I was in Villahermosa, Mexico for one reason only: it was a midway point on my bus trip between Mexico City and the Mayan Ruins of Palenque. After eight hours in a bus, I wanted only to catch a few hours sleep before hitting the road again; I certainly didn’t need anything fancy. As with the rest of my trip, I was focused on finding the most economically priced room, but my Internet searches had turned up only pricey options, so I got off the bus and threw myself upon the mercy of the first taxi driver I found.

Hotel is located n the heart of the central business district

The driver listened to my needs and with a wave of the hand and a cavalier “no problemo,” he headed for the city center. Ten minutes later he pulled up in front of the Hotel Oriente, assuring me that it was the most affordable hotel in town, and that it was a really nice place. He was right on the money. My $28 room was sparkling clean with firm beds, newish bedding, nice thick Read More »

If you’re allergic to the odd microbe or two that usually get left behind inspite of the best efforts of the minimum-wage maid, then you want to take refuge at the Doubletree Universal Orlando – they’re offering an entire floor of PURE® Allergy Friendly Rooms.

PURE rooms at Doubletree Orlando

That’s 24 brand-new PURE rooms which create an allergy-friendly environment and remove up to 98% of bacteria and viruses.

Bill Worcester, General Manager of The Doubletree Universal, said that his hotel is proud to be the first hotel in Orlando to offer these rooms capable of taking care of the needs of guests with asthma, severe allergies or chemical sensitivities.

So what exactly is a PURE room? Apparently its a 7-step purification process – the room is treated to remove allergens and irritants from all surfaces, fabrics and air flow. Once all the squatter bacteria, dirt and mold have been kicked out, a high ozone shock is administered which takes out any lingering odors left behind.

A shield and an air purifier is then installed, along with a hypo-allergenic mattress and pillow encasements, to prevent the return of the bacterial Jedi.

The 742-room Doubletree Orlando is located at the Universal Orlando Entrance. The King Bed Rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Universal Orlando, plush-top king beds, flat screen television with cable, coffee/tea makers, mini refrigerators, a safe and a lot of other stuff which you’re never going to use.

Hotel amenities & services include free wireless internet in public spaces, a heated outdoor pool and whirlpool spa, fitness center, shuttle to Universal Orlando and Seaworld and an airport shuttle, 5 restaurants/bars/lounges plus a Starbucks in the main lobby, a gift shop and ATM, self-laundry and valet dry cleaning. 

Photos – PURE & Doubletree Orlando

More info: www.doubletreeorlando.com/ & www.pureroom.com/

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If you’re planning a visit to Bernal, Mexico you may be shocked by the high prices of hotel rooms in this tiny village. While hostels and hotels in most smaller communities offer extremely attractive rates, Bernal grew up at the base of La Pena, the third highest monolithic rock in the world, exceeded only by Sugarloaf Mountain in Brazil and the Rock of Gibraltar. Over the years, La Pena has developed something of a cult following. Myths abound with regard to the spiritual qualities of the rock, with many claiming that it exudes an energy that keeps people who live in the town especially healthy; indeed, Bernal claims to have more centenarians than almost anywhere else in the world. Seeking a little bit of this healing energy, Mexicans and foreign tourists flock to Bernal every weekend to hike the rock and enjoy the evening light and sound show that bathes the rock in multi-colored light.

Cute little Posada Real de Bernal in Bernal, Mexico

As with most major tourist destinations, the rates for accommodations in Bernal are generally high. However I did find one very affordable option, Posada Real de Bernal. Located just a block from the adorable town square, this inn is clean and safe and even has room for three cars to park behind the large wooden doors that are secured at night. The rooms are private and each has an ensuite bathroom and air conditioning. My bed was very comfortable and Read More »

On my quest to ferret out the most economically priced accommodations (read “cheap”) as I backpacked through Mexico, I’ve stayed in hostels, hotels, B&B’s and inns that have ranged from utterly disgusting to marginal to amazing finds. In the central Mexican town of Queretaro I discovered one of the latter. Casa San Gallito was represented as a hostel but from the moment I set foot on the property it became a home away from home.

Mixed sex doem

If you weren’t looking specifically for this hostel it would be easy to miss. The unassuming entrance is just an open doorway in a long row of flat-facade colonial buildings, with only a placard sign set in the center of the doorway to advertise what is within, but step around the sign and into a lovely open courtyard dotted with tables, chairs and potted plants. Beyond the courtyard are more common areas, including the best kitchen I have ever seen in a hostel, where breakfast (which is included in the room rate) is served every morning, and a full living room with couches, bean bag chairs, TV, library, and computer. Unlike other hostels, which often provide minuscule common areas, the living room at Casa San Gallito Hostel was large enough to accommodate Read More »