila played an integral role in ensuring a seamless and enriching experience. Her knowledge of the local culture, wildlife, and history added depth to our excursions, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in the beauty of Costa Rica.

Priscila's dedication and professionalism were evident from the moment we started to talk to her. She took the time to tailor our itinerary to match our interests and preferences, curating a personalized experience that exceeded our expectations.
Her friendly attitude and enthusiasm made every moment of our trip enjoyable and memorable. From recommending restaurants to advising beaches, Priscila ensured that we had an unforgettable experience.

We had a few issues during our trip, but Priscila tried to help us whenever we needed. Also, we would prefer to spend more time in Manuel Antonio and less time in Arenal as we noticed some of the activities in Arenal and the hotel we stayed in there, weren't great for us. But overall it was a great experience.

We look forward to returning to Costa Rica and exploring more of its wonders with you by our side.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Playa Espadilla
Manuel Antonio

Great hotel with great food. The location is close to many beaches and the wifi is great!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Mountain Paradise
Fortuna

We really think that this was the worst hotel we've ever stayed in our lives. The only good thing is the view from the room but I can make a long list about the negative experience we had in there. We noticed a leak in the toilet the first day, so we called the reception, someone who doesn't speak English came into the room to repair it. He said that it's all good and left. But we found out that he just put a towel on the floor around the toilet for the leak. It was written that they have wireless in the rooms but actually there wasn't. The room location was at the top of the mountain, very dark, and very far from the reception, restaurant and the rest of the facilities. So we could only reach to the room with a golf car. They changed our room on the next day with Priscila's help. The second room was all right but there was still no proper internet inside. We had to dine in the hotel's restaurant because the hotel seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. The food arrived in 1.5 hours and it tasted really bad. They have poor breakfast as well. They offered us a spa to say sorry for the leak in the toilet. So we arranged a time for that with the reception. When we went to the spa area, we had to wait for half an hour for the massage therapist to finish their session with someone else. To summarize, I wouldn't recommend this hotel to anyone!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Mawamba Lodge
Tortuguero

This hotel was above our expectations! The staff, the location, the tour guides, and the facilities were great! If one day I go to Tortuguero again, I would definitely stay in Mawamba Lodge. We saw all the animals we wanted on the first day in their garden.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Park Inn San José by Radisson
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Rainforest Wildlife and Sloth Tour
Rainforest Wildlife and Sloth Tour
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Good bye Costa Rica!
Good bye Costa Rica!
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Boat tour visiting Tortuguero
Boat tour visiting Tortuguero
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Ocean Kayaking Adventure
Ocean Kayaking Adventure
Manuel Antonio

The tour guide gave us a really bad canoe comparing to the other peoples canoe in the tour, so we kept falling.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Nature Hike
Manuel Antonio

They have the best beach in there! But the time we spent in there wasn't enough. ( 30 minutes)

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch
Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna Waterfall Hike with Lunch
Arenal/La Fortuna

The tour guide was late.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Meal
EcoTermales Hot Springs Experience with Meal
Arenal/La Fortuna

This activity was unnecessarily long! 2-2.5 hours would be definitely enough. The restaurant wasn't great either. We didn't know what to do so we waited in the reception for an hour for the time we agreed with the driver and he was late!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A Journey into the History and Culture of Tortuguero Village
A Journey into the History and Culture of Tortuguero Village
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Welcome To Costa Rica
Welcome To Costa Rica
San José International Airport (SJO)

The driver who picked us up from the hotel to take us to the airport for Tortuguero left us in the international departure building, so we had to walk around 10 minutes with heavy luggage to the domestic airport.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike to the Summit of Cerro Tortuguero
Guided Hike to the Summit of Cerro Tortuguero
Tortuguero
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Priscila Mata
Priscila
Priscila Mata
Local specialist in Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 08, 2024
Hola Zeynep, I hope you're doing fantastic. Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to write such a detailed review. Each comment is incredibly valuable to us as we strive to continuously improve. Your feedback provides insight into how various operators, hotels, and activities work, and we genuinely appreciate it. Thank you for valuing my work and writing such lovely comments about me. You definitely brought a smile to my face! I'm sorry to read about the... Read more

Hola Zeynep,

I hope you're doing fantastic.

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for taking the time to write such a detailed review. Each comment is incredibly valuable to us as we strive to continuously improve. Your feedback provides insight into how various operators, hotels, and activities work, and we genuinely appreciate it.

Thank you for valuing my work and writing such lovely comments about me. You definitely brought a smile to my face!

I'm sorry to read about the unfortunate situations you encountered, especially with the hotel in Arenal. It's very disappointing to hear that despite our efforts to provide good service as agents, such situations occur that are beyond our control, especially in a place where everything turned out negative, despite our efforts to promote it positively. However, I'm glad to hear that you were still able to enjoy Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio. You must return and explore more of Costa Rica.

You were truly special and kind travelers and I thoroughly enjoyed our communication!

Best regards and Pura Vida!

Priscila

We had a fantastic trip and appreciated our l...
Argentina | Mar 23 - Mar 30, 2024

Rebecca
Rebecca H.
Bethesda, MD | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024

We had a fantastic trip and appreciated our local specialist's patience dealing with a complicated itinerary - this was an extended family trip with different family members arriving and departing at different times. Everything went smoothly with all the various pickups and drop-offs, with just one small hiccup where a driver went to the wrong address that was quickly corrected. All of the tours we arranged were fantastic. We especially loved our two days with the local tour guide Romina - our family adored her and wanted to take her home with us!! Thank you for everything!

Local specialist: Mery Morelli
Mery
Mery Morelli
Local specialist in Buenos Aires, Argentina | Replied on Apr 15, 2024

Hi Rebbeca!

Thanks for your feedback! I loved to see that you had a great time here! I hope you have the best memories of Buenos Aires on your family trip :)

We hope to see you soon in South America!
Thanks for your trust!
Cheers from Buenos Aires,
Mery

Costa Rica was indeed pura vida!
Costa Rica | Mar 30 - Apr 7, 2024

Jeremy
Jeremy R.
Harrison, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
Our trip to Costa Rica was so seamless, thanks to the collective efforts of the KimKim and Serendipity team. We had all of our needs met and then some, both with the hotels we stayed at and the activities that they coordinated for us. We couldn't have had the trip we did without their help. Ending our trip in Guanacaste was an incredible recommendation that made our stay so relaxing. I was especially impressed by the quick responsiveness on the ground during our week in Costa Rica, as... Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was so seamless, thanks to the collective efforts of the KimKim and Serendipity team. We had all of our needs met and then some, both with the hotels we stayed at and the activities that they coordinated for us. We couldn't have had the trip we did without their help. Ending our trip in Guanacaste was an incredible recommendation that made our stay so relaxing.

I was especially impressed by the quick responsiveness on the ground during our week in Costa Rica, as we encountered a few questions along the way that were all immediately addressed. I look forward to planning our next trip, wherever that may be!

Hotel Reviews
Senda Monteverde Hotel
Monteverde

So peaceful and attentive. Loved it.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
San Carlos, Alajuela

The rooms themselves were pretty average but the hot springs were the standout! We spent a ton of time outside and enjoying the proximity to Fortuna.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Be prepared for insects and lizards invading your space!
Casa Conde Beach Front Hotel
Playa Hermosa

Amazing views, food, drink, and pools. Everything we needed and more.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Cloud Forest Night Walk
Private Cloud Forest Night Walk
Monteverde

So many wonderful surprises on this first night for us, especially the mother sloth carrying her baby across a power line in the dark. What great luck!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Lookout Tram, Ziplines, & Hanging Bridges Combination Adventure
Lookout Tram, Ziplines, & Hanging Bridges Combination Adventure
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
The hike was very hot and pretty strenuous but the zip lining was unreal.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Palo Verde National Park Boat Exploration
Palo Verde National Park Boat Exploration
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Day at Selvatura including Hanging Bridges and Fauna Exhibitions
Costa Rica

The sloth exhibit was so impressive, as they were very active and right next to us. This was our daughter's favorite part of the trip.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Private Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Less animals than anticipated given the hot weather
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Sloth & Bird Hike
Private Sloth & Bird Hike
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Costa Rica

This was our family's favorite activity!

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Morning Sailing and Snorkeling Adventure
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 08, 2024

Hola Jeremy,

It brought us immense joy to hear about your wonderful experience in Costa Rica!

We're absolutely thrilled that your trip was seamless and enjoyable. Knowing that we exceeded your expectations by ensuring your needs were met and by coordinating memorable activities and accommodations warms our hearts.

Addressing your questions promptly was a top priority, and we're delighted that it contributed to the smoothness of your week in Costa Rica.

We're already looking forward to assisting you with your next adventure!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures, Costa Rica🌿

Family trip to Tanzania wilderness and city life
Tanzania | Mar 24 - Apr 1, 2024

Jamshid
Jamshid K.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2024
This was our family's first trip to Africa. Were naturally unfamiliar with the territory and a bit apprehensive about planning a trip. We spent five days wildlife viewing in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and two days in the city of Arusha. Our local travel organizer Melvin M. and our local safari guide Walter O. were both extremely helpful and kind beyond our expectations. Melvin was professional and very responsive. Walter and assistant guide Kaka M. were very well informed about Tanzania's... Read more

This was our family's first trip to Africa. Were naturally unfamiliar with the territory and a bit apprehensive about planning a trip. We spent five days wildlife viewing in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, and two days in the city of Arusha.

Our local travel organizer Melvin M. and our local safari guide Walter O. were both extremely helpful and kind beyond our expectations. Melvin was professional and very responsive. Walter and assistant guide Kaka M. were very well informed about Tanzania's natural world and helped us get the most of our time, putting in extraordinary effort to help us experience the best of this wonderful part of the world.

As parents were were protective traveling with our teenage kids. The team made us feel safe and welcome both in the city and in the wild. We will remember their kindness and good company for a long time to come.

Hotel Reviews
Serengeti Serena Lodge
Serengeti
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Ngorongoro Farm House
Arusha
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gold Crest Hotel - Arusha
Arusha

The hotel is well located and has a nice building. However the rooms are not very well maintained. We found a handful of things broken or not well cleaned.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Melvin Mapetla
Melvin
Melvin Mapetla
Local specialist in East Africa | Replied on Apr 08, 2024

We're truly delighted to hear that your journey with us was a memorable one! As this is always what we aim for. It was our absolute pleasure to meticulously plan and execute every aspect of your trip, ensuring it was as seamless and enjoyable as possible. The anticipation of welcoming you back for another adventure fills us with great excitement. Asante for your trust and Karibu once more into the fold of unforgettable experiences we're eager to offer!

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan
Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.