How to choose the right hotel or what factors I look for in a hotel comes up a lot in conversation. For me I start with the following questions, 1. Can I afford it, 2. Is it safe, and 3. Is it walkable to interesting things. Those are the non-negotiables and after this I take everything else into consideration. Decisions like what amenities I need, niceness of staff, and a good bar always come after I get the basics right. I will break down how I choose the right hotel and dig a little deeper into the various options.

Lastly, I will give some tips as how I choose the right hotel overseas? I have noticed that each country has different standards that have to be considered. Below are my tips for picking the right hotel.

Picking the Right Hotel #1 Rule Cost

It may seem obvious, but everything should be within your budget. Don’t go broke when traveling. When choosing a hotel your financial constraints matter. I am not saying throw out all other factors if you can save $10/night. What I am saying is don’t let your hotel put you in the poor house. If you’re traveling to an exciting destination (not an all-inclusive resort), you won’t spend much time in your hotel anyway. There is no need to pay for a bunch of overpriced bells and whistles.

To save money look at the various types of accommodations, I put together a list here. Each one has their own advantages and disadvantages. Is a five-star hotel worth it? Well, it is if you have the money and want luxury. For me no. Bottom line is I start with how much I want to pay and then roll in the next criteria. One last thing about cost. Take all costs into consideration. Some resort fees or outrageous parking costs make expenses add up. What might seem like a $150 a night hotel may end up costing you $250.

How to choose the right hotel? #2 Rule Safety

Another non-negotiable when picking a hotel, especially overseas, is safety. I will get to just how to know a hotel is safe later in the post, but above all else, you are to avoid dangerous situations. I was in a riad in Marrakesh and they took my front door key before I left the hotel. I received it back after I returned. I thought I was in a mobster movie, there are jewelry stores with less security.

This made me feel both safe and unsafe at the same time. One’s location should always determine the amount of safety features one should have. The more dangerous the country the more attention you need to spend on picking a safe hotel. Look for lighting around the establishment and get a general feel for the neighborhood. Also, a higher level of crowds can keep you out of trouble. Even an upscale area can have sections where shady people hang around. Yes, it may be difficult to determine how safe a hotel is from the pictures, the hotels website isn’t showing their residents being mugged in the lobby. A couple of reviews can also help you avoid the trouble of an unsafe hotel or neighborhood.

Cleanliness

I am going to lump cleanliness into safety because a dirty room can make you sick. Pay attention to what people say (or the pictures they post) if it looks filthy, put it toward the bottom of your list of choices. Especially if you notice a reoccurring theme from multiple reviewers.

Factors in Choosing a hotel #3 Rule Location

For me location is key when choosing the right hotel. It is everything actually. There is no point staying 50 miles from all the good bars and restaurants. I do not care how effective mass transit is, there is nothing like walking outside and being in the center of the action. In fact, you should pinpoint some general areas first, then find a safe and cost-efficient hotel. When deciding how to choose the right hotel figure out where the hotspots are and stay near BUT NOT IN, them.

You want to be far enough away from major attraction as to not feel like you’re in a tourist trap, but close enough to walk to where you want. Near enough to get a selfie stick on demand, but you still want to get a feel for some of the neighborhoods in your area. Finding the right mix of local neighborhood and touristy attraction can be tough, but I will sort out how you can do that later. The worst thing you can do is stay too far or in an unwalkable area to save a buck. If you can’t afford a good location, maybe change your destination. I would rather be in a walkable hotel in Albuquerque than a remote hotel in Sicily. Ok maybe not, but you get the point.

How to choose the right hotel? Well Reviewed

After I found a hotel that I know is safe, in a good location and is in my budget I start to list them by reviews. I always take these with a grain of salt, it doesn’t take much for a place to fall from a 4.5 to 4.2 on Google. Still, other people’s opinions tend to matter at least somewhat. I try to limit my score to a 4 or above. Even that may be pushing it, especially if there are a lot of reviews.

I learned this lesson the hard way many years back, I had a now (thankfully) Ex girlfriend pick a hotel that was “a hole in the wall” for a beach trip. The reviews were awful I mean 1 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. I thought “who cares how bad could it be?” Well, the room was in shambles, they locked me out of my room a number of times. Their “breakfast” was just a box of Walmart donuts, and you couldn’t speak to anyone at the front desk. Oh yeah, they also literally had a bird in the lobby as a pet that was pooing all over the place. It was a nightmare. I do not trust the opinions of others on a lot of things, but if everyone is saying something you may want to listen!

Lastly, What Amenities are Important to You?

Now that you have the last three criteria right it is time to customize a bit. If you are wondering how to choose the right hotel you will realize that some of these things are subjective. For me, I love a balcony when traveling. Nothing better than waking up at 9am with a glass of wine and listening to the voices of foreign children on their way to school. Others might want a pool, etc.

Just think of the things you can’t live without and limit your search to those. Want a pool or a gym, you know where to start your search. Some need a bar in the lobby, while others just want a clean room. You may also want to keep in mind what you can live without.

This will help with the cost by guiding you to which type of accommodation is best for you (once again read more about it here). Apartment-type accommodation are great if you want a clean, room with a kitchen but none of the extras. In Portugal I stayed in a place like this, and it was perfect for my trip. Main point is the get the important stuff first, then decide what you can’t (or can) live without. Now that you know what to look for let me give you some tips on how to choose the right hotel.

Tips: How to Choose the Right Hotel

Below are the things I do in my extensive and slightly OCD hotel choosing process. I may put more work in than most, but it is usually worth it.

Compared Sites for The Best Price

This may sound like a no brainer, but a lot of people just pick the cheapest thing on Expedia. I go to them all. First, I use Google to give me a list of hotels. I will then hit up multiple sites to find the best price for the hotels I am looking for. Travel sites like Trivago make this a bit easier. It amazes me how different sites can have varying prices for the same place. Of course, there are many sites owned by the same company (Expedia and Orbitz are owned by the same establishment). Still, it is worth looking at all of them.

I think it is also worth going to the hotels actual website. Sometimes the best deals can be found direct, without the fees. The hotels have gotten wind of how much third-party sites have cheated them and are adjusting their prices accordingly. Lastly check these sites on multiple days. I find it weird how much the prices fluctuate between the sites or the same site depending on the day.

Read Negative Hotel Reviews

After filtering for the score, read the worst reviews to give you a feel of any reoccurring themes. Sometimes the negative reviews are ridiculous, or one offs, others can be more telling. If someone complains about the service a year ago, that employee may not even be there still. On the other hand, if five people are complaining about how dirty the rooms are, it should be an immediate red flag. Negative reviews generally tell you more than positive ones.

Google Maps is Your Friend

This is where I start my hotel search, I pull up the areas I want to stay in a make a list from there. To find out which areas you want to stay in look for some major landmarks and stay close to, but not on top of, those. You do not want to be overcharged in some tourist trap, but you also do not want to have to take a bus to see any major attractions.

I tend to like to eat when I travel. I look for a place close to as many local restaurants as possible. If there is an Olive Garden within two minutes, it probably isn’t the hotel for me.

If you really want to get anal about your area, you can walk the streets using Google Maps. Take the little guy in the corner of the map and put him directly in front of your hotel. This will get you a feel for the area. I have spent many an hour walking the streets of my hotel.

Know The Safest Neighborhoods

Back to safety, you want to know if the area is safe around the hotel. The last thing you want to do is end up in a dangerous neighborhood, especially overseas. No matter how nice a hotel is, if it is adjacent to a dangerous place, pass on it. A quick Google search will tell you where the worst neighborhoods are in each city. Then look at where your hotel is located in relation to this.

I stayed in a 5-star hotel in Turkey but was down a dark alley. At night, I felt more than a little unsafe and had two of my more dangerous experiences while traveling. The hotel itself was beautiful, but not worth the danger.

Speaking of how to choose a hotel, picking one overseas comes with its own challenges. Let me dig a little deeper to show some unique things to keep in mind when choosing a hotel overseas.

How to choose the right hotel Overseas

Hotel quality varies greatly from country to country. If you live in the United States, you may find that the amount of luxury you are accustomed to may not be the same in a foreign place. Keep in mind the following things:

Go For a Higher Star Rating

3-stars in Peru is not the same as 3-stars in the United States. Always chose a 4-star or more when traveling overseas. Obviously, every country and situation are different, but it has always been a great rule of thumb for me. I hate to say it, but a lot of times (not always) the poorer countries do not offer a good stay, even in a higher-star hotel. It is better to be safe than sorry and pick a hotel that is a higher rating than sleeping in a barn.

Don’t Assume any Amenities.

Another thing to consider is when choosing the right hotel overseas is even the best ones can screw you on things you would think are standard. Nothing worse than getting into a hot hotel room and not having Air Condition. Some will have one, but it never seems to get cold. Do not get surprised by shared bathrooms or no maid service. Do your research.

Also, along the same lines, I have had a theme of staying at what is considered a 5-star hotel overseas, yet the management acts as if I just ran over his new puppy (then slept with his wife). Peru was especially bad with this; people were out right rude in what was considered a 5-star hotel. In Italy one lady was openly racist to my now ex-wife at a highly rated place. These people forget you are paying money.

When in Doubt Pick a Name Brand

When overseas, sometimes it is a safer bet to pick a line of hotels you know. They are more likely to be consistent in quality and have the normal amenities. You may still have to deal with some unique quirks, but overall, the experience is less dangerous. Still go with a 4-star or above hotel.

I am not saying avoid all boutique hotels, if you just do not want to think about it and read a million reviews it is your best bet.

Conclusion: How to choose the right hotel

Maybe I overthink the process a bit, especially considering I am not in the room for that long. It is better to overthink than to get your throat slit by bed bugs the size of cats. Just remember when considering what factors do you look for in a hotel, first is expense, safety and location after that it is all just a bonus.

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Is Albuquerque worth visiting? I don’t think under normal circumstances you should make Albuquerque a special destination. Would I go again… in a heartbeat, but I think that had more to do with the company than the city itself. I went with my best friend; I think we could have fun in Antarctica. This is not to say there weren’t a lot of interesting nooks in the city. It is just that when measured against other places (especially if you are bringing your family) you may want to reconsider. Having said that, if you are forced to go there are certainly ways to have a good time.

The Landscape

The surrounding mountains are actually very nice. I have always been a fan of the mountains; Albuquerque is engulfed by beautiful ones. It is then like someone dumped a combination of the little towns found in the South and something out of North Korea in the center of them. One would think they went out of their way to make this place look as ugly as possible. There are some decent houses, but even those are surrounded by God awful, half-built, soulless buildings. Somehow what you see in Breaking Bad is a pretty version of the city. Is Albuquerque worth visiting for the beauty…NO! If you must there are two areas which you will spend your time (neither of them is in the “war zone”, the area between San Mateo and Wyoming on Central Ave.) The two sections to visit in Albuquerque are Downtown and Old Town.

Downtown

Be careful or you will miss this one. I almost did, even when standing on top of it. This is the more “fun” section where everyone goes out. By everyone I mean the tweakers, strung out on meth. Yes, there are non-drug addicts also, just not many of them. I never saw a Downtown so empty on a Friday night. Really this area is dead during the day, and only somewhat lively at night.

I guess the best bars were the strip clubs, so many women just coming up to me, not sure if it was my paper money or my full set of teeth! Dining wise, I really enjoyed the food hall 505 Central. It had a great bar and better food than the one in the Sawmill Market, and I loved the vibe. Downtown itself is not very big by most cities’ standards and some of the bars have weird rules. I was going to recommend Boots and Bourbon, but they wouldn’t let me in the second time because I looked drunk. For the record, I had three drinks at this point. No sir, I am not drunk… and you are making it hard for me to get that way! A small area with bars and breweries, that is about 3 or four blocks. It is your only game in town at night. Is Albuquerque worth visiting for its downtown? Nope

Old Town

Definitely the more aesthetically pleasing of the two areas, it is the section of the city where you go with your family. If you hate them and won’t take them to Disney that is. It is small as well, but busy during the day and dead at night. Is Albuquerque worth visiting just for Old Town? Once again No! It is your typical touristy area, if you want a bad key chain, T-Shirt, or bottle opener this is your place! Having said this, there are some good wine stores and if it is a nice enough day, it is great to sit outside and drink. You can also walk to the overpriced Sawmill market, an expensive food hall that was just mediocre. There are some other places to eat in the area that I will get into in later posts. For now, if you have any decency and a family stay in Old Town.

The Food = Not Impressed

I tried… really, I did, but the food was only OK. I like to eat, and I ate a lot, but many of the meals were clear misses. The first thing you need to know is that Green chiles are huge here. They are known for their Tex-Mex. I had Green chiles on multiple occasions and did not enjoy them in this city. Now I loved the Green chiles in Denver and had delicious homemade chiles in another life, but here in Albuquerque, they just didn’t get them right. All the Mexican was missing a spice level that I expected. We did our best to try as many of the top spots as possible, they all were just OK. My favorite was TINO’S TACOS in the food hall. I thought it would be a drunk night throw away, but it was pretty good.

The food scene did start improving, but I wouldn’t say this is a foodie destination. More chiles on everything, good Hot dogs at the Doghouse, a local spot that was in Breaking bad. I didn’t really try the fine dining, because that is harder to find then Bigfoot riding a unicorn in Albuquerque. Bottom line, the food was decent, but I wouldn’t describe it as good. Oh, as a side note, buy some Pepto, you’ll thank me later.

The Atmosphere (The Feel of Albuquerque)

I always judge a place by how quickly I see someone going to the bathroom in the street. 3-Minutes, that is all it took. Many people think of Breaking Bad when they think of Albuquerque, given the show was filmed there. For me, it felt more like an episode of the Walking Dead. The amount of tweakers strung out on meth was unbelievable (and sad, yes, they are out of their minds, but they are also human beings). It has decimated an already depressing city.

Maybe Albuquerque is worth visiting just to scare kids straight. Nancy Regan has nothing on these people when it comes to antidrug ads. Being yelled at by a crazy lady. Seeing a man take a #2 in a dumpster, and the number of solo conversations was unbelievable.

The whole place looked like an alternate universe. There were even addicts in Old Town, although not as many. The buildings were old, at times in the middle of town at a reasonable hour there was no one around. Not even a car, hell not even a dog barking. Every city has a feel (but Charlotte), the feel you get from Albuquerque is depression.

Is Albuquerque worth visiting? At Times I Thought Yes

Even after the subpar food and depressing environment I still had fun. This might have had more to do with my friend joining me. Misery loves company… and it loves Tequila. I had both. We were able to scrap together a damn fun trip. Every city has its spots, whether it be a drunken visit to the rattlesnake museum (really a glorified pet store without puppies) or one of the many breweries. Albuquerque can be an adventure.

There is plenty to do outside of drinking and eating subpar Mexican food. If you like hiking, you can go see the Native American drawings that must have been done by their kindergarten class. The desert is nice and there are plenty of trails to explore. Of course, there are a lot of deserts in America, but if you are in Albuquerque, might as well hit theirs. Noticed I didn’t mention balloons. This trip wasn’t in ballooning season so I cannot speak to it. If you love hot air balloons, then Albuquerque is worth visiting at the right time.

Bottom Line: Is Albuquerque worth visiting?

While it is possible to have a great time in Albuquerque, there are certainly better places in the Southwest to visit. Hell, there are better places in Iran, I am sure. This is an interesting city. I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it, but if you are forced to go, accept it for what it is and have a great time! Just know when to quit!

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I saw enough to confirm what I had heard previously. November is an odd month for travel. Not cold enough for snow (usually) yet cold and not comfortable by any means. It didn’t really have a holiday feel either. Europeans do not really start celebrating Christmas in early November like we do here in the United States. Hell, we start in August, so maybe they are on to something. Really Paris in November is a mixed bag as far as the good and the bad are concerned, you will have to decide what is important to you when traveling.

The Weather (average Temperature 54F/39F)

This might be the biggest reason to avoid Paris in November. According to this site here it rains about 10 days out of the month with the remainder usually being cloudy. I can confirm this. The temperatures usually hover around the 50s during the day, colder at night. To me this isn’t all that bad since I like cooler weather, it certainly beats a scorching hot Summer. Yet, it was the type of cold that I do not like since it is wet, bone chilling at times.

The rain is what took away from my experience the most. They weren’t kidding when they said November is one of the wettest months. Now, mind you I was only there three days, but it was three days of on and off rain. Our first night, we almost needed to canoe to our restaurant. Other times weren’t so bad. Luckily, we were able to get to the Eifel tower when it was dry, but for the most part we were drenched walking the streets. I like strolling in a city, that is how you get a feel for it, rain certainly will take away from the experience.

One other thing to consider is Paris in November has less daylight. Since you were born on planet earth this might not be a shock to you. Still, it is something to consider, less sunlight means it cools faster. Paris is beautiful at night, that is if the rain isn’t blocking the views.

Things to Do

Like every month in Paris, you should walk around when you can. As mentioned, the weather in Paris is unpredictable. If your trip is anything like mine, you will spend most of your time either dodging raindrops or inside. Lucky for you Paris has some amazing museums (assuming you like Museums).

The Louvre is a must. You don’t go to Paris without seeing the Mona Lisa, might as well skip the Eifel tower as well. Just a warning, she is an unimpressive wench, but you need to see her anyway. The other exhibits are fantastic, the Louve is one of those bucket list museums for art and history lovers. It is a perfect way to spend a rainy day in Paris. Other museums like Musée d’Orsay, are also available, but I just had three days in Paris, and I had to eat.

Speaking of which the food in Paris is outstanding, I will get deeper into that in other posts. Eating and drinking always seem to be a great way to spend a wet day. I sat at a bar outside for over an hour and killed part of a rainy night. That was one of the more relaxing evenings I have had when traveling. You should try a lot of different foods in most cities, but when visiting Paris bring your sweatpants. Kidding, we Americans are already getting looked at like there is something wrong with us, do not give Parisians any ammunition!

A little planning goes a long way. We all have super computers in our pockets, you can easily time when the weather is good. Take that time to go for a walk or jump on a hop on hop off bus. Yes, I know they are for tourists, but I still like them. Plus… I was a tourist on this trip.

The Crowds

I do not have much to compare it to, but they say Paris is a lot less crowded in November than the more popular months. I can confirm that I was not overwhelmed with people. Not sure if that was the rain or the lack of visitors, but it was not a hassle. That is not to say the city was empty. There were still major lines at the Louve and Eifel tower. Still, I could breathe as opposed to Tokyo, (or even Madrid) in which I felt overwhelmed at times.

I would say Paris did not feel touristy, even in the tourist spots. No one selling selfie sticks, a few trinket salesmen, but not many. It felt authentic. This may be due to the fact that November in Paris is the low season, possibly all the grifters have gone home. I think it is fair to say that November in Paris is emptier than in other months.

Expense

Lower Crowds and the off season naturally translate to a lower cost to visit Paris. Although the cheapest months are December through February, you should be able to find some decent deals in November. Having said this the city was still not cheap on my stay.

Airfare was better and is always cheaper in the offseason. My Flight was less than $1000 to Madrid, then just $200 more to Paris. You always have to time it right, these days it is difficult to find a good deal.

As for the hotel, I searched high and low and found a good, not great hotel in Paris for around $230/night. Whether or not you consider that cheap depends on how you travel, but it was more expensive than anything I dealt with precovid. Paris is an expensive city, traveling in the offseason will allow you to do it for less.

It is Still Paris

Regardless, what the weather and temperature are like you are still in Paris, and Paris is an amazing city. I am not going to feel bad for you if you “have to” be in Paris in November. The art, the food, the culture, I believe it would be hard not to have a good time there.

Yes, rain can be annoying, but do not let it detract from your trip. You are in one of the premiere cities in the world, I assume you can make the very best of it.

Conclusion: How is Paris in November

Whether you would want to travel to Paris in November depends a lot on your personal preferences. I would rather have a little rain than 90-degree heat with a ton of tourists all around me. Yes, there may be better months to visit, but I still would be shocked if you had a bad time visiting Paris in November.

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No city is perfect, it is that the things that annoyed me about Madrid were somewhat unexpected. This was certainly a place I didn’t research enough before visiting. Maybe it is just that a lot of the below things felt like it came out of left field. In travels past I was a lot better at scouting an area. This trip I did a lot more “winging it” which is both good and bad. Let me dig in deeper as to the things I didn’t like about Madrid.

Madrid Was Loud

It is cute at first, the great people of the country staying up until all hour’s partying. With the music blaring it was a nonstop event, this is why we visit Spain. That is until the third night, when you are shaking your fist at the whipper snappers like a 90-year-old man on a lawn chair. Madrid is loud and it is loud at the worst possible times. There is an endless supply of horns if you stay in the wrong area. Cars seem to have only one way of communicating and they did so at all hours. I loved my hotel; I loved the location on the Gran Via… but sleep was difficult at times. Luckly, I walk about 30K steps a day and eat like a pregnant rhino or I never would have slept.

Take out the terrible car horns for a second, the people themselves never shut up. It was the World Cup, so I was just asking for trouble, but the songs at 4am got old. Not like they had good voices anyway. One of the things I loved about Madrid is that it was a nonstop party. One thing I hated about Madrid is that it is a nonstop party. I cannot have it both ways, but sometimes I want to!

Madrid is Landlocked

Madrid has 99 problems, but a beach ain’t one. For a landlocked city Madrid had excellent seafood, that is undeniable. Still there is something nice about eating that seafood overlooking the water. There is a lot to do in Madrid, especially if you like history and art. Sometimes I want to just walk along the coastline when traveling and get away from the previously mentioned noise.

I am not really a fan of the beach, too much sand and heat. I do love the water and most other Mediterranean cities I have visited had plenty of it. At times, being in a landlock city feels claustrophobic. Once again this is not a total dig at Madrid, it is a beautiful city. I certainly knew it was landlocked when I arrived. Still, in comparison to other places, I did have a bit of nostalgia, a missing of the sea. This may just be me being nitpicky!

Madrid Is Crowded

Another thing I didn’t like about Madrid was it was full of people, almost overwhelmingly at times. Since it is a nonstop party, everyone is on the street. The walking lanes were so crowded at times that one could not move. The touristy areas are especially bad, they usually are, but Madrid just felt extra cramped.

This is a real city; I do not know why I had it in my head that it would be on the smaller side. For gods sakes it is the capital of Spain, of course it will be crowded. Going to the San Miguel Market was a chore at times. Fighting the other tourist for a table, it can get a little old when trying to relax. Other markets weren’t all that better in terms of crowds. Really, all of the best places were packed at peak (and sometimes nonpeak) hours.

Then there are the lines to get into the tourist attractions. Madrid has some amazing sites, but you have to wait for them. Sometimes the back streets weren’t as bad. Even then you find yourself battling for sidewalk space with the locals. If you are going to Madrid, Spain for a relaxing walk down the street you might be disappointed. The streets are beautiful, yes, but the amount of people was one of the things I didn’t like about Madrid.

Madrid Was Dirty (At times)

I claimed in my last post that Madrid was cleaner than a lot of cities in Europe, I may have been over exaggerating. It is a huge city, with a ton of partyers. With a constant supply of drunk people there is a constant supply of garbage. I think the city did a great job of cleaning it up, but it was a never-ending battle. So many trash cans were over filled, and the garbage just piled onto the floor.

There are homeless camps everywhere (I will get to that later). More than I have seen in other areas of Europe. To be fair the city was still cleaner than most cites in the United States and probably cleaner than Athens. Still, I hate to see a place with such amazing beauty covered in graffiti and trash. It is a major city, comes with the territory, that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

There is a Seedier Side

Madrid is a beautiful, family friendly city during the day. At night the atmosphere shifts a bit. At times my partner would call it quits early due to feeling sick and I would walk the mean streets of Madrid by myself. More than once I would get called over by a pleasant gentleman asking me if I wanted a hooker. I politely declined, but it was very nice of them to ask. This on top of the fact that there were hookers in plain sight all over the city.

Madrid, like any other big city has an underbelly. The laws seem more relaxed than in the United States. That is not to say I ever felt unsafe. Mainly due to the huge amount of people everywhere. I certainly would worry more walking the streets of New Orleans at night, but still there is an underlining element in the city. Whether it is the people lining up to play lotto or the lucky rosemary scam it isn’t all Ritz and glamour.

When I first got to Madrid I thought (and still do) it was a gorgeous city. Walking back from my hotel I turn down one different street, literally 5-minutes from the hotel. My partner looks at me and says this is the bad part of town. I laugh and say there is no bad side. Well, not five seconds later does a homeless man proceed to take a crap in the middle of the street. Not on the side, smack in the middle. Central Park horses have more discretion. That pooing man made me eat my words.

Certainly, there is a Homeless Problem

That last story ties in nicely with my last problem with the city. I hesitated to even mention this, but it was so in my face that I thought I should. This is in no way to complain about the homeless themselves, it is more how they are treated and some of the messes they cause. I hate seeing a rich city seem like they do not care about the poorer people. I know we in the United States have no leg to stand upon given our cities conditions. Maybe I just thought Europe was better than this.

Of course, any major city (outside of what I saw in Tokyo) has this problem. Madrid just felt worse than most cities. Once again this is a post Covid world. Take it from a New Yorker, this is not something you want getting out of control. It will ruin the city, fill it with terrible homeless camps and doesn’t help anyone. I don’t know the solution to homelessness, but I do know what it could do to a city. You certainly don’t want your tourists stepping in the previously mentioned human poo.

Conclusion: Six Things I didn’t Like About Madrid

Yes, I loved the city, but there are things I didn’t like about Madrid. So many times, when researching a place people talk about the positives only. I just want to give a fair representation of my experience. I loved the city. I want to get that straight. Still, it is not without its problems, no city is. For those of you that visited, tell me your pros and cons of Madrid that you noticed.

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In a nutshell Madrid is worth visiting because it has everything great that most Mediterranean cities have. Amazing food, a beautiful landscape, and more culture than you can ever ask for. Also, Vermouth… lots of Vermouth. Madrid might be worth visiting just for this drink, I drank so much of that stuff that I woke to my liver holding a knife to my throat. It is funny how this city is sometimes overlooked by American tourists.

Whether you make it the focal point of your trip or just a part of your journey, I cannot imagine you will be disappointed with the location. This is not to say there aren’t some drawbacks, I will write about those in a future article. Here I will focus on the positives and there are plenty of them. Below is why I assure you Madrid is worth visiting.

Madrid is a Beautiful City

It had been years since I visited Europe, a world-wide pandemic will do that, I guess. I had forgotten just how beautiful the cities on that continent are. Madrid is no exception. My neck hurt worse than a two-dollar hooker from looking up so much. The architecture is something to be seen. I loved just spending my days walking around admiring what the city has to offer.

Maybe it didn’t have that old Roman feel like Italy or Croatia, but streets like Gran Vía still offered one of the best atmospheres in the world. It is its own city, with its own style. My room was on the top floor of the hotel. I would wake up every morning to an amazing view of the city. Madrid is worth visiting for its ambiance alone.

To make it even better, they were setting up for Christmas, now the lights weren’t lit, but I was able to get the idea of what I was going to miss. I guess Europe isn’t like the United States and they don’t show Christmas lights in August. Madrid is one of the more beautiful cities I have been to and cleaner (but not totally clean) than a lot of cities in Europe.

The Food in Madrid is Excellent

You know the city must look amazing if I am mentioning the food second. Still, not to be outdone, the food in Madrid was outstanding. It was also plentiful. Every time I take a trip overseas it has me asking a lot of questions. This time it was, how does a land locked city have so much great seafood? I ate a lot of foods I had never tried before on this trip to Madrid. Most of which I loved, but my stomach was in a pact with my liver to get even with me for all the damage I had done.

So, what did I eat in Madrid. The usual, I took out entire continents worth of Anchovies. Had Churros, but only once, I can’t start my day off with heavy chocolate, it would take too much room. The Jamon was eaten by the pound full, I think the country almost ran out by the time I was finished. Sorry Peta.

There are a lot of foods that are unique to Madrid (or Spain). I skipped the fried squid sandwich (Bocadillo de Calamares) but ate a ton of egg dishes. This included of course the famous tortilla from Casa Dani. As a side it is nothing like it was on Somebody feed Phil. There was a huge line and wait.

My favorite dish was huevos rotos con jamon. Broken egg over potatoes with jamon blanketing the eggs (sometimes I paired it with Seafood). If you eat one dish in this country, get this one. More on the food of Madrid in later posts. The best part about the food besides its taste was how inexpensive it was. Cheaper alcohol and no tipping really keep the cost down.

Their Vermouth game is also on point. I never would have imagined drinking it straight, but some people were like wizards in their cocktail creation. In the San Miguel Market, there is a stand that has it on tap, which is fabulous Although not the best one I have had. Madrid, Spain is worth visiting for the food alone.

There is a lot of Culture, History, and Activities

If your idea of fun is getting drunk and seeing old beautiful art, Spain has you covered. The museums are top notch almost (but not really) on par with Paris, France. The Museo del Prado is world renowned, with works from Dalí, El Greco, Monet, Picasso and more. Really Madrid is worth visiting for this spot alone. This is only one of many fantastic museums, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum is also another good option. I can keep going, bottom line if you love art Madrid is worth visiting.

Then there are the activities that are uniquely Madrid. A Flamingo dancing show was surprisingly fun and interesting. The dancers were talented, and it was very entertaining. The history in Madrid is strong and just walking the city a seeing sites like the Temple of Debod can be a fun day. This Temple was a gift from Egypt and wasn’t stolen, that is saying a lot for Europe. Of course, the Royal palace also needs to be part of your itinerary. The palace is a work of art by itself, and I believe it doesn’t even get taxpayer money these days. See Great Britain it is possible! Hell, this city even sports the oldest restaurant in the world.

The parks are some of the bests I have seen, particularly Retiro Park, it is a must visit. Giant statues and monuments throughout this park make you feel as if you are walking in a different time. I ponder what it must be like to live in a spot like this, as opposed to Charlotte, NC. Just pure culture, history and beauty at your fingertips, that goes for miles. I hope the people of the city appreciate what they have.

It is Just a Great Atmosphere

Aside from the actual look of the city, the energy of Madrid is a great one. Europe and Spain in general just have a vibe about them that I love. I know I am on vacation when I am visiting, but you get a sense about how laid back and fun focused the people are. The bars and restaurants are always packed, even the ones off the beaten track. Everyone looks happy. That makes a difference.

The city has a distinct personality and a comfort level to it. I went to Paris and Madrid on this trip. Paris was great and I will write more about that city in a later post. I felt like I was coming home when I got back to Madrid. It was less stressful, people were not as snooty, and it was a place I was used to quickly. The people of Madrid were all easy going and welcoming. This is not to say I would want to move to Madrid Spain. Yes, Madrid is worth visiting, but living there not so much. My next post is on things you might not like about Madrid.

Conclusion: Is Madrid Worth Visiting? Yes

Madrid is a wonderful city. It is not without its flaws, but I would love to return one day. The food the history and just the fun factor, I can’t imagine you would have a bad time seeing it. Certainly, schedule some time in the future to see Spain’s capital.

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Going to an all-Inclusive resort alone sets up a unique set of challenges. Picking the wrong one can take away from what can be a fun time. Well, fun for anyone who likes resorts that is. As opposed to a “normal” trip like a city, there is only so much to explore in a resort. If you are by yourself in the wrong establishment, you will find yourself bored.

There are many reasons why you may go to an all-inclusive resort solo, maybe it is you are forced to for a wedding like I was. Or perhaps, you are new to travel and aren’t ready to jump into a solo trip to Marrakesh as your first getaway. Whatever your reason I will help guide you when it comes to going to an all-inclusive resort alone.

1. Pick an Adults Only Resort

A family resort sucks for a single traveler. I assume you are an adult reading this and not a child who ran away from home. This was probably my biggest mistake when I traveled to an all-inclusive resort a couple of months ago. Families are great I am sure, but do you really want to spend your morning dodging children at the pool? A resort that includes kids must set up at least half of their amenities towards them. Already you are out of luck in terms of things to do.

In addition, it is harder to make friends because people seem to gravitate toward others with kids. When I went, I was just that weird loner around a bunch of families. When going to an all-inclusive resort alone, you want to maximize the chance of meeting other travelers. Family resorts do not do this.

Kids also ruin the buffet, not like most need any help in that department. Grubby little hands on everything. Going to a family resort when your single is more hassle than it is worth. The atmosphere is just different. Yes, people are still partying and drinking, but it doesn’t have a good vibe.

2. Pick a Resort Geared towards Singles (if you are)

Even if your resort doesn’t have kids, it may be geared towards couples. Once again us solo travelers will feel isolated. Nothing is more depressing than being single and going to an all-inclusive resort by yourself and being surrounded by happy people in relationships. There are places that are geared more towards single travelers or at least non married groups.

If you really want to have some memories one can try Hedonism II, Jamaica. I have never been there, but I assume from the name you will have many great stories to tell (or not tell). There are others that might offer a tamer experience, a simple Google search in the area you are going to will help you weed out the couple’s resorts.

3. Choose a Resort that has Amenities which Foster Meeting People

That is a long heading title, but I think it gets the job done. If I were to pick a resort again the first thing I would do is find one that has amenities which will help me meet people as well as kill time. I am a big poker player, so an all-inclusive resort with a casino would help me fill in the dead time between drinking. Poker allows me to meet people or at least have conversations with them. Blackjack is the same concept.

If gambling isn’t your thing, there are other ways to accomplish the same end. Obviously, a nice bar helps, but most resorts have these. Even something like horseback riding or scuba lessons might do if that is what you’re into. The goal is to get around people, going to an all-inclusive resort can be especially lonely if you aren’t talking to anyone throughout your day. Finding a way to come in contact with others goes a long way.

4. Choose Your Location Wisely

If you aren’t forced into a destination like I was, choosing the right place can improve the experience. The more exotic the better in my opinion. If you are walking around a Costa Rican rain forest the time will fly and it will feel as if you are on vacation. When I went, I didn’t have a choice on location, and personally I would have rather not gone to this area. There was nothing spectacular about the beaches of Playa Maya nor nothing exotic about the location.

Go to a country you want to see and learn about, not just the one that feels most comfortable. When going to an all-inclusive resort alone, you do want to pick a country that is safe, given you are by yourself. Still pick an interesting destination as well, being alone in an exotic area is more fun than being alone in a place that you have seen a million times before.

5. Make it Walkable

Even though you are on an all-Inclusive resort I feel to get the most of your time you want to branch out a bit. Yes, drinking all day might sound like paradise at first, but after day two I am usually ready to drown myself in the slushy maker. A safe, walkable town is preferable. When on a resort, one is usually surrounded by other tourists. As mentioned, I like to see the “real” location when traveling. What better way to do this than explore a local area?

A Google maps search will help you decide if you can easily walk to an area from a resort you are considering. Once again make sure the area is safe, one should always do this, but it goes double when traveling solo. Sometimes a resort just doesn’t have the amenities or local flare that you want, being accessible to a few local bars and restaurants can make it more of an experience.

6. Take Precautions

I mentioned safety a couple of times, but I want to emphasize it here again. Going to an all-inclusive resort alone is probably safer than other types of solo travel, but there still can be concerns. This is especially true if you go off the beaten path (like I like to do) in a foreign country. If you are “overserved” at the bar there will be no one looking out for you. Watch how much you drink; remember everyone around you is essential a stranger.

Yes, you are more likely safer at an all-inclusive resort surrounded by Americans, than in a regular hotel in a foreign city. Even still take the necessary precautions, tell people where you are going, keep your wits about you and remember you will be dealing with a lot of people you never met. If you are in a different country, it might be wise to know where your embassy is as well.

7. Have a Plan (or Schedule)

When I went to my resort, I regret not having more of a plan to kill my free time. I did set up a routine towards the end, gym, breakfast, then drinking, then drinking some more. You will be better off having a loose idea as to what you will be doing, unless all you truly want to do is lie around a beach.

It would be beneficial to look up a couple of excursions, depending on where you go there could be rainforest or coffee plantation tours. This gives you an opportunity to interact with other people, while filling up your time. When traveling alone you might feel as if you are looking for things to do at times. Going to an all-inclusive resort alone sets up its own challenges, because the area and amenities are confined to the hotel. After you have had all the watered-down drinks you could handle, you will say, “now what”. Having at least a loose plan might help.

8. Be Social

Even if you are an introvert you are going to want to meet people when traveling solo. Not doing so will make you feel as if you are going insane. I have spent many of days traveling by myself where I felt as if I didn’t speak to anyone the entire day. Trust me that is a weird feeling.

I think that meeting people on a resort is easier than in other travel situations. You most likely are all from the same country. There is a lot of alcohol involved and the resort will usually have some type of built-in games or activity. Take advantage of these. The more activities you do, the more people you might meet. If that is your intention. On the other hand…

9. Enjoy Your Solitude

Going to an all-inclusive resort alone did give me an opportunity that I don’t normally have. Being in solitude in a beautiful (kind of beautiful, read my review here) environment. So much of the time we don’t have a chance to think, either we are at work or wasting away in front of the television. Traveling alone gives you the opportunity to sit in silence.

You can be selfish (and even a bit reckless) and not have to deal with people. Find the right resort and you will find plenty of opportunities to sit back with a drink and not be in anyone’s company. Traveling with a partner is great, but sometimes you just want to be by yourself. Going to an all-inclusive resort solo gives you this opportunity.

10. Don’t Pick a Resort

Ok, so I guess it is only 9 tips…but should you go to a resort yourself? I guess it depends on if you feel resorts are worth it. For me they are not. If you truly love drinking and lying around the pool, then sure go for it. Certainly, you can have fun at an all-inclusive if you meet the right people. I just think there are better options.

Traveling solo allows you to explore by yourself, without being held to someone else’s schedule. You lose that at a resort. All-inclusive resorts just feel more contrived to me, I like to get out and start walking the city or area I am visiting. I know it depends on what you are looking for. Some like the comfort of a safely enclosed area. For me not so much.

Conclusion: Going to an All-Inclusive Resort Alone

If you love all-inclusive resorts, go for it, I personally think there are better options. Don’t be afraid to take those options. Whichever way you choose, be sure to take safety precautions and remember it is your trip. Do what you want, who will know!

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It is an easy answer when asked which city I liked more, Lima or Cusco. Lima, Peru was superior in most ways to Cusco. I will breakdown the differences, but in the end, it came down to authenticity. Yes, you will most likely see both Lima and Cusco, but I think the bulk of your time should be spent in the country’s capital, Lima

It could have been that I gotten sick. Or perhaps it was the lousy food in Cusco, I just didn’t enjoy my stay there. Overly fake, touristy, and just boring. It is almost a must stop for those going to Machu Picchu and there are some interesting ruins around the city. Overall, everything was contrived, whereas Lima was a “real” city. I can see through fakeness a mile away, hench my distain for Cusco. Let me do my usual comparison with food, history, activities, beauty, and vibe. Let us start with Food

Which City Has Better Food Cusco, Peru or Lima, Peru

This one is a no brainer, the food in Lima was excellent, and the food in Cusco was below average. On second thought I am being too generous. It was terrible. Mountain food is normally not very good, and Cusco was no exception. Take out the Lama and we were left with bland, boring dishes. I don’t think it was just unlucky choices, I believe the food was just bad in Cusco.

To begin with the market was not very good. It could have been because my illness at the time, but then again, it could have been the dry chicken soup and lack of anything that resembled cleanliness. The restaurant scene was the same. Almost every restaurant, no matter how highly rated turned out to be disappointing in Cusco, Peru.

Lima on the other hand was the exact inverse. Sure, the markets were equally dirty, but take that out and I can say I was surprised, and at times happy by the food scene. Neither Lima nor Cusco had markets like Europe, but Lima did have seafood that was comparable. I ate some of the best seafood on this side of the world in Lima.

Everything was better in Lima in terms of food, and I think I know why. Besides being right next to the ocean Lima catered mostly to locals. A guy in the cab at Cusco even told us, no one from Peru eats in this city. That is a terrible indictment on a food scene. Restaurants in Lima on the other hand were filled with locals, therefore the establishments tried to make things authentic. They could not get away with serving what tourist think Peruvian food should be, they served the real deal.

What you get in Lima, Peru is something not found in Cusco, authenticity. Amazing, unique flavors and fresh ingredients. Even with the handicap of being a mountain area, I think Cusco would have been alright if it didn’t cater to tourists so much. In terms of food when deciding either Lima or Cusco, the choice is simple…Lima.

Point 1 Lima

Which City Has Better History Cusco, Peru or Lima, Peru

From an outsider this is clear, Cusco is probably better for those who love history. Especially if you love Inca history, although there is certainly a big European influence. Not a positive one considering what the Spanish did, but an influence all the same. It could be argued that history is all this city has. Every area is full of either old Spanish buildings or what remains of the temples that weren’t torn down.

It was rather impressive the way they were able to build certain structures that stood the test of time. It was also disappointing, had the Spanish not come and destroyed so much of it there would be a lot more to see. Luckily there is Machu Picchu, that is not too far from Cusco. Of course, any history in Cusco seems to pale in comparison once returning from Machu Picchu. Still, this is a place for history lovers, of course, the locals know it and (overly) act accordingly.

Lima has its history as well, but it is really a normal city. In all honesty I didn’t dig too deep into the history of Lima, I was too busy eating. It has its ruins, but nothing like that of Cusco, you aren’t transported to a different time like you are in Cusco. So, if you are thinking “I love history”, should I spend more time in Cusco or Lima… for this variable only, I pick Cusco, Peru.

Which City Has more to do Lima or Cusco?

Let us take Machu Picchu out of this, it isn’t in Cusco. It is funny, on the surface one would think Cusco is better than Lima in this category but looks can be deceiving. I got bored quickly in Cusco. If you don’t like looking at old ruins (that aren’t really that old compared to the ones in Asia and Europe) then you are out of luck. First, compared to Lima there is no night life, at least none I saw. The bar scene was somewhere between weak and nonexistent. There was one nice place to get a cocktail, but it wasn’t full of people or lively.

There was some, but very little, street food. No real activities outside of seeing old ruins. Even the walkability of Cusco wasn’t very good. Many places had huge hills and if I wasn’t feeling like I was climbing Everest, then I was dodging people selling me crap. It took away from any enjoyment I got from walking and exploring.

Yes, Lima does not have as many old ruins, but it still has more to do. It is lively at night, especially at Barranco. The shopping is better, it has more Museums, and it is on the Ocean. Just walking the city is fun and it goes on a lot longer. Warning: Do not wander into the wrong Neighborhood, especially at night, Lima is not a safe city. I never felt bored in Lima, never searched for a place to eat or a good bar (except at 9:00AM). There were cool parks, nice churches, just a lot of uniqueness to it. In Cusco I was bored within two days, having seen all I wanted to. If you want to know where to spend more time Lima or Cusco, based on things to do…Pick Lima.

Which city Is more Beautiful Lima or Cusco?

They are totally different, but I guess if I am going for purely visual beauty, I would choose Cusco. It also depends on what you like to look at and where you are. If staring at the ocean means more to you than looking at old buildings, then maybe you would prefer Lima. Lima isn’t ugly, in fact I found the tourist areas to be nice. I missed their square, which would have added a whole new dimension.

Still, Cusco almost looked like a movie set. It was well intact and had a great backdrop of the mountains. There was Spanish art and Inca stones throughout the city. Had it been empty, I would have enjoyed walking around it. The main square or Plaza de Arms is a nice place to sit and get a bad meal, overlooking some historic buildings. So yes, I think most would agree Cusco is more beautiful to look at, but…

Which City has a better atmosphere

This is the crux of why I feel one should spend more time in Lima then Cusco. Lima is a city; it is energetic and real. I love real cities, especially when they have a personality. Cusco is a more of a tourist trap. I go into more details here, as to why I hate Cusco, but to be brief, it is fake. Everything from the people pretending to be natives, to food, to the streets it is all geared toward tourists.

At every turn I felt like someone would bother me in Cusco. Who is next to try to take my peace or money? What other thing am I looking at that is just a replica? The whole city is set up to milk tourists as much as possible. You may miss this if you are the type of traveler to hit an Applebee’s in Rome, but if you like authenticity you will hate Cusco.

Lima, felt like a city. Certainly, it had its areas that were more touristy friendly. And yes, some dangerous parts, but at the end of the day it felt like I was somewhere completely different, but real. This is not to say I didn’t run into my share of arseholes or problems, but at the end of the day it was good experience. The Atmosphere is what puts Lima over Cusco by a mile…that and the food.

Where To Spend more Time Lima or Cusco?

So many writers here would say “they are both fabulous cities” but not me. Cusco was terrible. Lima was pretty fun. May never go back, but I had a good time. So where to spend more time on your trip to Peru? Spend 4 or 5 days in Lima and two at most in Cusco. That is all you need in that city.

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If I were to give an honest review of the Grand Tulum Riviera in Playa Riviera, I will say the following. It is probably a nice enough resort for what you get. Less expensive than most, but really nothing to draw me to the place. The fact that it was more of a family spot than an Adult only establishment further hampered my enjoyment.

The Grand Tulum Riviera Maya in Playa Riviera is what it is. A resort, which offers what resorts do and nothing more. Lying around drinking cheap booze among tourists is all one does here. Not a lot that I loved or even liked about this spot, and I certainly wouldn’t go back, yet I feel some people will enjoy it. After all it did get a decent score on the various hotel sites. Let me break down this review of the Grand Tulum Riviera by room, food, atmosphere, and the beach.

The Room at the Grand Tulum Riviera

No Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera would be complete without looking at the room first. It was adequate, no more no less. First the positives, the room was a nice size. It had two bathrooms in it, which is much more than I needed having only one arse. Still in case I took a soccer mom home from the karaoke bar one night (and we both ate bad shrimp) I am sure it would have been appreciated. Also, if you are a couple going to a resort, like most people it might be beneficial. I also had a full living room and a separate bedroom.

The balcony was nice, although I think I got lucky with my view. Some people’s balcony faced the walkway, but mine overlooked a garden. I got to see a bunch of strange animals from my room, which is always interesting. It was a great place to drink one of the free beers they gave you in the fridge.

Speaking of which, the fridge was a complaint of mine, it is supposedly stocked, but with two beers and the bars closing early, I think they could do better. I was in a resort with free alcohol everywhere, two Dos Equis is stingy. Plus, I think there was one water and some soda, all of it felt cheap, especially for $250/night. I have been in hotels in Europe for $125/night that gave me free carafes of port (with refill).

The room although big was a little worn. It was nice in the sense that I didn’t see any bugs, it just needed a refresh. The couch was old and if you look closely, you can see signs of neglect. I get it, there are a ton of rooms, but still have standers. Overall, I would say that it was acceptable, just not mind blowing.

My room was a bit far from everything, there were trollies, but they didn’t come as frequently as I would like. It was just close enough to make taking the trolley a hassle. Besides, I wasn’t in a rush. That is all I have for my review of the Grand Tulum Riviera in terms of the room. To sum it up it was not bad, not great.

Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera: The Food

I think this was the worst part about the resort. The food was terrible, yet there was plenty of it. The combination of free and disgusting food is not a good one. I mentioned in my other post that all-inclusive resorts normally have terrible food, they took it to a new level. There were some bright spots, but not many.

I will begin with the “snack shops”, I tried to like these, I really did, they just made it so hard. The burger bar had the worst burgers on the planet. It was also swarmed with racoons, perhaps that was the meat? I am just asking the question because it didn’t taste like beef. The fries were equally disappointing they didn’t even make good drunk food. As a glutton for punishment, I tried their fish tacos, just mush, everything tasted awful at the snack bars. Not sure why the below guys kept showing up.

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Moving on to the petri dish of a buffet. Kids running everywhere, touching everything. In the seated area (inside) there were birds and racoon-like creatures roaming under the guests’ feet. Not to mention it was hard, if not impossible to get a drink or refill on your coffee. The only thing I liked was the omelet bar, not a lot of options but at least I know it was fresh and no kids’ grubby hands were on it. All I wanted was sushi when I got there. I had what they called Sushi and it was not satisfying. I know it is a buffet, but do you have to go out of your way to use low quality items?

My stay allowed me to receive one free meal “sit down” at the Grand Tulum Riviera. Depending on the length of your stay you get more. My choice was Japanese (to get my desired sushi), it was four courses and while better than the buffet it was still not a culinary destination. Probably getting sushi in Mexico was a stupid choice, but in my defense all the Mexican restaurants were booked. I did give the waiter a nice tip regardless and he proceeded to get me f*cked up with a full bottle of wine and a Tequila shot sampler. It is safe to say I can’t remember the whole night.

The Alcohol at Grand Tulum Riviera

As with most All-inclusive resorts the alcohol was free and yet I could not get drunk, except that one night. The drinks they made were so weak that a 10-year-old would complain. They had specialty cocktails served out of a coconut or pineapple, for $5, which had neither alcohol nor coconut in them. By the end I was switching to beer, which didn’t help my poolside body. How am I going to get the previously mentioned soccer mom into my room if I am bloated on beer? So yes, the alcohol is free, but they don’t put enough into the drinks, so it all worked out.

The Atmosphere

If I were to describe the atmosphere at this resort, I would say basic. It is connected to a couple of others in the same family, which I kind of wished I have visited. The pools were nice and clean, to me there weren’t enough bars in the hotel. Everything sort of screamed average. The atmosphere was fine, it felt like a resort you would see on a sit com or something.

There is a small shopping area that is part of this resort that I liked. You can get free drinks here as well; it was a nice way to break up the monotony of the hotel. The place just lacked character. It was crowded with tourists and didn’t have much substance to it. As mentioned all the rooms are clustered together which made it feel repetitive.

Other Amenities

I hit the gym one time and it was OK. I got scolded for not wearing a mask in the empty gym, even though people are packed together in all corners of the hotel. The equipment felt a bit old, and it did fill up somewhat fast, (hench the need for a mask) making it difficult to work out. This is why I only went once, if I wanted the planet fitness experience I would have stayed home.

In the center near the lobby there was a coffee bar that served drinks later in the afternoon. There was a live band singing the same old tired songs live bands always sing. Who wants to hear Brown Eyed Girl? Therefore, I passed. I didn’t go into the Dolphin exhibit either, they charged extra, and I wasn’t that interested in seeing a caged dolphin for a fee.

Service

How would I describe the service? Not very memorable. Not bad, just not great. The workers seemed overly busy which made it difficult to get help. I mentioned the buffet, I waited so long for a drink that I finally gave up and left. Coffee was the same problem. I guess the service wasn’t terrible, but I didn’t feel taken care of either.

The Beach

The most disappointing part of my stay at the Grand Tulum Riviera (besides the food) was the beach. I get that the hotel doesn’t own the gulf, but this beach was pathetic. This was a destination forced upon me, I didn’t do my normal research. I don’t know why I was expecting clear beautiful beaches, but that isn’t what I got.

The first thing I noticed was very few people were in the water (if any). For good reason. The floor is incredibly rocky, almost dangerous. The hotel set up some chairs along the side, but that is it. No beach bar, seaweed everywhere, I rather fill my bathtub up and throw some goldfish in, it would have been more pleasant. If you are going to the Grand Tulum Riviera for the beach, pick a better location… or country even.

Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera

Here ends my Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera. How would I rate it? Completely average and forgettable. It was nice because I was in a resort, but I was bored and underwhelmed. Needless to say, I will not be recommending the Grand Tulum Riviera. My final score in this Review of the Grand Tulum Riviera: 5 out of 10

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Let me preface this post by saying I haven’t been to either of these spots in a few years, just before the world imploded. I was in New York during the beginning stages of Covid and that was just a trip. Rumors fly from people who still live as to what remains and what has changed. I find it difficult to believe that either of these places could have changed so drastically that I would dislike them. One thing I know for certain, if you are a foreigner traveling to the U.S. for the first time or live here and just want to explore the United States both New Orleans and New York need to be on the top of your list. No offense to other great U.S. cities like Washington DC, Charleston, or Boston, these are the two best cities America has to offer.

I will break this down by food (of course), history, atmosphere, things to do, and overall feel. Full disclosure I grew up outside of New York so there may be some biased in this writing. Still as of today I don’t know which way I lean, but hopefully (for your sake) when I put words to paper, I will work this all out. Without further ado, let me answer which is the best city New Orleans or New York: First up food!

New York or New Orleans: Food

This is a tough one, both offer some very distinct and outstanding cuisine. Each city has a good Italian scene (NY better), yet I feel this is where they splinter. Let me start with New Orleans, the more unique of the two. Maybe it is just strange to me, since I did not grow up on their cuisine. Creole/Cajun food is something special, when done right. New Orleans, does it right, as you might have guess.

Let me start with Gumbo, a slightly spicy soup/stew which can contain everything from Seafood, Gator, pork chicken, an old shoe, the whole nine. Not something I grew up on, yet something I love. The best place to get it is either Mr. B’s or more expensively Commander’s palace. Locals will tell you the best place is their mom’s kitchen, but we can’t just start knocking on doors. Stay away from the Gumbo Shop, it is a tourist trap.

Jambalaya is an American Creole and Cajun dish of French, African, and Spanish influence, consisting mainly of meat and vegetables mixed with rice (Thank you Wikipedia). Best spot for this is Coop’s Place, at least in this tourist’s opinion. The stuff is truly addictive.

Of course, I need to mention Beignets, Cafe Du monde is the go-to, but Cafe Beignet will do in a pinch. I never had a bad one at either spot. Add to this, all the amazing seafood (best oysters in the world and I tried them on 4 continents). Crawfish if they are in season and my personal favorite Alligator and you have something special.

I will keep going, I can’t forget the Po Boys, especially at Killer Po Boys, the turtle soup, Banana Foster, I am gaining weight just writing this. I know I am forgetting a bunch of fodd items. New Orleans might just have the best food in the country… then again.

New York Food…

As much as I love the food in New Orleans, New York just beats it. Me growing up in New York makes me bias, but there is just so much to offer in this city. I wouldn’t say New York has a unique cuisine the way New Orleans does. Although certain items such as Cheesecake, do feel more New York than any other city. Also, the Pizza is the best in the world, and I love Italy.

What New York does best is having the most authentic version of foreign foods in the country. Italian, best in the country, Chinese top five in the country, Indian, Middle Eastern. You name it they have it and it (almost) tastes like it does in the country of origin.

Now take that, add to this the classic items such as bagels, pizza…. you know the thing (guess that reference). Then we have croughnuts, crazy milkshakes, hell even the BBQ is great. It just out works New Orleans.

On top of all this… New York has the most Michelin star restaurants in the country. Plus, the most 3-star Michelin star restaurants as well. All this and that beautiful egg sandwich on the chewy roll you only get in a New York Deli…Sorry New Orleans your food is awesome, but point New York

History New York or New Orleans

I will keep this section short, if you wanted a middle school history lesson you would Google the history of New York, or New Orleans like I did. New York is a historic city and rightfully so. Wall Street, Ellis Island, not to mention all the major events New York has seen. New York is old, tracing its roots to 1653 (when it was an official city). Even so it has a newer feel. Being the financial capital of the world, everything has a more modern sense. Yes, there is a lot of history in New York, I just don’t feel overwhelmed by it.

Maybe it isn’t that New Orleans has better history, it is about 75 years younger. Perhaps I just find it more interesting (and it is more in your face). Between the pirates and the multiple wars fought over the area there is a lot to learn about. New Orleans sometimes feels like a separate country with its own distinct story.

It can be seen in every nook of the city. From the old, haunted hotels, the houses that look as if they were built 100-years ago. Even the graveyards are interesting and give the city an ancient feel. I am aware that there are entire areas of New Orleans that have a more modern look, but overall, the city feels historic, so if this is something you are interested in than I recommend trying it out.

Point for History buffs: New Orleans

Who has a better Atmosphere New York or New Orleans?

Both cities are not exactly safe these days, but New Orleans has a higher crime rate. I do not think that matters, especially if you’re smart about where and when you go. New York and New Yorkers on a whole were never the friendliest people. In my post here, I wrote that the people were one of the main things I hated about New York. The surroundings of New York are cold, it is a big city, and there are a lot of different looks. Overall, it has a very “get the fuck out of here” attitude.

Times Square is just a mob of people with a million different tourist traps. In fact, it is one of those places that should be avoided all together. There are other neighborhoods that are nicer, but the entire atmosphere is dirty and hectic. Add to this the terrible homeless problem, which seemed a bit more noticeable than New Orleans. I haven’t visited either since Covid I guess ended? Just from the word on the street New York is even dirtier grittier than before.

Outside of Bourbon Street and some of the worse areas the city has a nice atmosphere. First the Garden district gives me a peaceful feeling I just don’t get in New York. The Trolley adds to the environments as do the old homes that line the streets. New Orleans has an old European sense to it, like a blast from the past. Steamboats, interesting graveyards, cobble stone streets all create a great environment to get so drunk you can’t walk. In deciding what is better New York or New Orleans in terms of atmosphere/beauty I give the nod to New Orleans.

What Has More To do New York or New Orleans?

This one isn’t even close… New York. I might as well elaborate you did open this page. I do not see how one could ever get bored in New York. It has everything, including homeless people peeing in the middle of Penn Station, but I digress. Broadway, amazing museums (probably the best in America), hell there is even Coney Island. Plus, the nightlife is second to none, not like New Orleans is lacking in this department either.

The city has something for everyone. Unless you are an avid hunter, ok so not everyone. The best shopping in the country. The best restaurants, the best of so many things. Plus, it is huge, walking around can keep one entertained for days. I didn’t even mention the Speakeasy’s which I still get a kick out of.

New Orleans is fun, do not get me wrong. The World War 2 museum is amazing, and the New Orleans Museum of Art is also spectacular. Neither compared to the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Natural history museum in New York. Yes, there are Ghost tours (which I weirdly love) and steamboats to ride, but I mostly start drinking at around 8am. Of course, the music is fantastic in this town, Frenchmen Street is one of the best experiences in the country. Still New York on a whole has a ton more to do. Winner: New York

Overall Feel

Like atmosphere, but not really the same. Which city just feels better? It might sound weird, but I get a sense of a city as soon as I step on the street. Maybe I am turning into a hippy, but every great place has a certain energy about it. That is why Charlotte is not great, there is no energy. Which of these two greats cities has a better energy? Of course, New Orleans.

Let me start with New York to explain further. Yes, New York has awesome food and yes there are a million things to do. The problem is that it is “hard’ for a lack of a better word. I am not sure if it is the crowds or the people mentioned earlier, but there is this stress level that I can’t put my finger on. Being from New York (ok some would call the farm that is Long Island). I have enough experience there. It feels like a never-ending fight, from the brutal winters to the attitudes of the people. Stress comes to mind when I think of New York.

New Orleans is just the opposite, at least in my experience. It is relaxed. I found myself in the most local of local bars, and everyone was welcoming. New Yorkers look down on outsiders yet people from New Orleans welcome them…this is the difference in a nutshell. That realization just hit me. The city has a great feel because on a whole people are nicer. Drivers, bartenders, and the guy drinking next to you.

It also doesn’t hurt that this city feels like it is celebrating every day. Nice, happy people always celebrating with great music. Compared to New York, cold, mean people with an attitude. Sorry New Yorkers, but I can say it, since I was born there.

It is for these reasons that with a heavy heart I have to say if there is a battle of two great cities New Orleans is better. I can’t believe I am writing this myself.

My Personal Choice for the Best City in The Country: New Orleans

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For me the answer to the question are all-inclusive resorts worth it is no, but it is not that simple. I don’t like them because though you are on vacation, you are not really traveling. The overall cost can be lower (after factoring in eating and drinking), but the experience is a watered-down Americanized version of the trip. Also, if you don’t drink or just eat moderately, an All-inclusive resort won’t be worth the cost. Add to that the nickel and diming and the lower quality of the experiences I will be more likely than not to pass on an All-inclusive resort in the future. On the other hand, if you have kids and don’t usually care about quality over quantity it may be worth it.

Take the financial aspect out of it, if all-inclusive resorts are worth it depends on a number of factors. Is your idea of a vacation sitting by a pool or beach all day? Do you want to be around only locals? How adventurous are you? What is good for me might not be good for you. Let me go over some pros and cons of an All-inclusive resort and let you decide for yourself if an all-inclusive resort is worth experiencing.

First What is An All-Inclusive Resort

I will keep this short, assuming most of you have a basic understanding of what this type of an establishment is. The exact details of what makes something “all inclusive” might vary, but basically it is a place that takes care of all your food and alcohol (and of course lodging). In addition, many games and activities are set up by the hotel for the entertainment of the guests. Usually there is one main eating hall, that is a buffet, some snacks and a couple of nice restaurants that you get passes to, depending on the length of your stay.

Some better ones might offer additional services, like bottle service to the room or more passes to a nice restaurant, but for the most part they all have the same theme. The opportunity to gorge and inebriate yourself without worrying about the cost. Sign me up sounds great on paper… and I guess it could be.

Some Benefits of An All-Inclusive Resorts

When determining whether all-inclusive resorts are worth it, I would be a liar if I said there were no positives. The obvious being that you can drink until your hearts content and only worry about paying the tip. I liked running from bar to bar grabbing a cocktail and just swimming in the pool. No pressure to see or do anything except let alcohol make me think my problems are no longer real. There are bars in the lobby, there are bars in the pools, just bars galore. There are also usually plenty of places to grab food, unlimited eating without additional cost except for that of my future cardiologist! Let the debauchery begin.! I spent many of an hour doing just this.

Another thing I liked about this type of hotel was that they usually are big. I like to explore, so this was a plus. Walking in and out of the maze that was my resort and discovering new things is entertaining. This last time I was at a resort it was only for a few days; I think after I learned the lay of the resort, I would be a bit bored. Still, it kept me occupied on my first couple of days. I can’t imagine It would be able to carry me for a week.

Some Cons of All-Inclusive Resorts

I am guessing by the tone of this article you already know my answer to the question “Are all inclusive resorts worth it?” I don’t think they are. Let me explain why and you can determine for yourself if All-inclusive resorts are worth the additional cost. I will keep the price part out of this, yes on average they are more expensive before food and drink, but I have spent a lot on regular hotels before, I don’t think it is as straight forward to compare costs. As mentioned earlier, when you factor in meals, you should be saving money.

The Food in an All-Inclusive Resort is Terrible

I get it, every place is different, so maybe I shouldn’t generalize, or maybe that is exactly what I need to do. All-inclusive resorts are masters at giving you large quantities of mediocre food. First, there is the traditional buffet; included with each seems to be the Salmonella station. Of course, you are not told which one that is (although they all might be). I really hate buffets, bunch of heathens running around sticking their hands on everything, just disgusting.

One common theme I found in every resort is the buffet rarely changes. By day three you are so sick of this bland food you will eat a Lemoore (or whatever local animal strolls by). I always somehow hate and overeat this bad food. As if I am missing out if I DONT gobble up the food poisoning.

Worse of all the food is not authentic. It is made for the masse of westerners that are piling in. Even if they do serve something local, it is not something you will find in a local’s kitchen. Also, the specialty restaurants are just bad. I sat down to a nice meal and if it wasn’t free, I would have written a five-page negative Yelp review. Rule of thumb, if there is unlimited free food, it won’t be good. I travel to eat so this fact hurts.

The Drinks are Watered Down

I haven’t been to a resort yet where the drinks didn’t taste more like Kool aide than alcohol. The drinks are weak, especially at 9 AM, when you want to kick the day off right! Yes, you can tip the guy and he will pour a little harder, but who wants to do all that? Alcohol is usually pretty cheap overseas, so I don’t feel like I am saving some huge amount of money. Instead, I get unlimited, bottom shelf drinks of which one could serve at a child’s birthday party (ok not that bad). If you are going for just unlimited alcohol, I don’t think All Inclusive resorts are worth it.

There are “specialty drinks” (see above) that they charge more for. I bought a coconut/alcohol drink which had no coconut or alcohol. It was supposed to be three times stronger, but it tasted like a bad strawberry slushy. If you want to drink like a teenager with unlimited beer sure an all-inclusive resort is worth it. If you are over 26, then just get a hotel near a good local bar.

All Inclusive Resorts are Boring

I felt trapped on my last trip. Sure, the place was big, but it was all the same. Without taking a taxi, I felt like there wasn’t much for me on this last stay. It was like I HAD to eat the mediocre food. There wasn’t just a local spot within throwing distance. Even if there was, I would think, “just get a free beer, why pay.”

The activities are fine if you are a 12-year-old in camp, but as an adult I want to see and experience new things. I can only lie around the beach so long before I start pulling my hair out. There was a time when I actually went looking for crocodiles because I saw a warning sign posted. For the way I travel all-inclusive resorts aren’t worth it because they box you in. Your surroundings are just other resorts, so it is out of the frying pan into the fire! I am just not the band, pool volleyball, limbo playing kind of guy. God if I heard one more version of Brown eyed girl, I would have drowned myself. That isn’t a vacation to me, it is a Nickelodeon show.

All Inclusive resorts are not Worth it Because they are not Authentic

As I mentioned in many posts (like this one on Positano), If I am traveling in a different area, I want to see that area for what it is. That is the crux of why All Inclusive resorts are not worth it to me. You are seeing some Americanized version of their country. Last time I was surrounded by Americans, with a couple of Brits mixed in. If it wasn’t for the weird animals running around, I would not have known I was in a foreign country.

I travel to see the world, if I wanted to get drunk and lie around the beach all day, I could do that on Long Island. Once you get over the novelty of free (watered down) drinks everywhere you realize something. This could be anywhere. No culture, no museums, very little foreign languages spoken. Just thousands of average Americans that are getting drunk and being rude to the local staff (yes, I saw this). I don’t travel to see Mindy from accounting in a bikini about to make a questionable life choice. I travel to see the world. That does not happen on a resort.

Who All-Inclusive Resorts might be Worth it for?

I did a fair amount of bashing of All Inclusive resorts. To me they are boring, for the reasons I listed above. That is just how I travel. There are plenty of people who love them, clearly given their popularity. Below are who would enjoy this type of trip.

You are a Lounger

When I travel, I like to explore, but that is me. If you like to lay around in the sun all day drinking Pina Coladas than a resort might be perfect for you. There is no thinking involved in a resort. Pay upfront, then just sit on the beach drinking. To me this is a kind of hell, but I know a ton of people who love it.

Not everyone wants to get lost in the streets of Bangkok and end up with a mouth full of crickets in the middle of nowhere. Some people actually take vacations to relax (I call them nutcases!). If that is who you are an all-inclusive resort is certainly worth it.

You Have a Family

Those smaller people that so many adults have around them really get in the way. Always climbing on you and never leaving you alone. I think All-inclusive resorts are a good option for a family trip. It is a big area with a lot of places to explore, yet relatively safe. You probably won’t want your kid running around the streets of Barcelona by himself but go nuts on the resort. It is like one big cage for them.

In addition, there is a ton of things to do for kids in an all-inclusive resort. Games, arcade rooms, pools, plus all the vodka they can drink… Kidding they should be at least 16 to do that. If I know parents, they want nothing else then to get rid of their kids while they get wasted. What better place than an all-inclusive resort? To make things better, they can even come and go to the buffet at will, you don’t even have to eat with them.

If You are under 25

Younger people who still get off on unlimited beer might like this. Especially an adult only resort. It really is just one big beach party anyway so if that is your thing go nuts. Older people get over the novelty of drinking (most of the time), but a 22-year-old might have a blast.

Conclusion

Are All-inclusive resorts worth it? I guess that depends on who you are and your travel style. To me no, I like to explore and experience other cultures. Good food is important to me as well. To others it may be just what the doctor ordered. A place to pay $300/night you can drink so much you can’t remember you even went on vacation. It is a question you must answer for yourself.

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